Based on our interdisciplinary approach the office was selected by the Oslo Agency for Cultural Affairs and District of Alna to develop a concept for a new extended library at Furuset. The library and community centre is located in the district of Alna in Groruddalen, one the most socio-economically diverse areas of Oslo.

In short we designed and developed construction drawings based on extensive participatory processes. The communal dimension was important to planning and maintaining Furuset Library and Activity Centre (FUBIAK) as a cultural arena. FUBIAK was a low-cost refurbishment that has turned the library into one of the most visited local culture institutions in Oslo. The initial aim of the project was to collect a number of municipal public activities under one roof. A significant part of the process centred on involving prospective user groups, preparing them for cohabitation on a limited area, and establishing a common vision for the centre. This is FUBIAK´s strength: the design process was not just one of physical form, but also one of analysis of social issues and political-administrative intents, where the needs of a diverse set of groups were causally connected to a physical program and amenities. The popularity of FUBIAK is indicative of how architecture cannot be diminished to pure form, but is at its most potent when conceived of as a social as well as a political process.

FUBIAK spans 1500 square meters over two levels, consisting of a library, a youth club, a learning centre, voluntary services, a theatre, recording studio, meeting rooms, a kitchen and a café. The centre houses everything from local political meetings to organized homework tutoring, dance recitals, and hip-hop performances.

The project has transformed a mediocre 1990s office building into an activity centre where a variety of programs and user groups are set to intermingle, creating an important non-commercial meeting place and platform for learning and integration in Groruddalen. FUBIAK was opened to the public in March 2016.

Collaborators: Rebuilding AS

Interior architect: Aat Vos