Traditional City Quarter to be Built in Nydalen, Oslo’s “Centre”

Many have called for traditional city quarters à la Torshov and Grünerløkka. Now one is on the way in Nydalen.

“Back to civilization” wrote The architectural revolt on Facebook. For once, the “rebels” had something positive to say about a new housing project in Oslo. And that in the middle of the reviled Nydalen.

We are talking about Gullhaug torg 1, where some of the first homes in “Nydalen centre” will replace an office building. And unlike most of what has been built both in Nydalen and the rest of Oslo, there will not be freestanding blocks. In contrast, a block around a large green “courtyard”, which follows the street courses.

– It should have been normal. With simple, straightforward principles, many nod approvingly, says Kurt Singstad. He is a partner in MAD arkitektur and the architect behind the project.

As Aftenposten has mentioned, the politicians in Gothenburg have precisely chosen traditional quarters as a template for all new construction in the city. And Singstad believes this structure contributes to “everyone” liking Torshov, Grünerløkka and Frogner.

– Fortunately, PBE also now has more focus on quarters being better than blocks, he says.

More demanding to build

But if everyone prefers quarters – why have hardly any been built in recent decades?

According to Singstad, because it is more demanding for the builders. Both to get to during the construction process, achieve rational floor plans and ensure good sun and view conditions, escape routes and accessibility.

– But we have managed to find the solutions. It has taken time, but we believe it is worth it, he says.

He also believes that future residents will be happy, even if the developers are right that views and balconies are high on home buyers’ wish lists.

Because when people move in, they will, according to Singstad, experience the value of good communal areas.

– And the courtyard in a quarter will be very nice if the classical principles are followed, he says and mentions farms next to each other, combined with the large courtyards we know from Torshov and Grünerløkka.

– The outdoor areas gain greater value for the residents and become more than just “spaces in between”.

The debate changed

– This is not the first time you have been praised by the Architecture Rebellion. Has the debate influenced you?

– They have probably influenced many people’s views. But the change has taken place over time, and we have been working with this type of building long before the “rebellion” started. We now see that more are following, says Singstad.

He believes Løren is illustrative.

– The newest projects have slightly different ideals and are much better. Now not only the free-standing slats are being built, but also blocks with sheltered courtyards and varied buildings facing the streets.

Makes the Architecture Rebellion right

Terje Løvold is project director at Avantor, the company behind most of what has been built in Nydalen. He hopes that more housing among the offices will create more city life in the centre.

When it comes to the design, he allowed himself to be both convinced and excited by the architects.

– We could continue with slats. But quarters create the good, private courtyard for the residents. We contribute with something that we know works, but which has not been built for a long time, he says.

– Has the Architecture Rebellion affected you as a major developer?

– We have followed the debate. And we will be the first to admit that they have been very right. We simply have to have a completely different relationship with architecture and aesthetics.

And city council leader Raymond Johansen, who wants Torshovkvartaler:

– Very exciting that someone takes the ball. I will follow up on this, he says.

Here can you read about Snøhetta’s “housing tower”, which will soon be completed at Gullhaug square.