20.12.2018 / News

Research project examines the relationship between research and practice

Working together with Aarhus Municipality Chris Thurlbourne has transformed a district heating substation in Brabrand

At Hejredalsvej, in the Aarhus neighbourhood of Brabrand, lies a district heating substation which supplies district heating to the citizens of Aarhus. The facility had to be expanded, and, as part of a research project, Associate Professor Chris Thurlbourne has created a new extension in collaboration with Aarhus Municipality.

“Originally, the extension was planned as a square box with a closed facade. We chose a different shape for the extension and also opened up the facade by using elements made from 3D-printed concrete,” Chris Thurlbourne explains.

The idea behind the facade is that light sources placed inside the station will be throwing light through the perforated facade.

“In the past, the fireplace was the central element of our homes: it was the place you gathered around. Today we use floor heating, and the facilities that keep us warm are no longer visible. We want the station to bring to mind the fireplace when you see light flowing through the openings in the facade. In this way we can make the building’s function visible to the outside world,” says Chris Thurlbourne.

As part of the transformation, planting has been removed, and the building is no longer hidden but can be seen by passers-by.

Aarhus Municipality is very pleased with the collaboration with Aarhus School of Architecture and the result of the project.

“Our collaboration with Aarhus School of Architecture has been very good, and the result is a really fine station that fits well in the area. We hope the local residents will use the facility. Furthermore, the station’s windows give us with an opportunity to communicate what is actually going on inside the building,” says Janne Ørskov, project manager at Aarhus Municipality.

Research and practice

All of the 3D-printed concrete elements for the project were produced in Aarhus School of Architecture’s workshop facilities, and this particular production has been central to Chris Thurlbourne’s research project.

“When we as a research institution participate actively in the production of building materials, we simulate practice in an academic context. Instead of just being a knowledge bank, we become an active player. In this way we can do research through development projects while learning more about the practice of the discipline, gathering knowledge, and adjusting the architectural education we offer to match the needs of practice,” says Chris Thurlbourne. He elaborates:

“The production of building materials gave us an opportunity to ask new research questions. For this type of research to work, the production process must also focus on the development of new production methods and the development of new knowledge, not just on supply and demand. In this way, we ensure that the research remains independent and is not restricted by private companies – but is instead supported by these companies.”

The current appearance of the district heating substation marks the conclusion of the first part of the project. Chris Thurlbourne has several other ideas in the pipeline, for which funding has, however, not yet been secured.

“The design solution includes seating areas, like those found in amphitheatres. These are to be cast from recycled concrete. Two adjoining wings were also designed; wings which spring from the building and partially surround the seating area and the facade. The intention is to create focus, but also to subtly filter away some of the surplus heat from the machinery. This would reinforce the perception of a tiny microclimate, like the one you would find around a traditional fireplace. We hope that Aarhus Municipality will embrace the next stage of the project, which could, for instance, be based on fundraising,” says Chris Thurlbourne.