PORTFOLIO Vera Matsdotter
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INTRO PERSONAL STATEMENT- Vera Matsdotter I built castles in Manhattan and towers in Singapore. Ever since my early years in international schools I have been creating and constructing, in sand and with Kapla blocks. It was after an exhibition at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in 2009, Green Architecture for the Future that I knew what my professional and personal path was going to be about. Today, after nearly five years of studies at Chalmers University and three internships later I know that architecture is my life. Writing this I am working on my master thesis on the topic of circular architecture and resource salvation researching the building technique; Rammed Earth. Searching for sustainable materials and tectonics have been a focus during my studies, where nearly all projects have been timber structures. As a nature lover I truly believe that architects have the power and responsibility make a change. My dream is to shift buildings negative impact on the environment into a positive one.
BACHELOR Bachelor of Science, Major Subject: Architecture Chalmers University of Technology Gothenburg, Sweden 2013-2016 INTERNSHIPS - Roger Ferris + Partners, New York/Westport 2020 - Henning Larsen Architects, Copenhagen 2016 - Abelardo Gonzalez Architects, Malmรถ 2014 MASTER Architecture and Planning Beyond Sustainability Chalmers University of Technology Gothenburg, Sweden 2018-2020
NATIONALITY Swedish/American CURRENT Student at Chalmers University of Technology Msc - Architecture and Planning Beyond Sustainability EMAIL vera.matsdotter@gmail.com PHONE +46 704-452064
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KRAFTBADET TRANSFORMATION & CULTURAL HERITAGE Master Architecture & Planning Beyond Sustainability Chalmers University of Technology - Spring 2019 Page 4-9
THE GREEN LINK
UNFOLD THE VOID
MIXED USE-TIMBER HIGH RISE
TIMBER CONSTRUCTION & RECREATION/SPORTS
Master Architecture & Planning Beyond Sustainability Chalmers University of Technology - Fall 2019 Page 10-15
Master Architecture & Planning Beyond Sustainability Chalmers University of Technology - Fall 2019 Page 16-19
ACADEMICAL
PROJECT INDEX
WATERMILL ART CENTER ARTIST RETREAT Roger Ferris + Partners Architect Designer 2018/2019 Page 28-29
EUROPAN 15
LINDHOLMEN
TRANSFORMATION / INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
URBAN DESIGN + PLANNING COMPETITION
Independent Competition with Jan Dankmeyer Summer 2019 Page 20-25
Henning Larsen Architects Internship 2016 Page 26-27
COMPETITION
WORK 3
KRAFTBADET 2019 - MSC. YR 1 CULTURAL HERITAGE & TRANSFORMATION
KEYWORDS: Sustainable Transformation, Circular Economy, Social Inclusion, Resource Salvation TEAM: (2) Group work with Jan Dankmeyer. We were both involved from the concept development to details drawings, in a collaborative design process. The final drawings where divided (one section, detail, visual each) - perhaps not the most efficient however the discussions and learning outcomes are great. These are samples of my work unless otherwise noted. LOCATION: Forsåker in Mölndal, Sweden CONTEXT: The site is characterized by the presence of water, a loud river stream running next to an old water power plant. The plant has has been demolished in half, decaying fast, the task is to transform and enclose the structure. The Forsåker area is planned to become a new mix-used district with housing and workplaces located 8 minutes by tram to Gothenburg. PROGRAM: Transformation of an old water-power plant into a new function.
ROOF GARDEN
PUBLIC BATH
CONCEPT + STRATEGY: Our proposal for the old water power plant is a public bath house - mixed with hydroponic farming, a food-court and plant shelter. The strategy is to introduce a program that created synergies and supporting (multi)functions. Sustainable materials are an important part of the proposal; Rammed Earth, clay plasters and timber are explored in the additions of the bath. We wanted to create a warm atmosphere while keeping the industrial traces. PROJECT CHALLENGES: How to both challenge the bath house typology in terms of both social and ecological sustainability. We found it crucial for the project to entail a multifunctional program beyond the bathing functions. This added more complexity by solving different flows of both the people as well as air, water and energy. RESULTS: Gert Wingårdh was one of the critics on our presentation and we were complimented on the complex program and on a high level of detailing and materiality. He commendated our good teamwork and stated; in this project it is clear that 1+1=3. SOFTWARE: ArchiCAD, Illustator, Photoshop
HYDROPONIC FARMING
PIZZA + PLANT POWER
Axo showing location of the program + additions: rammed earth core, glass facade and green house (drawing by Jan. D)
SOCIAL INCLUSION - a norm-innovative approach to the design. The variation of (unisex) spaces are key, where people can choose between privacy/exposure & play/relax.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY - the building design, program and functions supports circular economy in terms of material reuse, energy, water & air flows.
