The Cannabis Institute

The Cannabis Institute

Master thesis architecture

The Cannabis Institute center for botanical research, enhancement and mediation of medical cannabis

Master thesis in architecture Jonas Urbasik Arkitektskolen Aarhus June 2018 Tutor: Jan Buthke

Contents

I. Abstract

12

II. Documentation The cannabis plant Background Area and Site

16 20 24

III. Analysis Program The bunker, structure and form Greenhouse Research Awareness Element of mediation

34 40 56 62 66 72

IV. Proposal The Cannabis Institute

V. Critical reflection

84

112

“We know nothing about dosage, length of treatment, side effects and long-term effects, whether there are precautionary rules in relation to other treatments or questions of addiction” Andreas Rudkjøbing - chairperson of the danish medical association (lageforeningen)

Abstract

I. Abstract

II. Documentation The cannabis plant Background Area and Site

III. Analysis Program The bunker, structure and form Greenhouse Research Awareness Element of mediation

IV. Proposal The Cannabis Institute

V. Critical reflection

I. Abstract

Abstract

13

1 Immanuel Kant: Beantwortung der Frage: Was ist Aufklärung? Berlinische Monatsschrift, 1784.

My project seeks to enlighten the general public, opponents and professionals regarding the use and the nature of how medical cannabis is grown and how it can be used towards improving people‘s lives. I use enlightenment in accordance with Immanuel Kant‘s definition in his essay1 „Enlightenment“, where his famous quote, „Sapere Aude - Dare to think for yourself!“ was mentioned for the first time. There is a distinction between conventional medicine nowadays and Kant‘s quote. Since the Danish health system doesn‘t support alternative or herbal- based medication, patients are limited to preselected products and treatment services and therefore are not able to think for themselves. Even though citizens of the western world are lucky to get support for medical treatments, the pharma industry controls its medical

investments. As a patient, free choice of how to get alternatively medicated is only possible with the required amount of money.

To counteract this I introduce an approach that tries to include the public in the daily work life of a research department of the university in Aarhus. The most important aspect is the relationship between two programmatic spaces: visitor‘s space and research units. The intersection of these two spaces is very essential to create awareness that helps establish medicinal cannabis in society. The following proposal enables visitors to experience in this yet unknown territory.

For me, it‘s very interesting to research and approach this current topic since the new law just got accomplished to be carried out into practice and therefore asks for new architectural solutions. I see the biggest potential in exploring

a new hybrid typology that deals with the question of cultivation for employees while creating awareness for visitors, patients and doctors.

I believe that architecture can perform in a way that negotiates the missing link between supporters and opponents of medical cannabis. I want to develop a narrative

that is able to communicate the potentials of medical cannabis to increase everybody’s awareness concerning the future.

Therefore the project‘s main mission is to establish a symbiotic relationship between its key programs research, greenhouse and visitor‘s space.

14

Documentation

I. Abstract

II. Documentation The cannabis plant Background Area and Site

III. Analysis Program The bunker, structure and form Greenhouse Research Awareness Element of mediation

IV. Proposal The Cannabis Institute

V. Critical reflection

II. Documentation

The cannabis plant

17

1 Jorge Cervantes: The cannabis encyclyopedia.

Van Patten Publishing, 2015. page 14.

2 Ibid., p.15.

3 Ibid., p.13.

4 Dr. Arno Hazekamp: Medizinisches Cannabis Aspekte und Wirkungsweise.

Informationsbroschüre in Zusammenarbeit mit Bedrocan International, 2016.

5 Ibid., 13.

6 Ibid., 13.

7 Ibid., 9.

8 Ibid., 11.

Since the origin of human civilisation cannabis is one the oldest known medical plants, used for its psychoactive and medical effects1. It is also famous for its fibrous properties (hemp) to produce clothes, ropes and paper. Archeological findings proof that hemp was cultivated in China 10000 years ago. In grave chambers of Egyptian mummies researchers found residues of cannabis as well 2 . „Hemp followed men naturally“ wrote Nikolai Vavilov, a Russian Plant Scientist 3.

Cannabis has been found all over the world. Classically It’s been categorised into three different strains4: Cannabis Indica which has its origin in south Asia, is historically known as Indian hemp. It’s characteristics are thin leafs, few widely-spaced branches and tall growth. The Sativa types of cannabis originally grew in Africa and the today’s

Western world on an industrial scale for fibre, oil, animal feedstuff and medical purposes. This strain is characterised as a bushy short plant with broader leaves and its fast maturing properties.

The third one, a small, weedier plant, was originally found in Central Russia and is now rarely cultivated only for strain crossing to optimise flowering and growth.

Hybrid strains between sativa and indica became the predominant strains existing. Unfortunately it hasn’t been properly studied if and how the medical properties of cannabis are correlated in any way to the distinction made between sativa and indica5. „A better understanding of chemical differences between cannabis varieties could help to bridge the gap between the extensive knowledge on cannabis that exists within the community of recreational users,

18

and the information needed by medical users and the health professionals“6.

More than 500 chemical components have been identified in cannabis plants- and products7. These components can be separated into Cannabinoids like the well known THC, and other groups of chemicals like Terpenes. At the moment more than 100 different cannabinoids are known8. The most famous

ones are THC, CBD, CBG and THCV. The substance in its natural form can only be found in the cannabis plant.

For a long time there was no research on how cannabis/ cannabinoids affect the human brain and body. In the 1990s however researchers made a groundbreaking discovery, the existence of a human Endocannabinoid system. The cannabinoids affect the Endocannabinoid

Cannabis Sativa Cannabis Indica 2c Cannabis Ruderalis 2a

2b

II. Documentation

system by stimulating the receptors of different cells in the human body and are responsible for e.g. cell-grow (healing a wound). The cannabinoid binding receptors are present in the entire body but notably in two areas: CB-1 receptors are present in the central nervous system and responsible for e.g. appetite, sense of time, sleep and pain. CB-2 is mainly present in the cells of our immune system where it can influence e.g. pain, inflammation and tissue damage.

Other components of the cannabis plant are terpenes which exist in all kind of plants in the nature. They

are responsible for the cannabis plant’s typical smell and taste. Certain terpenes have their own medicinal aspect and are able to modulate some of the undesired effects of THC, e.g. reducing short term memory loss or anxiety. Regrettably there hasn’t been enough research about the interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids leaving unrealised potential9.

Medicinal cannabis can be consumed in different ways: Inhalation (smoking, vaporising) and Oral (Tea, food, cannabis oil, pills and pain relief cream).

19 Diseases treatable with medical cannabis: Dr. Arno Hazekamp: Medizinisches Cannabis Aspekte und Wirkungsweise.

InformationsbroschĂźre in Zusammenarbeit mit Bedrocan International, 2016. p.31 9 Ibid., p. 11.

There is enough available evidence to conclude that medical cannabis effects the following diseases chronic pain (mainly pain associated with the nervous system, for example caused by a damaged nerve, phantom pain, facial neuralgia or chronic pain which remains after the recovery from shingles); pain and muscle spasm or cramps associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord damage nausea, loss of appetite, weight loos and debilitation due to cancer or AIDS nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy used in the treatment of cancer, hepatitis C, or HIV infections and AIDS gilles de la tourette syndrome therapy-resistant glaucoma

Sativa

20

Indica

Ruderalis

II. Documentation

Background

21

People with certain illnesses could gain from alternative medical treatment like cannabis, instead they suffer because of its prohibition which refers back to the UN- Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs from 1961. At around 1900 though, cannabis had its peak for medical use in the western world. At that time the challenge was to produce standardised medicine. When taxes and strict regulations in relation to cannabis were passed by law, its use in medicine has almost stoped completely.

Like the most European countries Denmark decided to forbid the use of cannabis due to controversial recommendations made by the Ministry of Health1 after the UN convention in 1961. A former official says today that the intensification of the law was based on panic. At that time, nearly every political party wanted a reconsideration of

the law after two years, but it never happened. In the last few years there had been changes though.

In 2011 a medication called Sativex, which contains THC (cannabinol) had been approved by the Danish Medical Products Agency. Furthermore, Denmark renewed the law by 2018, to make it more accessible for doctors to prescribe Cannabis as a serious alternative to treat major illnesses like cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and many others. Another aspect of the new law design is to legalize growing medicinal Cannabis (for selected firms) as a trial program for the coming four years. That opens a new market in Denmark for investment and research.

