Stovnertårnet, is a 260-meter-long circular walkway, rising to 15 meters above the ground. The tower is located at Stovner, 30 minutes from Oslo’s city center. The project is a teamwork between landscape architects, engineers and lighting designers. It sets modern architecture in a natural landscape and is an invitation to experience urban outdoor life. Stovnertårnet is a collaboration with the District of Stovner and the Municipality of Oslo’s Agency for Urban Environment, founded by municipality of Oslo and the Groruddalen project. The Groruddalen project, aims to improve services and local environments to help residents become more economically independent and to encourage active participation in their community. Stovnertårnet is a part of a larger transformation of the area around Stovner center. District of Stovner and the Municipality of Oslo’s Agency for Urban Environment wanted a tower, so high that you could see the Oslofjord in the horizon, and provide Stovner with an attraction so strong that it could be a destination both in the district of Stovner and Oslo.
When the project landed on drawing table of landscape architects in LINK architecture, the idea of designing a floating corridor appeared rather than a traditional tower building. The idea was an experience to be as a walk among the tree tops, with a view overlooking the trees and hills of the Grorud Valley, all the way to the Oslo Fjord. Inspired by the context of the historical Fossumberget, with beautiful trees and a buzzling bird life, the design is inspired by a bird’s flight into the air, where the plateaus represents birds nest. On the way to the top, there are several landings, like birds’ nests high above the ground, where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the view.
Stovnertårnet is an urban nature experience out of the ordinary. The project has succeeded in providing a destination that attracts and includes all, regardless of age, identity and background. The tower has become an attraction that promotes district of Stovner as a destination, not only for the inhabitants in the area, but for Oslo as a capital. The walkway is accessible for disabled visitors and secured with tall railings, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience all year round. The tower is located on the historic Fossumberget, as part of the local hiking trails.In the evening Stovnertårnet comes alive with a captivating light display that serves to emphasize its interweaving paths and supports the wooden nests. The lighting also illuminates the surrounding area, increasing the feeling of safety. The existing trees are an inspiration for the design and use of wood as material in the construction. Design and material selection is a priority in the project; the load-bearing wooden columns, reminiscent of trees and branches, are placed as carefully as possible in the terrain, integrating with the existing trees and vegetation. The columns that support the structure also serve as birdhouses for local species, like the common swift.
As a part of the experience, there has been established a learning project as a part of the experience. The aim is to promote learning about the area’s local history and the development of Oslo from ice age, to today. For example, the wooden posts have holes, that act as binoculars, that focuses on a piece of landscape, a building, a church, birds’ nests, the historic drawings at the mountains below, a tree, etc. Learning about local history’s nature and culture and promote Fossumberget, and Stovner, as a destination, worth visiting.
Stovnertårnet is a project where design and material selection is a priority, a gentle footprint protects both trees and historical ground. The result is a unique tower, that gives you and experience out of the ordinary. Its free, attracts people of all ages and are accessible to all, all year around.
Entrant office name: Link Arkitektur Landskap As
Role of the entrant in the project: Landscape Architects
Website: https://linkarkitektur.com/no/Fagomraader/Landskap
Other designers involved in the design of landscape: Multiconsult AS, ÅF Lighting
Project location (Street, City, Country): Tokeruddalen 105, Stovner. Oslo, Norway
Design year: 2015-2017
Year Built: 2017