Urban Mountain

Bergen is growing.

Its population is predicted to increase by a third by 2060.

Situated between the fjord and mountain, the city fabric has historically expanded north and south through the valley, with its suburbs stretching many kilometers from the city centre. Today, only 17% of people live in the historic centre Bergenhus.

The majority of workspaces and cultural activities are in the centre, so commuting from outer reaches generates pollution and traffic congestion. To combat this inefficiency, we have to find ways to densify Bergen's centre.

One way to tackle this issue is to utilise Bergen's steep mountainsides, which has in the past proved too technically challenging and contentious to address.

On a city level, the project increases density, whilst simultaneously promising a new living experience above the city.

Bergen is Growing
Bergen’s population has spread through the valleys, leading to urban sprawl, congestion and pollution.

Low-altitude building pattern
Bergen municipality’s building mass below and above 200m

Steep terrain
Large parts of the centre are steep mountainside, historically to technically challenging and contentious to develop

City transitions at key altitudes

City functions and transport infrastructure vary according to altitude and gradient

Building footprint area varies according to altitude

Typologies vary according to gradient and altitude

Density varies according to typology

Efficiency of movement varies according to gradient

Strategy for densifying the mountains

Multi-phase master plan

Fjellsiden
Densifying Fjellsiden with a vertical allmenning (elevators), with stilted, low-level housing units, connected by existing and constructed walkways

Densifying Fjellsiden (plan)

Efficiency study
Driving vs elevator allmenning to the city centre

Perspective section

Fjellsiden (rendering)
The allmenning provides an alternative way up Mount Fløyen