We have made every effort not to add anything alien to the project, but to utilise the existing qualities in Tananger instead. We are very occupied working with the beauty of what is already there and to create a sense of place from this.
– Jens Linnet

Danish architects BOGL have won a design competition to redevelop central parts of Tananger, Norway, with a masterplan that will relocate its main square to reconnect the town with the ocean.

Tananger's history is closely related to the sea, but the town has developed in such a way that it has been largely cut off from the water.

With the town's population expected to double over the next 30 years, a competition was announced by Sola Municipality seeking concepts for its evolution as an attractive place to live, work and visit.

By relocating the main town square, the design will allow people to access to the sea in a way that wasn't previously possible, both providing a new public space and reestablishing the town's maritime heritage.

Additional water recreation facilities will be created as part of the project, as will a harbour bathing pool with a sauna and changing facilities.

The project covers a total area of 25,000sq m (269,000sq ft) and also includes the creation of a 5,500sq m (59,000sq ft) public park.

Jens Linnet, creative director and partner at BOGL, said: "We believe, that this project will strengthen the maritime environment, as well as the city’s and the harbour’s priceless scenic and functional relationship to the sea. The project gathers square, harbour, and park in a powerhouse of activities and opportunities in Tananger."

He continued: "We have made every effort not to add anything alien to the project, but to utilise the existing qualities in Tananger instead. We are very occupied working with the beauty of what is already there and to create a sense of place from this."

The open competition was announced by Sola Municipality in May and BOGL was announced as the winner at the start of November. Work on the project will recommence once Sola Municipality has secured the required funds.