Utility and the Urban Interior

Not all architects are motivated by social, cultural, and artistic concerns, yet all our work influences social interactions. Utility and the urban interior begins here, an investigation of the civic and spatial relationships that shape life in the urban environment. This project engages with a combination of research methods, a theoretical focus on the generic city, and the typology of the kiosk. In parallel to ethnographic research into the neighbourhood of Sluseholmen in the south of Copenhagen harbour. It culminates in a project that works directly with the local community outdoor group - Havets Helte, the Sea Scouts of Sluseholem.

The proposition seeks to address the lack of public amenities in the urban interior of the recently developed suburb and doing so, questions how we plan, design and engage with the neighbourhoods in our suburbs. The proposal is for three polyvalent Kiosks for the suburb, a third space for the community, the visitor, and the Sea Scouts. A kiosk for eating in the south, a kiosk for play in the west, and a kiosk for sharing in the northwest. Together they seek to create new civic spaces to encourage the use of the outdoors and promote well-being for all ages.

Thesis Statement

As we develop new urban neighbourhoods such as Sydhaven in Copenhagen, how can we encourage life in the public realm? 

Through the engagement with a specific user group, how can we as architects facilitate for people’s connection and use of public space?