The work of Wenche Selmer, one of the few women architects who gained a position among Norwegian architects in the 20th century, is explored in this exhibition by Elisabeth Tostrup, the Oslo School of Architecture. From February 19 to April 18 you may enjoy it at the AIA San Francisco Gallery. March 6 there will be an opening reception followed by a panel discussion.
What: Norwegian Wood. Wenche Selmer Exhibition
When: February 19 - April 18, Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Opening Reception March 6, 5:30 pm
Where: American Institute of Architects San Francisco, Hallidie Building, 130 Sutter Street, Suite 600, San Francisco
Info: www.aiasf.org
Whether set along the picturesque coast of Norway or in its remote mountains and forests, architect Wenche Selmer’s wooden cabins and houses blend effortlessly into their surroundings. Combining local building traditions with modern conveniences, her designs evoke Norway in all its rugged beauty and smart Scandinavian pragmatism. Just looking at these cabins is an invitation to sit down at the lovingly designed dining table for a hearty meal, or to curl up with a book on one of the inviting corner sofas while enjoying the panoramic view through large glass windows. These are houses that, while thoughtfully designed and beautifully crafted, were meant first and foremost to be lived in, and it is this accommodation of "high design" and livability that is partly responsible for their universal appeal. Taken from a book by Elisabeth Tostrup, a professor of architecture at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Norwegian Wood captures Wenche Selmer's work beautifully.
Opening Reception
March 6, 5:30 pm Reception; 6:30 pm Lecture
RSVP to rsvp@aiasf.org
Join famed Bay Area architect Henrik Bull, Hege Haaland, Consul for the Royal Norwegian Consulate General San Francisco, local Norwegian Casper Mork-Ulnes and others, for a conversation about the work of architect Wenche Selmer. As one of the few women architects to gain a position among Norwegian architects in the 20th century, her own house, designed in collaboration with her husband Jens Selmer, was awarded the Sundt Prize for outstanding architecture in 1964-65. She was awarded the Timber Award for her timber architecture in 1969, also together with Jens Selmer. Selmer was also very influential through her work as associate professor at the School of Architecture in Oslo, where the respect for her architecture grew alongside her authority as a teacher for several hundred young architects.
Presented by
AIA San Francisco
Center for Architecture + Design
Exhibition Coordinated By
Elisabeth Tostrup, Professor of Architecture, Oslo School of Architecture and Design
AIA San Francisco
Funding Provided By
Norwegian Consulate General San Francisco