A master thesis from Aalborg University
Beyond Boundaries: Re-defining Urban and Community Spaces in Christiania
[Beyond Boundaries]
Author(s)
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2024
Submitted on
2024-05-31
Pages
129 pages
Abstract
This thesis explores the integration of social housing, mixed-use buildings, and public spaces followed by a redefinition of existing boundaries within Christiania, a unique self-governing community inside Copenhagen. In the summer of 2022, an agreement between Christiania and the state was made to develop social housing throughout Christiania’s area to accommodate 300 new residents by 2031. Furthermore, this project focuses on a particular area at one of the main entrances of Christiania, covering about 16,000 sqm. The goal is to design a new entrance for visitors while serving as a public space for locals, maintaining private areas for Christianites and integrating new co-housing communities into the future building plots. The design process considers the concept of boundaries utilizing mixed-use buildings, integrating housing with common facilities and other businesses, while preserving Christiania's identity. This study includes connecting zones, preserving green spaces, and designing a coherent plan for the area to accommodate Christianites, newcomers and visitors. Based on the future plans, the project analyzes Christiania's evolution from a counter-culture movement on an abandoned military base in 1970 to a strong community of self-expression and communal living. Despite challenges such as conflicts in Pusher Street, Christiania remains a symbol of resilience, emphasizing art, activism, and alternative lifestyles over material wealth. Overall, this proposal contributes to connecting Copenhagen while integrating newcomers and preserve the identity of Christiania with a holistic approach that not only focuses on social housing but also on the distinct lifestyle and values of the community.
Keywords
Social housing ; mixed-use ; public spaces ; Christiania ; boundaries ; community ; co-housing ; identity ; preservation
Documents
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