Prøysenhuset
Cultural center in Ringsaker
2013–2014
Introduction
The Norwegian writer and musician Alf Prøysen was one of the greatest poets of his generation. His artistic achievement found its way into the people's hearts through his warm humanity and wisdom. On the occasion of the commemoration of his 100th anniversary, a private initiative was taken to create a new national cultural center in his memory – a building located in the forest close to his birthplace and home.
Snøhetta was asked to design the house that would replace the existing Prøysen center. The aim of the project is to create a cultural center that can appeal to both adults and children and, at the same time, be a gathering point for young musicians and authors.
Technical details
Arthur Buchardt
Unpretentious yet solid
The 1000 sqm building accommodates a small shop, a café with a fireplace and baking oven, as well as a terrace with view down to the old Prøysen farm. The core of the building holds a theater for approximately 200 people, and it has a duplexing stage enabling shows facing both the theater hall and the café. Surrounding the theater there is a permanent exhibition with smaller rooms, as well as a small library with books and publications of Prøysen.
From the local road, Prestvegen, one is led to the cultural center on a board walk through the woods. The façade is clad with treated pine wood battens in an uneven pattern. This creates a slight transparency into the underlying red façade that is exposed on the front of the terrace and by the entrance. The interior is unpretentious with solid wooden floors and plywood veneered walls and contrasting painted colors on fixed and loose furniture.
Photo: Ketil Jacobsen
Photo: Ketil Jacobsen
Photo: Ketil Jacobsen
Photo: Ketil Jacobsen
Visual identity
The visual identity of the Prøysen Center is a combination of Alf Prøysen’s identity and some of the architectural features of the building. Together they continue Prøysen’s heritage as a storyteller – through the cultural frame. The cultural frame is inspired by the windows in the building, and with a flexible logo the building is given a chance to tell stories through a visual framework recognizable when visiting the house.
On the occasion of the anniversary, a public gift was initiated – a star designed by a local artist, Linda Bakke. The star will be located in the woods adjacent to the farm and the cultural center and will be lit November 23rd 2014, on the day of Prøysen’s death, drawing attention to the cultural center and the life and legacy of AlfPrøysen.
Photo: Ketil Jacobsen