Roddklubben

Abstract

Architecture is rarely conceived with one pair of hands. Communication is one of the most important tools for an architect. During the development of projects you constantly have to mediate your choices. As students of architecture you often find yourself making complex choices based on your own knowledge and taste. When the choices aren’t questioned, you lose a sense of why you’re making those choices. We have studied a selection of the most influential theories about architectural criterias. All with the common goal of trying to define good architecture. In the current discourse some are problematizing the whole idea of this, pointing at standardizations, or that theory would counteract the practice while others are encouraging the discussion itself. However, the evaluation of architectural qualities is inevitable when it comes to competitions. Therefore, we decided to analyze a selection of jury criterias from recent competitions together with the theory that became the basis for our manifesto. The intention with this thesis was to investigate the research question through both a theoretical and practical point of view, firstly by formulating our manifesto and secondly, applying these criterias to our design process. The investigation was carried out by text analysis and a research by design approach, where design ideas have been valued and concluded. The design project of this thesis is a rowing club set out in Lundbyhamnen, connected to Göta älv, a central location of Gothenburg. Aiming to strengthen the public’s relation to Göta älv and bring back a rowing club to the city center. Acknowledging the lack of interaction with water despite its proximity, the aim has been to make the waterfront more accessible for the inhabitants. The work has resulted in a manifesto divided into four main principles; Durability, Usability, Beauty and Atmosphere. The aim of the manifesto is not to seek an absolute answer nor exact guidelines for what makes good architecture. But rather a guiding document of important aspects that can be evolved or interpreted over time