BAS + BAF
Practice Models #4: Kvalbein Korsøen, OPAFORM, Lars J. Berge
18:45
PRACTICE MODELS
Practice Models is an ongoing event series that takes a behind the scenes look at the nature of architectural practices in Bergen with a focus on the way a practice is started, structured and run as well as the stories of those at the center of it all. The series aims to shine a light on the design of practice itself and the intertwined role this plays in its direction and output. In doing so, it seeks to highlight the richness and diversity of practices, to inspire, stimulate community and dive into how architecture is practiced today.
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PRACTICE MODELS #3
Three well established Bergen-based practices will share their approach to practice followed by a moderated round-table discussion.
Kalvbein Korsøen (Philip Kvalbein Hauge and Eva Korsøen)
OPAFORM (Marina Bauer and Espen Folgerø)
Lars. J. Berge
Round-table discussion moderated by Cristian Stefanescu
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LOCATION + FORMAT
Landmark, Bergen Kunsthall
18:45 doors open (open bar)
19:00 3 lectures (30 mins each) + round-table discussion (30 mins)
Free Event (in English)
This event is part of Bergen Kunsthall’s live programme.
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KVALBEIN KORSØEN
Kvalbein Korsøen Arkitektur AS is owned and run by Philip Kvalbein Hauge and Eva Korsøen. The office was started in 2010 and is located in the center of Bergen. We mainly work with high-quality homes and cabins.
We create unique places to live where the design phase is a continuous dialogue with the clients. Our experience shows that good projects are created through thorough processes where we as architects act as advisors and drive right through to completion.
Although we always try to build projects of high quality, this does not necessarily mean a high price range. The most interesting houses are often the result of a limited budget in combination with curious clients. Rational and functional solutions, surprising room flow, innovative use of materials and the good feeling are important and absolutely central to our approach to the work.
House, garden and interior are all equally important parts of the experience, and all good architecture belongs to a place. That is to say that the local; such as terrain, vegetation and climate, are important premises for location and how we build. Together with the individual needs of each project, this forms the framework around everyday life and creates good spaces to live in. By safeguarding and reinforcing the qualities found on the site, each individual project is anchored and finds its place in the whole.
Philip Kvalbein Hauge, architect MNAL, grew up in Kongsberg and trained as a carpenter before moving to Bergen to study at the Bergen School of Architecture. Kvalbein Korsøen Arkitektur AS is a personal project where the desire to promote good design and solid craftsmanship in a Scandinavian tradition is central. The background as a carpenter has given him a very good understanding of materials and a deep desire for the craft to be present in the final result. Philip occasionally teaches at the Bergen School of Architecture.
Eva Korsøen, landscape architect / architect, is educated at the Bergen School of Architecture and the University of Bergen. She has a specialization in landscape architecture and extensive experience from interdisciplinary collaboration. Eva is particularly interested in the connection between building and landscape, and how these affect each other. She periodically teaches at Bergen School of Architecture.
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OPAFORM
OPAFORM arkitekter is an architecture office situated on the Norwegian west coast led by Marina Bauer and Espen Folgerø with a focus on the design of high quality spaces. We design houses and cabins, interiors and larger buildings. We also carry out small and large feasibility studies and have assignments for private, professional and the public sector. The practice is constantly investigating construction methods, materials and the design process. Part of this investigation is carried out via teaching and Design-Build projects at the Bergen School of Architecture. In addition to Norway, OPAFORM currently has active projects in Finland, Italy, Chile and North America.
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LARS J. BERGE
Lars J. Berge holds the cultural landscape and building heritage within the Hardanger region shapes practice’s interest in landscape and architecture. Lars majored in landscape architecture studies at NMBU ÅS and AHO in Oslo, and has worked in various architectural practices including Snøhetta before establishing his own practice in 2004.
The city
How the task “find a city” is the starting point for each work.
Respect for the natural basis and what has already been built is fundamental in the practice of the profession as we see it.
Our work must be holistic, and can be recognized by the fact that architecture and landscape have received equal attention.
The assignment
We use our energies to find good solutions that are practical and simple, durable and beautiful.
Knowledge and experience of both building practices and craftsmanship as well as materials and constructive principles is important.
The best results are achieved when the client, contractor and us planners have joint ownership of the solution.
Experience
We thrive as all-rounders and engage in teaching and idea development just as much as detailed planning and construction monitoring.
New building tasks, historic buildings or protected landscapes are rewarding in different ways.
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The event series is curated and moderated by Cristian Stefanescu (Assistant Professor, BAS & founder of a-works | architecture + art) and co-hosted by the Bergen School of Architecture (BAS) and Bergen Society of Architects (BAF)
