Advancements in maritime trade systems, sustainable energy solutions, and better facility management are growing topics in an effort to innovate Norway's expansive port infrastructure. The Maritime Academy aims to provide the necessary education in a variety of emerging topics to facilitate further sustainable advancements and efforts in Norway's evolving maritime infrastructure within the cities that are impacted most. The academy also aims to improve the qualities of a port culture in its urban context and will provide opportunities for students to have a positive impact on an evolving industry. By providing an academic campus focused on maritime infrastructural opportunities, the Norwegian port industry could see an improving impact on the development of its sustainable maritime objectives. TITLEOSLO MARITIME ACADEMY TIME 2024 - YEAR V PLACE PROJECTOSLO, NORWAY MARITIME ACADEMY SIZE760,000 sqftSIGNAL FLAGS + DAZZLE PAINT
Maritime Practices historically rely on communicating information through visual symbols and patterns. In relation to each other, the arrangement of patterns is organized as an alphabet of separate signal flags that visually communicate the operations of a vessel to others. This visual language of each flag communicates a clear direct statement to promptly address situations. However when in combination with others, they can compose carefully articulated ideas to translate specifics. The visual alphabet of boldly colored flags belongs to the international language of maritime professions and directly corresponds to the cultures pertaining to the port industries. In contrast to the clarity of the maritime signal flag, methods of maritime dazzle paint aim to accomplish the opposite effect. Similarly, dazzle paint is a maritime pattern language used to divert and distort a vessel's appearance and position on the horizon. Maritime camouflage used by Norwegian trade and warships in times of conflict to camouflage the critical maritime infrastructure was achieved in white and black shifting linework. A pattern language that is similar yet opposing to that of the maritime signal could provide a flexible maritime academy narrative through symbol, color, and pattern patchworks.
Oslo as an advancing and developing city provides an opportunity for the impact of a maritime academy. Its historical connection to a strong port culture and connective network to a larger European trade infrastructure aligns the cities with the opportunity to be an advancing maritime example of sustainable practice. However, Oslo’s harbor center has developed in favor of a culturally and leisurely-driven architectural organization that secludes the operational infrastructure of the ports. By proposing the maritime academy on the narrow harbor site between the Sørengautstikkeren pier housing development and the Sjursøya Port peninsula, both a functionally practical and architecturally urban connection can be made between Oslo and its ports. The site being accessible by foot, car, and boat constructs a suitable space for all user types to interact with the academy. It can further activate the lining of Oslo harbor with the opportunity for social activity and provide a positive impact on the advancing technological efforts of its proxying port. The academy is physically footed central on an axis that provides students the opportunity to work closely with the facilities nearby, as well as experience the lively activities provided in Oslo. The location's thin nature and proximal conditions could provide interesting architectural responses both functional, social, and visual.
