MSA Atelier Flux Year 3 Portfolio

FLAVOUR FACTORY

Atelier Flux 2023-24

Alessandra Baroni

Alessandra Baroni

Part I Architectural assistant alessandrabaroni176@gmail.com

+447383840488 https://issuu.com/alessandrabaroni

Alessandra Baroni

am a hardworking, reliable and driven recent architecture graduate from the Manchester School of Architecture with excellent time management and communication skills. Creative, curious and a solid team player, am always open to new opportunities and learning new skills. Focused and open minded, I am eager in developing my knowledge and testing my limits in a fast-paced and competitive working environment

Architectural Design Intern | Luca Gazzaniga Architects

May-July 2023

Lugano, Switzerland

Collaborated with the Design and Research department of the firm. Contributed to the submission for the international architecture competition Yoga House In The Bog. Assisted in the delivery of the competition for a local residential development while producing a physical model of the project.

Software Skills: Autocad, Archicad, Adobe Suite, Rhinoceros, Revit, Enscape, Vray

architectural position identifing the issue: architecture in a state of change

architectural proposition programme definition: the flavour factory cradle to cradle design the circular building spatial definition

Permanent Address: Hardeggstrasse 6, 8049 Zurich, Switzerland

Term address: 372 Upper Brook St, Manchester Date and Place of Birth 26 May 2002, Milan, Italy

Nationality: Italian, French, Swiss 2020-present: UK pre-settlement status holder National Insurance Number: F0979689

SKILLS INFORMATION

organisation, collaboration, leadership, time management, communication, problem-solving, creativity, aesthetic sensibility, critical thinking, attention to detail, resilience, adaptability

3+ Years of Experience

Key Skills developed: Time management, Organizational, communication, planning, team management, problem-solving, leadership

Architectural Design Intern | ATP ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS

August - September 2022

Zurich, Switzerland

Collaborated with the Design and Research department of the firm. Worked on the renovation of the design of ‘Schloss Beck’ Bakery in the city of Nidau in Switzerland. Produced a company brochure for the office trip to the Mario Botta Architecture Firm in Mendrisio, Switzerland

Software Skills: Autocad, Adobe Suite, Rhinoceros, Revit

Key Skills developed: Organizational, communication, planning, problem-solving, teamwork, time management

Architectural Design Intern | Park Associati Architects

June-July 2019

Milan, Italy

Collaborated with various design teams within the studio, including the research and innovation department. Selected the materials needed for the interiors of the project, in particular explore the use of wood in architectural design. Built a physical model for a competition.

Software Skills: Autocad, Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Sketchup Key Skills developed: Organizational, communication, planning, problem-solving

Team leader | MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE (MSA) LIVE PROGRAM

May-June 2021 and 2022:

Manchester, United Kingdom

The latest in Manchester School of Architecture’s annual program of collaborative student-led, live projects. Work in consultation with an external partner to plan and organize a project with social impact, Constructing a low maintenance, accessible and environmentally-friendly pollinator garden to be used by the Paddlers for Life Manchester Dragoneers

functional organisation spatial arrangements the nest the dining space

structural strategy 1:20 structural section design for disassembly building lifecycle

sustainability general arrangements seasonal arrangements

English : Mother tongue

Italian: Mother tongue

French: Advanced B2 level

German: Basic A1 level

Drawing, Painting, Photography, Traveling, Skiing, Running and Volunteering

• 2018-present: Sexuality and Gender Awareness foundation (SAGA) - raise awareness and collect funds for the LGBTQ community in Zurich, Switzerland

2020-2024

B.A (Hons) in Architecture

Manchester School of Architecture Student Representative

2018 2020

2007 2018 Grade Manchester, UK

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Zurich International School ZIS Academic Honor Roll Award-

Jesuit Italian School System Yearly Diploma

Istituto Leone XIII

Two weeks Exchange Program at Rydal Penrhos College, Colwyn Bay, Wales academically excellent selective

• May 2019: humanitarian trip to Kathmandu, Nepal teaching and raising funds for a Nepalese orphanage Zurich, Switzerland Milan, Italy 40/45

ARCHITECTURE IN A STATE OF CHANGE

How can Architecture establish a state of change for people and place in Mayfield? How can architecture actively reconnect Mayfield to the city around it?

