Ceramic Medborgerhus
Medborgerhus, a Danish term translating to "civic house," has evolved from its origin as a train station into a multifunctional community space. Initially serving as a venue for sports and occasional flea markets, the project now aspires to transform into a ceramic studio and community center—a welcoming hub for neighbors to gather.
The building's programs are loosely divided by user types: experienced professionals and visitors. However, a central "water basin" encourages their intertwining, symbolizing the acceptance of messiness and fostering a fluid interaction between them. This design encourages individuals to embrace encounters with each other, reinforcing the idea that getting messy is acceptable.
The focal point of the addition is the bottle oven, inspired by traditional ceramic factories. This element signifies a celebration of various forms of art shared with the public. Emphasizing the creative process, the project aims to educate everyone about the steps involved in creating ceramic art pieces, thereby promoting a communal appreciation for artistic endeavors.
Program: Ceramic Studio & Community Center - Adaptive Reuse
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
Year: Spring 2023
Studio: Interior Design w/ Tina Miggard
Historical Context
Originally a transit center near Fælledparken, this space has undergone a transformation into an open area featuring indoor badminton courts, tennis courts, table tennis, and hosting events like flea markets on weekends. The building's original windows and doors have been blocked up, and the interior bricks are now concealed with blue material typically used for sports courts. This repurposing has given the space a new identity, emphasizing its versatility for recreational activities and community events.
In the makeover of this site, transitioning it into a ceramic/community center, my goal is to reintroduce the elements of the outdoors, natural light, and neighborly interaction into the building. Additionally, I aim to reconnect the structure with its history by celebrating its original purpose as a train transit center and utilizing its initial materials, specifically the yellow brick walls. This approach seeks to blend the contemporary purpose of the center with a nod to its historical roots, fostering a harmonious integration into the surrounding community.
Project detials
From the inner street entrance, visitors are welcomed by the sight of a traditional kiln used in ceramics. This serves as both an attraction and a celebration of the transformative process—from clay evolving into a fired ceramic art piece. This initial encounter sets the tone for the space, inviting individuals to appreciate and engage with the artistic journey that unfolds within the community center.
At the front desk, neighbors have the opportunity to gather, enjoy a coffee, and sign up to create their own ceramic pieces. The back wall opens up to the original windows/doors from the train center, utilizing the original yellow brick to restore its historical appearance. Taking inspiration from the Hermes store in Amsterdam, transparent bricks are integrated onto the southeast side of the building. This design choice enhances visual connectivity to the main street, signaling to passersby that they are welcome to enter. The transparency also serves the goal of turning the building into a display, showcasing the ceramic pieces within to the external audience.
The open space concept allows unrestricted movement within the building, despite vague divisions for different users. The central water basin, positioned in the middle of the interior, serves to bring together users from various sections, encouraging interaction and reminding them not to fear the creative mess while crafting their own art pieces. Inspired by the historical use of the building, a train track encircled by ceramic kilns becomes a focal point. This track, facilitating the movement of ceramic pieces into the kiln, symbolizes the merging of the past with the present, creating a contrast that highlights the transformative process of clay into ceramic pieces.
