Port aesthetics matter. What can we learn from Oslo?

Port of Oslo is perhaps the first and only port to develop aesthetic guidelines for development of a port. Writer: Hans Kristian Riise The harbor promenade in Oslo is nine kilometers long. Photo- Patrik Dronetjenester. The guidelines provide direction for all aesthetic choices related to the harbor promenade and industrial port at Sydhavna. Fjord City Plan (Fjordbyen) In January 2000, Oslo City Council set aside a large tract of the port’s real estate holdings for urban development. Twenty years later, the nine-kilometer-long harbor promenade connects several, disparate sections of the waterfront, and provides residents of Oslo with easy access to a large recreation area. Additional land is open for redevelopment through consolidation of the industrial port at Sydhavna, three kilometers from the city center. This will allow for extension of the harbor promenade, construction of residential housing and recreational areas featuring green spaces and swimming areas. Aesthetic opportunities Fjordbyen presents architects, landscape architects, engineers and other professionals with a number of challenging and exciting aesthetic choices. As opportunities for urban development in and around the harbor gained momentum after the new millennium, the port needed a comprehensive plan to ensure aesthetic integrity. Port of Oslo created aesthetic guidelines for Vippetangen (2012) and a streamlined industrial port at Sydhavna (2011). The guidelines for Vippetangen were superseded two years later by the, Harbor Promenade in Oslo - Principles and Strategic Plan. This plan, developed under the aegis of the City of Oslo, brought together key stakeholders whose businesses or activities are along or adjacent to the promenade. This approach helped ensure a unifying, comprehensive aesthetic guide for the entire promenade, including sections not operated and maintained by Port of Oslo. Outdoor furniture at Akershusstranda. Photo Ivan Brody. Aesthetic guidelines cover everything from signage to large construction projects and road building. Guidelines were also established for structures, including color schemes, for silos and container cranes in Sydhavna. One goal is to preserve and develop the aesthetic potential of existing structures and provide overall guidelines for new construction. Urban connector In Byhavna, (City Harbor) the promenade will link the entire waterfront from west to east. General principles include: Increase access between the city and its waterways.Create context and identity.Create and develop unique sections of the promenade.Integrate spaces for public gatherings and activity. Adhering to the overall principles will help ensure each section of the Harbor Promenade has its own unique character. The guidelines place high importance on creating and developing the uniqueness of individual sections of the promenade, integrating spaces for public gatherings and activity, and exploring opportunities to increase public use and accessibility along the promenade. Gastenparken has seating and is close to the waterfront. Photo: Hans Kristian Riise. Norway's best outdoor urban space In 2019, Rådhusbrygge 2 was voted Norway's best outdoor urban space. Rådhusbrygge…