CONNECTING THE FJORD CITY FROM EAST TO WEST A Qualitative Study of Temporary Urbanism in the Case of Havnepromenaden Project in Oslo, Norway Damla Köstek Master Thesis in Human Geography Department of Sociology and Human Geography Faculty of Social Sciences UNIVERSITY OF OSLO 22nd June 2020 Word Count: 45666 Abstract This thesis investigates how Havnepromenaden -one of the most significant temporary urbanism projects in Oslo- connects the east to the west and the people to nature both physically and socially. It is a qualitative case study that scrutinizes stakeholders' visions, values, and roles, stakeholders' impacts, elements of temporary urbanism, and the social significance of the Harbour Promenade. The thesis is developed based on a triangulation of data-collection techniques, including semi-structured stakeholder interviews and secondary data review. Furthermore, with the help of the back-to-the city, public space in the city, and temporary urbanism theories, this study aims to exhibit the diverse components of temporary urbanism and their effects on Havnepromenaden, stakeholders, and user groups. This thesis highlights how temporary urbanism shapes Harbour Promenade's and Oslo's urban identity by exploring these complex elements. Lastly, key findings indicate that vision, roles, and values drive stakeholders from unique backgrounds to work towards a unified vision to make the Fjord City more inclusive, attractive and welcoming for both local and international users through Havnepromenaden and its temporary elements. i Acknowledgement Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for my interviewees. Their inputs formed the backbone of this case study. I cannot thank you enough for your help, cooperation, and enthusiasm. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet you all. I would also like to mention my gratefulness for the invaluable guidance of my thesis supervisor, Per Gunnar Røe. Thank you so much for helping me with every step along the way, supervising me through this journey, and shedding light during my dark and indecisive times. Last but not least, special thanks to my friends and family for supporting me during these turbulent times. This process happened to have a lot of ups and downs for me, from being away from my family and closest friends to facing a global pandemic. I am very lucky to have you all in my life, and I would not be able to finish my studies without your love and support. Finally, Léo Axel, I would like you to know that your presence changed my world and my perspective, and once again, welcome to this world! I hope we can make this world a better place for you to live in. Lots of love to everyone I know in Oslo, Toronto, Istanbul, and Toulouse. Damla Köstek Oslo, June 2020 ii Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ i Acknowledgement .......................................................................................................................... ii List of Abbreviations ..................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures and Tables ........................................................................................................... vii 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Purpose of the Research and Research Questions .................................................................. 2 1.2 Structure of the Thesis ............................................................................................................... 5 2 Theory ..................................................................................................................................... 6 2.1 Back-to-the-City Movement ...................................................................................................... 6 2.1.1 Interest in Inner-City .............................................................................................................................. 7 2.1.2 Gentrification ......................................................................................................................................... 8 2.1.3 Attractive Cities ..................................................................................................................................... 9 2.1.4 Entrepreneurialism ............................................................................................................................... 12 2.2 Public Space in the City ........................................................................................................... 12 2.2.1 The Definition and the History ............................................................................................................ 13 2.2.2 Right-to-the-City .................................................................................................................................. 14 2.2.3 Public Spaces as a Platform ................................................................................................................. 15 2.2.4 Place-Identity ....................................................................................................................................... 16 2.2.5 Success of Public spaces ...................................................................................................................... 16 2.3 Temporary Urbanism .............................................................................................................. 18 2.3.1 The Definition ...................................................................................................................................... 18 2.3.2 The Qualities ........................................................................................................................................ 20 2.4 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 23 3 Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 24 3.1 Qualitative Study ...................................................................................................................... 24 3.1.1 Case Study ............................................................................................................................................ 26 3.1.2 Ethical Considerations ......................................................................................................................... 27 3.1.3 Rigour ................................................................................................................................................... 28 3.2 Research and Sampling Process.............................................................................................. 30 3.2.1 First Contact with Interviewees ........................................................................................................... 31 3.2.2 Elite Interviews .................................................................................................................................... 31 3.2.3 The Interview and Its Structure ............................................................................................................ 32 3.2.4 Secondary Data .................................................................................................................................... 33 3.3 Analysis ..................................................................................................................................... 34 3.3.1 Transcription ........................................................................................................................................ 34 3.3.2 Coding .................................................................................................................................................. 35 3.4 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 35 4 Key Pieces of Information ................................................................................................... 35 4.1 History ....................................................................................................................................... 36 4.2 Characteristics .......................................................................................................................... 37 iii 4.2.1 14 Spots ................................................................................................................................................ 40 5 The Vision, The Roles, and The Value ............................................................................... 46 5.1 The Vision ................................................................................................................................. 47 5.1.1 Diverse Activities ................................................................................................................................. 47 5.1.2 Connectedness ...................................................................................................................................... 48 5.1.3 Return to Nature ..................................................................................................................................