Transfomation of Gasværksvejens Skole: Unfolding the potentials of a Late-Modern Prefabricated Building: A Transformation of Gasværksvejens Skole
Authors
Houlberg, Julie Wienecke ; Petersen, Amalie Reventlov ; Sennels, Clara Skjøth
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2024
Submitted on
2024-05-30
Pages
147
Abstract
Many late-modern prefabricated buildings are now over 50 years old and are being reconsidered for preservation. The debate weighs architectural and cultural-historical value and resource use in a life-cycle perspective (from construction through use and adaptation) against health risks from pollutants such as PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) and asbestos. Members of the public, architects, and politicians disagree on whether these buildings should be transformed or demolished. This project argues for transformation, using the 1971 addition to Gasværksvejens Skole by Hans Christian Hansen as a case. Through an integrated design approach that combines architecture, technology, and environmental concerns, the project explores how buildings from the industrialization period can retain their architectural qualities while meeting contemporary challenges. It highlights the adaptability of modular systems and shows how changes to prefabricated structures can bridge the unique character of a place with more universal needs. A body-scaled system—elements sized to human dimensions—is introduced to humanize the interior and to address PCB contamination. The interventions are intentionally left open to future adaptations as needs evolve, keeping the building’s narrative alive.
Mange senmoderne, præfabrikerede bygninger er nu over 50 år og bliver overvejet til bevaring. Debatten balancerer arkitektoniske og kulturhistoriske værdier og ressourceforbrug i et livscyklusperspektiv (fra opførelse til drift og ombygning) over for sundhedsrisici fra forureninger som PCB (polychlorerede bifenyler) og asbest. Offentlighed, arkitekter og politikere er uenige om, hvorvidt disse bygninger bør transformeres eller rives ned. Dette projekt argumenterer for transformation og tager udgangspunkt i Gasværksvejens Skoles tilbygning fra 1971 af Hans Christian Hansen. Med en integreret designtilgang, der forener arkitektur, teknik og miljøhensyn, undersøger projektet, hvordan bygninger fra industrialiseringens periode kan bevare deres arkitektoniske kvaliteter og samtidig håndtere nutidens udfordringer. Projektet viser modulære systemers tilpasningsevne og hvordan transformationer i præfabrikerede strukturer kan bygge bro mellem det stedsspecifikke og det universelle. Et kropsskaleret system – elementer i menneskelig skala – indføres for at humanisere interiøret og for at håndtere PCB-forurening. Indgrebene er bevidst åbne for fremtidige ændringer i takt med nye behov og holder dermed bygningens fortælling i gang.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]