A unique and controversial project
”An exciting growth” or “a social experiment”; differences of opinion have been many and varied concerning the giant kindergarten at Sagene. But that the regeneration of the building itself has been a success is something that most people can agree on. The project was particularly well thought through and has resulted in a light, welcoming kindergarten suitable for all, with good ventilation and acoustics. The project also included one new building, but naturally enough it is the old factory which has received the most attention. The building was originally designed byThorvald? Astrup and built during the 1920s.
Major challenges on several levels
”One of the greatest challenges was to crack the building code,” says Per Arne Bjørnstad, architect and owner of the architecture office NAV A.S. “It was quite a challenge to transform the old factory into a modern building, with an optimal understanding of logistics and function. The building is a noteworthy signal buildingfrom the early 1900s, and features many qualities from the great age of industry. But it was run down and carried the distinctive signs of a life mechanical productionand not of humanity. Now the machines are being removed and the building will become both functional and contemporary for young and old alike,” he says.
The structure of the building was in such a sorry state that all old plasterwork had to be removed and the whole interior replastered. The external facade was also improved, before being painted with a ’breathable paint’. The original roof was slated. This was considered to be unsuitable and a copper roof was installed after additional insulation was laid.
“Several original details from the building remain and are positive elements in today’s solution. For example the high windows and ceilings provide extensive and healthy lighting," explains Per Arne. ”But the installation of sprinkler systems and ducting for the air conditioning systems was a major challenge, in particular in spaces where the ceiling heights were lower. We sought a solution which in part adapted the building’s constructions, and in part complemented the expansion of installations without sacrificing the qualities of the building itself.”
”As the main floor lay 1.2m above ground level, ramps and bridges had to become an intrinsic element of the functional whole, in order to ensure good open communications for everyone," he says.
An innovation of genius, which resolved a great deal
Ventilation could easily have become a problem. But with an innovation of sheer genius this was resolved without major difficulties. ”We found a solution which was based upon the principles of hybrid ventilation without the need for normal ducting. “By gatheringthe entire supplyinto onecore, withgratingsand valves, wesolvedall the challengesandcouldsavemanyqualities of the building,” says PerArne.
It became something both playful and functional
The Kindergarten houses 30 bases, each with 24 children. The entranceways to the bases have special markings in a variety of colours and different materials. Folios on the door surroundscreate good contrast and pictographic symbols show the way. The graphic design follows a logical interior division in which colours and graphics function as visual coding for the various departments. The graphic elements across pillars and walls also function as a guide. Contrast-rich colour schemes in a harmonious palette give identity to the various zones and underline their use, as well as providing orientation for the visually impaired. End walls also generate contrasts, as does coloured lighting.
