AART architects builds pop-up train carriages to enliven aarhus streets

danish firm AART architects has designed a series of pop-up train carriages in aarhus, denmark that provide the setting for a wide range of activities. the scheme seeks to inject new life into the neighborhood — a desolated industrial area at the edge of the city center. the project involved exposing the site’s existing rail lines so that temporary architectural interventions — such as a single-room hotel, a boutique store, and a public greenhouse — could occupy the tracks.

all images courtesy of AART and givisme

in developing the project, AART worked alongside non-profit organization givisme as well as citizens from across the city, who helped build the pop-up carriages. aarhus’ increasing urbanization means that industrial areas are continually being transformed into residential neighborhoods.

the carriages contain a variety of functions, including a single-room hotel

‘this kind of urban transformation is an integral part of the daily life in the city,’ says the design team. ‘however, the timespan between the political decisions and the completed transformations are often long – so, why not use this timespan productively and make the best of the areas while they are being transformed?’

a range of temporary architectural interventions occupy the tracks

by exposing the area’s old railway lines and designing a series of pop-up train carriages, the design team sought to show how architecture can revive desolate areas and engage members of the public. while many carriages have already been built, the plan is that more temporary facilities will be added before the end of the year. during the northside music festival, which was held nearby, the units were adapted to include a bar and pharmacy.

movable street furniture provides a place to sit and congregate