AROUND THE CLOCK - the new program within the building should activate the ForsĂĽker area around the clock: during all seasons, days, nights and on weekends.
View of the bath, showing rammed earth addition on the right. Colors inspired by photos from the old water power plant.
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transforming old chimney traces
S-B existing ”stair-ruin”
the sunken garden becomes an open air bar in the evening a new terrace is added above the rapids
S-B
existing mezzanine the pizza plant shelter
new mezzanine
open to ”sauna garden” below
S-C
S-C the bath one level down
D-3
the net - experience the space
the bath one level down
S-B
2019 - MSC. YR 1 CULTURAL HERITAGE & TRANSFORMATION
SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION - It was important for the new program make use of the existing structures and cavities in the building. - Exploring natural materials; Clay plasters in the interior + wall additions in Rammed Earth and timber. - Trees are salvaged from the neighboring site and planted in the old traces from turbines.
Facade Details (D) - 1:20 (A1) A timber facade addition with photovolactic glass is added to enclose the old structure. Ivy plants act as shading and limit the transparency between the streetlevel and the bath.
bring you own food or pizza up to the public roof top
green house for hydroponic tomato farming, later served on a pizza
photovolactic glass contributes to a climate neutral, self-sufficient building
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South Elevation of the new facade - Scale 1:100 (A1)
TRANSISTION TO CIRCULAR FLOWS - By making use of synergies between the different functions, a zero waste concept can be possible. Clorine is replaces with plant and bio-filters to enable a circulation and re-use of the water for the hydroponic farm.
public roof garden
rammed earth core
rentable space for events
the h
existing sky-lights are restored
Greenery on existing travers s
the net - experience the space
hot pool in existing ”cavity”
lap-pool in existing ”cavity”
2019 - MSC. YR 1 CULTURAL HERITAGE & TRANSFORMATION
Axo showing the turbine transformation and the rammed earth wall separating the public bath with the pizza + plant shelter
hydroponic tomato farm
structure
rammed earth wall dividing the bath house and pizza plant shelter
existing entrance gate & mezzanine
transformation of the old turbine structure for seating and trees
existing �stair-ruin�
Section - B-B - Scale 1:50 (A1)
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THE GREEN LINK 2020 - MSC. YR 2 - SUSTAINABLE BUILDING COMPETITION Tutoring by GXN architects - 2nd place in the competition
KEYWORDS: Timber Construction, Upcycling, Mix-Use TEAM: (4) Group work with Yan Zhang, Julian Kraemer and Miriam Andersson. Together we developed an early concept where my idea was to take departure on what was missing in the area - green public space. Inspired by the common task of the studio; upcycling, the idea emerged to transform the old bridge. The bridge and public spaces became my focus in the group. CLIENT: Vasakronan (developer) LOCATION: Lilla Bommen in Gothenburg, Sweden CONTEXT: Lilla Bommen located in the old harbor area is being transformed into a central business district. The site i located on the old Göta-Älv bridge which is planned to be demolished and a new bridge is under construction. PROGRAM + STUDIO FOCUS: The task is to design a 18 000 m2 mixed-use timber high-rise building. The focus is on GXN’s theories underpinning behavioral design and circular sustainability. Five focus areas where created as design tools, see diagrams on next page.
CONCEPT + STRATEGY: Emerging from the lack of nature on the site the strategy is to develop the urban nature as a connector and social integrator. By keeping parts of the old bridge structure, historical traces are kept and transformed into a green public space. While the original program of the mixed-use office and housing building remains more or less unchanged, we argue that the Bridge-Park adds more value to the immediate site and the city as a whole. PROJECT CHALLENGES: The main learning outcome was how to define focus areas on the theme of sustainability and connect them all in the design. In our case, we went outside the competition brief of the site and made a radical proposal by keeping the old bridge. This resulted in not solving all aspects in enough detail. RESULT: The jury panel Vasakronan, Gothenburg City, GXN and Chalmers all applauded us taking the upcycling criteria to a new level. Keeping the old bridge obviously brought up many interesting discussions in the studio and with the jury. However we where voted second place in the competition, the winning team had an ambitious proposal resolving all five focus areas more in detail. SOFTWARE: Rhino, ArchiCAD, Illustator, Photoshop
Existing + upcycled structures New structures
Section showing the connection between the housing, old bridge and the office building
2020 - MSC. YR 2 SUSTAINABLE BUILDING COMPETITION
HOW DO THE FOCUS AREAS BENEFIT THE STAKEHOLDERS?
