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MAKING SENSE OF STRØMSØDrammen is divided in two by the river; a south and north district connected by bridges. The notion of such an urban disfunction creates several issues for a town that wishes to be a unified entity. Some like to think of Drammen as the north side of the river imaged by the Bragernes square with it´s starting point from the train station. A common image though is that Drammen is nothing but a regional transit station where travelers usually need to wait before connecting with the south going train or the train towards Oslo or Bergen.

“GET OVER IT” thinks of Drammen as a great potential for exploring new perspectives and ideas to create an urban district for the future, also considering the connectivity towards the rest of Drammen. Making sense of Strømsø forces the project to look at Drammen as a whole and acknowledge the variety of commercial and cultural activity on the Bragernes side and realize that Strømsø needs to be something different.

Moving through Strømsø gives a feeling of being a part of Roger Tranciks book “Lost Space”. The total lack of public spaces to enjoy; The overkill of parking places nurture motorized vehicles; The poor sense of identity though history is still present between buildings which in sum creates an image of a district full of edges and obstacles for pedestri-ans to enjoy. Realizing the interesting paradox between a strong grid structure nutureing ideas of great potential at the same time not being a part of Drammen, gives a complex picture of what is needed to be conceptualized. A mix of dysfunctional places and buildings is never the less evenly connected with beautiful sites as the church and its adja-cent surrounding on the west side defined by old building typologies. Making sense of Strømsø is about acknowledg-ing the potential more than recognizing its weaknesses as a district.

CONNECTING THE REGIONThe importance of Drammen as a regional node is clear every day when local and regional trains travels alongside the river, getting people to Oslo or Bergen, or Sandefjord towards Kristiansand. During the last ten years Drammen has improved its reputation through at strong strategic urban branding. Drammen as a whole has managed to brand itself through conscious planning and strong local community engagement. The political process has been crucial to sustain stability in the strategic work. Slowly the reputation has turned from being only a transit area to become a destination of interest. This is what makes Strømsø so interesting as a project. Creating the district for future desti-nation is conceptually seen in direct relation with the north side, however “GET OVER IT” seeks to stand out as an independent - but connected structure.

Connecting the region plays on different levels. One is the focus on how to connect Drammen as one through two strategically strong sides of the river that motivates each other to improve and attract, not competing against each other. This is of paramount necessity. Another need is to create several small destinations within the district that enforces the regional attractiveness and connectivity. Being a regional hub of connection comes with a responsibility to provide commuters, travelers and others an enjoyable place to visit, transit, leisure, live or work.

Principle: The new concepts brings together the idea of a connected Drammen and nurtures on the strengths of existing Strømsø.

01A: THE SITEStrømsø district is situated between the railway to the north, Telhusgata to the east, cut by the Bjørnstjerne Bjørnsons gate to the south and Strømsø square to the west. The district is closed though the grid structured inter-nal street system makes the area permeable for motor vehicles. The overall impression is the sense of emptiness when walking along side the streets and buildings. High density of motorized vehicles is encouraged by the high accommodation of parking spaces - making the district a typical motorized area not giving much space for public comfort.

FIG. 01 - 05Dissecting district it is alarming to notice how much po-tentially good spaces is used for parking. The architectur-al typology suggests a broad mixture of old and new (new in that sense that block structures without a sense of esthetics occupy large areas and disrupts potential views towards the waterfront), and the district is represented with a high degree of residential units. The first impres-sion of the whole Strømsø area is in general favoring the sense of indifference.

01B: THE ISSUESMost of the issues will in detail be pointed in the analysis, however, as mentioned the site is distinct in it´s separa-tion between two districts defined as Bragernes and Strømsø. This leaves the image of Drammen somewhat divided into two - though one entity is surely pursued in the many strategic projects undertaken in Drammen.

On the Bragernes side of the river, facing south, the waterfront has been turned into a long public promenade viewing the river and Strømsø. The qualities achieved by good access towards the waterfront is of high value for residents and visitors.

FIG. 06 - 07 Strømsø on the other hand faces a different challenge considering the distinct separation between the water-front and the urban structure.

The railway cuts straight through and forces people away from enjoying a direct access to the water. This is though achievable from the bridge and from Telhusgata - but in a poor manner. The combination of poor public areas and overused spaces for parking, lack of good green spaces suggests big issues which needs to be solved.

