Semester/year: Autumn 2010 Course: Urban design - The Scandinavian City
Teachers: Peter Hemmersam, Johanne Borthne
According to statistics, Oslo has a population growth rate of 2 % and if we maintain this rate the population of greater Oslo is likely to double within 50 years - resulting in 1.5 million new citizens. Expanding into Marka may not be a favourable option due to the quality of life and identity that Marka gives to the city. To accommodate the general population growth in the capital area, Hønefoss is established as an extention of Oslo. A highspeed train could bring a passenger from Oslo to Hønefoss in 10 minutes, making Hønefoss as accessible as any other central parts of the capital. In a temporal perspective Oslo and Hønefoss will appear as one city, yet spatially they would be completely disconnected with Marka separating the two.
Research made in the fingerplan of copenhagen shows that enterprise development within 600 meters, the workers will favour public transportation. The plan also sets out to densify areas within a 1200 meter radius from the station to create a strong city centre. These numbers are applied to Hønefoss and lay the foundation for an outline of the city wherein growth will be directed.This promotes public transportation and validates the development of the highspeed train. The plan strengthens the urban quality of the city centre while at the same time preserving the remoteness of the surroundings. Contrasting urban development with recreational areas can enhance the identity of both. Most importantly it will offer a city-life different from what Oslo has to offer. The border condition where the built and the unbuilt meet could create unexpected meetings. In a natural milieu, there is no such thing as a definite border. Fluids, nutrients, wildlife and pollutants will cross manmade or natural borders. If the border is then rather considered as a filter where certain processess and activities are slowed down, it opens up for a multitude of designs where complexity is embraced in the search for the unexpected meetings.
The project was awarded Lavenergiprogrammet's prize for sustainability and energy efficiency in architecture at AHOWORKS autumn 2010.
The jury, consisting of architects Henriette Salvesen (Div. A arkitekter), Erik Vitanza (Snøhetta) oand Børre Skodvin (AHO) gave the following statement: ”The project is chosen in the sustainable category because it attempts to deal with the issue of location, a prime issue as far as sustainability is concerned according to the jury. The project clearly shows how available brownfield sites in Hønefoss can be developed using different, relevant typologies for each area. Only when new buildings are located in a sustainable manner, that is using existing infrastructure and limiting the need for travelling, can one fully achieve sustainability. We take it for granted that in addition every project is area effecient and is based on technically sustainable principles, use of materials and detailing”.
Pictures:
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Picture 1
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The overall plan
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Plan of the development in Hønefoss, red areas are design prop
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Picture 2
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Exhibition
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Plan and drawings in the exhibition
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Picture 3
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Slope houses
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The contrast between the built and the unbuilt, or culture and nature, is exaggerated with this housing project
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Picture 4
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Station
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The new station has a roof that serves as a park and a natural amphitheatre
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Picture 5
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Early thoughts
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Collage showing our idea of a strong contrast between the built and the unbuilt
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