Welcome to the new "Old Building"

Old Dragefjellet Schoolhouse, or "Gamlebygget" – literally, "the old building", as it is more commonly known – has been undergoing renovations since June 2014. The main goal of the remodelling is to improve the indoor climate inside the building. The ventilation system from 1983 has been replaced, and a new heating system has been installed. Many of the floors, walls and ceilings have also been spruced up.

On 16 April the students could finally see the results. The ceremony started with a beautiful performance by the student choir Culpa, followed by speeches by the Dean Asbjørn Strandbakken, the Rector Dag Rune Olsen and deputy chair of the Law Students' Committee (JSU), Emilie Kristoffersen.

A signature building for the Faculty

Dean Strandbakken opened the ceremony by saying that the reopening of the building is a great day for the Faculty.

"This building was originally opened in 1895 as a school. The Law Faculty took over the premises in 1983. The building has seen countless hours of work done by students and lawyers," he said.

Strandbakken made no secret of the fact that in the past the indoor climate in the Old Building was unsatisfactory.

"In recent years we have had problems with the ventilation and the heating system in the building, and surveys among the students revealed that these factors have had a negative impact on study quality. Now the building has been finished to a very high interior standard and will be a signature building for the Faculty. A well-functioning building is essential for a good working environment," the Dean added.

The Rector too highlighted the importance of good premises for the students' everyday life.

"It is important to remember that these premises are for the students. We want our students to thrive and do well here. Pleasant, clean and safe premises are an important element of a good university environment," stated Olsen.


Emilie Kristoffersen from the Law Students' Committee (JSU) focused on the fact that the building will revolutionise the students' everyday situation, partly because as a result of the renovations it is now possible to use PCs in examinations. She presented flowers to the Rector, Dean and other people who have played key roles in the renovation project. The Estate and Facilities Management Division has been in charge of this project since the outset. Rune Hovland was project manager, and Amela Defterdarevic was in charge of interior design.

The students' verdict

After the Dean declared the building open, the students and staff finally got to see the results of the work. Emilie Kristoffersen was very impressed.
"It looks great! The main change is the indoor climate – now the building has good air quality, providing better working conditions. The interior is bright and well designed, and I like the use of theme colours on the walls, lockers and benches. I am particularly impressed by the desks. They are white and much larger than we had before. In addition each desk has power outlets, which is brilliant. It seems that everyone is happy!" she said.
 
There was no doubt that the students were satisfied with the refurbishments. Even first-year students who had not seen the building in its former state seemed impressed.

"This is the first time I have been inside the Old Building. It is really amazing! It is bright with high ceilings and has wonderful views!" said Kristin Næss.
On the third floor, another student, Maja Steien, has already found her favourite seat by the window, with panoramic views over Puddefjorden and Damsgård.

"This is so much better than before! The first thing I noticed is how much brighter it is," Maja says to her friends.
They agree, adding that they approve of the colour scheme.

"The colours are fresh and bright, and the combination of bold colours and white and grey works really well. It looks open!" they add.
 
Check out the photos from the official reopening ceremony at the top of this story.