A street battle is over.
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/yc7d2eya-990x647.png)
A paradigm shift – removing all traffic – a 9-year process of locally implemented research, diplomacy and activism.
From central parking to central park.
Ruten has remained a buffer in the urban development of the city, in anticipation of something bigger – as the Central Park in New York was built before the Manhattan grid was condensed around it. Framed by the elevated train tracks and a large shopping mall, the former parking lot provided a central, generous open space protected only by its capacity of cars.
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/qbov72od-990x243.png)
Sandnes’ historic center remains a small-scaled urban fabric. The new district by the waterfront has a distinctly different dimension – scaled up to the old post-industrial structures on site. By overlapping the two adjacent contexts, the new Ruten is adapted to both. Referencing the adjacent historic city, a 6x6meter grid of trees, columns and lampposts is extended onto the site.
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/4a7haujm-990x732.png)
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/02.jpg)
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/03-990x719.jpg)
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/04.jpg)
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/05.jpg)
The Ring reflects the large scale of the fast-growing city on the waterfront. Together, these layers reestablish RUTEN as a natural center and pivoting point of Sandnes´ future-looking city with strong roots and proud local history. As an iconic landmark, The RING provides new identity and new connections, creating a new public space below and within the light unifying roof. As an urban umbrella the floating, undulating structure 5-6 meters above the ground celebrates all weather conditions and invites expanded use on the local average of 228 annual rainy days.
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/5qk5p0zo-990x742.png)
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/qku8mnel-990x904.png)
![Ruten Plaza](https://makemake.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/uucmx6hh-990x742.png)