Type:
inSTALLATION
LOCATION:
TALLINN, ESTONIA
STATUS:
Comeptition
DATE:
2024
COLLABORATORS:
Uwu team: danny ortega, anna lim, nicholas houser, bumjin kim
Gabion Scape is a design proposal for the Tallinn Architecture Biennial that responds to the need for a regenerative urban break space at Tallinn Baltic Station. This project redefines architectural sustainability by embracing the use of recycled materials and adaptable construction techniques, transforming urban waste into a functional and poetic intervention. At the heart of the design is the reuse of rubble sourced from nearby construction sites, including historic buildings undergoing renovation. These materials are integrated into a system of gabion walls and recycled concrete, offering both structural integrity and a tangible connection to Tallinn’s evolving architectural heritage. The gabion framework, filled with local stone, wood, brick, and gravel, creates varying levels of porosity, shelter, and spatial definition. This system encourages engagement and interaction with the built environment.
Beyond material reuse, the project prioritizes environmental responsiveness. It provides protection from wind and weather, preserves adjacent foliage, and enhances the pedestrian experience by maintaining clear circulation paths. Designed with modular adaptability, the installation allows for future modifications, including the potential removal of segments to accommodate evolving site needs.
Gabion Scape is more than an architectural intervention. It is a statement on regenerative design, sustainability, and urban renewal. By turning discarded materials into a symbol of resilience and renewal, the project fosters a dialogue between past and future. It stands as a case study for how cities can minimize waste, embrace circular economies, and transform overlooked urban spaces into meaningful public environments.
CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALITY
Our approach blends ad-hoc design strategies with self-referential aesthetics, aiming to rebuild, reconstruct, and redistribute the urban landscape in harmony with its environment and inhabitants. At the heart of our proposal is the innovative use of recycled rubble sourced from surrounding construction sites in Tallinn. This choice is both a practical solution and a profound statement about sustainability and resourcefulness in contemporary architecture.
By incorporating materials that would otherwise be discarded, we aim to rebuild, reconstruct, and redistribute the urban landscape in harmony with its environment and inhabitants. For example, we propose sourcing materials from nearby historic buildings undergoing renovation, such as the medieval walls of Tallinn’s Old Town. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also embody a commitment to preserving the city’s heritage while embracing a sustainable future. Additionally, repurposed materials can contribute to the unique character and identity of the new structure, connecting it to Tallinn’s rich history.
At the core of our design philosophy lies the use of recycled gabion walls and concrete, materials that signify the renewal of urban elements into functional art. The gabion walls, filled with locally-sourced stones, reflect Tallinn’s geological heritage and provide a tactile connection to the city’s landscape. Meanwhile, the use of recycled concrete reduces carbon emissions and supports the circular economy. By incorporating these materials, our design not only respects the history of its context but also showcases how architectural design can positively impact the environment.
