A city hall that inspires civic pride

Rådhus Bodø

Bodø, Norway

Buro Happold, in collaboration with Atelier Lorentzen Langkilde, won an open design competition to revitalise the city council premises in Bodø. Over the course of the project, we restored and upgraded the existing properties, and delivered a new civic headquarters that provides flexible working conditions for staff and a welcoming space for the public.

The new headquarters unite city and council by creating an inviting shared space in the heart of Bodø.

We were also involved in the restoration of the existing buildings on site, which include a listed town hall.

Our facade, structural and building services engineers collaborated to create high value, integrated solutions for our client.

A central BMS ensures the best possible indoor climate using the lowest possible amount of energy.

Challenge

Both the structural and services engineering aspects of this project presented us with unique challenges. From a structural point of view, the unusual sloped cubic form of the building was complex to achieve, especially given the constraints of what was already a busy site. Our services strategy had to be adaptable to serve a variety of interior spaces, from the vast open plan central atrium to smaller offices and meeting rooms.

Solution

By integrating our structural and building services teams, we were able to create streamlined, cost effective solutions. Our structural approach comprised a concrete substructure topped with a slim steel frame that allows services to be distributed at ceiling level, and concrete floors that radiate out from the central atrium.

This strong yet simple concept maximises the available internal floor area, and delivers the flexibility required for the building to adapt to suit differing layout requirements in the future. It also facilitated a quick construction process, which was vital in the harsh Bodø climate.

Our facade team realised the sloping roof through a design solution that offers maximum insulation and airtightness. This has achieved excellent interior thermal conditions supplemented with controlled air supply for optimum occupant comfort.

Value

As well as uniting all departments under one roof for the first time, the new headquarters opens up a dialogue between the council and the city it serves. The building has created open, visual links between the existing properties on site and out over the urban landscape beyond, bridging the gap between old and new, and inviting citizens into the civic realm.