Bodø is the capital of Norway’s Nordland region and is the largest city in the area with 46,000 inhabitants. The new development is situated around the inner marina, in the heart of Bodø’s city centre. The urban design masterplan introduces new urban spaces and cultural buildings that will transform the harbour area, giving it a pivotal role in the city.

Our proposal introduces three new public buildings: a concert hall/theatre, a library and a commercial centre. These will enclose and complete the central commercial district, and restore its relationship with the waterside promenade.

The concept draws together the new public spaces through an imaginary Moebius strip that visually binds the new public buildings with the esplanade, setting a framework for the development of solids and voids and the spatial experience of walking from one to another. It also integrates the sculptural quality of the three elements, defining rooflines and shifts in geometry.

Pedestrian movement has been addressed by examining the integration and effect of new public spaces on existing street patterns. The marina basin is integrated into this new landscape by reconfiguring and extending the boat moorings to define a body of water that reinforces the geometry of the waterfront. The ground plane is sculpted to define special vantage points and areas set aside for public events. The library is then sited as a doorway to the major shopping street. The volume of the library is visually connected to the commercial centre and has views across the harbour from its cantilevered reading room.

The Kulthurhus, with a concert hall and theatre, is at the southwestern tip of the marina promenade. Sited to deflect the wind, the public areas face back towards the city centre with views across the water from terraces and foyers on a series of levels. The sculpted form provides a natural public entrance from the street.

Name: Continuum
Architects: Matteo Cainer Architects
Location: Bodø, Norway
Programme: New Library and Theatre/Concert hall
Client: Municipality of Bodø
Project Size: 93,200 m2, planning 290,000 m2
MCA Principal: Matteo Cainer
MCA Team: Avigael Perez, Nina Bobinac