Project: The Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO)

In 2001 the Oslo School of Architecture and Design relocated to an 1930s industrial complex, following an open competition in 1998. Rather than over-designing an objectified architecture, Jarmund/Vigsnæs Arkitekter aimed at creating "a school where he architecture steps back". As Einar jarmund stated: "The students should be the focus of a school. When you are at school you should notice the openess and transparency, not pretty architectural details." In his essay professor Karl Otto Ellefsen, the former rector at AHO, explores how historical and contemporary architecture schools have formed students as well as their ideas. He further invesigates how the new AHO building "does not step back", whilst discussing this process of transformation as an act of experimental preservation. 2019 marks AHO`s 75th anniversary. Since 2001 the building in Maridalsveien 29 has been, and continues to be, a point of reference and inspiration for its students. This volume documents the history and design process of the building, and presents a complete set of the architects drawings.