ANNABELLE BRADING | SEAN FITZPATRICK GROUP 02 PROVOCATION, ART AND POLITICAL SPACE
Declaration AB 964 Design Studies 5A B Brief - Thesis Inception MArch/Pg Dip Advanced Architectural Design MArch Architectural Design International Declaration “I hereby declare that this dissertation submission is my own work and has been composed by myself. It contains no unacknowledged text and has not been submitted in any previous context. All quotations have been distinguished by quotation marks and all sources of information, text, illustration, tables, images etc. have been specifically acknowledged. I accept that if having signed this Declaration my work should be found at Examination to show evidence of academic dishonesty the work will fail and I will be liable to face the University Senate Discipline Committee.�
Name:
ANNABELLE BRADING / SEAN FITZPATRICK _____________________________________________________________
Signed:
_____________________________________________________________
Date:
02 / 05 / 2017 _____________________________________________________________
CONTENTS PAGE
INTRODUCTION
BUILDING USERS
SITE ASSESSMENT
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
DESIGN SOLUTION
09
17
25
65
127
APPENDIX 01
189
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
APPENDIX 02 RESEARCH TRIPS & INTERVIEWS
APPENDIX 03 SKETCHES
207
225
MANIFESTO During boot-camp soldiers are put through a dehumanization process that is central to military training. This regime separates them from their memories and relationships with loved ones. The main purpose of this training is to integrate soldiers by “stripping them of their civilian identity and replacing it with a military identity.” The transition from one to another comprises of three stages; separation, liminality and incorporation. There is no method currently to re-humanize or reintegrate soldiers when they come back from war causing many to have an identity crisis and therefore do not know what they should do or where they belong. The military specifically target towns with lack of opportunity to recruit young boys and girls. This means that in specific areas of Scotland and wider Britain there are groups of veterans struggling to return to their communities.
used to have large industries such as paper-making and ship-breaking but in recent years these have shut down and the town has fallen into disrepair. Our goal is to bridge the gap between veteran and civilian communities by using our design as a catalyst for Inverkeithing’s regeneration. We decided to reclaim the abandoned site of the old paper mill to rehabilitate the soldiers whilst also creating a town centre where people can transfer skills, reconnect and provide local produce for the town.
We believe that the communities of these returning veterans can help them get their lives back on track and re-huminize them. A better way to describe the profound effects that destruction and rebuilding has on a persons life is what Siza describes as ‘recuperar’. “To recuperate means to bring back to life but also back to consciousness.” Therefore we wanted to site our research and design in a place that was home for these men and women and looked at a small town in Fife called Inverkeithing that has a very dense population of veterans. The town 6
Figure 01
Research proposition 7
INTRODUCTION
9
THE PROBLEM Through speaking to different veterans we understood that medical care was not effective for them, they found speaking to doctors and being forced to relive memories to be a very traumatic experience. They seemed to thrive in the centres we visited that offered small workshops, gardens and places to eat and come together. However once they leave these centres they still do not know how to fully reintegrate into civilian life. We propose an architectural typology that can rehabilitate soldiers and encourage community integration. We believe that if the military can act as an overall force to strip men and women of their civilian identities then communities will be able to give them this back. We expect the physical spaces of our design to help them engage in this process. In a place like this civilians and veterans can come together through community led projects and begin to understand one an others differences. We have decided to site this design in Inverkeithing as we found it to have a high population of veterans by utilizing government postcode maps. Inverkiething is also being looked at for current regeneration as lack of opportunities make it a hotspot for army recruitment. However despite the small towns loss of industry it has a very obvious civic pride. Its community spirit is why we believe the town is perfect to help soldiers reintegrate into society. Through this process we believe that the highly trained men and women coming to the
area may feel welcomed and want to settle. This allows our building to potentially act as a positive catalyst in the towns regeneration. Through the therapeutic hobbies such as gardening and wood work this building could provide local food and produce for the town, filling empty shop units and providing jobs. If there were enough people that learned basic trade skills at our centre this may lead to college courses, apprenticeships and employment. Although our design is sited in Inverkeithing it should act as a model for other places that have a high concentration of veterans. We have taken inspiration from the Maggies Centres and how they developed a simple brief that could be applied to different places but serve people going through the same problems. Different sites may require the centre to be bigger or smaller but they should all make veterans feel safe and welcome. We do not want the building to have a sterile or medical association but also do not want to design an imitation of what home should feel like. Through open and well designed spaces we want to encourage relationships, rehabilitation and reintegration.
10
Figure 02
Image depicts the ironic message the Military use for recruiment 11
BRIEF: PURPOSE To provide residential support (temporary or permanent in extreme cases) and information facilities for veterans and for their families, friends and wider community. The building will offer its users a calm friendly space where each individual can decide how much they wish to integrate with the wider community and what skills they would like to develop. If veterans want to speak to a professional person about their problems they will have the opportunity to have a private conversation with the programme director or a psychologist. On offer within the building will be a free programme that will provide support for every veteran weekly. The programme will include group support, family and friends support, relaxation sessions and gym classes. The building will provide veterans access to information such as; benefits advice, further education, volunteering and employment opportunities, searching for a home within the community and addition health service. Some veterans will participate more in the programme than others, for some they may want to come and garden or take part in the workshop for a day. However others may require more help and want to speak to a professional or may work in the centre for bed and board.
