EUROPAN 12 - NORWAY - ASKER - Diego Candito, Nicola Visentin

DIKEMARK The future of Norway goes in the direction of an historically unprecedented growth of the country, which makes pressure on the urban fabric and its infrastructure, and on the natural and social tissues as well. In relation to this, the region of Oslo has considered some clear important goals to achieve:

to develop a multi-centric urban structure, implementing the already existing hubs and developing an European-model region which is sustainable and globally competitive;
to preserve and nourish the existing green tissue and structure, and its environment;
to develop an efficient transportation system, based on the respect of the natural tissue, which can guarantee access to all the citizens and function with the very least requirements for road transport;
to preserve the very specific peculiarities of the territory but to combine it with the increasing important position of the region of Oslo within the country. It comes natural that numerous questions have then been asked in relation to the specific case of the region of Dikemark. How can Dikemark be given a new identity and provided with new contents? What’s the future of Dikemark? How to make Dikemark to develop a new important position and role within the region and the country? How to bring new life to this area? How to maintain a balance between the will to preserve its characteristics, its history and memory but at the same time imagine a new use and a future development? These are the questions we’ve tried to give an answer, under the name of Linking Arcology.

LINKING ARCOLOGY Arcology (architecture + ecology) identifies a three-dimensional principle to imagine a city’s landscape and topography. Within its structure – not upon it as a “natural” landscape makes for instance –, it organizes those public and private institutions that make every urban center worth of this name. Arcology is mainly based on the following basic principles:

miniaturization (small-scale), intended as a concentration of spaces and related processes;
complexity , intended as the result of combining knowledge, experiences and everyday life;
duration , not only in relation to the present time but especially to the future one. Arcology is the contrary of the unconditional and two-dimensional development of the cities. They, occupying the ecological surface of the Earth as pathogenic cells attack an healthy tissue, act at the expense of fertile lands for agriculture. The territory of Norway is for the 97% covered by forests and woodlands, for 2.5% by agricultural fields, for 0.5% by permanent meadows and pastures. The 73% of its 5,000,000 inhabitants (13 inhabitants/sqkm) live in the cities. The Oslo inhabitants represent the 11% of Norway’s entire population (25-50 inhabitants/sqkm). Hydroelectricity, renewable and clean source of energy, represent the 97% of the national production. Norway is today the country which more than any other ones promotes the purchase of electric vehicles. With these positive assumptions, the Linking Arcology project wants to be a bridge between the city of the present and the city, still utopian, of the future: an arcology of concepts, not an arcology of architectural aesthetics. An arcology which is based on the importance of the connections and interactions between city and city, between building and building, between person and person.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Linking Arcology project does not believe that the revival of Dikemark can be realized with the construction of “an orchid in the desert” – also called “Bilbao effect” – but with the planning of a local town with all services, inhabited by a community self-sustaining and surrounded by nature. This is accomplished through the renovation and reuse of existing buildings before the construction of new buildings, which must respect the memory and integrity of the system of the old psychiatric hospital and affect as little as possible on the territory and the landscape. Dikemark must become a balanced urban center, with attractions in regional and global external visitors, balanced by a high quality of life for residents. Only the first channeling investments towards the creation of cultural attractions, work spaces and economic activities related to spare time, sport and tourism, can be realized urban plan in its entirety. An urban node with specific characters:

the city of Old Psychiatric Hospital
the city of Verkensvannet Lake
the city of Arts & Crafts
the city of sport, spare time and wellness An urban settlement:
environmentally friendly, self-preservation and enhancement
well connected internally and to neighboring cities
as much as possible self-sufficient, with its own power generation and agriculture, with their work, crafts, trade, professional, with its own community services.

