We see the building as a transposition of the image of an Iceberg: the simple iconic
form a white object in an urban context.
We want to keep the unity of an entire building composed by fragmented smaller
unities. These unities contain the programme of the museum such as buildings in an
urban structure. They are linked by vertical circulations. These circulations are
materialised on the outside by glassed elements like cuts and breaks in a floating
iceberg. The impression of a buoyant element is enhanced by the openness of the
ground floor level and its unifying surface treatment.

We are proposing to occupy nearly the entire surface of the competition area. We
see our museums building as part of the urban structure. It will be not one, but
several buildings forming an entity. By keeping the building in relation to the height
of its surrounding buildings, we will dense the build up area. It is its integration in the
existing urban structure which will make our building unique. A museums visit will
therefore not only become an experience of art but also an urban promenade.
We want to keep the continuity with the front of the buildings of Aker Brygge which
face the water. The new museums facade will form a unity with the listed Station
buildings. In order to increase the value of the listed station building on the site, we
propose to incorporate this landmark in our project:
The ground level of the new museum is aligned with the existing station building, the
upper level with the surrounding street in order to create an urban front.
A public square will be created within the area of the new museum and the station
building. This entry “piazza” will become a strong urban link with the city hall and
enhance a pedestrian promenade along the waterfront. The entry piazza will also
become a sculpture garden, a cafe and restaurant area in order to attract new
visitors.
Whilst the area facing the fjord and the city hall square becomes a vivid and
animated public space, we are imaging the North West area bordered by the
Munkedamsveien more private: the entrances to the new museums offices, the
delivery and loading areas and the possible extension of the governmental building
will so be located unseen from to the visitor’s eyes.

The public access to the museum is from the south east facing the fjord. More the visitor
enters the building from the public open space (the sculpture garden, the cafe, the bookshop)
more the museum becomes private: secured exposition area and the museums offices which
are not open to the public.