Meet Me at the Fire Station, Oslo (Norway)
“Bending and curving motions have been used to facilitate movement between public and semi public programmes located on the site whilst also pursuing a non conventionalised architectural form.”
Introduction
The site has been called into action as the central fire station ( Hovedbrannstasjonen) is being decommissioned and a new fire station that services the growing metropolitan Oslo is needed. Located on the harbour, the site has advantages of being close to new and historic parts of the city. Due to the popularity of the newly designed Opera House located on the opposite side of the water, the firestation has been designed with the duality of public and private programmes in mind. The site next to the proposal sits at the end of many paths and bike routes, the design incorporates this in the underutilised foreshore.
This cultural precinct called ‘Meet me at the fire station’,uses bending and curving motions that facilitate movement between the firestation and public amenity. The creation of a figure 8 movement allows for views of the water and the opposite side of the waterfront. The movement of the design incorporates; a public outdoor recreational area, gardens, cafe, a public walkway, cycle route, running track, communal spaces and parking for disabled access, all holistically combined with the fire station. This non conventional form provides a pure and evocative addition to the skyline of Oslo.
Approach
The proposal is informed by the linear nature of the site. Two large frame walls are used to formulate the organisation of the program. In addition a curved pathway above is integrated for public use. The volume of the form created gives rise to public space being created at several levels across the site.
Through the ramped approach along the water and landscaped forms nestled into the contours of the land.
At the halfway point above the ground and the peak of the building Approved the bend at the top of the building. Due to the urgency of nature of firefighting both programs have been separated with visual connections and hints throughout.
Meet you at the Fire Station, seeks to create a cultural precinct that sits on the node of old town and modern Oslo. Bending and curving motions have been used to facilitate movement between public and semi public programmes located on the site whilst also pursuing a non conventionalised architectural form.
Credits
- Architectural Design Team: Remi C.T Studio
- Location: Oslo, Norway