FMV: Arena Fredrikstad, Fredrik II VGS and sportshall

Site plan by Arkitema

In collaboration with Arkitema, we were prequalified to deliver a competition proposal for urban planning including Arena Fredrikstad, Fredrik II VGS, and a handball sports hall. Hille Melbye architects were responsible for Arena Fredrikstad with its associated training hall. The name of the competition proposal was ‘Synergy’.

Arena Fredrikstad was designed to accommodate a wide range of functions; primarily for ice hockey but also for figure skating, concerts, exhibitions, and education. The arena was intended to meet the requirements of a national elite arena while also addressing the needs of grassroots sports.

The floor plan was designed to have a functional ground floor where the locker room facilities could be used for both ice surfaces. The entrance for the audience was located in one of the curves of the arena facing the square. Large staircases lifted the audience up to the second floor, which contained all necessary facilities for the audience. The second floor also had a separate area at the interface between the main arena and the training hall, which was intended to be open for grassroots sports and parents on weekdays. The third floor was primarily designed for VIP spectators and featured a larger kitchen for catering.

The ground level of the building was designed with transparent facades facing the square and surroundings. Functions requiring daylight were placed on the outermost side towards the facade. In the other two levels, which often need to be darker areas, we designed a layer of louvers rhythmically surrounding the entire arena. This layer was also intended as sun shading and with the option to adjust the blinds between the louvers.

All three buildings on the site were intended to face a common square, thus creating interaction between them. The square was intended to be a vibrant space with room for various types of activities during both larger and smaller events.