Examensarbeten för masterexamen // Master Theses
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- PostA TALE OF LAYERS(2018) Zalloum, Omar; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- PostA tale of shingles: the making of a durable wood cladding(2021) Toledo Plata, Antonio; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Femenias, Paula; Helmfridsson, JohnThe building industry is currently aiming to adapt its principles to mitigate the current global warming scenario. Multiple attempts are already on their way to generate alternatives to reduce the negative impact that this sector has had in the last century. This research is an attempt to present an alternative to potentialize the sustainable use of wood in cladding systems in Sweden. It proposes the creation of a new dismountable wood facade system, whose components may disassemble without going through a high energy and destructive demolition process. It centers on the idea that durable wood can be an exceptional material for sustainable construction if it is properly treated, maintained and if it is set be reused multiple times. This research starts by showing an analysis that gives a solid base to the design proposal. This analysis covers the importance of wood within sustainability, the material approach (how wood can be selected and worked to be more durable), the traditional practices within cladding systems and shows how the modern industrialized systems are built up in the current times. Besides that, a design proposal is carried as an exercise to summarize the lessons learned from the previous analysis. This design proposal presents the design of a cladding system that centers on the concepts of optimal material quality, material treatments and optimal system assemblies. In addition to this, the system is tested with the redesign of a facade of an existing medium residential project. The project chosen is one six (a project included in the case studies section), with the intention to improve the different expressions that the system can have, and also to develop the adaptability to different situations in the surface. Finally, there is a set of conclusions that give an answer to the two research questions, and there is also a set of reflections on the challenges and opportunities found in the creation process of the wooden facade system.
- PostAdaptive capability: lengthen the lifespan of buildings already in the design phase(2021) Geber, Rebecka; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Femenias, Paula; Helmfridsson, JohnA large part of the built environment ends up having a much shorter life span than the buildings have potential for due to changed requirements regarding function, appearance or qualities. To demolish and replace with new, instead of using the existing structures, results in unnecessary use of energy, materials and a negative impact on the environment. For a long-term sustainability within architecture, it is essential to consider the whole life cycle of buildings already when they are designed. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the possibility to design buildings prepared to easily be changed and transformed in the future to meet new circumstances with simple methods and as little environmental impact as possible. Adaptable design based on analysis of the chosen context, the area Rosendal in Uppsala, and the demands of the inhabitants, is explored. Design strategies developed from theory, case studies and analysis of the local context work as a theoretical framework that underlays the design concept. By mainly using a research by design approach, a design proposal of a building is developed through iterations. In consideration of the future perspective, scenario planning is applied and a storyline for a possible development of the area Rosendal is created. The impact of changed requirements causes the designed building to be expanded and transformed to host exchanged functions, which can be done due to preparations implemented in the initial design. The proposal consists of three steps of the building design. The thesis challenges the way of viewing buildings as out of date and promotes the approach of treating them as units, not only of materials, but also of time. Through the design proposal, the thesis demonstrates the implementation of context-based adaptability in the initial architectural design, as a sustainable approach to lengthen the lifespan of buildings.
- PostADD & ADAPT to nature - An exploration of design in consideration with immediate surroundings(2020) Carlsson, Jonas; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Norell, Daniel; Adiels, Emil
- PostAfter dark: social-ecological public space from a darkness perspective(2022) Lindroth, Maja; Svensson, Matilda; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Marcus, Lars; Stavroulaki, Ioanna; Tarraso, JoaquimSustainable urban development calls for urban planning and design supporting both society and ecology; human and non-human species. We need to think of ecology in cities in order to move beyond the traditional human-centred development and reconnect to natural systems. Social-Ecological Urbanism sets the background to address this challenge; identifying the conflicts but also the synergies that emerge from the meeting of social and ecological systems. After Dark is a thesis based on the social-ecological approach, rethinking the increasing yet overlooked issue of urban darkness-lighting imbalance. Excessive use of artificial light, light pollution, has slowly replaced the starry dark sky with a gray haze and altered the natural rhythms of dark and light. This has detrimental effects on human well-being and nocturnal species. Values of darkness seems forgotten, despite Earth being dark 50% of the time. Theoretic research on both light pollution and the values of darkness has grown lately, however a lack of spatial translation beyond solely reducing excessive artificial light is evident. By shifting the perspective in planning and design from mitigating light pollution to focus on the values of darkness we aim to reintroduce darkness to our urban areas. The project is multiscalar - city, district & site, illustrating the challenges and opportunities of designing with darkness for humans and other species. The theoretic concept of a dark ecological network has been implemented into the context of Gothenburg. The dark network is particularly relevant since one of the most important native species in the region, the bat, is nocturnal. The potential for areas and corridors forming the network on city and district scale were found through data analysis observations. By overlaying data representations of systems in the city, synergies and conflicts between humans and bats are collected. A central development area with an intersection between an important and sensitive structure for nocturnal species and an attractive link for humans is explored in the site scale. The public space has a focus on the visual perception of space in darkness and illustrates the duality of social-ecological needs.
