CO3 - Connectivity, Community & Coexistence with nature

CO3 Connectivity + Community + Coexistence with nature

C

O3

Aalborg University 2014 Urban design Title Subtitle

CO3 Connectivity + Community + Coexistence with nature

Theme

Urban Transformation and Sustainable Engineering Techniques

Project period Project group

1. oktober 2014 - 19. november 2014 MSc01-06

Number of pages Appendix Number of copies

102 6 9

Supervisor

Lea Louise Holst Laursen

Co-supervisor

Thomas Ruby Bentzen

Anne Schlosser Dehn

Marianne Kynde Hestbech

Steffan Vangsted Frandsen

Christoffer Gade Olesen

Anne Remme Jakobsgaard

abstract This report is created by group 6, 1st semester MSc Urban Design at School of Architecture, Design and Media Technology, Aalborg University.

The theme of the project is “Urban Transformation and Sustainable Engineering Techniques” and concerns the transformation of the site ‘Kjærs Mølle’, in close proximity of Aalborg city center. according to adaptability to climate change.

The report contains theory of urbanism, analysis of the site, and a master plan proposal conceptualized through

tABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

25 TOPOGRAPHY 26 TRACES OF WATER OVER TIME 27 ATMOSPHERE & SECTION

03 INTRODUCTION

29 POTENTIALS & CHALLENGES

05 THEORETICAL DISCUSSION 12 METHOD 14 CASE

Nansen Park

15 CASE

Kyushu Sangyo University Landscape Design

16 CASE

CHAPTER 3

DESIGN STRATEGY

Isover Multi-Comfort House

31 DISPOSITION 32 VISION

CHAPTER 2 ANALYSIS

33 PROCEDURAL STRATEGY 35 TARGET GROUPS 37 PERSONAS

19 INFRASTRUCTURE 20 BORDERS & ACCESS 21 POINTS OF ATTRACTION 22 GREEN & BLUE STRUCTURES 23 DISTRICTS 24 THE CONNECTION FROM ØSTERÅDALEN

39 DESIGN PARAMETERS 41 CONCEPT

CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION

CHAPTER 5

EVALUATION

45 SITE PLAN

75 REFLECTION

47 VISUALIZATION

77 BIBLIOGRAPHY

49 PROGRAMMING

79 ILLUSTRATION LIST

The new stream

51 INFRASTRUCTURAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION 52 THE BRIDGE CONNECTING TO VESTBYEN 53 VISUALIZATION Cluster houses

55 LANDSCAPE AND HYDROLOGICAL DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS 56 SKETCH

Active outdoor zone

57 SKETCH

Community grove

58 VEGETATION STRATEGY 60 THE HYDROLOGICAL STRETCH 63 VISUALIZATION The center

65 HOUSING DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS 66 SKETCH Center

67 MULTI-STORY HOUSING 69 MATERIALS 71 A SENSE OF TACTILITY

CHAPTER 6 APPENDIX

83 HISTORICAL MAPS 85 SOIL QUALITY 86 PARKING 87 VEGETATION 89 HYDROLOGICAL CALCULATIONS 95 DESIGN PROCESS

INTRODUCTION, THEORY & CASES

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Introduction climate changes call for a new approach for how to adapt urban environments to constantly evolving cities. Therefore, one of the challenges of today’s compact cities is to establish a solid strategy that enhances ‘healthy’ living, and still manages to offer cultural and social qualities with the notion of climate change in mind.

The project’s focal point is to embrace new forms of urban typologies, where design meets human needs as well as incorporating water as an element. The issue at hand is to handle hydrological tasks at neighbourhood level in connection to a greater solution strategy for climate changes. Moreover, the project seeks to understand the city as an urban ecosystem and utilize problems of sewer to come up with answers of both aesthetic and technical character.

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Introduction

Kjærs Mølle is an area in Aalborg, which has the potential to solve these issues. As a former industrial site, the the excavation. A natural landscape habitat surrounds the lake and exists in correlation with surrounding industry, the former freight rail area and a residential area; Kærby.

Originally, the project site included the old freight area and Remisen, but to enhance the project, this part of the site was excluded. The freight area has within it a strong sign, because it would dominate the area and not allow a both of the areas to evolve simultaneously and unite at the end of this process. of the current landscape and soil could be perceived as

poor. However, this gives no restrains when considering altering the landscape in a plausible design proposal.

Though, regarding a more technical aspect, the question of soil pollution at the site is a problem, and it cannot be ignored if the site should be suitable for providing a thriving, healthy urban ecosystem and sustainable neighbourhood.

In a local context, the Municipality of Aalborg designates the site of Kjærs Mølle as a progressive urban development area, which will be kept as a recreational site in the future. The goal is to secure Østerå’s path into the city 2014). In this context, the idea is to create a framework

tions ‘Physical vision 2025’, where one of the main themes is to create a liveable city with a variety of offerings. This is addressed in the plan with an ambition to construct greener urban living conditions and also produce new muneplan.dk, 2014).

By confronting these challenges and introducing concedural transformation of the area will be a solution of how to meet the aims of the Municipality. Kjærs Mølle transforms into a new and innovative area, as an example of neighbourhood dealing with the demanding climate changes and taking city development to another level.

lake-, creek- and meadow landscape with future recreational prospects.

Introduction

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Theoretical discussion According to the publication ‘Ecosystems Services Come to Town’ by ecologist Gary Grant, cities today occupy around 2% of the surface of the earth, but inhabit more than 50% of the world’s population. This overpopulation/ especially when considering the necessity of healthy living situations within the city.

WE NEED NATURE As human beings we need nature in our lives, and as a consequence of the fact that most of us are living in cities, this will then be in the form of urban nature. Multiple tremely essential to living a more satisfying, healthy and meaningful life; it stimulates the senses and introduces a scale suitable for human proportions.

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Introduction

There is a tendency towards reintroducing the wild and This dichotomy is a way to generate qualities that lack today. But why this need to reproduce the atmosphere of nature within the city?

The Biophilic Cities Project is a network whose main goal is to enhance the attention on nature within the urban context and thereby show the importance of incorporating nature when planning cities. It points out 4 recognition arguments to why integrating nature into everyday living is crucial. These are: 1. Important Ties to Place: Recognising the place-strengthrect personal contact and knowledge of the local nature which surrounds one.

2. Connections and Connectedness: An enhancing of car-

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ing for place and environment gives meaning and purpose for the user and as well encourages further the caring for others.

3. A Need for Wonder and Awe in Our Lives: Nature seen as an instrument, which stimulates and amaze the senses, and creates a foundation for a curiosity to learn and explore more.

4. Meaningful Lives Require Nature: The awareness of The main theme for all 4 of these arguments is the feeling of community and responsibility which can derive from a greater connection with nature and natural elements in ones everyday living. When nature becomes an integrated part of the city in a manor, that it needs attention and care from the residents, the residents will feel a stronger achieved through shared urban gardening. Incorporating

nature and allowing it to change the city can elucidate the means of nature, and the impact the city has on these natural processes. Furthermore, an ability to create awareness of e.g. hydrological issues in the dense city could be formed by working with water as both a playful and sensorial element to the urban setting.

BUT WHAT IS NATURE? When discussing the concept of nature, it is often perceived as the opposite of people and everything mantouched and uncontrollable. But is nature not more? One could argue that everything is a diversion of nature, the only difference is how much has been altered. In the text author Hans Fink argues how one can look upon nature in 7 perceptions, from The Untouched to The Whole. The Introduction

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Untouched, being what has never been touched, never tion e.g. air pollution. This is arguably a nature, which is almost extinct; approximately 3% of the world’s surface is ment | F&D, 2014). Seeing nature from this point of view as The Whole is thereby also an extreme. It argues that nature is everything; everything derives from something natural and it is not something humanity and the cultivated landscape are excluded from, but rather seeing it all as intertwined. Though, there are many gradients in-between all depending upon the context and the subject/ Denmark consists only of cultivated landscape; even the natural landscape is planned. Multiple trends throughout time have shaped the landscape and created the reality of the Danish landscape. To point out a national example could be the interference with multiple streams in Denmark in the 1960’s. Where streams were transformed from curved layouts into straight channels to optimize the surrounding areas, now only to be changed back again due to multiple unanticipated adverse events upon the

a nature concept it can be placed in one of Fink’s 7 perceptions. It can also be more than just one of the 7 concepts. Here again it depends on the context, and where the observer comes from. Though, the main point is the importance of being aware of the perceptions one bases the discussions of nature management upon.

LANDSCAPE AS A TOOL To accommodate and meet the issues followed by the city es of the junction between culture and nature are at perspective on the surface of the city, and how this can be a landscape incorporated in a multi programmed interface. The clash between culture and nature is not strictly in relation to “nature vs. no nature”, but more as an overall 7

Introduction

approach to the different layers and programs. Alex Wall makes out for the ground structure, which links all the elements of the city; buildings, infrastructure, utilities, open spaces, neighbourhoods, natural habitats etc. Moreover, its primary function is to accommodate a certain factor of

“As such, the urban surface is dynamic and responsive: like a catalytic emulsion, the surface literally unfolds events in time.

