Client
Statsbygg on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Research
Area
97,000 m² gross floor area (GFA
Function
Educational and research facility
Discipline
Design team leadership, architecture, interior architecture, responsible applicant, and carbon emissions accounting
Requirements
BREEAM Excellent certification; 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions related to materials, energy, and transport compared to a standard building in the same category
Architecturally, the structure consists of a long, four-story volume, vertically divided into a two-story base elevated above a double-height open space, the “commons” at ground level, and two tower volumes placed on top. This composition of volumes references the modernist buildings of the Blindern Plateau. By concentrating programmatic areas in the towers, the overall building height is kept low, preserving visual connections between Gaustad and the Oslo Fjord while framing the view in a light and open composition.
Offices and laboratories are located on levels 3 and 4, as well as in the towers, above a shared ground-level commons that includes the main entrance, a learning center, cafeteria, and café. An internal commons on levels 3 and 4 also provides informal meeting spaces and break areas between lab and office zones.
The building is designed according to a principle of convergence, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of knowledge across academic and professional environments. As the first new development in Oslo Science City, the building will occupy a central and strategic location in relation to the University of Oslo’s key partners, other research institutions, and industry. Dedicated spaces for innovation and exploratory development will further support collaboration.
The project is targeting BREEAM Excellent certification, with a strong focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Measures include the use of low-carbon concrete, a rooftop solar panel array, and natural stormwater management. The overarching goal is to achieve “nearly zero energy” performance, defined as a 70% improvement over TEK10 standards for net delivered energy. Greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by at least 50% compared to reference buildings through the use of climate- and environmentally friendly materials. Ratio has been responsible for the carbon accounting throughout the design and construction phases.
The building’s placement is based on analyses of local climatic conditions—light, air, noise, proximity to parks and streams, and transportation—as well as considerations related to stormwater and urban ecology. The design emphasizes generality, flexibility, and adaptability to ensure long-term spatial efficiency. This efficient layout contributes to reduced energy and material consumption.
Ratio has served as Lead Consultant, Principal Architect (PGL), Architect (ARK), Interior Architect (IARK), Responsible Applicant (SØK), and Carbon Emissions Advisor since winning first prize in a limited planning and design competition in 2014, in collaboration with Cubo Architects. We have completed the concept design, preliminary design, and detailed design in close cooperation with the design-build contractors, with construction starting in 2019 and the execution contract awarded in October 2022. Since then, Ratio has continued as Responsible Applicant and Client Advisor.
