Fornebu Site 8.4

From airport to urban neighbourhood

Since the closure of the former national airport in 1998, Fornebu has gradually been transformed into a new urban district.

Helen & Hard are working with the regulation and development of the more urban, high density areas.

Location Fornebu, Norway

Client OBOS Fornebu

Status Design development and zoning admitted (Western zone), under regulation (Eastern zone)

Typology Mixed-use urban development & masterplan

Area 35,000 m2 (land), 85,000 m2 (new program)

Located directly by the future Flytårnet metro station, Site 8.4 will become one of three urban centres at Fornebu. The site sits at a unique intersection between the historic airport buildings (now a cultural hub), the green landscapes of Nansen Park, and the Oslo fjord.

The ambition has been to create a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood with strong urban and landscape qualities. A key focus has been the connection to the surrounding districts and fjord view, and to create a central space where the six blocks meet.

The masterplan defines six city blocks organised around a shared urban centre, each with its own identity while contributing to a cohesive whole. A varied mix of housing typologies creates architectural diversity, from row houses and co-housing to lamella apartments and distinct tower elements.

The inner corner of each block is anchored by a tower typology. Positioned to face its counterparts across the neighbourhood square, their shared orientation creates a unified dialogue around the central space. The ground floors are activated with offices, retail, restaurants and public services.

The urban spaces are programmed to establish a clear hierarchy, from the active areas around the metro entrance and Propelltorget (the Propellor Square), to calmer, greener spaces around the neighbourhood square and adjacent streets.

A central aim has been to create a dense yet human-scaled urban environment, where varied building typologies, materials and colour palettes contribute to both identity and liveability.

The masterplan and sketch projects for all sub-areas have been developed by Helen & Hard, in collaboration with SLA (Landscape architect, regulation phase), Landskaperiet (Landscape architect, later phases), and Asplan Viak, who have been responsible for the regulatory process.