Augustenborg, Denmark

Europan 10

living fold_scape

chrisa vasilopoulou, Guma Athina, Popovic Marko, Psilidis Achilleas

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Title: Europan 10_Living fold_scape

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[Summary of the Problems Tackled – Conceptual Approach to the Project] The study area currently consists of two diverse territories, which are united but at the same time separated by the fjord . This matter of diversity becomes more intense by the varying characters that constitute each one of these territories. Thus, Nordhavn appears to be more urban, but this urbanity seems alienated mostly due to the fact that a major part of it is used for storage facilities. While on the marina zone, the agricultural and the sailing-related factor are the dominant qualities of the sense of place, thus making it more closely-related to the natural environment. Taking into account all the above facts, the main goal of the proposal is to encounter the study area as a whole, contrary to the current discontinuity between the two sub-territories. The design method assembles “fields” of experiment onto the correlation between natural and artificial material structures, along with the intervention of design “artifacts” (arrangements, orders, repetitions). In these ‘fields’ – and via the design process – the penetration of one into the other (natural – artificial) as long as the creation of interactive conditions, is being attempted. Through this particular way, the research focuses on the manner that the design process will achieve the conditions for the ‘hybridization’ of the final result. Thus the architecture of the proposal is being developed – ‘unfolded’ – as a living organism, which is being transformed based on two main parameters: on the one hand, the inner structure of the natural and on the other hand, the programmatic structure of human activity, which in other words forms the civilization. Natural and cultural do not exist as self-sufficient parameters. They affect the structure of one another and they constantly negotiate their relation, their boundaries. Actually, they seek a way to co-exist. The result is the combination of the interaction not only of the alternation of the natural element, but also of the transformation of human activity in space. Both factors (nature and human activity) are unweighed an unforeseen. The final result is the hybridization – the limitless interpretation and way of use – of the intervention on space. Under this vise, the whole study area is, at first, being perceived as a unified plane ‘field’, which carries both public and private activities, but also the green elements and the diverse circulation routes (pedestrian routes, bicycle routes, sailing, car traffic). This plane ‘field’, is ‘projected’ onto the study area as a layer that totally covers it up. Going further, the layer starts to ‘agitate’, forming folds on the existing ground, thus creating a new dynamic of space, but also providing the area with a new scale. The ground, through this dynamic process – just like a geological mutation – drastically transforms its geometry, acquiring ‘fissures’ in particular places, which are mostly formed by stretching existing lines of the urban fabric. In this way, a new game of repeated raisings and abasements begins, a continuous unfolding and folding of the land, which gradually starts to carry programmatic functions. These new fissures, not only function as open views to the sea and communication passages of the inhabitants of Augustenborg with the water, but also as carriers of the social urban fabric and the city activities to the fjord. The ground, on the other hand, unfolds creating new public space experiences, and then it folds in, defining new protected zones of the private sphere.

