the building blocks of the statsbygg symbolic key assembled in various shapes

Building blocks

Upon completion of new or rehabilitated buildings, Statsbygg, a public Norwegian enterprise, presents the users with a ‘symbolic key’.

BACKGROUND

Statsbygg is a public enterprise that initiates and implements the Norwegian Parliament’s state constructions. Upon completion of new or rehabilitated buildings, Statsbygg presents the users with a ‘symbolic key’. The purpose of this key is to create a sense of pride with the recipient, whilst also making Statsbygg evident as the sender.

SOLUTION

At any construction site, there is always leftover building material. Material residue that can be ennobled and reused. We wanted these residues – the essence of every unique project – to function as building blocks for the new symbolic key. Each key consists of two, or more blocks. The blocs are embedded with magnets at each end, allowing you to build a key by attaching one block on top of another. With a variety of shapes and materials, it provides you with a range of combination possibilities, creating a new and unique piece each time.

a closeup of some of the assembled symbolic keys from statsbygg

the building blocks of the statsbygg symbolic key in its wooden casing
various versions of the statsbygg symbolic key assembled showing some of the possible final shapes

the wooden casing with two assembled versions of the statsbygg symbolic key
an animation showing the building blocks of the statsbygg symbolic key assembled