BRICOLAGE;

POLAROIDS

FROM THE FUTURE

PROJECT TITLE BRICOLAGE; POLAROIDS FROM THE FUTURE
YEAR 2024
LOCATION COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
TYPOLOGY MASTER PLAN IDEATION / COMPETITION
MATERIALS RECLAIMED, UPCYCLED, NATURAL & LOW CARBON MATERIALS
SIZE 1.1 KM2
ROLE ALL RESPONSIBILITIES
CLIENT REFSHALEØENS UDVIKLINGSSELSKAB

Our proposal for the future of Refshaleøen envisions a dense, low-rise neighbourhood crafted from small- to mid-scale, unique mixed-use developments instead of large, generic buildings. By emphasising diversity—demographically, architecturally, and spatially—we aim to create a vibrant urban fabric that reflects its eclectic population and embraces a new building culture rooted in second-hand materials and low-carbon construction, fostering a creative and lively community.

Urban scene with a pathway along a canal, people walking and cycling, modern industrial-style buildings, and autumn trees.
Urban garden with pond, lily pads, and flowering plants, surrounded by brick buildings.
Urban garden with people walking and sitting, surrounded by plants and trees, set against a backdrop of buildings under a blue sky.
Urban green street with cyclists, modern buildings, lush plants
Large gray curtain hanging in front of an industrial entrance framed by concrete walls.
People swimming in a steamy outdoor pool during winter with buildings and trees in the background, dated 02.2031.
People sitting in a modern outdoor courtyard with tables, surrounded by greenery and contemporary architecture.
An urban street scene with people walking and sitting on benches in a pedestrian area. The street is lined with modern wooden architecture with large windows and greenery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Bicycles are parked nearby, and the area is filled with lush plants and trees under a clear blue sky.
Outdoor farmers market under glass canopy with people shopping for fresh produce such as vegetables, fruits, and herbs displayed on tables.
Waterfront scene at dusk with people sitting around a fire pit on a floating wooden platform, surrounded by water and modern buildings, creating a cozy and social atmosphere.

Our prize-winning design for the Refshaleøen future development plan challenges conventional urban planning by proposing a bottom-up neighbourhood rich in diversity, both demographically and architecturally. Rather than succumbing to large, monolithic structures that have inundated Copenhagen in recent decades, our approach emphasises idiosyncratic units interconnected by a network of small plazas and inviting streetscapes. This configuration fosters a sense of community and belonging, enabling various family types and income levels to thrive in a shared environment. The close-knit urban framework provides intimacy and shelter from the harsh ocean winds, scaled to a human level.

Biodiversity has been a key focus, prioritising greenery over paved areas and allowing wilder urban nature to dominate instead of the manicured parks typically found in cities. Numerous waterways and wild areas support thriving insect and animal populations, while functional gardens empower communities to grow their own fruits and vegetables. Space for professional urban farming has also been allocated within the new district, with produce sold at local farmers' markets that promote healthy living and foster social connections among residents.

Urban courtyard with people sitting at tables, surrounded by brick buildings and autumn trees.
People walking and biking on a pathway surrounded by modern buildings and greenery on a sunny day.
A narrow pedestrian walkway lined with modern buildings and plants. There are people walking, and a person sitting at an outdoor table. The buildings have wooden and colorful facades, with greenery enhancing the urban setting.
Spacious rustic kitchen with high ceilings, large windows, wooden tables, and industrial pendant lights. People are preparing food amid plants and kitchenware.
A snowy street scene at dusk with people walking, warm lights from shops, and bicycles parked alongside the sidewalk.
People walking and biking on a sunlit cobbled pathway between colorful buildings, surrounded by lush greenery, under a clear blue sky.
Japanese-style indoor garden with a small koi pond, surrounded by rocks and lush greenery, featuring a wooden path and large windows.
Urban alley with brick and modern buildings, featuring lush greenery, planters, and bicycles, under a clear blue sky.
Urban street scene with people walking and sitting, surrounded by greenery and modern buildings, on a sunny day.
Open-plan coworking space with large windows, natural lighting, and several people working on laptops at wooden desks surrounded by indoor plants.

The new district is a true bricolage, where a variety of materials and architectural styles converge to reflect the vibrant community it serves. We envision multi-programmatic buildings that creatively integrate functions—such as office canteens that transform into accessible cafés after hours—promoting social interaction and maximising the utility of carbon-intensive square meters of urban development.

Unlike many competition participants who adopted an aerial approach, analysing the district from above, we embraced a ground-level perspective, immersing ourselves in the neighbourhood as it would be experienced on foot. This allowed us to envision an urban landscape that unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, seamlessly blending both old and new elements.

Many buildings in our proposal incorporate reused or up-cycled structures, contributing to a culture of low-carbon construction and fostering a new aesthetic appreciation of patina alongside innovative materials and construction technologies. This thoughtful integration not only reflects the neighbourhood's unique character but also champions sustainable practices that resonate with the values of its inhabitants.

To communicate our ideas, we employed the Polaroid format—known for its quick and casual nature—capturing snapshots of our vision to evoke a sense of immediacy and connection. Through these visual representations, we aim to convey the essence of a future Refshaleøen that is as dynamic and multifaceted as its community.

Black and white perspective drawing of a corridor, featuring vertical and horizontal lines suggesting walls and a ceiling.
architectural wireframe drawing of buildings
Black and white architectural sketch of a perspective city street view, featuring buildings and urban elements.
Urban canal surrounded by modern apartments with trees and greenery, people sitting on a bench, ducks in the water.
A street scene with colorful buildings, littered with trash and clutter, including boxes, frames, and a bicycle. The ground is covered in debris, and plants are growing through the pavement. Birds fly in the clear blue sky above.
Cobblestone alley with brick buildings covered in greenery, adorned with lush plants and flowers, under a bright blue sky.
Industrial loft converted into a living space with large windows, exposed brick walls, and plants. The area includes a seating area, tables, and a kitchen.
Snow-covered alley with people, tables, and string lights, surrounded by modern buildings.
Outdoor scene with people walking and riding bicycles near industrial-style buildings on a sunny day.
Modern glass corridor with architectural design, plants, and reflective water feature.
Modern building with wooden exterior in urban courtyard
Indoor playground with children and adults at tables, wooden furniture, and large plants.
Outdoor plaza with people, tables, modern brick building, string lights, and trees under a clear sky.
Silhouette of a Refshaleøen as a watercolour painting