THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017

Featuring: Gehl Architects, Institut for (X), Kaospilot, Stephen Willacy, Lacaton & Vassal, Aarhus School of Architecture, Issue VI Martin Thim, Smag à la Gellerup and more Aarhus

Aarhus: The Perfect Storm of our local football team winning the The city expanded its horizons Martin Thim Danish championship. across all parameters and with that, built Founder, The Coal Bridge project, Like a perfect storm, so many up a new and more confident identity. and organiser, Creativity World Forum rare factors came together to create City growth is currently a tendency the wave that we have been riding on across the globe and, despite all our I have lived in Aarhus my whole life – be proud of. Aarhus was a stepping since then. Culturally, the new ARoS newfound confidence, not something 40 years so far, and over those four stone, merely a stop on the way towards Aarhus Art Museum and later MoMu we can take credit for in Aarhus. decades Aarhus has changed massively. bigger cities, bigger dreams and a better (Moesgaard Museum) and DOKK1 (public However, it is my hope that Aarhus For the better, I might add. life somewhere else. library and culture centre) came to will embrace this trajectory and use Not so long ago, Aarhus was a But ten years ago, something town. Architecturally, the development it to make all its citizens richer – not in village, both physically and mentally. started to change. Our city grew proud of a whole new neighbourhood on terms of money, but in terms of passing We had a small and provincial city – grew balls – and started believing the old industrial harbour began, on a smarter, wiser and better city to centre, a university and Den Gamle By and investing in itself with bigger and entrepreneurially, a strong start- forthcoming generations. (The Old Town), a tourist attraction to ambitions than the elusive dream up and culinary scene began to bloom. (Continued on page 2) 2 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 3

That’s the good thing about being in the city – to keep these open view The Unlimited Edition is a newspaper exploring, celebrating and speculating an architecture student: the crits. portals between the water and the city, Rethinking It’s something I’ve now instated with but also to have a series of very large about the future of particular places. Each issue is place-based, delving into key the planning department. We organise and over proportioned (in our opinion) sessions and people bring boards of the public spaces within the plan. So when themes, which shape our cities including places of work, cultural spaces, food projects they are working on, and ideas we began questioning that – it was Aarhus for discussions. I want to lift the level of highly controversial. The development competence through these discussions.’ plan had, over the years, kept to this networks and development legacies. The paper invites guest writers, policy-makers, Melissa Meyer, in conversation masterplan without questioning if it was with Stephen Willacy, Aarhus City Architect, right. But in the meantime, there were a artists, architects and community members to contribute creative snapshots and Camilla van Deurs, Gehl Architects Re-THINKing harbour spaces lot of other city developments along the harbour and within the city that actually of each place. Previously, Issues I–V celebrated the London neighbourhoods of As with other previous ECOC cities like blocked some of these views that the Aarhus in 2017 is a city putting on and I work closely with the magistrate Liverpool and Marseilles, post-industrial plan aimed to maintain – so it became Whitechapel and Bermondsey. Issue VI looks further afield to Aarhus in Denmark, a show. Denmark’s second largest for technical and environmental dockland spaces and maritime heritage kind of pointless. city, situated on the east coast of services. When there are competitions are important narrative and spatial The original masterplan was also while upcoming Issue VII will travel to Liverpool. The Unlimited Edition is curated the Jutland’s peninsula, is this year’s I judge and advise. I am a chief advisor references for the ECOC programme. aiming design at a much larger scale. European Capital of Culture (ECOC) and to the councillors, about architectural While these spaces are in some ways Some of these public spaces that were by We Made That. Digital versions of Issues I–VI of the paper are available for free as such is currently host to an array of and urban topics. They don’t have to the manifestation of the programme’s supposed to be local intimate squares events, festivals, exhibitions and tourist agree with me…[but then] they make ‘Re-THINK’ theme, masterplans and were designed to be the same size as the at www.wemadethat.co.uk, with Issue VII available in winter 2017. visitor numbers well beyond its size. an unwise decision! development schemes have been in cathedral square in Aarhus. There was a For those working in urban I try to get in very early to advise on the works since the late 1990s. complete lack of dimensions which make development and regeneration, the the process itself as well as the planning One of these schemes is Bassin 7, a nice local space. We did a lot of scale ECOC title feels like just one peak of document. It is a multidisciplinary role. a harbour-side site currently in the comparisons across the city, questioning a larger growth story that has been I’m called a free bird – they tend to find delivery phase of a development plan what actually works, what are the nice shaping the city over the past decade. me quite irritating! I had a meeting with by Gehl Architects and BIG. Working places – understanding the scale and Large-scale redevelopment of the the planning department yesterday and to a long-standing pre-existing complexity of the urban fabric. In terms city’s previously industrial sites, the they were like – ‘what is his actual role?’ masterplan for the entire harbour of the public spaces we looked at the opening of new cultural institutions ‘How come he can just come in here area presented challenges to the nice streets that work, and literally and infrastructural ambitions to connect and do that?’ It is challenging. You can appointed teams developing plans for took the same dimensions and put more of the city to the sea, collectively get involved in too many things. I try the individual basin sites as they tried them onto the plan. are delivering the most comprehensive and prioritise. to strike a balance between the original Stephen Willacy, the City Aarhus redevelopment of Aarhus in its history. Since I have been in this role ambitions of the masterplan and Architect, had some very loud University Bassin 7 For this issue of ‘The Unlimited I have been a bit of bridge builder site-specific requirements. Reflecting conversations. His team had worked Edition’, Stephen Willacy, Aarhus’s between the council and these groups. on the process of developing the plan rigorously to the original plan, so that City Architect, and Camilla van I was like a bull in a china shop when for the Bassin 7 site, Camilla van Deurs, was quite a shift for the team. Looking Gellerupparken Aarhus Deurs, Partner and Team Lead at I first started. Because I didn’t have the Gehl’s lead on the project, states that at the comparisons, a lot of model the processes of public space and block work, and discussing it openly really Aarhus Gehl Architects, delve into the city’s political expertise to pull it off, I found Godsbanen Rådhus redevelopment ambitions, reflecting it really difficult. Now it’s been five years re-scaling were crucial: made a difference. There was great support from the mayor’s team and at Kaospilot on working with and within Aarhus’s and I think I’ve become good at what Gellerup Institut for (X) Kommune (the municipality) and I do. I am outspoken, I get the word ‘There were heated discussions, mainly directorate level for trying something because the existing masterplan, which new. At some point, as the masterplan Kulbroen the city’s growing model of citizen out into the newspapers, I try to frame participation and engagement with things properly. was developed in the 1980s, was a very is rolling out, you have to stop and the built environment. I found that planning departments formal plan where the overall idea was evaluate: is this working? And if not, are very bad at criticising themselves. to have some very strong new lines (Continued on page 4)

An Architect for the City

Aarhus has benefitted from a long line of city architects who have guided the architectural ambitions of the city. In 2019, the Kommune will rk Aarhus a celebrate 100 years of this role. Stephen m Willacy is the current holder of this n e post, having moved to Denmark from D Holme the UK in the early 1980s. Stephen has worked across both London and Aarhus, as a partner at Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects as well as teaching and researching as an associate professor at the Aarhus School of Architecture for almost two decades. The exact role (Continued from front cover…) beyond – the bar has been raised across organic ‘city lab’ where we, and people I am proud of the development and positioning of the city architect our entire ‘Region of Gastronomy’ and from all over the world, test new models and ambitions in my city. Still, I miss within the Aarhus Kommune has A few years ago, our ocean view a new quality standard set for what to for a better future. Things like self- a grand vision for Aarhus that its shifted over time, presenting both was reserved for the few who could expect when you buy food. driving cars and other new means of citizens can rally around – and a plan challenges and opportunities for afford one of the exclusive houses In the same way, standing as the transportation; urban nature diversity for how we get there. Where are we cross-departmental influence: by the sea. But with the new harbour European Capital of Culture in 2017 has with a rich insect, bird and plant going? What do we want to be in 50 development, our entire city is much expanded what our city can be. Making life around us; and democratic city years? What is the red thread that ‘My predecessors have been in very closer to the sea and so many more are our wealth of cultural experiences and development models where more citizens adds sense to our priorities? different roles at different times. now enriched with a proximity to nature potential visible and accessible to a get the chance to both influence and It feels highly likely that my Formerly they were planning officers that is so unique to Aarhus. much broader audience can contribute become owners and drivers of the many wave-riding hometown is indeed right or the building control officer – they A few years before that, you could further to this wave of creative, real estate projects all around us. I would now the happiest city in the happiest used to be part of those departments. count the number of decent eateries on intellectual development in Aarhus and also love to see what might happen if country on the planet. With a shared But now I am on my own working as a one hand. Today, we are an affluent city the region for many decades onwards. entrepreneurship and start-ups enjoyed vision that we can all work towards, consultant to the planning and building – not only in terms of the several Michelin It is my dream that Aarhus could the same loyal support, celebration and I am sure that Aarhus will be hard control departments. I also work with all star restaurants at home in the city, but share its wealth by becoming a living, investment as local sports teams. to knock out of first place. the departments and the town mayor, Temporary activities around the Bassin 7 redevelopment site 4 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 5

