Why Økern?
February 19, 2020
Why should we build theater for children and young people outside the city center?
Oslo is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. The young part of the population is increasing rapidly both in number and relative to the total population.
When we started working on Kloden, we looked at infrastructure and where children and young people live, where there are few cultural facilities and where professional performing arts are currently presented. We want Kloden to be accessible to as many people as possible, while also being located in a place where there is a great need for good cultural offerings, and a place where the theater and the local community could mutually reinforce each other as much as possible.
Audiences, population growth and urban development
Where will children and young people live in the future?
Using the district map as a starting point, we see that most children and young people live in the districts outside the areas close to the city center.
When we look at the forecasts for 2040, we see that the proportion of children and young people in these districts will continue to increase.
Today, far more children and young people live in the eastern districts of Oslo. This difference looks set to remain relatively stable in the future.
Kloden + Økern = True
Based on this information, we imagined that the optimal location for Kloden would be on the eastern side of the city center, somewhere on the Greenland - Hovinbyen axis. An eastern but relatively central location ensures good accessibility for many people. In this way, Kloden can become an important place for as many people as possible and at the same time be a significant resource in the local community.
Kloden at Økern means that we are located in the middle of Hovinbyen, Oslo's largest development area. Hovinbyen at Økern is Oslo's most ambitious development project in modern history. The City of Oslo estimates that 100,000 people could be living in this area in 10 years' time. Across the road from us is Oslo's largest high school, Kuben Yrkesarena. OBOS is building around 3,000 new homes in the immediate vicinity, and there are several primary schools and kindergartens within walking distance. By establishing Kloden at Økern, we are helping to develop a vibrant district where it is good to live.
Økern is a public transport hub, 10 minutes by subway from Jernbanetorget and with many bus routes. The location will be a natural center in Hovinbyen. Groruddalen is also a densely populated area, with over 140,000 inhabitants. Despite this, there are very few cultural venues here. Kloden will be an artistic engine in the development of this part of the city. We will have close ties to the local community and at the same time help to expand the city: Visitors will experience that there is a wealth of knowledge and creativity outside Ring 3.
SPLICE ON STAGE FLOOR
Want to own a piece of Kloden? We're about to embark on the first construction phase of Kloden, which we've called Kloden Pilot. Although much is already in place, there is no denying that building a theater is expensive, even when the space itself is there. We have received funding and support for most things, but we still lack funds for a stage floor that can cover the concrete floor that is there now. That's why we're asking for your help, and a small contribution. Would you like to contribute to a stage floor? Make your contribution here: spleis.no/klodengulv