The Maskinhallen

The Site.

Maskinhallen existed for 66 years as a light and heat supplier and gradually became a place of exchange and meeting. Throughout time, the building kept its character, even if only a third of the building is used today.By pushing the doors out of the Maskinhallen, we found an authentic and powerful building where the machine should be restarted.

Located in Copenhagen in the district of Sundholm, the area was initially built in 1905 as a forced labor facility. Surrounded by a moat, Sundholm was created as an autonomous city. Nowadays, the place is connected to greater Copenhagen and is run by the Social Administration in the Municipality of Copenhagen. They offer accommodation and care services for socially vulnerable people who live in homelessness, in addiction and/or have mental problems.

A working model.

From the beginning of the project, we built-up a 1/50 physical model of the entire building in cardboard. The physical process model helps us to facilitate design exploration and iteration. As a non-fixed tool, all the elements of the model can be disassembled, modified and tested. The model provides a tangible and visual representation of a design concept, a sense of space making it easier for the stakeholders to understand and visualize the project. 

Spacial & Social Thresholds.

The project transformed the Maskinhallen into a Social and Culture house that provides the space for social inclusion activities dedicated to the local community and visitors. The objective of the program is a way to experience culture and bring the different local communities together.

Therefore, the program will be divided into two parts: A permanent program as a cafe that allows people to come every day to Maskinhallen, and a flexible program of cultural events organized by the existing association house Sundholm 8. The program will lead the design into open possibilities where the different activities can be mixed. We believe that the Maskinhallen can be a place for meetings where people will create new stories. 

Design Focus : The sequence of the entrance.

Presently, the main entrance to the building is located on the southern facade, leading directly to the vestibule room. However, this entrance situation sometimes generates tension when some vulnerable people come into contact with ongoing events. To address this issue, associations have resorted to closing the doors and installing physical curtains to prevent the intrusion of vulnerable people under drugs or alcohol.

Through these experiences, we realized that the entrance strategy would be a signi cant focal point of our project. How can we preserve the territories of the vulnerable people? How can different communities coexist within the same space? 

Design Focus : The In-between walls. 

In our project, the distribution of rooms and the flexibility for future events is achieved through the design of spatial thresholds and separation doors. These elements serve as more than just transitions between spaces; they act as scenic elements that de ne distinct areas or scenes within the overall space. 

The in-between walls go beyond their functional role and become integral to the theatrical experience. They serve as a stage, setting the backdrop for performances and creating a dynamic interplay between performers, props, and the architectural environment.