01C: STRENGTHSGet over it needs to focus on the strengths of Strømsø, find the qualities and enforcing these to the benefit of a new structure and future vision.

As mentioned it is necessary to see Strømsø as part of a whole defining Drammen as one entity - therefore the strategy will look at two aspects of doing so, still keeping to the competition site as focus. The strength of Strømsø is structured around the consciousness that changes are to be made.

Looking towards the future by reducing car use, establish better walkability, create great places to be, localize tar-get points for new destinations is all feasible elements in restructuring the old Strømsø into the improved Strømsø. There is an established grid system aligned by several open spaces which has been defined as typical “lost spaces” in the diagrams above.

Potentially some of these places are already situated as core junctions framing in possibilities for new squares, green spaces and more. Though the variety of architec-tural typology, some even very ugly, the sustainable way of balancing new buildings and old would be to refurbish the strategic chosen buildings with new facades and energy saving concepts.

The adjacent areas as the sports facilities on the south side of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnsons gate is a strength which will strategically be included into the improved Strømsø.

The waterfront is a valuable asses for achieving the maximal potential of great spaces and parks, and though the railway is a barrier - Get over it sees it as a strength making the new concept even better argued related to its purpose and intentions.

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“HIGH QUALITY FOR PUBLIC USE ALONG THE WATERFRONT IS AVAIL-ABLE, THOUGH ONLY FROM TWO ENTRANCE POINTS: THE NORTH - SOUTH CONNECTING BRIDGE VIA THE TRAIN STATION, BY BOAT AND TELEHUSGATA”

GET OVER ITThe concept behind the quote “GET OVER IT” basically sums up the projects intentions by pointing out that the only way to move forward - is by getting over it! To move forward in a new direc-tion it is required to forget the issues and problems, but learn from how the existing situation func-tion and bridge new ideas over them. Looking into the future is a motivating power to help forget and seek new perspectives. To encourage new ideas the current history and situation needs to be closed and sealed. Though, a required sense of keeping the good qualities to be further developed is required. Looking at Strømsø from an objective eye, it can be rather demoralizing to realize how dysfunctional the public spaces are: “GET OVER IT” How the railway tracks are fenced in block-ing all possible connection with the water: “GET OVER IT” How public transportation is remote from where the action is taking place: “GET OVER IT”

“THE TRAIN; TRAM; BUS; BICYCLE AND THOUSANDS OF FEETS WILL MEET ITS REQUIRED DEMANDS FOR AN IMPROVED STRØMSØ DISTRICT”

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GETTING OF THE TRAINThough travelers and commuters frequently pass by, and in and out, of Strømsø, they usually never leave the train station even though transit is one hours waiting. There is a mental block walking cross the bridge towards Bragernes within this timeframe, and Strømsø outside the door do not have anything to offer of interest. At least nothing that awakes an immediate interest amongst waiting travelers. A couple of snack bars and a small bakery just outside the main entrance do not qualify as an attraction. There are three aspects related to the unfortunate waiting situation when connecting with the the east, west or south bound trains;

THE STATION AREA is in need of upgrade to accom-modate travelers needs, especially during winter time when its cold, wet or dark. As an architectural object Drammen train station is something men-tioned with a low voice. It is dirty. It is smelly. It is physically out of time. It is not representative for what and how Drammen now is conceived.

A TRAIN STATION with this amount of traffic should offer services of high quality such as places to eat a good meal, sit down for a good cup of coffee, shop and it should be within a reachable five minute walk, not forcing people over the bridge.

THE STATION AREA AND ADJACENT areas do not accommodate recreation of any kind that could be of positive time break for travelers, or for that sake local residents. The overload of parking spaces steals the eyes attention, and rejects anyone to move about.

Getting of the train is not an amusing experience if transit is only purpose. However, as a transit passenger, it would have been feasible to establish smaller destination to visit so that the traveler is triggered to come back for a longer stay next time.

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LOST SPACE (2-5): 04LOST SPACE (1): 04

LOST SPACE (6): 04

THE WATERFRONT: 06

PARKS: 07

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Analysing StrømsøThe analysis of Strømsø discovers issues of concern which generates the foundation for how, what and which direction the strategies needs to be taken. Core elements such as PUBLIC SPACES, AC-CESSEBILITY, PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT and GREEN SPACES are crucial elements of which is needed to create great places. Another major issue in Strømsø is the WATERFRONT; how will Strømsø open up towards the waterfront; how will the Strømsø balance the connection between the waterfront and

02B: PARKING SPACESCurrent situation stimulates the use of motorized vehicles by accommo-dating huge amounts of parking spaces.

