VIK, meaning “cove,” was developed as a competition entry exploring the deep connection between Norwegian culture and the ocean. At the heart of the design was the Oseberg ship, repositioned within sunken floor levels to create the rare experience of viewing it as if at water level—reconnecting visitors to the vessel in its original maritime context.

The required Icon Trail was choreographed as a continuous journey around the ship, offering layered observation points and intuitive movement between exhibits. Along the trail, visitors engaged with digital learning displays and curated artifacts, deepening their understanding of Norway’s seafaring legacy while maintaining a direct visual dialogue with the centerpiece ship.

The journey culminated at the museum’s observation tower, where expansive views over Oslo and its harbors linked the cultural narrative of the Oseberg back to the broader maritime landscape. Here, architecture became a lens for reflection—tying the intimacy of the ship to the enduring relationship between Norway’s people and the sea.