12
Figure 03
Create a community through transferring skills between groups 13
BRIEF: REQUIREMENTS Main Spaces • Entrance • Small Cloakroom • Toilet Near Entrance • Welcoming | Sitting | Library Area • Staff Office Space (Admin | Fundraising) • Computer | Games Room - Viewing Area • Kitchen Area | Social Space | Dining • Large Multifunctional Room for Relaxation • Storage Space • Openable Walls • Sitting | Counselling Rooms (12 People) • Smaller Counselling Rooms (Private) • Toilets • Private Rest Space • Garden | Nature Areas • Drop Off | Parking | Disabled Parking • Staff (Medical | Counselling) • Treatment Rooms (1 or 2) • Gym Area (Weights | Cardio) • Indoor Sports Hall (5-A-Side) • Hydro Pool (Changing | P lant) • Staff Room | Relaxation | Social Space • Staff Changing • Meeting Room Farming • Food Preparation | Storage • Training Kitchen • Tool | Equipment Store • Intimate Dining | Social Spaces (Small) • Storage Space • Cleaners Store Arts & Crafts • Studio Space • Storage for Materials • Machinery (Painting | Kiln | Pottery)
Boat-building • Workshop • Storage for Materials • Outdoor Working Space Workshops • Workshop | Construction Area • Machinery • Storage for Materials • Access to shop units if possible • Links to local community • Yard Accommodation • Minimum 4 person units • Family Units (10) • Community Amenities • External Space Staff • Receptionist • Centre Manager • Fundraising Manager • Farming Manager • Art Teacher (1 or 2) • Workshop Supervise (1 or 2) • Music Teacher (1 or 2) • Gym | Nutritionist Supervisor • Cleaners • Visiting Physiotherapists • Visiting Lecturers
Music • Recording Studio • Teaching Space 14
Figure 04
Diagram explaining how different designs could be developed using the brief 15
BUILDING USERS
17
Susie | Programme Director, SVR Susie is a former Naval officer and currently is a fundraising and marketing manager for SVR (Scottish Veteran Residences). She decided to work for this charity after her time in the navy as she wanted to help others get their lives on track like she did. Susie organizes the events and functions that happen at the charity and is in charge of raising money. She is also in charge of the building day to day. Susie would be vital in our design as she is able to teach veterans essential life skills that will help them reintegrate into their community.
Figure 05-06
A day in the life of Susie 18
Rob | Farm Manager, Cyrenians Rob began helping homeless people in Edinburgh and now focuses on helping young adults aged 16-30 that have been excluded from their homes, families and communities at Cyrenians. Our centre would provide bed and board to those who need it in exchange for working on the farm which would be sustained through donations and providing vegetables to the local community. Rob would be employed as a farm manager and would oversee the gardens/farms. He would be able to teach the veterans and community how to grown their own food and the importance of organic/local produce.
Figure 07-08
A day in the life of Rob 19
Mary | Shop Owner, Maker Mary is a shop owner in Inverkeithing that looks to showcase local talent from Fife and Edinburgh. Her shop is called ‘Maker’ and sells paintings and craft products. She holds classes for local people and Alzheimer groups and is interested in finding talented individuals to help her run these classes. Mary is very interested in the regeneration of Inverkeithing Bay and has requested more community space where people can come together and swap skills. Mary would be able to teach veterans how to paint and make small crafts at our centre that could then be sold in her shop.
Figure 09-10
A day in the life of Mary 20
George | Corporal, Army George joined the army at 16 and was hit by a 500lb car bomb when he was serving in N. Ireland age 19. The incident killed his 3 companions and left him in a coma for 10 months. When he woke up he had severe brain damage and didn’t walk for 10 years. George loves to garden and would be able to use this hobby to work in the community gardens providing food for the town. He would be given a “pension cottage” on site where he would live with his family in exchange for working in the gardens.
Figure 11-12
A day in the life of George 21
Royce | Gunner, Army Royce joined the army out of rebellion because his father had always told him not to. He came close to death one night and suffers from PTSD and night terrors. He often wakes up convinced he has killed his wife until he realises she is alive next to him. Royce enjoys woodwork and finds it very therapeutic, he could make and sell items in local shops such as Mary’s, this would in-turn cover the cost of the materials he needs. He could also teach people within the community and other veterans how to use the workshop and learn new skills.
Figure 13-14
A day in the life of Royce 22
Derek | Petty Officer, Navy Derek joined the navy when he was young because he wanted to travel and get away from his town. When he was 21 he had to fight off sharks to rescue the dead bodies “or what was left of them” from an overturned ferry. He suffers from PTSD and flashbacks. Derek is a keen painter although being almost completely blind. He could sell his paintings in Mary’s local shop as she is interested in finding great local talent. He could also teach classes to the community in Mary’s shop, at the centre or at the local high school.
Figure 15-16
A day in the life of Derek 23
SITE ASSESSMENT
25
Figure 17
Number of Veterans per postcode district within Scotland (2015) 26
Figure 18
Number of Veterans per postcode district within Central Scotland (2015) 27
Figure 19
Armed Forces pensioners per postcode district within Scotland (2015) 28
Figure 20
Armed Forces pensioners per postcode district within Central Scotland (2015) 29
Figure 21
Highest concentration of soldiers per postcode district within Scotland (2015) 30
Postcode Districts: EH54 - Livingston G84 - Helensburgh - Rosneath - Rhu KY7 - Glenrothes - Coaltown of Balgonie - Markinch KY8 - Leven - Buckhaven - Lundin Links KY11 - Inverkeithing - Dalgety Bay - Rosyth KY12 - Dunfermline - Culross - Cairneyhill PH1 - Tibbermore - Methven - Tullybelton
Figure 22
Highest concentration of soldiers within Central Scotland (2015) 31
We used the postcode maps to narrow down our site. We found that central Scotland had a large population of veterans and that Fife specifically had a large community of all ages. After this we discovered that Inverkeithing had the most dense population within Fife and therefore decided to focus on this area. After researching Inverkeithing, we found that it used to be a industrial town, specifically producing paper and ship breaking. However in recent years it has lost these industries and opportunities for people within the town. This has caused it to become a hotspot for army recruitment, hence its high population of veterans and service personnel (10%). However the town still has a prominent sense of civic pride and there are many community based projects. We propose that the centre could act as a catalyst for community integration and the towns regeneration. We believe the local people are interested in helping returning service men and women and that the veterans could settle here and offer skills to help the towns regeneration.
