Bjørn Vidar Johansen

In this insightful presentation from the Norwegian Symposium on Beauty in Architecture 2025, Bjørn Vidar Johansen introduces Murbyen Oslo, a center dedicated to preserving Oslo's historical apartment buildings constructed with stone, brick, and mortar. Established in 2017, Murbyen focuses on domestic apartment buildings from 1840 to 1930, a period of immense growth for Oslo, when it became Norway's capital. Johansen explains that Murbyen aims to protect not just the most ornate but also the more modest buildings, recognizing their vital role in the city's visual and historical identity. He highlights common problems like the removal of original ornamentation for "modernization" and the widespread use of incorrect building materials in recent times, especially in the 1980s. The strategy of Murbyen Oslo involves connecting owners with responsible building industries and cultural heritage experts, emphasizing the critical importance of keeping traditional craftsmanship and techniques alive. The center offers free advice, courses in traditional craftsmanship (including masonry, decor, and painting), and extensive public outreach through digital and physical initiatives. Johansen concludes by discussing the ongoing financial challenges and the hope for continued support to ensure the future of Oslo's architectural heritage.

Recorded at the third annual Beauty and Ugliness in Architecture conference in Oslo, May 2nd – 4th 2025.