Europe
Oslo Opera House: Resembling an Iceberg Along the Oslofjord's Waterfront
Ema Bakalova
Oct 29, 2020
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The Oslo Opera House, is one of the most spectacular buildings I have ever seen. This iconic building, situated in the heart of Oslo, Norway, is known for its sloping roof that seamlessly connects the building to the Oslo Fjord. Designed by Snøhetta, the opera house features a unique structure that resembles an iceberg rising from the water, inviting visitors to climb its inclining surfaces.
Blending architecture and public space
The Oslo Opera House is a prime example of contemporary architecture. Distinguished by its distinctive style and innovative construction methods, the architects placed a strong emphasis on integrating the building with the surrounding landscape and site conditions. When I first approached the building, I was walking from across the Fjord, and my attention was fully captured from the distance. The building's form is remarkable in the way it complements the surrounding waterfront and city landscape. From a distance, the contrast of the white marble exterior against the blue fjord creates a visually stunning effect.
Fun Fact
The fjord where the Oslo Opera House sits (known as the Oslo Fjord), is not just any ordinary fjord—it's an estuary, a unique type of fjord. An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the sea.
Cityscape and the sea
As you approach the building, the gradual slope of the roof encourages you to walk up upon its surface, transitioning into a publicly accessible rooftop. This in a way, creates a symbolic journey from the cityscape to the sea and encourages you to engage with the building in a dynamic and personal way. The large ramps are meticulously designed as more than functional elements. They seamlessly integrate with and echo the surrounding landscape, bridging the urban fabric of the city with the fjord and establishing a cultural transition from the city to the waterfront.
The line between water, architecture and public space is blurred as the calm waters of the fjord blend with the public space in front of the opera house. The plaza out front is an open and inviting space that fosters a sense of community and togetherness. The building seems to emerge organically from the water, like an iceberg, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between nature and architecture.
"An iceberg is a majestic metaphor for life — only a fraction is visible, while the vast beauty and complexity lie beneath the surface."
Elegance through materiality
The initial striking feature is the facade's pristine bright appearance, evoking a sense of elegance and timelessness while simultaneously creating a feeling of openness. Most of the building is clad with white granite and La Facciata, a white Italian carrara marble, with the exception of the stage tower which is designed in white aluminum.
The building's design philosophy embodies the Scandinavian values of accessibility, inclusivity, and interaction with nature. The building's lines are clean and sharp, and the details are subtle and immaculately curated. The surface of the roof feels smooth under your feet, and provides a tactile experience that enhances your connection with the building. Walking across the sloping rooftop, I was very impressed by the immaculate detailing, with the seamless connections between each paver and the nearly invisible joints between the horizontal stone and the vertical glass facade.
Ever changing view
The view from the top of the opera house is always changing. The scenery undergoes constant transformations throughout the day and different seasons, influenced by varying light and weather conditions. This dynamic evolution resembles a living painting, eliciting changing emotions through a spectrum of vivid colors.
As I climbed to the top of the building, I got different views of the city from different directions. The immediate and dominant view from the top is that of the Oslo Fjord. The fjord in front of the opera house is vast, yet peaceful, giving you a serene feeling and deep connection to nature. You'll often see boats and ships moving in the distance, adding a sense of liveliness and movement to the calm waters.
You will also be able to observe the city's skyline from the top of the opera house, which features a mix of contemporary and traditional Scandinavian buildings, as well as some historic landmarks. Notable structures like the Barcode Project, Aker Brygge, and even the Royal Palace are often visible, showcasing Oslo's architectural diversity. The Oslo Opera House is easily accessible on foot from various parts of the city, offering convenient and pedestrian-friendly access from different areas in Oslo.
She Lies
"She Lies" is a public sculpture and permanent installation, designed to drift in the water in the fjord. It changes directions with the tide and the winds, offering unique viewing experiences as it floats in the water.
Interior and exterior
The opera house features expansive glass that spans from floor to ceiling with minimal framing, showcasing the building's dedication to transparency. These windows not only flood the interior with natural light but also establish a visual connection between the exterior and interior spaces.
Walking on the outside of the building, you'll catch a glimpse of slender, angled columns, designed to provide an unobstructed view of the inside. You can see the use of oak surfaces from the outside, a wood that is warm and rich in its tones, and that contrasts beautifully with the colder granite and glass materiality. The design of the opera house is intentional in allowing people passing by to look into the heart of the building, giving them a sneak peek into the world of performing arts.
Through this blog, I hope to inspire you to seek out unique traveling opportunities, spark your love for travel and discover beautiful architecture. If you liked this article, sign up to get notified whenever a new post gets published!