Here a connection to the fundamental principles in nature can be seen, hence nature as well is ever unfolding, -

on the cultural and social aspects. The programmed surface grows into a framework, a strategy for developing manence. This is important since programs and functions inevitably will change over time as cities and population evolve. He states that non-programmed use eventually can be of great value to the overall programming strategy 1999).

On the contrary, what is not addressed or elaborated in Alex Walls’ theory, are the aesthetic concerns, and also the question of the sustainable city. These issues could have a crucial impact on how the social and cultural aspects take shape and might even hold the solution within them. If one takes nature as a case; it does not ‘think’ about being aesthetic, even though it is a symbol for it.

Maybe this is because it is the functional aspects, which are the main focus within nature, and thereby it is actually the mere functionality, infrastructure and the order which makes it beautiful. To conclude from Walls theory -

tainable living, and have the other qualities and elements of the city come in order hereafter.

Furthermore this is also addressed in the book by Gary Grant: ‘Ecosystem Services Come to Town: Greening

ADAPT OR DIE! Planning for climate adaption and impermanence

a part of the biosphere, stating that all is connected, even culture and nature. The importance of looking upon ecosystems is stressed, since they are created with a time aspect in mind. Short term planning is simply no good when planning for a biodiverse city; management of ecosystems needs to be handled and planned for the long

Burning of fossil fuels has released greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere for decades and this has led to a changing climate, and an awareness of the challenges at 2012).

Along with these environmental concerns is another pressing matter, which is of an ongoing loss of biodiversity in terms of habitat destruction, invasive species, and which is yet accepted by society at large. In the long term it also has a crucial impact on the well-being and mere ex2012).

It calls for a more innovative way of working with city planning in a sustainable manner, taking both the matter of not continuing the mindless consumption of fossil fuels, when other more sustainable methods are at hand.

Therefore biodiversity is a must when designing cities, even within the city borders. In a Danish perspective, this from 1947, where the respect of the nature and biodiversity leaves out large areas which cannot be included in the Again, having a solution oriented approach to this, Alex Wall proposes to imitate the workings of nature by accommodating an ever-changing environment within future city planning methods: “Cities everywhere are competing to retain investment, capital, tax base, population, infrastructure, and amenities. The function of design is not only to make cities attractive but also to make them more ing demands and unforeseen circumstances

a parable solution to the handling of consequences from dling, treatment and re-use.

To see the city and the Whole as a part of the same process, ecological design approaches/ methods seem to be the immediate solution. To observe the city as a variety they state that the border between nature and culture is non existing and moreover non-important.

“It gives directions to the design of cities and urban spaces without categorically distinguishing between nature and culture Stig L. Anderson here states that we should not be contact anxious when altering with the landscape and/or mimic the natural ecosystems, as long as sticking to it is a part of a bigger ecosystem, and respecting this order. ‘ to the rest of the world.’ - John Muir NATURE IN AN URBAN SETTING Adding nature to the urban surface can evolve cities, ture has always been incorporated in the city by parks and other green pockets mimicking the more wild nature.

When reintroducing nature to urban areas in new ways, we must focus on the contribution of the qualities that Introduction

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current landscape – whether that is of an urban or natural are adjusted to the present needs of the city. Nature is, looked upon as such. The fear of interfering with nature is irrelevant as long as we understand and respect the natural processes that lie within.

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affords an urban environment where community and sustainability goes together with cultural and aesthetic values, making for a renewal of a liveable, healthy city.

The landscape and the city should slide together This is as well an argument from Wall, who sees it crucial to city planning that the city slide into the landscape, and thereby become one whole.

In the paper ‘The Compact City Fallacy’, Professor Michael Neuman addresses the compact city paradox. It argues that: ‘For a city to be sustainable, the argument goes, functions and population must be concentrated at higher densities. Yet for a city to be liveable, functions and population must be dispersed at lower densities.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES Planning a network for coincidences

But can we not have it all? – Maybe this is the ‘new’ approach to living in the city. Suitable programming which

concentrate upon environmental sustainability, where

Introduction

When looking upon sustainability, an aspect of social sustainability is as important for creating liveable cities and communities within. Sustainability is a concept composed by three branches; environmental, economic and social

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questions such as, “how do we protect and save the earth from human destruction?” are raised as generators for further investigation and mitigation. Similar emphasis is put into sustainable economic considerations regarding future business development. Environmental and economic sustainability are generally prioritized more strongly than social sustainability, and it is frequently of the reasons why it is a neglected term might be its complicated nature, since it derives from the processes which progress within communities over time. It is the capability of a community to develop structures and processes that inspire future generations to preserve a healthy community: “Social sustainability occurs when the formal and informal processes; systems; structures; and relationships actively support the capacity of current and future generations to create

healthy and liveable communities. Socially sustainable communities are equitable, diverse, connected and democratic and provide a good quality of life Hence, sustainable communities are not only a product of coincidences; it can be designed and should be taken into account in preliminary design phases. Social design is fundamentally planning, designing and developing sustainable, successful spaces that promote wellbeing combined with an understanding of people’s needs. It is important to understand and challenge social dimensions in order for communities to succeed.

“Social sustainability combines design of the physical realm with design of the social world – infrastructure to support social and cultural life, social amenities, systems for citizen engagement and space for people and places to evolve craft et al, 2011) Introduction

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Transportation networks are essential for people to meet and participate in social gatherings across social class, age urban design are able to shape social life and people’s sense of place. Designing high quality public spaces leads to an enhancement of personal safety in the local community.

Creating thriving new sustainable communities in today’s society is a challenge where local needs and circumstances should be considered. Social success is not a given solution, but is obtainable through disciplines such as architecture, planning, economic development, construction and housing management.

This again connects to looking upon an area as one whole process, where different functions and events overtime needs to interlock.

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Introduction

ISSUES

ANALYSIS

SKETCHING

SYNTHESIS

DESIGN PROPOSAL

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method This section presents some of the methods, which have been used for this project. During the design process, several design strategies have been taken into consideration.

The overall method is the integrated design process.

is the underlying principal, from which the integrated design process originates. This method provides information and describes how the knowledge behind the project keeps growing. Every time the work and knowledge involved in the project proceed to the next level, a

the architectural and design orientated strategy with practical engineering techniques. The outcome is a pragmatic design proposal where the design not only works esthetically, but technically and practically as well. The pragmatic approach is required hence the challenge is to design a new area in Aalborg, which integrates solutions to the hydrological issues at stake through a sustainable urban design plan.

perspectives onto earlier work. This method reoccurs in the integrated design process, where continuous interaction happens between the different steps throughout the project. In the end, this method allows the design propo-

and many of these steps interact. During the design process, new aspects of the previous steps can be revealed.

This means that we will have to go back and rethink the present work and add more depth or multiple layers to it.

overlapping at times.

entire process.

The process is subdivided into four primary parts: analysis and theory, concept and design development, speci-

The empiricism of the project is based on the registrations and analyses of the site. These are both factual and Introduction

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phenomenological. Mappings of the infrastructure, the districts of Aalborg city, borders and access etc. are used to get an understanding of the site and the present situation. Even though, the mappings are based on hard facts, they can be perceived as a quite subjective way of analyzing, because they focus on one thing only and leave everything else out. But when several mappings are combined with phenomenological analyses where the person, the subject and the experience are at focus, we get a differentiated understanding of the site and its nuances.

Registrations and analyses are underlying the concept development and the vision for the project. The developated based on workshops, group discussions modeling and sketching, both analogically and digitally. Every deof the design proposals and makes them more thorough.

Evaluating and discussing the design proposals make a 13

Introduction

better understanding of how the vision is processed, respecting the design parameters of the project.

Multiple theoretical texts are used as basic knowledge.

Selected texts such as “Programming the Urban Surface�

2006) have been studied and discussed. These texts along with a study trip to Oslo and several case studies have added a broader perspective to the project.

Especially the theory regarding the urban surface by Alex ing with an alterable surface, where nature is allowed to make an impact on the outdoor areas, an ever changing face of the city can be created. By adding a layer of hydrological character, an awareness of nature and the issues caused by severe rainfall in an urban context is made visible. Other layers of e.g. social, recreational or infrasupport the complex and changeable surface of the city.

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Case: nansen park, oslo Architects: Bjørnbekk & Lindheim in association with Atelier Dreiseitl Location: Fornebu, Oslo, Norway Finished: 2008 After Oslo International Airport at Fornebu was re-located to Gardermoen, it left behind a 200.000 m2 area, which needed a transformation and a new purpose. The architects Bjørnbekk & Lindheim designed a park, whose main focus is on water as an esthetic and sensuous factor.

Atelier Dreiseitl helped with the design solutions concerning the water.