the format of the competition or the democratic – what’s come to be known The next phase we are looking while). Their attitude is: we have to do As Aarhus’s Capital of Culture selection process is highly defining as the ‘Aarhus model’. A new piece of at is going to have a whole series of it so we may as well do it properly.’ programme reaches its crescendo fabric of Aarhus, as well as ‘human- of the outcome. In this circumstance the city, driven by bringing public life to public consultations. Since I started, this summer, residents and visitors Bassin 7 scale’, local spaces. The team also for the area around Bassin 7, the the city’s extensive waterfront, is being modernist thinking about planning has Given the nature of many of the city’s will be greeted not only by a riot reacted to the mono-functional format was to invite developers in delivered by numerous design teams and changed, so it has now become more harbour sites – often empty of existing of art, dance and festivity, but development, taking place across to bid for the process, and they had developers, all of whom are engaged aligned with the community – I think residents and sometimes void of also by a city visibly in-progress. What is it? ‘There were a few sheds but nothing the harbour: to formulate a vision about the project, in different modes and methods of this has been happening for longer in associated stakeholders at all – the city Through recent masterplanning Gehl Architects and BIG are working very interesting. No architectural a team mission statement. Instead citizen participation. As these projects the UK. This has become more evident has been experimenting with how to and new approaches to citizen in collaboration with the Aarhus quality on the site. In the beginning ‘There had been no retail planning, of a usual architecture competition develop, a more sustained level of here and another extension to local build-in the feedback of multi-faceted engagement, Aarhus has put itself in Kommune and Kilden Mortensen of the site there are some nice old no restaurants, any kind of public where you actually have to design citizen engagement is becoming more democracy – more public engagement communities for sites which are not yet the spotlight as a city looking beyond to deliver a development plan for brick buildings, which have been imitations. We tried to find out a project, they had to provide a mission engrained in how the Kommune and and commitment. This is not always home to residents or businesses. its ‘second tier’ status to embrace Bassin 7, a 52,000 m2 site situated converted into restaurants. It was where do people go to buy milk? statement describing how they would the city architect expects its partners easy – the people who come are the a more international perspective. within the Aarhus Ø harbour area. basically a clean slate.’ Everyday stuff – where does it collaborate with the municipality and to deliver projects: usual suspects. I have started splitting ‘Up until now, there’s been very little Simultaneously, the city is holding The plan for Bassin 7 makes a Camilla van Deurs (Gehl Architects) happen? How do we get in a within the team. Based on that you meetings into different sectors – feedback as no one is living there. As onto a strong sense of local identity point of designing for public life supermarket or spaces not only won the project. So it was more about ‘There are a lot of things happening in one for the business community, one projects are being built and people are and know-how to guide where and first, before delivering housing units. What now? for Starbucks and Michelin star the process. terms of community engagement and for the local area, the professional moving in there has been more interest – how the city grows: The plan introduces temporary uses There is already an existing restaurants but other spaces that How they organised it was brilliant. trying to integrate them into planning. community, the council departments – they become serious partners, especially that activate spaces across the site comprehensive masterplan for are more approachable so that As an architecture practice – and this We’ve had international masterplan and try to invite them to get involved. if they don’t like it! It’s very encouraging. ‘It’s an interesting dynamic because including a beach bar and urban the Aarhus harbour. The team’s smaller businesses can come in? sounds silly – but we actually got paid to competitions for the Southern Harbour, We work with different types We are now looking at ‘surrogate they want to promote themselves farming at Ø-Haven city garden. The approach was to challenge and Camilla van Deurs (Gehl Architects) do the work, even for the competitions Central Harbour, and then the Northern of developers. There are those that communities’ – we are inviting different and open up, they are more open site will eventually accommodate adapt this existing masterplan – it was really, really respectful. We Harbour. We have been working on I call the ‘younger generation’ – it bodies from all over the city by letter to experimentation – but at the same both residential and commercial to reflect the desires of the What next? got the time and we were paid to do it. these masterplans since the 90s – we makes business sense for them to or email and encourage them to get on time, it’s very, very small and local. uses, whilst also permanently Aarhus municipality, their own The development plan will be At the same time it wasn’t a one-way have been adjusting it as we’ve been do [engagement] and they are keen board. It’s like being a surrogate mother It is more agile than capital cities incorporating cultural and leisure approach to masterplanning, realised in a number of phases. process – we didn’t sit and do the work going along. We had public engagement to get on board because they see – they become a surrogate community [in trying new things], but ideally facilities like a public harbour bath current development, and recent Phase one of the development plan, behind closed doors, but we had all of meetings early in that process, when we the advantage – that it will make for a new development. We are trying there’s always someone from Aarhus and gardens in the public spaces. stakeholder engagement. currently underway, includes the these meetings involving everyone and developed each site there were planning their processes easier. Rather than to get age, gender and ethnicity to behind it!’ Bassin 7 is situated within The team were keen to introduction of urban life activities incorporating their ideas. So after this processes through which we sent plans being reactive, they are proactive. be represented and engaged. It is Aarhus Ø, a new quarter of the city, question the ‘over-proportioned’ and construction of approx. nine-month process was over, everyone into the public arena for consultation Because we insist upon it as a council, a commitment – but if we take them which has been established since the public spaces proposed within the 22,000 m2 of housing. was aligned and everyone could just and discussion. developers are compliant (after a seriously they will want to do it.’ expansion of the harbour. The site as masterplan, replacing them with continue working. Usually when you do presented to the design team was smaller streets and intimate squares With thanks to Friends of the a competition you just do it, you have primarily vacant: that reflect the existing urban Coal Bridge. no idea what the judges actually think. Then there are a couple of months 165 metres of underground pipes. about the development of the Coal where you are iterating the project Kulbroen: 44 years later, an electricity power Bridge and the South Harbour area. and incorporate everything. In that plant was added, and from 1928 the A key aim of the group is creating (Continued from page 3…) around because of gentrification. We As Camilla details, Gehl’s experience sense it was a very smooth process.’ excess heat from the production ‘the business district of tomorrow’ are giving the advisory board five million of the competition and procurement Bridging Aarhus’s of electricity was used for district and exploring other opportunities let’s change it. The process was a bit kroner, which they can use over the next process in Aarhus has been one driven heating. Two years later a new gas that the district offers. painful but hopefully will be right in the five years. We also have the Friends by collective vision-setting rather than The ‘Aarhus model’ of South Harbour plant, running on coke, was added. The group has hosted a range long-run. In the end I know Stephen is of the Coal Bridge group – I have been detailed design proposals: citizen participation It was then that the Coal Bridge was of events in the area including food very happy with the project – but for his involved with that from the start, there erected. Whenever large amounts markets, the Coal Bridge Festival, team it was a big turnaround.’ is a competition for the design of that ‘Aarhus municipality has been The city’s more recent processes of of coal arrived by ship in the harbour, Folkemødet: the people’s political [the Coal Bridge] coming up. It is going experimenting for the past couple of engaging with residents, community the coal was unloaded along festival, along with other events, Aarhus’s South Harbour presents to be an important development that years with different kinds of competition groups and businesses have been Sydhavnsgade. From here it was talks and exhibitions. Coal Bridge another key site for the city’s ongoing connects up to the railway district.’ formats, because in city development promoted as both bottom-up and picked up by cranes and sent towards Lab is a partnership between redevelopment programme. The site, the coke gas plant, storing it by the Aarhus Muncipality – Bolig og currently home to a mix of industrial, Coal Bridge. The coal was crushed Projektudvikling, Underværker/ creative, and logistics operations, is here before being transported to Realdania, the Danish Art Foundation in much earlier stages compared to an oven for burning. The burning and Friends of the Coal Bridge. sites like Bassin 7, and the process created gas, which was distributed of re-imagining the site has become to the citizens of Aarhus. In 1969, What next? increasingly collaborative. Stephen the coke gas plant was replaced by Aarhus Municipality have developed Willacy is in the process of working a split gas plant which extracted a vision plan for the South Harbour with an advisory board, community gas from oil. However, just ten district and started its work by groups and others in the Kommune’s years later gas production was shut launching an architectural design planning department to consider the down completely. The cranes and competition for the Coal Bridge. future of the site: mountains of coal were gradually The incoming proposals must show removed from the South Harbour how the Coal Bridge can strengthen ‘There are a group of artists and district until 1997, and only two the cohesion of the South Harbour, buildings here. I am very interested in remnants from the once enormous connecting its future buildings maintaining that DNA but I would also What is it? in the district. The buildings give the plant can be found there today: as well as ‘making businesses, like to see new development – a mix. What is today referred to as the district a distinct character, which Turbinehallen and the Coal Bridge. everyday life and a social diversity I want to develop the characteristics, ‘Coal Bridge’ (or Kulbroen in Danish) has helped to attract projects that mutually enriching’. and the sense of place. I am looking at is situated within the South Harbour give the cultural remnants a new What now? The Friends of the Coal Bridge models for first five years where we can district of Aarhus, approximately importance and create vibrant life The Friends of the Coal Bridge, have set out their vision for the have relaxed rent levels to encourage 160 metres of bridge structure and in the area. founded in 2014, have been working renewal of the Coal Bridge which particular uses – start-up firms etc. the adjacent area. The area has on the unfulfilled potential of the focuses upon creating a welcoming We have made an advisory board. for a long time been a prominent What then? South Harbour for several years. The monument into Aarhus filled with It’s called Re-THINK Activism, so it is cultural environment; home to a mix Historically, the Coal Bridge was group, consisting of key stakeholders social activities and green spaces, very much thinking about the framework of artists and creative businesses, used to transport coal to the city’s and volunteers, are based within along with celebrating the district’s to encourage engagement from the both established and upcoming gas plant during industrialisation. the Coal Bridge Lab – a newly history by preserving heritage citizens in the planning of the area. We companies, as well as shelters for In 1855, Aarhus got its first gas constructed house located just assets and avoiding demolition have quite a lot of homeless and drunk vulnerable people and the homeless. plant in the South Harbour area, below the Coal Bridge. Here the where possible. people within the [South Harbour] area Furthermore, many heritage assets which delivered gas for lighting, Friends of the Coal Bridge facilitate – I am keen for them to be integrated and cultural remnants still stand tall heating and cooking through talks, discussions and meetings With thanks to Friends of Kulbroen. into the planning process so they are not marginalised. They tend to get pushed Residential-led development transforming Aarhus’s harbour sites 6 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 7

