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MVRDV was selected in a competition to propose a future vision for the development of Oslo's government quarter, which suffered a tragic terrorist attack in 2011. The proposal was considered the best option by the jury, receiving praise for its low-rise development approach in contrast to all of the other contestents high rise designs.

MVRDV’s analysis of the site, brief and program led to number of different conclusions, which together formed the basis for defining the task: the desire for a representative, green public space and a ’cluster’ of buildings which can become an integral part of the surrounding area, with good physical connections to the surroundings, and access from all sides. The working environment should be friendly and efficient. And, security must be provided without the building becoming a fortification.

The ring concept gives Høyblokka with the primeminister’s office a central position in the building complex. And because the ring is not higher than ten floors, Høyblokka will remain the highest building. In MVRDV’s proposal the central role of Høyblokka is maintained, and it will be reused as the core of Norway’s leadership.

The first phase of this parallel assignment, created by Statsbygg, the Norwegian governments key advisor in construction and property, has now been completed. MVRDV collaborated on the masterplan with Norwegian co-architects SAAHA and Lala Tøyen, both based in Oslo, together with security consultants migrant (UK), workplace consultant IARK (NO) , art consultants HOVIND (NO), and traffic consultants DOF Engineers (NO).

Project Facts

Location: Oslo, Norway

Year: 2015

Client: Statsbygg (Norwegian Directorate of Public Construction and Property), Norway

Program: 200.000 m2 masterplan for Government District including renovations and extensions of existing buildings

Budget: Undisclosed

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