- PostAll In! Designing Inclusive Meeting Spaces(2020) Estvall, Camilla; Seidenfus, Marie; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Da Cruz Brandao, Emilio; Tarraso, JoaquimThe current urban development in Gothenburg prioritises the needs and aesthetics of middle- and upper-class inhabitants (Thörn & Holgersson 2016, p.670, 681). This choice creates a city that excludes a big part of the population and denies them access to both housing and public spaces. Systematic gentrification and segregation lead on to ghettoisation and rising polarisation. A vicious circle starts that increases racism and conflicts in the society. The research hypothesis is that cultural differences and friction can be mitigated through inclusive meeting spaces that encourage interaction and cultural exchange. The thesis is an investigation about the development processes, design and impact of inclusive meeting spaces. The research is based on qualitative research methods such as interviews, site visits and literature studies. Urban theories, knowledge from practices and reference projects are combined into a design toolbox. Placemaking and Commoning are discussed as two possible approaches to achieve inclusive spaces. These ideas and the toolbox are illustrated on two sites in Brämaregården, Gothenburg. The main take-out of the research is that inclusive meeting spaces require both inclusive design elements and an inclusive process. Basic conditions for functional spaces are that they are safe, accessible and provide a reason to go there. Inclusive meeting spaces that include design elements that are appealing for diverse cultures and promote interaction are the foundation for cultural exchange. The more people are included in the development process, the more likely they develop a sense of ownership and feel like they belong to the space. Placemaking is a tool to create inclusive public spaces; however, the initiator uses the community to get input but does not share the responsibility. Commoning is hard to kickstart, but the approach stands for equal power distribution and is an alternative to the current state of urban planning. Developing inclusive meeting spaces is an essential part of achieving an inclusive city.
- PostAnd then What? Exploring how a sustainable future would transform the site of an urban shopping mall(2020) Westin, Elin; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Da Cruz Brandao, Emilio; Hagy, Shea; Adelfio, MarcoThe year is 2031. Global net human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) has fallen by about 45% from 2010 to this year of 2031. With great effort the climate crisis has been averted and the global warming has been limited to 1.5 °C. This has been accomplished by radical changes in society. The world is different, and has to stay that way. This thesis will focus on how the changes that have to happen to reach the climate goals may change the architecture of the city. The chosen climate goals will be taken from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in combination with the objectives set by the swedish government (Sveriges miljömål). In this future, the societal structure has adapted to a circular economy, which replaces the takemake- waste system. Places created for the consumption of products will be diminished and function differently. As a way to research through design, Nordstan in Gothenburg is chosen as a visionary example in a sustainable scenario. Today, these blocks are joined together as a shopping mall. The idea is to explore how urban architecture and the public spaces may be reshaped in a place that used to rely on unsustainable qualities. This site is also chosen because of the densification of the urban areas in Sweden. Nordstan, with its location next to the central station, will probably stay as the most central point of Gothenburg, even if the city expands in the future. The purpose of this thesis is to envision and explore what it would mean for the built environment if the goals for sustainability where to be reached at their deadline, the year of 2030. Instead of asking the question ’Is this possible?’ this thesis explores the outcome at the finish line. A problem today is that the high demands for sustainability makes a lot of people feel like they have to sacrifice comfort and wellbeing. By showing a positive outcome, the future may not seem so bad or impossible. This need for radical changes also gives an opportunity to make better solutions. The aim is to raise a discussion on the subject: If we make it - what will a sustainable future look like?
