In 2019, together with Ghilhardi + Hellsten and Dipl.-Ing. Florian Kosche, we won the redevelopment of Nytorget Square in Stavanger. Our project ‘Three Houses and a Long Table’, transforms and combines a cultural youth center, offices, shops and an art gallery around a multi-functional green space. The proposal aims to build upon existing qualities with a design that’s anchored in the city fabric around the public space and establishes clear spatial concept to develop a lively urban space with distinct and playful character. 

Our three houses and a long table concept was made to facilitate urban life around the square. This spring we moved forward and delivered preliminary design and are now preparing to begin with the final detailed design of the square. While the steps towards a final design are still on the drawing board, we have provided a small preview of the usability of the square by giving the square a temporary upgrade in the spring of 2020. A temporary constructed public space consists of podiums and various sitting elements made from wooden pallets. The terraced like space is enriched by planting beds with lush planting and weatherproof beanbags for comfortable lingering and playing. The intervention freed up the square of car parking and for the large part created a pedestrian-friendly zone already more attractive for Stavanger's residents and visitors.

Photo copyright: Jan Inge Haga, Stavanger Aftenblad