Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway with a population of 540,000 in a region of about 1 million inhabitants. Oslo's population is growing rapidly, as is the labour market. The railway lines, motorways and freight and passenger terminals at the waterfront - a legacy of the city's seafaring history - form a barrier between the city and the fjord.

In January 2000, the Municipality passed the 'Fjord City' Plan aimed at creating a new role for the waterfront. In 2002, the Oslo Waterfront Planning Office (OWPO) was established to deliver the Fjord City Plan. The total Fjord City area comprises 225 hectares and is approximately 10 km long and is located adjacent to the city centre.

As part of the project, Oslo has led on the theme of sustainable transport and integration of waterfront in the urban fabric. OsloÕs participation in WCP was based on cooperation with the Oslo School of Architecture (AHO) as academic partner and with the Oslo Port Authority. OWPO and the development of the Fjord City Plan have run parallel to WCP, giving a direct input into planning processes, testing new planning approaches and receiving feedback from planners facing similar challenges.