7. Sketches, concepts and solutions

New solutions

01. Øvre Gaustad

Øvre Gaustad is located close to Nordmarka with a rich nature. This neighbourhood is centered around the hospital and health services, with an emphasis on patients, health and well-being. The nature in this neighbourhood is meditative, healing, lush and green. At the end of Gaustadalléen, which was revitalized a short time ago, an entry square will be established, connecting the different institutions and highlighting the neighbourhood’s identity in Oslo Science City. The neighbourhood is the end point of the new tram line, and for the autonomous bus that goes to Majorstuen. The square provides public functions, entrance areas, programs and open ground floors in the surrounding buildings.

02. Gaustadalléen

Gaustadalléen is transformed into a lively urban street that spans from the dScience Centre, past the Life Science Building and further up to the new, inviting square at Rikshospitalet. At Ring 3, the road will be elevated to cross the ring road. Existing and new buildings are opened at street level. The facades of buildings will improve the quality of the streets and create an urban road that connects the route down to Blindern station.

03. The green belt

In Oslo Science City, we strengthen the continuous green corridor that connects the surrounding nature areas with the city. Here, areas for activity and recreation will be introduced, transforming the green belt into an important attraction for all of Oslo.

04. dScience

Blindern station will become an important hub where we propose the development of the dScience Centre. The building is multifunctional and gives the impression of two separate buildings with the Loop leading right through the centre. In the middle, an outdoor space will be established that may facilitate gatherings and larger events. By integrating the green element as a part of roof spaces and terraces, the building connects the green corridors from north to south. There will be views from the outside that make it possible to follow the activities of research and innovation actors inside the building.

05. Oslo Sustainability Centre

The present buildings for chemistry and mathematics have a key position in the Loop and the central area in Oslo Science City. The buildings are also located right on the Blindern axis that connects the campus to the green belt that stretches to Majorstua and further on to Frognerparken. We propose transforming these iconic buildings into a strong and multifunctional research and exhibition area for climate, energy and the environment. With their key position to the park in the south and the Loop in the north, we suggest opening the central intersection to the public, bringing the green elements into the centre. Buildings and outside spaces are transformed into exhibition areas and restaurants. Educational pavilions reach out into the park. Here, it will also be possible to arrange activities that promote future sustainability and innovation.

06. Active park

We propose a pulsating and actively programmed park that connects the university and the new Marienlyst-development with Majorstua-lokket, the area that will be freed up for development once Majorstuen station is placed underground. The park may exploit connections with Chateau Neuf and will provide areas for music and events.

07. Ring 3

By lowering the road at parts of Ring 3 so that pedestrians, cyclists and the tram can cross over, the overall coherence of the area will be improved, both with regards to buildings, traffic solutions and green corridors. This presupposes that it is possible to reduce the on-and-off ramp to Ring 3 to a simple, compact roundabout. The transformation happens gradually by first building multiple broad crossings over Ring 3. Within 2045, we propose that a larger part of Ring 3 is put underground to free up land for new urban development, remove physical barriers and strengthen the green corridors through the area.

08. Campus Ullevål

By connecting and downscaling Sognsveien, across Ring 3, we can create a green urban space that connects the neighbourhoods on each side. The urban space between the new NGI development and Ullevaal stadium is developed with urban space functions, unifying urban space design and a reduction in traffic passing through the area. At the same time, a new tram loop is established around Ullevål and Sognsveien 80, ending at the hospital. This expands public transport options in the area and connects it more closely with the rest of Oslo and Oslo Science City.

09. Oslo Science City station

At Oslo Science City station, a strong traffic hub will be established, connecting metro and tram lines, autonomous public transport options and a knowledge-based commercial district with high density and an urban character. Oslo Science City station will be developed with high towers on each side of the tracks, with a joint floor and ground level.

10. House of Democracy and open square

At the intersection of the connecting street towards Oslo Science Park, we find the House of Democracy and the open square. It is located in the middle of the central area. Here, a new multifunctional innovation hub with research on societal innovation, democratic development and inclusion is being planned. At the same time, a new square will be established to gather people for open debates, political events, cultural events, professional gatherings and more.

11. Frederikkeplassen

Frederikke square will be turned into a playful and lively urban area. By the activities will be drawn outside and become more visible. By working with the square’s topography, we can open up premises that have earlier been at basement level into open facades with daylight and accessibility for all. The height difference will result in a more intimate experience of the space, while the open space will also be preserved for larger gatherings of people and bigger events.

12. Mobility

Each trip can be tailor-made with seamlessly integrated, shared, safe and practical mobility solutions. This can be achieved by developing mobility solutions such as bicycle sharing, micro mobility, electric car sharing in addition to public transport options. With public transport becoming increasingly autonomous, the range of services can be improved and new services for transport on demand taken into use. There will be more frequent departures and more routes, which will provide better connections both within the area and the rest of the city. An autonomous bus route will be established that acts as a horizontal “elevator” to connect different areas in Oslo Science City and makes it easy to change between different modes of transport. The public transport system with the metro, tram and heavily used bus routes will continue to be important in servicing large travel flows in a way that does not take up unnecessary space.

13. Campus Radiumhospitalet

Today, there is a strong innovation park being developed with close links to Radiumhospitalet. In time, the existing concept will generate a strong presence of Big Pharma, more research activity, space for companies that outgrow the incubator, more teaching, science hotels, etc. Currently, Campus Radiumhospitalet lacks proper “urban life” and needs more meeting places. In our concept, this is solved through efficient mobility solutions.

