RESEARH The research programme "Underground Public Arenas" was led by Norway's leading research institutes. Without this intercurricular research programme the project could never have been carried out. The project was divided into the following areas ;   - Ventilation, energy, fire and safety - The enviroment, safety and documentation - Rock mechanics and engineering geology - Laws and regulations The project also included international marketing of Norwegian underground technology in general, and the publication of research linked to planning, construction and on operation of the Olympic Hall.

SECURITY High priority was given to safety in Gjøvik Olympic Mountain Hall. The countrys foremost safety experts were involved, and they collaborated with statens Bygningstekniske etat (National Office of Building Technology and Administration) in the drawing up of specifications to safeguard personal safety in the event of fire.

ENVIROMENTAL GAINS The municipality of Gjøvik placed great emphasis on the overall enviromental image when deciding upon the mountain hall. Explicit enviromental measures were linked to the project, icluding keeping energy consumption in the cavern to a minimum, plus the architectectural advantage of this innovative construction, was that it did not overshadow the picturesque houses in the town centre. The blasted rock materials was an important resource, used to make a promenade and park alongside the Mjøsa lake.