REUNITING MAYFIELD’S HIDDEN LIFE

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Drawing on Henri Lefebvre’s arguments in “City Profile: Manchester,” the history of Manchester’s urban development is intrinsically linked to its economy, with infrastructure playing a pivotal role in shaping the city’s growth.

Areas that once flourished, such as Mayfield, now suffer from neglect. Mayfield’s existing hidden life makes the streets feel disorienting and cold. Where the public realm should be inviting and safe, it is instead dominated by feelings of emptiness and fear, while vibrant activities occur behind closed doors. Such activities are shaped by small businesses and ventures that supply food to the rest of the city. Potential for economic growth and the development of a cohesive community and sense of solidarity is hindered by the same infrastructure supposed to reconnect the city. Mayfield’s Flavour Factory aims to bridge these gaps, counteracting the separation and isolation that characterize the community of entrepreneurial ventures. By providing a safe, efficient, and open space for social interactions, the Flavour Factory seeks to nourish business entrepreneurship and support the circular economy. In a city struck by a food desert and a cost of living crisis, the food retailers and ghost kitchens may serve of Mayfield’s flavour facrtory to revitalise Mayfield in the oasis the city needs.

MAYFIELD’S FLAVOUR FACTORY

Basing on Sir Patrick Geddes’ Geddian trio Concept, the Mayfield factory aspires to be a human centric design, depending on an inhabitant’s workstyle, their culture, heritageand beliefs. Acknowledging that production methods will evolve, the emphasis is on building for the community itself, prioritizing individual needs over commercial consumption. In a city where 3.89% of adults suffered from hunger, and 11.46% struggled to access food while accounting for around 5.39% of the country’s total homeless population, we must address food scarcity and homelessness over capitalistic pursuits of wealth accumulation. Consequently, in the Mayfield Flavour Factory, utilitarian production, consumption, and shelter converge to challenge the current cost-of-living crisis affecting the Mayfield community and the wider city. By offering infrastructure that meets both current and future needs, the Factory ensures that access to food and shelter is democratized, creating a mixed-development space where everyone can enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Cradle-to-Cradle Design: prioritizing the sourcing of materials that can be safely recycled or composted at the end of their life-cycle. Materials with high recyclable are specified, avoiding toxic substances, and products with third-party certifications are selected for environmental performance and material health.

general recycling facility

and

sites contributing to the circular economy

recycling facilities

components transported to facility

factory

analysing the existing materials to waste in Mayfield, according to Landsec, the demolition of the majority of abandoned infrastructure offers the potential for reuse of STEEL, GLASS, CONCRETE and TIMBER components that may be implicated as scaffolding elements for temporal construction

the materials are chosen for their properties in relation to longevity, reduced costs from local availability and mass production reduced maintenance requirements

food waste can be composted and refined to make ‘edible cement’ which reduces the hazardousness of the material contributing to the circular economy

1:50 conceptual model made with recycled materials from the site itself: Mayfield’s Artefact

THE CIRCULAR BUILDING

Globally, buildings contribute to 37% of carbon emissions and account for 34% of energy consumption. Beyond these statistics, buildings also exert environmental pressures through resource depletion, pollution of air, water, and land, as well as biodiversity loss. Shaped after Arup’s design principles of circular building, the following strategies are applied to create a building that may extend its lifetime by providing:

SPATIAL DEFINITION

1. core definition size of circulation cores reduced to a minimum whilist complying with relevant regulation

2. geometric integration size of circulation cores reduced to a minimum whilist complying with relevant regulation

spatial grid and modular units compartamentalisation density internal layout design for disassembly

the form takes inspiration from the nagakin capsule tower by. Where the tower failed to leave the capsules exposed, subjecting them to weathering and deterioration, I propose for them to be part of the space, freeing them of dividing walls, creating a multifunctional shared space that promotes interaction and allows for modifications to be made for future changes in use.

like in the nagakin tower, the circulation is the permanent element which divides spaces

concept model 1:50 the internal layout uses principles of modularity to allow for future changes in use

to reflect the need for compartamentalisation and promote efficiency, the kitchen volumes are arranged vertically following order of production

