Erlend Blakstad Haffner, is a founder of CHAP. In partnership with Sir Peter Cook and Branko Belacevic, they are aligning their perspectives to pioneer groundbreaking architectural solutions, notably exemplified in their contribution to The Line in NEOM, Saudi Arabia.
Haffner’s architectural journey commenced with the establishment of the traveling studio, Fantastic Norway, housed in a distinctive bright red caravan, symbolizing profound engagement. The co-creation of “Håkon & Haffner’s Building Blocks” from 2010 to 2011, a prime-time TV show, aimed to elevate architecture in public interest.
A defining moment unfolded post-2011 Utøya attack, where Haffner played a pivotal role in the island’s reconstruction, transforming it into a symbol of international solidarity over a decade.
His design acumen, marked by awards such as the Mies Van der Rohe Prize nomination, the gold medal in “The Iakov Chernikohov International Architectural Prize,” and the “FAD Medal of Honor,” is evident in a portfolio delicately balancing heritage preservation with sensory experiences.
CHAP prioritizes environmental sensitivity in diverse projects, integrating green building techniques and renewable energy systems for ecological impact minimization. CHAPs innovative initiatives, and unwavering commitment, leaves an enduring legacy, harmonizing innovation, sustainability, and cultural sensitivity in the architectural realm.