Klosterøya (Kloster Island) is nicely situated nearby the city center of Skien, surrounded by water. The island's history goes from monasterial to industrial and has been important from medieval times until today. The paper production closed down in 2007 and Klosterøya is now to be developed as an open and happening part of the town.

The project  "Klosterøya - Ventende landskap" started in February in order to open the site to the town inhabitants. The project is to be future-oriented and modern, but also the island's early and recent history is to be emphasized and developed as a part of the new identity.

Our starting point was to focus on how Klosterøya by simple means could become exciting to inhabitants and visitors in the waiting period while new activities are planned. We wished to make use of Klosterøya's existing possibilities such as landscape, buildings, open spaces, constructions and industrial elements. Important parts of the waiting landscape are skating parks, concert garden, amphitheatres, ball grounds, trees and furnishing by means of existing elements. 

Project information: 

Location:The former Union industry plant in Klosterøya, Skien city center 
Client: Norske Skog/Klosterøya
Design team: Morten Kildevæl Larsen 
Producer: Gunn Marit Christensson (Springer Kulturstudio AS)
Year of completion: 2007
Consultants/gardner: Nordengen AS
Contractor: Hydro PT