Beril Aksoy- Fixing (the) Society

Rooting through the Future - Muide Meulestede 2050 Healing the City Studio Promoter: Luc Eeckhout “Fixing Society or Fixing the Society” Beril Aksoy

Master Dissertation This thesis was written as a part of the Architecture: Resilient and Sustainable Strutegies Master Program at KU LEUVEN campus Sint-Lucas in Ghent, Belgium Title: Fixing (the) City Academic year: 2019-2020 Date of publication: June 2020 Author: Beril Aksoy Academic Promotor: Luc Eeckout

@ All rights reserved under International Copyright Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher or specific copyright owners. Work and publication made during the course of a personal master dissertation project, within the project of “Healing the City� proposed by Luc Eeckout

I would like to thank to my academic promoter Luc Eeckhout, for the inspiration, motivation and instruction.

Very special thanks to my family.. Having their unconditional support is the most precious blessing that I can ever have.

Also, very special thanks to my flatmate, ItÄąr, for starting and ending this chapter together, as we did before..

Abstract

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Abstract Today, human kind forgot how to fix lives, cities,

items and how to adapt themselves which made them dependent to others and mainly to the mass consumption. Dependency to others for food, mobility, technology and many other aspects create a society based on mass consumption. Industrial activities which are based and located in the city were moved to outside of the cities with the need of more infrastructure and space. After this shift to outside, places of labour and production was also pushed away from the cities. Cycles of lives got expanded due to the existing linear economic activities which also creates a need of more service and infrastructural needs for the people.

In this project, the main aim is to ivestigate the existing possibilities for a circular economic model that can help circles of life to be smaller to decrease the pressure on the city. By providing “Repair Culture� as a newly evolved and resilient industrial activity back to the city, it will be aiming to teach the society how to fix, that they can start fixing from their own neighborhoods. In the case of Ghent, existing initiatives was taken into account and Muide was proposed as a node for this activity. Existing spaces can be fixed and adapted for the future by the help of this new activity. To create a whole system of circularity, relationship between site, existing housing was the key driver.

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Content

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

01. Introduction

Research Question

02. Contextual Framework

Concept City Scale - Existing Traces Village Scale - Existing Traces Service Culture Layering the Building for Future Use

03. Site Analysis

Searching for Space

04. Proposal 1 - Cleaning the Building Block

Closer Look to the Housing Block, “Number 45”

05. Proposal 2 - Repair Center

Understanding the Flows Layering the Building for Future Use Systems and Flexibility

06. Proposal 3 - Housing Block

Contextual Framework Plinth Study - “ De Stoep” Finding a Place and Closing the Circle

07. Conclusion 08. Bibliography 7

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

INTRODUCTION

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Introduction

“Rooting through the future” represents the process of healing the existing city with remembering and finding the old traces. Today, we as humankind, forgot how to tackle with problems and how to fix and adapt ourselves, which bring us in a position that being “dependent”.

We became dependent to others for food, energy, technology, mobility and many other aspects. Most importantly, we are becoming dependent on consuming more and more every day. The value of the items and the things we already own are getting less important every day due to the mass consumption.

With the industrialization process of the world, places of labour and production has been extremely expanded and pushed away from the cities for infrastructural and spatial needs.

Industrial activitiy was in the need of different systems like waste management, inputs and outputs. Mass production was relying on quantity rather than quality and creating different flows from the existing living city.

Before, these places were in smaller scale and located inside the cities. This scale of living and producing was creating smaller life circles for the workers. Life was more compact thanks to the “living and working together” living model.

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People did not need developed mobility and food systems but everything was solved more locally.

When the industry has been pushed away from the cities these life cycles have expanded. Even just reaching to work was creating mobility and economic problems for people, while also creating pressure for the cities.

Now, the type of industry has started to change. The production and places of labour are they are not necessarily in a big scale, unhealthy and polluted but can be very sustainable and healthy options for the cities. Also, production is not only about consumption of products and raw materials but it is also about giving a new life to the old ones.

In this paper, reintroducing the evolved and resilient industry back to the cities is going to be discussed. The aim will be questioning the possibilities of creating a self sufficient fixing city which starts fixing from their own environment. The ability to fix itself will be taken as a key element to prepare itself for the future, 2050.

Investigating the new economic and living models instead of the old and linear ones will be the basis of the material and spatial research and design proposals.

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Fig.1 Old Harbour Area, Muide, Ghent

Fig.2 New Harbour Area, Muide, Ghent 11

Introduction

So, how can we predict the future? If we depend our acts and adaptations according to personal assumptions aren’t they going to be wrong and make us use the raw materials and valuable resources for nothing?

The distinction between designing for future and trying to predict the future should be clear. Designing for 2050 should be about flexibility and adaptability inside our houses, workplaces and cities. The spaces should not be designed according to predictions but should be giving the user an opportunity to adapt everything according to their own needs in the most possible sustainable way. So, what should be designing for Ghent in 2050?

Instead of making assumptions for the future, creating business models and questioning the economic models might lead in different results than the existing situation.

So, what can be the new business model that can remind how to fix to the city of Ghent while preparing itself to the future?

Can existing lead us for more integrated work and live together model of old times instead of monofunctional buildings and regions of today?

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Fig.3 Old Industry in the City Center of Ghent Fig.3 Industrie Museum, |PAGE|, https://www.industriemuseum.be/nl/collecties/beluiken)

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Research Question

To start with, Ghent was a city that has many places of labour inside the city. It was one of the most important cities in the Europe with the production and water connections which allowed commerce to develop. Traces of production and labour is still very visible in the city. If neighborhoods of these places of production is investigated, housings developed under the shadow of these places can be seen. They were called “beluik” which means living spaces of working class that has very high density itself. After 1848, these places were announced inhabitable and very unhealthy but they lead the development of social housing later.

