Beauty in Architecture

Beauty in Architecture (BARCH) is a Norwegian non-profit organization fostering classical and traditional architecture in the modern world. Through our annual symposium in Oslo and various educational initiatives, BARCH encourages critical discussions around architectural beauty, harmony, and sustainability to contrast the current design trends. Our goal is to foster community and appreciation for human-scaled, heritage-informed designs that resonate with our common cultural and historical identity.

We are a small committee with many collaborators around the globe. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you want to contribute to our project.

We are available at hello@barch.no

Who are we?

  • Sigurd Randby

    A recently graduated architect from NTNU and co-initiator of the Classical Design Studio, Sigurd is committed to reviving craftsmanship in architecture. He is currently working for Sebastian Treese in Berlin.

  • Marjo Uotila

    Founder and Chair of INTBAU and Architectural Uprising in Finland, Marjo is dedicated to fostering sustainable, human-centered architecture, building practices, and urban planning. For more than 25 years, she has been promoting the creation of livable and attractive environments for all.

  • Oscar Olderøy

    An architecture student at NTNU, recent graduate of the Classic Planning Institute and deputy leader of Akantus, Oscar works to re-introduce classical design in Norwegian architectural education. His expertise centers on Beaux-Arts pedagogy and classical compositional theory.

  • Anders Hagalisletto

    Architectural researcher and founder of the Beauty and Ugliness Conference, Anders is dedicated to bringing the insights of the Architectural Uprising into the professional and academic discourse.

  • Michelle Sofge

    An architectural historian, Michelle specializes in the history and theory of 18th and 19th century art and architecture. She is currently conducting research on the reconstruction of Frankfurt's Old Town and is also an Associate Editor of the Classic Planning Herald International.

  • Henrik Wangsten

    A landscape architect specializing in historic gardens, landscape aesthetics, ecology, crafts, traditional architecture and classical urban planning. Henrik works with a broad and holistic approach towards a more beautiful built environment in harmony with people and nature.

  • Nathan Andrews

    An Australian architect currently based in Tromsø, Nathan is a passionate advocate for Norway’s wooden architecture. His designs have captured the interest of many on Instagram @andrews.architecture

  • Þórhallur Bjarni Björnsson

    Founder of the Icelandic Architectural Uprising and urban planning student at the University of Umeå, Þórhallur is dedicated to creating beautiful, enduring and adaptable cities for the future.

  • Ingeborg Ørbæk

    A recently graduated architect from NTNU with a special interest in historic garden design. She is currently working at the The Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren)