UMSK CPH-2016
Public places - people places...
Torvehallerna og Israels plads... Israel Plads, located in the heart of Copenhagen, has been redesigned after years of funding issues, planning deliberation and community consultation. It lies next to Torvehallerne, a covered food market that replaced the traditional Grønttorvet vegetable market. The new square is a lively, informal space marking the transition to the Ørstedsparken. Ten years ago, the square was a desolate, wind-swept place, used variously as a parking lot, an area where locals walked their dogs, and an informal gathering space where students played basketball in makeshift ball cages. The space looked abandoned, messy, almost derelict. Today, it has become a place that bustles with activity and attracts many people every day. Until 1958 the square, then called Grønttorvet, was the location of the city’s major wholesale market. This is where retailers as well as individual clients came to buy fresh food; the market was known for its charming as well as chaotic atmosphere. Soon however, the traffic and logistics that came with the market were no longer manageable in the restricted space of this inner-city neighbourhood and the wholesale market had to find a new location. At the end of the 1950s Grønttorvet became an empty spot in the middle of the city, without any real function, and the potential of an undiscovered urban space emerged. Grønttorvet, renamed Israels Plads ten years after, experienced the same lot as other large inner-city markets, such as the famous Halles in Paris, for instance, which were forced to move to a southern suburb in 1971. The big empty spot left after this transformation created unique possibilities for establishing a major new urban square in the centre of the city. For many years, Grønttorvet looked unattractive despite of its unique central location. Things finally began to change in 2011, when, after 15 years of political and financial quarrels, the project of the two market halls on the northern side of the square became reality. The idea of a covered food market was fortunate in its timing, for it was realized at a moment when people’s
L y k i l o r ð : Félagsleg rými, Endurhönnun, Leikur, Matur, Bílastæði, Opið rými, Markaður, Torg, Vatn
Hรถnnun: SWECO, COBE, Niras og Morten Strรฆde Byggingarรกr 2011
interest for new culinary experiences was growing. Torvehallerne has injected new vibrancy in a once deserted area and has worked as a catalyst, attracting people from all over the city. The organizers of the architectural competition named the team of Sweco, COBE, Niras and Morten StrĂŚde winners for the redesign of Israels Plads in 2007. The winning team presented a simple architectural concept for the square: a “flying carpetâ€? that has landed on the ground, defined as a light granite surface, lifted up 25 centimetres from the ground. Different organic shapes are punched out of the granite surface, providing various sports facilities, such as a ball cage, a skating area, a playground for young children and sitting stairs. The granite plate is recessed from the surrounding facades, leaving sufficient space for car traffic, and descends to meet the street level. Along the facades, a band of traditional Copenhagen pavement with granite slabs and Nordic cobblestones runs around the square, connecting the granite plate to its surroundings. The pavement, in contrast to the light granite of the square, is a reference to traditional Danish building materials and matches the colourful historical facades from the 18th century. (https://www.toposmagazine.com/israels-plads/)
Sönder Boulevard... In the mid-nineteenth century, the demolition of the city walls and the abolition of the Demarcation Line that for many years had marked off a surrounding strip designated as a no-build zone led to a sudden expansion of the city of Copenhagen. To the west of the old city centre, the neighbourhood of Verstebro was built, this consisting, in keeping with pubic health standards of the nineteenth-century city, of regular street blocks and wide avenues offering sweeping views. The Sønder Boulevard was one the main road axes of this urban development. True to the change of scale enshrined in the new canon, it was endowed with a symmetrical section of almost thirty metres wide and a slightly curved longitudinal section a kilometre and a half long. The centre of this boulevard, which separated two lateral roads, was shaped by means of a grassy parterre that was densely populated with elms and edged by granite boulders. Before long, and as was happening in many other European cities of the time, a rising bourgeoisie avid for metropolitan settings in which to represent itself, enthusiastically took over the Sønder Boulevard as a place to promenade and forge social relations. Over a century later, however, the pleasurable and leisurely spirit of its origins had completely disappeared. In the 1990s, Dutch elm disease, a fungal affliction that attacks the Common Elm, killed all the trees in the central grove. By the turn of the millennium, the daily traffic consisting of some 2,700 cars and over 1,600 motorcycles drastically segregated the devastated central parterre, and practically the only people who used it were those who saw it as a public lavatory for their dogs. ... In 2004, the City Council of Copenhagen decided to earmark almost two and a half million euros to revitalise the sixteen thousand square metres of the promenade and to adapt it to present-day needs. Six workshops were convoked in which residents and local businesspeople were able to express their wishes which in many cases, and as might be expected, were fragmentary and divergent. In view of this, the strategy adopted in order to return to the boulevard its lost relevance and former numbers of people consisted in assigning to the space a great number of
L y k i l o r ð : Félagsleg rými, Endurhönnun, Leikur, Hjólastígar, Gróður, Opið rými, Sveigjanleg rými, Göturými, Tengingar
Hönnun: SLA Byggingarár 2007
uses and a wide range of activities that, by juxtaposition or superimposition, could respond to the all the requirements gleaned in the workshops. Such an assignation of space was given priority over the aim of a coherent and unitary project. The velocity of circulation in the lateral traffic lanes has been reduced by means of speed bumps and the roads have been narrowed from two lanes to one. This has made it possible to add seventeen metres to the width of the central zone, which has been divided into a large number of orthogonal sections of different sizes and treatments. Although some are conceived for specific functions, for example to accommodate sports areas and facilities, zones for dogs, children’s playgrounds or an asphalted cyclo-cross circuit, the great majority of the sections are defined generically.
They take the form of small rectangular areas framed by slight differences of level and initially covered with lawn. However, this is only a provisional finish as, through an arbitrated and regulated process, the residents have the right to transform and use these sections for different purposes. The spaces have undergone progressive transformation as functions are assigned to them and they have become small garden plots, meditation gardens, spaces for barbecues, open-air cafÊs and platforms for performances. A pedestrian path, sometimes paved and sometimes with a gravel surface, is lined with benches and waste paper bins and makes it possible to move through the different sections the whole length of the promenade. New rows of trees have been planted along the edges, grouped according to species, which have been chosen so that they bud, flower and shed their leaves at different times of the year in such a way that the boulevard’s appearance is always changing. In the central section of the route is an area planted with palm trees where blocks of stone from pre-existing rockeries have been distributed in the form of a grid. ... In this intervention, uses precede form. Urban design has been halted in time to give way to users who appropriate the different sections and freely transform them in keeping with their requirements. The form will never be fixed because the Sønder Boulevard is now a flexible, diverse space that is undergoing constant change. David Bravo Bordas, architect (http://www.publicspace.org/en/works/e092-sonder-boulevard)
Superkilen... Superkilen celebrates diversity in Copenhagen Superkilen is a kilometre-long park situated in the Nørrebro area just north of Copenhagen’s city centre. Superkilen is home to more than 60 nationalities, and is considered to be one of the most ethnically diverse and socially challenged neighbourhoods in the Danish capital. The hope is that Superkilen can help revitalize the area by giving it a global identity and unifying its inhabitants. The park comprises 3 areas: the ‘Red Square’, the ‘Black Market’ and the ‘Green Park’. Bike lanes traverse the park, which features playgrounds as well as spaces for basketball, football, cultural activities, picnics, socializing and relaxing. Multicultural symbolism The park aims to support the diversity of local inhabitants by using globally-found objects which symbolise the home countries of those who live in the area. The objects include neon signs from Qatar and Russia, bollards from Ghana, an imposing sculpture of a bull from Spain and Palestinian soil. It is a world exhibition within the space of just half a mile. “Normally when you design a park in Copenhagen, you only have two or maybe three kinds of benches to choose from. Now we have the entire world (to choose from)”, says Jakob Fenger from the art group Superflex.
L y k i l o r ð : Félagsleg rými, Litir, Fjölmenning, Leikur, Hjólastígar, Gróður, Opið rými, Sveigjanleg rými, Göturými, Tengingar, Lýsing, Yfirborðsefni, Götugögn.
Hönnun: BIG, Topotek1, Superflex Byggingarár 2012
Superkilen is the result of a collaboration between the architects from Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Berlin-based landscape architects from Topotek1 and the Danish art group Superflex. Together they have created a fusion between architecture, landscape and art. For the people, by the people The local people were actively involved in the process of choosing the different objects to be placed in the three different areas of the park. “We went traveling with five different groups of people from the Superkilen neighbourhood to a country of their choice, following a specific story or memory that would eventually lead to objects for inclusion in Superkilen”, says Fenger.
The five trips went all over the world and some very different objects were brought back. For instance a sound system from Jamaica, a bull from Spain and a boxing ring from Thailand, all chosen by inhabitants from the area. Each object is described on a small stainless plate next to the object. All of the objects were either produced as exact replicas or purchased and transported to Superkilen.
Three zones, three colours, one neighbourhood The Red Square A red carpet covers the entire square, the lines and edges creating a big red pattern. If entered from Nørrebrogade the square is an open space, serving as an extension to the activities in the nearby hall. The Black Market This is where the locals meet. There are benches and barbeque facilities, tables for playing backgammon and chess, and a Japanese octopus playground. The pattern here is composed of white lines, which curve around the furniture to highlight it. The Green Park The soft green hills appeal to children, young people and families. Many of the sport facilities have been moved here, with brand new pitches for hockey and basketball. The area also attracts people for picnics, sunbathing or just taking a nap on the grass. (http://denmark.dk/en/lifestyle/architecture/superkilen-celebrates-diversity-in-copenhagen)
Bo01 An Ecological City of Tomorrow - Malmö... In Malmö in southern Sweden, a sustainable district has grown up in the wake of the Bo01 housing exhibition. In 2001, the exhibition showed off visionary types of dwelling, with people, aesthetics, ecology and technology part of the plan from the outset. The housing exhibition site has since developed into the district known as Bo01 (Live01) where the emphasis for the town planners has been on high-quality permanent housing solutions, architectural diversity and urban spaces. Malmö’s inhabitants have already embraced the district which has become one of the city’s most popular excursion spots. Bo01 is a recently developed district in the Västra Hamnen (West Harbour) growth area on the outskirts of Malmö. The district has approximately 600 homes, offices, shops and other service trade premises. The objective is for the district to be a leading international example of environmental adaptation and social sustainability in a densely built-up area. It is hoped that Bo01 will strengthen sustainable growth in Västra Hamnen and Malmö as a whole. The district’s previous history has a housing exhibition has underpinned the development of innovative housing solutions that give sustainability and aesthetic appeal pride of place. At first sight, there is nothing particularly sustainable about Bo01, but the district has sustainable solutions designed into it since it was on the drawing board. The focus has been on three aspects in particular; use of resources, planimetrics and emotions & aesthetic appeal. Private players, who have been responsible for the physical realisation of the district, were urged to think holistically and to show consideration for the surroundings in relation to the individual housing units. Built-in nesting boxes for birds and sustainable vegetation, for example, are a natural element of Bo01.
L y k i l o r ð : Félagsleg rými, Hafnarkantur, Rými, Sjálfbærni, Vatn, Orka, Græn þök, Líffræðileg fjölbreytni, Þétting byggðar, Nýbyggingar.