The Danish nursery „Alfred Pedersen & Søn“ from Odense is one of 15 firms that applied for a license to grow Cannabis for medical use. The plan is to build greenhouses

22

Purple Haze; hybrid, 3b OG Kush; sativa, 3c White Widow; hybrid, 3d Sour Diesel; sativa, 4a Kief, 4b Hash, 4c Oil, 4d Crumble, 4e Shatter, 4f Wax, 5a Joint, 5b Blunt, 5cSpliff; source: Ellinor Larson.

Illustration about Cannabis 3a

II. Documentation

23 Dr. Arno Hazekamp: Medizinisches Cannabis Aspekte und Wirkungsweise.

Informationsbroschüre in Zusammenarbeit mit Bedrocan International, 2016. p.4 2 Søren Rasted: En mand med en sag, Radio24syv podcast 22.03.18 3 Dr. Arno Hazekamp: Medizinisches Cannabis Aspekte und Wirkungsweise.

Informationsbroschüre in Zusammenarbeit mit Bedrocan International, 2016. p.3 1

of 93.000 sqm which would have the impact to be the biggest producer in Europe.

Together with the Canadian stock company „Aurora Cannabis“, „Alfred Pedersen & Søn“ founded a joint venture.

The Canadian firm is already one of the leading suppliers of medical cannabis in the world and knows how to run the business. This example shows the relevance for a capitalistic orientated firm. But there is a range in various firms that have applied for the license. Small one man companies got the permission to grow medical cannabis as well which demonstrates a general and idealistic desire to gain knowledge during the trial period. By liberalising the law, the Danish government hopes to open a new industry that generates new jobs and tax income (In Switzerland, the supermarket Lidl sells CBD Cannabis without psychoactive effects) without prescription.

After Holland, Denmark is the first country in Europe that has legalised to cultivate cannabis for medical use.

From the patient‘s perspective the trial period of the legalization of medical cannabis can be seen ambivalently however. The doctors have to take the

responsibility for the patients treatment in regard to several side effects and cannot hold the producer of the pharmacological products responsible as it is done with conventional medication.

Medical cannabis is pioneered and promoted by patients and their caregivers / relatives (mostly from the illegal market), instead of scientific researchers1. The doctors main argument against prescribing the products, is the missing evidence. If patients finally find a doctor who prescribes medical cannabis, the waiting lists are long and the products extremely overpriced2 . These circumstances have the consequence of creating a negative loop of missing test patients that are important for several clinical tests which could prove the medical effects of cannabis. Therefore the trial period is not able to fulfil it’s potential and medical cannabis is stuck in the middle of the strictly organized medicine system: The Medical Products Agency (lægemiddelstyrrelsen) requires a pharmaceutical product, applied through a firm, which has been thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy by the agency, before being released onto the market for a specific

patient group. On one hand modern allopathic medicine has difficulties studying the unconventional administration forms, the many varieties and the dosing regimens of cannabis, since it is a herbal/ organic product. On the other hand it is too potent to be classified as alternative/

herbal medicine since it’s being used as a drug as well.

Dr. Arno Hazekamp, a Dutch medical cannabis researcher, states in his report (2016): „ There is a need for balanced information, clearly communicating the therapeutic but also the less desired effects of cannabis use.“3

24

II. Documentation

Area and Site

25

Aarhus is a city famous for its university and a well known hospital. The city‘s identity is shaped by science and research and this looks to continue over the coming years.

The site chosen for the proposed cannabis institute was a consequence of combining the aspects of public, research and health. Therefore the suggested location is an intersection of the university, hospital and public street.

A highly frequented street (Nørrebrogade) is the main connection between the city centre and the proposed site.

The „letbanen“ which got put into operation recently, runs next to it, as well as many public bus routes and a cycle lane. The cannabis institute looks to address people with different backgrounds to spread knowledge about medical cannabis throughout society. Therefore this

very public crossing of the two streets Nørrebrogade and Nørre Boulevard offers a good way to access the institute. An old bunker from World War II is situated at the corner of the site, orientated towards the street. Next to it is a hospital car park for the danish pain research centre.

There is a logical connection between pain therapy and medical cannabis. Cannabis may be used to treat difficult symptoms and improve quality of life for the chronically ill. The bunker is a two-chambered shelter made out of reinforced concrete. The appearance is characterised by two hemispheres with a little chimney for air ventilation at the top of each room. A major reason for the shape is to perfectly transfer vertical loads into the ground. The bunker is only occasionally used, to host underground techno parties.

