The works of an architect: Tectonic matters

This PhD thesis presents the built works of the Danish architect Hans
Christian Hansen (HCH, 1901-1978) who worked at the office of the city
architect in Copenhagen between the late 1930’s and early 1970’s. The
hypothesis is that HCH´s works are characteristic from a tectonic
perspective and quite unique in its geographical and historical context.
Therefore, the purpose of the project is to provide documentation on
HCH´s built works, who is rather unknown to a larger audience. At the
same time, it aims at explicating the works with a focus on tectonics. Finally the research situates HCH’´s work within theories and practices of tectonics.

HCH did not write about his architecture and it was not possible to gather
much written documentation related to his life. This challenged the writing
of a typical monography and led to investigate other formats and
methods. The research is based on a bottom-up approach in which the
built, besides being the object, becomes the medium. Analysis of works
through investigations based on drawing and photo emerge as key
elements in the process of generating and communicating embedded
tectonic knowledge. The relation between tectonic characteristics -seen
as interactions and ambiguities among construction, structure and
expression- and its depiction through drawing and photo instruments lays
in the dialogue among the concealed and the exposed. Whereas
detailed section drawings should disclose rather concealed issues most
connected to the technical; photo fragments should focus on the
exposed by revealing material matters and details -considered as joints
that reinforce the construction integrity.