Fornebu

Location: Oslo, No
Client: ALL Plan & Municipality of Bærum
Team: Stig L. Andersson, Malene Krüger, Kim Madsen
Design phase: 2004-2005
Area: 9.500 m2

SLA has participated in the design of the landscape and development plans for parts of the residential area Fornebu in Oslo. Central to this work has been the creation of community areas and identity in the individual parts of the housing development as well as ample opportunities for play and other recreational activities.

The housing development consists of groups of houses dispersed on plateaus in an open meadow landscape. Shared outdoor spaces are located between the housing clusters on the plateaus that form distinctive neighbourhoods for the residents.

The individual housing clusters are structured around small courtyard environments that are also communal spaces for the residents. The courtyards are surfaced with light coloured concrete that harmonises with the colours of the facades of the buildings. Granite paving stones and bricks in the surfacing provide variation. Timber decking of untreated oak can be used as outdoor seating by the residents, and sand boxes give the children a play area close to home.

Other SLA projects in Norway:

New Urban Spaces in Bjørvika brings a rich urban life to the harbour in Oslo.

Ulset Vest: Planning of new housing with views for all homes

Rainwater retention ponds with stepping stones and beds at various levels create a lively and interesting outdoor space. The planting consisting of grasses, perennials, bushes and small trees is selected to achieve a varied appearance throughout the seasons.

Between the houses green wedges are established with scattered groves of oak and ash trees, which provide a play of light and shade in the tall grass, and hazel and lilac trees, which are good for playing hide and seek. In these areas there are also play areas with equipment made of natural materials.

The remaining areas are characterised by open meadows with grass-covered level areas and slopes where the residents can picnic or play ball games.