Sigurd Randby & Elise Skeide Vibe

In this compelling presentation from the Norwegian Symposium on Beauty in Architecture 2025, Elise Skeide Vibe and Sigurd Randby explore the "Aesthetic Repair of Post War Architecture," focusing on the transformation of a 1950s/60s Norwegian town hall. They highlight the widespread challenge of unengaging public buildings from this era, often facing demolition due to changing political landscapes and unpopular aesthetics. The architects categorize their approach into three strategies: repair, transformation, and redesign. They demonstrate how even minor changes like color can soften a harsh facade, and how more extensive transformations can introduce new functions and inviting elements. The most ambitious redesign showcases how the building could be elevated into a prominent cultural center through strategic additions and a thoughtful integration of classical proportions and detailing. Vibe and Randby advocate for "aesthetic sustainability," arguing that beautiful and meaningful buildings are more likely to be cherished and preserved by communities, ensuring their longevity and preventing future architectural "repairs." This talk provides a fascinating case study in revitalizing unloved structures.

Recorded at the 3rd annual Beauty and Ugliness in Architecture conference in Oslo, May 2nd – 4th 2025.