In fall of 2005 Østfold University relocated to its new premises in Halden, Norway.  Central to the Architecture's strategy are the qualities of the surrounding landscape and a limited palette of materials.

The project, a close integration of new and existing buildings, emphasizes the contrast between different volumes by using simple geometrical prisms, lines and planes to form a complex matrix of functions and spaces.

The school is dimensioned for about 3000 users and consists of the following faculties and administration:

* Faculty of Social Sciences and Foreign Languages
* Faculty of Computer Sciences
* Faculty of Education
* Administration
* Student welfare centre in Østfold
* Several common facilities (canteen, auditoriums etc...)


The existing building is mainly from the seventies and was in need of a considerable upgrade to meet the school’s present and future needs.

The new building's architecture establishes a functional framework that allows the school to evolve and grow. It exposes the central common areas and main through fare throughout the building. The building integrates in a considerate manner into the old cultural landscape that surrounds it.


Project facts:


Project: Østfold College University in Halden, Norway


Location: Remmen in Halden, Norway

Client: Statsbygg

Architecture:  Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter AS
Commission type: Competition (1998), 1st prize



Status:
Phase 1 completed fall 2005
Phase 2 to be completed 2006
Size: Addition ca. 12.000m2
Rehabilitation ca. 18.000m2