BIG and A-lab have revealed plans for a new innovation district, called Oslo Science City, in Norway. 

The project is developed by BIG, A-lab, mobility experts CIVITAS, design community COMTE BUREAU and advisors Dr. Tim Moonen/The Business OF Cities and Leo Grünfeld/Menon Economics. 

Anchored in the City of Oslo’s 2019 “Strategy for the Development of the Knowledge Capital”, the new 1.4 million square meters Oslo Science City will create a physical framework for Norway’s innovation environment of estimated 150,000 scientists, students, entrepreneurs, and contribute to the country’s transition to renewable energy.

Located in central Oslo, Oslo Science City is currently home to approximately 300 start-up companies, 7,500 researchers, 10,000 hospital employees and 30,000 students. 

The yearlong feasibility study to add 1.4 million square meters is the first step towards creating the physical framework for an innovation district in the country and plans for Oslo regions growth of 22 per cent by 2045 or approximately 1.6 million inhabitants. 

The innovation district aims to be a net zero emission area that builds on renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular economic principles and zero emission solutions during development and operation.

"Our design for Oslo Science City seeks to strengthen and develop the existing communities and neighborhoods while expanding the area’s diversity through new spaces to live, work and share knowledge," said Bjarke Ingels, Founder and creative director of BIG. 

"To manifest the identity of Oslo Science City, the elements of the master plan are tied together in a continuous loop of welcoming multifunctional buildings and spaces that open out towards the streets and create an engaging urban environment."

BIG divides plans into four thematic areas to position Oslo Science City as a leading centre for innovation, knowledge-based value creation and sustainable solutions based on existing and future activities: Health and Life Sciences, including Norway’s largest Life Sciences building for research and teaching to be completed by 2026 and an expansion of Oslo Cancer Cluster. 

Climate, Energy and Environment, establishing a campus and a power center for research and innovation between the country's leading research institute SINTEF, The Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), the Norwegian Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) and the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU) amongst others which will be components of the program. 

In addition, Digitalization and Computational Science, fostering collaborations between organizations such as the Department of Informatics (IFI) at the University of Oslo, The Norwegian Computing Center (NR), NORA – Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium, which explores artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics, and many others; and Democracy and Inclusion where new knowledge will be developed about the threats and solutions to strengthen democracy, the role of democratic institutions in a time of technological disruption, increased economic inequality and anti-democratic forces. 

As BIG highlights, Oslo Science City aims to be a good example of a holistic approach to planning, where efficient land use and densification go hand in hand with increasing the amount of biomass in the area. 

The plans will incorporate environmentally friendly buildings for climate adaptation by applying nature-based solutions, including a new green and densely vegetated corridor through OSC, extensive tree planting throughout the entire neighborhood, emission-free mobility, energy efficiency and circular principles will characterize all development in Oslo Science City.

Project facts

Project name:  Oslo Science City 

Size: 1,400,000 m2 

Location: Oslo, Norway  

Client:  Oslo Science City  

Project type: Urbanism, Masterplan 

Project team

Partner-in-Charge: Bjarke Ingels, David Zahle 

Project Leader: Kamilla Heskje 

Project Architect: Camille Breuil 

Collaborators: A-lab, Comte, Civitas & Menon 

BIG Team: Laura Wätte, Jenna Kaisa Hukkinen, Eirini Karamfyllidou, Vladislav Saprunenko 

All images courtesy of BIG.

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