Kondominium Geologicka

Mendelova univerzita v Brně

Project idea

My bachelor‘s thesis dealt with the issue of urban gaps in residential units. I disagree with the generally accepted definition - seeing urban gaps as a place between two buildings that once stayed building and where should be built once more.

The work deals with a broader definition of an urban gap and an approach to their solution from the point of view of landscape architecture. I created my own methodology for identifying and solving urban gaps. I defined a new definition of the urban gap:

"The urban gaps are small spaces, the spatial and functional solution of which will close the gaps in the structure of the city and help to better understand, navigate and perceive it. By solving the urban gap, the quality of not only the urban gap itself but also the surrounding space, its hierarchy, and thus the functioning of the entire locality will be significantly increased. "

So this means that the urban gap is not only the gap between two buildings where once stood a house - is it also a place that is not shaped both spatial and functional and which needs it. The shaping shall solve a lot of different problems in the area - not only at the place of the gap but in the whole surrounding. And it says that the shaping is not only architectural by buildings - that landscape architecture (eg. pocket parks) is an equal tool to do that and that a landscape architect should have a significant word with working with urban gaps. Urban gaps have a lot of potential for a green-blue infrastructure in the cities.

I am pointing out the potential that the urban gaps in the city may have. For example, they can be used to create a green-blue infrastructure in the city's dense center. However, on the outskirts, they can be used for new construction. Filling in the urban gap can solve significant problems of both the urban gap itself and its surroundings. It can also help with the growing potential of the city and by that protect the free landscape from the construction of the new development. It should be placed into
selected urban gaps, not into the landscape. Is it always important to carefully assess what the gap is suitable for.
This is all shown in the sample project - the example of the modernism housing estate with its problems that can be solved by solving the urban gaps - and finding the right function. This project is an example of the urban gap in a place where were no buildings before and which can be designed with the cooperation of architecture and landscape architecture.

Project description

This project was partly urbanistic and partly landscape architecture.
Very important was the first phase - urban study, which made sure that the urban gaps were solved. The solution resulted in a new hierarchizing of the space, bringing new functions, strengthening opportunities for communication between the inhabitant, and introducing the genius loci.

Important aspects of the urban study were the closure of the inner blocks and defining the street lines. It was important to design new lines - streets, entries, and nodes - pizzettas.

Several new buildings have been designed. They are meant to be low - only around four floors in height. There were a few rules by which was the space shaped:
1. Closing the blocks to create semi-private courtyards. It is a safe place for children, old people, and all inhabitants of the one block.
2. Define a street line and block out the noise from the main road.
3. Design new access by two bridges and several crossings. The bridges will help to connect the condominium with the rest of the housing estate Barrandov. It will also gain better access to the tramway.
4. Closing the pizzette and creating a new centrum of urban life in this locality. There aroused three pizzettas, each with a different program.
5. Bring new functions. In addition to housing, an administrative building and a lively commercial parterre were created here.
6. Make a new community center. The central building should serve as a new community centrum for the whole Barrandov, where is not any.
7. Make a varied mix of spaces - open public space, semi-private inner blocks, gardens, and pocket parks. Each type of space has its own purpose and function.
8. Do a quality landscape architecture - Some urban gaps were solved by purely landscaping means, which are able to define the space and function - for example, tree rasters. Three pizzettes were created as events centers and there are two pocket parks with a more intimate atmosphere. All streets are designed as liveable with rain beds and alleys.
9. The main interest was gained in green-blue infrastructure. There are green and blue roofs that collect water that is used for watering community beds. The water from the streets is irrigated in the rain beds.
10. Genius loci - Because the kondominium is located right next to the film studios, the genius of the loci was supported by the theme of the film. Thus, a filmstrip on the pavement winds through the area, leading to the central building - the social center. There is also a new fountain with a famous sculpture that once stood in the Barrandov housing estate and which has a strong connection with the film.
11. Transport - Several angled parking spaces have been added to the area. Otherwise, I suggest building underground garages. The kondominium area is closed to motorized traffic, only supplies and other necessary traffic are allowed to enter. New cycle paths were created in the area.

As a result, a diverse mix of spaces was created. It was proved that the landscape view of the gaps can be an independent discipline with a significant influence on the solved area.

Technical information

On the roofs, I propose the use of extensive green roofs and roof terraces. The existing roofs will be modified so that water can be collected on them. The choice of plant material was important. For example, species like Tilia x europaea, Sophora japonica, Gingko biloba or Gleditsia triacanthos or Acer campestre 'Elsrijk' were used, because they tolerate the urban climate well. The facades of houses can be diversified by the use of climbing plants.

Concrete slabs were used for the paved street. Lighting is provided by both spotlights and lights placed in the film strip, which glows softly at night.

Documentation

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