1 26 Map of Aarhus with marked area 2 isomatric drawing of the bunker 1

2

II. Documentation

27

1

Satelite photo of area; University-campus and hospital 2 highlighting the buildings, relevant in connection with the cannabis institute 1

Psychology

28

University

Hospital

Biomedicine Medicine Chemistry

Biomedicine Museum for Natural History Physics Molecular Biology Biology Biomedicine Genetic Danish Pain Research Center Mathematics Site Stenomuseum

Nørrebrogade Letbanen, Busses, Bicycle lane

2

II. Documentation

29

1

30

2 3D Scan of the side: Isometric perspective 2 3D Scan of the side: Elevation 1

II. Documentation

1 31

1 site with crossing entrance to the bunker 3 view from parking lot on danish research pain center 4 view from parking lot

2

4

3 + 2.78

1

2

0.00

2

4

3 32

4

Analysis

I. Abstract

II. Documentation

33

The cannabis plant Background Area and Site

III. Analysis Program The bunker, structure and form Greenhouse Research Awareness Element of mediation

IV. Proposal The Cannabis Institute

V. Critical reflection

34

III. Analysis

Program

35

The cannabis institute is a hybrid building of research and visitors space. The term chosen to support the visitors space‘s requirements for the proposal is awareness and explains the visitors „flow-like“ journey through the building.

The tasks of the three main programs are:

Aarhus University, has its main areas of ​​ responsibility in the enhancement of medical products, discovery and investigation of new cannabis strains and the research of new relationships between certain cannabinoids and their efficacies on the human body.

Greenhouses: On one hand, the greenhouse provides space to cultivate medical cannabis which is important for the researchers work.

On the other hand, visitors get the possibility to discover different kinds of cannabis plants. In the proposal the greenhouse area is divided in two kinds: one for exhibition and one for cultivation.

Awareness: The part of the institute where visitors collect information about medicinal cannabis. The idea is to create an architectural intersection between the different programatical spaces. One part of this intersection is the research lab, the other one is the visitors space. This move promotes the interactive aspect of the concept and supports a transparent, interactive communication of the potentials of medical cannabis. Afixed component for creating awareness, is the botanic garden which allows a direct interaction with the cannabis plant

Research: Forms the foundation for a professional institution that wants to create knowledge about medical cannabis. The proposal ,seen as a new department of the

1 „first idea“ - conceptual model that wants to communicate an interactice approach, by using a wire and a string to demonstrate the visitors movement and interaction 2 General idea of how the main aspects generate an intersecting relationship: Research+Visitors. Medium is greehouse. Goal is awareness.

1

Botanic Garden

Greenhouse medium

Research

Exhibition/Flow

Awareness Cultivation 2

36

III. Analysis

0

21

Public

3

Exchange Exhibition

37

Awareness

Research Internal Exchange

18

6

9

15

1

12

Diagram of time in relation to the use of the general programs 2 Diagram of interactionhow are certain parts of the prgram connected.

Red Lines symbolize the visitors movement 1

38 Greenhouse 1

Awareness effects

Awareness botanic

medical Research effects Entrance

Canteen/ CafĂŠ

Exhebition

Greenhouse 2

botanical Research Greenhouse 3

internal exchange

Internal Exchange medical Research product

Awareness product

Research

Awareness

Exhibition

Exchange

Public

2

10

Highest point of the building

III. Analysis

ge Public

Possible movement Internal Circulation direct Connection closed space transparent space Visitors Flow (Circulation) underground Intersection Visitor-Researcher Intersection internal

6

8

4

39

6 7 3 9 19 5

+/- 0.00

7

18

2 1

20

17

23 21

Underground

22 Internal Exchange

16

11

10

Highest point of the building

21 Research

24

Informal Space

1 +/- 0.00

Exchange

14 7

Public

13 15

Possible movement Internal Circulation

7 6

direct Connection closed space transparent space

Visitors Flow (Circulatio 6

12

underground

Intersection Visitor-Rese

1

Intersection internal

2 40

Working with diagrams was the chosen method to analyse how the program needs to perform in order to generate meaningful connections between the different spaces. The decisions, made through analysing and understanding the diagrams, are consequences of an iterative process where the diagrams have been adjusted and reinterpreted several times.

The process started by gaining general knowledge about a selected core-program and its aspects of time. This diagram helped to evolve another one which deals with the question of how spaces are connected with each other. For both diagrams the level of privacy played an important role.