when constructing their bid, was to era to become what has now been felt in the lived reality of the city in the middle of it all, it’s a bit hard to been ignored, and as a result the for example, Aarhus is also a landmark invite the entire mid-Denmark region named the world’s most ‘liveable city’, becoming a much better place to live tell whether or not it has reached far entire Danish infrastructure and city of architecture and design, with a To be a to join in, which it did. a quite radical transformation in a and work. Additionally, ambitions were enough. There has been some critique investment strategy is skewed – unique cluster of educational facilities Undoubtedly in going for the title short time. But I believe this was only unalterably raised. especially when it comes to the diversity hopefully, the exposure of Aarhus and professional practices that far there was a hope that this would bring possible because the city was on the of (rhythmic) music and whether enough 2017 can help correct this in a longer- exceed what could be expected from attention to the city and region. And cusp of this transformation anyhow, is being done to involve projects and term perspective. any comparable town – in terms of Capital of Culture: it does of course, and with that comes and that the most successful capitals initiatives from our talented youth size, and in terms of global success and very many opportunities for enhanced of culture (i.e. where the outcomes last and the city’s entrepreneurs. On the Juliana Engberg reputation. The city is working actively business, tourism capture and a kind after the spotlight has gone elsewhere) Who does the Capital other hand, the music scene in Aarhus Ideally, the legacy will be that to implement an architectural policy Momentary Fame of civic pride that cannot be measured were those where the timing was right, is growing on its own with Northside, organisations will start planning for and make this cluster of design firms an but is tangibly felt. and the title boosted the already of Culture title impact? Spot, new venues like Tape, Godsbanen the next five years and put in place the integral part of the identity of Aarhus. imminent changes – both in physical and and the South Harbour and acts/ next opportunities to capitalise on the Martin Thim immaterial qualities such as reputation Julian Weyer exports like Liss, Karl William, Lydmor, new audiences that have been captured. Laura Sillars or Lasting Impact? Aarhus is part of a global tendency and self-esteem. In that way, maybe Ideally, it would impact everyone. Now, Bæst etc. A lot of new players are That the networks that have been Perhaps there are broad-brush civic that you could call ‘the second city the key outcomes of the title is in the from a Danish perspective of the social popping up and creating great projects created are sustained and grow. That alternatives such as the Olympics Collated by Melissa Meyer phenomena’ and in recent years Aarhus process of the application itself (before collective, when we say ‘everyone’ we like Aarhus Volume, Square Space, people are more prepared to experiment or other major sports event, but the has really risen and grown its own the actual year of holding the title), truly hope to include everyone, so that Kulturentreprenør, Jakob Bjørn Galleri and take risks and that the generations European Capital of Culture status identity. I think that it was very natural because it is here that cities have the of course is extremely difficult to live etc. However, I don’t see our city to come have enhanced capacity. That is quite unique. Models that build Prompted by Aarhus’s 2017 Capital that Aarhus would make the bid as part opportunity to reformulate their goals up to. The truth is of course that almost ‘breeding’ a lot of very interesting visual the region understands and grasps infrastructure are clear alternative of Culture programme, this issue of of this development and also that we and ambitions, and where awareness of everyone is affected somehow, but in artists and maybe this could have been the cultural tourism potential we have ways of doing things but to really ‘The Unlimited Edition’ explores the won, because Aarhus is really the rising their own potential can become clear. very different ways – some find their a focus area for the Capital of Culture. demonstrated works if you cooperate change external opinions you need Capital of Culture status, its ambitions star in the north right now, so the timing pride asserted, some get more business, Or perhaps we will see the outcome and have fantastic projects that join a shock factor followed up by visible, and how it can impact a city. After Why do you think cities is perfect. Juliana Engberg some get to dream and some get to in a few years time. the dots. That the creative industries tangible and believable change. more than three decades, the European Unlike many ECOCs, Aarhus 2017 complain more. produce the next Nordic Noir product. Capital of Culture title is recognised want to be the Capital Julian Weyer has not embarked on infrastructural I find that most people actually do That the ingenuity of our region is Juliana Engberg as promoting the cultural and creative While each city might have individual projects. In many ways we are fortunate like the idea of Aarhus 2017, and because embraced and celebrated the world Of course you do not need a title industries of a given place – as it was of Culture? reasons and ideas for aspiring to that the city of Aarhus and several the city’s evolution is so clearly evident, over… oh, and that more people visit and to invest in culture…but it helps! The originally intended – but in addition the the title, they probably also share of the other municipalities decided it is not hard to create a positive vibe For you, what is the fall in love with Aarhus and the region, scheme and the title, which is so clever programme has come to be associated Laura Sillars the ambition to attract investment, to create new infrastructure anyway. around the event. A more ambitious part because frankly, what’s not to love?! really, provides a frame of reference with wider urban development The short answer is that they’re development and ultimately to be able Aarhus was ready to roll! Instead, our of Aarhus’s bid, however, was to extend ideal legacy of the and joins you to a legacy of cities, initiatives and city ‘transformation’. searching for a ‘trigger’. Of course to decide their own fates. Cities see year has put emphasis on projects and the title beyond the city itself, including eager to meet and share knowledge. Speaking with organisers, artists and a shorter answer would be ‘money’. themselves more and more competing creating opportunities for organisations the entire region of central Jutland, and Capital of Culture title? The European Capital of Culture is creative practitioners from both Aarhus Although honestly, I think these cities with other cities, both nationally to make dream works, think large and therein also a number of former ‘rival- a strong and trusted brand and to and other European Capital of Culture are searching for more than cash – and internationally, in what almost think long. Make contacts, networks cities’. This was a clever move, aiming to Julian Weyer Are there alternatives have the title means you have been (ECOC) cities, ‘The Unlimited Edition’ rather looking for something to build resembles a pre-modern race and new works that have brought both create a stronger regional cohesion I would say that the most important rigorously assessed as being a worthy explores how the sought-after title around which shifts gears, a story for resources. the local practitioners together with by declaring the end of rivalry, and at outcome would be a collective new to the Capital of and inspiring participant in the scheme. can, or should, engage with and that expresses change, to show that In Aarhus’s case, it certainly has international peers to ensure a greater the same time gain more momentum vision for what our city can be, a shared Importantly, and this is the genius of impact the city it lands in. places have transformed. For Liverpool, been a factor that Aarhus is constantly cross-pollination of ideas, approaches in relation to the capital region. It idea. Momentary fame or assertion of Culture approach? the idea, in bidding for the title, a city a constant theme was the desire to in competition with (or rather: has and outcomes. This creates a more remains to be seen whether citizens coolness is fine, but for the title to have starts to invest in itself and starts to With responses from: puncture holes in stereotypes that were long been eclipsed by) the Danish sustainable system of cultural delivery. outside of Aarhus feel the same level a lasting impact it must coincide with a Julian Weyer believe in itself. Being an ECOC is a pretty entrenched nationally about who capital, Copenhagen, and has long of involvement in the Capital of Culture. change in our thinking. Especially in the Yes, of course – I see the title itself as fantastic opportunity to reflect on Juliana Engberg and what it was as a city. That the 2008 felt that it deserved more international Martin Thim case of Aarhus, I would personally hope merely a manifestation of results that what strengths you have as a place and Programme Director, The Secretariat Capital of Culture was a huge success recognition, and a bigger share of I actually don’t think that you can Martin Thim that it also marks a change in national have already been achieved, or are culture and to enhance these attributes. for the Aarhus 2017 Foundation there is now part of its history. national investments. But the actual bid for or truly claim the Capital title I have lived in Aarhus for 40 years and thinking: Denmark has for a long time in the making. The title itself doesn’t You do not need a title, but it is a very The European Capital of Culture timing coincided with a sense of the city if your city has not already taken I’ve never experienced the kind of failed to acknowledge the fact that it bring change, so as a reward it points strong incentive for politicians to direct Laura Sillars status then operates as an external undergoing a profound transformation: significant steps towards a strong engagement and amount of different becomes more and more bipolar, with to the successful implementation of funds to culture. If our ECOC is anything Artistic Director at Site Gallery, frame of reference, a benchmark and Aarhus is currently changing faster cultural infrastructure, both mentally cultural offers as we have seen this and the greater Aarhus region numerically such ‘other mechanisms’, especially to go by, it pays back manifold. Culture Sheffield; previously Programmes an indicator that the place has got it than it has for the last 70–80 years. and physically. People living here, the last couple of years. At the same matching the Copenhagen capital in cities like Aarhus that are not is a hidden treasure in most cities, and Director at FACT, Liverpool during together. That’s when the money comes Typically these developments happen in businesses operating here, the city time, when you are literally standing region. Yet politically this has simply primary cultural monuments. Today, the title helps to bring it to the surface. Liverpool ’08 Capital of Culture in because investors and speculators leaps, and what is currently happening and region have really started to work have evidence that there will be a is similar in scale to the transformation together in so many new ways. The ‘silos’ P hotograph by Jan Kejser Martin Thim return on their investment and so you in the early 1930s when the university have been torn down just a bit and new Founder, The Coal Bridge project, get a snowball effect. This might sound was established and the city began collaborations and adventures are being and organiser, Creativity World Forum like a cynical narrative of why this the ongoing transformation from an born. This will have a huge impact in the status matters, but this is not my industrial port city to a regional hub and coming years I’m sure. Julian Weyer view. The experimental culture that knowledge city. So the bid is very much Partner, Architect MAA, C.F. Møller my professional life has been concerned a quest for balance, to acknowledge Laura Sillars with absolutely benefits from a place that Aarhus’s role in the future will be I moved to Liverpool to work at Tate shifting gear. To be successful, there greater and that this will change the Liverpool in 2004 and stayed in the needs to be an authentic set of way the country is perceived. city until 2010, having then moved to links made between ambitious new FACT. When I first arrived you had to forms of cultural production and the trek across a cold, somewhat abandoned indigenous cultures embedded into field and take your chances across a the values of the everyday lives of dual carriageway to get from the city citizens and residents. What do you see as the centre to the Albert Dock. By the time I left, this whole area was developed, Juliana Engberg key outcomes of the with a pedestrian walkway through Aarhus is a city that thinks very boulevards of restaurants and hotels and carefully about its growth and has a Capital of Culture title? across a pedestrian-prioritised crossing, great pride in its unique, youthful and linking the whole riverside complex and clever DNA. It wants to grow well, better, Julian Weyer the city centre. There were plenty of sustainably and smarter, and bidding In my view this has varied greatly for capital projects which site the ECOC for the opportunity to be the European the individual cities in the past – looking title as their trigger but the artistic Capital of Culture gave a focus for these back at Copenhagen’s 1996 title, there strategy was all about events, ambitions. It’s also a city that has a big is now clearly a before and after: the experiences and moments which spirit and generous heart and one of the year marked the definite departure brought people together. For a cultural most inspiring decisions Aarhus made from Copenhagen’s grim, post-industrial worker in the city, the outcomes were The opening of the 2017 European Capital of Culture year in Aarhus, 21 January 8 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 9

