Towards a hybrid city: Rethinking aarhus through an institute for (X)

Abstract

In a time when urban planning faces challenges such as degradation of the abandoned built environment, challenges in finding permanent solutions for some social problems, or the lack of involvement from citizens, a project that allows experimentation to its community and presents itself as functional and well-received by the broader citizen society can be considered at least a creative and innovative contribution. This thesis analyses the case of Institute for (X) under an anthropological perspective. Comprising the surrounding area of Godsbanen in Aarhus, Denmark, the case study area was an empty allotment before it was transformed into a culture production centre, hosting over 40 projects and circa 200-300 connected people - from musicians to designers, to Vikings, to actors and to hands-on environmentalists. The plan for this area includes apartments for students, the new location for Aarhus Arkitektskolen, and a continuously growing cultural and artistic programme for all inhabitants and visitors. This case study methodology was based on ethnographic fieldwork in order to allow an in-depth coalescence between the researcher and the field, and to analyse how the diverse elements of this place combine and interrelate to influence its ongoing transformation; to analyse what social context has enabled this project to prosper; to understand what real impacts are being perceived in the city; and to deepen the discussion of the idea that seemingly ephemeral projects can plant the seed of permanent change in mind- sets. Through an Actor-Network Theory framework, this research intends to discuss how a temporary urban project affords the learning of resilience mechanisms through a creative environment; and simultaneously, to debate the idea of a Hybrid City within the context of new urban scenarios.