FJORDEN

“The Fjord” will establish Laksevåg’s as a critical node in Bergens urban fabric, creating an autonomous neighborhood designed as an incubator for future industry, new ways of living & public spaces for the local citizens. “The Fjord Re-imagines Laksevåg as a micro-district bringing together start-ups, local artists, tourism and new demographics whilst extending the architectural heritage from Bergens much loved cultural identity and strengthening the city’s relationship to its powerful natural environment. The existing industrial buildings are celebrated becoming incorporated as an art gallery, co-working spaces, and food markets.

“The Fjord” is a nature-oriented sustainable development celebrating the connection from Bergen’s city center to Melkeplassen and the surrounding neighborhoods, by carving a public realm from the flows of the local stream. Connecting directly to this new urban center is the bridge that sits upon newly establish garden islands, creating new green spaces for citizens to connect with the waterfront in novel ways. By establishing the bridge to this new node, public/private investment is encouraged, with commercial plots benefiting from the increased public flows.

“The Fjord”, responds to Laksevåg’s need for a high-class waterfront promenade, which will activate the currently disconnected shoreline. Utilizing blue/green methods, the flood protection barriers will also serve as ecological habitats encouraging biodiversity above and below the water. The green spaces will serve to reduce the stress of local inhabitants, and further encourage development along the promenade. The promenade is designed with a string of new retail functions, which could be used as cafes and co-working spaces to bring further life.

The project aspires to be developed largely from timber construction, to sequester carbon dioxide becoming a negative greenhouse gas district. With contemporary timber practices, timber is quickly becoming the future of sustainable construction. Shared and exchangeable urban farming plots might be located on the apartment’s roofs, encouraging local food production and community-building activities. Recycled concrete from the industrial buildings of poor quality could be used to build the harbor front, reducing emissions of transportation of materials. Further large-scale trees designed throughout the plot, can bring new bio-habitats, and sequester further emissions throughout their lifetime. “The Fjord” is a celebration of local environment, the sea and Bergen’s rich architectural heritage.