Opening of Bicuben

BIKUBEN IS BUZZING WITH LIFE

Iris van Brunschot Journalist & photographer

Vetle Rakkestad Translator

The completely new meeting point «Bikuben» is now open on campus. I brave the cold weather to pay a visit a Wednesday at midday. What does this new exciting place have to offer for the students?

A lot more than a cafeteria

The first thing that comes to my mind is the buzzing life in the modern room in front of me. The large windows throw lots of natural lighting and makes a positive and relaxed atmosphere. Several students are already seated by the tables, but also workers and lecturers have found their places in the seating areas. Some of them have chosen to sit on the steps in «Amfiet», the amphitheatre to eat lunch. You easily feel welcomed at this new place, because you will find something for everybody; if you’re hungry, want social interaction, or have a large project to be delivered the next day. There are also different types of places to read, depending on your preferences. You can for example chose to book a group room or use the quiet area. Socially Amfiet may offer post-corona screening of films and concerts among other things.

New heart of the campus

Bikuben will be a natural gathering-point for all faculties. It will tie together both Adamstuen, the previous Ås campus and the new veterinary building by offering a social arena for all students to use on equal terms. The artwork around the new campus works as inspiration to the new gathering point. Katrin Schlegel’s Feeding on the Tree of Knowledge is a 3D-model based on lichens from the one and only Tuntreet on NMBU’s previous campus and is located on an enhancement outside the new building. The artwork hints to the upcoming colocation in Bikuben by tying together former and new students from all fields of study. The leader of the Student Parliament’s student board Tuva T. Lund says she’s happy to see the new place finished. «It’s a building with a lot of possibilities, and it’s completely up to the students to decide how they will use it. »

It should be “buzzing with life”

The director of administration Lars Atle Holm is also pleased with the result. He especially expresses that Bikuben initially is designed to gather students and employees on the campus, and says that the name «Bikuben», or «The beehive» hints to the building’s intention; to be buzzing with life. Even though the project has been in danger of being shelved due to funding, the building was finally finished, and gives a completely new gathering point. Students from all faculties and programs can get the feeling of home in this new place.

Honey on the menu?

I meet chief architect in the Property Division, Kristin Kreul, at lunchtime. She explains that the multifunctional building is arranged for both corona-friendly socializing and events without restrictions in the future. On the first floor you will find five modern

group-rooms and several places to work shielded by lockers. «The group-tables upstairs are equipped with whiteboards and screens to connect to your PC», Kreul explains. There are also two classrooms in Bikuben; one room for up to 48 students on the first floor and a large auditorium on the ground floor. This is definitely a place made to fulfil the student’s needs. In the end of our tour, she shows me the artwork «Honningdogg» by Marte Johnlien, which are lamps hanging from the ceiling. The artwork is made using special techniques such as handblown glass attached to wood to give the impression of honey dripping from the ceiling. The artwork was originally a piece in the international art-contest in Deichman Main Library in Oslo, but NMBU was fortunate enough to get it to Bikuben.

Delicious salad bar

The sweet honey that seems to be dripping from the ceiling induces the appetite, and luckily Bikuben has a great share of good food. The chief of the cafeteria, Linda Fjell points out that they have a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan alternatives in the salad bar because they know its popularity from experience. «We will always try to meet the customer and think about what their wishes, » she tells me while refilling a bunch of fresh tomatoes. The new cafeteria utilizes self-service, but Linda is really friendly and will be ready to help if needed. She has previously been working in «The economy cafeteria», and sees great potential for an even better selection in the new kitchen. In addition, the architects have ambitions to create a lovely outdoor area when the summer arrives, which will make the new gathering point even more attractive and central. During our conversation about sun and salad, an alarm rings, and fragrant potatoes are taken out of the oven. There is plenty of delicious food to choose from!

A warm welcome to everyone

In the end of our conversation Linda underlines that everyone is welcome to Bikuben. From cafeteria and Amfiet to reading rooms and auditoriums; Bikuben has something for everyone. You can even try the roundtrip on skis which Tuntreet has made for you (side ...), where there is a lunch spot. The cafeteria is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., so don’t hesitate to leave your dorm and take a look at the newest gathering point on campus. You won’t regret it!

Precaution: Bikuben might be closed due to corona restrictions, find updated info on NMBU’s webpages.

“Honningdogg” by Marte Johnlien