Stavanger

In the heart of the Norwegian petroleum industry, and at the intersection between the municipalities of Stavanger, Sola and Sandnes, lies Forus; Norway’s petroleum capital and one of the strongest energy clusters in the world. Fuelled by the postmillennial expansion of petroleum industry investments, Forus has been subject immense growth and is currently representing 1/5 of the Norwegian gross domestic product. This growth, however, is based on an industry with a highly uncertain future.

Stavanger municipality owns a site at the very epicenter of the new developments at Forus. With the Europan competition Stavanger wants ideas for how to use this strategic site, as well as the new, planned east-west connection across Jæren, to pilot a new prototype for urban development at Forus. What type of urbanity should be developed in this area? How can Forus position itself for a less petroleum oriented future?

The task at hand at Forus involves working in different scales and with a diverse set of mechanisms blending urban planning, programming, operative and recreational landscapes, infrastructure and communication.

A new, programmative narrative needs to be created for Forus and the upcoming public transportation axis across Jæren. Furthermore the aim is to develop an overall vision and strategy for the future development of the central area of Forus and the project site.

The project site, given its strategic location, should serve as a case study to pilot the development at Forus. Stavanger municipality wants ideas for how to develop this site, both in respect of temporary and permanent developments.