The Deichman Library (officially Deichman Bjørvika) in Oslo is another architectural gem—right across from the Opera House, actually—forming part of the transformation of the Oslo waterfront. It’s the main public library of Oslo and a showcase of modern, sustainable design.
Deichman Bjørvika: Overview
- Opened: June 2020
- Location: Bjørvika, Oslo, next to the Opera House and the Munch Museum, forming a cultural triangle.
- Size: ~19,600 m², spread across six floors
- Function: More than just a library—it’s a civic space, housing books, workspaces, a cinema, gaming zones, maker labs, and quiet reading nooks.
Architectural Features
✨ Design Philosophy
- The library is designed as a „living room for the city“, open, inclusive, and versatile—a hub for learning, meeting, and just hanging out.
- The idea was to redefine what a library can be in the digital age, prioritizing flexibility and openness.
🧊 Floating Floors & Open Core
- The building has a spectacular open atrium, where three cantilevered mezzanine floors appear to float. This design draws natural light deep into the heart of the building.
- It creates visual transparency and encourages movement—so you’re always kind of “in” the whole library, no matter where you are inside.
🌿 Sustainability
- Built with a strong emphasis on sustainable materials and low-energy solutions.
- It has a BREEAM Excellent rating (one of the highest for environmental design).
- The façade uses glass and aluminum, but with clever solar shading and insulation to reduce energy use.
- Seawater is used in the building’s heating and cooling systems.
Architects: Lund Hagem + Atelier Oslo
- Lund Hagem Architects and Atelier Oslo teamed up and won the international competition to design the library.
🏗️ Their Design Goals:
- Open and democratic space: No “grand staircase” or imposing entry—just a smooth flow inward.
- Encourage interaction, not silence; Deichman is meant to be lively and social.
- Blur lines between inside and outside—views of the fjord, city, and Opera House are framed throughout the building.
