Ilakomplekset, Residential complex in Ila district, Oslo, Norway
Ilakomplekset is a residential complex containing approximately 725 apartments designed in neoclassical style across multiple streets. The buildings feature three to four stories with plastered brick facades and create open courtyards with maintained green spaces throughout.
The municipality purchased the Ilaløkken area in 1897 for residential development, with construction of the complex occurring between 1924 and 1933. This building period shaped the district as a large-scale planned residential community from the early modern era.
The monumental Ilatrappen staircase connects different street levels and features two animal sculptures created in 1930 by a local artist. These stairs and sculptures serve as gathering points where neighbors meet while moving through the sloped neighborhood.
The complex sits on the eastern slope of St. Hanshaugen at varying elevations, providing views across the older eastern districts of Oslo. Walking through the neighborhood requires navigating the slopes, which rewards visitors with changing perspectives.
The complex has maintained private green spaces and courtyards since its completion in the 1930s, rarely open to the general public. These hidden green areas give the densely built neighborhood an unexpected sense of calm.
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