Comments on: Munch museum and Deichman library competition winners

By: M.O. Tundra

M.O. Tundra — Thu, 14 May 2009 08:23:01 +0000

A fair first prize.

The implementation is much more sophisticated than the rest of the contestants. A blurred piece, in height, perpendicular to the bay is a great success.

And programmatically is visionary. A museum developed in vertical is a more contemporary concept and therefore more appropriate.

The system of public spaces generated, in close relation with the building of the Opera, is a gift to the city of Oslo.

Anyway, I do not know which campaign is out there to discredit this project. We should be thinking about the citizens of Oslo and not in professional rivalries and commercial ambitions.

PS. Rex´s project blocks the view of the Opera and does not contribute to the visible image from the fiord that the city needs.

By: Rolf

Rolf — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:35:03 +0000

I just want to congratulate JUAN HERREROS and his invaluable team for LAMBDA project that is not only the A.M.A.Z.I.N.G Munch museum, but the housing and public space environment around it. It is really emotional to observe how Herreros -despite it is a constant in his work- respects in this project the quality of space provided to citizens, the relevancy of others architectural works in the area and the deference to Oslo’s natural environment. The museum is absolutely sensitive, delicate and its vertical layout new and contemporary. The project provides two huge islands and respects the natural edges of the fjord without blocking its access to the sea. These virtues must be reinforced by the fact that the Museum, due to its verticality and its obviously studied position in the architectural body, honours the view of the Opera, which will maintain, after the elevation of the museum, the central role it deserves.

The above can not be said of Rex Project, second prize of the competition. REX is proposing a project, that will all respects, is not suitable for a country as Norway. The Munch museum conceived by REX shows the architecture of a shopping mall in Acapulco, ostentatious, surely commercial and with a strong lack of sensitivity, unfortunately a very long distance from the elegant austerity of Norway architecture. The invasion of the fjord shows, as well, a lack of understanding of the relationship that Norwegians have always had with the scenical nature that surrounds them and, of course, do not manifest any esteem for the Snøhetta’s opera building.

My respects, again, to Juan Herreros. It is exciting to see his understanding of this country and of its more renowned Norwegian artist.

By: enieto

enieto — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:08:44 +0000

I think the winner project is the best option for this place. Obviously this has been also the very best project for the jury, composed of intelligent people and of course very concerned with this kind of issues. The vertical museum they propose can be the quiet place to enjoy Munch work and at the same time the beautiful Oslo. Congratulations for the Oslo citizens and for the project team. Willing to see it soon !!!

By: Juanjo G. Castellon

Juanjo G. Castellon — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:37:30 +0000

With all my respects to all of the opinions, one thing is clear: A building makes sense when is constructed. A good idea, a smart diagram, a suggestive form or a “well-produced” render are not enough. Behind all this, it’s a must to have an architect able to manage and build the project. This fact requires skills that are only visible on site, in a real building. I invite you to visit the candidates works. Juan Herreros solvency is out of discussion and he has the capability to make a good building, wich at the end is what every city needs. I guess the jury probably agrees … Actions speak louder.

By: JØSEP

JØSEP — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:39:07 +0000

Its good to see a city that is looking for something more that a image. The vertical museum of the winning entry by Herreros is a new and radical concept for museums that incorporates its density in a balace relation between the closest new public space arround and farest landscape of the fiordo.
I hope we see this intriguing ice cube built soon!