Project:
Utmark

About

• Project description

  This project proposes to establish a 100m long pier as the reference point of the new waterfront development. The pier establishes an index for the process of creating the shoreline, with each of the proposed developments takes on a portion of the responsibility for filling in a predetermined amount of the shore. Given the natural geological marine beach disposition of this area of Orsta's waterfront, the process will occur naturally and new development can choose to either take on the cost of the filling, or simply wait for each milestone to be met. This process allows for the waterfront to develop gradually, with the beach itself as the index that defines the entire process. This project proposes to explicitly reverse the haphazard way that exemptions to the freedom to roam have been granted in the name of development and re-establish the importance of nature to the quality of life in Ørsta.

  

  Traffic Flow

  With limited access to public transit and a sprawling development pattern, the automobile is an unavoidable aspect of everyday life in Ørsta.

  The transformation of Vikegata into a pedestrian street in the 2000's created conditions that paradoxically placed even greater emphasis on the dominance of automobile traffic. The necessity for circuitous vehicle access routes have effectively ruined Haldeplassen square and the lack of clear and continuous pedestrian avenues through the center of Ørsta has reduced the appeal of pedestrian activity in the area. This project proposes to consolidate and clarify existing traffic flows by transforming Vikegata back into the main artery for medium traffic through downtown Ørsta. The new waterfront development integrates parking into each block, creating a clear hierarchy of traffic flows that allows a pedestrian focused waterfront area that culminates at Haldeplassen.

  

• Jury remarks

  Utmark proposes a radical intervention in the centre of Ørsta by introducing a new pier, which establishes a shoreline and, over time, a beach, which – as the project suggests – would fundamentally change the dynamic and the identity of Ørsta. Furthermore, the project suggests a new traffic flow through the town centre that separates hard and soft mobilities by consolidating pedestrian flows to a main boulevard along the beach. Car traffic is reintroduced to Vikegata and parking areas to Webjørn Svendsensgate. Existing buildings along Webjørn Svendsensgate are replaced by a combination of three new building typologies, the block, the tower and the barn.

  The project idea is interesting in the way it changes the local focus on programs based on shopping to one that is based on recreational qualities. The beach represents a non-productive, democratic space accessible for all, naturally changing through the seasons. The jury believes such a concept could serve as an emblematic asset for Ørsta and become a regional landmark. Whilst the illustrations are alluring, the project fails to convince on a structural level, especially when it comes to the traffic flow and the introduction of a new parking pattern.

• Team

  Authors:
  Leonard Ma (FI), architect

  Collaborators:
  Carmen Lee (CA), drawing technician

  Contact:
  www.publicoffice.co