– there were not that many rules in the B’ and they would say ‘here you go!’ A The people there have moved beginning, there is still not that many little bit more than that, but not much. into the buildings and refurbished An Occupy rules today. We have always had trouble We didn’t take everything at once, but them themselves – I could see a huge fitting in because we are noisy and dirty. eventually we ran out of buildings. Then ownership from people, ‘this is our We need space where there are less rules we turned to containers, tents…yurts! place’ – that’s interesting. The rest of and people won’t care about there being Copenhagen felt very different, it was Movement with paint on the floor! The municipality just Many people make comparisons more like ‘I’m employed here’ or ‘I just wanted us to do it properly and in return between Institut for (X) and rent the place’. I tried to take the good we got space and freedom. Christiania in Copenhagen, is stuff from Copenhagen and Berlin – a Dialogue this a fair comparison to make? ‘build it yourself’, ‘own it yourself’, free What is the story behind Institut spirit stuff – the rowdiness of the big Hannah Martin in conversation for (X) acquiring space on the site? It seems a little bit like Christiania cities. In the smaller cities humans with Mads Peter Laursen, Institut for (X) because that is the only thing it tend to move towards neatness. There The site was empty – there had been could resemble in Denmark. We have is nothing wrong with that, but a city some events previously but mostly it Christiania and then we have normal needs some dirtiness, some craziness was not used. Before that it was related stuff – there’s nothing in between! and free places so it doesn’t turn into Hi Mads Peter, tell us about how Do the companies within Institut to the rail but was left forgotten. The If you go to Berlin or Marseilles you something too boring. Institut for (X) began… for (X) have to fit any criteria? deal [with the municipality] was very have a lot of different things in between. blurry before we moved in, I moved here We wanted to take inspiration home Are there any restrictions upon That’s a small question with a long We call it a ‘curation’. We curate not from Copenhagen with my kitchen stuff from the bigger cities, and Christiania activities in Institut for (X)? answer! It started out as a really by what people are doing, but more that and my bed and printers and tools and was one of them. small project in 2009 – there was they are doing something different from everything. In three days we set up the The restrictions are more like no intention of it growing as much as what other people are doing. We like to DNA of Institut for (X) – we had an office, How is it different from Christiania? guidelines. We do not want the selling it did. We wanted to try to take ‘bigger accommodate activities that would not kitchen, tool rooms and then projects of drugs – that is the bad stuff we did city culture’ back to a small city, catch usually have space elsewhere within the hanging on the walls with deadlines. The Christiania is a housing experiment – not want to take from Christiania. Or stuff from Berlin or Copenhagen and city. There are a lot of micro start-ups in municipality were like ‘oh you’ve moved a freetown. Institut for (X) is a business religion, you can be religious but we bring it back to Jutland. The question Aarhus who do more hands-on activity in’ and we said ‘yes we told you!’ It was experiment – a ‘freetown business don’t want preaching. And the same was ‘Will it work?’ ‘Is there any need for ie. designers who also wanted to build a bit like an occupy movement, but an experiment’. When I lived in Copenhagen goes for politics. We have this rule it?’ ‘Do people in small cities actually stuff, but there are no maker spaces occupy movement with a dialogue. I visited Christiania a lot – I was not ‘zero’ which means behave in a way want to participate in it?’ within the city for these start-ups. There The whole footprint of Institut for (X) involved but I used it as a free space so we don’t have to have rules. Use your We started with five guys, seven are however many laptop spaces where is bigger than when we first came here. where normality is gone and there were mind – question yourself, ‘does it seem Informal workspace construction, Institut for (X) years ago. We took it really slow. The you can rent a desk with WiFi and coffee. Building A was the origin point. And then no glossy photos of perfect men wearing like a good idea what you are doing?’ project has grown one company at a we started naming buildings even before perfect glasses and holding café lattes. Sometimes that is hard for people was the space and freedom and we it was also one of the reasons we got What is the future of the Institut time, with individuals discovering the What is your relationship with we got the keys, ie. ‘Building B’. We went A lot of people in Copenhagen use to understand. ‘Should I do my own have that, we don’t need them or the keys. So there was the view that for (X) site? place and asking to join. There has never the municipality, are they tolerant by the rule ‘if you name it, you claim it’. Christiania to escape. dishes?’ – yes you should. money to operate. they needed to support subculture and been a campaign. We had the first guys of the activities here? We started talking to the municipality What I like about Christiania is the ‘crazy places’ which are temporary. The future is similar to how it always after a month, fixing up some speakers. about ‘Building B’ so they started talking businesses there, the concentration of How many business units are on What happens when companies There was this guy called Niels is. Our economy is just like a small drop Then there was a film guy who wanted There was a deal from the beginning about ‘Building B’. Then it exists. ‘Oh people doing art and the people making the site? move out, and where do they go? Peter Mohr who pointed at this area in an ocean – these places like ours a table for his computer. that we needed space and freedom you forgot to give us the key to Building stuff, less so the freetown itself. and said this could be a place for a don’t fit into how you develop cities Once upon a time I knew! I’d guess… It is so rare that people move out – temporary project, and then three and right now there is so much money [puts finger in the air]…around 90! perhaps one company per year, and months after I came and asked for the in development. The municipalities Last year I stopped knowing. I am that’s only really if the company grows keys – so it was very easy to get the don’t have enough money to make the centrepiece to Institut for (X), too big. Sometimes it’s not ideal to keys without a serious contract. the budgets come together. and I used to know everyone but I don’t have messy paint everywhere, inside any more. That’s when I realised the a container. If you have a small design So, there is a long-term link Is Capital of Culture drawing the project worked, as I don’t need to have studio and grow more than two to between Institut for (X) and Capital attention of developers to this site? all responsibility or know everything three people it gets a bit cramped, of Culture? that’s going on. or if you need to move goods in and There is a plan that is being reviewed out you need a bigger space. When Yes, but Institut for (X) is not part of within the municipality and then if Is there a system in place for they leave they are usually good at Capital of Culture, it is just the stuff they agree it will make Institut for (X) rents etc.? finding somewhere cool to set up their around it. I asked the [Capital of permanent. We had this guy from the workspace. They don’t just go for the Culture] board about city development municipality who initially said that Everyone pays rent – that is one rent-a-desk spaces – they are past and subculture and platforms for young what we were doing was temporary use of the things we try to administer. that. They make their own unique people, and they said, ‘We don’t do and something else would eventually The rent is generally the same for space in the city. that’. There was no way for people like happen on the site. He came back everybody, except sometimes if us to plug in. I like it but I am not a fan two years later and the mentality had someone is super broke or unhappy, What do you think about Capital of the actual project. I am a fan of what changed. He said that what we were then we say ‘forget the money, get of Culture? Has it had an impact it does to the city and how it changes doing was unique… ‘When a town has your head back’ and then when they on the project? the mindset of the municipality and the something that is unique, they should are ready we push play again on rent. whole city. be really careful about what they do The project is not financed by the Has it started? [laughs] It has had with it’. We didn’t want to campaign city – it is self-sustaining. We get the a huge impact on the mindset of the Were you happy when and to protest about staying, we land for zero, we don’t pay rent to the municipality. When they did the bid Godsbanen arrived? wanted the mentality to change municipality but the project is ‘cost about ten years ago they started within the system, and it worked. neutral’ so it works. thinking about ‘cultural capital’, We were here for three and a half years Half of the businesses will stay ‘we need to have culture’, ‘what is before Godsbanen came. Before that and perhaps more in the long run. Is that why you have a more culture?’ – ballet, sports, the…[whistles] there were no lamps that worked, it We are also hoping to push some positive relationship with the local orchestra, the art museums. We was like an island – especially in winter of the stuff that is here into the new municipality compared with other have all the classic types of culture it was pitch black, felt like downtown – developments. However, I am skeptical grassroots projects in Denmark? in Aarhus. And then the board asked you couldn’t see anything! It was nice about this – when we discuss with ‘how is the “subculture” doing?’ And so when they opened – they have facilities the developers they say it sounds I am really good at dealing with the the municipality had to start thinking like clean toilets! They have people in interesting but they probably won’t municipality, if I think a person is going about this as another strand of culture. the workshops who help us with putting deliver it. The new architecture school to make it problematic I steer around They went on trips to other towns like up shelves etc. They provide the public on the site will be positive – that’s 800 them. I talk a lot with the municipality… Amsterdam and Barcelona and visited services, as they get funding to do that young people studying architecture, when we need to. But they don’t have places of subculture. This was before – this leaves us to just get on with what which will be fun. Better than a Outdoor maker space, Institut for (X) anything else we want, all we wanted we got the keys to Institut for (X), but we are doing at Institut for (X). residential development. 10 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 11