- PostAndrum: exploring the use of biophilic architectural design in the context of a Gothenburg cancer support center(2021) Engström, Agnes; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Eriksson, Johanna; Miedema, ElkeEvery day 137 people are diagnosed with cancer in Sweden. The illness not only impacts the patient itself, but also family, friends, colleagues, and society. Tackling cancer is usually difficult, both physically and mentally, and those affected often feel lonely and misunderstood. Many of them consider the psychological care aspects missing or insufficient, especially after finishing treatment. A more holistic view on cancer care is needed, where the mind and body are treated as equally important. Therefore, this thesis work will propose a new cancer support center in Gothenburg: a place where people affected by cancer can meet others in their situation, get support, information, and rehabilitation. There are many successful examples of cancer support centers, but none currently exist in Gothenburg. Research has shown how contact with nature can improve health, with a wide range of positive effects such as stress reduction, faster physical recovery, an immune system boost and a happiness increase, all aspects that could benefit people dealing with cancer. Biophilic design is a method where the human connection to nature is incorporated in the design, with the purpose of increasing wellbeing. The method is explored through research, site analysis and sketching, with the aim to propose an environment suitable for physical and mental healing, in close connection to its natural surroundings. The proposal also aims for ecological sustainability, through the ‘re-greening’ of a city plot void of vegetation, as well as with high material standards. Merging the aspects of human healing and health with planetary healing and health is a strong combination, as they go hand in hand. The project is based upon a Research Informed Design approach, including literature studies, interviews with patients, relatives and staff (n=6), surveys with patients and relatives (n=53), and reference studies focused on the relation between nature, cancer support and the built environment. The result may contribute to a raised discussion about the spatial and psychological needs of people affected by cancer, as well as to the importance of including biophilic design in the development of health-promotive environments.
- PostAqua ductus - Recovering the memory of a river and a aqueduct(2018) Mendez, Ariana Valentina; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- PostARCHITECT ElSA SUNDLING Searching For a Forgotten Pioneer(2017) Svensson, Frida; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- PostArchitectural intelligence: Generative design installations(2021) Schmidt, Lars Robin Toni; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Skorick, Kengo; Lundberg, Jonas
- PostAttach your home and live together(2018) Ma, Xueli; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- PostBack to rural: Rethinking suburban housing(2022) Erdem, Mine; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Braide, Anna; Granath, KajIt is known by everyone that the migration to urban areas is increasing. But what about rural migration? While ongoing trends such as globalization or urbanization led people to live in urban areas, for many people they are the reasons to get away from urban areas. Decreasing living standards in urban areas, the desire to be closer to nature to get away from noise and pollution, or remote-work opportunity can be counted among the reasons. Many Swedish suburbs and rural areas are receiving migrations. Population growth is projected for many low-populated areas, especially the ones close to the cities. Due to this development, there are new housing projects in these locations. The housing plot sizes for low-populated areas are traditionally around 800-1800 sqm in Sweden. By reducing this size, the natural area can be saved, and the future expansion of the built area can be slower. This thesis focuses on projects which include many houses in the project area, and discusses how the housing density can be increased. This way, more houses can fit in the same project plot to save nature. By increasing the number of houses for the same project plot, houses will be closer to each other. This threatens the privacy of the users. Privacy is one of the important housing qualities for people who want to move to a low-populated area. Also, to support immigration to lowpopulated areas, there must be suitable houses for everybody, not only for families but also for single-person, youth and the elderly. The users should be able to reorganize the interiors as their wish. Therefore, flexibility is another important quality of this design project. Due to these main goals, the design question is: What are the potentials to build dense dwelling areas and at the same time improve privacy and flexible space for residents? One of the ongoing projects located in the municipality of Borås is chosen to discuss how to propose more housing units for the same plot area, but still provide privacy and flexibility in the houses. Two projects are proposed for this area. In the first design proposal, the housing density increases by 50% (14 units to 21 units), this project is proposed as a housing project for the rural area. For the second design proposal, the housing density increases by 100% (14 units to 28 units). This project is more experimental to show how it would be if the density is doubled and proposed as a suburban housing project. But also would be implemented in the chosen rural area due to many reasons.
