work on the museum project
Dobrawa Bies: What were the competition objectives?
Maksymilian Sawicki: The overarching premise of the project was to reference the history of the site and the biodiversity found in the area, recognizing that history and nature are central to global challenges and sustainable solutions. The project also set out to create an open platform to promote and disseminate knowledge, thus realizing the most important goal of the competition - the cultivation of Norway's national heritage. The idea of the project came from the definition of an ecotone, a transition zone between different ecosystems. Thanks to it, we were able to seamlessly combine a complex functional program and divide the architectural form into three elements, which are in a continuous relationship with each other.
Dobrawa Bies: Was the task new to your design work?
Maksymilian Sawicki: As with any competition, this one, too, was a pretext to broaden our knowledge of the assigned topic, so in part to gain information that was new to us. The design process was preceded by a search for information on the role of wetlands, which prove to be essential for human health and safety, provide fresh water, access to food for many species, preserve biodiversity, protect against floods and store large amounts of carbon dioxide. On the other hand, the rich history of the timber industry in Fetsund, vital to the national economy, completed the picture of a place where the natural landscape and the cultural landscape have been intertwined for hundreds of years.
The building was designed with a wooden structure
vision: Piotr Misiorny © INAINN ARCHITECTS, Michal Ankiersztajn, Wojciech Swarowski
Dobrawa Bies: What is the shape of the project, what were you inspired by?
Maksymilian Sawicki: All the information we accumulated was later relevant to the architectural solutions. The form continued the direction of the river, creating three interrelated elements. It also alluded to the layouts and shapes that appeared on the surface of the water, while transporting wood along the Glomma River. The timber industry, which began in 1861, created extensive structures and arrangements entirely subject to the laws of nature. Seemingly freely scattered logs created complex arrangements and sequences for sorting raw material. Due to the valuable values of the wetlands, the building's mass was raised entirely above ground level, creating a landscaped establishment for outdoor activities and recreation. This solution also served to eliminate the risk of flooding. The part of the building that had to be located at ground level according to the competition conditions was designed in a pontoon structure system, which is a movable element that adjusts to the water level.
Dobrawa Bies: What was the biggest design challenge?
Maksymilian Sawicki: At the northern end of Lake Øyeren in Akershus, three rivers form the largest inland delta in Northern Europe. The area is protected as the Nordre Øyeren Nature Reserve and the Sørumsneset Nature Reserve. The biggest challenge was to meet the requirements of the surrounding natural conditions. Due to its great importance of national and international value, the area has been placed under strict protection. An extensive area, it is one of the largest and richest in animal and plant species in Norway, as well as a refuge for migratory birds. Large differences in water levels and a variety of river activities provide a wide variety of natural conditions conducive to wildlife, while posing a major design challenge to building on floodplain land. The building had to meet unusual requirements such as light emission reduction and neutrality for birds(bird-friendly design). Both factors significantly influenced the shape of the facade, the height or levels of the building and the type of glazing with "veining" visible to birds.
For the architects, it was important for us to create a form that meets the functional requirements in an original way
vision: Wojciech Janicki © INAINN ARCHITECTS, Michal Ankiersztajn, Wojciech Swarowski
Dobrawa Bies: How was the cooperation in the team?
Hanna Sawicka: We work very well together, although in this case it was a bit difficult, because it was at a distance, we in Norway (INAINN ARCHITECTS studio), they in Poland. We did frequent confrontations of our ideas and came to solutions that satisfied us all. We were able to divide the work among the four of us to jointly achieve the result we all wanted together. I think it was a very fruitful cooperation. Also with Wojtek Janicki, responsible for interior renders, and Piotr Misiorny, for exterior renders.
Dobrawa Bies: What are you most satisfied with?
Hanna Sawicka: It was very important for us to create a form that meets the functional requirements in an original way. Its architectural approach is an unconventional solution, and the whole respects the assumptions of Norwegian national heritage and local culture and industry. We feel that we have managed to include all these determinants in our competition concept. We are pleased that we were able to meet the challenge and, under difficult working conditions during the pandemic, realize such a complex project.
Read also about the Norwegian hytte project of INAINN ARCHITECTS studio.
