A study of the 80’s facades at Aker Brygge
Individual work
Diploma project, AHO
2023
Aker Brygge transformed from a shipyard into a modern urban area in the 1980s. Its facades reflect the identity of the vibrant 80s and represent a significant political, economic, and cultural period in Norwegian history, making them part of the area’s cultural heritage. However, the constant push for change and rebranding in areas like Aker Brygge often leads to facades being entirely replaced, putting the identity at risk of being lost.
As Niels Torp’s buildings at Aker Brygge are 40 years old and technically outdated, a transformation is due. This diploma project presents a preservation strategy through an extensive facade study, using simple sketches to explore various design possibilities for rebranding Aker Brygge while preserving its 1980s identity.
Niels Torps facades consist of three main elements: the granite stone grid, the suspension system holding the stone and the load bearing structure supporting the suspension system. The interplay between these elements defines the facade’s expression and holds the potential for new design opportunities.
The study explores different combinations of these elements through sketches inspired by references, including Leon Battista Alberti, Otto Wagner, Gunnar Asplund, James Stirling, Aldo Rossi and more. The study is broad and touches on different themes and concepts. It examins how facades convey meaning and representation and raises questions as “what is fake and what is authentic”.