052-1118-21L  Architectural Design V-IX: Preserve - Densify - Continue to Build (M. Guyer)

SemesterSpring Semester 2021
LecturersM. Guyer
Periodicityevery semester recurring course
Language of instructionGerman
CommentPlease register (Link) only after the internal enrolment for the design classes (see Link).

Project grading at semester end is based on the list of enrolments on 2nd April 2021, 24:00 h. This is the ultimate deadline to unsubscribe or enroll for the studio!
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AbstractWe examine the architectural, social, structural, spatial and visual potential of the existing building and question the common practice of densification by replacing new buildings. It's about dealing with what already exists, transforming something that already exists, reusing it and adding it in a meaningful way.
ObjectiveAbility to develop a design from an idea, a concept, to a fully evolved project; to continually self-critically question the intermediary stages in this process; and, simultaneously, to find an individual design methodology and design stance.
ContentWe question the common practice of densification with replacement new buildings and give the existing structure more weight in terms of sustainable urban development. We are looking for solutions where, even under the pressure of doubling the utilization, the existing building is preserved by being reinterpreted and revitalized, renovated and rebuilt, expanded and stocked up. The stock as part of the city's history is increasingly seen as an important cultural resource for shaping the future and the stored, social, structural, spatial and visual potential is activated for new projects. The bulkiness of existing buildings often provides food for thought for new solutions and discoveries. It is important to find the right balance between old and new and to accept heterogeneity, contrasts and leaps in scale as part of the future city.

The focus is on Altstetten, which is shown in the structure plan as the quarter with high densification potential in the west of Zurich. In terms of population and area, it is the largest district in the city and has the most jobs. With the smallest proportion of Wilhelminian style buildings and the largest proportion of new buildings since 1990, it is a very heterogeneous quarter that has developed dynamically. Five different areas have been selected as design laboratories, each with its own urban planning objective. The Neumarkt Altstetten is to strengthen the district center around Lindenplatz, the Farbhof area is to create a square situation as a western gateway to Altstetten, the Hero building is to become a further developed urban building block in the service area of ​​the station, the Bachwiesen area is to maintain the garden city vision despite the densification, the Freihof area is to retain the high quality heterogeneity of an urban area reveal. The areas show the diversity of the quarter: the Farbhof area is in the west, the Freihof area in the east of Badenerstrasse, the Bachwiesen area in the south, the Hero area in the north of Altstetterstrasse. The Neumarkt Altstetten is located at the intersection of the two main axes.

n view of the current urban space deficits between newer area developments, not only the transitions between public, semi-private and private outdoor spaces within the areas, but also the relationship between the areas and the surroundings and the urban body are dealt with. Since the quality of the open space is essential during compression, courtyards and spaces between sidewalks and house edges should be made usable and accessible and be of use to the public and the owners alike.

A sensible mix of uses, new work and living typologies, suitable ground floor use, new supporting structures, intelligent building envelopes, greenery, innovative energy concepts and reuse / recycle / upcycle concepts are decisive for the design. These main topics are deepened with lectures, workshops and visits. A collection of texts and reference examples is continuously expanded during the semester and is available as a document for everyone for inspiration.

With the introductory exercise “Image - Form”, the existing situation is felt in a playful and intuitive way and the right thing to see is learned. In the first review, the concept is summarized in a concise presentation. These results are continuously processed and are part of the final submission. The projects are discussed at the final reviews with guests and the chair in the range of concept ideas, urban planning and architectural presence, dealing with the existing structure and the quality of the outdoor and indoor spaces.
Prerequisites / NoticeGroup work only.
Mid-term crits: 16./17.3., 13./14.4., 1./5.5.
Costs: CHF 50.--.