To decrease the density and create more habitable places for people, some development plans were applied. At the end of 1970’s Ghent still had housing problems. Lack of affordable housing and poor living conditions were remaining in the city.

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Fig.4 Beluik in Flipinnestraat, Ghent

Fig.5 Beluik in Muidepoort, Ghent Fig4. Industrie Museum, |PAGE|, https://www.industriemuseum.be/nl/collecties/beluiken) Fig5. Industrie Museum, |PAGE|, https://www.industriemuseum.be/nl/collectie-item/vieze-goten-en-verborgen-gevels-drie-eeuwen-gentse-beluiken)

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Research Question

Due to the lack of affordable places in the city for new family typologies and young companies many are moving out to the outskirts of the cities. This situation results with expanded expensive infrastructure and service needs.

New family typologies

New ideas and economies

Healthy Environment

CITY

Infrastructure and service

Fig.6 Excessive Infrastructure, Diagram by the author 16

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Within this time period, many places were demolished and replaced by new houses or some were being renovated. Most of these new developments were designed as housing for one big family. Today, the typical family image has changed and it will keep changing in the future. Even though the types of families have changed by the time, these houses remain in the same way as they were designed in the beginning. Single parents with children, adults living alone and life partners without children are some of these new family typologies who seeks for a place in the city. After several attempts, most of these people start searching a place which suits their budget and needs in outskirts of the cities.

This situation is leading the cities to be more monotypical and less diverse while also creating bigger circles. These bigger flows and circles are mainly consisting of mobility and time problems for those people and the city.

Any solution should be working for the smallest circle possible for the most efficiency.

Is it possible to apply more local solutions as Urban Acupuncture?

Fig.7 Urban Acupuncture, Diagram by the author 17

Research Question

Now, Ghent is still one of the most important cities in Belgium. The population of Ghent is 256.235 which has about 74.000 students with 95.000 Ghent users who are working but not living in the city in its structure. ¹ Many of these students are looking for housing opportunities in the city. Most of the family housing is being converted by owners to student housing for more income in this situation. So, changing family typologies of Flanders and need for student housing is currently clashing with each other and creating market pressure. This pressure ends up with very high rents and sale prices. ² After giving diverse opportunities for students in terms of education, city should also be getting return of this situation at the end. For instance, if a newly graduate student has an idea that can be implemented in Ghent, it should be supported and city should be able to provide space and economy for this initiative.

In another words, starting a life inside the city of Ghent is becoming harder. Finding a place to start your company, establish an office or to create a production line depends on the existing opportunites inside the city.

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The maps on the right shows that, the flow of migration is happening towards out of Ghent but not inside. These areas are smaller towns or outskirts of Ghent which are in need of bigger roads and infrasturcture to keep the connection for the existing flow. One of the key reasons of this situation can be understood as a result of high rents in the city. According to the second map, city is consist of places which are above the average rent for both sale and for rent.

¹ Loris, Isabelle, and Pascal De Decker. 2016. “Mapping the Current Market Dynamics: The Case of Belgium.” In Belfast. ² ² Loris, Isabelle, and Pascal De Decker. 2016. “Mapping the Current Market Dynamics: The Case of Belgium.” In Belfast.

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Fig.8 Map for population flows in Flanders

Fig.9 Map for Market Dynamics in Belgium

Fig.10 Map for Market Dynamics in Belgium

Fig.9-10-11 Loris, Isabelle, and Pascal De Decker. 2016. “Mapping the Current Market Dynamics: The Case of Belgium.� In Belfast.

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Research Question

So, is it possible to create a system inside the city to provide alternative housing, production opportunities and workspaces for various groups of people?

The city of Ghent is not the same as it was in 2000. Also, by 2050, it will not be the same as today. It is like a living metabolism that evolves every day. Mobility, housing, nature, infrastructures, population, culture, family types and many others are changing by the time.

The needs and internal pressures of cities are increasingly growing.

To cover all these needs, free space and materials are the essentials. But if we don’t answer these needs in a strategic way, there will be no free spaces or available materials to build more after certain time period. We cannot keep consuming this much in the future.

We have to improve what is already around us. We have cities, people, heritage of knowledge and skills, infrastructure and housing.

So, how to start with what is already there?

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Linear Economy

Recycling Economy

Circular Economy

Fig.11 Circularity, Diagram by the author Fig11. Circular Flanders, |PAGE|, https://vlaanderen-circulair.be/src/Frontend/Files/userfiles/files/Circular Flanders Retrospective Report.pdf)

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

CONTEXTUAL FRAMEWORK

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Contextual Framework Concept

1- Change from Industrial City...

2- to Post-Industrial City

3- Introducing the Fixed City, filled with healthy urban life, green zones, multi functional buildings, pedestrian friendly mobility, active communication..

Fig.12 Source Reflection by the author 24

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

4- Leaving traces during the shift..

5- Industrial activity requires extra adjustments due to waste management, input, output..

6- More industrial activity needs more space and infrastructure to operate. ³

Fig.13 Source Reflection by the author ³ Re:Work: Making Place for Industry, Logistics and Wholesale in Brussels. Bruxelles: Université libre de Bruxelles, 2013.

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Contextual Framework Concept

7- Industrial activity relies on quantity and generates fluxes different from the city.

8- Reintroducing this activity with evolved identity to the city.

9-Reducing mobility and CO2 emissions by the new shift..

Fig.14 Source Reflection by the author 26

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

10- New active relationships in the city, more job opportunities, becoming more self sufficient and local..