Diagram to the right clearly displays the favoring of car use quite op-posite to how future cities is envisaged. The high congestion of pollu-tion forces people away from the streets and up against the buildings, generating vacancy of potential public space.

The analysis is of no complex character. It basically illustrates the misused spaces and how it is used only by some few cars throughout the day. Though it is a reminder of how cities prefer to benefit car us-ers compared to accommodating better for public transportation. The mentality of using the car is not going to change if the spaces used for parking is given another character and function that benefits people friendly use. Regardless of the negative aspect with such a high number of car parking in a rather small district like Strømsø, it does provide for great potentials as will be displayed in the strategy and conceptual part of this project.

The three pictures are examples of how the district is visually congested by such a misused spatial configuration and function.

02A: PUBLIC SPACESPublic Spaces of good quality is totally absent in Strømsø. Small areas within the district do not manage to accommodate the required standard necessary to achieve public and people friendly places to be, leisure, use or work. A successful place needs people. People are attracted by activity of in-terest and the lack of this requires strong strategies to sustain people friendly places, and a strong dynamic district of mixed uses.

03C: THE GREEN SPOTSThere is some small areas filled with green, however very close to main infrastructure not providing the sense of being in a park. Related to public spaces, parks are necessary breaks in the urban structure. The green carpet gives a soft dimension to the hard surfaces and provides a necessary possibility for recreation. People seek activities to stimulate a sense of well being. People also seek other people and therefore meet-ing points are created around areas such as parks, playgrounds, sports facilities and more. Strømsø district does not provide this.

People everywhere are searching for ways local parks can better serve their communities. Why do some parks succeed as lively public spaces while others fail?

The small areas of green in Strømsø is set to the edges of the district, away from good public access. As this is one aspect, the other is the scale and shape of the small “park” looking areas; which do not accom-modate for people use and recreation. Except from the green strip on the waterfront which do have some qualities, the other three spots are directly unflattering as small destinations really emphasizing the low priority parks have in Strømsø. Looking at Fig. 00 the green footprint of Drammen is not impressive when it descends from the surrounding hills towards the waterfront.

04F: WALKABILITYThe traffic, the access points and walkability are inte-grated issues at Strømsø. Looking at the walking pattern in general, it is carried out for a practical purpose in most cases related to the parking. In other cases directly related to work facilities in adjacent area. Visiting Strøm-sø is not a favorable activity which is very much related to the poor walkability. This again is directly related to poor public spaces and total absence of great areas for recreation and play. The whole Strømsø district (compete-tion area is within acceptable walking distance - see Fig. below), which lays the foundations for great strategies to enhance qualities for people to use.

05H: AXIS`As the above diagram shows, the axis system (both visual and movement) displays four endpoints disrupting visual and movement patterns.

It also display the undisrupted grid system defining where and how to move where one need to relate to traffic as first priority. The other factor is defined in the inter-section of several cross points (defined by the big circle) emphasized the potential for a centre point of Strømsø (mentioned in 04B).

06G: WATERFRONTThe river is the central spine of Drammen, connecting two sides of a city though at the same time cutting the city in half forcing Drammen to look at it self as a two headed urban entity.

The North side of the river, Bragernes, is mentally and physically defined as the centre heart of Drammen - structured around the square and it´s cultural; business; and other commercial activities.

The south side defined through Strømsø is considered as the leftovers. The train station is a huge barrier between the urban fabric and the water (read more 01B) extended by the railway tracks running vest and east bound. The figure colored in red also displayed on the picture to the right lets everyone know this is not an easy point to ac-cess. Access only from water and circles.

04D: TRAFFICThe diagram below shows the permeability of Strømsø - when it regards traffic and access for motorized vehicles. The district is penetrated by streets making the district a typical car zone, and combined with good access to parking it makes it almost impossible to achieve a people friendly district. The figures to the right very much il-lustrates the obstacles people meet when they are forced only to use the narrow walkways available.

