I design and build authentic sauna experiences that act as catalysts for community, fostering well-being and genuine human connection.
About Bjørnar
Bjørnar Haveland is an award-winning architect and the driving force behind Laugaren, Bergen's acclaimed community-built floating sauna. He is now taking this concept to the US as the designer of Kos, a new floating sauna launching in Upstate New York. His work, recognized with national awards and informed by his leadership role at Europan Norway, positions him as a leading expert on creating socially vibrant and economically viable wellness spaces.
News
My projects
I work to make beautiful and equitable places, and do so from various angles: From Large scale urban planning, grassroot community organizing, to creative design work.
Utopic. is an architecture practice based in Norway specializing in saunas, and other community minded architectural projects, as well as participatory processes and urban studies.
Laugaren is a community sauna in Bergen - a non-profit association that strives to make sauna, community and the seafront more accessible. With more than 1000 members and a 100 volunteer sauna masters, Laugaren represents one of the largest and most vibrant sauna communities in Norway. Bjørnar is the cofounder and works as the organization’s leader. Read more at laugaren.no
Europan Norway is a non-profit foundation working to foster innovative urban planning and create opportunities for young architects. Bjørnar serves as the General Secretary of Europan Norway. Read more at europan.no
Why sauna and wellness?
My work is centered on the sauna because it is where architecture and community-building meet most powerfully. As an architect, I design saunas to be accessible public spaces that invite people in. But my role doesn't stop at the door. As a community organizer, I am present in these spaces, helping to manage and nurture the culture from the ground up. This integrated approach ensures the physical space and the social fabric grow together, creating places that are not only well-designed but truly alive.
What I can help with:
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Talks and workshops
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Community organizing
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Design and build
Bjørnar Haveland is an award-winning Norwegian architect and urbanist pioneering the future of social wellness. He is the visionary behind Laugaren, Bergen's acclaimed floating sauna that has become a vibrant community hub and cultural arena. By leading this grassroots project from initial concept through its volunteer-led construction and ongoing operation, Bjørnar has developed a unique expertise that goes far beyond conventional architecture.
His work on Laugaren has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the DOGA Award for Design and Architecture and being named Norway's Sauna of the Year. He is now bringing this successful vision to an international stage as the designer of Kos, a new floating sauna inspired by the Norwegian sauna scene, set to launch in Upstate New York.
As the General Secretary for Europan Norway, Bjørnar is deeply engaged in fostering innovative urban solutions across Europe. Through his practice, Utopic AS, he now channels this unique synthesis of design expertise, community engagement, and operational insight to help partners worldwide conceptualize, design, and launch successful sauna ventures that foster both well-being and genuine human connection.
