The program will be provided through an inquiry into the hypothetical needs of a reception centre and residences for asylum seekers through the Migration Board.
The building will have a wooden load bearing structure as an important design premise.
The Concept
The basic idea so far is to work with massive wooden load bearing slabs in walls and floors. This is a significant deviation from the conventional column beam building system. It means that forces are spread throughout the structure rather than being concentrated to strategic vectors and points. It is a very robust and resilient structural system. Therefore, I think it is worth questioning whether this type of building should follow the same formal logic as is conventional.
Can the formal separation between what is floor, what is ceiling and what is wall be challenged?
Can sections be simplified so as to build faster, maintain easier and recycle better?
Can a greater complexity in plan and facade be achieved, for the sake of a stronger identity?
Is the system so resilient that it can accommodate any function, such as installation space?
The Context
I believe that Gothenburg has much to gain from densification, such as allowing more people to live on prime locations and decreasing car dependency. The project follows the non-complacent posture to “...add value to what is valuable” (Christiansen 2010:1) with regards to the development of Gothenburg. I want to draw from all the services, culture, pride and inspiration held by the city centre, while offering a diverse programme that is partially public and enhances interaction and thus integration of the residents of the complex.
The site is to be defined promptly.
Sustainability
ENVIRONMENTAL
Wood was chosen for the construction because of its comparatively low embodied energy. Massive wood can be recycled or reused. Sustainable forestry including the plantation of trees could provide for a closed carbon cycle spanning just a couple of centuries. Wood is a “locally” available material which reduces transportation costs.
I am also hoping that a simple wall section will improve control over the materials that are actually employed. I will be aiming for passive housing insulation standards.
I will consider the use of the greenhouse effect within sections of the building or photovoltaic production of energy. I will also consider grey water separation and the possibility to cultivate vegetables on a “hobby” scale.
SOCIAL
The aim is to improve the demographic spread and local ethnic diversity within the Gothenburg. The reception centre reduces statistical income discrepancies between districts. The complex should encourage cultural exchange and provide a forum for future initiatives within this field.
The building, with its mixed functions and span from private to public spaces, aims at providing optimum condition for integration. New arrivals will be injected into a neighborhood with a high density and diversity of social networks. The residents will hopefully establish new roots and the architecture will contribute to community building.
The project is sensitive to architectural heritage in the context of Gothenburg with reference to the wooden housing typology Landshövdingehus. From a Swedish or Scandinavian perspective, the abundant use of wood, a scarce and exclusive resource in other places, I think is culturally amiable practice.
POLITICAL
The Reception Centre will include educational facilities. Residents will be offered schooling in the Swedish language, legal and other systems, rights and social responsibilities. This strengthens our democracy.
ECONOMIC
To invest in naturalized, just like newborn, Swedish citizens is economically sound and sustainable practice from the perspective of society as a whole. To provide for non profit generating activities and services is part of the municipality’s responsibility in compensating for the shortcomings of our capitalistic, market oriented, consumerism paradigm.
Accessibility
I aim at providing for the ground floor functions to be as publically accessible as possible. The residential units will comply with minimum accessibility requirements as according to PBL.
Design process and representation
It seems natural to use wood as the preferred material for models throughout the design process. I have also started a blog with the address http://grcmasterthesis.blogspot.com/ which is a tool for me to remain in control of my work and visualize progress.
The bulk of spatial investigations will be done in wooden models to relevant scales, as well as with Rhino models.
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