Therefore the circular form of the drawings indicates the „onion principle“, which means very private in the centre and very public on the very outside. Every line drawn, to visualize the thoughts of the process, where purposefully made to be able to extract more information from it. The last diagram was a continuation of the other two and consequently, through introducing different forms and demonstrating orientations towards either the public or the private, became the most complex as well. This diagram was furthermore translated into a three-dimensional model to get an idea for the connection between spaces related to height.

Diagram that explains the visitors flow in relation between the different programs 2 Three dimensional version of the diagram helps to visualize the ideas and thoughts in relation to the different floors 1

III. Analysis

The bunker, structure and form The bunker

41

1

Danish Health Authority; European Monitory Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) Denmark Drug Report 2017

Denmark has legalized the use of medical cannabis though, but not for recreational use. Black markets are not disappearing and the demand for cannabis won’t be reduced in the coming years.

Statistics show that the demand for cannabis has constantly increased since 1999.1 The proposed institute which cultivates cannabis will hold huge amounts of medicinal cannabis and seeds. To prevent burglary a safety concept was needed from the first stages of the conceptual process.

The bunker in its monolithic and solid structure was introduced early in the project as a suitable place for programs with high safety requirements. Therefore a drying room, a seed bank and a storage are placed

inside the bunker. The bunker functions as a big safe now, that is accessible only for certain researchers.

Another aspect the bunker contributes to the project is its structural properties.

Since reinforced concrete walls and foundations, out of which the bunker is built and meant to protect people against air-raids in World War II, are able to carry huge forces, two short chimneys, one on top of each shelter, became the basis for a structural element. Originally needed for fresh air ventilation during air-raids, the two chimneys transfer loads into the ground, which are coming from above. Also, they offer space for the visitors lift, a goods lift and function as service shafts.

Two diagrams which exlpain the main aspects of the bunker for the building. top: loads and forces bottom: main services

42

open space

„house in the house“

lift

envelope

drying, safe

III. Analysis

Structure

43

The concept of the cannabis institute is to generate a self-guiding circulation for visitors. Therefore the proposal incorporates the movement of an urban flow, that is more specifically defined by pedestrians, cars or public transport, into the dynamics of the building. This urban flow gets absorbed, and then transferred into the organization of the floor plan with the aim of being easily navigable. The floor plans are therefore planned along how visitors flow through the building in order to get an idea of the work being done there. The floor plan’s pattern is split into 4 quadrants, organized on the basis of a grid that was generated for structural reasons of the bunker.

The bunker, built as a hemisphere, transfers its circular shape to the visitor‘s ramp (flow), where the two extended chimneys create the centre of each slope of the flow. The 4 quadrants, which are individually split by the ramp, follow the ramp’s gradient defined as split levels to get good possibilities for interaction. To design a ramp accessible for wheelchairs, several parameters need to

be considered. Three zones where the ramp can be placed in order to prevent collision needed to be provided. The reason for that is the flat gradient of the ramp (1m/25m) to make it accessible for wheelchairs and to have enough space for visitors to walk.

At the same time the ramp zones the floor plan in 3 kinds. The first type of zoning is facing the facade and therefore offers space for laboratories and research spaces. The second has the possibility to have a program on both sides of the ramp while the last type is only orientated towards the inside of the building. The reason for this hierarchy of zones comes from analyzing the program. While some spaces have to be connected to the facade in order to get sunlight, some other parts of the program (greenhouses) get artificial ventilation and light anyway. These spaces are planned to be on the inside of the ramp.

By having this hierarchy, the programs can be distributed by its characteristics in order to fulfil their requirements, form and materiality

1

2

3

Diagram that describes the organisation and concept of „zoning“ By having 3 types of zones a flexible floor plan organisation was possible.

44

III. Analysis

45

1

2 sketches during the process. Working with different organisations and ways of how to use the bunker as a structural element.

2-4 process models 1

46

3

4

III. Analysis

47

Diagrams show the stepstory of how the structural system was created. By extending the chimneys which were originally planned for air ventilation a main structure got created. A grid, based on the geometric rules of the bunker helps to organize the structure and floorplans.