- PostBeat the heat: How to achieve thermal comfort during heat waves in Sweden, inspired by architecture in countries with a warmer climate(2022) Hägglöf, Miriam; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Nylander, Ola; Förbom, SaraExtreme weather due to climate change will become more common in Sweden. Researchers at SMHI (the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) have estimated that heat waves that previously occurred every 20 years in Sweden durig the summer, can occur every three to five years at the end of the century (SMHI, 2013). Apartments in Sweden is not adapted to theese high temperatures and will in many cases result inuncomfortable indoor climate. The elderly, young children, the sick and the disabled are particularly vulnerable to warmer indoor temperature and the issue has recently become a high priority among both property owners and authorities. There are ways to cool a residential building mechanically, such as air-conditioning, but research indicates that large amounts of energy will be needed to gain thermal comfort with theese solutions, which rhymes poorly with set climate goals. Therefore, we need to investigate other ways to counteract high indoor temperatures and see the issue from different perspectives at an early stage. By investigating architecture in countries with a traditionally warm climate, focusing on materials, floor plans, building solutions and user habits, this Master Thesis aimed to research whether there are any methods or design strategies that can be implemented in Swedish housing construction. The reference projects were selected freely based on design solutions and relevance, rather than from a specific country, wich enabled to investigate architecture in many different contexts. In my reserach i found that there were similarities among the different reference projects, even though they were built 1000 of miles apart. In many cases, the building design was so adapted to the conditions on the site that it was hard to transfer the strategies directly to a swedish context. While some strategies, like cross-ventilation and bright facade colors, could easily be applied.
- PostBegin again(2021) Luśnia, Monika Ewa; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Eriksson, Johanna; Miedema, ElkeWe stumble upon them, unpredictably, in certain life situations or during a side course of professional research. In both cases, with an unpleasant surprise. The blank spots on the map of groups represented by the built environment. Rehab care sector is one of them. It is often dealing with social stigma, to such extents, that even deliberate research leaves one with an impression, that there is very little straight-forward talk on the subject. The hope that an example of thoughtful and inclusive design for a rehab facility can contribute to changing this state of things and providing a more supportive built environment for the troubled members of the society, became the point of departure for this research. This work’s overall intention is to find solutions which will provide suitable rehab care, to those previously underserved. This includes rural communities and, among and beyond those, the patients with dual-diagnosis, women around pregnancy, underaged children of the patients and multiple cases of co-dependance. The research process involved gathering information from written sources, direct and indirect case studies, along attempts of getting in contact with authorities in the field, to retrieve practical information. The collected knowledge was first translated into a set of goals and strategies for the project and later on resulted with a design proposal, of a modular facility, which could be adapted to most given sites and have a potential for going from no infrastructure to a network of locally oriented facilities. The research investigation was limited to the extents of what proved to be useful in creating a general ‘know how’ for the design, leaving space for further iterations and clarifying the technical details. The generic elements were, however, designed in a way to never contradict the assumptions of sustainable design. At the moment of submitting this work, I can tell that it only touches the surface of what is a very broad and complex topic, but I do hope that it can help establishing a more open atmosphere for discussing issues connected to addiction treatment and the ways in which architecture can support addiction patients.
