Atelier Oslo, AS

Sentralen Library

Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen

SENTRALEN LIBRARY

Atelier Oslo + KIMA Arkitektur

MANUFACTURERS
Cembrit, Kone, TECE, Vola, Purus

MAIN CONTRACTOR
AF Byggfornyelse

CLIENT
Øvre Slottsgate 3 AS (Sparebankstiftelsen)

ACOUSTIC CONSULTANT
Brekke & Strand Akustikk

BUILDING CONSULTANTS
RIB, RIE, RIBR: Norconsult, RIV: Asplan Viak, RibFy: Rambøll

PROJECT LEADER
Fokus Rådgivning

AREA
12500 m²

LIGHTING DESIGN
Consept Design AS

LOCATION
Oslo, Norway

YEAR
2016

CATEGORY
Cultural Architecture, Refurbishment

Sentralen consists of Christiania Sparebank's old bank building from 1899, and an adjacent office building from 1900 (architects Henrik Nissen and Ivar Cock). In 2012 Atelier Oslo and Kima Arkitektur started the work of turning these two buildings into a new cultural hub of Oslo, offering co-working spaces for cultural producers and social innovators.

Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen

Both buildings were characterized by several refurbishments in recent decades, and an extensive amount of debris were removed in the beginning of the rebuilding process. Structural changes in the protected facades and interiors was made to make the buildings more inviting and open the former bank buildings to the public.

As the original buildings were separate structures, it was important to connect the spaces. As a solution to this, a new entrance was established with a new elevator and an elaborate staircase weaving the two buildings together. A new roof over the old courtyard, creating a new interior square, has become a pivotal point for the users.

Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen

User groups with expertise on a variety of themes such as technical solutions, jobs, entertainment, and cultural functions, were working in close collaboration with the architects to ensure optimal functionality.

An extensive work analysis of the buildings' condition and opportunities was carried through before developing space and functional program with the client. Finding flexible solutions was emphasized and all spaces are designed for various activities.

Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen

To ensure this it has been important to add a limited number of new items and keep the spaces as open as possible. The building is planned and built to withstand changes over time.

Many of the old materials - excavated layers of gypsum, carpets, and suspended ceilings - has been kept with its worn or unfinished feel, while other special room has been restored and returned to its original condition.

Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen

this contrast between the rough and the refined grandeur gives the building a distinctive atmosphere.

Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen


Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen


Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen


Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen


Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen
Sentralen Library
© Lars Petter Pettersen


Sentralen Library
Section
Sentralen Library
Section


Sentralen Library
Plan
Sentralen Library
Plan
Sentralen Library
Plan

Sentralen Library
Site Plan

Atelier Oslo, AS
T +47 463 49144
Atelier Oslo, AS
Filipstadveien 5, 0250 Oslo, Norway