The design of the park is based on the former topography combined with the straight lines used in the airport design. The fjord on three sides surrounds the park.

The architects have worked with the peaceful and recreational elements introducing activities and physical exercise. They focused on creating a park with a strong identity and a simple and timeless expression.

At the same time, Nansen Park is an excellent catalogue

of creative solutions to the handling of storm water. The park is full of green ditches and other clever ways to lead the storm water into the lake at the lowermost part of the park. Besides creating an enjoyable and recreational park, this area also acts as a storm water treatment area.

The architects have worked with several design parameters. One of the most interesting is, how the ground surface meets the water. At numerous places there is a soft, green edge opposite a hard edge, this often shaped in concrete. The contrast presents anew interpertation Other interesting elements in the park are, how the architects worked with the soundscape of water and exploring the idea that water can be a playful and active component.

This case becomes an inspirational catalogue of smart and well-functioning solutions to hydrological concerns, which are present at the project site. At the same time it is an aesthetic guideline of how to work with the meeting between a paved, or green surface, and a water surface.

Introduction

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Case: Kyushu Sangyo University Landscape Design Landscape Architects: Design Network + Associates Location: Fykuoka, Japan Finished 2012

designed a park-like campus at Kyushu Sangyo University in Fukuoka, Japan. It affords several plazas for students to pass through, each with their own pace, rhythm and cuses on creating an integrated environment that relates to the natural elevations within the site combined with water management. The site area is divided into two major zones, a central plaza with a stream and outdoor furand a second plaza with multiple terraced plateaus, which Rice terraces are typically situated in mountainous areas, functioning as retention ponds containing rainwater, which offer the perfect conditions for growing rice.

At the same time, these retention plateaus hold back watheir ability to prevent landslide, conservation of ecosystems, and their scenic value, which is a true cultivated and

nerating a landscape on its very own.

Design Network has taken this landscape typology to into a walkable landscape, stylized and constructed from straight and curved lines that produce associations to the traditional understanding of the Japanese outdoors.

Shunsuke Furuie from Design Network explains the role of the landscape architect; �The work of the landscape architect is to create environments, but I think of these not so much as natural environments as landscapes. The word “landscape� suggests the presence or activities of human beings. In other words, I believe that landscape architects should create environments that This case shows how the nature can be interpreted in an urban context. It inspires to working with the beneto solve hydrological issues or to create and interesting landscape with proportions suitable for the human scale.

These qualities can be drawn into an urban context in an aesthetical and pragmatic way which is valuable to the area.

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Case: Isover Multi-Comfort House Architects: Evgeni Leonov Architects Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom Creative Director: Evgeni Leonov Competition: Isover 2012 Evgeni Leonov Architects proposes a sustainable housing development in Trent Basin, Nottingham, UK. The challenge of this site is to create a regeneration and community development, which considers passive house requirements and minimization of the A/V ratio of the buildings.

The winning proposal re-invents classical 20th century British working class industrial housing into a modern

the existing neighbourhood, creating a new and controversial identity. The row houses differ from the previous by a change in material, and are thereby easily recognizable for residents. The project also revolves around the notion of social sustainability, focusing on creating sustainable neighbourhood. The connected dwellings surround an inner courtyard, a common recreational space.

Here a local community core is planned, programmed with playgrounds, swimming pool, a garden and underground parking. The core is a platform for socialization, a safe haven protected by the peripheral dwellings, where neighbours and residents meet and greet and ‘disconnect’ from the otherwise hectic, dense city life.

This case inspires to design housing units which are sustainable at more levels. This typology works with sustain-

forms of nature, and by using this shape, section-wise, combined with linked walls, effective dimensions, and deleting corners; the overall heat-loss is minimized.

The proposal has a strong architectural character within

awareness. At the same time the design of the housing units differs from the context and adds a unique identity

Introduction

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ANALYSIS

Hjulmagervej

Håndværkervej

ABC-rute railroad road

Ill. 13

Ny kærvej walk/bicycle path road

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Infrastructure The project site is placed near the city center of Aalborg.

The site is bordered by three roads; Øster Allé to the north, Sønderbro to the east and Ny Kærvej to the south.

The train tracks run along the western border of the site. which runs along the inner city and connects to the highway by Hobrovej and Sønderbro, two other major roads in Aalborg. Furthermore, the site is located close to the train station and bus terminal.

Even though the project site has a central location and is placed close to multiple roads, it is quite enclosed and dif-

CONNECTION ON SITE Pedestrians can access the project site through a gravel path coming from south and Østerådalen. This footpath 19

Analysis

runs along Østerå, through the site and ends at Hjulmagervej at the northern side of Gabriel. Some cyclists use this path as well, but the rough gravel is not the most comfortable surface for bikes. This path is the only way to access the lake and the rest of the site.

It is not possible to cross Østerå between the bridge next to Hjulmagervej and the bridge at Ny Kærvej. There is a bridge crossing the stream where the old train tracks used to run, but a built structure blocks the passage and makes it impossible to access Kærby on the other side.

Along with the tracks running at the western side of the site there is a pedestrian and bike path as well. This path leads to Kærby and the southern suburbs of Aalborg.

walk/bicycle pa road

Borders Access

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borders & Access BORDERS The project site is enclosed by different types of borders.

As mentioned in the infrastructure analysis, the site is surrounded by three bigger roads and the railway tracks which have a shielding effect on the site. Østerå is also a barrier which disconnects the lake area at the eastern part of the site from Gabriels and Remisen located in west. Furthermore there is a long wall shielding the lake area from the adjacent industrial area, and a fence running along the pedestrian track from Østerådalen to Hjulmagervej, which prevents people to get access to the lake.

Only at two places, this fence opens up and allows pedestrians to walk up close to and around the lake.

ervej, if you arrive from the north. There is also access to the site from Håndværkervej by crossing a parking lot.

The western part of the site is accessible by Hjulmagervej and Kjærs Møllesti, which is a part of the ABC biking route going from the city center to Skalborg.

ACCESS You can enter the site either from Østerådalen by the gravel path running alongside Østerå or from HjulmagAnalysis

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Points of attraction The analysis shows the distance from the site to chosen cultural offers and points of interest in the city. This gives a clear image of how close the site essentially lies to what the city have to offer, especially if the connectivity to the site is optimized.

1,5 KM

1 KM

0,5 KM

Aalborg theater AAlborg historical museum NORDKRAFT JOMFRU ANE PARK UTZON CENTER AALBORGHUS slot FRIIS shoppingcenter house of music KAROLINELUND KENNEDYARKADEN AALBORG CONGRESS AND CULTURAL CENTRE AALBORG tower KUNSTEN pedestrian shopping street site

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SITE

Blue Green

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green & blue structures The analysis brings out the green elements, which lies in close perimeter of the site. In the analysis it is both the controlled nature which is framed in parks or similar, and the uncontrolled like e.g. the connection from Østerådalen coming into the site from the south which are highlighted. Moreover it shows the blue elements which again in relation to the site makes for a strong connection to the south and Østerådalen.

Furthermore the analysis shows how the site itself makes out for a green pocket surrounded by city structure.

The interesting part here is, however, also how Østerå almost immediately after the site is subverted into pipes underground, and not used as a blue element throughout the rest of the inner city. This is nonetheless something Aalborg Municipality has addressed in the previous years, which in 2008 resulted in a strategy to open the stream up and use it as an active element throughout Aalborg

Analysis

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inner city

ar St

dis

tr

ric i st

ONT

HASSERIS

dd

R FR

i ct

ipy ar

BOU

Suburban area/ residential

sh

HAR

t

DISTRICTS/IDENTITY VESTBY

KÆRBY

ØSTERBRO

Residential ØGADE district

?

INDUStry

HASSERIS

GOD

S BA N

EN

CAMPUS

VEJGAARD

Suburban residential area

FRYDENDAL

ETERNITTEN

Residential

KÆRBY

VEJGAARD

FRYDENLUND

ØSTERÅDALEN

GUG

Suburban residential area, city within the city. Commercial and cultural unit in itself.

ØSTERBRO

GUG

Residential/local business/ recreational activities/ parks

ØGADE district

Residential/ local business/ recreational activities/ parks

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inner city

Cultural events/ commercial area. Hectic city life.

VESTBY

Districts

Residential/ local business/Stadium/maritime context/ recreational activities.

shipyard district

Residential/ youth dwellings/ Industry

STar district

Districts of Aalborg city all have their own strong characteristics. In the outskirts the districts Hasseris, Kærby, Gug, Frydenlund, Vejgaard are characterized by being mostly suburban residential 2-plan housing. The traditional dense innercity districts are; Østerbro, Øgade district, Inner city and Vestby. The developing districts are: such as the Shipyard district, the Star district, Eternitten, Godsbanen, Campus and the Habour front. In the middle lies the area of Kjærs Mølle. Where the interesting encounter between the Industry, the suburban Kærby and the more developing thriving Inner city happens. Here the site of Kjærs Mølle needs to have its own identity.

