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10 April 2026
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Fire stations of the world: Oslo Bjørvika Fire Station Bjørvika, in Norway
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With the relocation of Oslo's former main fire station in the summer of 2023, a new fire station was designed in Bjørvika, which houses the Fire and Rescue Service (BRE). The Oslo Bjørvika Fire Station is envisioned as a modern, highly functional facility within contemporary fire station architecture that seamlessly integrates with its urban and waterfront surroundings. Located by Oslo Harbour, the new fire station serves as a vital link between land and sea, positioned in close proximity to the harbour promenade, the Opera House and Akershus Fortress. The fire station is situated in green surroundings and its sculptural design is striking: Three dark, closed blocks of 'burnt' wood surround the vehicle hall and support an open and light floor of bright wood and glass. The building's technical and sculptural expression matches the area's current mix of industry and container port.
The project emphasises technically optimal and employee-friendly conditions. The crew floor, located at the top, is arranged around a central roof garden. The floor includes a kitchen, living room, sleeping and bathing rooms and training facilities. All administrative and technical facilities are located on floors 1 and 2 and from all rooms, there are short, direct and logical movements to the vehicle hall, which is naturally the heart of the building.
Materials and surfaces are chosen to positively contribute to employees' health, the environment, and the local surroundings. In the evening hours, the warm light in the crew floor supports the staff's circadian rhythm, while linear fixtures highlight the more technical character on the lower floors.
Public integration
At the intersection of the fire station and public life, the proposal introduces a new public learning environment, offering visitors a closer look at the fire station’s operations. Through a carefully designed “loop” circulation, visitors can observe different functions within the fire station while maintaining a respectful distance from operational zones.
To ensure an uninterrupted work environment, the internal layout strategically separates and zones different functions, allowing firefighters to perform their duties efficiently while enabling controlled public engagement as a part of the city’s civic infrastructure.
The fire station’s faceted and transparent facade creates a strong visual connection between the urban space and the station’s interior activities. The design enhances its integration with the surroundings through:
This design approach ensures the fire station is both a landmark and a functional civic space, blending public engagement, operational efficiency and architectural clarity as part of a coherent architectual solution.
Sources: Gottlieb Paludan Arch, Alex Poulsen Architects
The project emphasises technically optimal and employee-friendly conditions. The crew floor, located at the top, is arranged around a central roof garden. The floor includes a kitchen, living room, sleeping and bathing rooms and training facilities. All administrative and technical facilities are located on floors 1 and 2 and from all rooms, there are short, direct and logical movements to the vehicle hall, which is naturally the heart of the building.
Materials and surfaces are chosen to positively contribute to employees' health, the environment, and the local surroundings. In the evening hours, the warm light in the crew floor supports the staff's circadian rhythm, while linear fixtures highlight the more technical character on the lower floors.
Public integration
At the intersection of the fire station and public life, the proposal introduces a new public learning environment, offering visitors a closer look at the fire station’s operations. Through a carefully designed “loop” circulation, visitors can observe different functions within the fire station while maintaining a respectful distance from operational zones.
To ensure an uninterrupted work environment, the internal layout strategically separates and zones different functions, allowing firefighters to perform their duties efficiently while enabling controlled public engagement as a part of the city’s civic infrastructure.
The fire station’s faceted and transparent facade creates a strong visual connection between the urban space and the station’s interior activities. The design enhances its integration with the surroundings through:
- Rotated private floors for firefighters, ensuring privacy while maintaining openness.
- A reflective facade, mirroring the fjord and sky, reinforcing its connection to Oslo’s natural elements.
This design approach ensures the fire station is both a landmark and a functional civic space, blending public engagement, operational efficiency and architectural clarity as part of a coherent architectual solution.
Sources: Gottlieb Paludan Arch, Alex Poulsen Architects
