G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
By Iris Røise Aasebø, Sandra Surankova & Signe Thorup 1 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
By Iris Røise Aasebø, Sandra Surankova & Signe Thorup 1 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
Map of Frederiksberg Hospital, our focus area and intervention point.
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 2
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
KILL THE BASTARDS! PROJECT BACKGROUND For centuries, our cities were built by layering one architectural style on top of another. In this process, many valuable forms are lost. Generally, after a high peak of an architectural style period, it is firstly recognized as unmodern and invaluable just to be appreciated and celebrated a few years later (fig. 3 & 4). At that point, however, are most of the physical forms already long gone. One reason for that is the tool of historical heritage evaluation: The oldest forms are classified as the ones with the highest value, while the new representations are intended for demolition. That results in neverending rapid loop of putting a huge effort, energy and resources into building new structures that will only last a few decades and their lost values might be regretted after. The site of the Frederiksberg hospital will be redeveloped in 2026 into a new residential area. The municipality of Frederiksberg has made an evaluation of historical heritage and chose buildings worthy of preservation in a rather traditional manner (fig. 1). Architecture firms' proposals for the site redevelopment predominantly follow this evaluation (see reflection). This short-term intervention might be one of the last opportunities to connect with these creatures and ask them their last wishes before they disappear. Project 'Guiltlessly Targeting Architecture: Frederiksberg Hospital' inverses this narrative and tries to find values in the forms that are now living on the edge of survival (fig. 2). The goal is to find these creatures and listen to what they have to say. Who are they, what do they represent, and are there any values getting lost in them? WHICH ONES DO YOU CHOOSE TO KILL?
(1) Buildings considered worthy of preservation (Frederiksberg municipality: Program for parallelopdrag til udviklingsplan, 2021) (2) Buildings considered not worthy of preservation (Frederiksberg municipality: Program for parallelopdrag til udviklingsplan, 2021)
3 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
(3) Y-blokka Oslo: Protest against demolition, demolished 2020 Photo: Adrian Bugge, yblokkfoto.no (4) Transgas Prague, Performative protest against demolition, demolished 2019 Photo: Bolt958, dabpraha.rozhlas.cz
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 4
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
THE TARGETS The project aims at 9 out of a complete number of 22 buildings intended for demolition in the area of Frederiksberg hospital. The choice was based on the highest concentration of these buildings visible from one spot. All of the 9 buildings are currently in use for hospital and/or care purposes. Each target has a unique life story, aesthetic nature and material construction.
Target #1
Target #4
Target #7
Target #2
Target #5
Target #8
Target #3
Target #6
Target #9
5 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
#1 – CENTRAL LABORATORY
#4 – EXTENSION OF THE CENTRAL
#7 – ØSTERVANG NURSING HOME
Name: 60 / Central Laboratory
HOSPITAL
Name: 32 / Østervang nursing home
Age: 51 (b. 1971)
Name: 62 / Extension of the Central Hospital
for elderly people
Creators: Kay Boeck-Hansen
Age: 33 (b. 1989)
Age: 53 (b. 1969)
& Jørgen Stærmoses
Creators: Kay Boeck-Hansen
Creators: unknown
Occupation: blood testing & dialysis
& Jørgen Stærmoses
Occupation: housing for 59 people
Reason for targeting: unknown
Occupation: Isolation rooms for patients
Reason for targeting: unknown
with aids or hepatitis
#2 – PSYCHIATRIC DEPARTMENT
#5 – KØSTERS TUBERCOLOSIS
#8 – PARKER INSTITUTE
Name: 29 / Psychiatry Department
PAVILION
Name: 33 / Parker Institute
Age: 20 (b. 2002)
Name: 31 / Køsters tuberculosis pavilion
Age: 67 / 55 (b. 1955 / 1967)
Creators: unknown
Age: 90 (b. 1932)
Creators: Municipality of Frederiksberg
Occupation: housing for 36 patients
Creators: Knud Køster
/ department of architecture
Reason for targeting: unknown
Occupation: housing for patients with
Occupation: rheumatological research unit
tuberculosis & department for rheumatism
Reason for targeting: unknown
Reason for targeting: unknown
#3 – GIV BLOD
#6 – REHABILITATION CENTRE
#9 – PAVILION / PARKER INSTITUTE
Name: 59 / Giv Blod
Name: 62 / Rehabilitation center
Name: 34 / Pavilion, Parker Institute
Age: 21 (b. 2001)
Age: 33 / 23 (b. 1989 / 1999)
Age: 108 (b. 1914)
Creators: unknown
