Oslo's Architectural Boom: From Barcode to Biennial

Oslo is experiencing a major architectural transformation, with numerous projects by international firms like MVRDV, Snøhetta, and Renzo Piano Building Workshop reshaping its skyline. The Bjørvika Barcode development, coordinated by MVRDV with Dark Architects and A-LAB, consists of twelve skyscrapers of varying sizes, creating a barcode-like silhouette. Other projects include the Astrup Fearnley Museum (designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with Narud-Stokke-Wiig), the extension of the Viking Museum and National Museum in Vestbanen (opening 2020), a new aquarium, and the Tjuvholmen district featuring works by twenty different architects. Oslo was named by Lonely Planet as a "Best Destination" for 2018 and ranked the second healthiest city in the world (after Amsterdam) out of 89 analyzed, partly due to its push to reduce car traffic and cut CO2 emissions by 50% through enhanced public transport and bike lanes. Culturally, the city is preparing for the Oslo Architecture Triennale 2019, themed "Degrowth and its relevance in architecture," curated by Maria Smith and Matthew Dalziel of Interrobang, with critic Phineas Harper and researcher Cecile Sachs Olsen. Events starting in September include workshops, digital essays with e-flux Architecture, a pop-up book collection at the New York Book Fair organized by Storefront for Art and Architecture, and a Fireside Chat at the Oslo Architects' Association.