DnB Nor

DnB NOR’s new headquarter complex with a total GFA of 80,000m2, developed by Oslo S Utvikling (OSU), comprises three different buildings located on three different sites, interconnected at underground level. The buildings form part of the Bjørvika Barcode at the Bjørvika waterfront, a masterplan by MVRDV and Norwegian firms Dark and A-lab, in which each building has its own identity and material expression while relating to adjacent buildings in shape and architecture.  DnB NOR central building, designed by MVRDV with 17 floors and a GFA of 36,500m2, is due to be completed by the end of 2011. The pixelated design adapts to the urban context and combines an efficient and flexible internal organisation, based on small-scale working entities, with a variety of specific communal spaces, a sheltered public passage and respect for urban view lines. The development of a new headquarter cluster is a strategic operation aiming for synergy and a clear identity. The objective was to translate the social and democratic character of the organisation into a building with excellent working conditions and spatial qualities. The structure is conceived as a steel ‘rack’ which permits adaptation to the flexible nature of the ­­­organisation. The steel rack is wrapped in a stone skin, which strengthens the volumetric appearance as a rock, as a strong shape within the boundaries of the Barcode. The niches of this rock provide space for growth of vegetation: the positioning of the pixels creates outside terraces and roof gardens for every floor. The generic office floors recline and are recessed in various places to reflect the urban context and to create communal indoor and outdoor areas and outstanding daylight conditions. At street level the building volume is opened by sheltered entrance zones, arcades and the intersection of a public passage leading to the Oslo Central Station. The pixelated design allows this specific response whilst being highly efficient and flexible. As a result, every floor of the building is both unique and efficient: the pixelated volume makes the generic specific. Besides more than 2,000 flexible work spaces the building contains a 140 seat canteen on the top level, the executive lounge with a view over the fjord, the board room, with panoramic view over the city and the fjord, DnB NOR’s trading room with 250 work stations and the main entrance and reception with access to the concourse. These collective elements are connected by a staggered continuous internal route of terraces, encouraging informal meetings and communication between employees. The route meanders from the reception upwards through the building, connecting all office levels with the communal areas. A series of stairs and bridges allow employees to switch levels or even to walk up to the canteen on one side of the building and down on the other side. The route accommodates the communal areas of the office floors and is made homely with a series of as kitchenettes and informal meeting areas. It gives access to the various outdoor terraces and roof gardens. All these collective spaces are designed as glass pixels allowing views over the surroundings and transparency from the exterior. The route is naturally ventilated and has a high performance glass fit for the cold Norwegian winter.