Sámediggi - the Sámi parliament

Karasjok, a small town north of the Arctic Circle, is the seat of the Sámediggi, the Parliament of the Norwegian Sámi people. In November 2000, the autonomous government of this people group moved into a new building. The building includes features of their nomadically influenced culture: such as the plenary assembly hall, which is in the form of a tipi.

Many of the representatives participate in the meetings dressed in traditional costume. For the end wall of the plenary assembly hall, the artist Hilde S. Pedersen created a fresco of gold-leaf and cobalt blue enamel.

The parliament naturally includes a lobby as well - a place for informal meetings. The building complex also features offices, party rooms and a library.

Being the typical material of the region, wood dominates the inside of the plenary assembly hall. Directed light from Stella spotlights for halogen lamps brings the surfaces to life and creates a clean, comfortable atmosphere.

An ERCO Controls lighting control system enables different light scenes to be conveniently recalled at the touch of a button, to suit the occasion.

In the lobby areas around the plenary assembly hall, sparingly used accent lighting creates an intimate, warm atmosphere. The 'Kongeskinnet' is particularly highlighted by Castor spotlights. This is the founding document of the Sámi Parliament, signed by King Olaf in 1989, and, in accordance with old custom, stitched onto a reindeer skin.

Lightcast downlights for compact fluorescent lamps provide economical yet comfortable, glare-free light in the parliament's offices and auditoriums.

Opening: November 2000
Total area: 5,300 m²
Costs: 127 million NOK

Further information (English/Norwegian) on the Internet:
www.samediggi.no