Norway’s capital unveils one of the most sustainable mixed-use developments of the last decade

“We wanted to turn the building inside out and create a new outdoor public square at the center,” Ahlmark says. He and his team transformed the site’s original 450,000-square-foot building into two softer, organically curved buildings, each connected by walkable pathways and staircases.

At the center is an oculus—a large circular skylight that illuminates VIA’s core while creating the impression of a calming outdoor oasis. (Photo: Adam Mørk)

The walkways are accessible directly from the street, breaking up what was once a monolith and creating a more dynamic ambulatory experience.

The oculus evokes a reflecting pool in the outdoor plaza. On the semi-subterranean level, which houses a restaurant and street food market, the skylight offers diners and passersby a connection to the surrounding nature. (Photo: Adam Mørk)

As viewed from the outdoor plaza, the buildings’ stainless steel and glass façades conjure tree trunks rising into the sky. (Photo: Adam Mørk)

“Walking in, it’s almost like a dense forest,” Ahlmark says. “Sunlight just streams in, and when you get to the skylight, the glass reflects the clouds passing overhead.” (Photo: Adam Mørk)

Active solar shading ensures interior temperatures remain comfortable even with direct sun exposure. (Photo: Adam Mørk)

Tenants can take in the sprawling scenery of Oslo from tiered landscaped terraces on VIA’s southeast building, designed to promote biophilia, retain stormwater runoff, and reduce the heat-island effect. (Photo: Adam Mørk)

“Our vision has been realized in the most beautiful, people-forward way possible,” says Lars Marius Eide, project manager at VIA. “These buildings give something back to the city with their architecture.” (Photo: Adam Mørk)