Rolling out the brick carpet

In 2013, Gjesdal municipality commissioned multiple architects and landscape architects to design the new Ålgård centre. Their shared vision was to create a compact, charming town that preserves its industrial heritage while enhancing its connection to the Figgjo River and emphasising green spaces.
 
With deep roots from industrial buildings, brick was an obvious choice for this area. Brick became a central part of the new municipal city centre, the square and the canal park. As a direct link to Ålgård’s brick history, brick ended up becoming a red thread for the entire project.

The old locomotive shed, which stood in the square, became the starting point for the design. The locomotive shed was built in brick, this material was to highlight the site’s history and create a coherent design. Continuing this tradition felt easy and natural for the landscape architects at Dronninga landskap:
 
“The area has a strong brick tradition, and the brick pavers create a historical connection to the old buildings and industry. The artists Løvaas & Wagle created a completely unique work of brick art – a brick carpet – based on carpet designs from De Forenede ­Ullvarefabrikker (DFU), which was based here. The brick carpet is located in the middle of the square, right in the heart.” says Ragnhild Momrak, Academic leader in Dronninga landskap.