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 with Kloden , we investigated infrastructure and where children and young people live, where there are few cultural offerings and where professional performing arts are performed today. We want Kloden should be accessible to as many people as possible and at the same time be located in a place where there is a great need for good cultural offerings, and a place where the theater and the local community can mutually strengthen each other to the greatest extent 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 + The desert = True
Based on this information, we envisioned that the optimal location for Kloden would be on the east side of the city center, somewhere on the axis Grønland – Hovinbyen. An eastern, but relatively central location ensures good accessibility for many. This way Kloden 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 in the middle of Hovinbyen, Oslo's largest development area. Hovinbyen at Økern is Oslo's most ambitious development project in modern history. Oslo Municipality estimates that 100,000 people could live in this area in 10 years. Across the road from us is Oslo's largest upper secondary school, Kuben Yrkesarena. OBOS is building approximately 3,000 new homes right nearby, and there are several primary schools and kindergartens within walking distance of us. 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 metro from Jernbanetorget and with many bus routes. The place will be a natural center in Hovinbyen. Otherwise, Groruddalen is a populous area, with over 140,000 inhabitants. Despite this, there are very few cultural venues here. Kloden will become 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 will help expand the city: Visitors will experience that there is a large amount of knowledge and creativity also outside Ring 3.
SPLICE ON STAGE FLOOR
Would you like to own a piece of Kloden ? We are immediately starting the first construction phase of Kloden , what we have called Kloden Pilot . Although much is already in place, it is undeniable that it is expensive to build a theater, even when the room itself is there. We have received funding and support for most of it, but we still lack funds for a stage floor that can cover the concrete floor that is there now. Therefore, we are asking for your help, and a small contribution. Would you like to join us in splicing on a stage floor? Make your contribution here: spleis.no/klodengulv