True Blue, Bergen

The beach park stretches over one kilometre and we have divided it into three zones that establish themselves in a gradient based on how the urban and natural components are experienced. The first zone, which will also be the largest meeting place, begins in the city centre with a city beach, a floating sea bath and space for sports activities and events. Further on, the park shifts to nature and recreation, eventually focusing on life under and above the water. Both fixed and floating structures are established, such as islands, bridges and bathing jetties enabling people to go out on and into the water.

Already at this stage, we have involved local players in order to succeed in the identity creation, including an art association, a high school, Bergen’s Aquarium and an environmental organization. Their input has been an important aspect of the design of the park.

Another important aspect was to create something that is both socially and ecologically sustainable over a long period of time. Amongst other things, this is realized by creating a robust base that can withstand all kinds of weather conditions and by focusing on improving the water quality in the area. Therefore, White has developed a system for natural purification of supply water and measures to increase life and biodiversity in the underwater environment. No life in the water – no life along the water.

The competition is made in collaboration with Fredrik Pettersson Arkitekt AS, Dipl. Ing Florian Koshe AS and AFRY. The ambition is for the new beach park and bathing facility to be ready by 2023.