Tarpaper Siding, Grass of the Roof: Yes, it's Good Design

"Knut Hamsun Center / Steven Holl Architects"
(August 7, 2009)

"Architect: Steven Holl Architects
"Location: Hamarøy, Norway
"Program: Historical museum for writer Knut Hamsun including exhibition areas, library, reading room, cafe and 230 seat auditorium
"Client: Nordland Fylkeskommune (County)
"Project Area: 2,271 sqm
"Project year: 1994-2009
"Photographs: Ernst Furuhatt & Steven Holl Architects

"This center dedicated to Hamsun is located above the Arctic Circle near village of Presteid of Hamarøy and the farm where the writer grew up. The museum will include exhibition areas, a library and reading room, a cafe and an auditorium. The concept for the museum is 'building as a body,' creating a battleground of invisible forces...."

This post goes 'way beyond the usual few lovely photos with captions.

Actually, there isn't that much text. There are, however, over a dozen photos, sketches, photos of a cutaway model, elevations, floor plans, and other visuals.

The design isn't as crazy as it looks - and was planned with a rather clever window-and-mirror arrangement to get light to one of the interior spaces.