Creators: Kay Boeck-Hansen
Creators: Municipality of Frederiksberg
Occupation: center for blood donation
& Jørgen Stærmoses
/ department of architecture
Reason for targeting: unknown
Occupation: the first flat-roof building
Occupation: former housing for
/ rehabilitation center & department
psychiatric patients & alcoholics
for rheumatism
/ currently: research unit
Reason for targeting: unknown
Reason for targeting: unknown
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 6
70 mm
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
Target #1
THE INTERVENTION The ambition of the proposal is to put the observer into a position of choice, in which they hold the destiny of structures in their hands. An intimate connection is formed between the observer and the object. In this space, the observer is faced with the massive physical presence and local atmosphere of an object, while also providing information about it. The observer is
150
0 m m
1420 mm
simultaneously addressed to destroy the object – following the municipality's instructions provided by the historical heritage evaluation. The concept is dressed in a computer-game-like 'guiltless killing' experience taking inspiration for its graphic expression in iconic early 2000s GTA: San Andreas.
SHOOT!
28 mm
THE WEAPON The connection between the observer and the object is provided by 'The Weapon' installation. The installation follows the aesthetics of a sniper weapon setting with a tripod. The entire structure is covered in a distinctive red color of blood, following its bold and unsettling character. CONSTRUCTION OF THE PRODUCT Three wooden legs are nailed together, creating a stable stand as a base for the telescope.
A plastic pipe is placed in a plastic pipe holder, which is screwed into the top of the wooden stand.
A PVC glass is cut out and placed inside of the pipe – creating the illusion of a weapon telescope. It states the number of a specific target and directly addresses the observer with the word 'SHOOT!'.
7 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
Mission 1:
Sniper
SHORT-TERM INTERVENTION (exhibition 16/06/2022) The site of the short-term exhibition (Mission 1: Sniper) is a rooftop of Target #8 Parker Institute. The Parket Institute itself is a building intended for demolition, which makes the experience of being able to access its rooftop a distinctive part of the intervention. This fact is highlighted by a target symbol placed directly on the rooftop, which also acts as a spatial accent of the intervention area where the 8 other weapons stand targeting the structures intended for demolition.
ntion
terve
n of
atio Illustr
rm in ort te
h
the s
Illustration of the short term intervention
Mission 2:
street firefight LONG-TERM INTERVENTION After the exhibition, the weapon installations are placed nearby the relevant buildings – still highlighting the targets for the visitors of the Frederiksberg hospital.
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 8
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
N
7
8
9
THE SHOOTING RANGE Map showing the placement of the short-term intervention (Mission 1: Sniper), and the targeted buildings surrounding it.
9 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
20:26
$108 000 000
5
6
4
9 1
3
2
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 10
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
Photo: Zach Myers
Photo: Signe Thorup
Photo: Signe Thorup
SHORT-TERM INTERVENTION
11 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
Photo: Signe Thorup
Photo: Signe Thorup
Photo: Signe Thorup
LONG-TERM INTERVENTION
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 12
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
6
4
13 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
3
1
2
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
9
8
7
5
MISSION 1: THE VIEW A panoramic view of all targeted buildings from the rooftop of Target #6 Parker Institute where the short-term intervention 'Mission 1: Sniper' is placed.
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 14
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
STRATEGY The strategy suggests different ways of preserving the memory of a place. In other words, how to keep the memories of the current buildings and their surroundings in the future plan. This way, it tries to broaden the traditional idea of preservation by only keeping the untouched physical structures. For this, the strategy proposes three different approaches:
1 – HISTORICAL MEMORY Telling the story of the former usage of buildings, e.g. via their history, keeping distinctive objects (benches, signs, tree stumps, etc.), or telling the story through the new usage of the area (e.g. if the place was a former cafeteria – still use it for similar purposes).
