DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
Making their Mark

Norway speaks eloquently through the use of Design & Architecture, reflecting strong traditional values, a love and respect for nature – but at the same time bringing to the table a cutting-edge modern way of looking at functionality combined with beauty. Organizations such as the Norwegian Design Council and the Foundation for Design & Architecture (Norsk Form), work actively to improve the quality of life through the use of design and architecture.

Designing Norway
Life is so more than simply strikingly good looks or imagery – it has a rainbow of concrete elements such as substance, depth and consistency. Design reflects life – it is so more than simply esthetics – but a deep functionality combined with an understanding how products, services and communication work both independently and in relation to each other.

Concrete criteria established by the Norwegian Design Council (NDC) functions as guidance for the design community here, promoting design as a strategic tool for innovation, in order to achieve greater creation of value in Norwegian trade and industry with the goal of increasing Norwegian businesses´ understanding, knowledge and use of design. Use of the elements of Universal (Inclusive) Design plays a central role in Norwegian Design.

Whether it be within the areas of Furniture and Interior Design, Clothes and Jewelry, Visual Communication, Industrial Design, or the up and coming – and ever more important Internet Design – key your eye on the creative design coming from this country - and take a good look at Norway Communicates Design here on this site.

Norwegian Architecture, Naturally  
Witness the indelible link between the elegant architecture of the past such as the Viking ships, medieval cathedrals and stave churches and the modern Norwegian architecture of today. As with Norwegian Design, there exists the solid connection with nature – deep in the soul of Norwegians.

One excellent way to experience Norwegian Architecture and the bond between this society and its stunning nature is to take a road trip and explore the “National Tourist Routes” created by the Norwegian Public Road Administration. Or you could simply sit back and take a good read through the book “Made in Norway” that will give you the overview in depth that you need to gain a better feeling for Norwegian Architecture.

Behind much of the architectural activity here in the country is the Foundation for Design & Architecture (Norsk Form), actively working to improve the quality of life through the use of design and architecture, projects, teaching, events, awards, and competitions.

Take a look at the Norway Communicates Architecture section here on this website to learn more about the organization and its projects such as “Design without Borders”, “City Lab”, and others.