COBE and Transform Architects Open Jagged, Aluminum-Clad Maritime Museum in Norway

Danish architect duo <a href="http://inhabitat.com/mvrdv-and-cobe-to-transform-danish-concrete-factory-into-rock-and-roll-museum/" target="_blank">COBE</a> and <a href="http://www.transform.dk/eng/" target="_blank">Transform</a> unveiled their finished design for the Porsgrunn Maritime Museum and Exploratorium. The modern building set on the banks of the industrialized area along Porsgrunn River stands out for its wide, jagged edges and aluminum facade. Although at first glance the avant garde design may seem at contrast with its industrial backdrop, it is meant to pay homage to the town's historic dock yard and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/25hours-hafencity-hotel-recycles-maritime-paraphernalia-shipping-containers-into-eclectic-decor/" target="_blank">maritime industry</a>. The local maritime sector has been essential to the town's economic survival by employing thousands of people from the region for years, a role celebrated by this striking new project.

Certainly more contemporary than its surroundings, the design of the new 2,000 sq meter maritime museum curiously manages to both contrast and merge with the industrial landscape that surrounds it.

While the zigzag outline of the reflective building is unique to the area in terms of style and materials, the architects intentionally designed the building's odd dimensions to blend in with the small wooden residences and warehouses in the area, all of which have distinct shapes and sizes.

The design uses eleven distinct blocks topped with jagged asymmetric roofs jutting in different directions and elevations to reflect the character of the neighboring buildings.

"We wanted to understand the area's characteristics and then we wanted to strengthen it but at the same time create something new and contrasting," said COBE founder and director Dan Stubbergaard.

The strong character of the Porsgrunn museum is further enhanced by the shiny aluminium scales that cover the walls and the roofs and pick up reflections from the adjacent Porsgrunn River.

The museum's location on the river will serve as a starting point for the city's extensive urban renewal plan of the entire Porsgrunn Harbour area.

In addition to representing the local heritage, the Porsgrunn Museum is already well on its way to becoming a proud architectural landmark of the area.

Before its recent opening, the design received the Porsgrunn Municipality’s Building Practice Prize 2013 (“Byggeskikkpris.”)