The spatial layout is standardised to allow flexibility of internal spaces and adaptaion. The spatial requirements are minimised to economically profit from compartmentalised and efficient space, that can be closed and managed independently.

the inclusion of a dumbwaiter system alloows for product to circulate freely within the enncloed kitchen system safely delivering food

the enterpreneurial business are placed in adjacency to one another to work for the utilitarian production chain of commercial delivery

SPATIAL ORGANISATION

the organisation of space follows the order of actions required as one approaches the site, following the RIBA guide for user engagement, the public uses are pushed inwards and vertically to create a guided path to optimise tranquility and compartmentalisation between production and recreation

consumption and harvest

1. production for consumption

0 production for delivery

LIFESPAN OF USES

3. storage and harvesting

1. resting spaces: the Nest

0 end of journey facilities

Mayfield’s flavours and their spatial requirements act as the cells of the metabolism. Their structures and spatial organisation respond to the current and expected future societal needs:

due to the current state of crisis and expected changes in the environment, harvesting and resting may apply modular structures to allow for expansion within the factory and throughout the city

commercial production is also expected to change also requiring for their encapsulation to be modular to allow for flexibility changes in use thus recycling components and appliances

commercial food consumption taylored is also expected to fade to leave place to freely accessible food consumption in form of food banks thus requiring demountable structures

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS: THE NEST

ergonomics of space and spatial arrangements: designing modular sleeping spaces understanding principles of inclusive design, the capsules take into consideration designing for disabled persons

promotefor privacy

allows for future expansions provides security biophilic and recyclable materials promotes for user comfort

future expansions of the resting spaces are promoted by the modularity of the capsules, wherein they can also be stacked in addition of a plywood floor and staircase system

internal view of the nest space

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

1:20 c-c’ section through the nest

priortising the need to minimise operational carbon emissions, the section shows how passive strategies and fabric first principles are applied to provide a tranquil, serene space to ensure adequate future performance of the building and to retain its value

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS: THE DINING SPACE

inspired by the Mediateket building, by Tegnestuen Praksis, I employed principles of cradle to cradle design using Glulam as a material to design a demountable timber structure that would host the dining spaces.

1. freeing up space on the second floor to allow for more open space

STRUCTURAL STRATEGY

1:20 section through the dining space

2. moving the space vertically to allow for continuous circulation and user comfort strategies

3. designing a demountable structure to account for future changes in use

the structure allows for freedom of circulation on both floors allowing for user comfort and spatial optimisation

Design in standard, modular units that can be easily assembled and disassembled

structural model at 1:10 showing a singular unit

DESIGN FOR DISASSEMBLY PRINCIPLES

Ensure that connections are accessible for disassembly

Provide detailed documentation and instructions for assembly and disassembly

reversible connections:

Use a layered approach to construction where different materials and components are assembled in layers

Design for durability and ease of maintenance to extend the life of components.

second floor plan 1:100 thanks to prefabrication, the assembly can be easily installed in concomitance of the main structural installation, allowing for cost, abour and environmental savings

1:5 detail connection between walland timber frame

STRUCTURAL STRATEGY

DESIGN FOR DISASSEMBLY MANUAL

designing for the circular economy: allowing for the demount and reuse of individual components by means of mechanical fixing

demounting the floor boards unscrewing the 20mm fastening screws and lifting= fast and accessible

demounting the floor boards unscrewing the 20mm fastening screws and lifting= fast and accessible

demounting the floor boards unscrewing the 20mm fastening screws and lifting= fast and accessible

demounting the floor boards unscrewing the 20mm fastening screws and lifting= fast and accessible

demounting the floor boards unscrewing the 20mm fastening screws and lifting= fast and accessible

demounting the floor boards unscrewing the 20mm fastening screws and lifting= fast and accessible

