05 Animal Aided Design Co-Working
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utilizing spaces for habitats
The new vehicle storage at the municipal building yard offers substantial potential to implement the principles of Animal-Aided Design (AAD). Although the vehicles will be removed from this concept, the fauna, including the stray cats currently fed by the city, will find a new home within the structures.
The hall itself, with its wide spans and traditional “Wettbretter” facade, is not insulated as an indoor space and boasts a large footprint. This allows for the re-allocation of space and the application of new aesthetics through the work of nature.
The entire floor will be broken up to allow flora to integrate into the building, creating diverse habitats for various animals. The roof will be structurally adapted to provide sufficient soil for large shrubs and small trees, as well as other flora, which can serve as food and habitat for urban bee colonies. An abstract form of a nature bridge will enable squirrels, cats, and other animals to access the roof and expand their habitat. Birds and bats will be offered nesting opportunities in the wooden facade and inside the building, with water sources, sand, and other materials provided to ensure high-quality habitats.
In line with the zero-earth concept, soil excavated for the wetlands will be used to create small topographic hills, functioning as additional embankments and security while also serving as habitat for urban wildlife.
These hills will also create necessary microclimates during the summer months.
The strategy for the animal-aided design co-working space involves not only direct coexistence within this space, both inside and outside, but also adaptability to local climate conditions. Human workspaces will be movable wooden structures situated on railings, allowing positioning inside the hall, outside, or in transitional spaces, according to individual needs based on temperature, weather, and desired levels of privacy. The existing large garage doors will be adapted and used in this experiment of diverse co-working and crafting spaces, valuing the new structural additions. These modifications will not alter the integral structure of the hall and can therefore be edited and replaced as needed.
This space will serve as a melting pot for fauna, flora, and humans. To accommodate this different form of working and coexisting, transitional spaces—from outside, through the hall structure, to inside human boxes—are developed. This system not only provides habitats and opportunities for coexistence with local fauna and flora but also enhances human benefits such as health and mental well-being.