Awareness of Green Gentrification amongst planners in the Municipality of Oslo.

Abstract

In the Norwegian context of developing greener cities and adapting to climate change,the social aspect of green gentrification has been neglected. The purpose of this investigationis to fill the knowledge gap of awareness of green gentrification amongst urban planners in Oslo. The thesis explores the perceived green gentrification in Oslo overall, but also look specifically at three example areas: Hovinbyen, Grønland/Tøyen and Linderud.

A selection of planners representing different departments in the municipality of Oslo functioned as informants for the current investigation of awareness of green gentrification. Furthermore, the investigation focuses on whether Oslo Municipality consider the risk of green gentrification while developing the city. What tools can be implemented to prevent green gentrification in Oslo, introducing the ‘just green enough’ approach and ‘soft urban renewal’ as alternatives and investigating possible barriers to implement similar tools in Oslo.

The thesis reveals a lack of awareness amongst planners in Oslo, high levels of citizen participation and smaller greening initiatives, but no correlating housing policies. The Just Green Enough approach was viewed as a possible alternative, similar to existing initiatives in Oslo. However, Soft Urban Renewal understood as more challenging due to lack a of tools and ultimately in the hands of a political mandate.

Keywords: Gentrification, Green Gentrification, Ecological Gentrification, Awareness, Just Green Enough, Soft Urban Renewal.