04E: ACCESS POINTSIn relations to the traffic situation and high permeability of Strømsø, the street grid is served by seven direct access points for motorized vehicles. All points situated on all three edges (the waterfront is not considered); south, west and east.

The level of street and traffic priority is obvious, however, it is not unlikely that each of the access points on the edge creates barriers for people to cross over - rejecting a safe access to the district. Such access points are practical feeding machines for supplying the district with a high level of motorized vehi-cles, and to some extend serve commercial functions well, but it does not provide the district a good image and people friendly movement. Though using the access points as strategical guidelines for what should be considered as the centre core of Strømsø is valid (small diagram to the right) in the purpose of finding the balance of Strømsø when it relates to movement.

Traffic is a barrier, and looking at the eigth elderly woman holding thight to each other when crossing a highly dense street in Sydney, the issue at hand is obvious as a principle.

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03What if...Strømsø and Bragernes was better connected by a tram system? Get over it looks at the future aspect of improved transportation and connectivity through an environmental solution. Get over it plans for people and places - not cars and traffic. More traffic and road capacity are not the inven-tible result of growth and sustainability. They are the fact the product of very deliberate choices that shapes communities around the private automobile.

STRATEGYAs a society where making sense should be the top priority the ability to make different choices starts with the decision to design streets as comfortable places for people.

Get over it plans the community of Strømsø around transportation, making Strømsø more accessible influencing quality of life for the future to come.

The idea behind the tram system is not an innovative one, however seen in this relation it might turn out to be exactly that. Giving nurture to the concept of introducing a tram system which becomes a local system connecting inner centre of Drammen into one entity might be the strength needed to enhance further the branding of Drammen as the city for the future. In relations to the competition Get over it structures the whole concept layout around the establishment of a tram system. Regardless this idea, the first phase of such an idea could (with the use of the same street layout) favor carbon free buses in a transit period between bus and tram. The strategy will show a very strong benefit with the introduction of the tram as it connects with the north and south in a sustainable manner, and connects with adjacent areas making access improved and more secure by reducing the use of cars, keeping them to the outskirts of the edges.

Strømsø overall strategiesThe overall strategies for Strømsø is about creating places for people and define the district as a community for the future. Hence to the com-plexity of the competition program Get over it has pin pointed five major focus areas:

1) WATERFRONT 2) SQUARES, PARKS & DESTINATIONS3 ) TRANSPORTATION & CAR USE REDUCTION4) PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE MOVEMENT AND 5) CONNECTIVITY LOCAL & REGIONAL

all of great importance which will give:

A. STRØMSØ AS A DISTRICT IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY AND STRONGER RELATIONSHIP TO BRAGERNESB. A STRENGTHENING OF DRAMMEN AS ONE ENTITY DEFINED BY TWO STRONG DISTRICTSC. PUBLIC SPACES DEFINED THROUGH SEVERAL SMALL DESTINATIONSD. GIVING BACK THE WATERFRONT TO PEOPLE BY MAKING IT MORE ACCESSIBLE BY FOOT ON DIFFERENT LEVELSE. GREAT PARKS AND SPACES FOR RECREATION AND ACTIVITYF. SPARKLING STREETS ENFORCING A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTSG. THE MARKET PLACE BACK TO PEOPLE AND BUILD NEW STRONG LOCAL ECONOMY

The four specified competition areas are given full attention though on various detailed level. They are through the strategies well connected with each other.One of the key features in the strategic concept is the total refurbishment of the waterfront providing a new facade towards the river and Bragernes. It will also become the green carpet connecting with the rest of district and further into the south part of Drammen where all the sports facili-ties and recreation areas are situated.

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new waterfront improved connection between thewaterfront and urban fabric

the new square ofdestinations

the reduction of car use makingpedestrians the main focus

going green improved connection; train stationand introducing entrance for river taxi

trains run under the green carpetcreating a non-barrier effect

the new city tram connecting northand south making Drammen one entity

the buses and cars for train station is fed under the carpet parallel with the train

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THE CARS IS TAKEN UNDER A TUNNEL TO ACCOMMOATE THE GREEN CROSSOVER AS SEEN ILLUSTRATED BELOW. THE CONCEPT BEHIND THIS IS TO FURTHER STRENGTH-EN THE CONNECTION WITH ADJACENT AR-EAS FOR PEDESTRI-ANS AND SECURE SAFETY PASSINGS

The Square of DestinationsSquare of Destinations will be the improved Strømsøs new attraction. As illustrated below the dia-gram shows a comparison between existing situation and proposed situations for Area 1 of the competition. As conceptual layouts the analysis helps Get over it to find the centre core of Strømsø, and establish this as a strong Square of possibilities and for people to come together. The Square of Destinations opens up for the traditional market square also directly attached to local shops adjacent to the square.

