Oslo Skatehall
Professionals and amateur skateboarders of all ages will side by side occupy the new 2300 sqm indoor skatepark at Voldsløkka in Oslo, Norway.
The new indoor skatepark at Voldsløkka is a long awaited facility with well-documented needs. The facility will be an important meeting place for young people, and help to cover one ever-increasing need for low-threshold facilities for unorganized sports. The users’ needs for the skatehall will have a high priority also in further development. The building will be a flexible skatehall, with great capacity that offers attractive experiences.
The skatehall and the associated exterior area is located in a sloping terrain between existing grass- and gravel football fields along Stavangergata at Voldsløkka. The design and concept for both building and landscape was developed in collaboration between the landscape architect, the architect and a special adviser to skateboard facilities.
Throughout the entire process, there has been a focus on; a holistic design grip that coordinates the use and design of the landscape, understanding skateboarding features and usage, design of the skatehall and understanding the general situation and neighborhood.
The architectural concept was based on the idea that the usage as a skateboarding arena should be reflected in the volume and expression. The main volumes and facade composition of the building is therefore inspired by skateboard elements and their dynamic formal language and is adapted to the desired room program.
The hall consists of two equal volumes that stand against each other, where one cantilevers over the main access, while the other cantilevers over the outdoor skatepark and public park.
The landscaping has a design that incorporates the directions and design language of the building, and a terrain that connects it to the adjacent park. The skateboarding area on the lower level of the park is mainly designed as a concrete deck with skateboard elements, ramps and an amphitheater of concrete (620 sqm). The mid-level with wooden decks is adapted for both skateboarding and recreation with edges of granite (220 sqm).
A skateboard element in concrete highlights the entrance from Stavangergata. The exterior levels are linked with staircases, an amphitheater, skateboard ramps and ledges in the Northeast. This allows for skateboarding and a good view of the activities from the park and into the hall.
The skateboard area located on the ground floor is designed so that 50 skateboarders can use the different areas simultaneously. The skateboarding area includes a large floor space for street skating, 1 or 2 bowls, a micro ramp and a full-size vert.
This will be an excellent venue for arranging NM and international skate contests.
The volumes are inclined in opposite directions of the terrain, creating dynamics and motion. The design contributes to an interesting experience both in remote impact, and for those who live close to the site. The building has a good integration in the landscape and is adapted adjacent to its surroundings and outdoor program.
The main entrance is clearly visible on the west facade and the architectural design allows the creation of a natural shelter above the access zone. The café is located in the southwestern corner where the skateboarders, their friends and family can get light refreshments. The cafe also has a sunny and covered outdoor area in the access zone.
From the gallery on the second floor visitors can follow the tricks and stunts from the skateboard areas on the floor below. The building will also have toilet and cloakroom facilities, a workshop and storage, media and game rooms, facilities and equipment for video editing and meeting rooms.
Materials and detailing are given a simple and crude expression whose quality is to highlight the constructive and protective materials. The shape is articulated with contrast between open and closed fields in the strong, clean volumes. The hall will be clad in a perforated metal cladding in a dark and a light nuance for each volume. The purpose is to emphasize and highlight the configuration not only with its shape, but also in material use. Colors and materiality create a diversified entirety and gives an extra dimension to the angled expression.
The building volumes, window placement, cantilevers and vegetation is designed to minimize solar radiation, which reduce the need for cooling. It is also planned principal conditions for implementation, such as passive house requirements, high degree of recycling of materials, LCC, indoor climate and energy requirements.
The windows at ground level helps to activate the surrounding areas because one gets access to the indoor skateboard activity and a good view from the hall to the adjacent outdoor areas. A distinct connection between indoor and outdoor areas creates security, visibility and natural social control. This openness and transparency also contribute the skateboard activity to become an inspiration for both active athletes and passersby.
