COBE unveils winning design for mixed-use hub in nyhavna

Nyhavna Utvikling by cobe: from harbour to haven

COBE Architects revealed its winning competition entry for Nyhavna Utvikling, a new mixed-used neighborhood in Trondheim, Norway. Currently an industrial harbor, Nyhavna is praised for its attractive location, where the Nidelva River meets the Trondheim Fjord, within walking distance to the center of Trondheim.

The competition invited international participants to reimagine the district as an open and accessible hub that belongs to everyone. ‘The planning of Nyhavna stretches back to 2007 when the City Council in Trondheim commissioned a municipal sub-plan for Nyhavna. […]The ambition is that cultural heritage, cultural and maritime industries, small-scale industry, quality in public spaces, and environmental requirements are taken care of,’ writes Nyhavna Utvikling.

all renders © COBE Architects

a colorful & accessible scheme honoring local heritage

In line with that vision, the competition jury found COBE’s work to be a holistic urban planning approach that is visionary, site-specific, and feasible. Besides COBE, the team consists of TOPIC Architecture, MOE Consulting Engineers, and Olav Olsen.

Reflecting on its concept for Nyhavna, COBE (see more here) explains: ‘The key feature of our masterplan is to ensure the proximity to the fjord and accessibility for everyone, by establishing a generous waterfront park with a sequence of urban spaces for various use and seasonal change. All buildings are built of wood and reuse the footprint and foundations from the existing warehouses on the site today. The colorful scheme is a tribute to Trondheim’s existing historical wooden buildings. Nyhavna will become a mixed-use harborfront neighborhood with housing and workplaces.’

the Nyhavna Utvikling proposal by COBE reveals a colorful scheme

Trondheim City Architect, Are Risto Øyaseter, was part of the jury and believes the winning proposal takes a simple and clear plan and gives a clear identity to the district based on the history of both Trondheim and its Transittkaia Wharf. ‘The proposal works actively with edges and transitions to establish good neighborhoods while at the same time establishing clear places for recreation that are attractive to the city’s population. It appears credible that good design of street spaces, edge zones, and active ground floors can contribute to a safe and outward-looking urban district,’ says Øyaseter.

creating an accessible waterfront by the river