Introduction: The Story Behind Tarnplanen
High above Oslo’s bustling streets, atop Hammersborg hill, stands a striking cluster of modernist towers that have become synonymous with the city’s skyline. This architectural ensemble, known as Tarnplanen, is more than just a collection of buildings; it represents a bold vision that reshaped Norway’s capital in the mid-20th century.
Quick Bio Information
Erling Viksjø
Profession: Architect
Notable Works: Tarnplanen, Y-blokka, Høyblokka
Architectural Style: Modernism/Functionalism
Legacy: Integral in shaping Oslo’s post-war urban landscape
Pablo Picasso
Profession: Artist
Notable Works: “The Fishermen” mural on Y-blokka
Artistic Style: Cubism, Surrealism
Legacy: One of the most influential artists of the 20th century
Carl Nesjar
Profession: Sculptor
Notable Works: Collaborations with Picasso on concrete murals
Artistic Style: Modernist sculpture
Legacy: Key figure in integrating art into public architecture
What Is Tarnplanen?
Tarnplanen is not a single building but a comprehensive urban development plan conceived in the 1950s and realized between 1958 and 1980. Located in the eastern part of central Oslo, near the government quarter, its most visible feature is a group of five high-rise office and residential blocks that break dramatically from the city’s traditional low-rise scale.
The project was the brainchild of the Norwegian Ministry of Government Administration and Reform, which sought to centralize government offices and address a severe post-war shortage of modern administrative space. The vision was to create a dedicated, efficient, and symbolic “government city” (regjeringskvartalet) that reflected the optimism and forward-looking spirit of the modern welfare state.
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The Architects and the Vision
The master plan was designed by the architectural firm Erling Viksjø, with significant contributions from other prominent Norwegian architects of the era. The design was a bold embrace of modernism, or funksjonalisme (functionalism), which prioritized utility, clean lines, and new materials over historical ornamentation.
The five towers—Høyblokka (The High Block), Y-blokka (The Y-Block), R6, and two others—were arranged to create a striking, sculptural skyline. They were connected by lower-rise buildings and open plazas, aiming to foster a sense of community and accessibility, albeit in a distinctly organized, top-down manner.
A defining artistic feature of Tarnplanen was the integration of art and architecture, a concept known as syntese. Viksjø collaborated with famed Norwegian artist Pablo Picasso and sculptor Carl Nesjar to create sandblasted concrete murals, including the iconic “The Fishermen” (Fiskerne) on Y-blokka. This fusion was intended to democratize art, making it a part of the everyday public environment.
A Controversial Legacy
From its inception, Tarnplanen was polarizing.
For its proponents, it was a triumphant symbol of progress. It represented a break from the past and the constraints of tradition, showcasing Norway’s recovery and its embrace of a new, efficient, and egalitarian future. The towers provided much-needed space, and their architectural audacity was seen as a statement of national confidence.
For its critics, the complex was an alien imposition. They argued that the monolithic, brutalist structures were cold, impersonal, and utterly out of scale with the human-centric, neoclassical architecture of the surrounding neighborhood. The plan was accused of creating windy, barren plazas and disrupting the historic urban fabric of Oslo.
Tragedy and Transformation
The legacy of Tarnplanen was irrevocably altered on July 22, 2011. The terrorist attack that day targeted the government quarter, with a car bomb detonating directly outside Høyblokka and severely damaging Y-blokka. The tragedy forced a profound re-evaluation of the entire area’s purpose, security, and architectural value.
The damaged Y-blokka, with its priceless Picasso murals, became the center of a heated national debate. After years of discussion weighing preservation against security and redevelopment, the government decided to demolish it—a process completed in 2016. The loss of Y-blokka was a painful moment, severing a tangible link to the original plan and its artistic ambitions.
Tarnplanen Today: An Enduring Symbol
Today, Tarnplanen stands as a complex monument. The remaining towers are protected as cultural heritage sites, recognized for their significance in Norway’s architectural and political history. The ongoing redevelopment of the government quarter seeks to learn from the past, aiming to create a more open, secure, and integrated urban space that respects the legacy of Viksjø’s vision while correcting its perceived flaws.
Tarnplanen is more than just a group of buildings. It is a physical chapter in Oslo’s story—a testament to the ambitious, sometimes ruthless, optimism of the post-war era. It challenges us to consider how we build our collective identity, the value of architectural heritage, and how the dreams of one generation are judged, preserved, or transformed by the next. Love it or loathe it, the silhouette of Tarnplanen remains an essential and unforgettable part of the Oslo skyline.
FAQs About Tarnplanen
1. What is Tarnplanen?
Tarnplanen is a comprehensive urban development plan in Oslo, Norway, realized between 1958 and 1980. It features a series of modernist towers designed to centralize government offices and reshape the city’s skyline.
2. Who designed Tarnplanen?
The master plan was designed by Norwegian architect Erling Viksjø, with significant contributions from other prominent architects and artists, including Pablo Picasso and Carl Nesjar.
3. What is the significance of Y-blokka?
Y-blokka was a key building in Tarnplanen, known for its distinctive Y-shape and integration of art and architecture. It housed murals by Pablo Picasso, created in collaboration with Carl Nesjar.
4. Why was Y-blokka demolished?
Y-blokka was severely damaged in the 2011 terrorist attack on the government quarter. After extensive debate, the Norwegian government decided to demolish the building in 2016 due to security concerns and the cost of restoration.
5. What remains of Tarnplanen today?
The remaining towers of Tarnplanen, including Høyblokka, are protected as cultural heritage sites. The area is undergoing redevelopment to create a more open and secure urban space.
6. How did Tarnplanen impact Oslo’s architecture?
Tarnplanen introduced modernist architecture to Oslo, challenging traditional design norms. Its bold, functionalist style sparked both admiration and controversy, influencing the city’s architectural landscape.
7. What lessons can be learned from Tarnplanen?
Tarnplanen highlights the importance of balancing innovation with context. It underscores the need for thoughtful integration of art, architecture, and urban planning to create spaces that serve both functional and cultural purposes.
