20 international architectural offices were in 2009 invited to make a proposal for the new Deichmanske Library in Oslo. In combination with the opera and the new Munch museum, Deichmanske Library will become a main cultural attraction of Oslo city. We propose a gorge-like space imagined from the blue Fjord. The interior of this valley – stratifyed by boxes – creates a new urban scene different in scale than the surrounding buildings. Opposite the public space, by the white opera house that spreads horizontally, is the perpendicularly running valley of various hues of blue that creates a new space in the city – a new landmark.

The project proposes a marriage optimizing the synergy between different programs, and also securing the commercial value of the property. The library spreads horizontally on the lower floors to decrease the vertical circulation and effectively provides a universal accessible space with little obstacles. The library is then literally wrapped in commercial programs – hotel, offices, apartments etc. – allowing the atrium become a fantastic collective spatial experience for all users.

On the exterior trees are planted on various levels, from the ground level to the rooftop. These trees will become buffers for the library and immediate surroundings. With the promenade as a grand urban gesture we suggest that the whole site will be considered as a part of the Oslo harbour promenade connecting all the attractive spaces along the waterfront and linking together the urban spaces from the central station to the fjord. The site will become a floating connection between outdoor areas and indoor functions.