Osurbia. Redefining Suburbia | Europan 13 First Prize | 2015
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Osurbia. Redefining Suburbia
Europan 13 First Prize
Os, Norway, 2015
The municipality of Os is currently facing a major challenge in its history: how to become a new regional and urban centre, while maintaining its own identity. This identity is mainly defined by its suburban character. Our proposal stands up for the idea that this identity should be preserved and enhanced, while it advocates a redefinition of the concept of “suburbia” in the context of a new scenario where its traditional meaning is no valid anymore. We suggest a shift from ‘SUBURBIA’ to ‘OSURBIA’.
We explore the ideas behind the so-called ‘suburbia’ to understand the characteristics that underpin such a distinctive identity and unique way of living. To do so, five elements or types customarily associated with ‘traditional suburbia’ have been identified on the site: 1.The Single Dwelling, 2.The Parking Lot, 3.The Mall, 4.The Filling Station, 5.‘Suburbia beyond the dwelling’ and 6.The Strip. By exploring the characteristics traditionally associated to these elements, the project aims at understanding the complex symbolism behind the simple forms that form those types. Thereafter, the project seeks re-appropriating these complexities to produce new meanings, while maintaining its associated symbolism.
Os, Norway, 2015
We explore the ideas behind the so-called ‘suburbia’ to understand the characteristics that underpin such a distinctive identity and unique way of living. To do so, five elements or types customarily associated with ‘traditional suburbia’ have been identified on the site: 1.The Single Dwelling, 2.The Parking Lot, 3.The Mall, 4.The Filling Station, 5.‘Suburbia beyond the dwelling’ and 6.The Strip. By exploring the characteristics traditionally associated to these elements, the project aims at understanding the complex symbolism behind the simple forms that form those types. Thereafter, the project seeks re-appropriating these complexities to produce new meanings, while maintaining its associated symbolism.