48

III. Analysis

Form

49

Since the Cannabis Institute is to form part of the university but not located on the campus itself, the exterior form played an important role. The project wants to symbolise a formalistic cooperation between institute and university by picking the archetype of the surrounding university buildings, which is a stretched volume with a pitched roof, built of yellow bricks. The proposal can be seen as one big greenhouse, which allows visual access from the outside, and therefore follows the idea of transparency. The bricks got replaced by a transparent Polycarbonate membrane, which is the envelope of the whole building to articulate an interlocked condition. Research related programs are separated from the

rest as „boxes“ in which controlled environmental conditions get created to generate a good work atmosphere and adequate laboratories. Therefore these spaces can be seen as a „house inside the house“.

The core of the building, a solid structure built on top of the bunker is articulated in white concrete to emphasise the clean, scientific character of a building. Wooden elements that get introduced to prevent disturbing insights to the research labs, generate a warm contrast and symbolise a „solid curtain“ between visitors spaces and laboratories. Therefore, one of the projects main subjects is to combine two programs, that usually work on a very different level of privacy, and propose a strategy that deals with both approaches.

Graphic shows the natural ventilation system of the building. Sun heats up air between envelope and main building. Main building helps passivly to heat up the air. Wind ventilation distributes warm and cold air through the building.

50

III. Analysis

51

1

1+2 CF Møller unipark in Aarhus. The form of the envelope took inspiration from the archetype of the university to demonstrate a symbolic relationship.

52

2

III. Analysis

53

Isometric drawing that shows the structural system of the building: Polycarbonate envelope -Secondary structuremain structure for envelope - concrete structure with bunker and ramp

54

III. Analysis

55

1+2 Building „Rondo“ designed by Markus Pendthaler Architekten is hybrid building in Graz, Austria.

The polycarbonate membrane inspired the envelope of the cannabis institute and its idea of creating a open zone between envelope and program

1

56

2

III. Analysis

Greenhouse

57

Dr. Arno Hazekamp: Medizinisches Cannabis Aspekte und Wirkungsweise.

Informationsbroschüre in Zusammenarbeit mit Bedrocan International, 2016.

1

The main challenge for medical cannabis is producing standardized product.

In order to do so, controlled environmental conditions are very important. These conditions include, for example, the intensity and type of lights used, plant density, humidity and ventilation of the air, watering schedule, type of plant nutrition used, and the effects of biological pest control1. The greenhouse’s function is to provide space where these factors can get realized.

Since these hyper-functional growing chambers don’t share the plant’s natural environments with its different climate conditions, another more realistic greenhouse needs to be introduced. This part of the program helps to elucidate the cannabis plant’s characteristics for the visitors.

The project’s greenhouses are consequently separated in two kinds. One functional grow room type, that creates the specific conditions to cultivate cannabis as much as possible. This type works with high-tech equipment to mimic environments that suit the plants requirements.

This is important when medical cannabis is going to play a bigger role for conventional medicine and therefore needs to reduce the fluctuation in quality and effect to a minimum. The other type is a visitor-friendly space where the focus is in exhibiting cannabis plants, to sense its different characteristics of texture, colour, smell and growth. The main target is to generate a mediator that is able to communicate with visitors in a very direct way. Visitors experience this space as a botanic garden.

1 58 Diagram that communicates the location and type of program related to greenhouses. The dark green volumnes represent the growing chambers.

The light-gren platform represents the botanic garden.

1+2

2

III. Analysis

A

59

B

C

Greenhouse types A (visitors),B (visitors and researchers interactive workshop zone) and C (growing chambers).

While A operates with natural sunlught, B and C work with artificial conditions to generate the perfect grow-environment.

60

III. Analysis

A

61

Diagrams showing location and type of greenhouse.

B

C

62

III. Analysis

Research

63

Each research program will get represented by researchers from the faculties of medicine (research effects), biology (research botanic) and biomedicine (research products). These research programs will work as separate units but also intersect with each other and the rest of the institute in several ways. The research units have to work together and collaborate in order to improve their examinations and develop products and seed crossings that help to establish medical cannabis. interaction between researchers and visitors supports the transport of applied science to society.

Workshops, seminars and direct contact with visitors support the „do-it-yourself“

mentality and enlightenment. Visitors get limited insight to the laboratories to get a better understanding of the production process of the medicine.

While the ramp offers a path where visitors are able to collect information about medical cannabis in a more playful approach, a second, more functional, circulation system for the scientists is needed. At both sides of the building, two staircases are located for a fast vertical circulation. This part of the building belongs to the research units and is therefore only determined for the researchers to provide adequate opportunities for internal exchange and social spaces like terraces to rest and chat.

