Bergen Camping Culture House by locallll: Revitalizing Historic Architecture into a Vibrant Cultural Hub

Breathing New Life into Bergen’s Historic Heart

Architecture studio locallll has masterfully transformed a historic concrete building in the center of Bergen into the Bergen Camping Culture House, a dynamic venue where mini-golf, culinary experiences, and performing arts merge seamlessly. This project reimagines the building as an open, inclusive cultural space, reconnecting it with the city's vibrant street life while honoring its rich history.

Originally designed by architect Egill Reimers in 1920, the building has hosted a variety of functions, including bakery headquarters, offices, small shops, and social services. The latest transformation brings new energy to a historic site, making the past visible while inviting the public to enjoy social and spatial experiences.

“The goal was to bring new energy to a place already full of stories. We wanted the history to be visible, not erased,” says Elida Mosquera, partner at locallll.

Innovative Interior Design and Playful Spatial Experiences

locallll led the architecture, interior design, and bespoke furniture design, collaborating closely with the building owner and local heritage authorities. The design celebrates the building’s structural character, integrating level changes, exposed materials, and color to create a lively and engaging interior.

In the basement, the team developed an immersive mini-golf experience across multiple rooms, using the building’s existing structural walls and levels to create unexpected visual connections. A landscape-inspired island winds through the space, featuring grass-covered surfaces, soft lighting, and aluminum elements, blending the golf course into a new interior terrain.

“Rather than simplifying the building, we embraced its complexity to craft playful and engaging experiences,” explains the team.

The Heart of the Venue: A Glass-Covered Courtyard

A newly opened courtyard, once unused, now forms the social and spatial centerpiece of the building. Covered with glass, it floods the interior with natural daylight and connects the bar, bistro, and stage area on the ground floor.

“The courtyard ties the program together and gives the place a unique identity,” says Jerome Picard, partner at locallll.

Materials and Atmosphere

The design balances raw structural elements with tactile, sustainable finishes. Acoustic ceilings and recycled paper wall coverings contrast with exposed brick and concrete. Reflective surfaces and warm lighting add depth and softness, while custom furniture reinforces the architectural concept and strengthens the building’s identity.

“Materials needed to be tactile and engaging while amplifying the building’s raw character,” Jerome adds.

A Cultural Landmark for Bergen

Bergen Camping Culture House exemplifies how historic buildings can be revitalized into modern cultural hubs, combining architecture, interior design, and urban activation. The project showcases locallll’s expertise in blending heritage with innovation, creating spaces that are social, playful, and visually captivating.

All Photographs are works of Ben Speck