Spaces for Making: Institut for (X) meets Godsbanen

Established in 2009, Institut for (X) is an independent, non- profit organisation, arising from grassroots initiatives. (X) is situated within a unique site in central Aarhus which operated as a goods station until its closure in 2000. The organisation began to occupy a collection of buildings on the site that were left vacant, and in recent years the site has developed a unique cultural identity of its own. (X) consists of hundreds of active members and around 90 studios and workshops, 50 businesses and 25 associations, making this an unrivalled culturally- rich and diverse space in the city. The site offers a creative ‘free zone’ – an alternative and inclusive space where subcultures and young people are well-represented and promoted. Institut for (X) has a distinct campus feel. Its current informal structure and lack of physical boundaries make it an open and accessible space for all. In 2012, the municipality transformed an existing building on the northern end of the site into a robust cultural institution named Godsbanen. The institution offers programmed cultural activities and includes a theatre, music venues, an exhibition hall, studio spaces and workshops which are equipped for printing, textiles, wood and metal work. This ‘organised culture’ compliments the grassroots activity of Institut for (X), and helps to establish the site as a vibrant area of cultural exchange. It has been an ongoing struggle for (X)’s unique cultural contribution to the city to be recognised as something worth preserving. The most recent redevelopment plans for the area show large plots with a dense mix of residential and student housing, as well as placing the new Aarhus School of Architecture within the area (X) currently inhabits. Fortunately for the city, a portion of the existing area will be preserved, but the future for collaboration, culture and making on site remains to be seen.

Illustration of Godsbanen and Institut for (X) in Aarhus by Mark Flynn (We Made That), words by Thomas O’Brien 12 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 13

