The project is located on a complex plot in the dense, post-industrial area of Nydalen in Oslo. The site is heavily influenced by its surroundings, particularly Snøhetta’s Vertikalen tower to the south, which casts substantial shadow across the plot. An existing warehouse currently occupies the site, while the river runs concealed beneath the ground, shaping both the physical and spatial conditions.
The feasibility study addressed several key challenges: uncovering and activating the river, providing publicly accessible recreational spaces, and introducing new architecture for residential and commercial use. By daylighting the river, the project transforms a hidden infrastructural element into a defining feature of the public realm.
As the river divides the plot into two parts, the proposed new buildings are located on the larger western portion of the site. The ground floor is designed as an active public interface with cafés and restaurants opening toward a new urban square. The reopened river enables the creation of a riverside park and a public swimming deck intended for everyday use by local residents.
AI tools were integrated throughout the design process. Autodesk Forma supported volume placement and informed decisions through noise and daylight analyses, while large language models assisted with material selection and architectural character. Together, these tools enabled the production of visual material ranging from sketch-like drawings and physical model expressions to high-quality renderings, supporting both design development and communication.