MVRDV completes the DNB bank headquarters in oslo

‘DNB bank headquarters’ by MVRDV, oslo, norwayimage © jiri havran

MVRDV in collaboration with native norwegian firm DARK arkitekter AS has just completed the ‘DNB bank headquarters’ in oslo, part of the bjørvika barcode master plan that will officially open to the public on may 14th 2013. starting the design in 2007, the project aims to representDNB in a single cohesive, dynamic structure. the layout is based on the idea of a pixel, in this case scaled up to 6 by 6 meters, that is fundamental to the ideal work group of the bank and whose stack-ability provides 2000 work spaces.  support functions include the 140-seat canteen on the topfloor, an executive lounge, a board room and the trading room in the center of the edifice with 250 work stations. the three-dimensional stackingof the blocks create concentric terraces and overhangs that offer impromptu meeting areas along the winding circulation that runs vertically fromthe ground floor to the roof. as a result, every level is unique with its own daylight characteristics and views. the solid steel skeleton that allows for the protruding and receding masses is wrapped on all surfaces by brick, complying to norwegian building standards and giving the 17-floor constructa bit of human scale.

see designboom’s coverage of the building when it first broke ground here.

meandering circulation through the floorsimage © jeroen musch

seating area in the circulationimage © jeroen musch

lounge at the corner of a ‘pixel’image © jeroen musch

trading roomimage © jeroen musch

in the skylineimage © jiri havran