jaja architects: the landscape loop

‘the landscape loop’ by jaja architects, andalsnes, norway images courtesy of jaja architects

copenhagen-based studio, jaja architects have designed ‘the landscape loop’ an urban renewal plan which won the young firm a shared first prize in the idea competition for the development of andalsnes in norway. the proposal aims to generate a new master plan which incorporates the local landscape into the city. awarded for its’ concise concept and analytic approach, the project remains contextually relevant, while exploring the town’s potential.

the development emphasizes, improves and connects the indigenous characteristics of andalsnes in to one coherent entity. the new urban spaces – divided into programs – wrap around the edges of the town, to create a loop, establishing natural connections between inner core and the landscape.

surrounded by fjords and mountains, the small town of 3,000 locals, attracts thousands of tourists every summer. however, despite the flow of people and natural surroundings, the town itself remains a relatively monotonous place. given that the majority of citizens live outside of the center, the town becomes deserted once shops and galleries have closed for the day. tourists, who are arriving on cruise ships, often regard andalsnes as a pit stop between their last journey and their next.

(left) the loop / blue and green landscape (center) town center (right) network

intended as a means of re-introducing nature into the urban environment, the ‘loop’ acts as the city’s backdrop, providing locals and tourists with constant proximity to the surrounding landscape. the ‘blue landscape’ reacts to the fjords and mountainous surroundings of the town, located on the shores of the romsdalsfjord close to where the isfjorden begins. the ‘green landscape’ encircles the southern part of the town, situated furthest away from the fjords. together, the loop defines the town center, framing its development and forming a coherent urban space, offering new recreational and cultural activities that encourage public life. new pedestrian and bike paths, in combination with the existing ones, create a complex system of connections to promote a more safe and healthy town.

fjord promenad is part of the ‘blue landscape’

private and abandoned buildings, perched at the waters’ edge currently create an undefined area, leaving it uninviting and ignored. the new ‘maritime cluster house’ is one of many locations, where inhabitants of the city, can get closer to the water.

fjord promenad site map

harbor front is part of the ‘blue landscape’

harbor front site map

varde plaza is part of the ‘blue landscape’

varde plaza site map

harbor park is part of the ‘green landscape’

the new ‘fjord bath and harbor park’ becomes an inviting place, situated between the water and the city. here, industrial and natural landscapes merge together to give birth to a new urban space.

harbor park site map

handletunet is part of the ‘green landscape’

in a three layer complex, the ‘handletunet’ merges indoor and outdoor shopping complexes. on ground level, the shops are realized through small buildings, appropriate to the environmental scale surrounding it, while the levels below consist of more conventional indoor shopping areas.

handletunet site map

rail park is part of the ‘green landscape’

located near the train tracks, at the most southern edge of the development, the area uses old train cars and shipping containers into galleries, workshops and exhibition spaces.

rail park site map, part of the ‘green landscape’