A social condenser of working and living
2018
Third Academic Year, semester 6
Bachelor Project
Third Academic Year, semester 6
Bachelor Project
“A social condenser is achieved by overlapping and intersecting programs, creating collision zones. The aim for these areas of collision is to create an environment where there is potential to allow for otherwise disperse social communities to interact”
In a society that is becoming more multicultural, interaction and integration is necessary to avoid segregation. My focus was on the immigrants of Umeå, and my initial question touched upon one of the basic human needs; what does one need to feel at home? In a survey done with 69 participants, the majority defined home as a safe place, and in addition, to having a sense of belonging or a social network around themselves.
This project is a mix of dwellings and public space, focusing on providing short-term living of 3-5 years, for immigrants and students that are new to Umeå. I wanted to broaden the target group and not only create regular housing, but a kind of platform of exchange where the residents gain something from living here, and at the same time benefit society.
My proposal and the financial solution to this is that the residents are the ones that run and maintain the office and café areas and arrange workshops. There will be workshops and events in collaboration with Väven, ABF and SFI etc with topics that encourage interaction. This way the immigrants and students will not only be provided job opportunities, but they can engage in and be part of a social network.
Design concept
The two bottom floors contain an informal office, a small coffee shop, bookable rooms as well as rental offices. The idea is that the public, like workers, students, or any passers-by can hang out, work, have meetings and take part in workshops in a relaxed environment.
Groundfloor
Floor 1
Floor 2
Floor 3
Floor 4
Materials
CLT beam joinery
Wall and floor construction
Café
View towards the informal office
Central stairs in the building
The building is made up of a modular system och CLT beams measuring 5 x 5 x 2,5 meters. These are combined different ways depending on spatial needs and apartment sizes. The wooden modules are then filled in by adding floors, walls and roof. However, their absence is equally important, as the openings, outdoor spaces and voids add liveliness to the building.
