FUTUREPROOF, a dynamic architecture firm that combines design, communication and strategy, was commissioned in September 2010 by Østfold Fylkeskommune to design a master plan for the surrounding areas of Moss Airport Rygge in Norway. The proposal incorporates a regional strategy of physically developing the region surrounding the airport itself and strengthening the airport as a main infrastructural hub without contributing to urban sprawl.
The architects were able to accomplish this by maximizing the density of development with necessary functions, such as hotel and conference facilities. The regional strategy emphasizes that future development should be interventions in the existing city centers.
More images and information about this project after the break.
FUTUREPROOF’s proposal is composed of individual elements that can be phased into current use over time. The main elements are a terminal bridge across the highway connecting to a new train station, bus terminal, a hotel/conference complex, and further to a local center on the other side. The master plan emphasizes the already distinct conditions of the site, which is in close proximity to both regional and local conditions. A long, main building is set to divide these two sides, the local and regional, by both bridging them and enhancing them as distinct entities on either side of the architecture. The regional end consists of a transportation hub, while the local end is a park development with public activities.
The main building has multiple notable attributes as a clarification of both sides and as a connector. It also features: a noise screen, which enhances the site’s value and environment on the local side; optimization of sun conditions through terraces and public spaces; a programmatic synergy between the local and regional activities; a media screen for the airport-facing side which displays information for the airport users; and solar panels on either side that power the media façade. The main building accommodates a hotel, conference areas and offices in the top part. The volume is split by an open lobby which consolidates the various public programs. A station and market hall is located on ground floor, together with logistics and storage facilities.
The terminal bridge is a source for spectacular views to the air strip and for information services and cafes but it primarily connects the vacant site across the highway from the airport, thereby enhancing the property value of the adjacent sites for future development. It will also be the future connection to a proposed train station and bus terminal, which is an ecological measure to reduce the need of driving a car to the airport. This strategy, along with FUTUREPROOF’s other measures, promotes the use of highly efficient rail based mass transportation. The integration of transport infrastructure and compact building and zone placement creates a hub for land based transport in addition to the airport’s main function.
A continuous public layer is established to ensure an efficient connectivity as well as orientation comfort. In addition to circulation zones the layer consists of diverse activities and topologies, such as a plaza, auditorium, and amphitheater. A further development of the project towards south would be a park consisting of smaller volumes with offices and housing. The park reconnects the area’s green belt. The Østfold Airport Region Master Plan has developed into a densely populated programmatic addition to the existing infrastructure of the region. However, it acts as a source for future development whose ideas do not end at the completed proposal but spiral outward to other possible interventions in the future.
Architects: FUTUREPROOF Location: Rygge, Norway Partner in charge: Floire Nathanael Daub Team: Johanne Borthne, Vilhelm Christensen, Floire Nathanael Daub, Thomas Smedsrud Client: Østfold Fylkeskommune Type: Masterplan, commission Status: Ongoing Program: Airport extension (conference hotel, offices, train station, retail, logistics, public space, market, culture, infrastructure) Site: Given site ca. 1.000.000m2, developed area ca. 100.000m2 Project year: 2010 Images: FUTUREPROOF, unless stated otherwise.
