Detour: Architecture and Design along 18 National Tourist Routes in Norway
January 28, 2009 - May 25, 2009
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During the last few years, these small but eye-catching architectural projects have attracted worldwide attention. These are not stadiums, skyscrapers, or buildings of the future, but information centers, rest stops, and observation platforms. These structures are often overlooked here in America as beige, functional necessities, but the government of Norway allowed Norwegian and international architects, landscape architects, and designers to transform them into landmarks themselves. Striking shapes and forms, interesting materials, and bold colors are used to add a new dimension to motorists' experience of Norway's natural landscape.
Detour is filled with models and photos of some of the structures along Norway's tourist routes, but the most striking component of the exhibition may be the structure in the first room. A large wooden viewing chamber with brass-rimmed openings lets visitors peek inside at a film that winds along Norway's scenic roads and bike paths and explores in greater detail some of the projects featured later in the exhibition.
This exhibition is a collaboration between the Norwegian Public Roads Administration's Tourist Routes project and the foundation Norsk Form.
Sponsors & Partners
Detour: Architecture and Design along 18 National Tourist Routes is presented at the National Building Museum in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy. Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP is the exclusive corporate sponsor.
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