Knut Hamsun Centre

He traveled to Hamarøy and made a watercolour of the centre's design that looks quite similar to the building today.

Holl was inspired by the Hamarøy nature and scenery, by Norwegian building tradition with stave churches and sod roofs, and by Hamsun's literature—especially the early works Hunger (1890) and Mysteries (1892).

[3] The buildings' design has generated considerable attention and debate, and the Knut Hamsun Centre has received several national and international architecture awards.

[4] Holl originally wanted the centre to be built close to Hamsun's childhood home in Hamsund, but local authorities moved it 5 km east, to Presteid, where Knut Hamsun spent a significant part of his childhood with his uncle.

The building process was delayed due to a long-time struggle with local red tape.