Frontrunners involved young people cultural projects and events in the in a series of projects and quickly grew city, providing workspace to creative The Frontrunners into what has been described as a ‘youth entrepreneurs. Kaospilot have moved movement’. Operating on the edge of on from their initial roots within the Only Women in the Pénélope Seguin with Pete Sims of Kaospilot the cultural sector, the Frontrunners cultural sector to a stronger focus brought street festivals to Aarhus on entrepreneurship and leadership, and also delivered a strong political although the influence of creativity and message, famously organising a concert production remains. When describing Room: Denmark’s ‘It’s an interesting question… What is the and musicians… It was actually promoting democracy in Moscow at this shift in the school’s ethos Pete Kaospilot? What is it for, why is it here? ahead of Copenhagen when it came the height of the cold war. states, ‘there was a large focus on What is its purpose? […] It’s always been to creative vitality…but also had high From these early events, came the doing events, production… which is still Kvindelig Platform a school, but what it’s for and how it unemployment and marginalised youths.’ idea for a new school. There is a sense here. “Event” is a good medium [for works has always been a living process This period also overlapped with that what the Frontrunners’ projects students] – it has a logistical aspect but Ida Bergström of discovery and experimentation.’ the city experiencing sustained had been able to achieve was the result also leaves space for interpretation.’ Kaospilot was founded in 1991 by population increase. The student of new approaches to engagement In continuation with the spirit Uffe Elbæk, who is now a well-known population especially, having tripled and participation, rooted in creativity. of these early initiatives, Uffe Elbæk personality of Danish politics, an between 1965 and 1977, was continuing Kaospilot was in fact responding to is now the leader of ‘The Alternativet’ It is June 30th 2017. is a members club for all author and an entrepreneur. The to grow. The confluence of these factors ‘the emerging need for a new type of – a political party founded in 2013 architects, no member can be school grew out of a specific scene in saw the emergence of various grassroots education that could help young people and committed to a new political My name is Ida Bergström, held out of the events taking Aarhus and out of pre-existing projects initiatives, one of which was Kaospilots’ navigate the changing reality of the culture. The party developed its I am a 31 year old feminist place at its premises. I wanted rooted in both creative activity and precursor: the Frontrunners. ‘The spirit 20th century’. In a 2013 interview, Elbæk manifesto through discussion and from Sweden who used to talk the event to be for women only citizen engagement. of the Frontrunners […] was to create recalls, ‘We asked ourselves, what kind collaboration, in events branded with flowers as a child, now – I had this idea that the Pete Sims, Team Leader at Kaospilot a space for these people, these creatives of education could we create to help ‘political laboratories’. The party I work as a landscape architect event would give a common and explains, ‘the context in which this and talents […] a space where they us do what we were doing?’ is underpinned by a strong focus on in Copenhagen. A little bit secure ground for the women process of discovery/co-creation could express themselves – and through These early grassroot initiatives arts and culture, recalling the influence over a year ago I created the attending, give them their chairman Natalie Mossin and Kvindelig Platform, a network space and let them talk and director Jesper Pagh they filled up with photographs was founded is through the cultural the medium of projects’, says Pete. have since then evolved, and are now of the cultural sector in shaping new for women in the architectural discuss their issues. I have agreed to open up to members of board members and partners. sector. Back in the 1980s, Aarhus was A social initiative started by Elbæk firmly established organisations in approaches to educational, social field, because: no scientific proof (only my of our (real) unions FAOD (for By the end of the day, 48 out a thriving scene for activists, artists through his role as a counsellor, the Aarhus. The Frontrunners support and political movements. gut feeling, what I’ve read in architects and designers) and of 52 people represented in 1) There were, and still are, Sheryl Sandberg’s ‘Lean In’, JA (for landscape architects) the posted photos were men. not enough female architects and what I’ve heard from a very as well. A few months later, Dorte visible in our field. It is not wise salary coach) that women Mandrup had a piece in the that they don’t exist – there is sometimes hold back in debates Another issue, which I didn’t Danish newspaper Politiken, in the living room space of the Gellerup The plan, led by a collaboration between talk about us being 50:50 now, and in conversations when see coming, were the reactions which was later translated Museum, Anne reflects on the changing the housing association Brabrand but this is not very evident there are men in attendance. from some men and women who to English and posted on A Wander appeal of the area: ‘Gellerup was the hot Boligforening and the City of Aarhus, when you look at lecturers, There were some angry voices see the network as a negative Dezeen. In it she debates and stuff at the time…now students want to aims to introduce a mix of different debate panels, leaders in on Facebook, and in the end thing. They feel that having a questions why she (and other live here again!’ uses to Gellerup including office space, offices and editors. This is we couldn’t prevent men from women-only network cements the women with her) are categorised Gellerup Museum itself is a once- shops and culture to ensure the area not just a problem for female coming to the event, but when difference between the sexes as female architects, and through Gellerup empty flat, now preserved as a museum does not remain ‘exclusively residential’. architects, who do not have the clock struck 6pm there were more than it helps women to not just architects. for the estate. Anne describes the The proposed masterplan has prompted Hannah Martin and Melissa Meyer, other female architects to look only women in the room. progress. They ask, who are museum as a ‘showroom’ which contains some demolition of the existing housing up to and be inspired by, but we (KP) to say that it is not So, things are moving out guided by Anne Katrine Graah Rasmussen the original fit-out from the 1970s, and blocks as well as a considerable amount it is also a huge problem for That was April 2016, and now, right that there are only there. However, talk is cheap, provides a space to curate exhibitions of retention. the quality and the development 14 months later, the network male panels and boards at and action speaks louder than that prompt discussions about Gellerup Anne explains the plans have been of architecture. If only men has grown from just me and my other events, and then invite words, right? ‘They made this island in the middle of As an alternative, people opted for and the surrounding area. built up to bring a ‘big change’ to the are in the possession of power, idea, to a group of eight strong only female architects to our Aarhus, and that is what they are trying cheap bank loans to build their own What of Gellerup today? ‘They want area, but that scheme has encountered only their perspective and and inspiring women, who are events? That makes us just In Kvindelig Platform, we have priorities are represented all dedicated in fulfilling our as bad as everyone else. great ambitions – we talk about to change now with roads etc. When homes away from Gellerup. ‘At that to make it attractive to make people challenges, particularly with the existing in the architecture created network’s goal: to create an arranging camps, taking study they built it, it was a very large project, time, this created the biggest area for come out and see what is happening residents. When asked about resident in Denmark. open platform for women in the The difference, as I see it, trips and visiting architecture one of the biggest projects in the North parcelhuskvarter (suburbs) – little family here…they are trying to penetrate the reactions to the masterplan, Anne architectural field where we is that this is our agenda: to by our role models, getting of Europe. People came from all over houses with gardens and fences’. area to make it easier to travel in and replies, ‘Curiosity. Hopefulness and 2) There was no network encourage, guide, strengthen make women more visible. It is that webpage up and running, the world. A bus from Hamburg in the As a result of this shift, many flats out of Gellerup and connect it to the rest despair.’ She continues, ‘“What is this?” for female architects and support female architects not about debating concrete, record a podcast, having 70s arrived to see the project, and a few on the estate were left empty. ‘Gellerup of Aarhus’. Anne is describing the vision they want to know…many have lots of in our biggest union, in their careers. Foucault or a new Danish wave events at least once a month, months ago a bus from Hamburg arrived had only been finished for a few years… of the current Gellerup Masterplan, questions about the change. It can be Arkitektforeningen. Surely within architecture, which applying for a scholarship, again! History is repeating itself.’ what was built up to be a grand project which is being implemented over a difficult for those who live within the there is a need for female Kvindelig Platform (KP) both men and women surely are setting up a scholarship for Walking through Gellerup, we was already declining’. The demographic 20-year period to be completed in 2030. big changes to see things positively.’ architects, under-represented is a network within capable of doing. It is about female architects, visiting bump into Anne Katrine, the curator of of the estate ‘tended to be people who and all, to join forces and Arkitektforeningen, which I being a female architect, being Folkemødet, cooperating with Gellerup Museum, who fills us in on the were not money-strong’, Anne explains. empower each other? guess could be considered the given the time and space to talk other networks, arranging backstory of the Gellerup estate – from Driving to the Gellerup Museum, Danish RIBA (Royal Institute to each other, and about women a strategy seminar, getting its original concept to the changes that Anne discusses how the estate became So! of British Architects). being inspired by other women. that Instagram up and running, lie ahead. ‘The designers of the estate as culturally diverse as it is today. Arkitektforeningen has getting on with times and had the motto, “from cradle to grave”’, ‘In the 1970s there were quite a lot My idea was simple. Start supported the network from So what now? And what about getting a Snapchat account…. Anne explains, ‘When you came back of Turkish people who came for work, a network and give women day one and contributed in all the future? Well, here in and so forth and so on. Up until from work you had everything you in the 80s we had a large group from a platform to interact and manner of ways. This is one Denmark the debate regarding now (and perhaps for the rest need, and actually in the first drawings Palestine, and in the 90s there was engage with each other, share of the perks you get by being equality in the architectural of our existence) we have had of the estate they even had a cemetery a big group from Somalia.’ Describing experiences and be inspired a member – small financial field seems to have grown a a very ad hoc approach to our – they dropped that because it was the challenges of socially integrating by other women. At the first support as well as conceptual bit over the past few months. work in the network. I’d guess these diverse groups within the city, event in April 2016, which sparring with dedicated and On the 8th of March, before it has something to do with a bit bizarre!’ I arranged with the help of competent people. They have attending a Kvindelig Platform time. As I said, we have great These ambitious plans for Gellerup Anne notes, ‘this island became a huge Arkitektforeningen, 60 women also helped a lot through event, Rikke Le Quick Larsen ambitions, and not just with encouraged people to live their lives problem because suddenly you had showed up. It was clear that advertising our events and triggered a debate about Kvindelig Platform. We are busy in a particular way. These imaginings totally other cultures – Denmark is not there were more people in need promoting the network. In the inequality in the field, women, changing the world one were, however, stalled by the oil crisis that big, Aarhus is not that big and of a female network than just beginning, it was actually presenting some statistics step at a time. in 1973, making it ‘far too expensive’ it was very difficult to cope with that. me. There was, however, a bit only possible for members of about the skewed balance of for people to live in Gellerup. As a result, It had become a parallel environment’. of a controversy with the first Arkitektforeningen to join, leadership positions in mayoral It is now July 1st, 2017. And the construction of the estate stopped In the 1970s, a large student population event. As Arkitektforeningen however, after talking to our departments. The thread quickly there are so many things to do. short of the original scheme to house was drawn to Gellerup to rent large flats 15,000, eventually reduced down to cheaply and to be part of the area’s provision for around 7,000 residents. vibrant underground scene. Standing Gellerupparken, 1971 14 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 15 P hotograph by Ilka and Andreas R uby The second venue, inside Gellerup Taking place in a converted former Museum, aims to view the potential of apartment in one of the high-rise Never Demolish! this transformation in a wider context buildings, which now serves as a museum by placing the exhibition in a similar for the community, the exhibition Andreas and Ilka Ruby surrounding to the one in Bordeaux: stages a maximum transformation with Gellerup, site of the largest modernist minimum means. Life-size images of housing development in Denmark. views into and from the winter garden Built in the 1960s as a solution to fill the entire walls of the exhibition In the 1960s and 1970s, large-scale & Vassal, Frédéric Druot, and Christophe growing post-war housing demand, space. These not only simulate the living housing complexes were built all over Hutin as a potential model for the social the high-rise complex was conceived spaces in Grand Parc, they also give the the world as a bold solution to satisfy and physical rehabilitation of the mass- to function as a satellite city of Aarhus impression that the space of the museum the need for housing. Five decades housing estates of modernism. for middle-class Danish residents. extends beyond the physical boundaries later they are largely considered as The ‘Never Demolish’ exhibition, However, the concentration of mono- of the 4 3 11 metre room. Mirroring ideologically outdated, urbanistically curated by Ilka and Andreas Ruby for functional residential estates outside of the transformation at Grand Parc, the failed, and ripe for demolition. Against the Copenhagen Architecture Festival the city with little urban infrastructure interior of the building is given new value this backdrop ‘Never Demolish’ claims 2017, presents this project for the first produced a ghettoisation effect, through a process of addition that is that these projects can have a second time in Denmark, addressing architects, resulting in the social segregation characterised by spatial generosity. life that’s better than their first, through urban planners, developers, heritage of residents with a predominately This overlay of two contexts – sensible renovation – enlarging the conservationists, and politicians alike. migrant background. The ensuing of Bordeaux and Gellerup – attests spaces and improving living standards. To help facilitate a discussion about socio-economic issues and the to the wider spatial and cultural The exhibition features the spectacular the proposal in light of the current negative image associated with the implications that this type of transformation of 530 dwellings across Danish housing situation, the exhibition area prompted the demolition of five transformation can have, ultimately three high-rise buildings of the Cité du is staged at two different sites: the blocks in the complex, meaning that changing the iconography and cultural Grand Parc in Bordeaux, France designed gallery SPACE10 in Copenhagen and 300 dwellings out of 2500 have image with which these estates are by the architectural offices of Lacaton the Gellerup Museum in Aarhus. already been displaced. nowadays associated.

