Aker Solutions to Open Technology Experience Centre in Oslo (Norway)

Aker Solutions will open a new 2 000 square-metre technology experience centre in Oslo, Norway by April 2012. The centre aims to demonstrate the art of engineering at its best, and show how science subjects contribute towards the development of technology and what this means to society as a whole.

The technology experience centre, with the current working title of Engineering Expo, is part of a new large scale construction project in Fornebu outside Oslo. The new offices occupy the K2 lot and are in close proximity to the Aker Solutions headquarters. The Engineering Expo complex will also house a new hotel and conference centre operated by Nordic Choice Hotels, which will be called Quality Hotel Expo.

A unique collaboration is planned between the hotel and the Engineering Expo. The partnership is the first of its kind in Norway, where a technology experience centre and a hotel plus conference centre closely cooperate to offer many exciting opportunities.

“When we started planning the new building complex, we identified an opportunity to tell a story about engineering and technology development to a broad audience,” says EVP Communications in Aker Solutions, Geir Arne Drangeid (image), who adds that the centre is for all age groups.

Exciting meeting space

The Engineering Expo intends to become a meeting place for the petroleum industry, educational institutions and the general public. The centre is being developed in close cooperation with local secondary schools, industry organisations and technology companies. The Engineering Expo will focus on the themes: technology and innovation, energy and the environment, and the oil and gas industry’s social development role.

“The increase in prosperity we have experienced in Norway and other countries would not have been possible without the technological development of the oil industry. The Engineering Expo aims to tell the story about the Norwegian and international oil and gas adventure, while providing our customers and employees with innovative working methods to solve tomorrow’s challenges,” says Drangeid.

Science subjects

By showing how engineers utilise textbook theory during their working-day, and demonstrating the breadth of an engineer’s duties and responsibilities, the objective is to motivate more school children to choose science subjects at school, and later gain an engineering degree.

“The oil industry’s engineers are amongst the most capable in the world. They solve huge tasks, develop solutions and technologies, and execute projects for customers all over the world. We intend to show school children, through our own educational set-up, an insight into the many opportunities that arise if they choose science subjects,” concludes Drangeid.

Facts about Engineering Expo

* Offers a 2020 square metre large exhibition area, including a wide range of interactive installations, historical models, a 3D visualisation centre, and an amphitheatre with opportunities for film recording and display.

* The comlex opens in April 2012 and is being built by Aker Solutions in Fornebu, Norway.

* Will be open to the general public, including Quality Hotel Expo and conference guests

* Cafe and restaurant facilities on site

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Source: Aker Solutions, March 24, 2011;