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Analysis

Commercial/Cultural hub – under development. New residential area. In relation to the cultural centre of Aalborg.

ETERNITTEN

Residential/ youth dwellings/ commercial/ development

Godsbanen/Campus

youth dwellings/ commercial/ development

habour front

Recreational area/ outdoor activities within an urban context

KJÆRS MØLLE ?

Site ny kærve j

Route ov er k æ r e t

Østerådalen

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the CONNECTION from ØSterådalen This video analysis elaborates how the green connection from Østerådalen to the site is experienced traveling by foot/bike. It is a green stretch, which together with Østerå stream subverts all the way into inner city. The trip starts in the extensive and recreational area of Østerådalen, which is on the outskirts of the city, and used extensivewith the infrastructure of the city happens at the road Over Kæret. This breaks the green connection, and also makes for and unpleasant break in the path, since the trafside of the road after crossing Østerå. The visibility of this is poor though, and if one is not known in the area it might not be noticed. The next stretch of the path takes the traveller through an area with a smaller scale, and closer to housing on one side, and allotments garden on the other.

The path still holds a rich quality of being green and recreational, especially by having the stream following its path

in spite of accessing a denser part of the city. Moreover, this stretch of the path is elevated above the surrounding which gives a good visibility for the traveller. The second and last intersection with a road is at Ny Kærvej. Here the connection on the other side of the road is poor and non visible for a visitor. The last part of the stretch before the site is the most narrow as well as the least stimulating part. The reason for this could be the intrusive industrial area on the left. Lastly arriving and passing through the site, the path is excluded from most of the area, being in-between the stream and a fence.

warch the movie! scan the qr-code with your phone

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10,5 m 10 m 9,5 m 9m 8,5 m 8m 7,5 m 7m 6,5 m 6m 5,5 m 5m 4,5 m 4m 3,5 m 3m 2,5 m 2m 1,5 m 1m water site Buildings

topography This analysis of the topography highlights the low- and highpoints in and around the area. It gives a clear idea of the longitudinal features, and moreover it gives an understanding of the hydrological movements that occur in the lowest points of the area.

Most of the water is not where the lowest points are .

The lake is e.g. in elevation 2.5 m. where the creek is in 2 m. height and the lowest points in the area are at a 1m. height. The lowest area, which is furtherst to the west, meets the residential area south/west of the area. This low point within the residential area is also problematic.

From a hydrological view, it is interesting that the height increases south of the site. This can indicate that a lot of the runoff stormwater from the industrial area would run into the site and down in the lake or the creek to the west. Moreover, it is noticeable how the topography is at its highest towards the city, and gradually lowers to meet the landscape coming in from the south.

Ill. 21

site Buildings today tracks in 1930 1923 1880

CANAL

Teglgaard Bæk

Bleggardgaard Aa

tracks Österaa

Vester Landgröft

Österaa

Öster Landgröft

Ill. 22

TRACES OF WATER over time This analysis takes point of departure in how the area important traces through time. This is based upon the map material found from respectively the years 1880 and 1923 and 1930, which is the High measuring board 2014). The mappings show how water has always been an important element of the site, which since 1851 has been used for industrial purpose and for the mill named

tracks were an important connection between Remisen, which was constructed in 1901, and Eternitten east of the site.

This left the area of the former Kjærs Mølle to be used as When looking at the connectivity of the site, the area has throughout time always been very accessible from all sides, though mainly by dead end roads and no passing in this analysis, but visible in the High measuring board

Looking upon the water layout of the area, and especially the creek of Østerå, you can see that it has been altered for the runoff water of the area to the creek, which by its In 1930 train tracks where laid through the site. These Analysis

26

atmosphere & section The effect of the site’s topography is very noticeable when moving around in the area. As described earlier, the ing built areas enhance the feeling of a valley-like area, by just having a bit more of height, except for the road Ă˜ster AllĂŠ, which bursts the scale completely. The surroundings moreover give a backyard feeling to the place, by literally having the back against the area, making it this overseen wasteland space, in a very close perimeter of the city center.

Within the site the notion of being an old waste yard for the industry from Eternitten is not the present impression. The area is very lush with vegetation and makes for this meadowland. The water element is a feature which is dominant throughout the area and adds to the tranquillity of the place.

27

Analysis

0.00

Ill. 23

Ill. 24 Analysis

28

potentials & challenges The project site holds within it many potentials and challenges. The area is close to the city center and multiple bigger roads, which should make it easily accessible. But in reality the site is bordered by the roads, the train tracks and Østerå. It is only possible to access by foot/bike, and even then one can only enter by the gravel path running along Østerå from Østerådalen in the south to Hjulmagervej in the north. To the east, the site is delimited by a wall, shielding it from the industrial area. The area with the lake is even more enclosed by a fence running along the gravel path, which reduces the access to the lake down to two small entries in opposite corners of the site.

29

better connected with its surroundings, it will be easier to train- and bus station and the cultural life which is offered in the inner city.

The previous connection running west-east through the site between Remisen and Eternitten is closed and the connection to the city center is hampered by Øster Allé.

Today the site has no clear identity. It is a surplus land with some recreational values, but known mostly of the few people passing through on a daily basis. It is the end of the green wedge coming in from Østerådalen and Østerå as an uncovered stream. From Øster Allé and further in towards the city center the nature becomes only more logical issues caused by the low terrain and the soil which prisingly diverse nature creates a sense of being in a more remote area further away from the city than it actually is.

By opening up the site and making it more accessible and

By adding more layers to the area, the site will become

Analysis

+ + + + +

close to the city center recreational values

versatile and changeable nature Ă˜sterĂĽ running through

+ + + +

pour connection to the context no clear identity hydrological issues dominates only known and used by few

more activated and known by the citizens of Aalborg. A more versatile programming and a processing of the landand urban life. Furthermore, an intentional shaping of the topography can be part of a solution to the hydrological issues which are present today. By creating a place where different groups of people can occupy inner and outer areas, the site will establish a sense of belonging among the residents. By attracting people through an adding of programs, landscape and accessibility, the site will achieve a stronger identity and a much more versatile urban use.

Analysis

30

disposition How to create a district with a strong identity adapted to the hydrological challenges, by creating a thriving community in coexistence with nature and connected to the city?

DESIGN STRATEGY Vision The aim is to transform the given district into an integrated part of Aalborg city, by enhancing the landscaping qualities in the connection from Østerådalen and mixing them with the qualities from living within close reach of the inner city.

Thereby creating a strong identity for the district, which enhances the local community as well as the awareness of the area as - the city within the nature.

Nature – a recreational factor – has great importance for the area and gives value to it. Through integrating different water solutions and creating a hydrological will be preserved.

procedural strategy The life cycle of the site is taken into consideration to help illuminate how the design will evolve over time. This gives an understanding of the development and life of the site and how it works in symbiosis with the rest of the city. The strategy highlights the four following ‘periods’ of the sites lifespan: Before - highlights the importance of creating an awareness of the area and connecting it to the rest of the city, even before construction has begun. Moreover, the aspect of dealing with the soil and the pollution at the place is an important focus at this point. The level of treatment is depending on how polluted the soil is.

During - evolves around creating an identity for the area, still creating awareness and inviting the public to start using and claiming the area as a part of the inner city. Hydrological solutions and overall strategy for the area are 33

Design Strategy

implemented.

After - focuses upon how the area will have to stand its test when all the fuzz is gone, and the area has become what it was indented to become. Things may have changed since the preliminary ideas of the area were designed, and it will have to adapt to new needs.

Future – should accommodate for a re-invention of itself if needed, and maybe in the future other functions in the inner city will be required. The area will possess the abiliThe strategy holds a loop aspect where the tasks can loop around and start over. Further development can evolve into a new process of connecting the site, creating a different type of awareness and so on.

PROCESSUAL STRATEGY Site Life Cycle

environmental soil investigation connectivity before CONNECTING

access

awareness

further development

using

future RE-INVENTING adapting to the needs of the city

claiming

during IDENTIFYING

identity

hydrological solutions implemented

multifunctional

good quality of life/community

after ADAPTING urban diversity adjusting trial - does the site work?

Ill. 25

I’m interested in local community and safe neighbourhoods

I’m looking for a supermarket - have you seen it?

Modern apartments without too much maintenance

Cheap and noise-free housing

As long as there are elevators !

Accessibility to the city center and its offerings has high priority

Ill. 26

target groups target users of the site have been chosen. This can help the site to form its own identity and plug in and become a part of the city puzzle.

50+ The 50+ users often live in communities, either in the city or just outside of the city. This user group can bring a sense of appreciation for the outdoor space, as well as having both the interest and time to use the cultural qualIn Aalborg Municipality physical vision for 2025, they address how to accommodate for senior citizens. A senior dwelling is described as a medium sized house, either freestanding or placed in a line of more houses in the

35

Design Strategy

- To be a part of a community of the same segment group.

