Sophus Bugges Hus

Careful restoration and an improved learning environment

Completed

2017
City

Oslo
Architects

Lund Hagem

When UiO (University of Oslo) decided to do a total rehabilitation of Sophus Bugges Hus in Blindern the goal was to give the students a better learning environment. The interior would have to inspire, as well as getting the building up to a high international environmental standard. Sophus Bugges Hus is a listed building. In its master plan for UiO real estate the university states that all existing buildings should achieve BREEM Excellent upon renovation.

In an exciting collaboration with Lund Hagem Arkitekter IARK was responsible for space planning. The common areas were opened up to allow for more daylight, as well as creating a vista all the way from the entrance through the hallways and into the classrooms.

3 N7 A5207 — The library now and then

The interior was worn down after 50 years of use. Renovation was done cautiously and with respect for the original architecture by Leif Olav Moen in 1962

Gml Bilde Lesesal — From the UiO archive

3 N7 A5122 — Respect for the past

Today, Sophus Bugges Hus is a modern building, but through a well designed material and colour palette it pays its respect to the original architecture of the listed building.

3 N7 A5097 — Auditorium

The furniture in the auditorium is listed and had to be carefully restored. The veneer was repaired and the folding chairs adjusted to be fully functioning.

3 N7 A5195 — The tree of knowledge

Tall trees provide freshness to the space, as well as giving the association to sitting under a tree of knowledge.

3 N7 A5231 — Variation

In the student library we created zones for a variation of activities. Transparency was important to connect the spaces, always with a good learning environment in mind.

Heide Tjøm

Interior architect MNIL

Monica Døhlie Heck

Interior architect MNIL, partner