Delicate lighting design at Norway’s most complete coin collection
DNB Coin Collection in Oslo, Norway
DNB decided to move Norway’s most complete coin collection from a locked vault in Drammen to the head office in Bjørvika, which already houses a well-preserved Renaissance boat. The boat dates back to the 16th century and was uncovered during the excavation of the site when the offices were built.
A close collaboration between Light Bureau, Zinc and DNB ensured that the objects, the exhibition architecture and the lighting were designed with one unified approach.
The lighting fixtures are fully integrated in showcases, drawers, niches and ceiling details in an effort to make them totally concealed. This, along with the display technique allows the coins to be viewed as if they are floating freely within the cabinets.
Lighting of the room’s vertical surfaces helps to maintain the functionality of the room as a meeting and conference centre during the day and prevents it feeling like a basement with little natural light.
To create a comprehensively designed exhibition space, the forms of the display cases and exhibition surfaces were created with a design language that connected to the crystalline glass display case that houses the boat.
During daily use, the lighting of the exhibition area is linked to the building’s BMS and different scenarios are activated in-step with the other lighting in the building. This combined with the use of existing luminaires as part of the new concept and only using lighting where necessary led to a sustainable and environmentally friendly lighting solution.
The result is a design that appears uncomplicated, yet beautifully finessed. It allows the coins to take centre stage within the space and encourages visitors to take a closer look at these historic treasures.
Client: DNB Bank ASA
Lighting Design: Light Bureau
Interior Design: Zinc
Photographer: Thomas Mellbye
Awards: Norwegian Lighting Design Awards 2021
