Developing the Heart of Oslo

The debate surrounding urban development in Grønland is timely and engages many. The area is known for its diversity and vibrant urban life, and it has a rich history that stretches far back. Located in the very heart of Oslo, close to Oslo Central Station, Grønland is experiencing significant investment interest, including key projects such as Oslo Spektrum, Lilletorget, and the bus terminal.

Commissioned by Realkapital Investor AS on behalf of Grønland Eiendomssenter AS, Third Nature is developing a strategic plan for the urban environment of Smalgangen and Grønlands Torg. The work begins with a thorough analysis of existing resources, including the area’s iconic architecture from the late 1980s.

Grønlands Torg is characterized by its postmodern and colorful design—unique for its time—with a clear and functional urban layout. The project aims to explore how this area can be better integrated with Vaterlandsparken, the Akerselva river, the metro station, and the surrounding neighborhoods. This is a place rich in diversity, authenticity, and vitality—qualities that should be nurtured and further developed into the future.

Grønland was originally the shoreline east of where the Akerselva river meets the fjord, and the street names Grønland and Grønlandsleiret trace the historic coastline. After the great fire of 1624, the city was moved westward to what is now central Oslo, while Grønland evolved as a suburb outside the new city boundaries. In 1859, the area was incorporated into Christiania, and several important buildings—such as Grønland Church, the former prison Botsfengselet, Grønland Fire Station, and the historic Asylet building—still stand as key landmarks. The current development at Grønlands Torg, built in the late 1980s, represents a distinctive postmodern architectural expression.