Phases in the development of the area

Already today, there are several development plans in Oslo Science City. Key projects such as the Life Science Building have already started up. Through a mapping of available sites in Oslo Science City, it has been defined where the largest potential for development is located, and how quickly this development may evolve.

Transformation into a new and vibrant district

Oslo Science City has a unique location in walking distance from the city centre of Oslo, and in direct access to 430 km2 of nature areas in Nordmarka. The district is large and can accommodate major development projects. There are land areas that can be developed with both urban and green qualities.

The University of Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, SINTEF, NGI, Oslo Science Park, Oslo Cancer Cluster, the enterprises in the district, start-ups, a number of research institutes and knowledge-based organizations create critical mass as a basis for further development. The innovation district represents a unique opportunity to weave the business community and various functions of urban life together with strong knowledge communities in a compact district.

Sustainability: 10 ambitions

Oslo Science City must build on sustainability principles along all paths and dimensions. We have established 10 ambitions for sustainable development in Oslo Science City. These ambitions have been defined through a comprehensive co-creation process with those who work in Oslo Science City on matters of sustainability. The ambitions must be further developed, to provide a common ambition and something to aspire to. The recommendations may function as a basis for the development of sustainability criteria for those located in the area.

01.

Contribute to the development of an innovation district adapted to a changing climate. The area must withstand future climate change, and the impact of climate must be handled in a way that makes Oslo Science City an area that is safe to work and move around in. Solutions should be developed on nature’s terms, buildings must be resilient, and surface water will be treated as a resource in our green and recreation areas.

02.

Work to reach the goal of becoming a zero-emission area. Our objective is to reduce direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. To create a zero-emission area, we must invest in energy efficiency and local energy production. We need to see the buildings in a holistic perspective and have good zero-emission solutions in all development phases of the area. It should for example be easy to choose zero-emission solutions in the construction process, the operational phase and when selecting materials. It must also be easy to make emission-free choices with regards to transport and mobility solutions both to and from and within the area. It should be attractive to walk or cycle.

03.

Take circular economy principles into use in all activities. We must think and act according to these principles when developing the innovation district into an integrated part of the City of Oslo’s climate strategy. By collaborating, we will establish circular processes at all stages in the innovation district with regards to both physical and consumption-related solutions. Upcycling, re-use, reparations, local production, reduced use of disposable items and less food waste will contribute to developing new services, a good selection of locally and regionally sourced products and inclusive meeting places in the urban environment.

04.

Share resources, on an individual and collective level. Both knowledge, data, assets, spaces, costs and services must be included in the development of new sharing solutions in the district. We want to improve access to shared solutions within mobility, technical installations, digital solutions, office and laboratory facilities, auditoriums, cafeterias, lobbies and other common areas.

05.

Preserve nature, existing buildings and resources. We want to preserve as much as possible, and it should always be considered whether it is possible to achieve better utilization of existing buildings and infrastructure, as well as preservation of nature, before development on open plots is started or buildings are demolished. Active transformation of existing structures, onfill and infill, as well as re-use of masses, materials, constructions and organic resources must be part of the solution. New measures must be adaptable, environmentally friendly and re-usable.

06.

Provide good access to green areas and public spaces that promote recreation, public health and biological diversity. The development must be in line with Oslo’s principles on Blue Green Factor (BGF) and promote the establishment of contiguous blue green areas that function as inclusive public spaces and do not result in exclusion. The green areas will preserve and strengthen habitats that are meaningful and functional for all that lives. Nature and park areas should promote public health by facilitating physical activity, mental hygiene, learning and meeting between people.

07.

Invest in a social infrastructure that creates a good urban life for all. There must be a continuous infrastructure of walkways, public spaces, meeting places and common services that are accessible to all. All actors must provide people with a reason to come, travel in or through the area. By facilitating different activities at different parts of the day, we will create an inclusive area that is experienced as safe for everyone. Common ownership to land areas must be secured, allowing the innovation district to offer accessible and free spaces in the city. A participation plan should be developed and the users of the area should be involved in development of solutions.

08.

Develop solutions on nature’s terms. Naturebased solutions will be applied, inspired and supported by nature. They represent natural solutions to environmental and climate-related challenges in the area. Ecosystem services that protect or restore nature need to be developed. User support must be established that helps reduce barriers related to the use of nature-based solutions.

09.

Always highlight good initiatives and carry out measures that support each other. We must motivate each other to innovate and collaborate to reduce consumption and emissions of greenhouse gases. The five main actors in the innovation ecosystem must be actively involved in all initiatives: capital, the public sector, the business community, expertise and entrepreneurs. It is important to carry out initiatives that are supportive

10.

Allocate sufficient resources to develop an experimental and creative “sandbox” for the development of collaboration projects to reach the UN’s sustainability goals. There should always be small and large innovation projects running across institutions, enterprises and property boundaries in Oslo Science City, with the goal of creating innovative and co-financed concrete sustainability solutions in the innovation district.

Recommendation map

The general recommendations in the feasibility study suggests a network of streets, hiking trails, urban spaces, mobility systems and blue-green structures. Streets and urban spaces are given a hierarchical classification based on function, role and local characteristics. The purpose of this approach is twofold:

• To divide the innovation district into attractive neighbourhoods, quarters and sub-areas

• To connect the individual areas to each other and the rest of the city with special emphasis on green mobility

Together, this will generate an innovation district with distinctive sub-areas, being a part of a bigger urban context. The recommendation map shows how these structuring efforts are distributed in the innovation district.

An estimation of sites and building