ABOVE THE GROUND - an artificial landscape.
EUROPAN 8 - architectural competition - Gothenburg
2005
One main feature of the design proposal is the distinctive division of the competition area. We chose the traffic solution which separates the area along the border between stage 1 and 2. This gives the possibility to locate the new apartment buildings in the north eastern part of the design area where they are connected to the existing housing estate. It also creates an area enclosed by an overwhelming infrastructure.
WORKINGMODELL
PLANS
COMPUTERMODELL
CLICK ON THE SMALL PICTURE TO ENLARGE IT.
We find the area, known as Gamlestadstorget, as an empty surface just waiting to be filled with new uses. It is located within an infrastructural nod but lacking properties which would distinguish it within the city. We want to create a new artificial landscape which elevates ABOVE THE GROUND and gives the inhabitants an urban space to live and work in. We create a landscape inspired by the rocky and rough nature of the western coast of Sweden. It folds itself along the railway. Closer to the street it becomes a smooth surface easy to cycle and walk on. Under itself it gives space for commercial uses, culture and leisure. New high-rise blocks for offices and other uses are growing out of it and "floating above it. The new landscape is a counterpart to the railway tracks and streets. It is a space of flow within a city wide network. The high-rise blocks are places within the artificial landscape, for people to work in. The landscape/surface also connects to the new train station located on the proposed location. The surface is folding itself over the new platforms. It gives shelter for travellers but also creates a new bus station. The busses enter the area to the north. The street leads parallel along the railway to the south were there are bus stops next to the train station. One of the new tram tracks leads trough the building. A new station is erected and connects the commercial spaces to the city. The landscape/surface also connects to the housing area and leaps over the street to a small rising. Trees are planted between the street, the track for tram and the new buildings. A hotel is located to the south east. It defines the south eastern corner of the area around the street and tram crossing.

Within the artificial landscape, multifunctional spaces are created. Glass walls, skylights and colours give a sensual experience. Staircases connect to the surface above. A square is located next to three high-rise blocks in the south and opens to the river and the promenade along the southern elevation. The floor plan of the entrance level has similarities to a city like street network. Commercial areas can be located around the entrances of the high-rise blocks. The elevator and the staircase of the high-rise blocks are connecting all floors vertically. The floors of the high-rise buildings surround a concrete core. Small lavatories are located next to the elevators. Due to the small size of the high-rise blocks, 16x16 meter, only a minimal amount of secondary functions are necessary. The glass facade of the office buildings creates a technocratic look. The glass used on the entrance level to the outer surface is very transparent compared to the other levels. This gives the feeling that this buildings are floating over the landscape/surface. Every building module has a kitchen and small restaurant area, which are located here. Parking and technical areas are on the lower level. Cars enter from the north. The facades of new apartment buildings are of a closed coverage type. Only the entrance level to the park and the street to the south are of blue glass. Even the hotel front facing the west has a red glass. Certain building materials are repeated through out the design.
ANIMATION
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