ARTFUL ARCHITECTURE Though several areas of the Fjord City redevelopment are still being renovated and upgraded, Bjørvika is one of the more impressive ones. This is a brand-new part of Oslo, which was previously a container port, but since 2000 it has been transformed into one of the most spectacular neighbourhoods in the city, making it the perfect place for a Saturday stroll. Starting at Akershus Fortress and stretching south-east, Bjørvika is still developing, but is already an urban hub. One of the most eye-catching features of Bjørvika is the BARCODE project, an equally controversial and celebrated row of multi-purpose high-rise buildings with unusual and abstract design. The name plays on the appearance of the buildings, which are all tall and narrow with straight lines. Though the project was initially met with loud protests, due to the height of the buildings blocking the view of the fjord and acting as a barrier between the city and the sea, the quirky and playful buildings have since become a favourite among many Oslo citizens welcoming change and modern architecture. The shiny diamond in Bjørvika, located within walking distance from the Central Station, is the Oslo Opera House. Home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the building was designed by renowned architects Snøhetta, and opened in 2008. Designed to look like an iceberg rising from the fjord, the building has multiple angles and large areas accessible for guests to walk through. The roof stretches all the way down to the water, allowing pedestrians access to the top of the building with its stunning views of the city and the fjord. If it’s a sunny day, do remember to bring sunglasses, as the white granite and Italian marble reflect the light, making it very bright. Inside, the luminated walls in the lobby area have been designed by renowned Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. If opera and ballet are not your thing, keep an eye out for rock and metal concerts, which also frequently take place at the Oslo Opera House. In the summer, the building is often transformed into an amphitheatre with the public sitting on the roof and concerts taking place on a stage placed on
34 | Lørdag/Saturday
