Europan Norway

ST008 combines medium and high density by juxtaposing a patiohousing
base with towers for a mix of housing and offices. While the patio-houses have direct
contact with the life in the street, the towers relate to the city and the landscape. The towers are eight floors high and have a relatively small footprint. They provide a great 360° view towards the horizon to the apartments and offices.The extreme proximity of the patio housing is compensated by the private shelter of the patio and the telescopic view towards the fjord. Inside each retaining wall, the owner can develop his or her own universe.

The combination of three towers and approximately 50 patio-houses seems well-balanced. The project proposes to build on the waterfront and thus challenges the regulated waterfront promenade.The solution adds variation to the otherwise monotone public space. With its internal, covered streets and public spaces, this Kasbah introduces a completely new housing typology in Stavanger. At the same time it reflects some of the existing qualities of social proximity and “togetherness” that can be found in the existing neighbourhood.

PO573 redistributes built and open space, increasing the density along the water. The result is a new regulation plan with a proposed FAR of 264–398%. The architectural project is a 15–20 floor high hybrid building containing a mix of apartment typologies and different collective services in terms of voids, extra rooms, and passageways. Voids and variety in floor heights results in vivid sections and nice views. The building density is compensated by the large open areas of the land fallow. A wide range of activities, ranging from sports to agriculture, is introduced in the city. Altogether, this project investigates high density and intimacy in its most extreme form. The project has a very clear and well-illustrated idea, but it lacks a discussion on how the ideas can be pursued within the frame of the ongoing urban development process.