Figure 23
No. of Veterans within Scotland on a local, regional and national scale 32
Figure 24
No. of Veterans within Scotland on a local, regional and national scale 33
Figure 25
Nolli map 34
Figure 26
Nolli map 35
Figure 27
Site analysis of Inverkeithing (Google map image altered by Author) 36
Figure 28-31
Development of Inverkeithing Bay (Google map/Edina history map images) 37
A materiality study was carried out around Inverkeithing to identify the palette of materials that were commonly used in residential, civic and industrial buildings. The older buildings and residential appear to be mostly brick and sandstone. Where as the industrial building appear to utilise brick and metal cladding. The modern civic buildings seem to mimic the materiality and rules of the town an use brick and sandstone. Industrial
Civic
Residential Figure 32
Materiality in Inverkeithing (photographs taken from Google) 38
A barrage balloon mooring site has been identified from postwar RAF vertical air photographs in the middle of what is now a sports ground (Canmore, 2017).
Inverkeithing ship breaking industry began in 1931 (Scotland’s Places, 2015).
The Firth of Forth bridge was built in 1882 and was the longest single cantilever bridge span in the world until 1917 (Forth Road Bridge, 2017).
A WW2 radio station situated on the N side of Prestonhill Quarry. Built of brick and concrete, with a rectangular building surrounded by a blast bank, with two further buildings to the West, one of which has been the engine room. Also visible to either side of the station, are two mast bases which retain the lowest section of the mast of galvanized angle iron (Canmore, 2017).
The trainline route of the former Halbeath Railway dating from 1780 once connected Halbeath Colliery on the outskirts of Dunfermline to a pier in Inverkeithing (Urban Realm, 2016).
The Forth Road bridge was built in 1964 connecting Edinburgh and Fife. It replaced the ferry route which was centuries old (Forth Road Bridge, 2017).
Figure 33
Important landmarks around Inverkeithing 39
Figure 34
Initial zoning of Inverkeithing (Google map image altered by Author) 40
Figure 35
Initial analysis of Inverkeithing (Google map image altered by Author) 41
Figure 36
Inverkeithing town centre study (Google map image altered by Author) 42
Figure 37
Inverkeithing town centre study - Building Heights 43
Inverkeithing War Memorial
Inverkeithing Parish Church
Inverkeithing Food Bank
The Grey Friars Hospitium
Inverkeithing Civic Centre
St Peter in Chains Church
Figure 38
Inverkeithing town centre study - Important Landmarks 44
War Memorial Community Garden
Inverflora
Maker Craft Shop
Senior Citizens Centre
Friars Community Garden
Guides and Scouts Club
Figure 39
Inverkeithing town centre study - Community Places 45
Figure 40
Land-use 46
SITE A
SITE B
Figure 41
Analysis of potential sites (Google map image altered by Author) 47
Figure 42
Analysis of potential sites - Site A 48
Figure 43
Analysis of potential sites - Site B 49
The first site is located at the old Inverkeithing primary school which was built in 1874 and closed in 2008. The senior school, which is also abandoned also sits on the site and was built in 1913. The buildings were used to educated 4/5 generations of people from Inverkeithing and therefore is very important to the town (Dunfermline Press, 2013).
SITE A The second site is located by Inverkeithing bay and was the site of the old paper mill which was built in 1914. The mill had four paper machines and was called Caldwell & Co Papermakers. The paper mill gave jobs to 4 generations of men and women within Inverkeithing and greater Fife and therefore is also an important site for the town (Daily Record, 2012).
SITE B
Figure 44-45
Analysis of potential tites (Google map images altered by Author) 50
SITE B
After comparing both sites we chose site B as the preferred option. We believe that its close relationship with the high street and water would benefit returning soldiers with rehabilitation. We believe that this site could be designed as the town’s centre and provide a dynamic waterfront for the people of Inverkeithing to use. As well as looking at Site B we will also look at masterplanning the rest of the bay including Ballast Park and the Prestonhill Quarry.
Figure 46
Chosen site (Google map image altered by Author) 51
Improve the relationship with the water through building design. Most of Inverkeithing’s Architecture turns its back on the water and there is a large area of land by the bay that could be redeveloped to reconnect this site to the town.
Integrate the relationship to the bay into the design to create a dynamic waterfront.
Figure 47
Opportunities of the site 52
Restore the historic site and provide scenic views and tranquil areas.
There is some protected green space around Inverkeithing however it is not being used effectively. There is an opportunity on the site to provide urban green spaces for the area.
53
Chosen Site - Caldwell’s paper mill in Inverkeithing was originally built in 1914. It closed in 2003 resulting in 150 people losing their jobs. In the years following the mill became a local hotspot for vandalism and drinking and was eventually demolished in 2010 after a series of fires. The paper mill chimneys were a landmark within Inverkeithing as they dominated the skyline for nearly a century, when they were taken down it was a great loss for the town and its history. Four generations of Fife papermakers worked within the mill as the mill was one of the main Scottish paper makers than dominated the British paper industry. The building were originally conceived of steel frame and brick and had large windows looking towards the forth road bridge (Dunfermline Press, 2013).
