Designs unveiled for new aquarium in Oslo
Plans for a brand new waterside aquarium near the Norwegian capital have been unveiled, showing a pair of smooth, undulating domes jutting out into the fjord.
Designed by London and Oslo-based practice Haptic Architects, the 10,000sq m (108,000sq ft) aquarium is encircled by walkways, providing a glimpse through the windows to the attraction’s interior. The building features a curved roof that will double as accessible public space.
The aquarium will be built on land which was formerly Oslo’s main airport at Fornebu in Bærum. Norwegian developer Selvaag also has plans to develop the wider area around the attraction.
“In addition to healthy political ideas and ideals, the sea has laid the basis for Norway’s fantastic prosperity today and has shaped us as Norwegians,” said developer Olav Selvaag in a press statement from the company.
“We wouldn’t have existed without the sea. But nevertheless we have lacked a national aquarium, and it’s high time that we acquired one. We now have a historic opportunity. Our intention is to create a fantastic aquarium which will become one of Norway’s leading and most beautiful attractions and a powerhouse for research and knowledge building. This will be the country’s national aquarium.”
The project has been conceived on a similar scale to Den Bla Planet in Copenhagen, Denmark, which was designed by 3XN and cost around US$100m (€85m, £76m).
Opening by 2023, the 7 million litre aquarium is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The building will be "an architectonic jewel, and will be constructed with a quality which enhances Bærum and Norway as a tourist destination," Selvaag said.
Lisbeth Hammer Krog, chair of Bærum council, lent her support to the plans.
"The location is right for a facility of this kind, which fits well with our plans for ‘fantastic Fornebu’. Its position is ideal, close to forthcoming metro station and right next to the fast ferry quay," she said.
aquarium Oslo Norway Selvaag Haptic Architects Olav SelvaagAman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
Aman sister brand Janu launching in Tokyo in 2024 with design by Denniston's Jean-Michel Gathy
The Peninsula London unveils Peter Marino-designed spa inspired by London’s famous parks
First glimpses revealed of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair's subterranean spa retreat
"Architecture is alive" says Ma Yansong, as Shenzhen art museum opens exhibition showcasing work of MAD Architects
SHA Mexico to debut in January 2024 with genome-inspired design by Sordo Madaleno
Designing an eco hotel for the Galapagos Islands that allowed the stunning natural surroundings to take centre stage while minimising its impact on the land presented its own unique set of challenges, Ecuadorian architect Humberto Plaza tells Kathryn Hudson