‘Never Demolish!’ Transformation of 530 dwellings in Bordeaux by Lacaton & Vassal, Frédéric Druot, Christophe Hutin Photographs by Philippe Ruault Curated by Ilka and Andreas Ruby P hotograph by Kaare Viemose P hotograph by Kaare Viemose 16 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 17

Creative Spaces OPPOSITE Image credits ‘Google’, credit: photographer unknown, image Among the ten different departments, Scrupulous.dk source: www.google.com; ‘Nuclear Bomb’, credit: one was dedicated to researching US Department of Energy, image source: in public Scrupulous.dk at Aarhus School of Architecture the history of creative spaces. The domain; ‘Harry Potter’, credit: photographer Creative spaces burgeoning obsession with innovation unknown, image source: unknown; ‘The Shopping and creativity worldwide has heightened Center’, credit: photographer unknown, image source: unknown; ‘Microprocessor’, credit: Intel, expectations on workplaces to image source: in public domain; ‘Nirvana’, credit: Throughout the last few decades, less hindered by implicit financial encourage this. Much of the current www.nirvana-legacy.com; ‘Gustave Courbet’, workspaces have been transformed obligations, and exploring new ways mythology surrounding creative credit: Eugègen Feyen, image source: Institut from rather neutral environments to in which history can be used to inform spaces revolves around the collectively Gustave Courbet, Ornans; ‘The Matrix’, credit: spaces of heightened expectations: design practice and thus promote the embraced garage (and maybe the dorm) www.soundandvision.net; ‘Standardised Architecture’, credit: photographer unknown, future, rather than exclusively dwell as the epicentre of creative incubation. they should bolster us, feed us with image source: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar; inspiration, simultaneously challenge on the past. Together with 186 master In the excerpt presented here, we ‘Desktop Computer’, credit: PARC (Palo Alto and comfort us. The frivolity emanating students, a team of researchers from wanted to broaden this mythology Research Center Incorporated), image source: from Silicon Valley has drastically the Aarhus School of Architecture and by adding a number of spaces where Computer History Museum; ‘Wassily Kandinksy’, credit: Alexander Liberman, image source: in influenced the aesthetics, and social a range of external consultants from influential inventions or inventors Google Charles and Ray Eames Nuclear Bomb Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling) public domain; ‘Satellite’, credit: photographer various different disciplines, we set a worked on advancing mankind in and programmatic understanding unknown, image source: unknown; ‘Richard of our workspace. Spearheaded collective task to fill a highly structured culture, technology, economy, Wagner’, credit: photographer unknown, by companies like Google and research database with source material science, and politics. image source: unknown; ‘Bob Dylan’, credit: Facebook, new workspace design has from ten defined areas of interest that Ted Russell, image source: in public domain; successfully introduced radical forms support us in understanding how we ‘Global Positioning System’, credit: Naval Research Laboratory, image source: got here. The AAA team includes: of architectural Prozac: from reminders www.timeandnavigation.si.edu of the coziness of our homes to bubbled The opening and introduction of Ruth Baumeister, Professor MSO kindergartens for grown-ups. Scrupulous.dk was hosted in one of the Architecture History & Theory Stephan Petermann, Velux Professor, Below most inspiring office buildings in the At Aarhus School of Architecture and Associate, OMA, Rotterdam Mindet 6 is a 4,000 m2 base camp for the opening (AAA), in September 2016 we world: designed by Arne Jacobsen, the Anne Elisabeth Toft, Associate Professor workshop of Scrupulous.dk: a literal translation founded Scrupulous.dk: a research Aarhus City Hall is a prime example of Birgitte Geert Jensen, Associate Professor of the strict organisational setup into a Dogville- and consultancy firm which aims an office building that – while built on Carolina Dayer, Tutor esque scenography with the students/employees Karen Olesen, Associate Professor following a strict work regime from nine-to- at improving knowledge about the a shoestring budget – through brilliant The European Union The Shopping Center Microprocessor Nirvana Khadar Awil, Student Assistant five, while dressed in uniform. The strictness workspace. Its ambition is to examine forward-looking design and care in its Thomas Lillevang, Photographer is compensated by an evening program, which the current condition of workspace lifetime, is celebrating its 75th birthday A big crowd of AAA students as volunteers forgets work and celebrates freedom of urban by developing historical research in almost pristine condition. 186 Master Students and pastoral life.

Gustave Courbet The Matrix (Wachowski Sib.) Standardised Architecture Fastfood

Desktop Computer Bullet Train Wassily Kandinsky Satellite

Richard Wagner Bob Dylan Coco Chanel Global Positioning System 18 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION Issue VI — AArhus — September 2017 19

