edit, Nordic Office of Architecture
Consultants: TØI, SINTEF, NIVA, PhD Elin T. Sørensen
Our focus within the study was on the city’s waterfront and park system. We took this opportunity to learn more about how we can better design coastal landscapes, integrate play as a pedagogy, and design for health with regards to humans and ecosystems.
This involved dissecting the territory of Ulsteinvik; Who lives here, how was it settled, what type of soils, vegetation, agriculture, industries, and cultural activities take place here? Ulsteinvik is in-fact an incredibly well placed village. It is within walkable proximities to the fjore, fjell and the wild. It has a network of green fingers extending through the city that can be utilised as a framework for its future structure, offering many recreational opportunities and closeness to biodiversity.Through this study we looked at how the natural landscape can be a guiding point for the future development of the city. When looking at historical images and maps it becomes evident that Ulsteinvik is truly a city within the fjell and fjære. Historically the water was much closer to the city centre, and due to climate change the appearance of water will be increasingly evident.