Oslo, Norway, 2017

OsloMet is a Norwegian state university with campuses in Oslo, Sandvika and Kjeller with 2,100 employees and over 20,000 students. OsloMet was previously known as Høgskolen i Oslo og Akershus and it was granted university status in the beginning of 2018.
The OsloMet Pilestredet campus is located in the traditional Frydenlund district of Bislet, right near Oslo city centre. There are numerous brick buildings in the area, including Pilestredet 52.

Desire for a forward-thinking learning environment

In autumn 2017, Pilestredet 52 underwent a general refurbishment. The building previously housed lecture theatres, classrooms and offices.

In connection with the refurbishment, the objective was to get more open spaces that could be used for example for studying. Openings in the façade were made to facilitate access from the ground floor straight out onto the large square in Pilestredet.

Results of the refurbishment

Today, the building consists of study spaces, teaching spaces, lecture theatres, a canteen and meeting rooms. The result of the refurbishment is a more efficient use of space throughout the building and a forward-thinking learning environment for students.

The choice of furnishings was a key element in the refurbishment of Pilestredet 52 – the aim was to make the building a more attractive space for students and staff. Fun and expressive contemporary furnishings were chosen to reflect OsloMet’s desire to be a forward-thinking university.

OsloMet employed the architect firm Zinc. Martela supplied the furnishings under a framework agreement with OsloMet.