It's usually function before form when it comes to passports.
But the new design for the Norwegian passport is both beautiful and a practical government document. The government recently asked designers to submit concepts for a redesigned passport; Neue Design Studio won with its concept titled "The Norwegian landscape."
Norwegian officials wanted to find a unique concept of high quality that was both "appropriate and functional," according to Neue Design Studio, so they asked designers to submit ideas in a contest to decide the next passport design.
The jury chose the landscape motif because it represents the Norwegian identity while also being distinctive, saying the design will be relevant for years into the future.
"The design is attractive and stylish, the colors are subtle and abstraction of landscape is exciting," the jury said in its decision. "The proposal seems to be designed with great emphasis on the function of passports and ID cards... The concept is the competition's most stylish solution... The jury appreciates the simplicity of the solution. "
The design on the inside features a minimalist vista with mountains and water; the designers said that nature "has always been an essential part of the Norwegian identity and tradition."
The design isn't as simplistic as it looks, though. Under ultraviolet light, the daytime landscape changes to nighttime:
Neue Design Studio will be working with Norway's National Police Directorate to incorporate complicated passport security requirements with the minimal concept, according to The Guardian. There is no rollout date yet.