22-08 DRONNING SONJAS PLASS

DRONNING SONJAS HAVN, designed by OFFICE INAINN, connects the city of Ålesund to its waterfront, transforming Dronning Sonjas plass into a sustainable, inclusive, and active public space. Inspired by the traditional “sjøboder” (boathouses) of Ålesund, this innovative project opens up Brosundet and redefines the city’s relationship with the sea and its people.

Urbanism and Flow
The building’s vertical form minimizes its physical footprint, creating an open and dynamic flow of people, sightlines, and public activities at street level. Its slender, transparent design respects the visibility of Ålesund’s historic waterfront buildings, while a sea pool reflects the proportions of the square’s former layout, adding a historical and functional dimension to the site.

Functionality and Public Spaces
The ground floor features an open, inviting food hall with transparent walls, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces. Below ground, the first basement level links to the parking facility in Kremmergården, while the second basement houses an underwater restaurant offering direct views of the sea pool from beneath the surface. The second to sixth floors are dedicated to office spaces, and the top floor is an open rooftop garden, complete with a sky bar and green roof—an extension of Notenesparken, providing a public retreat with panoramic views.

Architecture: A Nod to Craftsmanship and Nature
At the core of the building lies a concrete structure with green walls, symbolizing a sustainable and eco-conscious approach. The facade, composed of horizontal glass and stone panels, features curved shapes and vertical cuts that evoke the process of extracting stone from mountains, referencing the craftsmanship behind the construction of Brosundet’s stone piers.

The transparent, three-dimensional design introduces a sense of urban openness, transforming Dronning Sonjas Plass into a vibrant and accessible harbor—Dronning Sonjas Havn.

With its narrow base, the building reveals the other side of the city.

Concept diagram of the project. Only half of the plot is occupied by the building.

Building sections showing eco-friendly solutions, such as the distribution of a seawater-based heat pump system.

Ground floor as a public market hall, upper floor as office spaces.