The ‘Craft of Place’, the first monograph by Mork-Ulnes Architects — an internationally active firm with offices in San Francisco and Oslo — explores the studio’s distinctive approach to architecture and its reinterpretation of regional building traditions. Founded by Casper Mork-Ulnes in 2005, the studio balances Scandinavian pragmatism with Californian creativity and can-do spirit of innovation, creating buildings that blend playfulness and restraint. 

Published in December 2024 by Park Books, this new volume is structured around themes of materials, traditions, sustainability, scale, and light. It showcases Mork-Ulnes Architects’ method of integrating architecture into diverse environments. 

“Grounded in the discrete physical and cultural contexts, our viewpoint is informed by the convergence of the distinct origins where our work takes us. As the geographic areas where we work are expanding, we are challenged to research and explore new and old cultural conditions related to architecture and place. The aesthetic and formal agenda that arises from the negotiation of these often quite different cultural impulses also results in the interplay of restraint and playfulness that can be traced through all of our projects. It is exactly this tension that has come to define our practice,” notes Casper Mork-Ulnes.

Edited by Casper Mork-Ulnes, with contributions by Joseph Becker (Associate Curator of Architecture and Design at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) and Anne Marit Lunde (Oslo-based curator, editor, and writer), The Craft of Place underscores the studio’s dedication to context, local vernacular, and materiality while exploring the interplay between architecture and landscape, tradition and innovation.

“We see great value in studying historic structures,” says Casper Mork-Ulnes, “whether they have been designed by architects or farmers. Vernacular buildings that have developed out of necessity are a physical testament to traditional knowledge, and can still lay the foundation of a construction logic today.”

“Such hand-crafted architecture has apparent, intrinsic material qualities that can create connections across generations and cultures. A deep engagement with material and its traditional use is therefore a central part of our practice. In exploring traditional methods, materials, and forms in new contexts, we are able to create dynamic connections while preserving and learning from the vernacular.”

The beautifully designed and lavishly illustrated volume showcases Mork-Ulnes Architects’ dedication to detail, materials, context, and the evolution of their architecture through a dynamic interplay of tradition and innovation that resonates with the dialogue between different design cultures.

This book marks a significant milestone for Mork-Ulnes Architects, renowned for its ability to interpret evolving environmental conditions through architecture.

Recent standout projects include The Silver Lining House in San Francisco; Octothorpe House in Bend, Oregon (USA); and Skigard Hytte in Kvitfjell, Norway. With this publication, Mork-Ulnes not only shares their established insights but also fosters a broader discourse on place, tectonics, and architectural invention.

MORK-ULNES ARCHITECTS

With offices in San Francisco and Oslo, Mork-Ulnes Architects approaches projects with both Scandinavian practicality and Northern California’s ‘can-do’ spirit of innovation. Rigorous and concept-driven, the practice is based on built work characterized by both playfulness and restraint, and informed by economies of means and materials. Mork-Ulnes Architects have worked on projects ranging in scale from masterplans to 100 square foot cabins, and have realized buildings on 3 continents. Mork-Ulnes Architects has been the recipient of numerous national and international honors, including Architectural Record’s 2015 worldwide Design Vanguard award. They have been nominated for the 2019 and for the 2022 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award. The Craft of Place, Mork-Ulnes Architects’ first monograph, was released by Park Books in December 2024.

Norwegian born, Casper Mork-Ulnes was raised in Italy, Scotland and the United States, which has brought a broad perspective to his eponymous firm’s work. In 2015, Casper was named one of “California’s finest emerging talent” by the American Institute of Architects California Council. He was selected by the Norwegian National Museum as one of “the most noteworthy young architects in Norway” with the exhibit “Under 40. Young Norwegian Architecture 2013.” Casper holds a Master of Architecture from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Architecture from California College of the Arts.

Facts & Credits 
Monograph Title The Craft of Place – Mork-Ulnes Architects
Typology Book 
Published by Park Books (December 2024)
Language English
Page number 1256
Book Format Paperback, 23 x 27 cm
Book author Casper Mork-Ulnes
With contributions from Joseph Becker (Associate Curator of Architecture and Design, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art) and Anne Marit Lunde (curator, editor and writer based in Oslo)

Take a look at Crest guesthouse in Marin County, California by Mork-Ulnes architects, here!


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