| SUPERDESIGN |
| MARTIN ALGÖE |
| TOR & TOH |
| COPENHAGENOFFICE |
| 4 TRACK DEMONS |
| COPENHAGEN BRAINS |
| FURNITURES |
| NAKYOUNG SUNG |
| WASHINGTON |
Projects:
Superblock
SUPERBLOCK
Start date: 19.10.2001
TEXT
PURPOSE
The aim of this experiment is to generate a building volume using unconventional working methods. Most often, the entrepreneur, architect, or investor is responsible for the design of the building mass. In some cases, an individual sets off to fulfil his dream of building a home with his own two hands.
The type of building for this experiment is the home. We all have dreams and aspirations of how we would live given the opportunity. For many of us, this entails more than simply the selection of wallpaper, floor tiles, or kitchen appliances. The tendency today is moving towards a greater involvement by the homeowner. This is evident in new construction of apartments, town homes, and bungalows, which cater more specifically to the homeowner’s dreams. However, it is still virtually impossible for the potential homeowner to alter structural and Rudi metric spatial configurations determined by the investor/architect.
SUPERBLOCK would like to give the design process over to the hands of the inhabitants in turn opening up the potential for “thinking outside of the box” and through predefined volumes.
INTENTION
This is phase 1 of a 3-step development of the project.
The intention is to create the possibility to be your own entrepreneur. This is achieved by a collaborative development of one complete volume. It is important to stress that the development is intended to happen at a local volume as opposed to an overall space plan approach.
A fictitious building plot is the point of departure. The plot is seen as small ‘lumps’ of space, which form a larger volume. This volume will become the building complex.
The development of the building complex will arise from the collection of operative parameters. These parameters come from the exchange of dialogue between the 16 dwellers. The internal spatial divisions and interior layout will be developed at a later point. The volume will not be formulated as individual plans for individual dwellings. The 16 participants are their own entrepreneurs in the development of the spatiality of their own dwelling.
The entire volume is put on the market for sale. When all 16 dwellings are sold, the whole volume is ready to be divided. This division occurs through communal discussion amongst the dwellers. Individual’s desires and negotiations can be brought to the table. The goal is to develop these 16 dwellings as one complete complex.
It is where the ‘lumps’ overlap and collide, that interesting instances occur, and may produce new shared spaces and not yet know space constellations. The project exists where one can formulate a collective building complex and not one superior architectonic idea. The point of overlap or collision of volumes allows for interesting moments to occur such as shared areas or unexpected hybrid spaces.
The project allows for a collaborative apartment complex instead of a top down architectonic plan.
Each participant will begin with 3 or 6 volumes from which a maximum of two-thirds will be built. It is important to stress that the diagrams shown on the website are merely volume studies describing phase I of development. They are represented as cubes because they illustrate the external boundaries for the building mass. The two-thirds development happens freely within the specific ‘lumps’.
The development process of the apartment complex:
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1. Placement in the space grid in relationship to the other participants. This defines the
16 dweller’s locations.
2. Formulation of the apartment complex. Formulation of the 16 individual spatial combinations. What occurs at the acquired ‘lumps’?
3. Infill of the volume. Space divisions and interior layout is developed with the built volume.
BACKGROUND
The space grid measures 30m x 30m x 18m. There are 5 divisions in the X and Y direction measuring 6m. There are 3 divisions in the Z direction measuring 6m. The space grid consists of 3x25 ‘lumps’ equalling a total of 75. Each ‘lump’ is 6m x 6m x6m.
The ‘lumps’ connect to 36 vertical service columns. Specific columns contain water, waste, electricity, and gas. Space-dividing elements and horizontal divisions are allowed to happen freely within a volume.
It is important to mention that the following parameters and rules deliberately impose certain limitations on the participant. This is to insure interaction and dialogue amongst the participants and to encourage the development of non-cubist volumes.
The following ground rules apply to all 16 participants of the apartment complex.
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Each participant acquires either 3 or 6 ‘lumps’.
If the participant acquires 3 ‘lumps’, one half is for air (A) and one half is for shared space (S).
If the participant acquires 6 ‘lumps’, one is for air (A) and one is for shared space (S), i.e. entrance, staircase, or outdoor space.
Location in the complete volume happens can only happen in dialogue with the other participants.
After location of the ‘lump’ formations is determined, infill can occur. This can be either by suggested objects or by self-made spaces. The basic objects will be developed through a test period in
There are three continuous air volumes situated somewhere along the centre of the complete volume to ensure that the complex will realistically function.
ROOSEUM MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
The volume complex will be build to 1:5 scale at the Rooseum in Malmö. The exhibition space measures approximately 8.5m x 8m. The hard walls will document and present the three phases of the development process.
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1. Discussion of the overall concept. The complete volume along with the building parameters will be
tested in Wolfsburg2
on the internet.
2. The operative parameters are established and the test is executed in model.
(The model will possibly be displayed at Rooseum)
3. Investors and entrepreneurs are contacted regarding interest in project.
DENSITY
A series of chosen percentages describe the predefined densities in the volume. This ensures the adequate amount of density. After determining the amount of density, the number of participants can be selected. The correct combination of density to participants ensures interaction and dialogue.
No one individual can build in the volume before all participants have been located.
The volume is divided into 5 fields of 5 in the X and Y direction and 3 fields in the Z direction for a total of 75 ‘lumps’ (75L).
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A:
The Volume exists of 5x5x3 ‘lumps’ = 75 ‘lumps’ (75L).
3L out of the 75L are saved for Air. These will be positioned by BLOCKMASTER.
72L equal 8 participants at 6L plus 8 participants at 3L.
1/6 of the L is for AIR (A)
1/6 of the L is for Shared Space (S).
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(8 participants x 4 L) + (8 participants x 2 L) + (8 participants x 1 S) + (8 participants x ½ S) =
32 L + 16 L + 8 S + 4 S = 48 - 60 ‘lumps’
COLORS
There is a maximum of three colors for external use and three for internal use. The external colors are based on the first parameter of SUPERTOOL. These colors include SUPERBLACK, SUPERWHITE, and SUPERORANGE.
The three external colors can be used in any combination or relation to each other. The three internal colors are specific to each individual and of the individual’s choice.
CONNECTIONS
A predefined system has been developed by COPENHAGENOFFICE for the connections to service columns along with the possibilities for spatial overlaps. This is to guarantee a certain level of interaction and complexity between volumes and participants.
The ‘lumps’ will connect to 36 vertical service columns. Specific columns contain water, waste, electricity, and g as. Others act solely as structural elements. Column sizes may vary based on their function. Horizontal divisions will also connect to the columns.
FACTOR X
An unforeseen factor can be established after the test period if circumstances deem necessary. A typical example might be the restriction of a specific number of economic sustainable materials. Or specific number of function with one single dwelling. The intention of this factor is to inject a certain level of complexity or promote a genesis of thought on a social level.