Trondheim is, like many other small and medium-sized Norwegian cities, in the process of being drained of commercial trade.

The annual reduction in trading turnover is approximately 7%. This leads to a center that houses restaurants, cafes and bars, but which is not providing a wide range of retail and services. The result is value reduction and decay in the city and subsequent escape to residential areas and shopping centers in the city's border. Simultaneously, building codes and regulating authorities have a museum-like attitude towards conservation and new growth.

Originally, these urban centers were often characterized by an urban mix of homes, shops, restaurants and office space within the same blocks and buildings. This type of programmatic diversity can solve the city's problems and create new housing and quality of living . A complex mix of features and programs within the block structure is a model that is relevant and can revitalize the contemporary city.

It may be desirable to increase the amount of housing in Trondheim. This will strengthen the local retail industry and be connected to current public transport hubs. In addition, there is a need for new types of trade areas and connecting paths on the ground floor.
In a general, it should be examined how new housing can provide new living conditions that are not found in existing buildings. It should also be possible demolition and reconstruction of parts of the existing buildings, which are often listed.

The quarters in the center of Trondheim is usually relatively large, often characterized by two-story wooden buildings with some larger, new singular buildings. The streets are wide. The interior of the quarters have the potential for densification since the traditional courtyard usually does not have buildings in it and is often vacant.

The task:

In a representative selection of urban blocks the students will analyze existing structural and architectural typologies and design principal examples of infill development on a general level. Based on this work it shall be made a more detailed project in "Midtbykvartalet". Both replacement of buildings and densification of existing ones should be considered, but must be weighed against the site's opportunities and program guidelines.

The program is to establish new homes of varied sizes, as well as new commercial space on the ground floor linked to existing buildings. It should be pursued building strategies that have a 200 year standard in the interests of sustainability. This will be explored in terms of long-term use, flexible solutions and primary structural element resistance. Also relevant to this is question is the possibility of replacement of secondary structural elements and infrastructure.
Building solutions will be investigated as a "platform" of generality rather than "specific integration".

The projects of the students shall deal with this time perspective while going in a conscious dialogue with the existing buildings .

The development potential is approximately 5,000 m2.

In spring and autumn Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects work with densification in this quarter commissioned by IC Dahl real estate.
The program differs in part from students' task, but it is desirable to investigate possible synergy effect between office work and student work. The office work will be produced slightly ahead of