Social Riverscape

Team point of view

As a strong structuring component, the River Sandvika forms the base for the new development. Social programs are placed along the river to create natural destinations in the area, making the river an active part of the city. The built fabric and nature together establish a new social riverscape. The buildings live with the river, adjusting to reflect its character, creating a new way of living with the river.
Social Riverscape is a structure that grows around the community of Sandvika. Different programs are placed strategically along the river, generating different kinds of rhythm. These social rooms provide the opportunity for multiple encounters, linking local and regional through different neighbourhood features, jobs and housing.

2015-2017
After the competition, the city organized a meeting bringing together the two prize-winning teams.
As the two projects were quite complementary, the city decided to continue with both teams, entrusting the runner-up team with defining the urban plan for the Hamang area and the winning team with developing a riverbank plan and its programming through participatory workshops.
Workshops with local students and youth were held to redevelop the idea of the river as a social space. These workshops were very useful and led to the creation of a plan where activities and new connections can make the riverbank a new meeting place in Sandvika, including promoting music and sports in Sandvika.
The resulting plan, entitled "Use and Preservation of the Sandvika River," allowed for a deeper study of the riverbanks and highlighted their ecological value.
The submitted study was divided into four main themes:
1. analysis and participation
2. a manual for urban spaces in interaction with the river
3. an overall plan for the riverbank, with focus on certain important nodes.
4. a strategy for temporary uses
The municipality used these studies (by the winning and runner-up team) to develop the neighborhood urban plans and the comprehensive urban plan.