Hönnun: Klas Tham hannaði masterplanið ásamt Skipulagssviði Malmö Byggingarár 2001
Consumption of resources in Bo01 is minimised e.g. by wind turbines, which provide all the district’s electricity. Solar panels on the roofs supply a fifth of the heat, the remainder coming from thermal heating and Malmö’s existing, super-efficient district heating system. Recyclable and organic materials are sorted and contribute to energy production by the city’s biogas plant. The residents of Bo01 are encouraged regularly to check their energy consumption on information panels installed in each home. In addition to this, paths and cycle tracks have been given high-priority as has the use of healthy materials in the dwellings and surroundings. Sustainability in Bo01 also concerns interaction between the people who live in the area, and objectives have been laid down regarding different forms of ownership in order to reduce the formation of ghettos. Furthermore, design and architecture create aesthetically pleasing urban spaces and attractive places where residents can get together. This is manifest in such details as protection against the wind and pleasant outdoor areas with a good view and proportions to which residents can relate. In order to ensure a sustainable resource management and recreational and aesthetic values, water in the district flows through an ingenious system of ponds, open channels and moss-covered roofs. The 175 hectare artificial island of Västra Hamnen was bought by the Municipality of Malmö in 1996, and the idea was to develop an entirely new eco-district. Over the last 10 years, the municipality has transformed the island from a polluted industrial area to an environment-conscious district with homes, businesses and recreational areas. A fundamentally sustainable approach to planning of the building instructions has been key in the creation of the district. Bo01 crowned the achievement, with its innovative concepts and new technologies which have improved environmental standards in the area. Bo01 has been highly praised as an exciting, ambitious and thought-provoking success, and the people of Malmö have embraced the district, especially its harbour promenade.
Sustainability under scrutiny Despite Bo01’s ambition of creating mixed forms of ownership to reduce the risk of ghetto formation, the residents of Bo01 constitute a homogenous group. The district has been criticised because it is only home to well shod, healthy, white residents despite the fact that 40% of Malmö’s population was born outside Sweden. The lack of diversity is due to the high price of homes in the district; a three-room flat in Bo01 starts at around SEK 2 million (GBP 170,000), which is more than twice the national average price. The fact that the dwellings have large areas of glass, some facing the sea, means that the residents of Bo01 have to cope with hefty heating bills. Cars are also allowed in Bo01, which was originally planned for less than one car per household. Today many homes have one or more luxury cars. For the first couple of years the district rented out the electric cars to residents but removed them again because they were not used. Although there are many cycle tracks and special bus routes, the largest transport-related problem is the shortage of parking spaces. A multi-storey car park has been built as a result. In Bo01, sustainability and the residents’ lifestyle clash. Because of the residents’ prosperous lifestyle, house prices and design, critics do not believe Bo01 has become the shining example of low energy living the municipality of Malmö had hoped for. (http://www.dac.dk/en/dac-cities/sustainable-cities/all-cases/master-plan/malmo-bo01---an-ecological-city-of-tomorrow/?bbredirect=true)
DAC - Danish Architecture Center // Let´s Play!! In summer 2016 the Danish Architecture Centre and the plaza in front of the building will be converted into a summer, “movement destination”. Outside, in a temporary arena we invite everyone who feels inclined to try their hand at totally new forms of movement. Meanwhile, inside we open a major exhibition, which explores the subject of movement in the city. During the run of the exhibition we will be organising a number of specialist events, in which both professionals and anyone with an interest will meet up to discuss “next practice”. What is the next step to take when it comes to movement in the city? Once upon a time, movement and exercise took place in function-specific settings, such as gyms and facilities designed for the purpose. But in recent years movement has crept into our everyday lives and occupied public spaces. Today the city represents an arena for all sorts of movement for people of all ages. Street sport has made its impact, and playful installations and flexible sports facilities are springing up all over the place. Movement has assumed a prominent role in the city. But it is also found in local pockets and communities, which can be difficult to find your way around in. LET’S PLAY sets out to tell the story of the informal and non-organised movement, which has hit the city in recent years, and to provide Danes with an opportunity to try their hand at new urban forms of movement. The goal is to inspire children, young people and adults of all ages, together with architects and planners, to look at movement with different eyes: not as something you do in specific places and at specific times, but as something that can be a natural and integral part of the city - a source of joy, freedom, fun and fellowship across gender, ethnicity and age. (http://www.dac.dk/en/dac-life/exhibitions/2016/exhibition-lets-play/)