Romsås Community Center
Reviving civic spirit at the heart of Romsås

The suburb of Romsås emerged from the wooded hill in the far northwestern part of Groruddalen in Oslo, developing from the early 1960s until 1974. The Romsås residential area is characterized by numerous small units that vary on the same architectural theme, and the separation of all car traffic via a circular road around the residential area.

Despite high community ambitions at the time, the community center of 1972 never became the gathering point the population desired. However, with the new Romsås Community Center, the area has adopted a radical urban life approach that seriously considers the needs of the local community. The cultural center represents a strengthening of Romsås idenity and serves as a successful pilot for further transformation of the area.

The premises are divided into two different zones by a functional storage unit called the Super Furniture. The shelf extends through the premises, shaping the large, flexible rooms of the audience area on one side. On the other side, the service area offers a large kitchen, storage and toilets. 

The new, open facade, featuring large glass panels and a revamped entrance area, floods the community center with daylight. The design choice not only illuminates the interior but also showcases the vibrant activities within to passersby, effectively blurring the lines between the inside and outside. 

The rubber floors with elements of natural fiber ensure both function and aesthetics. This is a durable product that will have a long life. The Super Furniture is also made of wood and create a warm and inviting expression in the interior. In the kitchen and toilets, technical installations have been upgraded with maintenance-friendly materials and surfaces have been chosen to ensure easy operation.

The space is currently furnished with a blend of donated and thrift store furniture, highlighting its understated and sustainable charm.

Technical installations such as ventilation and electrical conduits are hidden within the Super Furniture. Significant attention has been given to the acoustics of the project, considering both sound transmission and absorption in public areas. The underside of the floor slab has been treated with acoustic plaster. Additionally, all public areas feature suspended sound baffles with integrated lighting, providing an innovative ceiling solution that maintains a specific visual expression with unbroken, straight lines. 

The stage in the public area has been sculpturally designed with a ramp to ensure wheelchair users can also participate in the activities taking place on the stage.