Snøhetta launches independent foundation for education, public dialogue and open knowledge

Snøhetta announces the launch of Snøhetta Foundation, an independent non-profit organisation established to advance education, public dialogue and open knowledge through architecture, design and public art.

The Library of Alexandria. Photo courtesy of Snøhetta

The Foundation builds on nearly four decades of Snøhetta’s humanistic approach to social and environmental sustainability, inclusive design and knowledge-sharing. Its work is grounded in the Nordic model and the principles of Our Common Future, the landmark 1987 UN report that helped define sustainable development.

The Foundation’s work is structured around three core fields: Education, Public Dialogue and Open Knowledge which includes several programmes, partnerships and public activities:

Through Sensing Space, the Foundation develops educational activities using movement, language, craft and embodied learning to strengthen spatial literacy. The programme explores spatial relationships, building on Snøhetta’s understanding of architecture as the art of prepositions – under, over, between, through, towards – and translates these ideas into workshops, masterclasses and learning formats for children, students, professionals and educators.

The Foundation will also host a programme of lectures called the Rethinking Series – a joint initiative by the Snøhetta Foundation and Humane Urbanism. Bringing together architects, artists, researchers, peacebuilders, and civic actors, the series explores urgent spatial and societal challenges. Through conversations and lectures, it examines how architecture, design, and public art can foster dialogue, build trust, promote equality, and support processes of rebuilding and belonging.

One of the Foundation’s first major international initiatives is Rethinking Rebuilding 2026, a three-day symposium and educational programme taking place from 11 – 13 October October in Alexandria, Egypt. Developed in collaboration with the Library of Alexandria and a broad network of partners, the programme asks how rebuilding after conflicts or natural distasters can be re-humanised – not only as a technical task of reconstruction, but as a civic, cultural and educational process rooted in dignity, memory, trust and participation.

Learnings and insight from all activities will be shared through an open source knowledge platform for a wider audience.

Live, learn and connect through space

“Architecture has always been more than buildings. It is a way of making relationships visible – between people, place, nature and society.”

“Architecture has always been more than buildings. It is a way of making relationships visible – between people, place, nature and society. The Foundation allows us to continue this work in a new form, dedicated to education, open exchange and the common good," says Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, co-founder of Snøhetta and founding member of the Snøhetta Foundation.

At a time of climate strain, social division and declining trust, Snøhetta Foundation works with educators, architects, designers, artists, students, communities and institutions to explore how architecture, design and art shape how we live, learn and connect through space.

The Foundation will collaborate internationally with like-minded institutions, schools, universities, cultural organisations, public agencies, foundations and communities internationally. Its ambition is to increase the understanding and use of architecture, design and public art as tools for education, participation and societal resilience.

“The Snøhetta Foundation gives permanence to a belief that has shaped our practice from the beginning. Design becomes meaningful when it helps people understand where they are, who they are with, and what they can build together,” says Craig Dykers, co-founder of Snøhetta and founding member of the Foundation.

An Independent Foundation

While founded by Snøhetta, the Foundation operates independently from the architecture and design practice. The Foundation is headquartered in Oslo and governed by an independent Board of Directors chaired by Stephan L. Jervell, with Kjetil Trædal Thorsen and Craig Dykers as founding members. Martin Gran transitions from his role as partner at Snøhetta to become Managing Director of the Foundation. An international advisory board will bring together perspectives from architecture, design, culture, education, philanthropy, academia and human rights.

“Snøhetta Foundation is a public-good platform. Our task is to turn spatial knowledge into shared learning – through children’s workshops, masterclasses, symposia, archives and partnerships that make architecture and design more accessible, more useful and more civic,” says Martin Gran, Managing Director of Snøhetta Foundation.

Read more at https://snohetta.foundation