11- So, the new Industry can serve for the Fixed City

12- To achieve this result, different scales should be considered; both urban and architectural.. ⁴

Fig.15 Source Reflection by the author ⁴ Re:Work: Making Place for Industry, Logistics and Wholesale in Brussels. Bruxelles: Université libre de Bruxelles, 2013.

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Contextual Framework City Scale- Existing Traces

Muide

Fig.16 Existing Initiatives in Ghent, Map by the author 28

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

When the traces in the city has been investigated the results were self explaining for the search for the new industry. Ghent was already giving some opportunities to the reintegration of the production but in the new way, which is giving back a life to the old products.

Existing initiatives are taking place temporarily, they don’t have a specific center in the city. Certain agenda was created with events for exchanging and repairing some products.

Muide is one of the places that hosts these events that occur in the city. In the case of a creating center for these events, it also has a potential to grow due to its location.

Fig.17 Existing Initiatives in the City

Fig.18 Existing Initiatives in the City

Fig.19 Existing Initiatives in the City

Fig.20 Existing Initiatives in the City

Fig.17-18-19-20 “Buren Koken, Ruilen En Repareren,” https://stad.gent/nl/samenleven-welzijn-gezondheid/samenleven/buurtwerk-gent/buurtwerk-de-wijken/buren-koken-ruilen-en-repareren?fbclid=IwAR21DjRcs25xzXrvgX_RZlTRjw4LP4LPLxhVvqGWd9EKA4h39gzD-dBvOhw, n.d)

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Contextual Framework City Scale- Existing Traces Muide is an area which is 25 minutes by walk, 8 minutes by bike and 12 minutes by bus from the city center of Ghent.

It has a very unique structure which has very visible layers and borders. East side is filled with industrial activities and west side is divided with the old harbour area. The life and the residentials are squeezed in the middle of these areas with strong characters. Every option is there, but they are not interacting or benefiting from each other at all.

City Center

Fig.21 Location in Ghent, by the author 30

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Industrial Area Residential Zone

Proposal Area

Old Harbour Area

Fig.22 Existing Opportunities and Zoning, by the author 31

Contextual Framework Village Scale- Existing Traces

Linear Economy

Recycling Economy

Circular Economy

Fig.23 Circularity, Diagram by the author

While aiming to bring back the repair culture to the city, it can also be a crucial time to compare the principles of the linear economy that has been followed for decades with the new circular economy models such as “Service Culture� To reduce the usage of materials and waste production new economic circles should be integrated to the area. Even though the recycling activity brings new aspects and benefits to the system it is neither a total solution to decrease the consumption of the raw materials nor a way to create smaller circles inside the city.

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It is going to consume the same amounth of the materials if we continue to down-cycle the materials, instead of up-cycling them or slowing down the production.

During the years that Linear Economy developed rapidly, the area was also affected. There are many companies in different categories such as chemical industry, warehouses, construction, car retail and repair and many other offices which are established in recent years. To provide new economic circles to the area, first the existing ones should be analysed and used.

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Fig.24 Existing Businesses and Zoning, by the author 33

Contextual Framework Village Scale- Existing Traces

Fig.25 Neighbors in the Block, Diagram by the author 34

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Fig.26. Concept Diagram of the Area by the author 35

Contextual Framework Service Culture & Turn Too of Thomas Rau Case Study

Fig.27 Service Culture around Turntoo, reinterpretation of diagram by Turntoo

Why to buy, when you can have the service instead?

According to Thomas Rau, the key element of the shift from current linear economic models is to question the ownership. He proposes to become users rather than owners of products while discussing the rights of materials and waste. ⁵ The current model of economy is depending on the steps of take-make-consume and waste. It depends on the existence of the raw materials which directly become waste at the end.

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⁵ ⁶

In his lectures, Thomas Rau is asking the question related with the ownership.

“If you want to go to USA, will you buy the plane or just the service and fly where ever you want?” ⁶ So, Do we really need to own the products or just the service that it will provide to us?

Turn Too. http://turntoo.com/nl/bouwen-met-een-toekomst/.

Turn Too. http://turntoo.com/nl/bouwen-met-een-toekomst/.

Fig.27

Turn Too. http://turntoo.com/nl/bouwen-met-een-toekomst/.

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

1-New Businesses: To create a circular economy, other businesses are needed.

2-Incentive: The circle model should be beneficial for the society and the environment.

3-New Models: Rather than creating new products, businesses need to provide a service for the users.

New ownership can be considered as “Leasing: as a performance based contract” and “Take back of material at the end of their life cycle”.

4- Partnerships: Partnerships and collaborations are very important in terms of creating a cycle for circular economy.

5- Circulation: The value of the products and materials should be maintained as long as possible. “Recycling act” should be done at the end of life cycle but before there should be “Redistribute” to use in another place and “Repair” to chance the problematic part of the item to continue using. ⁷

Source Reflection to the Case of Muide:

Fig.28 Source Reflection by the author

⁷ Issuu. 3XN_GXN, n.d. https://issuu.com/3xnarchitects/docs/buildingacircularfuture/226.

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Contextual Framework Service Culture & Turn Too of Thomas Rau Case Study

“Every building is a material depot.”

Thomas Rau

Why to consume raw materials, when you can have disassembled material?

The company Turntoo which has founded

by Thomas Rau, is aiming to change people’s perspective. “Any product from a plank of wood to a skyscraper” ⁸ can be a way of storing the raw materials. A building might be demolished or not used for years but the steel within that building can be still in a perfect condition. In this stage, the product’s lifecycle and accurate identification for further use is becoming very crucial.