5 FOCUS AREAS
creating healthy environments
timber construction
Site Plan - Lilla Bommen Area
reducing CO2 emissions
energy & indoor climate
re-connecting with nature
increasing social infrastructure
upcycling & resource salvation
redusing usage of recourses
connectivity - social integration
strengthen connectivity within the city
developing urban nature
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apartments 2200 m2
office 9300 m2
commercial 350 m2
commercial 2200 m2
housing building shared space 150 m2 (3050 m2) 20%
shared terraces 350 m2
office building 2 (12 200 m2) shared terraces 700 m
water park 1700 m2 the bridge 2 (5700 m2) bridge park 4000 m
80%
TOTAL: 22 150 m2
THE BRIDGE
PLACE IDENTITY
CITY NATURE PEOPLE REGIONAL NATURAL ELEMENTS
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
USER DIVERSITY
PUBLIC FUNCTIONS/ PROGRAM
café + patio
changing rooms
entrance to the bridg (controlling the open
ge park ning hours)
2020 - MSC. YR 2 SUSTAINABLE BUILDING COMPETITION
shared terraces for the offices
elevated plaza overviewing the river
Section trough the bridge park scale 1:400 (A1)
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the sauna
Elevator acccess to the bridge main stair to the Bridge
cold bath
ramp access to the pools
deep pool
shallow pool
kayak access upcycled stair up to the Bridgepark
wooden dock on existing concrete foundations
cafĂŠ
cafĂŠ/restaurant
new bridge above
commercial
garbage (restaurant) kitchen (restaurant)
garbage (housing)
elevator to the Bridge Park
bike room entrance housing
the green link (bridge access) office lobby
Housing Entrance Level 0 (+0.0)
Office Entrance Level 0 (+3.5)
event space
2020 - MSC. YR 2 SUSTAINABLE BUILDING COMPETITION
cantilevered container changing rooms - suspended form the old bridge
main stair to the Bridge
slide & jump!
the sauna Pool in summer Ice-skating in winter
Illustrative section trough the bridge & river park, showing the existing structure in orange
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There is now a growing body of evidence of the positive physical and mental health benefits associated with greenery and green elements in living and work environments� highlights from article Biophilic Cities Are Sustainable, Resilient Cities
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View from the city center. The Old Bridge structure elevating the plaza as an over-size pergola, connecting the office- and housing buildings.
UNFOLD THE VOID 2016 - B.ARCH - THESIS PROJECT
KEYWORDS: Long-span Timber Structures, Mix-use Re-creation TEAM: Individual project LOCATION: Gothenburg, Sweden STUDIO FOCUS: The assignment was to transform the current Ă…by Recreation Centre into a campus for recreation, sport and health related activities. The focus of the bachelor-thesis studio was an investigation of longspan timber structures. PROGRAM: The program was to design an indoor soccer hall integrated with mix-use functions. The site was located adjacent to an existing ice-hockey hall, to which the new arena had to be attached to. Not shown here was the additional Masterplan that I together with a group of four students developed.
CONCEPT + STRATEGY: My aim was to challenge the program of a traditional sportshall. To move from monofunctional to a multifunctional and to create an inviting environment inside and around the structure. The strategy was to design a sportshall connected to the urban fabric, working with edge-zones and a more delicate scale around the large open space. PROJECT CHALLENGES: The most difficult part was to develope knowledge on long-span timber structures, understanding forces and material constraints. The studio had a requirement communicating the whole project in one large drawing(axonometri). This made it quite challenging to capture the projects more refined spacial qualities and details. RESULT: The jury complimented my ambition to humanize the arena by lowering the soccer field into the ground, where the large folded timber roof creates more intimate spaces enabling a more public building. SOFTWARE: Rhino, Illustator, Photoshop
Developing a folding method for a long span structure in wood. (see section on the next page)
Pathway and seating on the roof.
CafĂŠ and sports lounge.
Yoga/Gym
Entrance hall
Exhibitions and other events
Docking /Entrance to the ice-hockey hall
Watch sports from the outside - creating transparency.
Bleachers for the oudoor soccer fields
Gym, rehab & locker rooms under the bleachers.
