Team: Roger van Bergen and Albert Dijk
competition ArchTriumph honarable mention
SCALE
Our proposal reignites the spirit of the building when finished. The strong presence of the building resulted in numerous resentments amongst the people – The Times and The Architects’ Journal lamented “a civilisation condemned to live under a pall of smoke and in the shadows of ugly buildings of its own devising”. The scale seemed to overshadow its local context, but it developed into a landmark for the city, the country and has become an international symbol. Thus we do not preserve the poor physical image of the building, but transcend the inheritance of Battersea Powerstation into the twenty-first century.
PRESERVATION
The current state of Battersea Powerstation and its lack of function make it complete nonsense to reinstate the building in its former condition – “In the 30 years since its decommissioning, Battersea Powerstation has been left to ruin in silent obstinacy”. Our proposal preserves the four characteristic chimneys that recollect the image of the former state of Battersea Powerstation, thereby ensuring the continuum of the building.
FLEXIBILITY
The towers all share the same footprint with the original towers of Battersea Powerstation. The load bearing façade allows for a flexible use of the towers in time; from office to dwelling, from urban farm to parking. The identity of the urban plan stays recognisable while the functions may shift.
SUSTAINABLE
“The power station introduced many advanced technical features that addressed environmental concerns such as the reduction of sulphur emissions.” Our urban scheme addresses current environmental concerns such as food production, diversity of space, water reservoirs, green mobility and waste disposal.
ORGANISATION
Most important aspect of architecture, both in present and past, has been the discourse of the profession. While the building displays the past, our museum is focused on facilitating this discourse. The program has been extended with activating spaces and the MoA is connected with other important sites and buildings in London and the UK. Spaces for new media even propell the building into a global scale.
© 2013 Buro A.D.