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From another perspective, the Recycling Economy should not be the aim but should be a stage within the Circular Economical Model. If we just continue to buy new and recycle them, the usage of the raw materials will not be decreasing respectively. The main aim should be providing the system to create a maintenance and best performance with the products so that it will result with this desired decrease in both usage of the raw materials and energy consumption.

⁸ Turn Too. http://turntoo.com/nl/bouwen-met-een-toekomst/.

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

1-Height:

Traditional geometric dimensions

2-Width:

Traditional geometric dimensions

3-Depth:

Traditional geometric dimensions

4-Economy:

Time schedule of the construction work

5- Time:

Integration of the cost and quantities

6-Operation:

Maintenance and operation

7-Reuse:

Reuse as a new dimension: information about enables disassembly and reuse of the elements that has been used in the building.

It can give an opportunity to sell the materials later and/or ease the process of refurbishment when its needed. â š

Source Reflection to the Case of Muide:

Fig.29 Source Reflection by the author

â š Issuu. 3XN_GXN, n.d. https://issuu.com/3xnarchitects/docs/buildingacircularfuture/226.

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Contextual Framework Layering the Building for Future Use - Steward Brand

Things Partitions Systems Structure Facade Foundation Fig.30 How Buildings Learn, Reinterpretation of original drawing of Stewart Brand

Why not to create layers in the building that will allow for future changes?

When a building has a renovation or has to be torn down, a lot of building materials often end up in the landfills. This requires a lot of energy and loss of scarce raw materials which has been used for the construction. But, the use of the building can change over time due to new trends, users or a owner. ¹⁰

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¹⁰ Brand, Stewart. How Buildings Learn: What Happens after Theyre Built. London: Penguin Books, 2012.

Brand, Stewart. How Buildings Learn: What Happens after Theyre Built. London: Penguin Books, 2012.

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Foundation:

+100 years This element has a long life span that can be maintained for several buildings.

Structure:

+50 years It is the spine of the building. The lifetime of this element is longer than most buildings, so it is possible to take it out and reuse in other buildings.

Facade:

+30 years Due to their exposition to the weather, it is very likely to change the facade material in the lifetime of the building.

Partitions:

+10 years The building must be capable of adapting itself for another uses according to the needs of the users.

Things:

+1 years The things we put inside our buildings generally have a very short lifecycle. ¹¹

Source Reflection to the Case of Muide:

Fig.31 Source Reflection by the author

¹¹ Issuu. 3XN_GXN, n.d. https://issuu.com/3xnarchitects/docs/buildingacircularfuture/226.

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Contextual Framework Closer Look to the Housing Block- “Number 45, Muide Meulestedekaai�

Start-up Companies Repair Center - Needs cheap place to work - Needs collaboration and partnership for int- Needs customer roducing service culture to the neighborhood.

- Needs machinery and materials. Does not - Should be beneficial for neighborhood dihave money yet to make investments on ma- rectly. chinery. +It has materials and machinery itself. + They are developers and producers. + Provides working space and atelier. + They can collaborate.

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Introducing the New Business Model + Repair Center will be the main central node for the collaborating start up companies + It will be giving materials and lending machinery to the Start ups for 2 years time period to help them to stand on their own and be ready for bigger moves. + In return, Start ups will be included into the Service Culture and providing service to the neighborhood with its products with the help of leasing, repairing, recycling and more.

Can Repair Center also provide space for these start up companies?

Fig. 32 New Business Model Concept, diagram by the author 43

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

SITE ANALYSIS

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Site Analysis First Observations

Fig.33 Existing & Observation, drawing by the author

Overview of the Existing Situation -Extremely closed facades with different layerings such as a row of car park and garage doors -Old gardens new storage spaces at the middle of the block -Temporary building of atelier buildings attached to this housing block

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Fig.34 Initial Ideas, drawing by the author

Porous - Self Sufficient - Fixing Neighborhood -Eliminating the dominancy of the cars can create many possibilities such as: non used spaces of the garages can be used for more interactive facades and canal side for people not just cars.

-Atelier as a Repair Shop can give an opportunity to clear out the waste such as broken or non used items in the storages and create a material source for the village.

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Site Analysis Searching For Space

Before proposing any circular system to the area, the building block was investigated.

The main aim was to understand the space usage, priorities and neglected problems in the area. According to some elderly who lives in the area, “the waterside can be a very nice space but only the cars and the doctor is using it, not the neighbors�. When they take a walk in the area cars were creating disturbance and unsafe feelings for them. Also, they were thinking that it is very hard to encounter with the neighbors. To understand the life of these people, some sections were taken to investigate the life and the spaces.

The aim of the division to three parts in investigation is only for having more zoom in views but not to divide the unity. From each part 2 sections chosen in order to have a variety of different spaces.

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Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

3.

2.

1.

Fig.35 Site Map, by the author 49

Site Analysis Searching For Space

1.

In the southern part of this housing block unique relationships between old garage spaces and houses can be seen. For further details 2 sections are provided. The facades which are facing towards a garage space are covered with unused items such as old bikes and broken households. Even though this waste, there is an attempt to create a living space with an umbrealla and garden chairs.

Fig.36 Site Partial View, drawing by the author 50

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

no access to terrace bedroom kitchen

little patio

bedroom living area

maintenance space

Fig.37 Site Sections, drawing by the author 51

Site Analysis Searching For Space

2.

In the middle part of the housing block, newly developed small units in the maintenance rooms can be found. While extra spaces mean so much for the this building block, much bigger area has been used just for car entrance and a patio on the other side of the same place. Also, the structures that were built for the cars on the waterside are now mostly used as storages but not for the cars anymore.

