Supervisors: Christian Hermansen, Anders Oskar Kaag Fredriksen & Mats A. Larsen
Has modern day living become too organized? Do inner city kids and youth have enough freedom in their physical surroundings? Is it possible to dedicate a lot of time to unorganized sports and activities if living in the city centre? These were some of the questions I asked myself while working on the diploma project. It looks to create an urban hangout spot for street based activities and sports in the centre of Oslo.
The central cross shaped path is elevated in relation to the activities which are sunken down. This artificial topography creates a hierarchy and subdivides the plaza into smaller areas and zones. By manipulating the section there is no need for fences or walls. The goal is to create the sense of one big plaza, but at the same time dividing it into smaller and distinct parts where each group can establish their own culture. Storm water management has been translated into a design feature and used as a structuring element. The artificial topography establishes a heavy and robust base on which a lighter colonnade sits.
The colonnade runs along the perimeter of the plaza. It offers shelter from rain, but the main function is to establish a buffer zone between the plaza and the city Around. The threshold provided by the colonnade adds a certain degree of protection both physically and physiologically for the users while still offering glimpses for the passers bye to what is going on in the plaza. A shop, a restaurant and public toilets are also found in the colonnade. The structure is covered by an inverted roof with wild grass on top. The green roof offers a garden to the neighbouring buildings overlooking the plaza.