The suburban transformation densification project in Oslo is a response to the increasing demand for balanced high-quality urban living due to the city’s growing population, new regional infrastructure investments such as Fornebubanen, and the need to create more environmental friendly urban landscapes. The ongoing Fornebubanen metro project creates the need to rethink Vækerø as a new district in Oslo that has an opportunity to become a new example of denser urbanization in a resdiential setting. The goal is to suggest a more hollistic community-centered urban planning approach that is an answer to two contrasting qualities of living: urban-compact living with various services located – a typical Oslo’s urban compactness, with the spacious, nature-accessible aspects of suburban living.

Focusing on Vækerø, the study examines its current typology, the effect of Småhusplanen, and Oslo’s broader urban strategies, especially around public transportation. It envisions a densification model that retains suburban lifestyle qualities in an urban setting beyond just maximizing housing volumes and commercial development.

The key to the design is access to nature, integrating existing greenery and heritage-listed residential gardens into newly formed public parks, and connecting the community together with a new network of paths. The proposal also transforms six existing houses into public facilities to serve local needs and encourage community involvement.

Research question

How can Vækerø, a suburban neighborhood, be transformed into a more urbanized area

while retaining the key qualities of suburban living?

This research question involves a delicate balance between the following elements:

Densification strategies involve exploring ways to increase population density in Vækerø without

overwhelming the existing infrastructure. Some possible solutions include building more housing

units, adding multi-use buildings, or increasing the height of structures.

Preserving green spaces is crucial to maintaining and expanding access to natural environments

within the site. This could involve integrating parks, community gardens, and green corridors into

the plan.

Maintaining the community identity of the area allows to capture the unique local character and

sense of community. This requires considering how architectural design, community planning,

and public spaces can foster a sense of belonging and local identity.

The quality of life of urbanized neighborhoods should some of the quality of life that suburban

areas offer, for example child-friendly environment.

Balancing urban and suburban qualities requires finding innovative ways to blend the benefits

of urban living, such as increased accessibility to amenities and public transport, with the

spacious, relaxed atmosphere of suburban life. This might involve designing multi-functional spaces catering to both lifestyles.