Aastrupskraenten - a sustainable transformation of the 70s suburban neighbourhood
Translated title
Åstrupskrænten - a sustainable transformation of the 70s suburban neighbourhood
Author
Christensen, Signe Gregers
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-06-02
Pages
217
Abstract
This project explores how 1970s suburban neighborhoods can be renewed sustainably, focusing on Åstrupskrænten and, in particular, the building at Åstrupskrænten 45. Instead of demolition, it uses adaptive reuse—reworking the existing building for new needs. The goals are to increase housing capacity, improve indoor and outdoor spaces, and create more opportunities for social interaction and neighborliness. The building is redesigned to flex over time—able to expand or contract as residents’ needs change—through a few targeted interventions that preserve the original structure. The work follows Rob Reggema’s Research by Design method in three phases. The Pre-Design phase covers site analysis and problem formulation using mapping, sketching, case studies, interviews, and literature review. The Design phase has two stages: an exploratory stage that tests design questions by weighing pros and cons, and a conclusive stage with site-specific decisions for Åstrupskrænten and Åstrupskrænten 45, using tools such as LCAbyg, Be18, daylight analysis, and sketching for environmental, energy, and light assessments. In the Post-Design phase, findings are brought together, supported by refined simulations and calculations, and the project is reflected on and concluded. The outcome is a replicable design framework for sustainably transforming 1970s suburbs. While the final design is tailored to Åstrupskrænten, the process can be applied to similar sites; a different site would lead to a different contextual response, but the overall method would remain valid. The project redefines the idea of the good life as homes that adapt to changing needs and shared outdoor spaces that foster community. The original architectural language is retained to keep a connection to the past, while upgrades—especially to energy performance and material emissions—support long-term sustainability. The project shows that 1970s suburbs need not be demolished; with modest interventions, they can become flexible, socially vibrant, and environmentally responsible.
Projektet undersøger, hvordan parcelhuskvarterer fra 1970'erne kan fornyes bæredygtigt med udgangspunkt i Åstrupskrænten og særligt bygningen på Åstrupskrænten 45. I stedet for at rive ned arbejder projektet med adaptiv genanvendelse – at bruge den eksisterende bygning på nye måder. Målet er at øge boligmæssig kapacitet, forbedre inde- og udearealer og skabe bedre rammer for socialt samvær og naboskab. Huset redesignes, så det kan udvides eller reduceres over tid efter beboernes behov gennem få, målrettede indgreb, der bevarer den oprindelige konstruktion. Arbejdet følger Rob Reggemas Research by Design-metode i tre faser. I Pre-Design-fasen laves stedanalyse og problemformulering med delmetoder som kortlægning, skitsering, casestudier, interviews og litteraturstudier. Design-fasen har to trin: en undersøgende del, hvor designspørgsmål afprøves og vurderes med fordele og ulemper, og en afsluttende del med stedsspecifikke valg for Åstrupskrænten og Åstrupskrænten 45. Her indgår bl.a. LCAbyg, Be18, dagslysanalyser og skitsering som værktøjer til miljø-, energi- og lysvurderinger. I Post-Design-fasen samles resultaterne, understøttet af mere detaljerede simuleringer og beregninger, og projektet diskuteres og afrundes. Resultatet er en reproducerbar designramme for bæredygtig omdannelse af 1970'er-forstæder. Den endelige løsning er skræddersyet til Åstrupskrænten, men processen kan overføres til lignende steder; et andet sted ville give en anden kontekstuel respons, men metoden ville være den samme. Projektet gentænker det gode liv som fleksible boliger, der kan tilpasses skiftende behov, og fælles udearealer, der styrker fællesskabet. Den oprindelige arkitektur bevares for at fastholde forbindelsen til fortiden, mens opgraderinger – især inden for energiydelse og materialers udledninger – sikrer langsigtet bæredygtighed. Projektet viser, at 1970'er-forstæder ikke behøver at blive revet ned; med beskedne indgreb kan de blive fleksible, socialt levende og miljømæssigt ansvarlige.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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