Figure 48-51
Caldwell paper mill (photographs from Google images) Figure 52
Sketch showing the benefits of the Caldwell paper mill 54
Figure 53
Four generations of men and women from Fife worked in the Caldwell paper mill 55
Figure 54
What is left of Caldwell paper mill falls into deprivation 56
Figure 55
The abandoned site leaves a wound in the towns landscape 57
Inverkeithing’s connection to the military is vastly intertwined into the town’s history. Although more of an Army town it does have some Naval connections, housing many men throughout the second world war when the larger town of Rosyth did not have enough space. However Inverkeithing is more connected to the Navy through it’s shipbreaking industry. The breakers have “dismantled almost four hundred warships and Navy crafts since 1984, including HMS Nelson and Aircraft Carrier HMS Formidable” (BBC, 1986). Similarly to the paper mill, the ship breaking industry provided work to 5 generations of men in Inverkeithing and greater Fife and was also located adjacent to Inverkeithing Bay. This loss of industry has created a huge wound in the towns landscape (BBC, 1986).
Figure 56-59
Inverkeithing Bay (photographs from Google images) Figure 60
Sketch showing the benefits of the ship-breaking industry 58
Figure 61
Fife generations from Fife worked in the ship-breaking industry 59
When researching the site and its surrounding context we came across the
illustration for the Forth Bridge, which uses men to illustrate the cantilever principle. This conveyed a powerful message to us that seemed to fit our thesis; people need each other.
Figure 62
Views to the Forth Bridge convey a powerful message 60
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only beacuse, and only when, they are created by everybody” -Jane Jacobs
Figure 63
Defining ‘place making’ 61
“It take a community to create a place and a place to create a community” - William ‘Holly’ Whyte
Figure 64
Defining ‘place making’ 62
“What attracts people to a place most, it would appear, is other people” - William ‘Holly’ Whyte
Figure 65
Defining ‘place making’ 63
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
65
Figure 66-67
Initial concept sketches 66
Figure 68
Initial concept sketches 67
Figure 69
Initial concept sketches 68
Figure 70
Initial concept sketches 69
Figure 71
Initial concept sketches 70
Figure 72
Initial concept sketches 71
Figure 73
Initial concept sketches 72
Figure 74
Initial concept sketches 73
We looked at Trias’s entry for the Iceland trekking Cabin competition which were inspired by traditional Japanese houses. The design is made up of individual units (bunk units, kitchens, bathrooms, entry zones and window openings) that can be joined together to make a series of smalllarge cabins. The design is essentially individual rooms that plug together to create spaces which range from public to private. The blocks centre around a dining table which is to become a communal space at the heart of each cabin. We looked at the trekking cabin competition as it represents a civilian counterpart of military life. Hiking shares similarities as it involves training, being outdoors and endurance. These cabins were designed as a place of safety were you are to rest and recuperate which is something we want to bring to military life. Originally we looked at this precedence to design small pods that could be sent to war zones or used as disaster relief. However we have decided to focus on designing a series of buildings for our site that can help reintegrate veterans into the town. However this is still a valuable precedent that could inspire ideas for accommodation within our design.
Figure 75
Trias Heima: Iceland trekking cabins (plans from Google images) 74
Figure 76
Initial concept sketches 75
Figure 77-78
Initial concept sketches 76
Figure 79
Initial concept sketches 77
Figure 80-81
How the design will aid the rehabilitation of Veterans 78
Figure 82
How
the
design
will
aid
the 79
Figure 83
Initial analysis of Inverkeithing Site B 80
Figure 84
Initial analysis of Inverkeithing Site B 81
Figure 85
Nolli map - grid 82
Figure 86-91
Initial adjacencies 83
Figure 92
Initial concept sketches 84
Figure 93
Initial adjacencies 85
Figure 94
Initial adjacencies 86
Figure 95
Initial adjacencies 87
Figure 96-99
Design development 88
Figure 100-104
Design development 89
Figure 105-108
Design development 90
Figure 109
Initial concept sketches 91
Figure 110
Concept material study 92
After deciding to design a series of buildings we began to think about how the space would look and feel. We knew from our 5A what type of materials we wanted to use and finalised them after siting the project. We wanted to use a lot of red brick as it has a strong connection with the town. It was used to construct the paper mill chimneys, the pillboxes that where used in WW2 and various industrial and residential buildings throughout Inverkeithing. When the chimneys were brought down it was a very personal thing for the people of the town with many of them taking bricks home as a reminder of the historic building. We therefore felt that using brick to form a new centre would create personal links to the town and reinstate the materials place on the coast line. Brick also felt like a tacticle choice to create a rehabilitation centre as is has a texture and a character to it that people feel comforted by. We wanted to pair this with timber as it has similar connotations as a material. We also decided early on within our design process that the only large windows within the building would face inwardly provided views to courtyards and gardens. The rest of the building would be top lit with small gaps in th brick bonding to allow views to the water and external spaces. This choice was made after researching how veterans feel about buildings, large open windows and spaces can cause unease as they do not feel safe. Therefore allowing veterans to chose for them selves if they want to be exposed or not.
93
Figure 111-115
Development of Option 01 94
Figure 116-117
Development of Option 01 95
Figure 118-122
Development of Option 01 96
Figure 123-126
Development of Option 01 97
Figure 127
Further design development uaing models 98
Figure 128
Further design development using models 99
Figure 129
Further design development using models 100
Figure 130
Further design development using models 101
Figure 131
Development of masterplan using models 102
Figure 132
Development of masterplan using models 103
After developing the masterplan we started to look at how the buildings would work internally. Originally we were inspired by Toby Patterson’s drawing for his sculptural piece for BBC Scotland.