- To be in a social network with the neighbours and having shared facilities.

FOLK HIGH SCHOOL A folk high school is a place one can t craft/courses or practice an athletic sport or similar while social institution and will usually be thriving with activities. A folk high school is for all ages, interests and durawill be 18-30 years taking half year courses and the main subject lines for the school are:

Vrå Højskole

- Creative subjects

Nordjyllands Idrætshøjskole - Sport - Social subjects

Aalborg Sportshøjskole - Sport

Mariager Højskole - Religiøs

Ill. 27

ornithology, angling) and indoor) This programming is in relation to the location close to nature, and what other folk high schools in the northern jskolerne.dk, 2014).

The folk high school will be open to frame activities for the citizens living in the area as well as people coming from other districts of the city or further away.

The folk high school will be seen as an opportunity to bring more life to the outdoor areas of the site, enhance the local community and it will help create an identity for the area.

Design Strategy

36

PERSONA: JOHANNE HOLBÆK NIELSEN, 55 Background GENDER

FEMALE

Johanne has a fulltime job. She works as an

JOB

OFFICE MANAGER AT SIEMENS

married, and her children have all moved away from home. In her spare time she tries

RELATIONSHIP

MARRIED, HUSBOND, CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN

RESIDENCE

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE, NØRRE KONGERSLEV

Income (year)

200.000-400.000 KR

badminton. situation and needs Johanne raised her children in Nørre Kongerslev, but since the children moved away from home, she and her husbond longs for living in a city that facilitates opportunities for experiencing cultural events. motivations er to the city. But she still wants to have the feel of a single-family house, without having to care for a garden. Closeness to the city center will not only reduce commuting time, children lives in Aalborg).

Challenges ?

Ill. 28

To create a dwelling unit for Johanne that resembles the feel of a single family-house, close to the city center, and still connected to green recreational areas.

Personas Target groups are often too vague or stereotypical descriptions of certain types of people.

Personas are on the opposite a tool to communicate and mentally depict the specific individuals, for whom the site is actually supposed to be designed for. With a 37

Design Strategy

knowledge of user experience and development of fictional characters, it will be possible to relate to their genuine needs in their everyday life and start planning guiden.dk, 2014).

Background

PERSONA: JONAS BJERG ROHDE, 21

from studies and worked as a salesman in Spejder Sport in Odense. Currently living at his parents’ in Tornbjerg.

GENDER

MALE

JOB

SALESMAN AT SPEJDER SPORT

RELATIONSHIP

SINGLE

RESIDENCE

PARCEL, TORNBJERG

Income (year)

70.000 KR

situation and needs Jonas has always been fascinated by outdoor adventures.

He is a climber and a rower in his spare time, and he enjoys hiking whenever opportunity presents itself. His job has also encouraged him to go explore the numerous outdoor disciplines, and he is especially interested in traveling. motivations Jonas has been saving up for attending a folk high school, where he will be able to meet people of his own age. His goals are focusing on personality development, both socially as well as at a personal level.

Challenges ?

To createa folk high school which provides spaces for social interaction

Ill. 29

Background Arne is a musician, and he plays the guitar. He studied to become a psychotherapist and is currently working as such. He volunteers in the organization ‘Headspace’ in Aalborg, which is an association that guides and helps children and young adults with problems. situation and needs Arne feels a need for change. He has been a widower for 2

PERSONA: ARNE RØNN, 60 GENDER

MALE

JOB

PSYCHOtheRAPIST, MUSICIAN, VOLUNTEER

RELATIONSHIP

SINGLE (WIDOWER)

RESIDENCE

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE, GISTRUP

Income (year)

200.000-300.000 KR

and connect with other people in order to move on. The thought of social neighbourhood has a certain ring to it.

He is looking for a modern appartment without having to worry about maintenance, and the dwelling should be noise-free. motivations Arne is soon retiring, and he can’t afford living in a single-family house. He is looking for a relatively cheap rental apartment, close to convenience stores, social and cultural activities.

Challenges ?

To create a type of apartment that is placed within a certain range from the city center. Cheap housing, sound38 Ill. 30

Design Strategy

DESIGn parameters CONNECTION The site connects internally and externally within the urban fabric.

1) An external historical connection between Eternitten and Kjærs Møllesø exists and should be further improved

strong identities; hence residential and cultural. These gramming of the site.

2) An external and internal hydrological element, Østerå, intertwines and cuts its way right through the site. This

The surrounding context is mainly dominated by industry, and in order to invent a new neighbourhood, it is necestioned respectively north and south of the site. They will stand as transition zones between site and industry.

the stream from Østerådalen towards the City Center and vice versa.

3) The barrier towards Gabriel should be dissolved and thereby integrating daily business and activity into the programming of the site.

4) Infrastructure for vulnerable road users should be optimized, and a direct connection between the site and Østre Allé will increase accessibility.

39

Design Strategy

EDGES

LANDSCAPE cial lake will be dissolved and replaced by a new hydrological solution, which draws reference

CONNECT (IN/OUT)

City Center/ Campus Østre AllÉ

GABRIEL SITE

ETERNITTEN

KÆRBY

ØSTERÅDALEN EDGES

LANDSCAPE (RICE FIELDS)

across the site, connecting to Østerå, and a cultivated landscape consisting of multiple plateaus arises from the stream and up.

COMMUNITY

Connection, ill. xx

Edges, ill. xx

Landscape, ill. xx

COMMUNITY To create a residential area with focus on sustainable neighbourhood and local identity, it is important to construct dwellings where the inside as well as the outside urban space are equally emphasised. A principle for the

GRADIENT (NATURE AND URBANITY)

Community, ill. xx

create semiprivate spaces in between the bulges for residents to use. They will also function as hydrological collecting points of rainwater and lead away surface run-off.

GRADIENT Nature and urbanity collide at the site in the north to south axis

Gradient, ill. xx

Ill. 31 Design Strategy

40

concept Connectivity, Community and Coexistence with nature are all key elements to the transformation of the site.

By selecting these topics as part of an overall concept, it is necessary to attribute them an equal amount of importance. Connectivity stands for linking the site to the sure that activity occurs internally and externally to and from the site.

Community refers to generating a strong sense of identity. Establishing an attractor, such as sustainable neightarget groups with community spirit as a high priority to reside at the site. The physically built structures along with the urban surface are meant to shape these communities attempting to create interaction between residents and outsiders.

41

Design Strategy

Coexistence with nature is an element that questions the notion of nature – keeping a connection to Ă˜sterĂĽdalen and a hydrological aesthetic, nature will be manipulated and transformed into a cultivated landscape, that still manages to awaken a sense of awe when entering the site.

C C C

Onnectivity Oommunity Oexistence with nature

Ill. 32

PRESENTATION

N

site plan The overall plan shows how the habitats adapt to the moulded landscape in the site where they create uniformity for the whole area and also encircle smaller communities in their own clusters. Water from east to west, and the hydrological stretch from north to south, subdivides the site as well as connecting it.

1:2000

Ill. 33 Presentation

46

the new stream

Ill. 34

Folk High school folk high school dwellings Cluster houses Multi-storey buildings

programming The programming of the site has been based on a desire to mix the different residents and at the same time keep a more private atmosphere around each typology.

One of the main focuses is to create interaction between the different users of the site and at the same time make room for their dissimilarity.

FOLK HIGH SCHOOL The school is located at the centre of the site. From here it will be possible to do daily shopping as well as enjoying a coffee from the local cafĂŠ. store, a cafĂŠ and a last part, which contains area for workshop, photography facilities, art, and a gallery - all programs for the folk high school.

49

Presentation

Ill. 35

ture hall and seminar rooms and the other is more social functions such as kitchen, dining hall and assembly room. and a lounge with television and library. The staff room cated in the south-eastern part of the building. From here there is a brilliant overview of the site.

FOLK HIGH SCHOOL DWELLINGS The dwellings for the students living at the folk high school are sited on the western side of the school. There are 13 units whereof 7 of them are intended for the peohow one of these dwellings can be organized so it contains 8 pupils. 4 of the remaining units are for people participating in a shorter courses. These dwellings are going

Party venue

seminar room lecture hall

Staff room

lounge - tv & library

administration kitchen

assembly room

lecture hall

dining hall seminar room

photography facilities

workshop grocery

art gallery

café

Ill. 36

to be arranged as smaller private rooms.

The last two houses are for the teachers at the school.

CLUSTER HOUSES The cluster houses are situated at the south western part of the site. These houses are a result of the clash between the single-family neighborhood Kærby south of the site and the multi-storey apartment buildings to the north.

The cluster houses are constituded by 44 units with 2 dwellings in each. Each cluster has dwellings varying from 2 to 3 storeys. The buildings are arranged so they create small communities within the site. Each community has its own levelling plateaus. These plateaus are covered with different materials and can be used in different ways.

