Those who have passed the building site for the new life science building in Gaustadbekkdalen have probably noticed that there is full activity on the construction site at the moment. Seven high cranes tower into the air and construction machinery is in full operation. Some employees from the University of Oslo have visited the construction site.
The life science building is starting to take shape, walls and concrete base slabs are being cast. Right now, the basement floor is being cast. It will contain the building's technical systems and installations. According to Statsbygg's project manager Arne Surén, 17,500 tonnes of concrete and 18,000 meters of reinforcement have been used. Every day, 100 people work on the construction site. There is also activity outside the fence, along Ring 3 a pedestrian bridge is being built to ensure the safety of bikers and pedestrians. It will be completed in January 2023.
Looking forward to moving into the building
Marianne Hiorth, professor at the Department of Pharmacy, has been involved in the project since 2014 (see photo below). She thinks it is very satisfying to see with her own eyes that the building is being created, and she looks forward to moving in and using all the facilities the building has to offer. The new building will provide opportunities for both convergence and groundbreaking research. She is particularly pleased with the work that has been done with the lab, which will enable work with cytotoxic substances. It is something she can not work with today and which will provide many new exciting opportunities in the future.
Until 2026, the building will be erected in all its glory. It will take a few more years, but then it will be Norway's largest university and hospital building. The building will be furnished with advanced research equipment that will contribute to world-class interdisciplinary research and innovation and develop new solutions to major challenges in health and sustainability.
The move-in will start in 2026 and from the University of Oslo almost the entire Department of Chemistry and the Department of Pharmacy, in addition to NCMM - Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, will move. From Oslo University Hospital, large parts of the Clinic for Laboratory Medicine will move into the building. There will also be room for interdisciplinary research groups that will be housed in the building for limited periods.
