NORWAY. Portland Design has been revealed as the creative force behind HMSHost Umoe F&B Company’s winning tender for Oslo Airport’s new landside food court.

HMSHost Umoe F&B Company, a joint venture between HMSHost International and Umoe Restaurants, was chosen to operate 10 food & beverage outlets in the airport’s Arrivals area.

Portland’s Scandinavian-influenced design comprises a number of key principles. Aiming to achieve Sense of Place, the architecture, design motifs and furniture are said to be not only representative of Oslo but also the wider country and region, drawing on Scandinavia’s strong design heritage.

Digital technology also features strongly in the design, with an animated journey through the forest canopy created when using stairs or the lift. Portland’s intention was to “bring the Norwegian outdoors closer”, while visual backdrops also provide opportunities for social interactions online.

Finally, the differing needs of travellers were considered. Portland said several design features remove points of friction for customers, from “safe and unobtrusive” luggage storage areas to recharge positions for electronic kit and the clear visibility of travel information.

Portland Design CEO Ibrahim Ibrahim said: “We are delighted to be shaping passenger experiences at such an important and expanding airport in the region. In creating a real Sense of Place, the culinary offerings and environment will contribute strongly to the airport’s ambition to become the entry point to Scandinavia.”

He said the company would now combine forces with new parent company Perkins+Will “to offer both commercially successful interior masterplanning and innovative exterior architecture expertise to the aviation market globally”.

HMSHost International CEO Walter Seib commented: “The cooperation with Portland Design resulted in a food court that translates Norway’s zest for life and tradition for ‘Vertskap’ (hosting travellers) into food journeys of discovery, conviviality and fun.”