2 – PHYSICAL MEMORY Keeping structures, keeping entire buildings/constructions, adding on/ renovating the existing buildings, or/and changing their functions. The municipality of Frederiksberg uses this approach to several of the existing buildings, but excludes almost half of the the total number of buildings in the area in the idea of preservation. Some of the newer buildings will most likely be in good condition because of their age, and are therefore also most likely optimal for future usage.
3 – AESTETHIC / ATMOSPHERIC Keeping the materials from the former buildings to create new constructions, or keeping the atmospheric memory, (e.g. by using the former building/ construction as a footprint and a base for a new building/construction).
15 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
s ed Sh / a Fr g
i un mm
i bu
Ro a
us ho
d
gs in ld
ty Square
e
The strategy is further implemented on the 9 targeted buildings that are intended for demolition. Generally, the strategy does not try to choose which of the buildings have higher value and should be preserved over others, but rather look at a possible
Ga rd
en
e roof
Activ
/
ba
ck
ya
rd
Ap ts en tm ar
Green
ure Struct
#3 – GIV BLOD
#7 – ØSTERVANG NURSING HOME
Because of its size (only one floor), the building will be
The building is used as social housing apartments, following
kept and transformed into a shed for residents of the
its current function as nursing house accommodation. The
nearby apartments (#1). The design proposes community
relevant building is framing an outdoor space area which
gardening activities with emphasis on sharing – following
will be an extention public space directed towards the
the history of a blood donation facility.
outside, inviting people into the area.
ts
ve ti Ac
tmen Apar
n mi
co
THE STRATEGIES IN PRACTICE
n ee gr of ro
Open
w ay path
hous ure
e
Shop Café
il bu
areas ting r sit Outdoo
ng di
e ur ct ru
on
St
dAd
n ee Gr
Cult
Acti
pace ve s
pace ve s Acti
#1 – CENTRAL LABORATORY
#4 – EXTENSION OF
#8 – PARKER INSTITUTE
The building will be transformed into apartments with a
THE CENTRAL HOSPITAL
The building is re-used as shops or cafes, available for
green rooftop. Following its current function as a central
The connecting building between target #4 and the
people using the surrounding functions. Following its
point, its ground floor will be activated with cafes/small
nearby building will be removed, creating a new pathway
former function as a research and innovation center, spaces
stores spreading into the public space. That will form an
– reintroducing a historical axis. It will be renovated into
will be offered for university and small business' research
active public space – a small square.
apartments. There will be another structure added on one
activities.
side and used as a cultural house.
g
t den
sin Hou
rgard Kinde
ve ti Ac
S tu
en
e gr
Playg
round
en ro
of
uct str en Gre ure
lding n bu i Add-o ve
i Act
spa
ce
#2 – PSYCHIATRIC DEPARTMENT
#5/6 – KØSTERS TUBERCOLOSIS
#9 – PAVILION
The building will be transformed into student housing,
PAVILION / REHABILITATION CENTRE
/ PARKER INSTITUTE
adding a green rooftop and an active green outdoor space.
A small hallway between targets #5 and #6 will be
Because of its size and green surroundings, this building
The history of the psychiatric ward can be reflected by
removed, and replaced with a pathway connected to the
will be used as a kindergarten focusing on children with
putting focus on the importance of mental health for
axis through target #4. The swimming pool will be kept
special needs (former psychiatric department). Optionally,
students' environment.
and transformed into a fitness center. This will ensure a
an add-on can be built. A historical half-timbered facade
continuation of the rehabilitation function.
from 1914 will be uncovered.
