Bodø2024 - Press release
- bjørnådal arkitektstudio
- Feb 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 2, 2024
Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio stands out with a unique stage design during the Bodø2024 Opening Ceremony

Bodø, Norway – February 1, 2024
Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio, a distinguished Norwegian architectural studio, is pleased to announce its pivotal role in the planning and execution of the Bodø2024 Opening Ceremony, scheduled for February 3, 2024. This ceremony heralds the initiation of Bodø's esteemed tenure as the European Capital of Culture. and Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio has been instrumental in realizing this event through conceptual development and innovative design.
Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio has collaborated closely with Bodø2024, Phase7, Nordland Teater, Adada productions and Rambøll to ensure that the Opening Ceremony emerges as a grand celebration, encapsulating the essence of Bodø's rich cultural heritage. The studio's acumen in concept development, architectural design, and intimate familiarity with the local milieu has been pivotal in crafting a memorable and visually captivating experience for all attendees.
Conceptual Basis
The conceptual foundation for the stage design draws its inspiration from the natural phenomena and cultural richness of Northern Norway. The outer perimeter of the stage design finds its muse in the ethereal beauty of the northern lights and the architectural heritage of the Sami people. This encircling structure evolves gracefully from a Fibonacci spiral, meticulously crafted from natural wood reminiscent of the traditional Sami constructions.
Moreover, the stage floor takes its inspiration from a natural marvel known as the "Othelite," which is the eardrum of the cod. This unique ornament, resembling an earring, undergoes annual growth by adding a new layer, It is noteworthy that the Othelite holds great cultural significance and is proudly worn as jewelry by many indigenous communities across the northern hemisphere.
Stage Design:
The studio has introduced cutting-edge architectural designs that impeccably marry modern aesthetics with Bodø's profound cultural and historical legacy. Through its innovative approach, Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio has transformed the ceremony venue into a visually captivating space, eloquently echoing the essence of the European Capital of Culture.
Co-Creator / Concept Development:
Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio has actively participated as a co-creator in the development of the opening ceremony program, infusing it with elements of local knowledge and regional storytelling. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in shaping the narrative of the opening event.
Collaboration:
Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio expresses its sincere appreciation to its collaboration partners, who have played integral roles in bringing the Bodø2024 Opening Ceremony to fruition. Each partner has contributed their unique skills and resources, collectively crafting a comprehensive and enduring experience that will linger in the memories of all who partake.
The partnership between Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio and its esteemed collaborators epitomizes a shared commitment to nurturing cultural exchange, artistic expression, and community involvement within the Bodø region. As Bodø assumes its prestigious role as the European Capital of Culture for 2024, Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio takes great pride in its pivotal role in shaping the Opening Ceremony. This significant inaugural event sets the tone for a year-long celebration of cultural diversity and creativity.
For media inquiries, kindly contact:
Christine Blass, Creative Director at Hue Creative Studio
Email: hello@ilovehue.no
Hans-Petter Bjørnådal, Creative Director at Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio
Email: hanspetter@barkitekt.no
About Hans-Petter Bjørnådal:

Hans Petter Bjørnådal holds a master's degree in Architecture from BAS (2003) and has pursued studies in social anthropology, landscape ecology, and philosophy. He serves as the principal architect at Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio (www.barkitekt.no) and approaches architecture through an artistic and social anthropological lens. His visionary projects are characterized by their holistic and poetic essence, offering relevance to contemporary society's perception of the world. Bjørnådal's work has garnered numerous awards, including representation in the Nordic Pavilion during La Biennale di Venezia 2016. Notably, he has been chosen to design the opening ceremony for Bodø 2024, the European Capital of Culture.
About Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio:
Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio is an architectural firm based in Kristiansund N, known for its poetic approach to architecture that integrates landscape, culture and storytelling. The studio is led by Hans-Petter Bjørnådal and has 5 employees. Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio has received several prestigious awards and honors for its work. In 2023, they won a double prize at the Big See Architecture Awards for the projects "Cabin Senja" and "Community Landscape".
About Bodø2024:
Bodø2024 signifies a year-long jubilation as Bodø assumes the esteemed title of European Capital of Culture. This celebration serves as a platform to spotlight the city's rich cultural heritage while fostering artistic expression and collaborative ventures. The Opening Ceremony stands as the inaugural note in a diverse symphony of events, exhibitions, and performances slated to unfold throughout the year.
Credits:
Sven Sören Beyer – Creative Director
Christiane Neudecker – Dramaturgy / Author
Ada Einmo J – Head of Choreography / Dramaturgy
Ellinor Staurbakk- Co-choreographer
Hans-Petter Bjørnådal / Bjørnådal Arkitektstudio – Stage Design / Architecture
Raymond Enoksen – Music
Max Trieder – Musical Supervision
Flo Erdmann – Light Design
Pedro Richter – Costume Design
Janik Albrecht – Technical Director
Steffen Fuchs – Technical Assistant Director
Frieder Weiss – Laser Art
Bodø2024:
Henrik Lamark – Project Manager
Henrik S. Dagfinrud – Programme Director
Artists:
Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen – Singer
Eldbjørg Hemsing– Violinist
John André Eira – Joik
Reidar Sørensen - Actor
Hannah Schulte Strid - Actor
Luiza Dushkova – Pole Artist
Stanley Gunner Pagani - Pole Artist
Daniele Salvitto - Pole Artist
Dancers from Danselinja at Bodø Videregående skole:
Nora Gansmoe Arntsen
Amalie Sofie Nygård Henriksen
Vivian Emily Hoff
Miriam Ramou Høgsæt Jaiteh
Alexandra Maria Jones
Mimi Christine Jørstad
Milla Johanne Jørstad
Lina Victoria Ingdal Kolstad
Pernille Lebesby Markussen
Julie Horn Sivertsen
Sofie Skarstad
Marie Agate Støver
Nora Thrana-Isaksen
Kari Aurora Åseng
Recording choir:
Vocal artEnsemble YlajaliBodøoktetten
Choir conductor/producer:
Mikael Rönnberg
Conductor, performance choir:
Marit Emilie Meidelsen Øvrebø
Partners:
Nordland teater
Edelfarm
Gunvald Johansen
Master Stillas
Rambøll
Løvold Solution
Ramirent
Bodø Havn
Trondheim Lyd
Sparebank 1 Nord-Norge Samfunnsløftet
Bodø Energi
留言