Oslo Løa pavilion, Oslo, Norway. 2023

Oslo Løa is a temporary floating pavilion moored outside the Oslo Opera House and serves as a center for knowledge and activities related to marine restauration in the Oslofjord. It is the result of a collaboration between AHO (Oslo School of Architecture and Design), the environmental collective Nordic Ocean Watch, as well as 22 public and private partners.

The pavilion was designed and built by architecture students from AHO, who gained valuable experience working on a real-world project with environmental and social relevance. In line with sustainable principles, the Løa was constructed using recycled and reused materials. The main structure is made from surplus wood from the timber industry, while the recycled plastic shell is crafted from discarded ropes from the aquaculture and fishing industries.

The pavilion’s walls are designed to shield from the weather while being openable to provide views of the sea and fjord. It was also designed for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing it to have a continued life in new locations and raise awareness about marine pollution.

DIFK was responsible for the structural engineering, including design, detailing, and on-site follow-up. DIFK also ensured that the pavilion met technical requirements for stability and safety on water.