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Origami inspired modelling process testing the folding method
Section model inside the entrance hall
Exploring spacial qualities of the folded structure
2016 - B.ARCH - THESIS PROJECT
concept diagram: how to humanize a sport-hall
THE FOLDED ROOF CONCEPT The angles of the folds are maximum 90 degrees and together they create a stiffness. Each angled element work as a beam in stead of a slab eliminating the need for columns. Creating long-span structure for flexible spaces below.
The yoga pavillions & temporary accomodation during the summer sports camps
Pathway and seating on the roof
the structure unfolding into bleechers
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EUROPAN 15 2019 - INDEPENDENT COMPETITION Europan is an architectural and urban ideas competition bringing together European cities and young architects and urban design professionals (under the age of 40).
KEYWORDS: Productive city, transformation, circular economy TEAM: (2) Jan Dankmeyer. Since the assigment consisted of three parts it was natural to divide the work. My focus was mainly the old warehouse transformation, which is the focus in this portfolio. CLIENT: Helsingborg municipality LOCATION: Helsingborg, Sweden COMPETITION THEME: In this year’s Europan 15 competition, three core concepts have been identified: resources, mobility and equity, all of which are connected to the theme “the Productive City”. SUMMARY OF THE BRIEF: The competition task covers an old warehouse building and its surrounding plot, as well as a crane and its engine room. The assignment is to re-use and re-purpose the warehouse and crane engine room into a productive meeting place in the city, while adding building volumes to accommodate public activities and housing units within the project site. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Three A1 posters, and a 4 page text document describing the proposals ideas, as well as a suggested process of implementation(timeline).
CONCEPT + STRATEGY: This proposal focuses mainly on resources, which are inextricably linked to equity and mobility. Our strategy is to combine circular consumption, production and exhibition under one roof - open to the public. The design creates a space where people can meet, get involved, receive education and become inspired to make sustainable lifestyle choices. PROJECT CHALLENGES: The limited timeframe for the competition being 5 weeks. In terms of the site, the raising of the quay became challenging for the existing warehouse structure being “buried”. However the storwater park and channels around the building was one of the strong parts in our proposal. RESULT: Out of 50 competing teams on the Helsinborg plot we did not win. Studying the winning proposal (with many similarities in terms of program!) the learning outcome was that more visualizations are to be preferred. SOFTWARE: ArchiCAD, Illustator, Photoshop
”HAMNMAGASINET 405 RETURNS”
The old warehouse is transformed into a hub for reuse, recycled goods and collaborative trade.
”THE HANG BAR”
Transforming the old machine room of the crane into a public event and exhibition space
”LIVE SMALL SHARE BIG”
a proposal for intergenerational housing units. Modular construction made from existing shipping containers on the site.
work/meet/share fika/swap/borrow/trade
make/repair/re-invent
HAMNMAGASINET 405 HAS RETURNED WITH A PURPOSE. The building now has designated spaces for both material objects and human activities. People will come here and experience sustainable consumption on a regular basis, from all parts of Helsingborg, Sweden and even from Denmark. It is a hub for reuse, recycled goods and collaborative trade.
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kontorsmagasinet
kontorsmagasinet möbelmagasinet
fixarmagasinet
klädmagasinet
matmagasinet
Section A-A Scale 1:250 (A1). The industrial feel and color scheme is restored, and the new function enable the “rough” surfaces to be exposed.
loading dock
recycling
klädesmagasinet
A-A
A-A
”the left-overs café”
mötesmagasinet + 2.3m
matmagasinet
GSEducationalVersion
entrance plaza + 2.3m
+ 3.6m
Additions B-B
Entrance Level - Scale 1:250 (A1)
Existing
2019 - INDEPENDENT COMPETITION
South Elevation Scale 1:250 (A1) - showing the blue wooden doors are replaced with glass to let day-light in and to tell a story about the new function of the warehouse
The old preserved warehouse will be transformed into a center for circular economy mixed with public functions: for trade (including buying, renting, swapping) productive reuse and workspaces. The idea is to create a pedagogical building, restructuring the idea of what a recycling center and a flea market could be. By making the building open and interactive, people will get inspired and be educated on alternative consumption patterns.
Landscape Ramp Diagram - solving the raising of the quay creating an accessible stormwater landscape (+1.3m)
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view over the old parking lot in front of the warehouse, where a new stormwater park is framing the entrance plaza.
Oceanhamnen in Helsingborg has a new detailed development plan including housing that is currently under construction. The site will also host a city fair in 2022 known as ”H22”.
