In connection with the sale of the old Courthouse site in Drammen centre, ANT has given some thought to how to develop the site. We think that there are good opportunities to give a little something new to old building stock, and at the same time give something back to the city by inviting people into the quarter.

Today, there are two listed buildings here, the high block and the courtroom. In addition, there is a service building to the east of the site. The area was designed by Fritjhof Stoud Platou and was completed in 1962. ANT proposes that the high block and the courtroom be restored, that is by removing various extensions that have come up over the years. Among other things, this applies to several superstructures in connection with the entrance area. By removing this and creating a passage from the street into the backyard, the quarter opens up towards the center and the population. As a replacement for the service building, we envisage a new building with housing, since there is a great need for housing close to the city centre.

Together, this development will form a square, which we imagine will be brought to life by shops and eateries. By combining offices with residences, there will be life in the quarter around the clock. Further from the square, you can move eastwards or northwards via a large staircase. The square connects the green area in the residential quarter to the north with the green area south of the courthouse.

The high block can be used for offices or other businesses, while the raisin in the sausage is a restaurant in the old air farms on the roof! The old courtroom building has a more public character, and we imagine that it can be used as a sports hall for Drammen's residents. One can also imagine the possibility of a public playground on the roof.

See also article in Drammens Tidende: https://www.dt.no/slik-kan-fengselet-bli/s/5-57-2214740

Original drawing of the courthouse below, architect Frithjof Stoud Platou