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KNUT HAMSUN CENTER

Hamarøy, Norway. 2009

Description +

PROGRAM: historical museum for writer Knut Hamsun including exhibition areas, library, reading room, cafe and 230 seat auditorium

CLIENT: Nordland Fylkeskommune (County)

SIZE: 24,445 sq ft

STATUS: Complete

This center dedicated to Hamsun is located above the Arctic Circle near village of Presteid of Hamarøy and the farm where the writer grew up. The museum includes exhibition areas, a library and reading room, a cafe and an auditorium. The concept for the museum is “building as a body,” creating a battleground of invisible forces. The stained black wood exterior skin is characteristic of the great wooden stave Norse churches. The spine of the building body is the central elevator, providing handicapped and freight access to all parts of the building. At the roof garden the long grass reflects the traditional Norwegian sod roofs in a different way. Strange, surprising and phenomenal experiences in space perspective and light will provide an inspiring frame for the exhibitions.

Credits +

  • architect

    - Steven Holl Architects

    Steven Holl (design architect)

    Noah Yaffe (associate in charge - construction documents)

    Francesco Bartolozzi, Ebbie Wisecarver (project team - construction documents)

    Peter Englaender, Chris McVoy (project team)

    Erik Fenstad Langdalen (project architect - design development)

    Gabriela Barman-Kraemer, Yoh Hanaoka, Justin Korhammer, Anna Müller, Audra Tuskes (project team - design development)

  • associate architects (construction documents)

    - LY Arkitekter AS

  • structural engineer (design development)

    - Guy Nordenson and Associates

  • structural engineer (construction documents)

    - Rambøll Norge

  • mechanical engineer (design development)

    - Ove Arup

  • mechanical engineer (construction documents)

    - Rambøll Norge

  • electrical engineer (construction documents)

    - Rambøll Norge

  • lighting consultant (design development)

    - L'Observatoire International

  • lighting consultant (construction documents)

    - Vesa Honkonen Architects

    Vesa Honkonen

  • landscape architect (construction documents)

    - Landskapsfabikken

News +


  • 2022 05/19 Hamsun Centre selected by The Guardian: “Top modern European Architecture”
  • 2012 12/01 Knut Hamsun Center
  • 2011 07/01 Knut Hamsun Center, Hamaroy, Norway
  • 2009 10/01 La casa del sole di mezzanotte / A Home under the Midnight Sun
  • 2007 03/01 Steven Holl Architects reports: Norwegian Council votes to build Knut Hamsun Center

Awards +


  • 1997 PROGRESSIVE ARCHITECTURE AWARD
  • 2010 AIA NY ARCHITECTURE HONOR AWARD
  • 2010 NORTH NORWEGIAN ARCHITECTURE PRIZE
  • 2010 INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE AWARD
  • 2012 HOUENS FOND DIPLOM
  • 2011 BYGGESKIKK PRIZE
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