Snøhetta is a multidisciplinary design firm renowned for its innovative approaches to architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, graphic design, product design, and more. From the beginning, Snøhetta has focused on creating spaces and objects that improve people’s lives, take care of the environment, and push the boundaries of what design can do. Their projects come to life through teamwork; bringing together architects, designers, researchers, and craftsmen to make work that looks good, works well, and feels meaningful.

Snøhetta’s design philosophy is all about looking at the bigger picture, working together, and planning for the future. They mix traditional skills with modern technology to solve big problems like environmental issues, social inequalities, and health concerns. The firm designs environments that allow people, plants, and animals to coexist harmoniously while minimizing harm to the natural world. As a design form, they have promised to make all their projects carbon neutral within the next 15 years. This aligns with global efforts like the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. Their work is driven by constant research and experimenting with materials, often teaming up with experts and research groups to come up with fresh ideas.

For Snøhetta, sustainability isn’t just one part of their work; it’s a guiding principle that influences everything they do. They view sustainability through multiple perspectives, considering its social, environmental, and economic aspects. By using renewable energy systems, making better use of resources, and adopting regenerative design strategies, Snøhetta builds projects that don’t just avoid harm but actually help heal natural systems. Some of their buildings even produce more energy than they use, and they’ve found ways to cut down on the carbon emissions involved in construction by using new materials and building methods.

One example of their material innovation is Biocrete, a type of carbon-neutral concrete. Snøhetta worked with contractors, researchers, and experts in the biochar industry to create this material. By adding biochar made from wood waste to the concrete, they turned it into a carbon sink. Another example is their Superdupertube lighting project, where they used hemp fiber and sugarcane-based materials to create an eco-friendly alternative to aluminum. These projects show Snøhetta’s commitment to lowering their environmental impact while finding creative and sustainable design solutions.

Snøhetta also brings their focus on sustainability and creativity into their graphic and product design work. For instance, when they redesigned Norway’s national currency, they chose to celebrate the country’s natural beauty instead of using famous people on the banknotes. This new approach connected Norway’s identity to its landscapes. Similarly, when they created a unified visual identity for Norway’s national parks, they made it easier for people to understand and appreciate these natural areas while also helping to protect them.

Snøhetta is great at combining beautiful design with smart technology. For example, in their Superdupertube project, they used biodegradable hemp and sugarcane materials to make a product that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels and can be composted after use. The lamp is also designed to use less energy and last longer, which reduces its environmental impact during its lifetime.

Innovation is a big part of Snøhetta’s success. They are always researching and testing new ideas to find sustainable materials like low-carbon concrete, recycled plastics, responsibly sourced wood, and biodegradable options. By working with experts and institutions, they’ve developed new technologies and methods that can be used across the construction industry, making their work even more impactful. Whether it’s creating energy-positive buildings or finding new ways to use materials, Snøhetta always looks for better solutions.

Beyond their groundbreaking projects, Snøhetta places a strong emphasis on collaboration. Their team is made up of diverse professionals, including architects, designers, craftsmen, and researchers, all working together to achieve shared goals. This collaborative spirit extends to their partnerships with external experts and institutions, allowing them to stay at the forefront of design innovation.

Snøhetta’s work shows how design can help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, like climate change, resource shortages, and social inequalities. Their projects aren’t just functional or pretty to observe, they reflect a commitment to building a better future. By blending innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Snøhetta is redefining what design can achieve and creating a world where people and the environment thrive together.

Ultimately, Snøhetta’s holistic approach to design ensures that their projects resonate on multiple levels. They create spaces and objects that are not only practical but also deeply connected to the people and environments they serve. Whether it’s through groundbreaking material innovation, thoughtful environmental strategies, or fostering connections between people and nature, Snøhetta continues to set a standard for what design can and should be in the modern world.