The team secured the project over Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in partnership with Danish firm AART Architects and local firms Snøhetta and LINK Arkitektur, with entries evaluated anonymously.
Situated at Normannsløkka in Oslo, the building will feature two sections: a four-storey base that aligns with the urban environment, housing studios, workshops, newsrooms, and support areas, and a recessed circular upper structure providing modern workspaces with sweeping city views.
The upper section embodies the public broadcaster’s circular branding.
It will encompass 60,000m² of gross floor area and 50,000m² of usable space, incorporating modern studios, publishing desks, post-production areas, concert studios, workshops, and storage.
A statement from the Nordic Office of Architecture indicated that the sustainable design aims to ‘enhance NRK’s visibility and integration within the cityscape, encouraging community interaction.’
Additionally, the design features a ‘signal building surrounded by a park that extends onto the roof, incorporating stormwater management and promoting biodiversity to enrich the environment and ecological connections.’
NRK broadcasting director Vibeke Fürst Haugen, a jury member, noted that the panel unanimously supported the Nordic Office of Architecture/Arup/Rodeo proposal, stating: ‘The solution appears strong, robust, open, and inviting.’
Arup director Nick Jackson remarked that the facility would evolve into a ‘world-class media production hub and an exceptional workplace for future generations.’
He added: ‘The collaboration on this new headquarters reflects a mutual goal to create a flexible, future-ready media environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and innovation.’
Planning permission for the building is still pending, with the broadcaster aiming to move in by 2029.
Jackson mentioned that this achievement builds on Arup’s London team’s recent success with Nordic Office of Architecture on a new stadium for the northern Norwegian football club FK Bodø/Glimt.
The Arctic Arena, constructed from wood and recyclable aluminum, is designed for this season’s Europa League semi-finalists and will have a capacity of 10,000.
 | Architect’s Journal Up to the minute architecture news, including building reviews, insight on running a successful practice and the latest architectural competitions. |
