The New Norwegian Banknotes

Graphic design work during my employment at Snøhetta.
In 2014, The Central Bank of Norway appointed Snøhetta to develop the design proposal for one of the sides of its new paper currency, where I was one of the lead designers creating concept, design and later on the release exhibition of the new Norwegian banknotes. I also followed the further development of the banknotes in collaboration with the Norwegian Bank until final solution.

The concept of the design explores the beauty of boundaries of the characteristic Norwegian coastline – the boundaries between sea and land, between land and air and between air and sea. By linking the coastline metaphor with a graphical expression inspired by ancient mosaic artefacts of colored glass or stone, the design has translated this analogue art form into the mosaics of our time: the pixels. In this sense, the design represents boundaries as a travel in time: a travel between old and new, past and present. Creating motives connected to the Norwegian coastline along the horizon on the banknotes. 

Photo: Calle Huth
Client: Norges Bank – The Central Bank of Norway

The length of the pixels varies from each specific banknote. The length of the pixels are defined through the Beaufort scale which measures wind speed. On the 50 kroner note the wind is gentle and does not travel far per measured second. Therefore the pixels are short and dense. While the underlying waves are still and long – almost not moving in the subtle wind. The strength of the wind builds up through each note and on the 1000 kr note the wind is blowing full storm. Creating lively waves in the pattern and the pixels are long, since the wind can travel further per second.

The banknotes release exhibition

For the release of the banknotes an exhibition with the purpose to inform, enlighten and evoke enthusiasm over the new design, were set up in an large harbour hangar just at the shorefront in Oslo. The exhibition had focus on the new security elements and the history of the Norwegian coastlife, conveyed on the banknotes.

Each banknote is built up in many layers of information and high tec print techniques that is split up into three layers and printed and foliated on both sides of large glass plates. When you are standing in front of them you see the whole banknote while moving to the sides you can see each specific detail of the banknote design and its most important elements. On the frame holding the glass there is an information board with illustrations explaining the different elements of the new banknote design, together with a recessed genuine banknote.

The exhibition contained animated films and static boards that could be dismantled and moved to other locations in the country, creating a flexible and movable exhibition.

The three animations were displayed on plates in the ratio of the 50, 500 and 1000 banknotes, hanging from the roof during the exhibition. Showing the layers of the banknotes while highlighting the security elements to be aware of. Made by Racecar.