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 16
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
REFLECTION ‘Guiltlessly Targeting Architecture’ is challenging our traditional narrative of how we choose to «target» buildings and other architectural structures – which is often connected to our vision of what is beautiful and valuable. This narrative often changes depending on what is the current discourse in historical value evaluation. Therefore, this project argues that values of architectural structures fluctuate in time and among the ones who evaluate, and proposes to rethink our approaches for demolition: Why do we put such an effort, so much energy and resources into building new structures that will only last a few decades? In its intervention, the project further develops questions surrounding demolition and tries to arrange a situation where an individual (the observer) is put in contact with the object (the structure intended for demolition) and is supposed to choose whether to destroy it. To get a reflection on the intervention, two respondents who visited the exhibition of Mission 1: Sniper were asked one question: Did the intervention strike any thoughts? Respondents were complimenting a well-developed notion of a computer-game-like setting on the rooftop, while simultaneously feeling a sense of illegality. According to the respondents, the red color was easily spotted from far and acted as a great visual landmark. As far as they are concerned, this will work nicely when the weapons will spread in the landscape – drawing visitors' attention. It was mentioned that people were often using the weapons together – sharing their view with each other and engaging in conversations about it. This is an added value that wasn't even thought about in the initial design proposal, where the focus was on the individual-object relationship only. Concerning the theme, respondents mentioned critical thoughts on demolition. It was mentioned, that this way they got a different perspective and understanding of what it means to demolish huge masses like these compared to when one sees it in a municipality plan. It made them question why these particular buildings are targeted and why the reason for targeting is unknown. To broaden the traditional narrative of preservation, the strategy suggests three possible alternative approaches: historical memory, physical memory, aesthetic/atmospheric memory.
17 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
Picture from exhibition day. Photo: Zach Myers.
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
The Municipality of Frederiksberg gave three architectural teams the task of making a development plan for Frederiksberg Hospital. The three teams received the historical value evaluation suggesting which buildings should be preserved as one of their guidelines from the municipality (see Kill the Bastards! Project Background). All architecture teams followed these suggestions to a different extent and some also implemented an approach rather similar to strategy principles of this project. The three diagrams on the left show how much the architectural firms preserve in the sense of physical structures – the reflection that is at this moment in the planning process possible.
Proposal by Sleth
Proposal by Vandkunsten
Vandkunsten kept most buildings out of the three architectural teams. They chose to demolish the newest building in the Frederiksberg hospital campus – the Psychiatric Department, however they preserved its enclosed square shape with four buildings surrounding a courtyard in the middle. This approach could be an attempt to preserve the physical and atmospheric memory of this place. The building where all architectural firms' opinion differed from the municipality's guidelines was the Central Laboratory, Østervang Nursing Home and partially also the extension of the Central Hospital. The reasons for these choices are unknown, however it can be easily guessed that in terms of the Central Laboratory building it was preserved due to an apparent architectural quality following modern approaches of constructing hospital buildings in the 1960s and 1970s. Thanks to its open plan and concrete core construction, it is also highly suitable for renovation and with its four floors fulfills the requirements for a high density housing district. Advantages of an easy transformation and high-density also fulfill the Østervang Nursing Home and the extension of the Central hospital buildings. In terms of the latter one, Effekt decided to tear down the original structure and build a building with public function instead, which might be an attempt of partly keeping the physical memory of the place and also mirrors a suggestion proposed for individual buildings in this project strategy. None of the architect firms decided to keep the Rehabilitation Center building where the short-term intervention (Mission 1: Sniper) took place, so maybe it was one of the last chances to experience a view from its rooftop.
Proposal by Effekt
It is not in the architectural teams' power to ever be able to preserve all buildings in a development area similar to Frederiksberg hospital campus mainly due to the land values and requirements for high density of future inhabitants. This puts them, but also the municipality and everybody involved in the process, in the position of choice between what to preserve and what to demolish and the results differ significantly. Apparently, in the case of historical value evaluation – beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 18
G U I LT L E S S LY TA R G E T I N G A R C H I T E C T U R E
19 URBAN INTERVENTION STUDIO · 2022
F R E D E R I K S B E R G H O S P I TA L
« And that’s the day I realized that there was this entire life behind things, [...] Sometimes, there’s so much beauty in the world – I feel like I can’t take it, like my heart is just going to cave in. » — AMERICAN BEAUTY (1999)
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN 20