In early 2006, Hordaland County Council organised an architectural competition to design a new upper secondary school in the district of Sørås in Bergen. Of seven prequalified participants, the “Cote” entry by LINK signatur AS and Smedsvig Landskapsarkitekter AS was named the winner. Extensive knowledge of how schools are run and an excellent solution in respect of the outdoor area were emphasised. The competition team was made up of LINK signatur AS for architecture, Smedsvig Landskapsarkitekter AS for landscaping and MIR visuals and Ole Krogness for visualisation.

“This project stands out because it presents a good solution to the overall approach and is immediately appealing to the eye.” Quotation from the judges’ report

Designing good environments for young people is one of the most important things we do in society.  Our main objective was to create a modern, future-oriented school offering opportunities for development which also took into account the challenges of tomorrow. At the same time, emphasis was placed on creating a functional and beautiful school, a good place for students and teachers to be. Furthermore, it was important to give the buildings a functional generality in which the changing needs of the school can develop.

Universal design:

The project focused from the outset on universal design, with accessibility for all groups. It must not be necessary for people with physical disabilities to move away from everyone else when they move around the school. Nordahl Grieg upper secondary school is also a hub for people with hearing impairment.

Architectural expression:

The architecture of the building reflects the users for which it has been designed. It represents the energy of youth, dynamism, self-awareness, colourfulness, health and challenges. A copper strip embracing the transparent volume of the building is designed in a movement which adds lightness and dynamism to the building. The glass façade is accentuated with narrow areas of coloured glass.

Furniture:

A colour concept has been used for the furniture which interacts with the architecture. In the bases, where coloured glass is used in the façade and doors, the furniture is black and white in order to emphasise the colour play from the light which shines through the glass. In public areas, the colours are included in monolithic furniture. The furnishings in the vestibule, auditoria, cafeteria, staff room and library also use strong colours which are teamed with the colours throughout the rest of the building.