Fig.38 Site Partial View, drawing by the author 52

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

bedroom storage

car road

additional new units living area

bedroom

living area

bedroom no access to terrace

maintenance space Fig.39 Site Sections, drawing by the author 53

Site Analysis Searching For Space

3.

In the northern part of the housing block, empty space becomes more scarce. The usage of the existing infrastructure becomes more dense. It creates some situations where ownership can easily be questioned. Also, need for living area is very visible in this situation. Although there are no windows or any safety precautions for a terrace, traces of people are showing that they are oftenly used as living spaces.

Fig.40 Site Partial View, drawing by the author 54

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

no access to terrace, but why there is a chair?

living area bedroom

maintenance space

kitchen

bedroom

bedroom

living area

who owns it?

Fig.41 Site Sections, drawing by the author 55

Site Analysis Closer Look to the Housing Block- “Number 45, Muide Meulestedekaai” The reason why people have many things that they don’t need anymore or things that need to be fixed, the ground floors evolved into storage spaces by the time. Signs of living environment left their places for unused items and cars only. The life shifted to upper floors and terraces instead of gardens and hobby spaces designed on ground floor in the first place. This shift created non-interactive facades which are restricting the communication in the neighborhoods.

Fig.42 Site photos 56

Google Maps, |PAGE|, https://www.google.com/maps/place/Muide, 9000 Gent/@51.0834578,3.7132104,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c370d9f8a769e3:0xf5ccf1306bf6316b!8m2!3d51.0834596!4d3.73072)

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Closer look for one of the oldest housing in the housing block, number 45

Fig.43 Drawings of Number 45 from City Archive 57

Proposal 1: Clean Out Process Closer Look to the Housing Block- “Number 45, Muide Meulestedekaai�

Second Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

Initial Floor Plans

The housing block that has been investigated has a typical floor plan development in common. To understand the spaces better, floor plans of the number 45 was taken from city archives. The very first floor plans are from the year 1971. Later the plans from 1988 and 2004 have been analyzed which showed the development through the years. Later the relationship between the current economic model and usage of the spaces will be questioned. This relationship will be used in order to understand the change but not to predict the future.

Fig.44 Floor Plans from 1971 58

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Flow of Materials

Existing neighborhoods can be investigated for understanding the consequences of the linear economy models. When the product is bought, the limited life span starts and will only continue few years before it needs a repair or just a small adjustments. The storage spaces and garages of the houses are filled with these broken or old items. While the only necessity is the performance of the products, “Service Economy” can be a solution for freeing up the spaces filled with so called “waste” which are old products or devices.

Fig.45 Waste & Service Life Cycle diagram by the author 59

Proposal 1: Clean Out Process Cleaning the Building Block Initial design with garage, storage, garden, hobby and working area.

Initially designed spaces turns into storage spaces with no garden by the time. Informal developments around the porches and gardens can be seen.

What will happen after the elimination of the cars from our daily lives?

What will happen if we clean out our storages from unused and broken items?

Development of Ground Floor in time

The diagram illustrates the evolution of the usage of the ground floor of this housing unit. In 1970’s, it was designed for a very popular car oriented life style. With the developments in Linear Economy, purchasing rate of new items raised. In 2020, initially aimed spaces for hobby or working turned into storages due to the lack of space in the living areas. In 2050, with the developments in greener mobility with car free city aim and return of repair and service culture, how these spaces will be defined? Can they serve for self-sufficient neighborhood and create more lively streets?

Fig.46 Floor Plan Development, by the author 60

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Second Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

After Clean Out

First step for the change, is to remove all the broken, stored and so called waste items from the garages while also removing the unstructural elements in the building. The aim is to create the most flexible version of the existing house for future.

Fig.47 Floor Plans after Clean out , by the author 61

Proposal 1: Clean Out Process Cleaning the Building Block

Inner Circular System

Fig.48 System Diagram

How the system is going to work?

The proposal is to continue and develop the existing function of the repair place in the right side of the urban block. This building can be a key element to create a self-sufficient healthier block and inner circular economy within this block. Clean out process contains 3 steps. First step will be taking out the material such as steel garage doors, old seperating brick walls, old or extra bikes, old or broken households and bringing them to the repairing center for their future use. After the quality check, the materials will be recorded and seperated if they need a repair, reuse or end of life cycle decisions. Secondly, when these materials are gone from the storage spaces, there will be a chance to develop them for future uses such as converting them to shops or continuing the private use with more useful uses.

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For this step, insulation for garages, windows or bigger openings, new materials or items will be needed.

Only difference is that, this time intead of items or products, people will buy the service and will expect the rest from the repair center.

Lastly, accessible terraces and additional layer of living instead of old roofs will be represented. While keeping this inner economy alive, the repair place will be developed into a center and necessary functions will be added accordingly. So, while community is learning to fix the products they will be also fixing themselves too.

Fixing (the) Society - Muide 2050

Step1: Taking out the materials; steel doors, bricks, old bikes, old or broken households

Step2: Spatial and environmental additions: insulation for garages, windows and new facades , new materials as a service, Material ID

Step3: Spatial Proposals: accessible terraces, new functions to the garages, development in plinths

Fig.50 Clean Out diagram by the author 63

Final Developed Business Model Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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Urban Acupuncture Proposal : New Life for waste and broken items filled Garage Spaces House and Garage owners will be applying for this business model in the housing block.

There will be 3 options for the block, 1- Converting your Garage Box into rentable spaces for start ups.

2- Converting your Garage into an alternative living space, company owners in the same area will be prioritized.

3- Facade development according to the new system in the new street.

