Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Nordic Architecture and Design – Norway
The Økern area in Oslo.
Transforming negative spaces into positive places All cities have some negative places: those lost, unattractive areas where people simply do not want to be. It takes a special breed of architect to find the opportunities in these unwanted locations and transform them into something attractive and enticing.
as a ‘pocket park’, inspired by New York’s High Line.”
By Hanna Andersson
Another project where Reaktor AS had to get creative with a negative space is a residential project at Skøyenbakken. The client wanted to alter their home so that they could continue to live there for the rest of their life. As such, it was important to have all the main functions on the ground floor.
Reaktor AS is an urban design architecture firm based in Oslo that possesses this rare quality. “The name Reaktor was chosen because we react to negative spaces in cities, with ideas that will transform these into positive places where people want to live, work and relax,” says Helge Aarstad, civil architect, CEO and founder. Økern urban renewal project The Økern area in Oslo, which is located right next to a trainline and underground station, is one of the areas that has been seen as a negative space – unappealing and lacking in purpose. 42 | Issue 136 | November 2021
Reaktor AS has been creating a new, enticing connection between the underground station and Økern’s residential, commercial and retail areas. It features a park, designed to draw light into the core of a new multi-storey building above the underground station. The design will also improve accessibility, create cross-connections, and enable 24-hour activity. “This design will bring the different Økern functions together as there will be no barriers,” says Aarstad. “When you exit the subway station, you’ll walk towards the sun and the park, which we have designed
Skøyenbakken 10 residential extension
To do this, Reaktor AS designed an extension that fits into an otherwise unwanted area. It provides both a contrast to the main building and an enhancement to the garden. It’s made of rustic materials and features climbing plants, which grow across the walls. “The new space doesn’t compete with the main building but offers a contrast and a