ROADS& TRANSPORT The future of Dikemark will be based on the use of public transport, for both residents and visitors. The small central car park is intended for visitors from outside the city: for the 1300 inhabitants are already present remain the existing parking areas near the private buildings. Linking Arcology project expected that the new Dikemark’s residents and workers moving on foot, by bicycle and by an efficient bus service. The local car-sharing service – to be used for episodic trips in areas difficult to reach by public transport – will bring people a threefold advantage: a lower cost (buying a car, annual taxes, fuel, etc..), an increase of physical activity (walking or cycling), maintaining an excellent air quality. The Linking Arcology project aims at enlarging the main city road, Dikemarkveien/Heggedalsveien, to a section of 7.20m. It is combined with the renovation of the the existing pedestrian and cycle path that runs alongside the road, enlarging it to a section of 360m, and that of the new infrastructures, namely electricity, drainage, water and sanitary, heating, lighting, broadband connection, telephone line. For local roads instead, the project intends to enlarge the existing roads to a section of 6.30m, and to realize a new pedestrian and cycle covered path –called the “tape”– big 3.60m x h 2.70m, which connects the existing buildings with the new future ones. The mail infrastructures are positioned below “the tape”– namely, electricity, drainage, water and sanitary, heating, lighting, broadband connection, telephone line. “The tape” is covered by a structure made up by lightweight circular pillars which do not obstruct the view through the woodland. To limit the use of private transportation in favor of local public transport system, Linking Arcology Project foresees to increase the number of buses, from 6 to 10 buses every hour to Asker and from 2 to 4 buses every hour to Heggedal. In the central area n. 2 – former Shop – is placed an intermodal transport pole consisting of:

covered bus stops in both directions, with a place for the temporary stop of the vehicle, and a commercial area (supermarket): for the daily trips of residents and visitors;
large green parking area, where the platform is made by recycled plastic driveway grids: for vehicles of residents and visitors; this space can also be used for special events (fairs, summer concerts, flea markets, etc.);
bicycle parking and bike-sharing station: for daily trips of residents and visitors;
car-sharing underground station with electric vehicles: for particular personal trips of residents.

IDEA FOR THE FUTURE: “DIKEmark”, A NEW BRAND The buildings of Dikemark central area – Administration Building, Main Kitchen, Laundry, Workshop, Fossekallen, Machine Workshop, Garage, Storehouse, Manager’s Residence – constitute a “unique” of great landscape value and aesthetic. Linking Arcology project, with the purpose of re-launching area, aims to exploit the central area, renovating existing buildings and placing interconnected activities, featuring Dikemark as the city of Arts&Crafts. Under a single brand – “DIKEmark”– is expected the creation of a center of Arts&Crafts, with commercial activities integrated with primary local business and services for residents. Walking through the new urban center, devoid of vehicles, it is possible to live in a special atmosphere: workshops in carpentry, ceramics, metals, printing, tailoring, etc. stand next to art galleries, exhibition spaces, bar, restaurant, pub, pastry shop, etc. Entering and exiting from the various buildings it is possible to discover the work of craftsmen, observe and buy their products, enjoy the works of an art gallery, have a drink at the bar or take tea in a pastry shop, eat at the restaurant or spend an evening in brewery. A lovely hostel invites the visitors to stay more days, so as to discover the city’s other attractions and the fantastic natural surroundings, full of opportunities for recreation and sports. For the daily lives of residents, in addition to the above, there are bakery, grocery, newsagent, clothing store, household products, etc.. The reconstruction of the dam – to improve efficiency according to the modern hydropower technology – is an opportunity to make a stronger connection between the areas on both sides beyond the river, between the opposite poles of the Vardasen Building and the 18 Department 3 Building. On the bridge, widened and crossed by the “tape”, is placed a long and low-rise building for commercial activities, inspired by historical examples of the Rialto Bridge in Venice and the Old Bridge in Florence. In the south – with the old forge renovated and converted into a museum of itself – are located 5 new buildings with shops on the ground floor and workshops and offices on the first floor, enlarging the city center and the provision of workspace. The office will initially be dedicated to Small Business and to Coworking by Startup Companies. The renovation of the building is carried out according to the procedures described in the section “existing housing”.

VARDASEN BUILDING : NO.A.C. (Norwegian centre for Art and Crafts) Vardåsen Building, originally designed for “troubled”patients of the psychiatric hospital, differs from the surrounding pavilions: Because of its elevated position, its size and its isolation, is a clear landmark in the Dikemark lanscape. For these reasons – but without wanting to create a second “pole” in contrast with the urban center – the intended use is not, as in the other pavilions surrounded by woodland, residential. Norwegian centre for Arts and Crafts (NO.A.C.) dedicates its energy and resources to see the more experimental art and craft in the world. A catalyst for new ideas, discourses and trends in contemporary art and craft, NO.A.C. actively research and supports emerging artists, new genres, and adventurous new work by recognized artists, in an effort to support innovation in contemporary art and craftsmanship. NO.A.C. realized this mission by presenting its diverse program to a broad audience in a unique and welcoming atmosphere, where visitors can discover and explore the work of contemporary artists and craftsmen. The spaces of the building are used as a studio, workplace and exhibition area, in support of artists and craftmen from around the world. Exhibitions at NO.AC include retrospectives of artists, site-specific installations, historical surveys, handcrafted works from all over the territory of Norway and of the world: a program enriched by artistic performances and musical events. A real artistic laboratory, NO.A.C. aspires to maintain its diverse and innovative activities in continuing its approach contemporary art to an international audience. The renovation of the building is carried out according to the procedures described in the section “existing housing”.

