Ny Krohnborg School / Arkitektgruppen Cubus AS, Rambøll Norge

Architects: Arkitektgruppen Cubus AS, Rambøll Norge
Area: 3,860 m²
Year: 2012
Photography: Hundven Clements Photography
Interior Architecture: Arkitektgruppen Cubus AS
Main Contractor: Brødrene Ulveseth AS
Project Manager: Multiconsult
Site Manager: OPAK
Project Assistants: Architect MNAL, Trude Ellingsen, Lena Beate Keilegavlen, Ingrid Melvær, Maria Molden, Ola B. Siverts, Lars Jarle Nore, Ingse Andersen, Torill Tverberg, Rasmus von Rolf, Helge F Samuelsen
Project Assistant Landscape: MNLA, Ingvild Nesse, Line Ramstad, Grete Evenstad, Merete Gunnes
Consultant: Rambøll Norge
Landscape Project Coordinator: Eva Louise Korsøen, Landscape Architect MNLA
City: Bergen
Country: Norway

Ny Krohnborg School, designed by Arkitektgruppen Cubus AS and Rambøll Norge in Bergen, has transformed a neglected neighborhood by integrating a sports arena, cultural facilities, and a nursery within the existing school structure. This rehabilitation project, completed in 2012, has revitalized the community, fostering social interaction and improving local identity.

Ny krohnborg school / arkitektgruppen cubus as, rambøll norge

Ny Krohnborg School in Bergen exemplifies how architectural rehabilitation can drive neighborhood regeneration. The rehabilitated school and nursery serve as central elements in renewing the area, acting as a lively focal point.

In 2005, Arkitektgruppen Cubus AS proposed converting a wartime bunker into a local sports arena. The bunker’s size was insufficient, prompting a search for alternative sites. This search revealed that the neighborhood had little social interaction and low self-esteem due to a lack of attractive meeting places and a negative community identity.

An urban analysis mapped the area’s qualities and challenges, resulting in the integration of a new sports arena and neighborhood functions into the existing school. This integration strengthened both the social structure and the neighborhood’s identity.

Located in Løvstakksiden, near the urban renewal seafront site by Damsgård, the school is surrounded by housing, including many council flats. It is easily accessible by light rail and bus. Co-locating the sports and culture arena with the existing school brought many advantages, infusing the neighborhood with new energy and optimism. The school became the community’s beating heart.

The project shows how the intertwined design processes of landscape architects (Arkitektgruppen Cubus) and architects (Arkitektgruppen Cubus AS and Rambøll) can create a coherent project, merging architecture, landscape, and urbanity to produce unexpected synergies.

The existing school occupies a tight, inclined space between Rogagaten and Møregaten. To fit the new sports hall, stage, musical facilities, and a neighborhood café, the schoolyard was excavated, and the new facilities were located below. The neighborhood program opens onto Rogagaten at the lower level, while school-related spaces connect directly with the schoolyard above. A mezzanine houses a gym and technical rooms.

The school, a listed building, required close cooperation between designers and the heritage office to balance preservation and redesign. The original facades, featuring natural stone, slate roof tiles, small pane windows, cast iron details, and paneled doors, were largely maintained. Durable and aesthetically pleasing interior details, such as flagstone flooring and dado brickwork, were also preserved. Subtle alterations, like new doors, internal windows, and bay windows, improved daylight use and functionality.

The school, designed by municipal architect Kaspar Hassel in 1924, has a massive, majestic expression. In contrast, the new building uses large glazed areas, creating a sense of lightness and modernity while allowing views of the surrounding landscape. The terracotta red of the existing walls is echoed in the new facade, with additional shades of orange and mauve for a lively expression.

Re-using the existing building has environmental benefits and creates exciting synergies. The co-location of old and new facilities provides a wider range of uses. During the day, the sports hall is part of the school and nursery, and it opens to the public after hours. The schoolyard, located on the sports hall roof, is a popular outdoor sports and activity area in the evening, reducing transport needs due to the school’s central location.

The schoolyard, integrated with the sports hall roof, includes surfaces for skating, running, cycling, climbing, and a small amphitheater. This design ensures a safe, varied, and inviting environment. A natural stone amphitheater provides access from Rogagaten and serves as a focal point for social gatherings.

Green climbing plants and a bright grass “rug” at the entrance encourage vehicle speed reduction. High-quality materials in new elements ensure continuity and coherence throughout the project.

The rehabilitation introduced new infrastructure for universal access, including lifts and ramps, improved lighting, and better visual signage. The external landscape was also redesigned for universal access, replacing the previous maze of staircases.

Møregaten, a pedestrian thoroughfare and play area, now features a variety of robust, high-quality materials, benches, lighting, existing Linden trees, and vegetation. This transformation creates an inviting activity area with a coherent design despite necessary railings and fences, offering a microspace for play and enjoyment.