"It's great that we have come this far. We are on budget, and everything indicates that we will finish as planned by April next year."
This was stated by developer Hans Jacob Låhne of Greveskogen Eiendom, who travelled to Kristiansand on Monday solely to attend the topping-out ceremony.
In his speech, he specifically acknowledged the workers constructing the building. From excavator drivers and concrete workers to iron fitters, plumbers, floorers and painters, each trade was mentioned and commended.
"They all have reason to be proud today. A great building has been erected," he said.
Built in 11 months
The topping-out ceremony is a celebration hosted by the builder for the workers once the roof has been placed on newly constructed house. This tradition dates back to the 15th century and is marked by craftsmen placing a mønsåskrans – a wreath or a small tree – either on the ridge or high up on the building at one of the corners. The builder then organizes a celebration, typically within a week.
"It's a nice custom that we all enjoy," says Glenn Morten Askland, a formwork carpenter and safety officer, and one of nearly 80 craftsmen and construction workers who joined the celebration on Monday.
"All in all, it's been great to be part of the project so far. We hope it continues to go smoothly in the future," he adds.
Overall, the construction has employed up to 30 people daily since breaking ground in April last year. Now the interior work begins. When the building is completed in April next year, it will feature underground parking, a cafeteria run by SiA, new premises in Kristiansand for the science centre, facilities for UiA, and co-creation spaces where the science centre, UiA, schools and others can come together and innovate.
Opening exhibition on the brain
In the new building, UiA will have a variety of spaces for teaching, project work and dissemination. The university will also feature its own exhibition area where there will be an interactive opening exhibition on the brain, in collaboration with Vitensenteret Sørlandet and RVTS Sør, the resource centre on violence, traumatic stress and suicide prevention. UiA neuroscientists Hanne and Tor Stensola from the neuroscience collaborative lab DSyNC will also contribute.
The university will also set up a project space in the new building, with various teaching areas, interaction zones and a creative and social workshop where people with diverse skills can come together to create, build, learn and explore.
