Constructing the Narrative Path

architect Sverre Fehn
written by Neven Fuchs-Mikac

 

An imaginary journey through the museum spaces of Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn represents a remarkable architectural experience. In each of these spaces, the manner in which the objects are installed and the way in which the physical context of the site and the fabric of the building are subtly interpreted and woven together to accommodate the display, makes the experience of both architecture and installed objects very powerful. Yet this reciprocal relationship – between the landscape, the physical presence of a museum and the artifacts installed within it – flies in the face of current orthodoxies about the design of contemporary museums. Fehn’s museums are neither neutral white containers, nor spectacular sculptural manifestos. He has no belief in predefined museum typologies and his architecture is serene in its relation to fashion and time.