Ocean City Pilot
Oslo
Can waterfront development bring marine life back? In Oslo we are building a research pilot for testing of nature restoration in waterfront areas.
Type
Research pilot
Status
Opening summer 2025
Collaborators
Oslo Badstuforening, NIVA, Bollinger+Grohmann
Sponsors
Eckbos stiftelse, Oslo kommune, Akershus Fylkeskommune, Hurtigruten Foundation, Accsys, Fritzøe
Team
Julie Krogstad, Peter Brekke Skråvik, Øystein Rø
Under the surface, the Oslo fjord has become an ecological desert following years of removal of the natural shoreline and habitat. The natural seascapes have been replaced by landscapes of the Anthropocene. In this pilot project we explore ways to bring that nature back. The pilot is based on the concept "Ocean City", developed for HAV Eiendom. The concept suggest to integrate nature in off shore construction through establishing an artificial seabed under the buildings. The seabed construction a is built with modified wood developed by Accsys – preventing absorption of water – and therefore any damage from decomposition.
The project challenges the established methods of urban development in port areas. Through an innovative approach to construction and material use, our team of architects, engineers, and marine biologists demonstrate how architecture can be a solution to both the climate and nature crisis alike.
The pilot will open summer 2025.