CONTEXT
The Ålesund Strait lies between the dramatic landscape of Aspøya and Nørvøyas, which creates a naturally protected harbor environment. Ålesund city has evolved around the strait. The historic fishing industry and its facilities align the strait, creating an attractive and unique environment.


CONTEXT
The Ålesund Strait lies between the dramatic landscape of Aspøya and Nørvøyas, which creates a naturally protected harbor environment. Ålesund city has evolved around the strait. The historic fishing industry and its facilities align the strait, creating an attractive and unique environment.

Masterplan
A series of new public waterfront spaces are key structural elements of the masterplan. The plan strengthens the city’s identity and it creates a diverse public life closer to the water.

Masterplan
A series of new public waterfront spaces are key structural elements of the masterplan. The plan strengthens the city’s identity and it creates a diverse public life closer to the water.


TOWNHALL HARBOR
An extension of the existing townhall plaza, the new harbor transforms the current parking lot into formal, waterfront space.
TOWNHALL HARBOR
An extension of the existing townhall plaza, the new harbor transforms the current parking lot into formal, waterfront space.



THE CULTURE HARBOR
Located on the entrance to the Ålesund Strait, which leads into the central part of the city, the former industrial harbor is transformed into a cultural harbor. Designed to protect against the wind, the south-facing waterfront becomes an attractive space for cruise ship tourists as well as locals engaging in recreational activities.


THE CULTURE HARBOR
Located on the entrance to the Ålesund Strait, which leads into the central part of the city, the former industrial harbor is transformed into a cultural harbor. Designed to protect against the wind, the south-facing waterfront becomes an attractive space for cruise ship tourists as well as locals engaging in recreational activities.

Brosundet
Brosundet, a narrow passage, links the southern harbor front with the inner part of the Ålesund Strait. Designed as a low-lying promenade, it brings people close to the water while allowing safe access from the automobile bridge.
Brosundet
Brosundet, a narrow passage, links the southern harbor front with the inner part of the Ålesund Strait. Designed as a low-lying promenade, it brings people close to the water while allowing safe access from the automobile bridge.



HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
Designed as urban spaces that are protected from the wind, the housing developments are organized in a block structure containing private courtyards and exterior public spaces.
HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
Designed as urban spaces that are protected from the wind, the housing developments are organized in a block structure containing private courtyards and exterior public spaces.


Program: | Masterplan, housing, office, retail, school |
Size: | +25 ha |
Location: | Ålesund, Norway |
Client: | Ålesund Kommune |
Year: | 2011 - 2015 |
Type: | Open competition, 1. place |
Collaborators: | Viatrafik, Norconsult |
Role: | Main architectural and masterplan advisor |
Status: | Completed, local plan |
Team JAJA: | Jakob Christensen, Jan Tanaka, Kathrin Gimmel, Sam De Boever, Hannes Haak, Brian Vargo, Mathias Palle, Trine Sommer, Dagbjort Jonsdottir |