Fig.51 Business Model, diagram by the author 65

Final Developed Business Model Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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Fig.52 Business Model, diagram by the author

Fig.53 Business Model, diagram by the author 67

Final Developed Business Model Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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First Step: REPAIR CENTER PROPOSAL To start with everything, the first step will be the Repair Center. Other systems will be developing with it directly.

Fig.54 Business Model, diagram by the author 69

Proposal 2- Repair Center Understanding the Flows in the Village

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Material Flow Public Transportation Line ( also Loop inside Muide) Fig.55 Site Flows, diagram by the author 71

Proposal 2- Repair Center Prioritizing the Surrounding Streets

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1- Administration 2- Repair Center 3- Fab Lab 4- Material Library 5- Open Kitchen 6- Terrace Fig.56 Prioritizing the streets, diagram by the author 73

Proposal 2- Repair Center Creating Different Flows - Human Flow

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1- Administration 2- Repair Center 3- Fab Lab 4- Material Library 5- Open Kitchen 6- Terrace Fig.57 Human Flow, diagram by the author 75

Proposal 2- Repair Center Creating Different Flows - Material Flow

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1- Material Library & Identification 2- Fab Lab 3- Repair Center 4- Flexible Inner Street

Fig.58 Material Flow, diagram by the author 77

Proposal 2- Repair Center Layering the Building for Future Use

Structure is the element that can last for more than +50 years with a chance to reuse in another building. To have this chance, the building become can become “material depot�. So that, wooden frames and concrete core system has been proposed as a shell for the building. Elements with long life time is designed as a system for future uses.

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How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built, n.d)

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Facade has been developed according to the location and orientation, function was not the priority. So, it was more important to have a facade can work for many different scenarios in plan and user change than desiging for a limited use. Due to its exposition to the weather conditions it should be also easy to change and accessible.

Fig.59 Layers, diagram by the author How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built, n.d)

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Proposal 2- Repair Center Layering the Building for Future Use

As another step, when the function was decided, floors are defined and connected with circulation cores. Lastly, partitions walls are added for very user specific conditions. They can last more than 10 years. In the need for change, nothing is fixed and the connections are in a reacable locations that can easily be adapted to the new situation.

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How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built, n.d)

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On the East facade, future development area has been defined.

The frame system continued over this flexible area. Today, it works as a inner street that lorries enter and it will be used for material circulation. But, in the future by some adjustments, the building can use that area as more fixed and interior function.

Fig.60 Layers, diagram by the author How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built, n.d)

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Proposal 2- Repair Center Layering the Building for Future Use

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ETFE Roofing for flexible area

Main Roof Structure

West Facade : 2.5m extension Openable Shading System Double Layer Glazing

South Facade: Shading System with Single Glazing 2.5m extension (buffer zone) Panel with Triple Layer Glazing

North Facade: Sandwich panel-closed facade East Facade : 2.5m extension Openable Shading System Panel with Double Glazing Fig.61 Exploded drawing by the author 83

Proposal 2- Repair Center Layering the Building for Future Use - Interior View from Fabrication Area

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Fig.62 Interior View by the author 85

Proposal 2- Repair Center Drawings - Ground Floor Plan

Repair Area

Open Kitchen

Administration

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Fabrication

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Lab

Material Identification

Fig.63 Ground floor plan by the author 87

Proposal 2- Repair Center Drawings - First Floor Plan

Office

Office

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Office

Fig.64 First floor plan by the author 89

Proposal 2- Repair Center Drawings - Section

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Fig.65 Section drawing by the author 91

Proposal 2- Repair Center Sytems and Flexibility

Fig.66 Climatic diagram by the author

Office areas with better facade protection and floor heating Work with hands area with openable facade works as a natural buffer zone No solid protection from weather but its protected from wind Area with no heating-works as a buffer zone for interior

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Fig.66 Flexibility diagram by the author

Flexible in Space - East & West Facade When the panels are open it gives an opportunity to include 2.5m to inside with the help of foldable windows. Also the wooden panels are arangable for deep and low sun lights of the summer in Belgium.

Flexible in Time - South Facade Fixed triple glass layering system in south facade created buffer zone which will keep the cold in summer and heat in the winter time and let it radiate slowly through the building.

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Proposal 2- Repair Center Sytems and Flexibility The layering and the gridal system of frames allow building to serve for different user scenarios by some changes in the other elements without harming the main shell.

Scenario -1 Work with hands and head together

Scenario -2 Office Building with partitions and single floor height 94

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Scenario -3 Work with hands space with 2 floor height

Scenario -4 Inclusion of “the street� to the interior system Fig.67 Flexibility diagram by the author 95

Proposal 2- Repair Center Sytems and Flexibility

Roof -Roof Covering -Metal Spacers 30cm -CLT Beams 12 cm -Secondary Beams -Primary Wooden Frame

Glass Opening for North Light

West Facade -Modular Sandwich Panel with openable Double Glazing -Structure of the Facade -Floor Extension -Facade Panel of Wooden Slats 96

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South Facade -Modular Sandwich Panel with fixed Double Glazing -Structure of the Facade -Single Layer Glazing -Facade Panel of Wooden Slats Fig.68 Exploded axonometric drawing by the author 97

Proposal 2- Repair Center Sytems and Flexibility

Connections -Connections will be arranged with universal steel plates to not to harm the timber as possible

Fig.69 Connection drawing by the author

Structure

Connections

The main structure of the building is the timber frame system that has 6m x 10m and 10m x 10m gridal system. To create modularity between the structural elements, the key idea was to diminish variety of the sizes and materials that are going to be used. Also, to allow more opportunities for second life cycle of the wood, the size is choosed as 50cm x 50cm. Dimensions could be less but the idea was to have a sustainability and efficiency in the long term, not short. So that, it will allow more reuse opportunities in the future.

