An Intersectional Architecture

Name
Frederik Braüner Nygaard
Education degree
Kandidat
Institute
Architecture and Culture
Program
Political Architecture: Critical Sustainability
Year
2021

Through the theoretical and methodological framework of intersectionality, the project explores the possibilities of directly applying social theory into architectural practice. By proposing a reconfiguration of the architectural fabric of 20th century welfare-colonialism in Nuuk, Greenland the aim is to introduce a heightened social and cultural sensitivity in the redevelopment of the city.

A proposal for an entangled siteplan for Qapiarfiusaaq based on the format of the triptych. Overlapping considerations and multi-leveled perspectives on how to approach the material and cultural context of a site.
Siteplan Triptych
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From a series of immersive interviews conducted in the fall of 2020, proposals for socially and culturally conscious housing was developed. Focus was put on gender identity, increased accessibility, and diversity of family structures.

Intersectional Housing
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Through a partial reconstruction and reusage of material, the large housing blocks, 11-17, are transformed from monuments from the era of welfare colonialism into a new intersectional typology.

Housing Block Transformations
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By composing a Kit Of Parts, based on reused, local and imported building materials, the intersectional housing units can be composed in multiple different ways to suit a variety of needs and wants.
Kit Of Parts
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Visualizations of culturally significant spaces taking local traditions, contemporary needs and climatic considerations into account.
Spaces of Cultural Importance
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The project evolved through a co-evolutionary approach by merging architectural and theoretical work. Drawing and writing was produced simultaneously, influencing and being influenced by one another. The texts represent theoretical reflections on a possible formal language of intersectionality, on the role of the architect in an intersectional practice, and on the scope of intersectional considerations. The text proposed a move towards an intra-sectional way of working with the material world and our other-than-human kin.
A Co-evolutionary Approach
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The Royal Danish Academy supports the Sustainable Development Goals

Since 2017 the Royal Danish Academy has worked with the Sustainable Development Goals. This is reflected in our research, our teaching and in our students’ projects. This project relates to the following UN goal(-s)
CV
Education & Relevant Courses
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Bachelor of Art History, Copenhagen University

With a focus on architecture history and theory, I strengthened my analytical skills and historical awareness during these years of academic work. With courses on philosophy of science and aesthetic theory I lay a theoretical foundation that would benefit me during my years of master studies at The Royal Academy.
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Bachelor of Architecture, Akademie der Bildenden Künste Wien, HTC (History, Theory, Criticism)

On this 5th semester of my bachelor studies, I went on an Erasmus exchange in Vienna. While attending an architecture studio focused on the analysis of 20th century public housing, I expanded my theoretical knowledge by attending courses in art history, gender studies, and contemporary art.
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Bachelorstudies, The Royal Danish Academy, Finder Sted/Taking Place

During my three years of bachelor studies I learned some of the foundational skills for an artistic and academic process, while engaging analytically and critically with our built environment.
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Political Science, Copenhagen University

By attending courses in political theory, economics, sociology etc., I established a theoretical foundation for my coming architecture studies.
Extracurricular Experiences & Activities
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The Royal Danish Academy

Vice-president of the Student Board

Sharehouse Refugio, refugee shelter.

Volunteer at a refugee shelter in Berlin, Neukölln
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The Royal Danish Academy

Student Instructor at the initiative EntilEn, at the Institute for Architecture and Culture

The Royal Danish Academy

Tutor for incoming students
Professional Work Experience
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Arkitekten, Assistant Editor

As a part of the editorial team of the Danish architecture journal, I was responsible for the technical section in several issues. Around 40+ publications, including in-depth research, graphic design, and geographical mappings for several pieces.
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The Royal Danish Academy, Research Assistant

I assisted on the project ‘Spaces of Danish Welfare’ at the Institute of Architecture and Culture, where Martin Søberg and I gathered and analyzed body portrayals in Danish Architecture Journals in the latter half of the 20th century.

Rønnow Arkitekter, Summer Intern

During my summer internship at Rønnow Arkitekter, I worked as a part of their communication and competition department. The training involved graphic design, streamlining layout, writing texts for competition entries, etc.
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RH-Arkitekter, Student Assistant

To get a deeper insight into architectural practice and gain experience in different aspects of working in an architectural firm, I worked as a student assistant for RH-Arkitekter during a large part of my bachelor’s studies in Architecture.
IT skills
Photoshop
Indesign
Illustrator
AutoCAD
Rhinoceros
Language skills
Danish
English
German