The course is divided into 4 phases, each with its own submission requirements.
Phase 1.
Nils Holter (1899–1995) was arguably one of the most important Norwegian architects of the 20th century, and yet he is surprisingly overlooked within modern historiography. We will begin the semester by making a historical survey of Holter’s projects, identifying characteristic design strategies. His buildings, regularly published in the Norwegian journal of architecture Byggekunst, span from his work for Oslo Reguleringsvesen in the early 1930s, to the extension of the Norwegian parliament building (1959), and Bibelskolen in Linstows gate (1972). Our survey will provide an alternative lens for understanding Norwegian modernism in the inter- and postwar years, challenging familiar narratives.
Outcome of phase 1: scale models, plans and sections of Nils Holter’s work. Oral/visual presentation.
Phase 2.
Through archival studies, we will make a timeline of the broadcasting building’s development. This will include lists of contractors, suppliers, and consultants, as well as major events affecting the plans. Major historical events directly affecting the building was the depression and unemployment of the late 1930s, resulting in a pressure to use natural stone on the facades in order to aid a struggling stonemason industry; the Nazi occupation of 1940 which, due to the Germans’ appreciation of the importance of broadcasting, brought the final building closer to Holter’s intentions, making it one of the few national institutions to come strengthened out of WWII; as well as a series of technological breakthroughs, including the advent of television.
Outcome of phase 2: timelines and (beautiful) diagrams. Oral/visual presentation.
Phase 3.
Arguably, any contemporary engagement with the historical broadcasting building demands not only an understanding of architectural detailing from the past eighty years, but also an interest in media archeology; the science of understanding modern media through its historical artefacts. In phase 3, will document and discuss material use and building details in the broadcasting building, focusing on the specific rooms and areas most characteristic.
Outcome, phase 3: large scale printed axonometric detail drawings and models of building details at scale 1:1 – 1:5. Oral/visual presentation.
Phase 4:
Phases 1–3 will together result in an exhibition, Broadcasting NRK.
The studio is part of the research project “Provenance Projected. Architecture Past and Future in the Era of Circularity”, run by Mari Lending and Erik Langdalen.
