The main focus of these discussions will be the future of Maridalsveien 3 in Oslo. The block that has been used by Nora Soft Drinks Factory since the 1930s is currently owned by the Property and Urban Renewal Agency of the Municipality of Oslo.

M3 is situated between Møllerveien, Maridalsveien, and Brenneriveien and currently provides workspace for over 150 artists, musicians, architects, cultural producers, and more. Many practice spaces for well-known and local bands, nine architectural practices, and various small cultural enterprises like carpentry workshops, model workshops, guitar workshops, and framing workshops are located within the M3 premises. The youth club X-RAY, several municipal cultural services such as the City Archives, the City Heritage Conservation Office, and the interpretation service are also based there.

M3 is therefore one of the last significant creative hubs in the center of Oslo. However, the community is currently facing challenges from market forces that show a strong interest in the block. Could the municipality potentially sell the block to major property developers? What would this mean for tenants and cultural producers in the heart of the capital city?

In response, ROM has initiated the M3 City Lab and has invited URBa, a research-based architectural practice in Oslo, to facilitate such a platform and explore the basis for more inclusive urban planning. URBa is inviting influential figures from arts, culture, media, business, and politics for multiple rounds of conversation and debate. The program with a list of participants is included in the press release.

Maridalsveien 3 offers working place to more than 150 artists, musicians, architects, culture producers, etc. M3 is a creative hub in the city being threatened by market forces that challenge the neighbourhood`s existence. URBa is alert to this phenomenon. During one week, URBa asks - what are the present qualities of this community? Can the city share these values and further promote them?

ROM has taken the initiative to be a place for sharing voices and bringing together people. ROM has invited URBa, a research based architecture practice in Oslo, to facilitate an arena and test the grounds for a more inclusive urban planning. The aim is to strengthen the arguments for further public discussions, collectively.