Arne Korsmo

Biography

Arne Korsmo grew up in Oslo and took his final exams during 1920. He earned a diploma from the architectural line of the Norwegian Institute of Technology in 1926. He practiced with some of Oslo's leading architects including Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson. During 1926–27, Korsmo worked at Bryn and Ellefsen's architectural office, where he first came into contact with modernism. In 1928, Korsmo started his own practice with architect, Sverre Aasland (1899–1989). Korsmo drew plans for 50 villas, several of which are regarded as masterpieces of Norwegian functionalism. Several of his villas were designed and built in the years while he was in partnership with Sverre Aasland.

From 1935, Korsmo lectured at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry in Oslo and was professor at the Norwegian Institute of Technology. At the same time he worked as an architect and designer, often with his second wife, designer Grete Prytz Kittelsen. Among his central mission was Norway's pavilion at the Exposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques dans la Vie Moderne (1937) and arranging Norway's participation in Milan X Triennale (1954).

In 1950, Korsmo was asked by Swiss art historian, Sigfried Giedion to lead the Norwegian group of Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne. The group, which was named PAGON (Progressive Architects Group Oslo, Norway), had the goal of implementing and promoting modern architecture.

Arne Korsmo received the Sundt Prize (Sundts premie) (1933) and Houen Foundation award (Houens fonds diplom) (1937 with Sverre Aasland) and (1939) for the Havna Housing Development. In 1939, he was knighted with the French Legion of Honor. At the Triennale in Milan, he won the (1954) Grand Prix and a gold medal and (1957) silver medal. He was honored with a memorial exhibition at the Henie-Onstad Art Centre (1972).

Notable works