HOW: Reaching out like an octopusThink of an octopus. Then think about how the arms reaches out all at the same time grabbing things of need to sustain his living. The principle of these arms are applicable for how the square reaches out through the buildings and grabs people into the square, nurturing the life of the public space. It is all about giving the streets life and substance of such qualities that it becomes interesting to visit and use. Though the arms are long it still needs to be supplied to feed. Looking at Fig. 00, 00, 00 and 00 where the tram line has defined three major stops, it is easy to establish a sustained movement from each of these stops, making people move through and into Strømsø. The grade of activities wanted for the square sprawls from daily use of amenities such as benches, grass, water area, cafes, shops, restaurants to more event like activities such as concerts, fairs, market days, the world soccer game shown on big digital screen and so forth.

The conceptual thoughts of how the design of the square should be envisaged are only displayed as simple schemes in this project, however, the principle alignment of the water bed, the threes to sustain shadow on warm sunny days, envel-oping of buildings etc are all considered to be the best to support Get over it as a sustainable project.

The tram extends the idea of “Reaching out like an octopus whereas it serves also the north side of the river; Bragernes (as mentioned in Section 03_Strategy). With a controlled infrastructure, and predicted stops outside the three main stops of Strømsø, the walkability is increased. Related to this the commercial amenities will provide for work, leisure and other activities which generates public use and other attractions. The other strength of the tram system is that it makes it easier to get to all sporting facilities on the south side of Strømsø.

WHAT: CIVIC ACTIVITYTo sustain a year around activity people is the key issue to achieve this. However people are attracted by other people, people are attracted by work possibilities, leisure, entertainment and other elements of joy. Civic buildings such as libraries, museums, public buildings and so are important factors for creating civic life and activity. It also defines an urban typology with magnificent structures defining Architecture of place. The new con-cepts of Strømsø do not emphasize the construction of new architecture, however more looking towards the refur-

bishing of existing structures. All heritage buildings marked class A has been kept to its origin. New architecture is established to accommodate new urban footprint as displayed attached as streets to the principle of “reaching out like an octopus”. The project have though removed the existing fire station (fig. to the left) to where the existing gas station (west side) used to be. The argument for this is that the future profile of a car free district will not require such amenities. Removing the fire station the project is able to conceptualize the extension towards the sports and recreation area; establish a new urban park and conceptualize a new cultural structure facing the square and the park at the same

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1: Main Square 2: End of shopping street east Cafe, restaurants and bars3: Small market connected to independent grocery shops for fruits, meat, vegetables etc4: Transit zone between green carpet and square with bars, cafes etc5: Small public space for small activities and recreation. Sit down and relax and hear the water run by in the river.6: The urban park square for mixed uses aimed specifically for the youth. Skating, bmx, rollerblades etc.

Intention

The intention behind the structural composition of the main public space is the creation of diver-sity. By putting the element of water the public space is given a meeting point for various activi-ties and use. Looking at the octopus principle reaching out through the streets, it favors small destinations around aligned around the water. In this case it makes it possible to establish a management for the public space giving owner-ship to a certain space for local business. It also, though the public space keeps its scale, breaks up the public space into smaller pieces sustaining the possibility for year around activities without having the dangerous of being empty. Each of the small spaces have the power it self to attract activity and people, also in relations to the sun versus shadows from the threes.

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Examples of content:

Cafees, restaurants, pubs, bakery, breweries, take away etc.

Independent shops, shops, various commercial not found at Bragernes etc.

Bars, nightclubs, hotel, pool and other activities etc.

Business, offices, public/private, culture, exhibition, gallery etc.

UNDERGROUND parking linked to the tunnel. Elevates up to the public square and cultural building.

RIGHT SIDE: Existing structure where Area 1 is marked out for competetion purposes.

Gas station (removed)

Fire station (moved)

NEW FIRE STATION

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RIGHT SIDE: Existing structure where Area 1 is marked out for competetion purposes.