Ill. 37

MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS The buildings are divided into 87 dwellings, which makes each 120 square meters. These buildings are located near at the eastern entrance to the site, where they create a barrier towards the adjacent industrial area.

The multi-storey buildings have entrances on each side of the building which makes it easy to access the building from the nearby parking lots. The residents have a shared rooftop terrace with garden furniture, small trees and By placing a center in the middle of the folk high school, with infrastructure passing right through and the grocery store and café, an active and social space emerges. This surface meets the desire to mix the different residents and generate a space which sets the framework for a spontaneous meeting or a new acquaintance.

Presentation

50

infrastructural design specification v

p p p

p p

CONNECTIONS The desire to create accessibility and connections towards Eternitten, the City Center, Østerbro and Østerådalen infrastructure.

Roads and paths proposed stream and Østerå. Pedestrian paths connect around the cluster units and the multi-storey buildings leading residents to their dwelling. The hydrological strecth is equally a pedestrian infrastructural zone.

p

p

Prrking Parking lots are mainly located along the south-east corner of the site.

Parking lots are accessible from Gabriel, Blytækkervej and Håndværkervej.

N 50

m

s

51

Path concept

NORTH - SOUTH

Prrking range

Paths are divided into main infrastructural roads and secondary detours around the site. The infrastructural ones include roads leading to the parking lots, and a biking path along the stream.

Pedestrian pathways connects the larger infrastructural roads to the clusters.

The hydrological stretch is oriented

Parking in close range of ones home is made possible through a design criteria that demands a maximum of 50 meters from the parking lot to the dwellings.

Presentation

across the site, not only along the stream but also from the industry towards Gabriel. this North-South Paramenter by developing a system for optimized roof solutions, e.g green roofs and energy saving rooftops.

Ill. 38

Ill. 40

Ill. 39

the bridge connecting to vestbyen The site is very isolated as it is today. To strengthen the infrastructure from the site to other parts of Aalborg, a pedestrian- and bicycle bridge is created. As shown in the illustration above, the bridge is going to connect the western part of the site and the bicycle path with Ă˜stre AllĂŠ towards Hobrovej.

The intention is to create a safe atmosphere along the bridge. This will be accomplished by implementing differ-

Ill. 41

bridge in Blekinge, Sweden. The extremely well lit-up path creates a pleasant and safe environment both on and around the bridge.

By creating an eye-catching and direct connection over the rails from the site towards the western part of Aalborg, the bridge will also have the ability to increase the

Ill. 42

the bridge is a fast connection so the design has to support this intention.

Ill. 43 Presentation

52

cluster houses

Ill. 44

LANDSCAPE Different methods have been used tohydrological create a landscape and design specifications LANDSCAPE landscape that gives room for different activities, both public and private.

Different methods have been used to create a landscape that gives room different activities, Different methods havefor been used to create a landscape both public and private. that gives room for different activities, both public and private.

LEVELS To make a more interesting landscape, levels is a big part of the design. The levels create a lot of platforms that can LEVELS act in many ways. It is also a part of the hydrological To make a more interesting landscape, levels is a big part solution in the project. Inspiration is taken from of the design. The levels create a lot of platforms that can act in many ways. It is also a part of the hydrological solution in the project. Inspiration is taken from

THE STREAM The stream slowly adapts itself to the moulding of the levels and is located at the bottom of the site, collecting THE STREAM rainwater from the collection points.

The stream slowly adapts itself to the moulding of the levels The stream constitutes the main hydrological element and is located at the bottom of the site, collecting in the system, receiving excess water if cloudbursts happen. rainwater from the collection points.

The stream constitutes the main hydrological element in the system, receiving excess water if cloudbursts happen.

55

Presentation

HYDROLOGICAL SOLUTION A collection point at the highest level pumps water HYDROLOGICAL SOLUTION The collection point both performs as a practical solution as a A collection point at the highest level pumps water detention pond and has an aesthetic character.

The collection point both performs as a practical solution as a detention pond and has an aesthetic character.

THE HYDROLOGIC Stretch Water as a sensorial element is implemented by designing a continuous ‘stretch’ , a HYDROLOGIC hard surface that differentiates along THE Stretch its path programmed with activities that afford Water as a sensorial element is implemented by designing pedestrian locomotion and awakeness ones curiosity. a continuous ‘stretch’, a hard surface that differentiates along its path programmed with activities that afford pedestrian locomotion and awakeness ones curiosity.

Ill. 45

sketch: active outdoor zone The active outdoor zone is located in between the residential units of the folk high school. This is an area for sports, games and human interaction.

Ill. 46

sketch: community grove The community grove is located inbetween Gabriels and in between close standing trees. The grove gets a more dense feeling as the trees grow larger.

Ill. 47

Spring summer autumn winter

Winter oak

rowan

Lynwood Lady Fern

VEGETATION STRATEGY For the greenery the idea is to create diversity in colour scape and scale. The plants, which are picked out as a starting point, is with a theme of having either a fruit that is characteristic for the plant or even an advantage in treating waste water, like the common reed. This is with the notion to encourage a wonder and admiration from the user. The point is to use the greenery as an instrument, which stimulates and amazes the senses, and creates a foundation for a curiosity to learn and explore.

Birch Hawthorn Medow grass

Herbs

Toad rush bulrush Reed

Ill. 48

plateau is more permeable, occupied by raised beds for smaller garden work, and as well for smaller greenery. from the stream will occur frequently, the plants will be water suitable reeds and rushes adaptable for the changthe greenery, which are picked out, look in appendix 4.

There is moreover a strategy in how each plateau is treated with greenery. On the highest plateau larger trees, like the winter oak, will meet the scale of the buildings, whereas other greenery will bring down the scale. The next level is within the cluster building communities were most of the plateaus are paved, for the residents to use as they please, though with room for trees to play with the scale and give colour to the space. The subsequently Presentation

58

Ill. 49

Ill. 50

the hydrological stretch The hydrological stretch is a sensorial path through the site. Along this route different experiences relating to water are generated. At some points the water makes a soundscape of dripping, gushing or splashy noises. At other points one can either get directly in contact with the water surface or step out onto stepping stones or small piers. Some of the proposed experiences are mainly enjoyed visually, while others invite to an interaction between people and the water as a playful element.

The hydrological stretch highlights the water as an important factor of the site. By focusing on water, an awareness of the impact of climate change and urbanization are planted in the mind of the residents. By implementing this hydrological experience, the aquatic sensation establishes an identity to the area.

The illustration above shows how the last part of Østre Landgrøft will be reoriented and redesigned so it cuts through the site and connects with Østerå south of Gabriel. To make sure the new part of the stream will always contain at least a certain amount of water, it will be supplied with water from Østerå. Calculations can be found in appendix 5.

Presentation

60

A large underground storage tank will collect rainwater from rooftops, which will be used for supplying the hydrological stretch and all toilets on the site with water.

The water pumped into the hydrological stretch will rethe stream instead. This system is explained in the illustration and calculations can be found in appendix 5.

61

Presentation

Ill. 51

Ill. 52

When it rains, the water will run into lowered plateaus in-between the dwellings. The lowest plateau will act as a detention pond with an outlet to the stream.

Eventually, the water ends up in the stream and is lead into the fjord.

Ill. 53

Presentation

62

the center

Ill. 54

HOUSING HOUSING housing design specifications purposes. purposes.

different life styles and offers dwellings for different purposes.

CLUSTERS CLUSTERS

APARTMENT BLOCKS APARTMENT BLOCKS

FOLK HIGH SCHOOL FOLK HIGH SCHOOL

Ill. 55 65

Presentation

sketch: center At the center multiple public functions are available such as a cafe, a convenient shop and a gallery. It is the place where residents of this new neighborhood socializes, both with each other and people from the rest of Aalborg, who are just visiting or passing through the site.

Ill. 56

multi-story housing By working with different typologies it was decided to create multi-storey buildings located at the eastern entrance to the site. The purpose of these buildings is to make a boundary between the site and the industrial buildings. This typology is designed with the intention to offer the residents other features than the cluster houses afford. The criterias for the buildings are as following: - They have to be easy accessible - There will be private rooftop terraces instead of private gardens which need maintenance - The buildings vary from 2 to 4 storeys to bring the scale down - The buildings must be near parking facilities The buildings are accessible from each side, which makes it very easy for walking-impaired residents to get to their dwellings. All the way around the buildings there is a three meters tile covered path.

67

Presentation

Each of the buildings has a private rooftop terrace with equipped with garden furniture and loungers.

The buildings are going to vary between 2 and 4 storeys, which makes them very manageable and even though they are supposed to create a boundary towards the industrial buildings, they still take the human scale into account.

Most of the parking in the site will be situated around the multi-storey buildings, which makes the distance from the parking to the dwelling short and easy accessible for the residents.

The large parking zone in front of the south-western building has a green rooftop with smaller plants and trees.

This area functions as a public space compared to the semi-private plateaus between the cluster houses.

