WHAT IF? - a design strategy bridging urban edges in a section of the contemporary Aarhus

Deleuran, Maria ; Studstrup, Louise Christina ; Silva, Elisa Diogo de Andrade

4. term

Urban Design, Master

2017

2017-05-17

The modernistic development Gellerup in the western part of Aarhus has since its foundation been accompanied by social problems. The area has slowly become an enclos­ed island disconnected to the surrounding urban fabric. But what if there are no problems? What if the issues are caused due to a lack of awareness? What if it is a result of physical and mental edges in the city? Current regeneration of Gellerup is focusing on the embedded potentials transforming the area into a vibrant urban life by mixing functions, but in its strong local focus, it has a tendency to lose sight of the wider urban context. The aim of the thesis is to develop a design strategy bridging the edges disconnecting Gellerup from the larger context. The project is examining a section of the contemporary Aarhus including Aarhus C, Åbyhøj and Gellerup. It is a strategy strongly inspired by the architectural power to brand that works with three concepts of time; the permanent interventions, the temporary installations and events. The strategy consists of four layers; time, physical connections, branding and urban catalysts that together approach mental and physical issues in the examined section. The edges are bridged by introducing a permanent path for pedestrians and cyclists running through Åbyhøj, temporary installations in Aarhus C branding the qualities of Gellerup and Åbyhøj, and events along the section creating experiences and identities.

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