In association with the Norwegian L2 Arkitekter, Gottlieb Paludan Architects have won two of the six stations on the new underground rail line, aka the Fornebu Line (Fornebubanen) in Oslo. The team won first prize in the design competition for both Skøyen and Vækerø stations on what is set to become Oslo’s largest expansion of its public transport system for many decades.

The new underground line will be eight kilometres long and will link Majorstuen in the centre of Oslo to the former airport area on the Fornebu peninsula. The line will hook up with the existing underground rail and is expected to cost a total of about NOK 13 billion.

”We are delighted to have won no fewer than two station assignments on this new rail network and to have an opportunity to contribute to the future sustainable development of Oslo. Good public transport is about both attractive, functional hubs and the way infrastructure adapts to the existing surroundings and makes a positive contribution to the area. Contemporary public transport like the Fornebu Line creates scope for joined-up urban development and will help enhance the quality of life for all the city’s residents. We are looking forward to collaborating with the client and with our colleagues at L2,” says Mette Neimann, Head of the Mobility & Transport Department at Gottlieb Paludan Architects. 

Two stations won
Skøyen Station is part of a larger traffic hub, where the T-rail station will link up with an existing station, creating optimum connections between the train, metro and other forms of traffic. Among other things, 1,000 underground bicycle parking spots will be created as part of the new station. The design of this station draws inspiration from the existing station’s traditional choice of Norwegian materials – timber and slate – which will be given an update in the new subterranean version.

Vækerø Station is located inside a mountain and will be designed as one long, continuous connection between two entrances, both adapted to the local scale. From one elevated entrance to the other near Oslo Fjord, the station will be interconnected by a sculptural sky of golden metal, creating cohesion and identity for the station. At this station too, underground bicycle parking will be installed with access via cycle ramps.

The competition for the Fornebu Line’s stations 
A total of 85 architectural firm put in bids on the prequalification, 14 of which were selected for prequalification. Of these 14, Gottlieb Paludan Architects is the only Danish architectural firm to have won. The other stations on the Fornebu Line were won by Zaha Hadid and Asplan Viak, among others.

The plan is to complete the eight kilometre long Fornebu Line, complete with a total of six central stations, in 2025.

Gottlieb Paludan Architects are experienced infrastructure specialists, with metro experience that includes the future Sydhavn Metro in Copenhagen, as well as masterminding Nørreport Station and the future Greater Copenhagen Light Rail.