COWORKING& SMALL BUSINESS Coworking is a style of working that involves sharing a work environment, often an office, maintaining an independent activity. Unlike the typical office environment, those who make coworking are usually not employed by the same organization. Typically attracts professionals who work at home, freelancers or people who travel frequently and end up working in relative isolation. The activity of coworking is the social gathering of a group of people who are still working independently, but who share values and are interested in the synergy that can be working closely with talented people. Some coworking spaces were developed by nomadic internet entrepreneurs seeking an alternative to working in bars and cafes, or to isolation in a proper office or at home. A 2007 survey showed that many employees are concerned about the feeling of being isolated and losing human interaction if they were to telework. About a third of public and private sector workers also reported they do not want to stay at home while working. Coworking offers a solution to the problem of isolation that many freelancers experienced by working at home, while at the same time allowing them to escape the distractions of the home environment. In the Linking Arcology project, the destination of spaces dedicated to coworking and Small Business in the new buildings of the central area wants to attract the youth and the Startup Companies.

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE For future years, the project involves the enlargement of Solberg school and the Stinalokka nursery, with improved connections (public transport, pedestrian and cycle path and the “tape”). In the renovated residential pavilions and in the new housing towers may be established service activities (kindergarten and extracurricular activities or support, etc..). In the big 18 Department 3 building, located south of the project area as opposed to the Vardåsen building north, in order to balance the importance of all areas, it involves the realization of a medical center and a nursing home with 80 individual units. In the urban center, the Administrative Building is intended for local administrative offices and primary activities (post office, bank, etc..).

NATURE, SPORT & LEISURE We asked ourselves: in a country like Norway, full of pristine natural areas, Dikemark can boast its own unique beauty? Can Dikemark be an attraction for the inhabitants of the neighboring towns? From the research carried out in the photographic archives of internet users, it certainly seems so. The Linking Arcology project, as well as to minimize land use and maximize the integrity of farmland, aims to enhance the natural potential of Dikemark, both in spare time and outdoor sports. The city center, completely accessible to pedestrians, is endowed with an area along the lake for rest and recreation; a new pedestrian and cycle path ring is provided around the Verkensvannet lake; a new network of trails, well promoted through local marketing and physically well-marked, guide to the discovery of the nearby mountains. In addition to the existing football field, ski slope and horse riding, Dikemark provides for new sporting facilities: for the summer, a basketball court, a volleyball court, swimming area and an area for the boat ride on the lake; for the winter, indoor swimming pool, snowshoe hikes and ice skating activities. For mental well-being, a new low-rise building, located in the middle of the lake in harmony with the landscape, contains swimming pool, saunas and spaces for the care of the body.

THE FARM : THE DIKEMARK AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD COOP The Dikemark Agricultural and Food Coop is a member-owned and operated agricultural and food company – an alternative to commercial profit-oriented business. The members working together build trust through cooperation and teamwork and enable to keep prices as low as possible. The members share responsibilities and benefits equally supporting the cooperative movement. The cooperative will offer a diversity of products with an emphasis on organic, minimally processed and healthful foods avoiding products that depend on the exploitation of others. Supporting non-toxic, sustainable agriculture the cooperative will respect the environment. Producing locally the members will try to lead by example, educating themselves and others about health and nutrition, cooperation and the environment.