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THE CONNECTION POINTThe first connection point for the tram is on the east corridor coming directly of the bridge. This stop defines the portal entrance point into the square area, and has also been conceptualized as the “little business district” whereas the structural buildings surrounding the stop suggests there should be offices, public services, financial institutions and so forth. It will sustain a possible higher work rate and work possibilities if such amenities are closely adjacent to a stop for the purpose of increasing public transportation use amongst people. In this adjacent area it would be natural with a kindergarden also hence to the close relationship to the new park (green carpet) and potential areas for playgrounds. og samtidig inneholde flere aspekter med direkte overføringsverdi til andre byer.lassdannelser og overgangssoner mellom delområder. I Stavanger er Nytorget en aktuell case-studie, der resultatet av akademiet vil gi konkrete innspill i en pågående planprosess og samtidig inneholde flere aspekter med direkte overføringsverdi til andre byer.

THE LOW ENERGY HOUSINGStrømsø´s orientation in the landscape, and the flat surface it is situated in gives this area a great access to sun power through the year. As a FUTURE BUILT project it is important to plan and build solu-tions that opens for the possibility to take advantage of these conditions, but also to make it possible to deliver power back to the grid. In this way this part of Drammen can become a real zero emission area in the whole lifespan of the buildings from production starts, transportation of materials, use and mainte-nance.Orientation of the buildings. Large roofs facing south, angle of roofs (30/56). Size of windows regarding sunny side/shadowy sides. Extensive use of secondary shell in form of glassed balconies (which also will increase the street life as inhabitants become more visible when they are at home). Clever shading to pre-vent over heating and need for air conditioning in summertime. Installation of solar panels on roofs to heat air, or preferably water (as shown in diagram on left). Installation of PV panels on facades (as part of shading f.ex) to supply needed power and to feed the grid when power production exceeds power need.

Urban run-off on surfaceUrban stormwater run-offs are contaminated with high levels of organic and synthetic pollutants. This must be cleaned before it can be let into the river to avoid disturbance of the existing ecosystems. Normally all surface water in the city is piped and cleaned together with the sewage wich is an expensive process. By handeling and cleaning Strømsø´s run-off for nutrients and pollution on the surface with retention basins and bio-svales with plant-ecosystems that filter and extract pollutants and the filtering capasity of substrates to improve the quality of the rainwater it can benefit the inhabitants in the urban spaces before it washes into the river. By developing the streetscape with blue-green elements for the water to travel through, and with use of extrusive green roofs the selection of species will also incerase (2010 beeing the year of Biodiversity, Naturmangfold året).Development with permeable surfaces rather than hard surfaces increases the environment in the cityscape to absorb more stormwater.

URBAN HEAT ISLAND- EFFECT; rising temperature in the city in summertime is related to the increased use of hard surfaces. Water, plants and trees in the squares, in the private backyards and on the roofs lowers the average temperature and fights the UHI-effect.(Reference to Malmø sustainable urban run-off projects ; Blue-Green fingerprints” by Peter Stahre)

heat exchanger installed in water systems

flexible shading outside glassed facade

heated water from panels con-nected to warm-water system

PV-panels as part of shading

solar panels on the roof in 30 degree angle

glassed balkonies on south facades

Svales along streets: For stormwater retention and cleaning.Plants and soil to extract pollutants and nutrients.

Extrusive green roofing: Plants and soil for stormwater retention and some clean-ing. Also good effect for insulation.

Stormwater basins, on and under surface: Water-retention basins on the surface is a part of the cleaning structure. Basins under the surface store water that can feed the on-surface system in dry periods.

Refurbishment of existing buildingsA lot of the existing buildings in Strømsø is brick -buildings that is not thriving with a heavy layer of insulation on the outside to achieve energy-savings.

By applying more or less the same principles as to the new building struc-ture; glassed balconies, solar-panels on the roof, Pv-panels as part of sun-shading, the old structure can achieve energy efficient savings and have the social life the balconies brings with them into the city-streets.

TelthusgataOn the east side of the church we saw the potential for a new quieter housing area. Developing for a mixed neigh-borhood, with differentiation in size of the apartments and naturally with life time standard and easy access to both indoors and outdoors environments, we imagine it to be possible for all ages to live here a little longer, whether it be families with small children, many children or for the elder.