Private rooftops with little or non maintenance

Different levels brings down the scale of the building

Easy access from both sides

Parking zone with a green accessible rooftop Ill. 57

Presentation

68

Ill. 58

materials The facades of the cluster houses and the folk high school dwellings vary between yellow concrete, Thermowood and dark bricks.

The south-orientated rooftops consist of solar panels blended in with metal roof plates in respectively silver and black. The rooftops facing north are covered with grass to optain rain water.

Grass is used between the cluster houses and the path within the cluster communities. The common space in-between the cluster units is divided into three plateaus. The dents to personalize it. The next plateau is covered with The lowest plateau also functions as a detention pond.

All bicycle paths are covered with asphalt to make a slipp 69

Presentation

resistant foundation when riding through the site. The The active outdoor zone in-between the folk high school dwellings is covered with gravel. The street soccer pitch and the basketball court are created in concrete. In the middle of the active outdoor zone there is a climbing wall

Ground

(Hard Surface)

Ground

(Mixed Surface)

housing (Facades)

Housing (Roofing) Ground (Hard Surface)

Metal Roofing (solar Panels)

Ground

Grass

(Mixed Surface)

housing (Facades)

Housing

(Roofing)

thermowood

Asphalt Concrete

Dark Bricks

Grass FINE GRAVEL

Colored concrete Metal Roofing (solar Panels)

Slate Pebbleflex

Fine gravel

Grass

Asphalt Grass

thermowood

Asphalt Concrete

Dark Bricks Colored concrete

Grass FINE GRAVEL

Slate Pebbleflex

Fine gravel

Asphalt Grass

Ill. 59

Presentation

70

a sense of tactility The center

Ill. 60

a sense of tactility

Cluster housing

Ill. 61

EVALUATION

reflection The main focus throughout the project has been the meeting between culture in the shape of the city and the highly cultivated landscape with its processes and dynamic characteristics. This disposition mainly arose from the given site. The site is placed on the border of the inner city, and it still maintains a recreational character.

In the process, working with the disposition has been how to implement the qualities of nature within a denser urban setting. The distinction between nature and landscape is their internal relationship and hierarchy. Nature is a given, whereas landscape is a processing of nature.

Especially theory of nature has been examined through various sources, and they have provided useful tools in a lines. Alex Walls’ notion of how to look upon the landare linked, has been a crucial focal point when developing the design.

This resulted in a new site plan, where the landscape is extremely cultivated and controlled, making for a caricature of nature’s qualities. One might question if the proposed design is the optimal solution for how to merge nature and city. Arguably, the proposal processes ‘nature’ as a landscape, and by doing so, the interface between city ture and city actually intertwine through the naturalistic features regarding the proposed topography, or plateaus.

Another reason why integrating nature into the project, is to make use of the conceivable consequences that climate changes might cause, and then turn the perception of climate changes into a positive connotation.

Respectively over the past couple of years, a lot of negative aspects have existed regarding climate change – people panicking, and yelling; “there’s water in my basement”, has been the stereotypical experience with cloudbursts.

75

Evaluation

The urban environment has not been able to handle these extreme weather situations, and it is time to design with and not against nature. A sense of adaptability and impermanence adds a quality to the urban environment. An example of how to cope with climate change and create a positive outlook could be the design of a stream, or something like the hydrological stretch, where heavy rainfall will cause a visible rise of the water level providing a physical, but still controlled change in the urban setting.

Important for the project was to create a strong identity for the proposed neighbourhood. The choosing of target groups has been a useful constraint and has helped develop design parameters and values that adjust the design.

Though, limitations are a factor, since designing to specific target groups might cause a risk of creating “gated communities” which excludes other users. This undesirable effect can be avoided by keeping this risk in mind and by to adapt to future needs. By designing an urban setting equation, and by generating social sustainability through a sense of community and ownership, in the long run, the area will attract others and secure the space from not being a gated community. Even though the site is designed to the needs of the city, and must be so in order to be a useful and well-functioning part of Aalborg. And by specifying the design, it becomes easier to inhabit the area and take ownership of the site.

Additionally, the removal of the previous south-western part of the former site has made for a stronger identity establishment. The area with ‘Remisen’ had a strong character prospect in itself, and as the project evolved, it only made for a bewilderment of a united identity for the whole site.

A dismissal of a big part of the former site like this can be

seen as a weakness or a quality, depending on if one sees this as a lack of skills or manages to recognize ones reThrough the analysis of the site the lack of connection to it was elucidated. Thereby, it was clear as well, that to make a functioning neighborhood connectivity is a must. ment of the site plan. Both when thinking of the site in a ing essential connections, but also requiring a proposed design, whose backbone is based on a more effective infrastructural layout. There is also the aspect here of what sort of life this connectivity affords within site.

The theory of affordance appears within the framework of visual perception. Psychologist J.J. Gibson formulated the correlation between objects and the perception of these, and provided an explanation of affordance. The world is not only experienced through objects, forms and three-dimensional relationships, but also through possi“The affordances of the environment are what it offers the animal, what it provides or furnishes, either for good or ill.”

The theory of affordance can be applied to several dimensions and scales. Certain environments e.g. afford differently. “ objects, tools, animals, and human displays This means that the site proposal will afford possibilities for actions and interactions. Socially engaged communities will thrive on top of the constructed, adaptable landscape stimulating senses and well-being. By manipulating the urban surface, the urban spaces and the housing units will afford different types of life to be lived inside of these.

The stream will afford space for water to occupy, creating a barrier, though being rich on experience through a tour

along the stream. Bridges afford pedestrian locomotion across the barriers of water and the hydrological ribbon affords movement, activity, running, and jumping across the playful aquatic surface. A total make-over of the infrain the end, activity level. Connectivity includes the new neighbourhood in improved cohesion with Aalborg city center and affords an enhancement of this new and socially sustainable urban area.

But there is a variability factor to the infrastructure, due to the connection to the partly developed areas in the proximity. This means that there is an angle of impermanence to the project’s design, which cannot be controlled.

However, this challenges the proposed design’s ability to The proposed design deals with the problematic of adapting nature’s qualities to an urban setting in an extensively controlling way. There is room for the unintentional and accidental, but this within certain constraints. This is seen as the project’s solution to climate changes, however, there might not be only one solution to the changes that are at hand, but endless possibilities.

The proposed site plan is an answer of how to live with water, but answers such as this exist in plentiful. The proposal stands out because of its concept, the 3 C’s; Connectivity, Community, and Coexistence with nature, which all act as generators for urban renewal within the site. As long as community thrives, and the area is connected to the city network and its context, it produces strong conditions for a sustainable neighbourhood. Nature is the third parameter, which is implemented through the moulding of the landscape, which in the end affords the framework for the overall sustainable urban living.

Evaluation

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bibliography LITERATURE: Report of the IUCN Renowned Thinkers Meeting, 29–31 January 2006. Retrieved on: 2009-02-16, According to the West-

1st ed. turen, Copenhagen: Gads Publishing.

-

Erlbaum Associates.

ture. Tokyo National Conference Board.

slitteratur.

scape Architecture, New York: Princeton Architectural Press, pp. 233-249.

-

-

-

new communities, London: Young Foundation.

LINKS: Aalborgkom

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Evaluation

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-

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Evaluation

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illustration list ILLUSTRATIONS:

79

Ill. 1-5

Own illustration

Ill. 6-8

Private photo

Ill. 11-12

http://www.archdaily.com/260958/isover-multi-comfort-house-proposal-evgeni-leonov-architects/

Ill. 13-33

Own illustration

Ill. 34

Own visualization

Ill. 35-39

Own illustration

Ill. 40

http://www.ocholeguas.com/2014/06/10/europa/1402398138.html

Ill. 41

http://www.lifeinnorway.net/2012/07/photo-of-the-week-bjorvika-oslo

Ill. 43

https://portajohn.wordpress.com/tag/eben-weiss/

Ill. 44

Own visualization

Ill. 45

Own illustration

Ill. 46-47

Own visualization

Ill. 48-53

Own illustration

Ill. 54

Own visualization

Ill. 55

Own illustration

Ill. 56

Own visualization

Evaluation

Ill. 57-61

Own illustration

APPENDIX: Ill. 1-2

http://hkpn.gst.dk/

Ill. 5

http://www.treesbypost.co.uk/silver-birch-f91

Ill. 6

http://www.ahsorensen.dk/kontakt.html

Ill. 7

https://solentreserves.wordpress.com/2013/05/

Ill. 8

http://www.thetreecenter.com/lynwood-gold-forsythia/

Ill. 9

http://tcpermaculture.com/site/2013/05/29/permaculture-plants-common-reed/

Ill. 10

http://skitcafe.com/river-reeds/

Ill. 11

http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/154115/

Ill.14-17

Own illustration

Ill.18

Private photo

Ill.19

Design process

Evaluation

80

APPENDIX

appendix 1 - historical maps

Aalborg 1880

Aalborg Ill. 11923

Aalborg 1923 Ill. 2

Appendix 2 - soil quality

clay and chalk deposit clay and clay and chalk deposit

sand deposit

clay and sand deposit

glacial till deposit

glacial till deposit

Ill. 3

Material

Permability

water content

risk of settlement

sand

high

low

very low

Material clay sand

clay

85

Appendix

Permability

very lowhigh

very low

water content

high

low high

risk of settlement

high

very low high

appendix 3 - Parking CARS CARS Function Function Multi-storey buildings Multi-storey buildings Cluster houses Cluster houses Folk high school pupils Folk high school pupils folk high school staff folk high school staff A TOTAL OF A TOTAL OF