We began to look at how this could be developed as a building plan and the spaces it would provide in between.
Figure 133-136
Development of internal spaces 104
Then we started to populate the space by looking at the points of entry and routes through the building.
We then placed a roof of the building and began to design how the space would be top lit.
105
Figure 137-138
Design development 106
Figure 139
Design development 107
Figure 140-141
Design development 108
Figure 142
Design development 109
Figure 143
Development of highline 110
Figure 144
Development of centre 111
Figure 145
Development of centre 112
Figure 146
Development of centre 113
Figure 147
Development of centre 114
Figure 148
Development of centre 115
Figure 149
Development of internal spaces 116
Figure 150
Development of internal spaces 117
Figure 151-154
Looking at how Veterans may feel within a space due to training 118
Figure 155
Development of internal spaces 119
Figure 156-159
Development of design using models 120
Figure 160-161
Development of design using models 121
For the overall look of the building we took inspiration from Alvar Aalto’s town hall in Saynatsalo and the churches designed by Gillespie Kidd and Coia. We believe that both architects use an expert amount of sensitivity when aproaching projects and we wanted to replicate this within this building. As explained previously we felt red brick was the best choice for our site and brief and researched how they used the material to control light and atmosphere within their designs. Internaly we took inspiration from the Maggies Centre, we wanted the inside to contrast the hard exterior and seem more homely. For the external landscaping we took inspiration from the NY highline to develop the main pedestrian route from the main street. We looked at a lot of West 8’s projects for how to design the public squares and parks.
Figure 162
Development of elevations (photographs from Google images) 122
Figure 163-170
Development of elevations and looking at how veterans feel within a building 123
In our 5A we began to explore potential materials that could be used within a design for veterans. Initially we wanted to explore a palette that looked at warm vs neutral tones and textures. Having decided on a site our material palette has not changed significantly. However the
subtle changes we have made are to do with tying the design into its immediate context, as well as being tactile materials that would aid rehabilitation.
Figure 171
Materiality 124
The above sketches show examples of how we began looking at contrasting materials. We wanted to create the right atmosphere through lighting and materiality and avoid anything too severe internally. The concept was to have a soft inner protected by a hard exterior.
Figure 172-176
Materiality 125
DESIGN SOLUTION
127
Figure 177
Nolli plan showing site context 128
We researched ‘placemaking’ heavily within this project as we wanted to make this site a focal point within the town. Therefore access and linkage were very important as well as being an attractive place that people would want to socialize in and spend time.
Figure 178
Masterplan sketches 129
Highline We took inspiration from The NY Highline by Diller Scofidio and Renfro to create an active walkway that connected our site to Inverkeithing’s high street. Currently the town does not have a centre and we believe that through this route we could draw people down to the water to use our site and make it the heart of the town. Our highline will intersect the town at the current civic centre, which is the closest building the town has to a community centre. It will also connect the existing playparks and community gardens to our site and link the town to the Fife coastal path.
Figure 179-181
Masterplan models 130
Raised Planters When we went on research trips to visit existing veteran charities gardening was an aspect that was highly enjoyed by the men and women. Similarly when we visited Inverkeithing we noticed small community gardens had been set up for the people within the town. We therefore thought this was an activity that could bring both groups together. We chose to use raised planters as the concrete floor slab of the factory is still present on the site and therefore may be a challenge for growing food, it also allows those that are elderly or disable to participate.
Figure 182-184
Masterplan models 131
Abandoned Trainline Along the back of our site is an abandoned trainline that used to connect Edinburgh to Dunfermline and was opened in 1783. We met with people from Inverkeithing and they suggested using the line to showcase local artists. The wall separating our site from the trainline has been left to the towns youths and is a raw canvas for talented graffiti artists. We want to add some small budget improvements to this railway and allow local artists to use it as a place of expression whilst also showcasing talent from wider Fife and Edinburgh.
Figure 185-187
Masterplan models 132
Shop Units There are many empty shop units along the high street that could be utilised to sell items produced on our site. This would also allow the veterans to move up into the town and interact with locals. We also want to use their skills to regenerate the town. Simple ideas such as a bike shop could repair and provide bikes for the town and allow them to use the high-line as a cycle path to connect with the Fife coastal path. Shop units could also sell locally produced food, furniture and art.
Figure 188-190
Masterplan models 133
Shipping Containers Shipping containers are used on the park site for football accommodation and changing. We believe more of the empty shipping containers could be utilised on game days to sell food produced by the town or local restaurants. This could also work in partnership with the pop up markets to showcase emerging brands and businesses and provide a simple marketing solution to get their names known within the town. It also promotes community engagement and support.
Figure 191-193
Masterplan models 134
WWII Pillboxes One of two pillboxes is situated to the NW of Prestonhill Quarry. The pillbox is a standard type 24 construction and was made using concrete and local Lochside bricks. The pillbox has sunken and is now partially below ground level. This is a key piece of Inverkeithing’s military history and lies to the north of our masterplan. We wanted to design footpaths that would bring people from the town and the bay to meet at this historical landmark.
