In a concession to the topsy turvy nature of history, 'The Archive House' in Stavanger, Norway, has a crooked facade that bends around its neatly organized windows. The building holds offices, a cafeteria, an exhibition area, and shelves and shelves of archives that make up the paper trail of the area's history.
History is both clear as day and incredibly, impossibly nuanced, and that duality is at the core of The Archive House's design. The exterior is lined with scores of windows, and those windows create a bright and airy space throughout the interior; this is in line with the clarity of history (things happened and only happened in one specific way). However, the walls surrounding those windows jut out at obtuse angles, creating a dizzying effect that's a testament to the infinite, asymmetrical interpretations placed on historical events.
Obtusely Angled Archives
The Archive House in Stavanger, Norway, Features a Crooked Facade
Trend Themes
1. Asymmetrical Architecture - Opportunity to disrupt traditional architecture by creating unconventional designs that challenge perception and offer new perspectives.
2. Archival Design - Opportunity to develop unique and innovative designs for archival spaces that reflect the complexities and nuances of history.
3. Multi-purpose Buildings - Opportunity to create buildings with versatile interiors that can accommodate a variety of functions, from office spaces to exhibition rooms to storage facilities.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Design - Design firms can incorporate the disruptive trends and create unique and innovative buildings for clients to meet the growing demand for unconventional designs.
2. Historical Preservation and Archives - Opportunity for historical preservation and archive organizations to redesign their spaces to showcase the complexities of history and enhance the visitor experience.
3. Hospitality Industry - Hotels and restaurants can incorporate archival design and multi-purpose spaces as a unique and memorable feature for guests to experience.