Midtåsen is located on a hill above Sandefjord, with spectacular views of the city and the fjord. The main gate is located about 2 km from the city centre. Entering the grounds the access road leads up through a beautiful beech forest revealing in addition to the buildings, a terraced park adorned by sculptures, old oak trees and beautiful plants. 

The sculpture pavilion at Midtåsen is designed as an expansive walk with light concrete walls and glass, creating a form which in many ways reflects the site’s topography as well as emphasizing movement, direction and a sense of wonder. The building’s geometry surrounds and reinforces the adjacent hill shape to the west and help form an exterior space which can be used for small gatherings. The pavilion opens up to the south with large panoramic windows capturing views towards the surrounding countryside, the city and the fjord. Three different zones: the entrance, an in-between space and a final open main room make up the pavilion. Varying floor heights help reinforce the different zones, and encourage visitors to wander and view the sculptures from the different levels. In accordance with the artist’s aspiration, the building consists of rooms where the sculptures can be experienced all together, as well as separate in space. The artist’s desire for a light and neutral backdrop for his sculptures as well as a wish to play down the new pavilion’s presence in relation to the existing grounds further informed the choice of materials and use of light concrete. The concrete is slightly lighter than the usual grey type that one often associates with concrete. 

Light filtered through the surrounding pine forest in combination with the opaque ceiling, the differentiated translucency of the glass walls and the ever changing surrounding landscape and seasons all make up a unique environment of contemplation where the sculptures can be viewed. 

Text: Lund Hagem