Figure 194-196
Masterplan models 135
Figure 197
Masterplan | Amphitheatre 136
Figure 198
Masterplan | Amphitheatre 137
Figure 199-200
Masterplan | Highline 138
Figure 201-202
Masterplan | Highline 139
Figure 203
Masterplan | Quarry 140
Figure 204-205
Masterplan | Quarry 141
Figure 206
Masterplan | Seating for Ballast Park 142
Figure 207-208
Masterplan | Seating for Ballast Park 143
Figure 209-210
Masterplan | Community Gardens 144
Figure 211-212
Masterplan | Jetty and Outdoor Pools 145
We built this model very early on in the design phase and used it to help imagine our wider masterplan. In the end we utilized the model to show how our design would filter back into the town. Within our 5A we wanted to take over abandoned shop units to sell local food produced by the veterans to the town. This idea expanded through our 5B to also shipping containers, WW11 pillboxes and an abandoned railway, aswell as adding raised planters and markets to the town.
Figure 213-215
Masterplan model 146
Figure 216
Masterplan 147
We wanted to use this model to show a more in depth view of our main design and the spaces within it. We used colour coded thread to explain how our building users would utilize the space and how their paths would intersect to show how they would integrate with one another.
Figure 217-219
Model of main design 148
Figure 220
Floor plans 149
Figure 221
Floor plan of food production and accommodation 150
Figure 222
Floor plan of main centre 151
We wanted to make sure that the entrance of the building was welcoming and active. Throughout our research we discovered that people were more likely to enter and use the building if it was lively. We therefore wanted to provide breakout spaces throughout the plan.
Figure 223
Legend Figure 224
Main Entrance Visual 152
Figure 225
Zoomed Plan | Entrance/Reception 153
When visiting different centres we realised that craft and activities where a big part of veterans opening up to one another. We therefore wanted to provide a series of spaces where people could integrate through shared hobbies.
Figure 226
Legend Figure 227
Art Block Visual 154
Figure 228
Zoomed Plan | Art Block 155
During our field research in 5A we met various different staff memebers when visiting different centres. We realised that they put a huge amount of effort into caring for veterans and some were also part of the ex-service community. We therefore wanted to provide them with a nice space within the building where they could retreat to without being dsconnected.
Figure 229
Legend Figure 230
Staff Area Visual 156
Figure 231
Zoomed Plan | Staff Area 157
When designing the accommodation we looked back at our original precedence for pod design. We used
Trias’s entry for the Iceland trekking Cabin competition to design temporary housing. Something we learned from visiting Bellrock Close was that although it was a lovely building, the men and women did not use the spaces because they had their own rooms. After speaking with veterans we discovered that they would enjoy group conversations as this is what they were used to in the military. It also forced them to get to know other people and develop relationships.
Figure 232
Legend Figure 233
Accommodation Visual 158
Figure 234
Zoomed Plan | Accommodation 159
Figure 235
Reception 160
Figure 236
Social Space 161
Figure 237
Breakout Space 162
Figure 238
External Space 163
Figure 239-240
Site Section 164
165
Figure 241-242
Site Section 166
167
Figure 243-244
Site Section 168
169
Figure 245-246
Site Section 170
171
Figure 247-248
Site Section 172
173
Figure 249-250
Site Section 174
175
We wanted to contrast the internal spaces with the external by using light timber and concrete. Our main concept was the exterior would be a hard shell with a softer inside. We also wanted to include some therapeutic spaces such as a pool, gym and saunas.
The accommodation block features areas for food production, markets and shop units on the bottom floor. We wanted this block to resemble a street as much as possible so as the men and women staying there would be eased into civilian life.
Figure 251-252
Legend and material palette Figure 253-254
Legend and material palette 176
Figure 255-256
Zoomed Sections 177
We wanted to incorporate a sanctuary space within our design where men and women could pray or be alone with their thoughts. Many of the veterans we met felt comfort in praying or taking the time to think about those they had lost.
Caring for these men and women will be tough on the staff and therefore we wanted to give the staff members an enjoyable space that they could retreat to.
Figure 257-258
Legend and material palette Figure 259-260
Legend and material palette 178
Figure 251-262
Zoomed Sections 179
Figure 263-265
New York Highline (photographs from Google images) 180
Figure 266
Connection to the Fife Coastal Path Figure 267
Re-use of the abandoned quarry 181
Figure 268-270
Material Precedence (photographs from Google images) 182
Figure 271
Main Approach 183
Figure 272-275
Internal Inspiration (photographs from Google images) 184
Figure 276
Main Entrance to the Centre 185
Figure 278-280
Internal Inspiration (photographs from Google images) 186
Figure 281
Circulation / Breakout Spaces 187
SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
BUILDING USERS
SITE ASSESSMENT
It can be seen from this chapter that veterans returning to civilian life struggle due to the military dehumanization process. Our main inspiration for tackling such a sensitive topic was the Maggies Centres. Although they are a much smaller scale they are the best example of how to offer comfort to those dealing with a traumatic experience. Meeting veterans and hearing their stories helped us greatly when designing our brief.
During our 5A we met many different veterans that explained what types of things they enjoyed doing after returning from war. This research became a large part of how we developed our brief. We decided to take the stories of 6 people we had met and imagine how they would use our building. This allowed us to imagine how each person would feel within the spaces we had created.
Finding a site for this project was our biggest struggle. Similarly to the Maggies Centres our building could be anywhere as the problem is worldwide. However we wanted to tackle the problem locally and site the project within Scotland. We used government postcode maps to discover where there was a large percentage of veterans. We eventually sited our project on an abandoned site in Inverkeithing.
188
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT When developing our design we looked at many different ranges of typologies and scale. However we decided on wanting to use this centre as a catalyst for Inverkeithing’s r e d e v e l o p m e n t . Currently the town does not have a hub/centre. Developing a centre for rehabilitation on our site could also become a place for the local community to gather and therefore integrate the two groups.
