Status of Construction Work
The project is on schedule and expected to be completed in March, June, and December 2026.
- Construction work is proceeding as planned.
- Costs are within budget.
- Project planning is complete.
- Interior work will continue throughout 2025.
- An additional 500 sqm will be completed each week.
Relocation Timeline
Relocation Phase 1: Zones 4–6 – April to June 2026 (07.04.2026 – 30.06.2026)
Relocation Phase 2: Zones 7–8 – August to October 2026 (03.08.2026 – 31.10.2026)
Relocation Phase 3: Zones 1–3 – January to March 2027 (05.01.2027 – 25.02.2027)
Downtime During Relocation
Downtime refers to packing, moving, and unpacking. It ends when the respective area is operational.
Downtime will vary between groups depending on several factors. Some may experience minimal downtime, while others—especially those with advanced scientific equipment—may face longer periods of downtime, particularly when external suppliers are involved.
Preparations for Relocation
User Involvement
The use of Reference User Groups (Norwegian abbreviation, RG), now called Implementation Groups (Norwegian abbreviation, IG), is a key part of user involvement in the Life Science Building (Norwegian abbreviation, LVB).
The groups consist of representatives familiar with the equipment and work processes that will take place in the Life Science Building
Their mandate is to ensure a coordinated, quality assured relocation and implementation process. They contribute insights, assist in equipment verification, and participate in planning and execution.
Clearing
There are limits to what you can bring with you from your current office and lab. Meaning, that anything you are not taking with you must be removed from the areas you currently use, except for fixed furnishings and furniture. Therefore, it is important to allocate time and resources for this work early on.
Operational and Functional Testing
building. These tests aim to identify whether technical and organisational aspects are functioning as intended, and examine the interaction between people, systems, and the spaces they will use. Typically, operational tests will include teaching scenarios.
Functional testing focuses on ensuring that lab equipment works as expected. The purpose of both types of testing is to uncover faults and challenges as early as possible—ideally before the move.
Three months have been allocated for operational and functional testing before each relocation phase:
- Phase 1: Begins 2 January 2026
- Phase 2: Begins 2 March 2026
- Phase 3: Begins 1 September 2026
Relocation Planning
In autumn 2025, IG groups will be invited to relocation planning meetings with the moving company. These meetings will cover the scope of the move, timing, and the need for different moving methods. This will form the basis for the relocation plan for each phase.
Vulnerability Assessments
A mapping of vulnerabilities related to relocating lab activities to the Life Sciences Building has been carried out to ensure the relocation plan is as robust as possible.
The Reception Project and Statsbygg will use this assessment as a basis for adjustments to the overall relocation plan where feasible.
Office Spaces and Workstations
The administrations of the Department of Biosciences, the Department of Pharmacy, and the Department of Chemistry will be located in Zone 3.
Office space allocation is a collaborative process with the Reception Project, the Faculty, and the departments.
The faculty is currently working on the internal allocation process. The guiding principles for the allocation are:
- Scientific supervision, research leadership, and staff management are prioritised when assigning single offices.
- Permanent workspaces are preferably allocated to full-time staff based at the Life Sciences Building (LSB).
- Proximity to laboratories and grouping of research teams are emphasised.
Once the faculty-level allocation is finalised, it will be up to the individual departments to determine who will sit where.
Practical Information on Moving Workspaces
Open Plan Workstations
- Desk: 160cm x 80cm
- Storage: One pull-out cabinet (tower)
- Shelf space: 40-50cm x 3= 120-150cm
- Moving boxes: 2 standard boxes + 1 box for IT equipment
Private Offices
- Desk: 160cm x 80cm
- Visitor table with two chairs
- Storage: Two bookcases
- Shelf space per bookcase: 160cm x 3= 480cm
- Moving boxes: 9 standard boxes + 1 box for IT equipment
Open Plan Workstations – Non-assigned Desks
- For master's students, emeriti, and adjunct professors (Professor II):
- Desk: 140cm x 80cm
- Lockable bookcases: 40cm x 40cm
Teaching in the Life Science Building
The Faculty, departments, and central UiO are coordinating the scheduling and practical relocation of undergraduate teaching to the Life Science Building. Scheduling is well underway, though some details regarding teaching labs and rooms remain. The relocation of teaching activities is a major process involving coordination of ongoing teaching, teaching facilities, and research labs used in instruction.
Undergraduate student activities will begin in autumn 2026
During relocation phase 1 in spring 2026, other parts of the building will still be under construction, both inside and outside. The areas included in phase 1 will be operational and accessible to staff, but the building will not be equipped to support full-scale activity until the summer. This means there will be a limit on how many people can be present in the building at the same time. For this reason, undergraduate student activities will commence in autumn 2026.
Questions and Answers
The Building
Where will IT be located?
Not yet decided. Possible locations include Zone 3, third floor, and Zone 4, first floor.
When will the cafeteria open?
Located in Zone 2, first floor, near the atrium. Expected to be ready by Relocation Phase 3 (Jan–Feb 2027), though this is not guaranteed.
Will there be kitchenettes near each section?
Yes, each office quadrant will have kitchenettes with full amenities and seating for 12–24 people.
What services will the main reception area offer?
An IG group is working on this. The reception will serve as the first point of contact and include a branch of MN Student Information.
Will there be shared instrument facilities across departments?
Yes. Core and shared facilities will be available, and some labs will be shared between departments.
Will there be parking?
No staff parking. Only HC and service parking.
Bicycle parking located outside the building will be available from move-in; the bike hotel will be ready by Phase 3 (Jan–Feb 2027).
Will there be quiet rooms and meeting rooms?
Yes. Most office quadrants will have 9 quiet rooms and 1–2 meeting rooms for 8–12 people, plus informal meeting areas near the kitchenettes.
What is the ratio of open plan workspaces to private offices?
UiO will have 131 private offices and 668 open-plan workstations in the building.
Will there be outdoor areas near the Life Science Building?
Yes. A park featuring Gaustadbekken stream, with forest-like terrain, pools, and 4–5 sculptures will be developed.
The Relocation process
Can advanced equipment be moved during temporary occupancy?
Yes, provided temporary occupancy permits are in place. Some exceptions apply based on function and testing. New equipment will be delivered directly to the building.
What about moving office equipment too large for moving boxes?
IT equipment will have dedicated boxes. Large monitors, TVs, and other oversized items will be accommodated.
How should we archive legally required documents?
Office managers are addressing this. For specific cases, contact your department’s office manager.
Who will conduct the operational tests?
Staff associated with the respective areas will perform the tests, coordinated by the IG groups and led by the reception project.