Losæter Urban Farm (Bjørvika, Oslo)
Oslo, Norway · Operator: Bjørvika Utvikling / Losæter community with Oslo's first City Farmer; initiated by Futurefarmers' Flatbread Society art project
Overview
A permanent commons of art and urban agriculture created on reclaimed land above a highway tunnel in central Oslo. Conceived by the artist group Futurefarmers' Flatbread Society, it weaves food culture and land stories around a boat-shaped public bakehouse (2016) and an ancient-grain field, and has become Norway's flagship urban-farming site.
Citizen participation
A farming commons born from the public-art program of the Bjørvika waterfront redevelopment. The Herligheten allotment community began in 2012, and in 2015 the Soil Procession carried soil from over 50 Norwegian farms to build Losæter's ground. Citizens tend the ancient-grain field and vegetable gardens and bake in the public bakehouse, supported by a full-time City Farmer.
Operating model
A non-profit commons initiated with public-art funding from the developer Bjørvika Utvikling and run in collaboration with the city and the Norwegian Farmers Union. It centres on public programs, education and culture rather than selling produce.
Impact
Created permanent farmland and Norway's first City Farmer position within a redevelopment district, and is cited internationally as a model of art-led urban agriculture. Its ancient-grain cultivation has raised interest in food biodiversity and heritage food culture.
Land tenure
Land designated in the Bjørvika redevelopment's public-space plan, used as a permanent commons under agreement with the development company and the city.
Crops
- ancient-grains
- vegetables
- herbs
Scale
Occupies reclaimed land over a highway tunnel in the Bjørvika waterfront; includes an ancient-grain field, vegetable gardens, the Herligheten allotment community (from 2012) and a sculptural bakehouse (2016)
Sources（3）
This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.
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