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Sentralen
Sentralen
Oslo, Norway
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Other Projects by AtelierOslo
Sentralen
Oslo, Norway
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2016
SIZE
100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft
The new Cultural center Sentralen occupies Christiania Sparebank's old bank building (1899) and the adjacent office building (1900) which was acquired by the Sparebank Foundation in 2007. In 2012 Atelier Oslo and KIMA Arkitektur won an open architectural competition, where the proposal suggested a work process and the description of it, without any drawings. The work process envisioned the design of a new cultural center, and the implementation of such a reconstruction. The plan layout and content of the project at this point was completely open.
Atelier Oslo and KIMA Arkitektur planned the transformation of the banking and office buildings to a house for cultural production and social innovation. Both offices have a varied production and previous experience with both large and small projects.
In working with Sentralen, the architects were particularly keen to emphasize the buildings' original qualities and use them in the best possible way. It was an exciting work to find out what qualities could be preserved, and what lay hidden behind many layers of carpeting, plaster and ceilings. Many container loads of debris were carted out through the process. Several structural changes in the protected facades and interiors were made to open the former bank buildings and create an inviting and welcoming building. As the old buildings were never designed to be connected; one of the biggest new changes was to link the two buildings into a new and overall unity. A completely new entrance was created to Øvre Slottsgate and an elevator and staircase were added linking all parts of the building together. A new roof over the former backyard creates an entirely new square, “the winter garden”, which has become a natural focal point for visitors and residents.
In the process, it has been important to add the fewest possible new elements; only fire and sound partitions, universal design elements, acoustic absorbers and technical infrastructure is added. Many of the old surfaces that have been preserved have retained a rustic feel, while certain special rooms have been restored and returned to its original configuration. This contrast between the rustic and the refined we feel that gives the building a distinctive atmosphere.
User groups. Separate user groups of 6-8 persons were created for different areas of the buildings, including technical solutions, workstations, food services and cultural center functions. Participants with special skills were invited to technical meetings to ensure optimal functionality. A major analysis of the buildings' condition and opportunities was made before spatial and functional program was developed together with the client.
Work process. A large model of the buildings was built to be used for everyone involved to take part in the process of the project. Different solutions for new circulation, decor and design were tested and discussed. In this model, one could envision new uses of the various rooms, and what relation these rooms should have with each other.
Future flexibility. The project laid particularly strong emphasis on flexible and functional solutions. All rooms are multifunctional and can be used for various activities. Meanwhile, the number of work stations can easily be adjusted. All technical installations are exposed in the ceiling and can be easily modified. The project is built to withstand changes over time.
Cultural heritage, conservation and transformation. The buildings have a high preservation value. A good dialogue with the Byantikvaren (Municipal Cultural Heritage Management Office) in Oslo was established early in the process, so that the various pros and cons were discussed both from an architectural and preservation point of view. This created a very positive relationship of trust, in which all parties were satisfied with the result, despite the surprising intervention and solutions.
Universal Design. To create the most inviting and wheelchair-accessible building, great emphasis was placed on good solutions for universal design. The new circulation was designed so that all users access through the same routes and circulate equally around. In addition, it prioritized step-less access routes, contrasting colors and custom lighting integrated in a natural way in the project.
Atelier Oslo and KIMA Arkitektur planned the transformation of the banking and office buildings to a house for cultural production and social innovation. Both offices have a varied production and previous experience with both large and small projects.
In working with Sentralen, the architects were particularly keen to emphasize the buildings' original qualities and use them in the best possible way. It was an exciting work to find out what qualities could be preserved, and what lay hidden behind many layers of carpeting, plaster and ceilings. Many container loads of debris were carted out through the process. Several structural changes in the protected facades and interiors were made to open the former bank buildings and create an inviting and welcoming building. As the old buildings were never designed to be connected; one of the biggest new changes was to link the two buildings into a new and overall unity. A completely new entrance was created to Øvre Slottsgate and an elevator and staircase were added linking all parts of the building together. A new roof over the former backyard creates an entirely new square, “the winter garden”, which has become a natural focal point for visitors and residents.
In the process, it has been important to add the fewest possible new elements; only fire and sound partitions, universal design elements, acoustic absorbers and technical infrastructure is added. Many of the old surfaces that have been preserved have retained a rustic feel, while certain special rooms have been restored and returned to its original configuration. This contrast between the rustic and the refined we feel that gives the building a distinctive atmosphere.
User groups. Separate user groups of 6-8 persons were created for different areas of the buildings, including technical solutions, workstations, food services and cultural center functions. Participants with special skills were invited to technical meetings to ensure optimal functionality. A major analysis of the buildings' condition and opportunities was made before spatial and functional program was developed together with the client.
Work process. A large model of the buildings was built to be used for everyone involved to take part in the process of the project. Different solutions for new circulation, decor and design were tested and discussed. In this model, one could envision new uses of the various rooms, and what relation these rooms should have with each other.
Future flexibility. The project laid particularly strong emphasis on flexible and functional solutions. All rooms are multifunctional and can be used for various activities. Meanwhile, the number of work stations can easily be adjusted. All technical installations are exposed in the ceiling and can be easily modified. The project is built to withstand changes over time.
Cultural heritage, conservation and transformation. The buildings have a high preservation value. A good dialogue with the Byantikvaren (Municipal Cultural Heritage Management Office) in Oslo was established early in the process, so that the various pros and cons were discussed both from an architectural and preservation point of view. This created a very positive relationship of trust, in which all parties were satisfied with the result, despite the surprising intervention and solutions.
Universal Design. To create the most inviting and wheelchair-accessible building, great emphasis was placed on good solutions for universal design. The new circulation was designed so that all users access through the same routes and circulate equally around. In addition, it prioritized step-less access routes, contrasting colors and custom lighting integrated in a natural way in the project.
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