“Terrible” meant Architecture Rebellion. Then the architect made a complete U-turn – and the rebels cheered.

The Sandakerveien site in Torshov is home to Oslo’s oldest fire station (from 1914) and is surrounded by neoclassical architecture.

But here, Fredensborg Housing and MAD Architects wanted to build a hyper-modern “signal building”. In 2014, they launched a 27-meter corner building.

– We wanted to improve a somewhat messy area by marking the corner and going a little higher, recalls architect Kurt Singstad, architect and partner of Mad Arkitekter.

He points out that there was a lot of talk about the lack of housing near the city center at the time. Proper use was therefore part of the order. There were also many high-rise buildings in the area.

End of signal construction

But Byantikvaren was very skeptical about the heights and the design. The Planning and Construction Agency also had objections. They went through several rounds with new proposals. But over the years, something happened in the world of architects.

– Before, we were very careful to create a contrast with the existing one. We wanted to highlight the new architecture, preferably with “signal building”, explains Singstad.

He found that the word is hardly used anymore.

Now, the identity of the place, the preservation of existing buildings and the adaptation have become important. According to Singstad, it’s about “honoring” the architecture that is already there.

– People are more interested in built environments. Then the wishes of the community, not the individual company, must weigh more heavily, he acknowledges.

“Must” be out of step with people

In close dialogue with the client, MAD has now submitted a completely new project:

A sober, “classic” building, which largely continues its neighbour, the former fire station. The idea is urban repair rather than contrast.

– We bring the best of the surrounding architecture, but add modern solutions and technologies, says Singstad, and adds:

– We have an architectural heritage that we must manage. There is no defeat in adapting.

Then he makes an almost startlingly honest admission:

– Before, we knew that people got angry every time we drew something. New architecture had to like being out of step with people’s wishes.

Now he thinks he was allowed to go too far. That architects are brought back to the idea that architecture must be beautiful.

– It’s not bad if most people like what we draw. On the contrary, it is important that buildings that will last for hundreds of years are loved, he says.

– What’s amazing is that it takes another rebellion before we architects start thinking about what we’re doing.

In step with people

Aftenposten recently mentioned an opinion poll that suggests the new project will appeal to many: Many more Oslo citizens prefer classical architecture to modern architecture.

The rebels also loudly applaud the new proposal:

“If this is built, it will be one of the finest things that has been built in Oslo for many years,” he wrote. rebel leader Saher Sooururi on Facebook. He called it “a much-needed sunshine story” for the capital. And immediately got 1100 likes.

The client, Fredensborg Housing, is also pleased with the praise. But they promise not to stick to the classic in the future.

“We do not espouse a single architectural direction, but want to find the best possible solutions for each individual project,” writes Tollef Svenkerud in the company in an e-mail.