units units

PArking norm pr. unit PArking norm pr. unit

Parking bays Parking bays

87 87 88 88 110 110 20 20

0,5 0,5 0,5 0,5 0,25 0,25 0,5 0,5

43,5 43,5 44 44 27,5 27,5 10 10 125 125

units units

PArking norm pr. unit PArking norm pr. unit

Bike stalls Bike stalls

87 87 88 88 110 110 20 20

2 2 2 2 2 2 0,5 0,5

174 174 176 176 220 220 10 10 580 580

Bicycles Bicycles Function Function Multi-storey buildings Multi-storey buildings Cluster houses Cluster houses Folk high school pupils Folk high school pupils folk high school staff folk high school staff A TOTAL OF A TOTAL OF

Appendix

86

Appendix 4 - Vegetation Category

Max. Height

Growing conditions

Flower

Harvest colour

Robust.

White

Berry

Trees & bushes:

Dark Yellow for soil. Robust.

White

Robust. Can tolerate city air. especially moist.

Yellow/Brown Acorns White

Grass & rushes

for wastewater treatment spreads greatly.

Moist soil

87

Appendix

Yellow

Brown to White

Gold Yellow/Purpurrøde

Winter oak

Ill. 4

Birch

Ill. 5

Hawthorn

Ill. 7

Lynwood

Ill. 8

Common reed

Ill. 9

Medow grass

Broadleaf bulrush Ill. 10

American rowan

Lady Fern

Ill. 6

Ill. 11

Toad rush

Ill. 12

Ill. 13 Appendix

88

Appendix 5 - hydrological calculations THE FLOW IN THE CHANNEL ion will be used. To do that the area of an average cross section of the channel, is needed. The Manning number of the material that the channel is made of is also needed, the Manning number of concrete is 75. The Hydraulic Radius is needed, which is the Area/Wet Perimeter. And the slope of the channel is needed, which is Zstart-Zend/Length

Q

2 3

A* M * R * I

A 0,3m *7 m R

2,1m 2 2* 0,32 *3,52

Zstart

3,5m

Zend 3m 3,5m 3m I 280m Q

2,1m 2

0, 0018

0,3m *3m *75*

0,3*3,5 2* 0,32 3,52

2 3

* 0, 0018

3

channel becomes wider, the slope changes, or if there is a vertical fall of water.

89

Appendix

0,94m3 / s

0.3m

7m

Ill. 14

Q I

280m

Zstart

Zend Ill. 15

Appendix

90

RUNOFF To calculate the runoff ness of the total catchment area. i is the intensity of rainfall event and k is a climafactor, which is set to 1,4 for 100 years.

The channel is dimensioned by a rainfall event with a returnperiod of two years, duration of 10 minutes and Intensity second year.

Q

Fr * i * k

Fr

Ftot * j * k

Fr

105929, 6m 2 *0, 618*1, 4 65464,5m 2

Q

6,5ha *140l / s * ha *1, 4 1274l / s 1, 274m3 / s

1, 274m3 / s Y0

7 m * Y0 *75*

7 m * Y0 2* Y0 7

2 3

6, 4ha

* 0, 0018

0,1833 18,33cm

The channel will rise 18,33cm in a 2 year rainfall event. If the lowest level is 15cm above the water surface, it will get

91

Appendix

Y0

Qwet

0.3m

Qdry

15cm

7m

Ill. 16

Appendix

92

RAINWATER STORAGE TANK The underground rainwater storage tank contains water to be used in the Hydrolical stretch plus the water to be used m2 . The total roof area on the site is 16277m2. The Hydrolical stretch needs 184,2m3 of water.

2

0, 745m / m 2 *16277 m 2

12126m3

12126m3 / 365 33m3 184, 2m3 13,8m3 198m3 The tank needs to have a size of at least 198m3 to contain the amount of water needed. The roofs of alle the houses 3 in the site, are able to collect 33m3 , the roofs catches easily the amount of water needed. To have some spare room in the tank, it is overdimensioned so it can contain 200m3 of water.

93

Appendix

5m

200m3

10m

4m

Ill. 17

Appendix

94

Appendix 6 - design process PHASE 1: In this phase we worked with the overall connections to the surrounding context and the rest of Aalborg. We connection between Eternitten and the freight rail area was found important.

We worked on the infrastructure on site, and how to place and construct the paths. We worked with bicycle routes and pedestrian paths.

Ill. 18

95

Ill. 19

The old railway from Eternitten to the freight rail area, is one of the historical traces within the site.

A main path for fast transit, and a slower pedestrian path.

A hard and soft edge meeting the water.

An infrastructural blue center.

Appendix

Ill. 20

Ill. 21

Ill. 22

Appendix

96

PHASE 2: In this phase we focused more on the shaping of the buildings and the landscape. We made a link between Øster Landgrøft and Østerå, by letting Øster Landgrøft run through the site, dividing the area into two. We used the buildings to create the landscape, by giving them an organinc form that elevated the ground in some places.

We worked with an overall circular shape of the buildings that would be cut by the channel and the infrastructure.

We came up with two overall programs for the buildings, two programs through the landscape we let the channel run in-between.

Ill. 23

Ill. 24

While crossing the water, the stream will not be an obstruction.

Ill. 25

An overall connected structure, that gets cut by visible connection lines and the channel going through.

97

Appendix

The shape of the buildings creates the landscape.

Ill. 26

Ill. 27

Appendix

98

PHASE 3: From phase two we had one connecting shape. In phase 3 we tried to break up this shape and create smaller communities. To break up this shape we put in attractor To create a hierachy, the built mass would become more concentrated near the points. The buildings became more independant, but put together in smaller communities. We worked on creating a center where the the programs would meet in a structure.

Ill. 28

The landscape shapes the buildings.

An edged design in the landscape and the buildings follow the shape.

Ill. 30

The buildingmass concentrates around attractor points.

99

Appendix

Ill. 29

Ill. 31

A center where the programming of the site meets in a built structure.

Ill. 32

Appendix

100

PHASE 4: In phase 4 we tried to combine some of the things we worked with in phase 2 and 3. We worked on creating larger apartment blocks and smaller houses. We continued working with the attractor points, and used them to place the apartment blocks. The cluster houses we tried to put in-between the blocks. The apartment blocks as the apartment blocks.

Ill. 33

Apartment blocks placed along the edges of the site.

Ill. 35

Cluster houses placed in communities.

101

Appendix

Ill. 34

Leveling down the apartment blocks.

Ill. 36

The appartment blocks placed on the edge of the site with the cluster houses inbetween.

Ill. 37

Appendix

102

PHASE 4: In phase 5 we tried to focus more on the cluster houses. the blocks around them. The cluster houses were placed on a curved line through the entire site, creating small communities. The apartment blocks were moved into the site, creating useful spaces on both sides of the buildings.

We gave the buildings an overall organic shape, to create a connection between the different typologies. We worked on the infrastructure within the site, creating an interresting loop. A hydrolical stretch was created along a part of the loop. The building in the city center received a more individual look, but still followed the overall language of form.

Ill. 38

Apartment block in an organic shape.

Activities on both sides of the apartment blocks, placing them more centrally on the site.

Ill. 40

Cluster houses connected in one line that creates small communities.

103

Appendix

Ill. 39

Ill. 41

The landscape creates a connection to the cluster communities, also working as hydrological solutions.

Ill. 42

Appendix

104

AALBORG UNIVERSITET Architecture & Design Urban Architecture

N

CO3

Connectivity + Community + Coexistence with nature

C

O3

Aalborg University Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology

Date 2014/11/18

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Drawing 1 of 3

A

N B

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A

GABRIEL

ØSTERÅ CULVERTED

THE HYDROLICAL STRETCH

THE STREAM

PLATEAUS

CO3

Connectivity + Community + Coexistence with nature

C

O3

Aalborg University Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology

Date 2014/11/18

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Section AA

Drawing 2 of 3

A

N B

B

A

BYCICLE/PEDESRIAN BRIDGE

ØSTERÅ

ACTIVITY SPACES

THE STREAM

THE HYDROLOGICAL STRETCH

THE HYDROLOGICAL STRETCH

CO3

Connectivity + Community + Coexistence with nature

C

O3

Aalborg University Department of Architecture, Design & Media Technology

Date 2014/11/18

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Section BB

Drawing 3 of 3