LUNCH LECTURE - “Darf ich vorstellen: H.C. Hansen“

Why concrete was selected for covering?

von Aida Español Vilanova

Im Rahmen des Wahlmoduls “Darf ich vorstellen: H.C. Hansen“ präsentiert Aida Español Vilanova ihre aktuelle Dissertation “The works of an architect: Tectonic Matters”. Eine Einführung über die experimentelle „bottom up“ – Untersuchungsmethodik leitet über zur Erörterung von HCH`s gebauten Projekten mit Fokus auf die tektonischen Konzepte von „Robustheit und Fragilität“.

Why concrete was selected for covering?

The works of the Danish architect, Hans Chr. Hansen (HCH, 1901-1978), often present enclosures comprised of structural elements totally or partly concealed with other layers on its outer side and on its inner side. Whereas, the structural part is massive, the covering layer/s are rather thin and usually ordinary and weightless. Even though this way of building might relate to the high security demands of HCH´s 5 Transformer Stations (1958-66), however the first signs of such feature already appear in previous works as; Skydebanehaven Childcare (1948-50) and Hanssted School (1954-59). Such enclosure hierarchy, is other times rearranged as a heavy base in close dialogue with the ground covered by a weightless and extended roof. Notably seen in Ringbo and Brøndbylund Psychiatric Hospitals. In any case, there is a unique, here meaning clear and ambiguous, distinction between a fragile and a robust element associated with distinct materials, construction methods, detailing and therefore expression.

Aida Espanol Vilanova holds a master and a post-master degree in Architecture from the Barcelona School of Architecture (ETSAB, 2000-2011). Works as an architecture student and as an architect with different local architecture offices (2001-2012). Besides, she develops some works on her own. At the same time, she teaches design studio and design representation as an assistant professor at the Reus School of Architecture (ETSA, 2008-2012). Later, she obtains a research assistant professor position at the Aarhus School of Architecture in Denmark where she teaches design studio (AAA, 2012-2015). In 2016 she becomes PhD fellow with the project The works of the Danish architect Hans Christian Hansen (HCH, 1901-1978): Tectonic Matters. The PhD investigation aims at identifying, interpreting and giving to know HCH´s built works with a focus on tectonics through a bottom-up experimental approach.

Online per Webex teilnehmen: https://fhe.one/ll/220523