Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter

Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter (RRA)

Practice information
Key architects Reiulf Ramstad (founder)
Founded 1995
Location Oslo, Norway
Website
http://www.reiulframstadarkitekter.no

Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter, often referred to as RRA, is an award-winning Norwegian architecture, landscape architecture, and design firm based in Oslo.

Founded by Reiulf Ramstad, the firm has a permanent staff of 16. Reiulf Ramstad is internationally known for their work in Norway, with clients like Husbanken and Oslo Sporveier. RRA’s designs range from private residential to large civic works, such as schools, restaurants, public transit stations, museums, and tourist routes. Using biomimetic and natural materials, the firm's main goal is to create unique buildings derived from logical thinking and decision-making.[1]

RRA is affiliated with the National Association of Norwegian Architects (NAL).[2]

History

In 1995, Reiulf Ramstad graduated from the Venice School of Architecture and founded his RRA firm.[3] In its first 15 years, RRA participated in some 35 open architectural design competitions, often placing first prize. Competition designs included hotels, shopping centers, museums, colleges, and other civic centers. Among constructed prize works are the firm’s 2004 proposal for the Metro Oslo Carl Berner, and the 1998 Customs Administration and Office Building at the Gardermoen National Airport. RRA has also worked on small-scale housing projects, such as the 2002 Villa Drammen.[4]

Although a relatively new firm, RRA gained considerable attention after the 2012 completion of their Trollstigen project, now one of Norway’s most visited tourist destinations.[5] Since then, RRA has won numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2012 Norwegian Concrete Award and two nominations for the Mies van der Rohe Award. Currently, the firm has 16 members, including nine graduate architects and Ramstad as the architectural director.[6]

Practice

RRA sets out to create contemporary architecture based on careful analysis and planning, taking account of the location of each project while combining research with an innovative approach. Rather than employing typical problem-solving methods, the firm frequently develops its own solutions.[7]

Style

Influenced by architects like Carlo Scarpo and Sverre Fehn, RRA’s style has been classified as revitalized Nordic. In order to break away from traditional Nordic architecture, RRA draws on natural materials to create different views of nature for users. The firm seeks to establish a new style of Nordic architecture and new ways of experiencing natural areas in their projects.[5]

Design integration

Taking a multidisciplinary approach centred on architecture, the firm also undertakes landscaping work, such as their 2012 cemetery grounds proposal for the Tronheim Church Council, and interior design including furniture. In 2002, the firm won the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design’s competition for the permanent exhibition, “Design and Craft 1905-2005”, covering the history of arts and crafts in Norway.[1] RRA’s furniture designs, such as their wooden chairs, have been displayed in national and international exhibitions.[3]

Projects

Trollstigen National Tourist Route

Trollstigen viewpoint

One of RRA’s better known projects, the public park design, rests on the Trollstigen plateau and is part of the National Tourist Route. Completed in 2012, the project was the winner of a 2004 competition held by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. The project features spaces highlighting the nature of the surrounding area. The Tourist Route consists of a restaurant, gallery, bridges, and paths, among other features.

The structures take up approximately 20,000 square feet on their 2 million square foot landscape, also designed by RRA. They are composed mainly of treated, cast-in-place concrete and corten steel.[8] Although the area can accumulate up to 23 feet of snow, the structures are highly stress-resistant, yet slender.[9] The Tourist Route has been recognized for its environmental design, using durable, sustainable, and locally-sourced materials. The project is now one of Norway’s most popular attractions.[8]

Other notable works

Fagerbørg Kindergarten

Reception

Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter has frequently received positive reviews for its work on many different types of buildings and has been mentioned in national and global magazines. The firm has also collaborated with several authors on books about the firm.[6] Ramstad has collaborated with Boris Jensen and Hatje Cantz on his biography.[5]

Awards

References

  1. 1 2 “Profile”. Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 “RRA granted 2 steel design awards last week” (press release). Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  3. 1 2 "Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter". Architonic. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  4. ↑ “Work”. Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 "Reiulf Ramstad Architects". Arcspace.com. 18 June 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 “Reiulf Ramstad Architects (RRA)”. Arqa. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  7. 1 2 "Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter". Architecture News Plus. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  8. 1 2 “National Tourist Route Trollstigen”. Architizer. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  9. ↑ “National Tourist Route Trollstigen / Reiulf Ramstad Architects”. ArchDaily. 20 August 2009. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
  10. ↑ "Knarvik kyrkje" (in Norwegian). Knarvik kyrkje. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
  11. ↑ “AD Round Up: Building of the Year 2009”. ArchDaily. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
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