ABOUT THE PROJECT

AAhkA, a work by Outi Pieski in Block A of Oslo, is a large-scale artistic intervention that is part of the reconstruction of the Norwegian government district following the 2011 attacks. Located in the building’s main lobby, the work takes the form of a 51-meter wooden mural that combines artistic expression, technical precision, and construction complexity.

In this project, Frapont was responsible for the development, engineering, and fabrication of a unique panel system, designed to translate the artist’s original drawing onto a three-dimensional surface. The result is a piece that not only defines the architectural space but also creates a dialogue between art, materiality, and scale.

CONTEXT

AAhkA is located in Block A, the main building of Oslo’s new government district, rebuilt after the 2011 attacks. This block is a strategic point offering direct views of the heart of Norway’s administrative center, and Outi Pieski’s work becomes an iconic piece that welcomes officials, visitors, and government representatives.

The project was commissioned by HENT, the construction company responsible for its execution, under the supervision of Statsbygg, the state agency managing public infrastructure. Artistic management was coordinated by KORO, the national organization promoting the integration of art in public spaces, known for commissioning emblematic works by both international and Norwegian artists in institutional buildings. The entire design and production process was carried out under strict confidentiality and security measures, as access to the interior of the building was completely restricted and visual documentation was prohibited during several phases.

The artist Outi Pieski, renowned for her exploration of memory, land, and Sámi culture, entrusted Frapont with translating her original drawing into a 51-meter wooden mural—a challenge that combined technical innovation, artisanal precision, and artistic creativity. Each panel was designed as a unique piece, turning the project into a three-dimensional puzzle with no repeated elements, further enhancing the complexity and singularity of the work.

OUR WORK:
FROM DRAWING TO WOOD

At Frapont, our task was to transform Outi Pieski’s original drawing into a 51-meter three-dimensional wooden mural. Each panel was designed and crafted as a unique piece, creating a giant puzzle that had to fit perfectly on a wall inclined at 21° in Block A. To ensure fidelity to the artistic design, we created a full-scale mockup in our workshop, where we validated the arrangement, depths, and visual effects.

Both Outi Pieski and representatives from KORO and Statsbygg visited the workshop to review every detail and approve the final version. Throughout the entire design and production phase, we worked under strict confidentiality and security measures, as access to the building was limited and photographing the process was prohibited. This meant that every step, from conceptualization to final installation, required maximum coordination, precision, and creativity.

MATERIALS
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
INNOVATION

For AAhkA, we selected solid ash wood and ash veneer over aluminum, combining strength, durability, and visual warmth. The installation required custom metal structures developed with Walraven solutions, allowing each panel to be adapted to the inclined wall and the varying depths of the mural.

Key Innovations:
Conversion of the original artistic drawing into unique panels, creating a three-dimensional mural with a sense of depth.
Special mounting system manufactured by Frapont, adaptable to complex geometries.

All materials used are FSC® certified, ensuring sustainability and traceability throughout the project.

COLLABORATIONS &
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

HENT, the construction company and direct client, responsible for coordinating the execution.
Statsbygg, project supervision and public infrastructure management.
KORO, artistic management of the work.
Outi Pieski, whose artistic vision guided every technical and aesthetic decision.