Deona Florenca’s Research Adventure to the Norwegian Scenic Routes
Deona Florenca, Roth Sheppard’s Craft Studio Staff I, had the opportunity to present her research, funded by the Stewardson Keefe Lebrun Travel Grant, at the 30th anniversary of the Norwegian Scenic Routes. The routes are a captivating tourist attraction, consisting of eighteen different byways along Norway’s picturesque coast and mountain ranges. These routes are adorned with breathtaking art, design, and architecture seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape, inviting visitors to embrace nature and discover its wonders.
Deona's fascination with the Norwegian Scenic Routes began when she was introduced to them by a professor at the University of Idaho while studying for her graduate thesis. The poetic approach of the art installations and architecture deeply resonated with her, as she was drawn to the idea of nature as a source of inspiration.
In late 2020, Deona applied for the travel grant through the AIA New York. However, travel challenges in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the grant not being awarded that year. Nevertheless, she remained determined not to miss her opportunity and kept the application tab open on her computer for an entire year. As soon as the application reopened, she promptly applied again.
Finally, in December of 2021, while walking home from work and scrolling through emails on her phone, Deona received the long-awaited award for the travel grant. Overwhelmed with joy, she was honored when she saw her name among the other recipients, including Harvard graduates and architecture firm owners. Excitedly, she immediately called her fiancé to share the good news.
Deona and her fiancé planned to marry in September, which would push her research journey into the late fall. During this time, she would need to consider Norway's harsh weather conditions and potential road closures during her research, so she quickly began making travel arrangements. To make the most of her adventure, she booked a camper van that would serve not only as a means of transportation but also as her lodging.
In Norway, public land belongs to the people, which meant camping was permitted along the routes. This granted Deona the incredible opportunity to dwell in the very environment she was studying during her research. This approach not only offered practicality and convenience but also deepened her connection with the land and the architecture along the routes.
Embarking on their 40-day research adventure in a cozy camper van during late fall, the newlywed couple took on the challenges of van life. The absence of amenities like showers and laundry facilities, and venturing towards the Arctic Circle, Deona and her husband were determined to make the most of their journey.
The ability to be fully immersed in the spaces they visited was an opportunity they wouldn't trade for anything. Van life offered them a unique chance to deepen their research and experience the poetic emotions that they wouldn’t have felt if they had stopped for lodging at a hostile every night.
As they traveled, they observed how others interacted with the sites, noticing intriguing similarities in the architecture that seemed to entice people to stay and dwell for extended periods of time. This, they noticed, was the power of great architecture and art.
Trælvikosen was one of these sites. It is built into a fjord (body of water) along the route and allows one to be immersed in nature. During low tide, 55 steppingstones are visible and accessible for walking. At high tide, they disappear. This was a space that enticed Deona and her husband to linger, waiting for the magic to happen.
Covering more than four thousand miles along the routes, they spent hours at 29 different sites taking in the breathtaking landscape, architecture, and observing how people interacted with their environment.
“Dwelling is the purpose of architecture,” commented Deona. She noted that by dwelling, one is immersed in spaces where architecture can create memorable moments, and at times, cause intense emotions. She experienced this at many of the sites.
Deona's remarkable experience and research earned her an invitation to share her findings at the Norwegian Scenic Route’s 30th-anniversary celebration. Being an American girl who found meaning and inspiration in the project, she felt deeply honored to present to a distinguished audience of Norwegian architects, artists, and members of the Norwegian Tourism Board.
Roth Sheppard is honored to have Deona on the team and admires her goal of creating architecture that moves people. Her research on this project displays her perseverance, passion, and a commitment to exploring the connections between architecture, nature, and human experiences.
