Regjerings­kvartalet – Oslo Govern­ment Quarter

Regjerings­kvartalet – Oslo Govern­ment Quarter

After the government buildings in central Oslo were damaged in the July 2011 terror attack, Norway made a decision to move its 6,000 officials into one city centre location. In response to an invited competition, the Regjeringskvartalet proposal integrates a new government quarter within the heart of the city; promoting freedom of movement, symbolic of a stronger Norwegian democracy.

Embodying hope, freedom and equity

Regjeringskvartalet was one of six proposals invited by the Norwegian Directorate of Public Construction. The need for security within a densely built urban environment was a challenge however, the proposal takes a radical design approach that actively breaks down the historical, cultural and physical barriers of the city, rather than create new boundaries and separations.

Within the government quarter, efficient workplace strategies are proposed. Employees can sit close to each other, giving rise to increased collaboration. Indoor and outdoor social spaces are planned for relaxation and recreation.

Client: Statsbygg
Location: Oslo, Norway
Status: Competition 2015
Visuals: White View

Open access to all citizens reflects the Norwegian spirit of egalitarianism; celebrating freedom in the face of adversity.

Rebuilding trust

The proposal sought to rebuild trust and safety for the citizens of Oslo. By embedding well-connected spaces within the urban fabric, there is an opportunity to rebuild trust by connecting people to each other. The design combined efficient working environments with strong links to the outdoors, while strengthening Hospitalsgata as a central throughfare with shops, cafes and galleries.

The Norwegian response to violence is more democracy, more openness and greater political participation.
Jens Stoltenberg, Norwegian Prime Minister, 2011

Regjeringskvartalet embodies a close and compact building structure within the state’s existing property lines. Høyblokka, the main government building damaged in the terror attack, would remain the tallest building in the area. The passage under Høyblokka provides an opportunity to build on the network of city spaces; these are places for both the public and government employees to share and enjoy.

 

 

Entrances are strategically placed so that the street becomes a destination and a meeting place. The transparent ground floor lets in as much natural light as possible in order to create healthy, productive spaces, minimising the need for artificial lighting.

An integrated urban addition

Regjeringskvartalet provides a distinct opportunity to improve the quality of urban life, unifying interdepending themes of social coherence and sustainability. There are no more barriers to the seat of national democracy; instead, these important civic buildings are woven into a living, integrated part of the capital city for decades to come.

 

 

Contact & Team

Sara Grahn

Jeroen Matthijssen

Louise Didriksson

Viktoria Walldin

Britta Wikholm

Tobias Hesselgren

Örn Erlendsson

Viktor Sjöberg

Ellen Kildal Aga

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