COMMUNITY GARDENS In the Linking Arcology project, the Community Garden can be urban, suburban, or rural; it can grow flowers, vegetables or community; it can be one community plot, or can be many individual plots; it can be at a school, hospital, or in a neighbourhood; it can also be a series of plots dedicated to “urban agriculture” where the produce is grown for a market. The advantages of a Community Garden are many: improves the quality of life for people in the garden; provides a catalyst for neighbourhood and community development; stimulates social interaction; encourages self-reliance; beautifies neighbourhoods; produces nutritious food; reduces family food budgets; conserves resources; creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education; reduces crime; preserves green space; creates income opportunities and economic development;reduces city heat from streets and parking lots; provides opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural connections. The Dikemark Community Gardens enjoy a central location in the local urban system, along the main road. These will be made in a large green area – step by step in parallel to the population increase – and are made from greenhouses with a masonry portion for the services and deposits: the solar panels accumulate energy for lighting at night, becoming of “light boxes” that will illuminate the surrounding public park.

EXISTING HOUSING– RESTORATION& RE-USE The existing psychiatric hospital buildings in Dikemark extend in an area of 55,000 sqm in total: almost all of the exterior facades of the buildings are protected, and in some cases also the internal parts are too. The restoration and re-use plan aims at being efficient and flexible over time, in particular:

at building temporary static supports for the external facades and the buildings’ roofs;
at demolishing partially or totally the internal structure of the buildings;
at building a perimetric internal counter-wall for the thermo-acoustic isolation and the passage of the new pipelines;
at obtaining the best thermo-acoustic isolation of the roofs and, eventually, at building new dormer windows;
at building new supporting structures, both vertically and horizontally;
at creating new vertical connections – stairs and elevators;
at restoring the protected parts of the building;
at dividing flexibly the interior spaces in order to design new apartments and other spaces on the ground floor – studios, offices, craft activities, small businesses or services to the local community. Both the existing buildings and new residences, are connected by the “tape” – a sheltered pedestrian and bicycle path with underlying infrastructures, namely electricity, drainage, water and sanitary, heating, lighting, broadband connection, telephone line.

HOUSING NEW DEVELOPMENT–TAPES& TOWERS In Dikemark it is required the construction of new residences, and the total floor area is estimated between 20,000 and 170,000 sqm. SOLUTION n. 1 – DETACHED HOUSES n. buildings 348 – Dimensions 10.00×15.00 x h 6.40 m (2 floors) – total covered surface 52,200 sqm – total floor area 104,400 sqm SOLUTION n. 2 –SEMI DETACHED HOUSES n. buildings 87 – Dimensions 10.00×30.00 x h 12.80 m (4 floors) – total covered surface 26,100 sqm (50% solution n. 1) – total floor area 104,400 sqm (100% solution n. 1) SOLUTION 3–TOWERS RESIDENCY n. buildings 50 – Dimensions 16.20×16.20 x h 25.60 m (8 floors) – total covered surface 13,122 sqm (25% solution n. 1) – total floor area 104,976 sqm (100% solution n. 1) In order to:

occupy the least land as possible;
safeguard the largest number of existing trees and the surrounding landscape they’re part of;
reduce the need to build new infrastructures; we opted for the solution n. 3. The new residences, facing the existing forest on the north and the Verkensveien road on the south, aim at enjoying a very good level of privacy with respect to the main Dikemarkveien/Heggedalsveien road. Both the new residences and the existing buildings, are connected one to each other by the “tape” – a sheltered pedestrian and bicycle path with underlying infrastructures: electricity, drainage, water and sanitary, heating, lighting, broadband connection, telephone line. In addition, the “tape” creates a covered space facing the entry facades, to be used as a space for the community life of the residents. Each building consists of three basic parts:
the basement , which acts as the foundation of the building and contains the technical room and storerooms of the residents, made of reinforced concrete;
the central space of the tower which contains the vertical connections – stairs and elevator – made of reinforced concrete with anti-seismic function;
the space around the vertical connections that contains the apartments of various sizes (50-75-100-125-150 sqm). The apartments are designed with the principle of “universal design”, consisting of “boxes” of wood structural panels X-Lam, with continuous exterior thermo-acoustic insulation and flexible plasterboard interior walls. The buildings are provided with central district heating, geothermal system, solar panels on the facade, recovery of water for a second use, compost toilets, differentiated collection for recycling of rubbish. The two floors apartments are designed following a principal of flexibility, that is for the future formation of two separate living units of reduced dimensions. The northern part of every floor, regardless of the position and the size of the apartments, is intended to be used as an entrance, toilet or storeroom. On the ground floor, some spaces are designed to be addressed to elderly couples or persons with reduced mobility, while others will become studios, offices, spaces for craft activity, small businesses or services to the local community.