ABSTRACT
In 2003, Oslo Kommune (OK) adopted a master plan for the strategically important Bjørvika area, located in the heart of the medieval centre of the city. Bjørvika is a redevelopment area of national significance, and is part of the wider Fjordcity urban expansion that seeks to utilise Oslo’s strategically important fjord location to absorb development over the next decade. It represents a marked shift towards an active strategy to attract investment in Norway, and to make Oslo a city of international significance 1 . Whilst the development of the area has had the support of a broad cross section of interests within the city, the inclusion of possible tall buildings in part of the area, and the potential impact of these upon the character of the city and upon particular built heritage designations, has attracted widespread criticism and concern. Any consensus over the redevelopment of Bjørvika as a project of national importance has subsequently dissipated, with increasing concern that politicians have been favouring development interests over built heritage concerns until recently. Decisions about tall buildings in Bjørvika are taking place within a context of increasing numbers of tall building applications being received by the Kommune, reflecting a renewed economic confidence in the city, alongside concern about the management of built heritage assets, particularly the medieval old town.
