Theories & Methods 2014
u n i v er si t y of c ope n h age n
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About Trees and Space a new perspective of the DTU Lygnby campus
Fig. 1 The six vegetation typologies of the campus are important in structuring spaces, from the outer edge of the site to the intdoor spaces. This paper focuses on analysing the vegetation at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in relation to outer influences and time. In this large context, the research led us to ask what role does the vegetation hold in the campus. As we classified the vegetation in six typologies, we noticed that there is not just one answer to the question. After having been inspired by texts, the use of timelines, representation research and comparisons are the tools that contributed to our findings. This work is important because it brings up new knowledge, especially in these times in which DTU is about to change.
Introduction
The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is large institution with many different locations. The focus of this study will be about the DTU campus in Lyngby, one of the main sites, that has been built from 1959 to 1974. At the time it was established, the main design influence was the modernist way of planning for which rational order, functional zoning, access to sunlight and fresh air were the
most important features (Le Corbusier, 1943). Today, fifty years later, the DTU institution is going through a total reorganization, giving the Lyngby campus more importance. As a result, a new planning strategy for the entire campus is being discussed with key words such as densification and networking. In addition to the teaching and research facilities needed, another goal of these future changes is to support a better social life in the campus (Lyngby-Taarbaek Kommune, 2011). The original planning concept of the campus was for it to be as in a forest (Nørgård et. al, 1970), where vegetation holds a crucial position in the open space. However, its position is also very fragile because it takes up space that can potentially be built. Very few information documents this green open space, therefore it is my interest to observe what it consists of and what qualities might be at risk when planning new buildings. This study will consequently focus on the vegetation, asking what role it holds in the campus and how can it be a tool to create qualitative lived space. In order to analyse the vegetation and recognize its qualities, I have classified
it in six typologies that are described and discussed. As an overall context, this study includes how time affects an area in relation to the designer’s original intentions, which is especially important now that changes are occurring on the DTU campus.
Relevant theories and methods
This study is the result of the analysis and reflection done in the course entitled Theories and Methods in Landscape Architecture and will try to reveal the analytical process gone
building principle
layer 1: tree alignments (horticultural)
through. I will focus on the following four approaches; the first is by the Danish landscape architect Malene Hauxner. Her conceptual model of the “pastoral-horticultural” landscapes and her analysing method about “morphology and syntax” will guide me while analysing the spatial qualities of the site. Then I will discuss the need of creating a qualitative life on campus and what elements can be used, referring to the concepts and theories of both Jan Gehl, Danish architect and urban designer and Edward Soja, an American geographer and urban plan-
layer 2: free pattern (pastoral)
overlaying horticultural and pastoral
Fig. 2 The complementary vegetation layers of the DTU Lyngby campus ABOUT TREES AND SPACE, Melissa Pestalozzi, XQM789, xqm789@alumni.ku.dk, 04.04.2014