EXHIBITION DIAGRAM FOCUS: MÖTESMAGASINET MÖTESMAGASINET
L00-L02 KONTORSMAGASINET
L02
L02
MÖBELMAGASINET
L01
L01
KLÄDMAGASINET
KONTORSMAGASINET
L0
L00-L01
FIXARMAGASINET
MATERIALMAGASINET
L00-L01 RESTERNAS CAFÉ
L0
MATMAGASINET
2019 - INDEPENDENT COMPETITION
THE BLUE AND GREEN HARBOR LANDSCAPE The raising of quay is seen as an opportunity to create open and green stormwater channels in different shapes around the site. This new water grid will protect the site from heavy rainfall as well as adding recreational value.
Section B-B Scale 1:250 (A1). Showing the raised quay and stormwater strategy
View from north entrance during the H22 expo - Mรถtesmagasinet Few interventions in the old warehouse are made, including a new roof with skylights combined with strategic openings in the concrete slab letting light and communication happen between different levels
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LINDHOLMEN 2016 INTERNSHIP - HENNING LARSEN ARCHITECTS 2 month design competition. KEYWORDS: Mix-use Masterplan TEAM: (3) Martin Stenberg, Maine Godderidge, Vera Matsdotter. In collaboration with COWI and SLA. LOCATION : Gothenburg, Sweden CLIENT: Chalmers University of Technology, Lindholmen Science Park, Gothenburg municipality. PROJECT OVERVIEW: Mixed used masterplan. Densifying the Lindholmen Campus and Science Park in Gothenburg. Landscaping 12 500 m².
PROJECT STRATEGY The concept was to give Gothenburg Municipality a toolbox ensuring a sustainable development of the area (see diagrams on next page). In this way when the political climate changes they can fall back on the core values that will shape and ensure Lindholmens future development. ROLE: All drawings and images are samples of my work. I was working closely with the design and concept development from the beginning to the end. Building models, creating drawings and developing a set of tools focusing on re-connecting the urban fabric on the site today. My knowledge about the context and clients was useful in the concept development. KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT: The collaboration with multiple disciplines (landscape architects and engineers) in the competition phase was very rewarding. RESULT: We were announced winners of the competition! SOFTWARE: Rhino, Illustator, Photoshop
2016 - INTERNSHIP - HENNING LARSEN ARCHITECTS
LINDHOLMEN “AROUND THE CLOCK” Creating a safer neighborhood by adding housing, active ground floors and a multifunctional city that never sleeps.
CREATING AN ACTIVE CITY We want people never to leave. Creating places with a comfortable microclimate, where you feel welcome and activated.
HEALING LINDHOLMEN Adding value (+) to all the parts of Lindholmen creating an encouraging environment for the academy and the innovative science park.
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WATERMILL ART CENTER 2017-2018 INTERNSHIP- ROGER FERRIS + PARTNERS Construction documents + visualizations for an artist retreat TEAM: Roger Ferris, Jake Watkins, Gregory Thorpe LOCATION : Watermill, NY , USA CLIENT: Watermill Art Center, Robert Wilson, Long Island New York. PROJECT OVERVIEW: Residences and retreat for artists. The Watermill Center is a laboratory for the arts and humanities providing a global community the time, space and freedom to create and inspire. Artists come every year from all over the world to collaborate and study all aspects of art and design, from theater, painting, sculpture, and more.
ROLE: I joined the project during a re-design in the middle of the construction phase. I worked on drafting construction documents, detail drawings and renderings for the exterior finish materials and the entire reconfiguration of the interior lay out of the art-residence. KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT: This was the first time working on a project where the construction had already started. During my first week in the office I recieved the task to resolve a roof detail, starting with a 3D model followed by several mock-ups on site. This was a unique experience working with a buildings final development, resolving details on site. It made me realize how essential it is to master both the visualization(communicating with the client) and the detailed drawing(the contractor and builder). SOFTWARE: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Podium, Lumion, Photoshop
2017-2018 - INTERNSHIP - ROGER FERRIS + PARTNERS
1. pine wood shingles 2. stainless channel reveal 30mm 3. pine wood cladding 4. steel post 200mm 5. �u�-reveal transition to gypsum-board
THE ARTIST RETREAT the design resembles an oversized barn cut open on two sides sunken one level in to the ground. The lower level is a gallery connected to large spaces for out door art experiments, without compromsing the nature on the site.
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THANK YOU vera.matsdotter@gmail.com +46-704 45 20 64 31