1 Diagram of where research units are located in the building. The volumnes follow the gradient of the ramp and are arranged arround the facade. pink=botanical research; rosa= research effects; purple= research products 1+2

A graphic that shows the process of how the institute operates is shown on the next page

2

64

Research Botanic Research Products

Drying

Cultivating

Growing

99%

Buds

Alcohol

140 °C

Production of Cannabis Oil

Feedback Research Effects

65

Planting Seeds

Research Products

III. Analysis

Enhancement of medical cannabis strains

Greenhouse Exhibition

clones from the motherplant go back to the greenhouse

Research Botanic

Displaying

Cutting

Cloning Research Products

66

Trimming

Packaging + Storing Medication

Products

Buds

Patients

Examination

Evaluation of treatments.

III. Analysis

Awareness

67 1 Nico Stehr :Arbeit, Eigentum und Wissensgesellschaften.Suhkamp, 1994 „labour, property and societies of knowledge“ 2 report „Research & Research Facility Futures: 2012- 2014 and Beyond“

The idea to include visitors into the researchers daily work life comes from the aspect of transparency „we have nothing to hide!“.

When visitors get passively involved in processes of the institute, their minds get easier opened up for new ways of medical treatment. Nico Stehr stated in the book 1 that „knowledge is understood to be a black box“which supports the fact, that research is made behind „closed doors“ and therefore not accessible for the public. Knowledge about medical cannabis can’t remain as a „black box“, where the public is denied exchange with the laboratories and where transparency is more an image than a reality. The research about medical cannabis is contentious since many people see the drug

instead of the medical product. Cannabis is afflicted with a bad reputation of the „boarding drug“. This needs to be treated with respect in order to clearify this ambigious perception. A sensitive handling with opponents, an informative visit for interests and an eye-opening place for doctors and pharmacists (professionals) is the main challenge to combine in one program. The future of research is being predicted as follows: „Research activity will become an increasingly social process involving face-to-face collaboration within small interdisciplinary teams focused on targeted research problems“2 . This quote supports the guide behind the concept of the cannabis institute.

1 68 Diagram that shows the interactive visitors spaces, included workshop area, information corners and the visitors flow 1+2

2

III. Analysis

Arrival and lift

botanic garden

69 amount of space orientated to the inside

amount of space orientated to the facade

I always thought cannabis is for junkies

I didn‘t know that medical cannabis helps to reduce chronical pain

Orientation to the inside of the building I always thought cannabis is for junkies

groundfloor

1st floor

2nd floor

3rd floor

Orientation to the facade of the building

Awareness/ Workshop

Greenhouse open

Greenhouse closed

I didn‘t know that medical cannabis helps to reduce chronical pain

Research Botanic

Research Products

Research Effects

Café

Workshop

I always thought cannabis is for junkies

I didn‘t know that medical cannabis helps to reduce chronical pain

70

Intersection with research units

I always thought cannabis is for junkies

I didn‘t know that medical cannabis helps to reduce chronical pain

Exchange in the café

I didn‘t know that medical cannabis helps to reduce chronical pain

Description of how visitors move through the bulding: The graphics show a journey, started by arival and ends with a talk in the café. The main graphic shows the distribution of program and when and where the visitor interacts with it.

III. Analysis

1

71 1+2 Photographs of Sverre Fehn‘s Hedmark Museum in Hamar, Norway. Fehn‘s design for a ramp, that guids visitors through the building, has inspired the concept of the `cannabis institute‘ 3 Diagrams show the different moments how the ramp gets articulated and which senses visitors are able to use

2

3 72

III. Analysis

Elements of mediation

73

1

2

3

4

5

The project seeks to answer the question of how to separate the visitor‘s flow and the researcher‘s laboratories and offices. Material testing is the method that has been used to understand potentials of bending, shifting or tilting wooden elements. The potential of individually transformed elements is the specificity each can contribute towards a challenging task of how to deny or allow insight into certain spaces. While some parts of the program need to be protected from sunlight (artificially controlled greenhouses), others need to be protected from insights that could distract from

their scientific work. The introduced elements are able to perform in different ways to guide the visitor‘s flow by open/semi-open/semi-closed and closed elements. The element reacts on the organization of the floor plan and either increases or decreases the amount of space, visitors have to look through. When private desks or highly precise work is being done behind the elements they get almost closed completely to prevent distraction, for example. A layer of glass is necessary to stop noise disruptions. The privacy needs to be respected in order to create a professional work environment.

