OSLO.- Today four architecture projects were awarded the A.C. Houen Fund’s Certificate for Outstanding Architecture: Stormen Cultural Centre in Bodø, designed by DRDH Architects, Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump in Oslo, designed by JDS Architects, the Dalaker/Galta Farmhouse on Rennesøy outside of Stavanger, designed by Knut Hjeltnes Sivilarkitekter, and D36 - Green House in Oslo, designed by Element Arkitekter.

The National Museum administers the certificate on behalf of the Ministry of Culture. The museum appoints the jury in cooperation with the National Association of Norwegian Architects (NAL), and the certificate is awarded by the Ministry of Culture upon the jury's recommendation.

The jury
The present jury has consisted of the chair Alexandria Algard (architect, MNAL), Nina Berre (architect, MNAL, PhD), Knut Longva (architect, MNAL), and Ole Gustavsen (rector of the Oslo School of Architecture and Design).

The minister of culture and equality Trine Skei Grande says: “Views about what good architecture is have changed since the young Anton Christian from Arendal made a name for himself in the world,” . His desire for a ‘better and purer architecture’ in Norway was ahead of its time. Following his initiative, over a hundred buildings have been awarded the certificate, and a 115-year-long tradition of assessing and evaluating architecture has been established. Among people in general, it is above all a few signature buildings in Oslo that have caused quite a stir and sparked off a good deal of debate in recent years. Thanks to A.C. Houen, it is ‘typically Norwegian’ to be in favour of functional and sustainable architecture.”

Founded in 1893
The certificate was founded in 1893 in accordance with the testament of the businessman and legator Anton Christian Houen (1823–94). It is awarded to architects who have created “buildings designs and completed buildings or complexes, and other types of physical design, that are outstanding, independent works of great architectural merit”. Only projects completed before December 2016, and realized in Norway, were considered for the 2019 certificate.

First award
First awarded was in 1904, and most recently in 2015. The certificate is one of Norway’s highest honours within architecture and the design of physical structures.

The awards ceremony will be held at the National Museum – Architecture on Thursday, 29 August, at 18:00. The certificate will be presented by Jan-Christian Kolstø, state secretary at the Ministry of Culture, and Karin Hindsbo, director of the National Museum.