Lena Mari Skjoldal Kolås

What kind of problem do you wish to solve?

I would like to create an overall solution regarding the problems associated with population density and loneliness in today's society. In today's urban society, it is normal to build dense and cramped buildings. Large apartment complexes where construction companies earn as much money as possible while building very small apartments. They have open living rooms/kitchens/hallways, Laila-bedrooms and very small windows that only just meet building regulations. These new apartments have limited access to adequate communal areas, green areas and outdoor areas, and there is generally little focus on facilitating anything but a continuation of the concrete jungle. My hypothesis is that this leads to an increased sense of isolation and loneliness, and many experience depression as a consequence of this. How can we create apartments and a public environment where one can increase the possibility of a shared community and a more efficient and social use of space in today’s society?

What inspired you?

The increasing relevance of living in new, alternative ways has been an inspiration, at the same time, I have chosen to take a historical look at how people live, especially in cities.  It was important for me to create something new, as well as paying attention to and acknowledging old values

What has this resulted in?

By developing one’s own concept around a building that is primarily intended for cars, into something that is intended for the city, I have created a project that is relevant regarding the issues surrounding the transformation of buildings, crowded cities, the problem of loneliness and an ever-increasing desire among people to be able to live in an alternative way. My project will contribute to an increased focus regarding these areas and will be seen as a good example of how one can continue to develop both good cities and urban places to live in.

What effect will this have on society?

In the future, more of us will be living in cities and we will need more room and more quality urban spaces where the focus is on people and not cars. Parallel to the fact that more people are moving into the city, we are seeing more households that comprise of just one person.  It must be possible to live close to each other and not feel crowded. We must focus on creating better, smarter and reasonably priced apartments, instead of focusing on building a large amount of small, crowded apartments.  Structures that have openness, which place emphasis on sharing and provide an informal meeting place with neighbours, should receive more focus and more space in the current and future society.

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