As architects we do not only work with space and built environment, but also with non-physical dynamics. One of these dynamics is the social context. Space influences the social dynamics, and the social dynamics influences space. In this oscillation the architect needs to be flexible, ever adapting to the specific situation he is facing. For the Site Specific Architect to really understand the situation he is facing and what role to choose, the p rocess and approach becomes important.
In our project in Smiberget, a borettslag in Fyllingsdalen, we wanted to explore a new way of familiarizing ourselves with the place and its people. Instead of directly addressing the residents, we wanted them to approach us and share their thoughts and dreams for the borettslag. The project was an open ended process where every step was strongly influenced by the knowledge gain previous step(s). The project ended up being series of interventions in the housing cooperative, that focused around notions like memories, imagination, sense of belonging and role of the architect.
This project was done together with Lena Geerts and Linda Figueiredo and it was our final project of the studio "Limits of Control" at Bergen School of Architecture. The project was preceded by a quick task in one of the suburbs in Bergen, a performance workshop, a research period and a study trip to the suburbs of Paris, the "banlieues".