DESIGN SOLUTION When it came to designing the buildings we put a lot of emphasise on the arrangement of spaces and the material palette. We were inspired by Toby Patterson’s drawing for his sculptural piece for the BBC. We began thinking how a more organic type of design for the actual centre. We wanted to use red brick as it has historical links to the town and is a tactile material. The lighting within the building will come from internal courtyards and roof-lights.
FUTURE RESEARCH We only had 7 months to spend on this project, however there is so much more that could be done to tackle the proposed problem. We would suggest looking further into military tactics towards recruitment, and dehumanisation as well as life within the military. Other potential sites are Arbroath, Perth, Glenrothes, Dunfermline or Livingston. All have similar characteristics to our site and are heavily visited by the Army, Navy and RAF when looking for potential recruits.
189
APPENDIX 01: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
191
Figure 282
Global peace index 2008 192
193
Figure 283
Global peace index 2016 194
195
THE DEHUMIZATION PROCESS Within civilian culture we are taught to value ourselves and others (Adler & McAdams, 2007). Men and women join the military from different backgrounds, however one thing they have in common is the “assimilation into military cultre”. The main goal of boot-camp is to “Socialize recruits by stripping them of their civilian identity and replacing it with a military identity” (Van Gennep, 1960). The proccess of removing a persons identity has three main stages. The first separates them from their memories and relationships and replaces them with “new customs and taboos” (Turner, 1974). The second stage is the transition phase between identities, at this point a person belongs to neither group. This phase is the most crucial as it recreates an individuals social norms. The third stage infuses a military identity into an individual and “promotes selfsacrifice” (Collins, 1998). Within this phase values such as loyalty, honor, duty, obedience and commitment are implemented into conrades. This training is imperitive into creating soldiers as it allows them to seperate themselves from emotion when in a kill or be killed situation. The training celebrates a group rather than an indivial causing recruits to develop “a bond that trancends all others” (Collins, 1998). “The differences in values between the civilian society and the military society create a ‘civilian-military cultural gap’” (Collins, 1998). 196
Figure 284
Image showing how veterans are thrown back into society with no help 197
Figure 285
Map showing which areas the military target when recruiting 198
“Between 2010 and 2012 31 state secondary schools were visited at least 10 times. Six schools were visited at least 20 times. (Arbroath Academy, Dunfermline High School, Inverkeithing High School, Perth Academy, Balerno High School, Forres Academy)� It seems that the six schools the army visit are also within the most dense postcode districts for military recruits. These dense postcode
districts also seem to include quite run down areas that may seem to have lack of opportunities. We propose looking at Inverkeithing as it is one of the most dense areas within the Fife region. It also has a large population of young veterans and as 16-33 seems to be the most difficult age gap we want to see how architecture can intervene and improve this very complex problem (Gray, 2016).
Figure 286-287
Sketches showing what happens to Veterans after military life 199
Figure 288
Location of major Veteran charities within Scotland 200
201
Figure 289
Compassion of deprived areas within the wards of Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay 202
According to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2016 (SIMD16) the ward of Inverkeithing has 1 Data Zone (DZ) that is within the 20% of most deprived areas within the country. As well as having another 5 Data Zones that are within the 40 - 60% of deprived areas within the country. The areas of highest deprivation all surround the former port and paper mill as this is were most of the towns industry came from but has now been lost causing the area to fall into a state of deprivation (Scottish Government, 2016).
203
Figure 290
Foreign Policy 204
Conservative Party Foreign Policy Main pledges: • Second new aircraft carrier will be brought into active service • Replace Trident with four submarines to maintain continuous at sea nuclear deterrent • Work for peace in Syria and Iraq and pursue a comprehensive strategy to defeat Islamic State • Create new award for service in the reserve forces (BBC, 2016)
205
Figure 291
Foreign Policy 206
Scottish National Party Foreign Policy • Main pledges: • Oppose plans for a new generation of Trident nuclear weapons • Existing conventional defence bases in Scotland should be retained • A far larger proportion of the defence procurement budget should be spent in Scotland • The Type 26 frigates must be built in Scotland and the Aircraft Carriers refitted at Rosyth (BBC, 2016)
207
APPENDIX 03: RESEARCH TRIPS & INTERVIEWS
209
Site Visit 01 | Culross
Figure 292-300
Visual documentation of site visit 210
211
Figure 301-303
Statistics about Inverkeithing Figure 304-306
Inverkeithing (photographs from Google images) 212
Figure 307
Inverkeithing mind map 213
Site Visit 02 | Inverkeithing
Figure 307-316
Visual documentation of site visit 214
215
Figure 317-319
Statistics about Culross Figure 320-323
Culross (photographs from Google images) 216
Figure 323
Culross mind map 217
Precedence | Interview
Susie. Current | Fundraising and Marketing Manager
Why did Scottish Veterans Residence start up? “It started in 1910 to help homeless veterans - young and old - and we have been going ever since. In the 1960s and 70s we had older veterans but started to get younger men after the Gulf and Falklands wars in the 1980s and 1990s.” How many veterans do you help? “We help about 280 veterans across our three units. Our age range is 19-92 and although different age groups require different things they all enjoy being around one another. The younger guys really look up to the older ones.”
Most of the people that work here are exmilitary as well so the charity provides different opportunities for the community. We also have staff who have not been in the services and take on volunteers in our cafe and gardens to try and integrate our men and women into the local community.” Would you say there is a problem with not enough support across the country? “Yes definitely. It is a problem that has been recently recognised and although there are many charities helping out in different ways there could always be more.”
Would you say this charity benefits them?
