Utopic.
a creative studio specializing in
small-scale architecture and urban processes with a public impact.
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Utopic listed among the 10 foremost young practices in Norway
Utopic has been listed as one of the 10 foremost architecture practices with partners aged 35 or younger by the Norwegian Review of Architecture. The jury highlighted our cross-disciplinary approach, innovative ways of operating, and strong focus on co-creation.
Read more here.
Laugaren unveils new sauna
Today, Laugaren unveiled the design for its next sauna. Designed by Bjørnar Skaar Haveland and Ingeborg Katie Åtland, with illustrations by Skera Figura, and developed alongside volunteers from the association, the new sauna is designed to push the limits for events held within the sauna itself. A twisting roof structure creates an iconic form—a surface for light reflecting off the waves to play upon—while providing a heightened ceiling for the event space. With room for 40–50 people, it will also be one of the world’s largest floating saunas.
Kos sauna opens!
Kos is a spacious and generous sauna located just a few hours north of New York City, floating on the pristine Saratoga Lake. Utopic is involved as both the architectural designer and a partner in operations, strategy, and community building.
With large, bright spaces, the gentle rocking of the waves, and panoramic views of the lake, it is designed to lower the threshold for people who have never tried winter swimming or a sauna before. It creates a connection to nature that few, if any, other US saunas can provide. The sauna room, the architecture, and the community-focused operations are based on years of experience running community saunas in Norway.
Utopic presents at the World Expo in Osaka
This week, Utopic was invited by DOGA and Nordic Circle to present and participate in the panel discussions for the Nordic Day of Architecture at the Nordic Pavilion during the World Expo in Osaka.
Can saunas make better communities?
Bjørnar Skaar Haveland, co-hosted and participated in a panel discussion at Arendalsuka 2025 asking how saunas can help make better communities.
Utopic presenting at Fensdagene
Yesterday, Bjørnar had the honor of presenting how the early integration of architecture and landscape expertise through Europan is a critical part of ensuring that the development of the mine and mineral park at Fensfeltet benefits the local population.
At Fensdagene, a "battle of interests" is taking place on an open stage, where neighbors, researchers, environmentalists, youth, mining companies, politicians, and technology firms meet to present their concerns and visions for the future.
In the looming trade war, Rare Earth Elements (REEs) have gained a critical geopolitical role, and the pressure to develop Europe's largest deposit at Fensfeltet in Telemark is enormous.
Architecture has a key role both in enabling the vision of a "green mineral park"—by giving form and spatial concepts to the idea—and in illustrating both consequences and opportunities, thereby facilitating a more informed conversation about the impacts.
Sauna podcast: Badstuprat
Listen to Bjørnar and the General Secretary of the Norwegian Sauna Society discuss Bjørnar’s unique community and architectural approach to saunas and non-profits. The podcast is, of course, recorded in the sauna!
Listen here.