Joints between the pieces of structure are consist of standardized universal plates and screws. These pieces are easily reusable in other buildings and constructions. They are hidded inside the wooden structural members to increase the fire resistence of the materials.

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Turn Too. https://www.rau.eu/portfolio/gemeentehuis-brummen/.

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Fig.70 Exploded axonometric drawing by the author

Modular Facade

Modular Sandwich Panel

The facade is also designed in modular panels with the same purpose as the modular structure. The result is a regular facade layers in all sides which are going to be adapted as orientation requires and user wants.

The use of hemp is also diminishing the carbon footprint of the building.

-Wooden frame structure -Plywood Panel 2.5 cm -Wooden Framework (inner structure) -Hemp Insulation 30 cm -Wood Fibre Panel 2,5 cm (waterproof)

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Proposal 2- Repair Center Layering the Building for Future Use - Inner Street View

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Fig.71 Inner Street View, by the author 101

Proposal 2- Repair Center Layering the Building for Future Use - Street View

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Fig.72 Exterior View, by the author 103

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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New Life for waste and broken items filled Garage Spaces House and Garage owners will be applying for this business model in the housing block.

There will be 3 options, 1- Converting your Garage Box into rentable spaces for start ups.

2- Converting your Garage into an alternative living space, company owners in the same area will be prioritized.

3- Facade development according to the new system in the new street.

Fig.73 Business Model, by the author 105

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Contextual Framework

Fig.74 Site Photos, by the author

Fig.75 Site Photos, by the author

The spatial investigation of the housing block was done before in the paper. The end remark was proposing a process named “Clean Out� which is based on removing the items that are not necessary and not in a good condition to the Repair Center.

After this process, the aim was to achieve open and flexible ground facades to develop a certain kind of environment that fixes and adapt itself when it is needed.

The existing condition of the street is all about closed facades and car parks before you reach to the waterside. The area is surrounded by elderly housing and social housing and this part is the closest part that they can reach to the water. Due to the non efficient usage of the street it is not the safest and nicest environment to walk and enjoy .

The garage doors are supporting this situation. Since they are closed to the outside, most of the people have no interaction with outside and their neighbors at all. Also, since there is no relation with their living environment, it becomes very peopleless.

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Fig.76 Site Photos, by the author

Fig.77 Site Photos, by the author

Even though there are mostly no cars inside the car park areas, they are located in some of the advantageous places. Most of them are renovated and filled with items that are not used for a long time or just broken.

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Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Contextual Framework - Understanding “De Stoep”

private

public

private

public

private transition public

private transition public

private From “De Stoep”, it was understood that a personal sidewalk creates conditions for making an eye contact and encounter moments.

It gives an opportunity to get into a conversation with neighbors or passerbys. The space in front of the house must be personal and unique for us as an individual. Only then some people can feel the urge to like, protect and proud of it. In the case of housing block all of the facades were non-interactive due to their storage functions. ¹² But how it can be transformed into interactive facedes after the clean out process?

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public

Fig.78 Reinterpretation from “De Stoep”

In the housing block different options can occur by the differentation in the functions that can be given for these spaces. Private development, public developments such as shops or ateliers and workshop spaces are some of them. In any case, the relationship between transition, public and private zones changes and it can create more vibrant housing block with flows.

¹² Eric van. Ulden et al., De Stoep: Ontmoetingen Tussen Huis En Straat (Rotterdam: Nai010 uitgevers, 2015))

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Fig.79 Photos from ‘De Stoep’

The example above which is from Netherlands, also questions the structure of the street and how it is designed for cars but not for people. ¹³

¹³ Eric van. Ulden et al., De Stoep: Ontmoetingen Tussen Huis En Straat (Rotterdam: Nai010 uitgevers, 2015))

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Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Contextual Framework - Understanding “De Stoep�

Case1: Private Housing in both sides

transition

private

transition

private

transition

Case2: Start Up in both sides

transition

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private

private

transition

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Source Reflection to the Case of Muide While giving new function to the existing garage boxes, life in the street can also be adjusted. Giving an opportunity to use the old sidewalks as a temporary plinth development, will also create a responsibility around the people of this neighborhood. They will be start feeling proud and protectionist. This situation will also result with less maintenance need for the area, which will make municipality’s duty easier.

Case3: Start Ups with common areas

transition

transition

private

private

Case4: Start Up with Housing on the other side

public

transition

private

transition

Fig.80 Source Reflection from De Stoep to Muide, by the author 111

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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Fig.81 First Intervention on the Housing Block, Google Maps View Google Maps, |PAGE|, https://www.google.com/maps/place/Muide, 9000 Gent/@51.0834578,3.7132104,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c370d9f8a769e3:0xf5ccf1306bf6316b!8m2!3d51.0834596!4d3.73072)

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Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

Street Adjustment and Non-Interactive Facades In order to create a transition zone in the Meulestedekaai Street and activate the non-interactive facades of this street a system has been developed. By the decision of the Muide Village (group vision), this car road will be adjusted as double sided bike lane and cars will not be allowed to this section of the village.

Fast car movement was the biggest reason why people couldnt use the area freely. With the new car restrictions there will be new opporunities.

Existing side walk will be keep but another layer of sidewalk will be added which is also 2m.

The first layer will be considered as “transition zone� for the plinth activation. Neighborhood will have an opportunity to use this part of the sidewalk. With this opportunity people will have to act more responsibly and take care of their own environment. This situation will also decrease the maintenance work of the municipality, which will create a circularity itself.

Instead of a car road which expects expensive improvements and maintenance the street will have less expenses for the municipality.