How long to veterans tend to stay in the residence you provide?
“Yes, we do an annual report and recently our numbers have gone up every year, unfortunately we can only take on so many.
“We have a support plan for 18 months but if the men and women are not ready to leave we don’t make them.”
Figure 324
Fundraising and Marketing Manager Figure 325
Main cafe space within building where volunteers and veterans work and eat 218
Scottish Veterans Residence After we gave our 5A presentation we were given feedback to visit the Scottish Veteran Residency charity in Glasgow. This is a centre for homeless veterans that need help getting back on track. We met Susie and she explained to us how the centre worked, where they got their funding and how they used it to support their local veterans.
This visit was very informative for us, as we went at the beginning of our design process. We used this visit as well as our field research from 5A to help form our brief and schedule of accommodation. Although the building was very well planned and had a lot of great facilities, it was the only place we had visited where we did not get to meet or even see any veterans. We feel this was down to the fact that their was on site accommodation and that the men and women used to centre more as place to stay that a place to rehabilitate. This was something that we took into consideration when design our plans. For example when designing the accommodation we wanted to make each room have a minimum of four people. We felt this would help those staying on site develop relationships and would encourage men and women to leave their flats.
219
Precedence | Research Trip
Figure 326-334
Visual documentation of research trip 220
221
Precedence | Interview
Mary. Current | Shop Owner Where do you get the items for your shop from? “I only artists want to no need
sell artwork and jewellery from that are from Edinburgh or Fife, I support our local talent and see to look further afield.”
What do you think could help regenerate Inverkeithing? “There is a lot of empty space that has been taken over recently by local businesses and projects, I think the town is already trying to come together but we don’t have enough space to host big community projects.” Are there veterans?
any
groups
that
help
local
“As a town, we have a rich military history and every year we have a poppy parade that is lead by the longest serving military
family. I hold an Alzheimer group and some military men come but not to get help for anything they’ve been through at war.” Would you say there is a problem with not enough support within the town? “I think as a community we could definitely support the cause more, I think it’s just difficult to know how. Similar groups could be held here in my shop but there is so little space, I can only have 6-8 people in at a time.” Do you think it is a good idea for us to place our design down at the bay? “Oh definitely! The old paper mill site has become so run down and it could be such a lovely part of the town with its views and link to the water.”
Figure 335
Shop Owner Figure 336
Mary’s Shop 222
Maker When visiting Inverkeithing for our third site visit we went and spoke to some local shop owners. Mary was particularly interested in our project as she arranges small community interventions. She was able to give us insight into the town and what the locals wanted to do with it. She was very interested in our ideas to redevelop the bay and use it to help local veterans, given Inverkeithing large military past. The best thing about speaking to Mary was getting a real local insight into the town and the lack of help for returning veterans. However there does seem to be a large sense of civic pride and a desire to want to bring the community together. This led our project to providing spaces for the community as well as the returning men and women. We believe that if we use this rehabilitation centre as a catalyst for the regeneration of the town that we will be able to bridge the gap between the civilian and veteran groups.
223
Precedence | Research Trip
Figure 337-345
Visual documentation of research trip 224
225
APPENDIX 05 | SKETCHES
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
CONTENTS PAGE OF REFERENCES Figures Used Throughout Text All figures are Author’s Own unless stated otherwise.
References Adler, J., & McAdams, D. (2007). Time, culture, and stories of self. Psychological Inquiry , 18 , 97– 128. BBC. (1986). Domesday Reloaded. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/domesday/dblock/GB-312000681000/page/3. Last accessed 23rd April, 2017. BBC. (2016). Policy guide: Where the parties stand. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2016/ manifesto-guide. Last accessed 30th April 2017. Canmore. (2017). Inverkeithing | The Harbour . Available: https://canmore.org.uk/site/204827/inverkeithing-the-harbour. Last accessed 22nd March 2017. Collins, J. (1998). The complex context of American military culture: A practitioner’s view. Washington Quarterly , 21 , 213–226. Dail Daily Record. (2012). Going, going, gone! 98-year-old Paper Mill demolished. Available: http:// www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/caldwells-paper-mill-in-inverkeithing-detonated-1256469. Last accessed 18th Feb 2017. y Record. (2012). Going, going, gone! 98-year-old Paper Mill demolished. Available: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/caldwells-paper-mill-in-inverkeithing-detonated-1256469. Last accessed 18th Feb 2017. Dunfermline Press. (2013). Old Inverkeithing school to be turned into flats. Available: http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/13514339.Old_Inverkeithing_school_to_be_turned_into_flats/. Last accessed 22nd March 2017. Forth Road Bridge. (2016). The Bridge. Available: https://www.forthroadbridge.org/the-bridge/. Last accessed 22nd March 2017. Gray, M. (2016). Campaign launched to reform “disproportionate” military visits to Scottish schools. Available: https://www.commonspace.scot/articles/3496/campaign-launched-reform-disproportionate-military-visits-scottish-schools. Last accessed 5th April, 2017. Scottish Government. (2016). Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. Available: http://www.gov.scot/ Topics/Statistics/SIMD. Last accessed 4th Feb 2017. Scotland’s Places. (2015). Inverkeithing Bay, Thomas Ward And Sons Shipbreaking Yard. Available: http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/record/rcahms/50918/inverkeithing-bay-thomas-ward-and-sons-shipbreaking-yard/rcahms. Last accessed 14th March 2017. Turner, V. (1974). Dramas, fields, and metaphors: Symbolic action in human society. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. Van Gennep, A. (1960). The rites of passage
(M. Vizedom & G. Caffee, Trans. London: Routledge.
238
239