ENERGY POSITIVE CITY FOR OSLO
28 Mar 2018
In an ambitious move that represents the growth of renewable energy technologies today, designs for the Oslo Airport City will produce the world’s first energy-positive, sustainable airport city.
In an era defined by globalisation and ‘speed-driven economies,’ urban environments are becoming more entwined with airports, giving rise to an architectural phenomenon of the Aerotropolis across the world. In Oslo, Norwegian firms Haptic Architects and Nordic Office of Architecture have aimed higher, seeking to design the world’s first energy-positive airport city for the Norwegian capital. 
The 4 million-square-meter Oslo Airport City (OAC) masterplan embodies the Norwegian government’s ambition to move from an oil-based economy to one powered by renewable energy. Embracing low carbon features and green technologies, OAC will have the capacity to sell surplus energy to surrounding buildings. More than a city of present abilities, the scheme will serve as a test-bed for future technologies, including electric driverless cars, auto-lighting, smart waste, and perhaps most ambitiously, a fleet of electric aircraft. 
“Oslo Airport City will be a catalyst for high-value economic activity in Norway. We expect it to deliver long-term, highly skilled jobs creating science and technology-based products. As long-term city developers with a focus on sustainable, innovative solutions, we believe the future of airport city development in Norway and Oslo is not a matter of if, but when!” says Thor Thoeneie, Managing Director, Oslo Airport City.
More than a playground for a technological age, OAC incorporates human-centred strategies for its predicted 40,000 population. Public parks, greenspaces and leisure centres cater to Norway’s passion for sports and outdoor activities. A car-free city centre is proposed, with citizens never more than five minutes from public transport nodes. 
“This is a unique opportunity to design a new city from scratch. Using robust city planning strategies such as walkability, appropriate densities, active frontages and a car-free city centre, combined with the latest developments in technology, we will be able to create a green, sustainable city of the future.” Says Tomas Stokke, Director, Haptic Architects
Construction of the Oslo Airport City is expected to begin in 2019, with the first buildings completed in 2022. 
