Bergen University College, Kronstad. Kronstadplassen, the entrance square.
Projects / Learning
Bergen University College, Kronstad.
The new building for Bergen University College snakes along and across a group of existing railway sheds, stitching together past and present.
Architect: HLM arkitektur AS (Bergen) and Cubo arkitekter (Århus). Landscape architects: Asplan Viak AS
Published 27 Apr, 2015
The 51.000 sq.m. of the new Bergen University College is comparable to a medium-sized Norwegian village. The main new structure is conceived like a metal snake, resting on eight new brick volumes. This “snake” coils around four old brick buildings, ending at the Kronstad square with a “tail” at one end and a raised “head” in the shape of a tower at the other end. This shape provides several entrances, granting easy access to the school’s many departments.
The Norwegian State Railways formerly occupied the site, with workshops in the four brick halls. These buildings now contain student facilities, cafeteria, library and sports hall. The façades and interiors of the complex are inspired by the unpretentious and characteristic architecture of the old workshops.
Landscaping
The outdoor areas of the new Bergen University College campus at Kronstad measure approx. 26 900 sq.m., more than half of the campus’ total area.
Several gardens and outdoor zones have been created, incorporating principles of universal access as well as durability. The school offers parking for 900 bicycles, and the main access is by public transport.