7. Sketches, concepts and solutions

PRINCIPLE 4:

An innovative, accessible and vibrant urban area

• Public spaces should stimulate spontaneous meetings, dialogue and participation.

• An active urban life with a variety of restaurants, cafes and a diverse selection of activities and experiences will make the innovation district vibrant and attractive.

• Urban qualities must give the innovation district a clear profile locally, nationally and globally.

• The area should be a testing arena for new solutions and new industries and a learning arena for pupils, students, researchers, the business community and local residents.

Oslo Science City should be an open and accessible innovation district. Knowledge must be openly shared between scientists, businesses, the public sector and civil society. Openness contributes to innovation and is enhanced in well-functioning meeting places. Transparency should be a guiding principle for Oslo Science City, being an inviting and urban district.

Openness is promoted by allowing knowledgeintensive companies to access and use laboratories, test facilities and interaction arenas in multifunctional buildings. This way, the innovation capacity is strengthened, contributing to value creation and new sustainable jobs.

We envisage a pulsating urban district designed for people of different backgrounds, cultures and professions to meet and interact. An activity and accessible street level, with open buildings and urban spaces will stimulate such meetings, through spontaneous human interaction and everyday encounters as well as planned events, activities and gatherings. Oslo Science City should be a district that is open long after ordinary working hours. Cultural events, debates, seminars, lectures and festivals will give the district a unique, open and inviting character.

Public spaces in the innovation district will provide a physical and digital framework for public discussion, democratic processes, spontaneous meetings, participation and inclusion.