- PostBehind/Beyond belongingness: Toward an architectural approach enhancing situated belongingness through embracing, valuing & (re)acting to stories(2022) Ghigo, Leeloo; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Doucet, Isabelle; Gauger, BriHow does one belong? Belongingness is a complex notion binding Place and self that matter to be investigated in architecture. To be addressed in this field, the notion should be deemed beyond a common and singular perception of the definition to acknowledge the particularities of each situation. Hence, the thesis draws on Situated knowledges theory to tackle belongingness and address the Place in its whole complexity. From both a literature study and an in-situ application, the thesis investigates an approach that can enable the mapping and design for belongingness through the research question: How can architecture enhance situated belongingness through embracing, valuing, and (re)acting to stories? Belonging is first defined theoretically through study from social sciences to architecture, and addressed in relation to Situated Knowledges, allowing for belongingness to be acknowledged regarding connectivity and interactions and go beyond dichotomies of human/object. Situated belongingness is then explored in praxis through the investigation of a suitable architectural approach giving a direction to search and design for belongingness. The five steps approach is developed conjointly with an application to understand what is behind belongingness in the context of the transitional network around the Folkets Hus in Gothenburg, Sweden. The thesis emphasizes the necessity of a complex approach as well as a more suitable definition of belongingness for architectural praxis referring to one being part of a system. By working from an empathetical position ‘within’ the location, the thesis addresses the relevance of first decomposing the location through the representation of specific agents’ (hi)stories, to later reconstruct an understanding of the situation as a connected network and value the agents that matter in the local belongingness. The research highlights the design praxis as a (re)action to the found situated knowledge, allowing the design answer to be specific and contingent on the situation. Finally, the master’s thesis opens a critical discussion regarding the architectural practice and the element behind its understanding.
- PostBeyond the border: narrating the journey of the Palestinian refugees in Jordan(2022) Natsheh, Abdullah; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); da Cruz Brandao, Emilio; Hagy, Shea; Thuvander, LianeThis thesis intends to narrate the journey of Palestinian refugees, choosing Jordan as the study area. It will highlight the stages of the Palestinian journey from exile, displacement, the legal right to return to their homeland, and their lives as refugees in a different country. With a focus on analyzing the tangible and intangible aspects of a Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan in light of its state of permanent temporariness; as it acts as a significant factor in the lives of the Palestinian refugees and their journey. The temporary role of the refugee camps has caused an issue for the lack of certainty on how long this temporary state might persist, often it lasts longer than anticipated, and in the Palestinian case it has gone on for 74 years, which had negative impacts on the built environment of the refugee camps and the sense of identity. The outcome of this thesis focuses on preserving the Palestinian journey and conserving a nation’s memory while raising awareness about the lives of millions of unfortunate individuals who were forced to flee their homeland to survive. It is also a personal notion of being a link between the author and his ancestral roots, being a Jordanian citizen from Palestinian roots.
- PostBlå Länken, Bridging the mental gap between human and nature(2019) Edlund, Carin; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- PostCare of Masthuggskajen - modern cohousing with focus on sharing and social interaction(2019) Jönsson, Gustav; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik; Chalmers University of Technology / Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
- PostCertain Virtualities, The Physical Spaces of the Academic Library during and after the Learning-centered Paradigm Shift(2020) Eriksson, Cecilia; Chalmers tekniska högskola / Institutionen för arkitektur och samhällsbyggnadsteknik (ACE); Grange, Kristina; Fredriksson, JuliaThroughout the twentieth century, the primary responsibility for the academic library has been to provide access to their growing collection, but during the past decades this has changed. An increased number of students enrolled at higher education, alongside an exponential expansion of digitised material have created a springboard for the academic library to enter the beginning of a new era – the learning-centered paradigm. This master’s thesis aims to highlight what impacts the learning-centered paradigm shift have on the physical spaces of the academic library. The illustrative case of Linköping University Library exemplifies an academic library that has encountered the shift in two major steps, whereof the last involved the inauguration of Studenthuset in 2019. The motives and consequences of the study object is described and later fragmentised with support from observations made on site and in the floorplans and through an assortment of concepts put forth by Gilles Deleuze. Combined, the assorted concepts form a linear chain of events describing change, which supports the understanding of the conceptual intentions of the architect, alternative outcomes, and the general impacts of the learning-centered paradigm. The study shows that the idea of the learning-centered paradigm has been established but it is dependent on architecture, which is a slow field of knowledge, to spatially manifest it. The chance was given to the study object, but not fully taken. Instead, an academic library that in the future rather will be perceived as a hybrid library became the result. The main impact the learning-centered paradigm has on physical space is the risk of inscribing uncertainties into the building, which might evoke future intensities earlier than expected. It is not wrong to build during a paradigm shift, but it is of great importance to be aware of current tendencies.