Fram Museum’s new extension ‘Framtid’ (Future) is dedicated to polar exploration and environmental education. As the result of an invited architectural competition, the proposal by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter aims to propel the museum towards the future with a simple idea: that architecture exemplifies how we care for our environment.
Located on Oslo’s museum island, Bygdøyin, an area with several other museums, the new building will generate gathering places, exhibition spaces, a café and an auditorium to the current installations, which display ships and artifacts from early polar expeditions. A symbol of Norway’s significant participation in polar exploration, the museum inspires guests to seek knowledge on environmental education in regards to current climate change and sustainable solutions. The building uses conventional construction materials including locally-sourced wood for cladding and structure and concrete for infrastructure elements. Glass is used sparingly towards the fjord, overlooking its exceptional views and the surrounding vegetation.
“A thorough sustainable approach was essential for the project to minimize its environmental impact.”
Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
The building follows the existing site’s topography with long and simple volumes which are organized perpendicularly to the water. The café can be accessed from the north side, by the shore and the boat shuttle. Exhibition spaces in the building, offering complete light control for sensory experiences, connect to the three other wings through passages.
An important aspect of polar expeditions was research on climate and the environment. Like the crews of Fram, Gjøa and Maud, the museum’s guests will be inspired to seek knowledge on environmental education in regard to current climate change and sustainable solutions.
Project Details:
Name: Fram Museum
Location: Oslo, Norway
Status: Ongoing
Area: 2,600 sqm
Typology: Cultural Architecture – Museum
Design Firm: Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
Photographs: ©Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter
