Ocean Space Centre
Our oceans are important sources of food, minerals and energy – all necessary to our continued existence. Set to be one of the world’s most advanced facilities for ocean research and education, the Ocean Space Centre (OSC) aims to contribute to the development and restructuring of the maritime industry locally, nationally and globally.
To be located in the Tyholt neighborhood of Trondheim, Norway, the 49.000 square meter knowledge center’s world-class laboratories and research facilities will be a center of gravity within ocean space technology, bringing Norway at the forefront of this critical industry.
The center’s three buildings will contain both wet and dry laboratories with ocean pools, construction and machine laboratories, educational facilities and laboratories, offices and meeting spaces. The facilities create a unique framework for research and competence within ocean space and are adapted to various functions and activities, while also being tied together by an overarching architectural expression and rhythm.
Visitors to the Ocean Space Centre will first encounter the research and educational building. More than being an inspirational learning platform for students and researchers, the building also invites other visitors to dive into the ocean space. The second building houses the Flexlab: an existing ocean pool transformed to an unparalleled combination of various pools for education and small-scale testing. Two large pools are placed in the third building. Here, one can also find the construction and machine laboratories, workshops and storage. Reaching 280 meter in length, the building contains significant volumes both above and under ground to allow for pools up to 25-meter depth.
The buildings’ facades conceptually transfer nature’s own rhythm through waves of energy visible through an accurate, repetitive pattern along the buildings. The power of the waves vary, being both enhanced and subdued in line with the surrounding landscape, through different rotations of each panel. The façade is precise in its design and its repetitiveness allows for a modular build, while also creating a holistic dynamic expression both up close and at a distance.
The landscape surrounding the Ocean Space Centre will have a brings the project together as one, tying it to its surroundings. The design reflects movements in water, further reflecting the indoor activities. A park will be created between two of the buildings, creating a recreational space for neighbors and visitors, while also establishing a connection between buildings for users. Several green pockets will be created throughout the site for the public.
Reflecting the center’s ambition to become a hub for research and innovation activities related to ocean space, the new Ocean Space Centre has ambitious environmental goals for its new knowledge center, aiming for BREEAM Excellent certification.
The Ocean Space Centre’s regulation plan was approved by Trondheim’s City Council on September 2, 2021 and is scheduled to start construction summer 2022.
