Ålesund Harborfront

Located at the entrance to the strait, the masterplan for Ålesund Harborfront South accentuates and enhances the user’s connection to the water.

The masterplan unfolds the potential of the waterfront urban space. Located close to a bus station, ferry terminal, parking lots and storage halls, Ålesund Harborfront is currently considered the backside of the city.

Based on the relationship to the harbor environment, a series of new urban and public spaces are proposed. From the townhall plaza, to the new housing developments and culture harbor, the water is ever-present throughout the entire stretch of the future waterfront.

Carefully woven into access points and streets from the surroundings, the masterplan and new harbor front will become an integral part of the surrounding city.

The masterplan and the zoning plan were completed in 2015. They are currently going through a gradual implementation process.

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

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