How should the university area be developed for the future?

An important prerequisite for realising UiA's vision of co-creation of tomorrow’s knowledge is that we have a good working environment and work together in appropriate, forward-looking and sustainable ways.

It is important that buildings and infrastructure support this ambition, and that is part of the background for developing a feasibility study for Kunnskaps- og samskapingsparken (the knowledge and co-creation park) at UiA, Campus Kristiansand.

The feasibility study was conducted by Rodeo and Sweco in close collaboration with UiA and Statsbygg (the Norwegian Directorate of Public Construction and Property). Representatives from the Student Organisation of Agder (STA), the Science Centre, Agder County Council, Kristiansand municipality and the Student Welfare Organisation in Agder (SiA) took part to discuss the needs, wishes and opportunities for the area. 

Illustration/sketch as shown in the report.

Re-envisioning the campus of the future

The purpose of the feasibility study is to shed light on how a holistic and long-term development of the knowledge and co-creation park can be achieved. Decisions on the implementation of substantive measures will require a separate process, such as user participation and possible detailed regulation. This plan therefore only highlights various options.

The key concepts highlighted in the report include:

• Building structure
• Parking
• Mobility
• Urban space and identity
• Green structure

The feasibility study shows a possible step-by-step development in the short, medium and long term. The step-by-step development is shown in a strategic area map and through perspective illustrations.

The feasibility study is based on and supports the campus development plan.

Five main areas identified

Five main areas have been identified and derived, indicating which priority areas the campus development plan must focus on.

The feasibility study places particular emphasis on four of these objectives:

• A: UiA as a learning arena with more learning in outdoor areas.
• B: UiA as an arena for co-creation, cooperation and innovation, better organised for interdisciplinary collaboration, guests and external actors, as well as an enhanced arrival experience at UiA.
• D: UiA as a social arena with more social interaction through co-use
• E: UiA as a green and social campus with reduced car use. A more space- and resource-efficient campus.

Facilitating spaces for interaction

The campus will be further developed as a powerhouse for teaching and research, and to be an attractive and vibrant area characterised by various activities and offers. The campus development will facilitate spaces that stimulate innovation and that encourage activities across disciplines. It is essential that campus development takes place with the participation of employees, students and other stakeholders. That will be a central part of further development of the knowledge and co-creation park.

See the feasibility study here (Norwegian only).

The feasibility study will be presented to the University Board in autumn 2023.