Oslo

Haugerud centre is a true born child of the utopian ideals of the Modern Movement. Once considered a success in improving the general living conditions in postwar Oslo, Haugerud now struggles with a mixed reputation and a clear need for a new identity.

How can we reinterpret Haugerud centre? The centres of the satellite cities of the 60s have lost their relevance due to increased mobility within the population, and have to re-invent themselves to survive.

Is it possible for Haugerud centre to regain its relevance by adding new programmes and creating a new identity? The challenge now is to investigate an interesting and feasible transformation of the area’s existing public spaces and programmes, promoting growth for culture, local business and social life.

SITE DEFINITION

Haugerud centre is a typical suburban challenge; undefined public spaces and a lack of urban intensity and housing diversity. The project site consists of the existing Haugerud Senter, a parking lot, a kindergarden and a small park. In the southeast corner of the study area is the local church. North of the project site is a primary and secondary school, a soccer field and tennis courts. The subway station is located in the southwest corner of the study area. The areas surrounding the study area, are mostly residential areas. The Haugerud Senter .02 owned by Enok Consulting. Its first floor has traditionally been dedicated to shopping, but new big box shopping centers have emerged in the proximity, leaving the Haugerud Senter virtually disserted. All of the area within the project site is owned by the municipality, with exception of the Haugerud Senter.

NEW URBAN MOBILITY

On the local scale, new networks need to be developed, and existing, soft infrastructure has to be improved. It is also very important to strengthen the link between the Haugerud centre and the neighboring housing areas.

NEW SOCIAL LIFE

Both the municipality and the private owner want to focus on the young people and the elders, and create a new, public, meeting- and social space at Haugerud centre. In order to reestablish the center's relevance, it is important to create a new social and cultural identity.

NEW SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

The Municipality of Oslo and the state have initiated a large- scale urban renewal program for the Grorud valley. One of the main goals is to upgrade the district centres in terms of availability and environmentally friendly transportation.
The competition will also focus on this goal; by facilitating an improved relationship between public transport, pedestrian traffic and the centre.
There is also an ambition of the municipality to have a high focus on sustainability and universal design for the new programs. Low energy consumption, reduced CO2 emission and local treatment of surface water are key factors in the Oslo urban ecology program.