LOGGING MUSEUM AND WETLAND CENTER

Where the realms of nature and culture intertwine harmoniously.

"Museums Marka," (in Norwegian) is KOSY's proposal for the Akershus Logging Museum and Wetland Center. The project draws inspiration from the very core of Norwegian culture, where venturing into the countryside is a cherished childhood memory for most.

Location: Drøbak, Norway
Client: MiA Museene i Akershus
Program: Museum exhibitions and Galleries, Restaurant, Education Center, Offices, Nature park.
Size: 6,000 m²
Year: 2021

KOSY's proposal, "Museums Marka," for the Akershus Logging Museum and Wetland Center draws inspiration from the very core of Norwegian culture, where venturing into the countryside is a cherished childhood memory for most, we have meticulously crafted a design that epitomizes the essence of serenity, connection, and collective experiences.

In Norway, nature transcends being a mere backdrop—it is an esteemed destination and an intimate sanctuary. At KOSY, we deeply comprehend the profound significance of nature in everyday life, from providing respite from the bustling urban landscapes to fostering cherished moments with loved ones. Guided by this profound understanding, our design proposal seamlessly integrates the museum and its environs, extending a heartfelt invitation to visitors to immerse themselves in the natural world while embarking on an enriching exploration of the exhibits.

Central to our concept is the captivating walking experience, an organic journey that gracefully unfolds as visitors traverse the museum and its awe-inspiring surroundings. Along the carefully designed footpaths, an array of activation zones awaits, each crafted to evoke curiosity, spark engagement, and nurture transformative encounters. These meticulously planned zones, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces, infuse vitality into the center, allowing it to be enjoyed throughout the year, even beyond its official operating hours.

The walkways themselves act as conduits, bridging the indoor and outdoor realms with effortless elegance. As one crosses this fluid threshold, a mesmerizing synergy between curated exhibits and the raw beauty of nature comes alive. Boundaries dissolve, offering an invitation to engage with the environment and fostering a profound connection between cultural heritage and the natural world.

The National timberfloating museum and wetland competency center celebrates the rich history of transporting timber along the river and wetlands of southeastern Norway, a practise that has been registered in the same area as early as the year 300.

Historical logging industry in the area

The site is located next Øyeren freshwater wetlands and national reservoir.  Along the is a popular place for Norwegian families to hike and for tourists to visit.  The site has a long waterfront and hiking trail to the east.

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View of the restaurant and roof park in the foreground and the museum bowls in the background.

Friluftsliv (literally translated as “free air life”) is an expression meaning open-air living or outdoor recreation. It's a lifestyle that reflects the passion for nature that Norwegians and Scandinavians hold so dear and one that is rooted in a mindfulness of being connected to the larger whole.

How can the project be experienced as an open, public context for everyone where you can enjoy and go for a walk in nature?

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Instead of an object that contrast with its natural surroundings...

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....Can it blend in and become one with the natural surroundings and flow of people enjoying "friluftsliv"?

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View from Glomma river
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Siteplan landscaping and principal forms diagram
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Pedestrian path network
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Zones of activity (indoor and outdoor)
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Landscape and Landscaped
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Vehicular Zone

A network of footpaths spreads through the site, inviting visitors to explore and connect to the larger hiking trail of the wetlands reservoir.

Thematic zones are strategically placed along these pathways to promote curiosity and meaningful experiences.

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View of the ticket checkpoint, museum store and main entrance to museum.

The museum exhibitions and administration are located within the sculptural bowls with interior rational spaces that are optimised for flexibility and the stage design and curation of the the exhibitions.

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The interior garden provides a dynamic experience that connects the roof park with the interior circulation, education and restaurant area.

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Workshops are fluidly connected with the outdoor areas shared in common with the Museum.

On the outside the museum becomes a place as much as a destination, blending with its natural surroundings while promoting the visitors to explore.

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