Transformation of the port in Oslo into a new active region

The trend to return citizens access to water is now noticeable throughout the world. City managers and private companies create new outdoor recreation areas and infrastructure near rivers and sea bays. So it happened in the Norwegian Oslo, where a new residential area was built and many attractive places for work and recreation with a view of the islands and fjords were created.

The history of the Sorenga district begins in 2004, when the city began to actively expand and launched the initiative for the development of urban areas near the water. The territory of the future residential area was bought from the city port for a record 940 million Norwegian kroner (almost 100 million euros).

The main task of the city and private developers was to create a comfortable, safe for the residents and at the same time a diverse territory. According to the plan, 90% of the areas were residential, and 10% were given for cultural, entertainment and commercial functions. Subsequently, an architectural competition was held. The main task of the designers of the future district was to create a place that was equally aуttractive for life and leisure.

Among 50 applications, the jury selected a project that offered a block type of development and creation of a large park for citizens and tourists. Four architectural bureaus were selected to design eight quarters. Architects had to use one type of facade cladding and keep in mind the central promenade, where shops, cultural institutions and cafes were to be located. The project also presupposes availability of two kindergartens and a school. For 10 years, the idea of turning a former port into a new residential area of Oslo has become a reality.

As always, Sorenga was criticized. Skeptics were worried that the area would turn into a closed "ghetto" for the rich, and in the park, on the central street and near the water there will be no visitors. Fortunately, these alarming predictions haven`t come true. The authors say that not only residents of Oslo visit the new quay of the new district, but also tourists do — English, Polish and Swedish languages can often be heard at Sorenga.

It is also interesting that afterwards they arranged not only a comfortable quay, but also special piers and a stage for those wishing to sunbathe and swim — there is even a semi-open pool near the shore with tracks for swimmers.

The main factor of success, say city deputies, was the creation of a comprehensive development plan, where residential, social and commercial infrastructure was combined with cultural practices and a variety of activities. In Sorenga, where to go and what to do, everyone has a choice and comfortable provision of various needs in the city space.