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

BUILDING LIFECYCLE

expected structural and programme changes in 10-20 years the primary concrete frame structure allows for ease of adaptability and the potential for additions of structural components

the timber structure can be reused as a vertical garden where produce can be grown on the exterior terraces while dried and process internally, in adjecency of the kitchens. taking into consideration the wider social issue of cost of living crisis, the modular sleeping pods may be added in the freed space to provide for the growing demand for housing and resting spaces. the efficient energy systems provide for longeve results in user and climate comfort. Considering future alterations in climate due to the current situation of emergency, the provision of solar panels contributes to expanding the building’s lifespan and further reducing emissions, thus achieving NET ZERO OPERATIONAL CARBON

internal perspective through the dining space

1:20 sectional isonometric

RIBA SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES

sustainable connectivity and transport: promoting active cycling circulation routes expanded throughout the mayfield area and honoured the end of journey spaces by making them the pivotal point of the scheme

good health and wellbeing: included terraced spaces in continuous visual connetion to the surrounding context. internal spaces divided by glass partitions to encourage interactions prioritising inclusive access and prioritised active circulation routes

net zero operational carbon - prioritised fabric first principles to achieve a fine tune nternal environment through using mechanical in combination with natural systems to ai heat, cooling, ventilatin and lighting

net zero embodied carbon - prioritised modular constructure and efficient systems by modularising internal units, structural components and panelised faced system and adopting a cradle to cradle design

sustainable water cycle: providing permeable paving, slot drainage and roof gutter system to harvest rainwater to reuse it within the system

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

the sectional isonometric view shows the cradle to cradle methodology and the circular design strategies which are implemented in the design to make it the most comfortable for users. the environmental strategy aims at reducing as much operational carbon as poosible, utilising natural strategies to heat, cool, ventilate and light the building where possible. the orientation of the building itself allows for maximum natural insolation and potential for growing greenery. the solar panels generate electricity to power the kitchen spaces inclusing lighting fixtures and extraction and ventilation systems. The solar arrays heat the water to reduce the electrical heating, thus reducing electricity bills in the long run. Such strategic application of solar energy allows for future adaptations in use witout compromising building intergrity. Becoming the sustainable emblem of Mayfield, attracting stakeholders and city developers.

TECHNOLOGICAL ARTEFACTS:

operable windows facilitating the exchange of indoor and outdoor air to maintain good indoor air quality = less moisture build-up = less maintenance = health and safety = cost benefit and energy savings

window overhang: filter and block summer sunlight adapting to future changes in climate which may require additional protection for the windows and envelope rainscreen cladding moisture management thus maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Minimised thermal bridge - durability + ease of replace- ment

THE DINING SPACE:

• the juxtaposition of timber elements with concrete primary elements allows for the space to become more tranquil and adequate for relaxation purposes.

• elevating the programme on a su- perior floor enhances flexibility and minimises overcrowding and uncom- fortable

• cladding material is responsive to the vernacular architecture of Mayfield, adding an innovative look while main- taining the same colour palette

GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS

1:200 b-b’ long section

1:100 first floor plan

RECONNECTION MASTERPLAN

MASTERPLAN 1:500 - RECONNECTING MAYFIELD

a public realm proposal that establishes a new, or opens up, and amplifies an existing physical route connection across the city. Myfield flavour factory promotes sustainable and low-impact transport solutions. Including bicycle parking & docking stations, easy access to public transport networks and electric-car charging points, in the adjacent Network Rail car park

informal greenery, closely relating to the character of greenery in the wider public realm, play a positive role in contributing to the city’s air quality. Inviting the user in while promoting carbon sequestration.

continuity of green spaces beyond the internalised garden onto the main street level to improve air quality and leave the site in a better regenerative condition then when found

The space is physically open and accessible as much as possible. The opening times and seasonal openings of a space are clearly communicated at the entrance and around the space. Additionally, the design involves continuity of materials in relation to the context in direct connertion to Mayfield’s hearitage

sustainable connectivity and transport:

- digital connectivity

- provide end of journey provision for active travel runners

- provide on site suitable personal storage

sustainable land use and ecology:

- create productive landscapes for urban food production

- mixed development with density appropriate to the context

-promotion of green spaces: terraces, parks and roofs enhance biodiversity

food donation points across the city

good health and wellbeing:

- strong visual connection with the context

- responsive local controls, good air quality, thermal, acoustic and daylighting comfort

- prioritise active circulation routes

produce pots

1:2500 plan showing food banks and homeless care facilities throughout the city

bike shelter