6 Series of generic material tests with ash wood, to understand the materials properties in relation to bending. Bending and tilting wooden elements is the chosen method of testing. It allows to protect research spaces from insights but also supports the visitors possibilities of how to interact with the intersected spaces.

1-6

74

III. Analysis

A Unconscious Interaction

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B Semi- Conscious Interaction

C Conscious Interaction

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A, B and C: Samples to test the amount of space visitors have to look into the research units. The diagrams (right) demonstrate the idea of a guided journey (downwards) and its possibilities for interaction.

III. Analysis

A Unconscious Interaction

1

77

2

3

B Semi- Conscious Interaction

4

78

5 1-3 Test that represents the unconscious interaction.

The series of photographs wants to communicate how the slope of the ramp affects the perception of how to look through the elemets.

4-6 Test that represents the semi- conscious interaction. The series of photographs wants to communicate how the slope of the ramp affects the perception of how to look through the elemets.

6

III. Analysis

C Conscious Interaction

1

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2

3

3

Combination of and

A

,

B

C

4 1-3 Test that represents the conscious interaction.

The series of photographs wants to communicate how the slope of the ramp affects the perception of how to look through the elemets.

1

5

6

4-6 Test that represents a combination of the previous tests. By adding the twisting aspect, the elements start to open at specific spots. The design can be changed and treated towards specific needs. The series of photographs wants to communicate how the slope of the ramp affects the perception of how to look through the elemets.

80

III. Analysis

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1 1-3 Photographs of a process modell, made to verify the elements function and idea.

Diagram illustrates a generic situation in the building and shows how a visitor has two possible ways to interact with the laboratories (semi-conscious and unconscious) 4

4

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3

Proposal

I. Abstract

II. Documentation

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The cannabis plant Background Area and Site

III. Analysis Program The bunker, structure and form Greenhouse Research Awareness Element of mediation

IV. Proposal The Cannabis Institute

V. Critical reflection

84

IV. Proposal

The Cannabis Institute

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86

IV. Proposal

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IV. Proposal

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90

91

92

IV. Proposal

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94

1m

5m

IV. Proposal

95 Floor plan basement: bunker with „safe“-function. Seedbank, storage and drying.

Floorplan of ground level.

Showing the arrival situation of the building. program: pharmacy/shop, wardrobe, toilet, lift, foyer, cafĂŠ.

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IV. Proposal

Floorplan of first level.

Program: Research units and indoor greenhouses.

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Floor plan of second level. program: research units, workshop area and indoor greenhouses.

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14 m

28 m

IV. Proposal

14 m

28 m

99 Floor plan of third level. program:visitors greenhouse.

Crosssection

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Intersection of program Research

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Awareness

Greenhouse

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IV. Proposal

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IV. Proposal

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IV. Proposal

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IV. Proposal

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Critical Reflection

I. Abstract

II. Documentation

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The cannabis plant Background Area and Site

III. Analysis Program The bunker, structure and form Greenhouse Research Awareness Element of mediation

IV. Proposal The Cannabis Institute

V. Critical reflection

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V. Critical Reflection

Critical Reflection

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The project deals with the question of how architecture is able to support the idea of creating awareness in relation to medical cannabis for the public. The proposal is a result of combining and intersecting two programmatic different units to provide interactive opportunities like e.g. workshop space, café or direct, but limited insight to research spaces.

The „intersections“ need to be treated with respect in order to maintain a professional institution rather than creating a public „research- zoo“ where sightseers get entertained by researchers doing their work.

My thesis seeks to negotiate the aspects of both sides (research and visitor) to define the architecture itself as a physical place for mediation. Therefore the result „kills two birds with one stone“ - Research department and visitor center in one building.

Medical cannabis gets tested in a four years trial program. After that time, the government has to decide whether it gets fully legalized, prohibited or if the trial period gets extended. Therefore, my thesis proposes using these four years in an efficient way by addressing every interested person to spread as much knowledge about medical cannabis as possible.

As mentioned earlier in my project, I use Kants definition of ‚Enlightenment‘, for supporting my intentions of creating public awareness in relation to medical cannabis.

Eventhough the architecture can contribute a starting point for this process, the next challenge is to establish cannabis in society. Danish citizens need to be open for medical cannabis in order to understand and either support or reject the product. An open mindset is the base for progress and new developements.