Inspirational Excellence: Spotlight on the 2023 Houen Fund Prize’s Three Winners

Three exceptional projects have claimed the coveted 2023 Houen Fund Prize, solidifying their place in the annalway’s esteemed architecture and construction industry. The prestigious accolade, bearing the legacy of the philanthropic Anton Christian Houen (1823-1894), a renowned businessman and benefactor, has been a beacon of architectural excellence since its inaugural presentation in 1904.

The 2023 Houen Fund’s laureates have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to architectural innovation, each project serving as a testament to their distinctive prowess. Despite their diversity in scale and typology, these endeavors share a common thread—the infusion of narrative depth into their designs—a hallmark of truly remarkable architecture, according to Ms. Kristin Jarmund, the President of the judging panel.

The 2023 Houen Fund Award Winners

The 2023 Houen Fund Prize, last bestowed in 2019 through a collaboration with the National Federation of Norwegian Architects, is administered by the National Museum in Oslo under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. The distinguished jury included Ms. Kristin Jarmund as President, Mr. Jo Kjetil Nielsen, Ms. Sunniva Skålnes, and Mr. Joakim Skajaa.

1) Lascaux IV: International Center for Cave Art, Montignac, France

Architects: Snøhetta
Project Manager: Dordogne General Council

The Lascaux cave, adorned with artwork nearly 20,000 years old, is often called the “prehistoric Sistine Chapel” by archaeologists, a testament to its historical significance. Snøhetta’s architects have masterfully breathed new life into this cultural treasure, artfully blending the natural landscape and materials. The resulting Lascaux installations offer visitors an educational and temporal journey through interior and exterior spaces. Central to the project is an exact reconstruction of the cave and its ancient artworks, nestled underground within an architecturally significant structure designed by Snøhetta, creating a profoundly immersive experience.

2) Vannkunsten (“the art of water”), Oslo

Architects: Vandkunsten
Project Manager: OSU – Oslo S – A/S

In 2012, Vandkunsten, a Danish architectural firm, secured a contract to develop two districts near Oslo’s Opera House, collectively named Vannkunsten. This district spans 35,000 square meters and comprises nine buildings housing over 200 units. Vannkunsten exemplifies forward-thinking urban planning, emphasizing a city center oriented toward the sea. These compact, environmentally conscious structures of varying dimensions foster dynamic urban spaces and panoramic views, redefining the city’s coastal landscape.

3) Oslo City Hall

Architects: Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson
Project Manager: Municipality of Oslo

The journey from the 1918 architectural competition victory by Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson for Oslo City Hall to its 1950 inauguration was marked by significant evolution. The economic and cultural landscape transformed dramatically during this period, with the architects drawing inspiration from diverse architectural movements and style requirements. The resulting Town Hall, with its geometric forms and functionalist design, reflects the enduring legacy of its extended development timeline, evolving in response to the trials and triumphs of its era.

The 2023 Houen Fund Prize celebrates these visionary projects, acknowledging their transformative impact on Norway’s architectural and construction landscape and lasting contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage.