haptic + nordic to redesign straume’s urban center in norway

london and oslo-based office haptic in collaboration with nordic office of architecture and gross.max landscape architects have just won the competition to redesign a three-block strip in straume’s urban center. titled ‘from shopping center to city’, the commission from sartor holding called for ‘innovative and flexible solutions’ to reinvent the public square and surrounding area to accommodate a range of events and inject a renewed identity. the assembly of structures are formed to benefit from natural light and allow light to reach the surrounding residential areas, all the while blocking the all-too-common winds that surge through the city.

all images courtesy of haptic / nordic office of architecture / gross.max landscape architects

the two blocks to the south of the central square contain a hotel and mixed-use residential and commercial space, with the most notable feature being the new 13-storey tower housing a library and office space and creating a renewed landmark for the city. each component is also designed to adapt to any use, so that the actual program can be shifted based on client or community needs. phase 1 of the project is scheduled for completion in november of 2014.

pedestrian-friendly walkways through integrated green and commercial zone

as explained by haptic, ‘the scheme is organized around the public square, conceived as a seamless surface that negotiates a substantial level change and incorporates planting, seating and lighting but primarily allows for flexibility in its use. the landscape and its geometry inform the architecture and bleeds into building common areas, creating semi-public spaces.  the large square links to smaller routes and main shopping avenues.  the landscape design places emphasis on intuitive movement across the square and around the active frontages.’

new 13-storey library and office tower

simple material palette following the nordic language

rooftop terrace

location

site plan

green features are found throughout the project

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