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Architects: LINK arkitektur
- Area: 32000 m²
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:Hundven Clements Photography
Text description provided by the architects. The housing project “Verket” is situated close to Damsgårdsundet harbour front in Bergen. Like so many other harbour areas in European cities and in the rest of the world, this part of the city is going through a transformation; from industry to housing and business areas. This unique location between the Fjord and the mountains and in addition, within walking distance to the city centre and university, gives future residents innumerable possibilities concerning work and recreation.
“Verket” together with several other projects in the area will create approximately 1100 new flats, cafes, shops and small businesses in close proximity to the city centre. The politicians in Bergen municipality have high ambitions to create a future-oriented district that will be attractive for all demographic groups. A pedestrian bridge over the fjord for cyclists and pedestrians is under planning and will span from the district’s new main Square “Markusplassen” to the new commercial area on the city side. This will contribute to connecting the commercial and social centre in Damsgård and create an interactive plaza for the city and the developing area. The square named after the Markus church in the nearby vicinity links it to its geographical surroundings.
The local school, Ny Krohnborg School, is modernized and combines regional functions such as a local cultural centre, sports facilities and a kindergarten. A new promenade and outdoor swimming facilities will be established along the existing harbour front. “Verket” is situated in the centre of this exciting new district, with the listed Iron Foundry building as part of its location. The foundry’s architecture originates from 1890-1900 and creates the possibility for interesting architectural juxtapositions; new versus old. The listed building will be restored into a modern shopping facility. The Ground floor of the buildings are commercial areas that will contribute to the life and energy of the street.
The two housing towers in Verket have an unusual hexagonal shape. We choose this form to create a maximum of light and view from the flats and to create good views from the sourounding housing projects. The buildings have two very different sides, one with continius balconys with colorful glass and one calmer grey broken up with bright orange. The balconies and the glasswall functions as a sound screen for the flats and create a lively façade. The sloping windows accentuate the buildings distinct character, making it easily recognizable. The project contains 45 flats with a light and a spacious interior. The oblique window shape creates a dynamic and unusual feeling from the internal space. All flats are prepared for disabled users. There is a large communal roof terrace on one of the buildings.
