A transformation from harbour to maritime district

Oslo's waterfront, now called the Fjord City, is under transformation with the implementation of a comprehensive plan under the auspices of the local government of Oslo. The harbour and waterfront area have been released to open up the city to the waterfront and free the area for the development of a future-oriented urban environment. Altogether approximately 9,000 new apartments and buildings for 42,000 jobs will be built as well as cultural institutions, shopping areas, parks, waterfront promenades and a wide range of public attractions.

Tjuvholmen is one of 13 projects in the Fjord City concept and is one of the most visible areas on the seaward approach to Pipervika – the central harbour area in Oslo – which is framed by the City Hall and the Akershus Fortress, behind which lie popular downtown areas.

HISTORY AND CONTENTS OF THE PLAN Tjuvholmen was originally one of the islands in Oslo Fjord but was annexed to the mainland and incorporated into the dock and harbor area about 100 years ago. With this transformation the area will once again recapture its island character, this time in a new form. At Tjuvholmen close contact with the sea will be re-established in a long coastline created by the new canals and public spaces and a lush park to be located along the shoreline. In addition to these opportunities for city life and recreation there will be shops, restaurants, an activity centre with art museum and a sculpture park to attract the public to Tjuvholmen, both in summer and winter.

Tjuvholmen consists of three areas; - Odden, the headland has the main access square with a high proportion of commercial buildings and residentials, designed and built from 2005 – 2010 - Holmen, which is close to the fjord and is mostly residential, finished 2013 - Skjæret, which is the park, city shoreline and a new arts centre designed by Renzo Piano, finished 2012

Bjørbekk and Lindheim Landscape Architects are responsible for the concept and design of the landscaping of outdoor areas on Odden.

THE BOARDWALK FROM CITY HALL The essence of urban planning for Tjuvholmen is defined by the promenade along the waterfront from City Hall and from the neighboring district of Aker Brygge, which was transformed from a shipping wharf into a dynamic commercial and residential area between 1980 and 1990. Tjuvholmen is the end point of urban development along the waterfront to the southwest.

Above ground the district is car-free although there is parking for approx. 1000 cars in the underground parking garages. To improve the marine ecology on Tjuvholmen developers have built artificial underwater reefs consisting of hundreds of concrete elements with hiding places for fish and shellfish, and ropes for mussels.

The street network of the district is laid out in a fan shape creating changing patterns of sunshine throughout the day. The terrain on Odden has deliberately been created with the highest point at the central square, Olav Selvaag Place. Three water features and a central tree create character with water features representing water’s different characteristics: a still pond in massive dark granite, a fountain with six water jets and a third feature of rippling, splashing water inside a hollow pillar of rhomb porphyry. Water runs from the fountains in channels through the streets towards the fjord.

Street furnishing, lighting, planters for trees and edge stones offset height difference and are consciously designed so that they provide positive aesthetic touches and offer seating and places to dwell.

PUBLIC AREAS - SERVICES FOR ALL CLOSE TO THE SEA – CLOSE TO THE WATER Tjuvholmen is a spectacular site in the harbour basin where the view, the light and the climate provide multiple opportunities and different qualities of experience. All along the quayside there is public seating and places to stop, while restaurants, bars and cafés provide service right up to the facades of the buildings. Tjuvholmen is available for all users. Along the canal and quaysides efforts have been made to create walkways that incorporate universal design and provide accessibility for all. There are plenty of seats and benches and a small amphitheater that provides seating and leads right down to the water surface.

FLOORING AND GROUND SURFACES The goal of the project, to create a varied and rich urban experience reflected in buildings and the urban structure, lies at the core of the wish to create a peaceful and cohesive street and floor plan. A solid floor in light tones was designed. The final floor materials consist of granite and concrete with steel elements moulded in. The use of these materials was chosen to reflect the history of the area with elements from the original pier and industrial communities.