Project:
In-Between Lab

About

• Project Description

  The proposed living lab at Grensen offers a transformative approach to higher education that prioritizes soft skills development. By leveraging the benefits of informal settings and embracing the charm of heritage buildings, NTNU can create an empowering and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and the broader community. The integration of diverse skills with academic knowledge prepares the academic community to thrive in the dynamic and interconnected world of the 21st century, equipping them to succeed both professionally and personally. Through the living lab, NTNU can foster a culture of continuous learning and growth, empowering individuals to become lifelong learners and positive contributors to society.

• Jury Remarks

  In-between lab draws attention to a characteristic Trondheim typology: the roofed inner courtyards and shielded outer-inner spaces. The illustrations envision a light, beautiful structure barely touching the old wooden houses. While fully respecting the fragile historic environment, the new construction serves a dual purpose, creating a second skin to insulate and protect while simultaneously creating new flexible spaces.

  The structure can be read as a greenhouse, but also something more, something new. The contrast between the new and the old is captivating and together with the name In-between lab it raises the idea of a structure, capable of solving energy and climatic challenges, preservation together with adaptation, along with spatial and programmatic considerations. The interpretation goes beyond a mere glasshouse, offering an innovative approach and should be further researched.

• Team

  Megi Davitidze and Bachir Benkirane are two young architects who are getting started in their careers. They occasionally team up when there is a brief that attracts their attention and use these platforms as a way to exercise their mind outside of the day-to-day pragmatic work routine, hoping that one day they will be able to invest more time in their personal projects. They are specifically interested in briefs that encourage adaptive reuse and preservation. On some occasions, they venture out on small-scale interventions and installations.
  

  

• Video Presentation