Norway is a Nordic country in northern Europe with a population of 5.4 million people spread throughout the country’s mainland region, which includes the western and northernmost portions of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Norway shares a long eastern border with Sweden, a northeastern border with Finland and Russia, and a southern border with Denmark and the United Kingdom via the Skagerrak strait. Norway is endowed with massive mountains, rivers, mountainous terrain, forests, and old cities. The scenery of Norway is unique in its qualities, and you may experience eight months of winter, two months of bright days, and two months of dark periods. As a result, the Norwegian people enjoy a distinct way of life and economic progress. As a result, architecture has evolved in a very distinctive fashion, with climate, economy, and lifestyle all having an impact on Norway.
Norwegian architecture changed and was modified to meet the effects of politics, climate, and adaptability. Scandinavian archaeologists have discovered hundreds of examples of prehistoric architecture, bronze-era homes, and iron-period businesses. The oldest surviving signs of architecture in Norway date back to around 9000 BC, in hilly terrain near Store Myrvatn in modern Rogaland, where excavations have revealed movable houses, most likely held by nomadic reindeer hunters.
With the advent of agriculture in Norway between 3000 and 2000 B.C., the first permanent homes were most likely erected. Log structures and stave buildings are two critical architectural types in Norwegian architecture. They developed complex workmanship in their architecture throughout the Viking era, which had a significant Viking cultural effect. The Viking woodworking mastery is best demonstrated by looking at preserved ships they built. Also, at least 250 wooded houses predating the year 1350 are more or less preserved in Norway.
Roughly 1,000 stave churches were erected in Norway throughout the Middle Ages. Later in history, fortifications were erected along the shore and the borders when Norway became an essential component of the Danish realm. Many of them were eventually changed to conform to baroque military practice. Later on, other styles began to be shown here and there in the region. Rococo was widely used in Norway, notably in decorative arts, interior design, and luxury items such as glass and table silver. In several areas, numerous folk artists established the unique Norwegian trade of ornamental painting, rosemaling, and associated wood carving styles. Regarding sole architecture, a few timber townhouses and manors display rococo influence, notably in Trondheim and Bergen.
At the beginning of the 19th century, Norway had very few academically qualified architects as the nation was somewhat constrained due to its union with Sweden. The nation was sparsely populated, with no court, capital city, or notable government institution. The architecture was of great interest to a tiny number of wealthy people. During this period, a huge number of magnificent neo-classical mansions were erected. When Christiania was elevated to the position of the capital city in 1814, everything changed. Since it had almost no proper structures for the many institutions of the state, an ambitious building program was undertaken. Regrettably, it was accomplished at a sluggish rate due to monetary constraints.
Romantic nationalism had a significant effect on the Norwegian architectural style as well. Romanesque and Gothic styles were chosen instead, believing they belonged solely in churches, government buildings, and industrial settings. Most urban apartment buildings and villas were still constructed using plastered brick walls in the classical style. Most Norwegians up until the 20th century resided and worked in structures created and constructed by local construction customs or byggeskikk in Norwegian. These customs grew and varied a little according to the locale and climatic circumstances, but they were mostly centred on wood and other locally accessible resources.
German influences, particularly those related to neoclassicism, were present in the early 20th century. The idea behind this construction method was to offer economical, cosy, and clean homes. Thus, under the impact of modernism, functionalism started to be embraced by Norwegian architects.
Themes like aesthetics for well-being, variety in the population, and environmental concerns are prevalent in Norwegian architecture today. Throughout the years, Norwegian architecture has suffered a highly complex collection of changes. Development is undeniably visible, from the primitive nomadic tents to the exquisite contemporary architecture and all in between.
Cultural, Political, and Social Changes Impact on Architecture
Since the beginning of time, Norway has seen a great number of rulers and cultural fusions. Political and cultural developments have therefore had a big influence on how individuals live and how society is shaped. To escape unfriendly people, animals, severe weather, wind, and storms, the prehistoric civilization created its architecture. Until recently, transportation infrastructure was also rudimentary, and construction supplies were primarily found nearby.
During the Vikings’ period, local people were severely damaged economically and developed a new society. Log and stout-stave houses were the two main types of traditional homes of the period. Wood carving and technological innovations brought by the Vikings influenced Norwegian home construction. Because of the use of enormous sills beneath the staves (posts) to avoid rotting, these wooden structures may last a very long time. Most of these two types of dwellings were used by farmers. Because of societal changes and economic improvement until the 17th century, importing foreign resources was difficult, and wood was the most readily accessible material.
Wood, on the other hand, serves as a durable, resistant material for the Norwegian people in the face of hard winters, snow, and glaciers. As a result, the use of wood was extensive. They, like stave churches, were made of wood and exhibited fine craftsmanship. Aside from the 28 existing stave churches, at least 250 wooden dwellings dating back to before the Black Death in 1350 have been entirely completed throughout Norway. During the Middle Ages, it is estimated that there were around 1,000 stave churches. Thus, stave churches depict the religious shift from pagan and animist worship to Christianity. The churches were then given several Romanesque traits, such as basilica designs, circular arcs, and décor with Christian motifs.
The Norwegian state was severely weakened in the late middle age. After joining the Danish kingdom, Norway was gradually reduced to province status, and most of its autonomous institutions were dissolved following the Reformation. During that period, so many fortifications and churches were erected in stone and refurbished through the years.
After the Black Death, monumental construction in Norway stopped, except for vernacular architecture, only to be revived in the 16th and 17th centuries under the Danish government. Until the nineteenth century, the baroque, rococo, and other styles were introduced in various ways. Weatherboards were frequently used to cover wood walls in cities and central country areas throughout the 18th century, thanks to sawmill technology. These structures were better insulated and sheltered from the elements. The more stylish look of boarded walls, better suited than bare log walls as a background to features and ornamentation drawn from classical architecture, was the fundamental reason for the quick acceptance of this habit.
In the 19th century, Denmark and Norway became apart and were restored in 1814 as an autonomous kingdoms in a personal union with Sweden. At that time, skilled architects weren’t available. So, only rich people can hire architects and develop neo-classical buildings, most of which are residences. In 1905, the German influence brought into Norway by neo-classicism abated to gain full independence.
Until the 20th century, most Norwegians lived and worked in buildings designed and built according to vernacular building traditions, known in Norwegian as bygge skikk. People have experienced so many types of architectural styles already. Nowadays, Norwegian architecture is so well-known all over the world.
In Norway nowadays, architects develop structures using specific trends. The Snohetta-designed new opera house in Oslo represents a desire to construct a thriving cultural hub and establish a brand-new architectural landmark in the Oslofjord. This structure demonstrates the evolving interaction between the general populace and the government. On the other side, Norway has also begun introducing healthy designs for the environment and people. Using regional materials and methods in a highly modern way, architect Peter Zumthor designed the Allmannajuvet zinc mine museum. In many regions of Norway, demographic variety produces new architectural styles. As traditional architecture and culture are increasingly being reflected in various forms, people are also becoming more interested in them.
References:
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Drabløs, Erik A. (2006). Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. [Photograph]. (Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stave_church#/media/File:Stavechurch-heddal.jpg)
Drabløs, Erik A. (2006). Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. [Photograph]. (Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway: https://www.architectural-review.com/buildings/allmannajuvet-zinc-mine-museum-in-norway-by-peter-zumthor-the-progeny-of-an-artist-architect)
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