Y-block: Art and architecture in inseparable interaction
There are strong protests against the demolition of the government building known as “Y-blokka” (Y-block). What makes the disputed concrete building unique in Norwegian architectural history?
Text by Communications Advisor Ellisiv Brattfjord.
The overall design of Høyblokka (the Highrise) and the Y-block shows an exciting and varied interaction between art and architecture. The area between the buildings also constitutes a very special urban space.
Talette Rørvik Simonsen, Senior Curator at the National Museum
The planned demolition of the Y-block has been a subject of heated debate for some time. From the outset, the two buildings were meant to belong together and complement each other. Although the Y-block was not built until 1969, Viksjø had already designed it in composition with the Highrise, which was completed in 1959.