Architectural Design III: Topic (R. Boltshauser)

Abstract

Initiated and accompanied by the City of Zurich, we are working with them to ask what the future of the Geroldareal can look like. Which structures can further exploit existing potential and strengthen the identity of the site?

Objective

- Examination of the condensed, sustainable, circular, simple building process - Development of a broad theoretical basic knowledge - Holistic design of spatial atmospheres in the interplay of concept, context, construction, climate, sustainability and materiality - Research and development of architectural themes resulting from energy and climate considerations - Practical work on the model, plan and visualization program as part of the design process

Content

"Cities are fluid entities that are constantly changing. History leaves subtle traces, which become visible upon close inspection. The term "palimpsest" comes from the Latin "palimpsestos" or Greek "palímpsestos" and means "scratched off again". The original use of the word refers to an ancient or medieval piece of writing from which the original text was scraped or washed away and which was then reinscribed. The repurposing, demolition, or expansion of built structures leads to an overlay of different architectural styles and pragmatics that can be used as a repository of new ideas and approaches." How exactly can the Geroldareal be understood as such a storage facility? The great variety of interesting uses, the fertile breeding ground for new ideas and their implementation, the palpable openness and the creativity across all sectors are just a few of the characteristics that make the Geroldareal an important and identity-forming place in the city of Zurich for many people. It is important to preserve and promote such a place and not to destroy it with unsuitable or simply bad projects. For us architects, the question is therefore how the area can be redensified and its qualities preserved or even expanded at the same time. How do we ensure that less affluent uses can also keep or find a home in the center of the city? What kind of densification can the area tolerate or even promote its resistance? How can a coexistence of different users be achieved in order to further exploit the potential of the area? Initiated and accompanied by the city of Zurich, we are asking ourselves, together with the city, what the future of the Geroldareal can look like. We believe that it is characterized by various qualities - including the cultural-historical building fabric, the heterogeneous mix of uses and the spatial diversity. How, where, in what form and with what utilization can sustainable density be achieved at this location without impairing the existing qualities? Which structures can further exploit existing potential and strengthen the identity of the site? The semester assignment aims to develop a project that shows an adequate solution for the site from an urban planning and architectural point of view. Starting from the urban analysis to an adequate handling and intervention in the existing building stock, we deal with the questions of sustainable building and especially climate-friendly densification. Starting with a precise analysis of the site, its history and characteristics, a charter defined in the group will be developed, with a clear attitude in relation to the existing structures and buildings. An important role is played by the lifespan of the intervention and the associated temporality. We understand the approaches of circularity - such as the prefabrication of elements and modules, component connections as nodes or reusable system construction methods - as important prerequisites for sustainable building and therefore want to integrate them integrally into the thinking and the design process from the very beginning. In addition, we also deal intensively with the aspects of lightweight construction in interaction with circularity and critically question concepts of additions, new buildings, extensions and conversions in order to gain a profound understanding of the process and the associated key figures in terms of sustainability.

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