The building structure, consist of eight units with ap-prox 100 apartments, varying from 20m2-100m2. On the north side of the old school there are two larger build-ings with a more traditional appearance with volume possible to contain approx another 80 apartments.

The green surfaces is dominating in this area and moves forward all the way down to the green carpet as a part of the blue-green structure, dealing with the urban run-off. This secures the residents a good outdoor environ-ment just outside their doorstep with the possibility to meet your neighbor more often, in all ages.

All of the building structure has potential to achieve +house standard, equipped with solar panels on the roofs to pre-heat the warm water and heating the floors, extra climatic shell in form of glassed balconies on the south facade, Pv- panels as part of the flexible sun-shading and heat exchanger on the warm water system. In wintertime f ex heating with pellet stoves in a central system can be considered as a supplement.

The old schoolThe programme for the old school is transformed from educational to cultural, inspired by the 1o4-centre in Paris where an old funeral parlour has become an arts-centre.Galleries, show-rooms, ateliers and design offices; this has a possibility to become a vital design institution, given the close location to the train, the new shopping streets with the small specialized shops in the neighbor-hood, and the closer relation it can have to Papirbred-den and Bragenes given the new light rail included in the project.The large open space kept in front of the building opens for outdoor arrangements connected to the activities on the inside, or maybe arrangements on national day etc.

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Content1. Ribbon street going into the square where local shops and commercial business is situated on ground floor. Offices situated on 2nd and 3rd floor and above floors are residential units.2. Public buildings serving the Strømsø district3. Bank and financial institutions4. Shops and commercial business is situated on ground floor. Offices situated on 2nd and 3rd floor. The building is also a strategic object for housing a hotel, bars and nightclubs/bars.

WHAT: The difference of squaresThe new square is conceptualized different from the new Strømsø square which is under construction. The new Strømsø square becomes another connection point for the tram system with direct access to the new train station. Get over it acknowledges the new Strømsø square to be the portal and extended entrance point of the train station with functions supporting these. The square will also provide for smaller destinations however different from the core of Strømsø. It is important to see and direct a link between these two major squares and make them support each other to avoid a competitive situation. It is also important to acknowledge both areas as two of three major stops for the tram connecting to adjacent areas. The new Strømsø square is also combined with the new train station an entrance for the water taxi running from the waterfront side.

underground water basin bio-svale underground surface water

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RIGHT SIDE: Existing structure where Area 1 is marked out for competetion purposes.

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CEPT

THE GREEN CARPETThe Barrier that the train is representing has been overtaken by connecting the sea shore, with the marina and promenade to the core of Stromsø by creating a structure that gets over it. This way Get over it have proposed a new direction of accomodating the new TRANSPORTATION HUB that Strømsø now seeks to become.

The green carpet accomodates under it a parking of about 200 cars for commuters, the CAR SHARING system of about 200 electrical cars, and the BUS TERMINAL. As a whole, the green carpet creates an amazing public space on the top of it, with parks, and playgrounds and also a new Passive House neigbourhood. By lifting up the public space and GET in it OVER the rail track, the project creates a new public space exposed to sun, and making it attractive to the different moment of the day. Refer-ing back to the Making sensen of Drammen, the urban image of becoming one entity is of crucial importance to strenghtning the city si becoming more clear and possible through this new concept. The waterfront facade becomes an attraction by itself, and as a destination the many opportunites the carpet can provide is of high value for travelers, local citizens and the city.

Drammen defined by Bragernes and Strømsø is going the right direction by sustaining a district for:

• REDUCED CAR USE• PUBLIC SPACES FOR PEOPLE AND ACTIVITES GENERATED• STREETS OF HIGH QUALITIES• PARKS FAVORING RECREATION AND ACTIVITIES OF ALL KINDS• SMALL DESTINATIONS FOR NICHE EVENTS • MARKET PLACES AND GROWTH OF LOCAL ECONOMY• INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURE AND ENERGY SAVING STRUCTURES

The new improved Strømsnes provides a vision for the future bringing Drammen as one entity one step further into a sustained future.

iT Get OVER

structure under the carpettransport hub

buss

train

lifts

PARKING / cars commuters

pedestrian access

SUN STUDY

natural light under the carpet

june 07 - 12 - 19

march 07 - 12 - 19