Bang Larsen and then-director of the ‘Rapport’ may be seen as an attempt Kunsthal Aarhus, Joasia Krysa. The to consolidate a legacy – and an archive The Particular exhibition was developed from the – of the Kunsthal as institution, the (In)Visible catalogue ‘Aarhus Rapport’, published Kunsthal of today seems to consider in 1969 by the Aarhus Art Society in the implications of not being fixed an attempt to document a number of to one particular space and place. and the Ephemeral: happenings, exhibitions and concerts By putting together the ‘Aarhus Partners taking place in and around Aarhus Rapport’, the Art Society of 1847 Stephanie Bickford-Smith and Ben Peppiatt during the years 1961–69. created an argument for making an Reporting from Aarhus Printed on the inside covers of the institution proper, fusing the building original ‘Aarhus Rapport’ are a number with initiatives and activities. And one of photographs from Andersen’s may argue, that by taking up this legacy Invited by the British Council, creative project, contrasted by a black and of the ‘Aarhus Rapport’ anno 2014, the partnership (In)Visible Partners are (1969, 2014, 2017–) white topographic map of the city of activities of various associations and in preparation for a residency in Aarhus on its outside. In other words, groups get linked to this particular Aarhus, asking the question – how Anne Kølbæk Iversen the map and images of specific sites place, announcing the Kunsthal as the to transform city heritage into a city of Aarhus are what holds together true heir to the so-called Aarhus-garde. of opportunities? the different artistic practices documented inside the ‘Rapport’. It is an example of this ‘politics of the ultra-local’, which curator Lars Bang Larsen pursued through his interrogation into the legacy, impact, and direction of the Aarhus (avant)-garde. The 2014 exhibition presented a number of re-enactments, original 1960’s works and documentations, Mirrored fish tank windows: people-watching as well as new commissions taking can be a great source of creative inspiration and the cue from the works and practices watching fish a calming meditative experience so why not combine the two? listed in the ‘Rapport’. All of this was displayed side by side, superimposing Proposed periscope towers to offer a new In June 1969, Danish composer and of the work as it guided them through actual places and localities mentioned In answer to the residency, our perspective on the city and to engage Fluxus artist Eric Andersen presented the city. The composition was a way in the ‘Rapport’ within the exhibition focus is on how the citizens of Aarhus inhabitants with the wider area. an interactive artwork called ‘By som to connect people in different places, space of the Kunsthal. In this way the can find space to contemplate and værk’ (City as work) that connected sharing information over the walkie- exhibition became in the same gesture engage in new ways of thinking. community in Aarhus and how different places in Aarhus in a talkie with others on the same channel, a spatialisation of the book and a For us contemplation is the ability their practices can be communicated complex composition through posters but also a way to connect places with virtual representation of the Aarhus to process, engage with and imagine and engage with other inhabitants mounted on billboard triangles on places, transferring a mark from one scene of experimental art of the 1960s. new ideas. We believe that for a city to create a city of opportunity. We the city’s squares and in bus stops, location to another. Moreover, the series of contemporary to adequately evolve in response want to explore ideas around how the communication over walkie talkies and Eric Andersen writes about the responses to the history and figures of to shifts in modern society, it should architecture of a city could facilitate analogue cameras to document which piece, ‘A city is an instrument that the ‘Rapport’ extended its map with provide its citizens with the space this process, especially as contemplation places had been visited. The posters on doesn’t always have to play the same new, possible sites to connect with. and ability to consider and question is often unique to individuals. Residency approach: absorb and experiment phrases. “City as work” involved the In this year of Aarhus as European its working. As the European Capital billboard triangles simultaneously gave You can follow the progress of through workshops and events, then create the audience instructions for their tour entire city as an interactive artwork, Capital of Culture, the city is being of Culture, we are interested in what (In)Visible Partners’s Aarhus residency ideas to engage Aarhus residents in new ways through the city and served as a log of through which visitors and local traversed, mapped, logged and can be learned from the creative at: www.invisiblepartners.wordpress.com of thinking. which instructions had been carried out. population could enjoy quite different networked again. 2017 also marks the This conceptual framework for urban routes and activities than the centennial of the Aarhus Art Building, a mapping of Aarhus resulted in an common and worn out ones.’ now Kunsthal Aarhus, and for this ongoing and choreographed, but not In 2014, a new edition of Andersen’s occasion curator Trine Friis Sørensen planned or scheduled, performance work was presented as part of the has developed ‘The Timeshare Project’, ‘The Timeshare Project’ may be new streets that are being introduced Museum, and posts the videos on social as well as a series of photographs exhibition ‘Aarhus Rapport – Avantgarde which reflects contemporary ways a look towards the future – at least here in Gellerup. The Instant City site media. ‘In the beginning it took a bit and inscriptions on the posters made as Network (or, the Politics of the to use the building and connect the it transcends the narrow frame of the Smag à la Gellerup accommodates a range of activities of time to build a relationship with the by people following the instructions Ultralocal)’, initiated by curator Lars institution to other institutions and locale and invites to bridge geographical including a newly built workspace for residents [in Gellerup]’, Line explains, concrete sites across the world. Friis distances through new formats of Line Lone Kristensen textiles and woodwork, a base for circus ‘there have been a lot of built projects Sørensen invited five international art sharing time and information. This of performers, and an information centre in the area and a lot of investment. institutions to visit Aarhus Kunsthal, course is easier in our world of instant for the forthcoming masterplan of the However, the people here have seen using part of the building as their messaging, emailing and file sharing (as Gellerup site. a lot of projects start but not continue. workspace for a week each. opposed to walkie-talkies and analogue Smag à la Gellerup (translated Line Lone Kristensen initiated Smag à la Gellerup involves We had to make it clear that we really Like a timeshare holiday home, photography). Then again, is it possible as ‘Taste of Gellerup’) is a food Smag à la Gellerup 18 months an increasing number of Gellerup wanted this and that the project was Kunsthal Aarhus will host five to get a sense of Aarhus – as particular cooperative based in Gellerup, ago in collaboration with fellow residents, participating in a variety bottom-up to build up trust.’ international art institutions in the places, distances, people, particular a residential area just outside of student Sabrina Borg as part of their of ways. Mustafa, a chef originally Smag à la Gellerup aspires to spring of 2017. Each taking turn, they tastes – without going there? By Aarhus. The area is home to more Communications Design Masters from Lebanon, hosts ‘Food Mondays’, reach beyond food. The project works will present week-long curatorial and actually travelling, we can put ourselves than 80 different nationalities, and project at the Design School Kolding. an event which invites people to as a proud manifestation of culture and editorial projects in the Kunsthal’s in the midst of experiencing something possibly just as many food cultures. Line explains the original idea for the the Instant City base in Gellerup traditions, encouraging new encounters octagonal exhibition space. Following – and the documentation of events and The vision behind Smag à la Gellerup project was to ‘create a brand and a every week. The project initiators between strangers, building networks, these five visits, the institutions stories told can then be inspiration for is to celebrate food as a tool for neutral platform’ which allowed the collaborated with Mustafa to renovate creating a community around food will produce individual publications, some time travelling. challenging the negative perceptions variety of food cultures within Gellerup a food truck, which he now uses to sell and inspiring local cooks to showcase which constitute the project’s second of an area like Gellerup, on the basis to ‘spring out’ and be celebrated. the food he makes at various venues their food culture, with some spring- timesharing format. By transporting that food is not merely of nutritional The project is supported by, and across the city. Malek, who has lived in boarding into food businesses of their the reader back to recent, distant ABOVE LEFT and ABOVE value but also a medium for expressing based within Instant City – an initiative Gellerup since 1987, hosts a Palestinian own. ‘Smag à la Gellerup uses food as or virtual pasts – or into the future, Cover and spreads from ‘Aarhus Rapport 1961– culture, identity and community. The led by Alexander Muchenberger in food club where people are invited a neutral place to meet’, Line explains, a publication effectively serves as 1969’, edited by Kristen Bjørnkjær, Mogens Gissel project engages local amateur chefs, collaboration with both the local to come together and taste different ‘As a kind of social negotiation tool, a time machine that grants us access and William Louis Sørensen, published in 1969 by cooking delicious meals for events like municipality and the owner of the foods from that region. food has the power to bring people the Aarhus Art Society of 1847 (the founders of to other moments in time. Gellerup housing estate. Line explains Line often films the residents together and to create and maintain what is now called Kunsthal Aarhus). All images food markets, workshops and pop-up In 2017 Kunsthal Aarhus celebrates from the original publication and associated experiences, and popular food videos that the role of Instant City is to host presenting their unique recipes and relationships between people from Original exhibition at Aarhus Kunstbygning, 1969 its 100th anniversary. Where the exhibition, courtesy of Lars Bang Larsen. and recipes on social media. activities and create city life within the ‘top tips’ in the kitchen of the Gellerup different walks of life.’ 20 THE — UNLIMITED — EDITION

A Taste of Gellerup: Ilham’s Sambusas Smag à la Gellerup

Ingredienser Jeg er vokset op med min mor der Ingredients I’ve grown up with my mother making laver sambusa hun lærte mig at lave sambusa, she taught me to do them Sambusa dej til Sambusa dough for dem da jeg var ni eller ti år og jeg kan when I was nine or ten years old, ca 20 stk about 20 pieces huske det var svært den teknik med and I remember it was difficult to 250 g hvedemel 250 g wheat flour at man holder den i hånden mens keep it in your hand while you folded. ca 2 ½ dl vand About 2 ½ ltr of water man folder. ½ tsk salt ½ tsp salt Method Ilhams fyld Ilham’s fill Fremgangsmåde Oksekød Beef 1. The dough is kneaded to a Porre 1. Dejen æltes til en sammenhængende Leeks continuous mass – use a little oil Forårsløg masse – brug lidt olie tilsidst for at få det Spring onions at the end to make it non-stick. Hvidløg til at slippe fingerne. Garlic 2. Divide the dough into balls of about Chili 2. Fordel dejen i kugler af ca Chilli the size of a tennis ball. Spidskommen tennisbold størrelse. Cumin 3. Roll the dough halfway and grease Grønsagspulver 3. Rul dejel halvt ud og smør den Vegetable powder it with oil on one side. Now put another så med olie på en side. nu lægges half-rolled dumpling on top and roll en anden halvt udrullet dejklump them together thinly. ovenpå og de rulles sammen tynde. 4. Divide the dough into four parts. 4. Del dejen i fire dele. 5. On a dry pan, bake the rolled dough 5. På en tør pande bages den udrullede until they can be separated into the dej let til de kan skilles ad på midten middle – this way the process is twice – på den måde går processen dobbelt as fast. så hurtigt. 6. Now the dough is ready to fold with 6. Nu er dejen klar til at foldes med the desired filling before being oiled. det ønskede fyld inden de steges i olie. Tip: My daughter had to lay it on the Tip: Min datter var nødt til at table and then fold it – that’s a way of ligge den på bordet og så folde den, learning how to do the hand-held one. så det er meget med det håndelag 7. Use a mixture of water and flour man skal lære. to seal the dough tightly. 7. Brug en blanding af vand og mel til Tip: It is also important that the at holden dejen tæt. dough is completely sealed so that Tip: Det er også vigtigt at dejen bliver there is no oil in it when it is cooked. lukket helt, så der ikke kommer olie ind i den når den steges.

Many thanks to all our contributors: A special thank you to Designed by Harriet Bartlett, Tom Nielsen, Stephen Barrett Aarhus School of Architecture, Ida Martin Thim, Lars Bang Larsen, Bergström, Stephanie Bickford-Smith, British Council and The Academy Original design template by Camilla van Deurs, Juliana Engberg, of Urbanism Andrew Osman and Stephen Osman Contributors Mark Flynn, Friends of the Coal Bridge, Alastair Johnson, Anne Kølbæk Iversen, Edited by Cover illustrations by Mark Flynn Line Lone Kristensen, Mads Peter Hannah Martin and Melissa Meyer to Issue VI Laursen, Thomas O’Brien, Ben Peppiatt, We Made That The headline typeface used in this Anne Katrine Graah Rasmussen, www.wemadethat.co.uk issue is CPH Tram by A2-TYPE, a revival Andreas Ruby, Ilka Ruby, Pénélope of the original hand-painted destination Seguin, Laura Sillars, Peter Sims, Martin signs displayed on the front of Danish Thim, Julian Weyer, Stephen Willacy trams c.1920.