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FANTASTIC NORWAY (2003-2013)

Fantastic Norway was was founded by Håkon Matre Aasarød and Erlend Blakstad Haffner in 2003. In the 10 years to come the architectural studio was engaged in building design, mobilization and participation processes, development strategies, writing and television production.

The primary ambition of the studio was to create an open, inclusive and socially aware architectural practice and by that contribute to re-establishing the role of the architect as an active participant in – and a builder of society. Fantastic Norway’s credo was: “Every town is different; every place is in some way fantastic. We aim to embrace this fact and through dialogue transform it into architecture”.

The heart and soul of the studio was a bright red caravan. Combined with media coverage and a variety of essays in the local newspaper, the caravan functioned as a meeting point and a mobile platform for architectural discussions, debates and workshops. Fantastic Norway gathered ideas, suggestions and stories from the communities they worked in and utilized this collected knowledge in the design process. This inclusive way of designing anchored their projects locally and created a personal relationship between the proposed architecture and the people affected by it.

As a supplement to their ambulant practice, Fantastic Norway stimulated to broad public awareness of architecture with more than 60 articles and essays in local newspaper in addition to several spacial installations and stunts. In 2011 the partners Aasarød/Haffner hosted a television series of 6 episodes á 29 min for NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) aiming to arouse a broad public interest and curiosity for the field of architecture and planning.

After 10 exciting years of fantastic adventures, – people and – projects, the caravan was finally parked in december 2013.

DISTINCTIONS

  • 1.Prize “The Iakov Chernikohov International Architectural Prize”, Moscow/Russia 2011
  • “Social Architect of the Year 2011″, Skaara Architects, Oslo/Norway 2011
  • “FAD medal of honor” for “re-establishing the architect as a constructor of society” in Barcelona/Spain in 2007
  • 2. Price “Blueprint Magazine award for best stand design”, 100% Design Earls Court London/England
  • 2. Price “Award for best Young Designers of 2010”, Norwegian Ministry of Cultures, Oslo/Norway 2010
  • Honorable mention “Academic Journalist Price 2008” The Norwegian Academic Journalist Foundation, Oslo/Norway 2008
  • “Architects of the Year” at the Oscar Hansen Symposium in Bergen/Norway in 2005,
  • “Architect H.C. Hansens legacy, biannual price for young aspiring architects”, NAL, Oslo/Norway 2003

Fantastic norway / Håkon & Haffner