Odda, Norgeeuropan 9

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TOPIC-MultimodalityOdda is reclaiming its role as atourist attraction by focusing on geotourism. Themain focus is now to create a strategic urbandevelopment project that establishes a gatewaybetween the commercial town centre, theindustrial heritage area and the scenic fjordscape,glaciers and national nature reserve areas.-Spatial management of carsUrban dwelling mustbe combined with sustainable forms of tourism tocombine a new urban model that reduces theamount of space devoted to the car. -SustainabilityThe town is looking for a turningpoint, a strategy for turning heavy industry into atourist attraction, and an attractive livingenvironemnt. Existing local resources andqualities must be used to trigger new economies ina sustainable way- Functional mixMultifunctionality is the basis for anew public character of the site. Urban qualitiessupplement the landscape as tourist attractors- Novelty of public spacesDevelopment of newpublic spaces is crucial to reengaging thelandscape qualities in the urban situation -providing for tourists and at the same time dealingwith the changing lifestyles of the population

TERRITORIAL SCALE : CONURBATIONOdda is situated below a major glacier, where thefjord penetrates deep into the mountain massive ofSouthern Norway. Originally a major touristdestination in Europe, the exploitation of hydroelectrical power in the beginning the 20th centurytransformed the place into a bustling internationalindustrial town. Partial de-industrialization has leftOdda with a declining population, but also with thepotential for a new identity based on itsarchitectural and industrial history, and for arenewed tourism based on its setting and proximityto two National Parks.

City OddaLocation Almerket Population 7300Study site 15 haSite of project 5.5 ha

Odda, Norgeeuropan 9

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URBAN SCALE : STUDY SITE The study area comprises the commercial towncentre and parts of the abandoned industrial zone.The post-industrial area represents an enormouspotential for mixed use expansion of the towncentre, for reclaiming the river and re-envisioningthe relationship with the fjord. Developing newenterprises is seen as key to the success of thearea. The important industrial and architecturalheritage of the site is an important resource for thedevelopment of a new urban identity, and effortsare being made to have Odda included in theUNESCO World Heritage List.

Programmatic intentions:A new landmark for visitors and residents of Odda.Reclaiming the original town centre andreconnecting to the fjord. Public spaces and newcultural institutions relating to industrial heritageand tourism. Dwellings to attract new groups ofresidents.

PROXIMITY SCALE : SITE OF PROJECT The site containing the church represents theoriginal public space of the town (giving it itsname). It was later developed as an industrialharbour. Two hotels were demolished. Theconnection to the core industrial area should bedeveloped and the site should be a naturalexpansion of the town centre. Public access alongthe waters edge should be established. The siterepresents an important opportunity to facilitaterenewed tourism activities, and new public space,and even potentially as a cruise ship destination.

Programmatic intentions :Mixed use district with urban dwellings, retail andhotel. High quality public spaces: waterfrontpromenade and old grave yard, Bus, boat and taxiterminal. Parking and relocation of a majorthoroughfare.

Odda, Norgeeuropan 9

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Odda, Norgeeuropan 9

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The site Almerket

Concert in abandoned warehouse on the site

Suspension bridge across the river

The site and the surroundings from the fjord