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[Design Issues – Programmatic Framework] - Folding of the ground, so that it forms a new experience of space. Public ‘folds’ into private, private ‘unfolds’ into public. A hybrid mixture emerges. Both landscape and buildings will be integrated so that they are perceived as one; the buildings flow into the water; pathways become the building. It will thus look as if they are growing out of the land. The roofscape is envisioned as a landscaped public space, reached via vertical circulation or through a sloped pathway. A ‘green layer’ covers the public sphere; artifacts (buildings) and nature (green areas) are mixed in a hybrid way that ensures public accessibility. This will also enhance the microclimatic conditions of the living and residential spaces. - Fissures and ‘gaps’ between the elevated and the lowered parts of the folded urbanscape, strengthen the visual depth and the diversity of the public space. The connection between the town and the harbour is now both visually and physically stressed. This design ‘artifact’ also continues the tradition of having void spaces – ‘gaps’ – between the buildings and furthermore, it strengthens the connection between the two sides (Nordhavn and the marina) as well as the visual contact with the water from both new and existing structures. These ‘gaps’ also contribute to the continuous flow of air, throughout the study site and the town of Augustenborg. - Diversity of the residential building structures and also of the other public buildings, in matters of depth, height, elevation from the ground level and penetration into the waterscape. - Preservation of the old granary building as a landmark of the town of Augustenborg, but only as a building line and spatiality. A second multifunctional lightweight shell will cover the building’s elevations, in order to give new aesthetics to the public space. Thus, one part of the high vertical walls will be used as an exhibition panel during the day time, while at night it will be used for watching outdoor movies; another part will function as a climbing wall that might also attract alternative sport-tourists. Finally, one of the elevations will be covered by a green shell, formed with climbing plants, so that it preserves the continuity of the folded landscape. As far as the inner existing shell is concerned, there will be placed cultural activities for citizens and tourists alike in. - Creation of a new ‘urban corridor’, made of recycled timber deck floor, which undulates throughout the folded landscape and serves as a pedestrian and bicycle route, right onto the water’s edge. Through this new element of the urban fabric, public access to the water and the harbor area is ensured. Except from walking and biking, it can also carry new forms of public activities, such as sitting, fjord watching, gathering, communicating, exchanging information and news as long as the ability to ‘touch’ and have a close relation with the water. Moreover, it forms the new edge between the waterscape and the urban landscape. - As the ‘urban corridor’ undulates into the embankment, it unfolds in order to provide an elevated passage above the traffic artery, thus creating a structure of an ‘urban balcony’. This new linkage – independent of the road system – provides a safe passage for the vulnerable road-users and a unique experience of panoramic open views to the whole fjord area. There are formed two ‘urban balconies’, and in the space between them, a ‘water square’ is created, made also of the same recycled timber deck, penetrating into the water and giving the opportunity to get very close to the water’s edge. - High emphasis of the green element in the marina area in two ways; one as a ‘high green’ elements and the other as a ‘lower green’ element. ‘High green’ areas are situated mostly on the eastern part of the marina, consisting of the trees of the existing forest, while ‘lower green’ areas are placed on the western parts of the marina, preserving the continuity of the wider cultivated areas. These ‘lower green’ elements consist of new cultivated fields of a variety of flowers, providing the visitor or the inhabitant of Augustenborg a pleasant alternating sensation among different colours and odours. - The above mentioned ‘urban corridor’ is also developed in the marina area, thus forming a continuous strip that interconnects the three parts of the study area. - The folded landscape contributes to the distinction of new forms of activity on the public sphere, which can vary from resting, reading, sitting, children playing, talking, having lunch, seeing arts, shopping, climbing, sailing, skating, (sun)bathing, during the day time to watching outdoor movies, socializing, waiting for friends, entertainment during the night time. - Besides the residential buildings, the Nordhavn also accommodates recreational and welfare activities, as well as shops (next to the old granary building) and cultural activities, located into the existing shell of the silo, so that the Augustenborg harbour will be again transformed into a busy harbour area with many workplaces that attracts onlookers, citizens of the town and tourists. In addition to the above, there are also workshops – situated into the preserved building next to the old granary warehouse – giving the opportunity to the local craftsmen to exhibit their creations and also, a new public library is created into the old silo. Parking facilities are situated under the square, where the outdoor projections take place, in order to facilitate both the nearby residential buildings as well as the public ones.

The embankment zone is offered for informal meetings, both onto the elevated pathway and on the new ‘water square’, which can also serve as a place for resting, sunbathing, canoeing and getting really close to the water’s edge.

In the marina the main goal is to retain the existing sailing-related activities (shipyard, hall, harbour master’s office, ship hall etc) that will be combined with functions such as a new hostel and a port office.

[Material Structures – Technical Details] New components for the management of the new landscape (the ‘fold_scape’) are suggested, so that they play an important role on the natural ventilation, insolation, cooling and shading. - Folding of the existing land, with extended use of ‘soft surfaces’ for an attractive microenvironment, in contrast to the current flat concrete surfaces that form a rough edge to the waterscape. This is achieved with the use of well sifted and cylindrated clay with cement mingling for reinforcement of its cohesion. - Anticorrosive formation of the ground. - The higher parts of the fold_scape are covered with low vegetation, which acts as a cooling factor for the spaces underneath. - The lower parts of the folded landscape are formed with sand-clay ground partly reinforced with pebbles. - The ‘urban corridor’ is constructed with recycled timber decking, made of a specially elaborated wood which has been imbued and varnished in order to be endurable against humidity and salty droplets. - Attempt for ‘restoration’ of the continuity of the pre-existing water edge – before the settle of the industrial facilities – which will also act as a memory ‘draw up’ of the history of the harbour area. The new waterfront is mainly formed with local rocks and pebbles along with the vegetation of canes, so that the landscape will gradually fade into the waterscape and vice versa. - Creation of new vegetation zones with diverse thematic and functional courses, in relation to the varying senses of the town, the land- and waterscape. Course 1: Alternating water landscape. A course with alternating feelings, that differ according to the close contact with the water or the panoramic views of it from elevated spots. Most of its parts are covered with low vegetation, so that it is suitable for taking a promenade, informal meetings and contact with the local fishermen, resting and enjoying the views but also the sound of the water. Course 2: A course through high trees (especially on the marina), suitable for jogging, biking and walking. Course 3: Course of colours and odours. Near to the camping site, a walk through the new cultivated region, with variable types of flowers, providing the inhabitant or the visitor with a new experience of public-natural space. Course 4: Continuity of the ‘urban corridor’ to the old palace area but also to the Lillehav region. This particular course, also connects the study area to its surrounding territories. It fades gradually into the natural landscape and the existing pathway on the northern waterfront. - Attractive access and sojourn of people of every age to the area. - Time is also an important factor on the mutation of the landscape. Seasonal changes, transform the image of the green areas.

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