Nygårdsfyret was selected as the winning proposal in the architecture competition commissioned by Haukeland University Hospital to design a new helicopter base and public space in Bergen for the National Air Ambulance Services of Norway.…
Nygårdsfyret was selected as the winning proposal in the architecture competition commissioned by Haukeland University Hospital to design a new helicopter base and public space in Bergen for the National Air Ambulance Services of Norway. Classified as an airport, the project is situated in a challenging location adjacent to the intricate traffic system of Nygårdstangen, the city’s primary fire station and the publicly accessible waterfront of Store Lungegårdsvann. The building's unique combination of functional requirements and emergency preparedness criteria necessitate the optimization of its programmatic composition, as well as its integration with the surrounding built and natural environment. The proposal strives to reconcile the conflicting systems of the site and the complexity of the brief, while adhering to a holistic and sustainable design approach.
The proposal aims to minimize the building's footprint and covered area for the helipad while enhancing its visual and functional appeal, making it a standout attraction in the area. The circular design is based on the main geometry of the landing deck in combination with the manoeuvring field of an ambulance. A new public space is created beneath the platform, connecting to the waterfront walkway and the sculpture park, facilitating various activities as well as interactions with the water. The project also suggests restoring the water edge in order to strengthen the site's ecology and biodiversity.
To achieve sustainability goals, the project takes a comprehensive approach, integrating the building's structural robustness and longevity into the architectural aesthetic and socially inclusive outdoor areas. The use of quality materials minimizes maintenance needs and prolongs the building's lifespan, allowing for potential repurposing of structural elements in the future through disassembly. The circular geometry of the building comprises simple linear segments, facilitating fast and efficient construction as well as optimized material utilization. The construction principle emphasizes flexibility, spaciousness, and lightness, enabling large open spans and cantilevers with lightweight steel truss beams, potentially incorporating recycled steel elements from the nearby offshore industry. Foundations, stairwells, and culvert connections are proposed to be made of low-carbon concrete for optimal durability, creating a hybrid structure where all materials are optimized according to their respective properties.