Fig.82 Street Section Diagram by the author

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Glaser, Hoff, Karssenberg, and Laven. The City at Eye Level: Lessons for Street Plinths. Delft: Eburon Academic Publishers, 2016.

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With the Start Up Companies and new residents in the area street will gain liveliness and variety. Before, living areas were always on the upper floors which resulted in a neighborhood that has no encounters and small meetings.

With the transition zone there will be always a chance to stop, discover and meet with each other.

Fig.83 Street Section Diagram by the author 115

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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Fig.84 Floor Plan of the Invervention, by the author 117

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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Fig.85 Axonometric View of the Invervention, by the author 119

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

Fig.86 Spatial Diagram, by the author

Adjustable Privacy

Space Making Creation of Collective Areas

Before the facades were completely closed with garage doors which are not all in a good situation. To renew them, 3 panelled facade system is developed. This panels are consist of 5 cm wooden slats with 20cm gap in between to provide privacy while also allowing daylight inside.

These movable panels are creating a flexible space options among the neighbors. Shared items can be placed among two or more units which will embrace the neighborhood.

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Fig.87 Sun Diagram, by the author

Climatic Adjustments The units will have East-West facades which will make them getting deep sunlight during the summer days. In order to prevent excessive light and heat but also still take advantage of the summer breeze the panels can be adjusted according to the specific angle of the sun for that specific time of the day.

Also, when it is fully closed it will create a wind protection for the winter at the canal side.

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Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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Fig.88 Public Private relationship diagram, by the author 123

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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This project was designed according to the observed economy and needs in the area.

For instance, if more cost spending can be agreed with the housing block, finishing the same proposal with a green roof can help the thermal quality of these spaces. West-East Facade is allowing summer breeze inside the building but to cool down more efficiently, green facades can also offer more quality.

Fig.89 Green Roof Proposal diagram, by the author 125

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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This project was designed according to the observed economy and needs in the area. For being ready to the changes and increasing population rates, other future projects can be developed. For instance, if more cost spending can be agreed with the housing block, it is also very possible to create new housing units instead of renovation of garage boxes.

The ground floor can still have the same identity as proposed but the height can be increased.

Fig.90 Density Proposal diagram, by the author 127

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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Fig.91 Second Invervention Area View, Google Maps Google Maps, |PAGE|, https://www.google.com/maps/place/Muide, 9000 Gent/@51.0834578,3.7132104,14z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c370d9f8a769e3:0xf5ccf1306bf6316b!8m2!3d51.0834596!4d3.73072)

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Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

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Fig.92 Second Invervention Axonometric View and Plinth Study, Google Maps 131

Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

Fig.93 Current Floor Plans

Before Clean Out Process Before it was mentioned that the building block will have a process that named “Clean Out�. The broken items, unused households, extra bikes that has never been used since many years will be transferred to the Repair Center. Also, unnecessary and limiting architectural elements are going to be removed to have more flexible area.

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Fig.94 Plans After Clean Out

After Clean Out Process

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Fig.95 Plug in System

Plug in System for Seperate Units This system is introduced for bringing every system possible to the same place to have more free area, cable-less walls and easily reachable pipes. Even the cable for wifi can be bring into the housing units can be inside this modular unit. While freeing the existing housing with the Clean Out Process, non-structural partition walls were also removed. To create more private zones and a certain divisions inside the housing, this system can also work very efficiently while also not limiting any future use option.

Bao Living. https://www.baoliving.com/.

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Proposal 3- Housing Block Development Finding a Space & Closing the Circle

Start Up on the Ground Floor After the Clean Out Process, the plan become more free than before. With the option of Plug-in Systems, the ground floor can have a seperate function for itself. First example is for a ground floor with Start Up Company while the second example is showing the seperate housing option for new family typologies that has been introduced. Third option is showing how can also the second floor be seperated from the rest. Even though it requires more work for arranging the systems, the future option is still there.

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Seperate Housing on the Ground Floor

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Fig.96 Developed Floor Plan Options, by the author

Seperating also the Second Floor

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CONCLUSION

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Conclusion

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Conclusion Since the beginning, the aim was not to provide just a building but an environment that can help people to embrace repair culture as it was before. After the site analysis, a circle that will diminish the usage of resources and materials while also decreasing the footprint of society in terms of consumption of materials and space was proposed. The key element to provide this subjective and specific proposal of business model was to provide a subjective site analysis to understand the life in that very specific area.

Now, with the input of repair center as a new type of industry, the society will remember what it have in its roots, and fix back its own environment.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Bibliography Books Bergevoet, Tom, Maarten van Tuijl, Auke van den. Berg, Vivien Reid, and Clare Wilkinson. The Flexible City: Sustainable Solutions for a Europe in Transition. Rotterdam: Nai010 Publishers, 2016.

Bordage, Fazette. The Factories: Conversions for Urban Culture. Basel: BirkhaĚˆuser, 2002.

Gehl, Jan. Cities for People. Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 2010.

Glaser, Hoff, Karssenberg, and Laven. The City at Eye Level: Lessons for Street Plinths. Delft: Eburon Academic Publishers, 2016.

Brand, Stewart. How Buildings Learn: What Happens after Theyre Built. London: Penguin Books, 2012.

Re:Work: Making Place for Industry, Logistics and Wholesale in Brussels. Bruxelles: UniversiteĚ libre de Bruxelles, 2013.

Ulden, Eric van., Daniel Heussen, Sander van der. Ham, and Els Brinkman. De Stoep: Ontmoetingen Tussen Huis En Straat. Rotterdam: Nai010 uitgevers, 2015.

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Websites Bao Living. https://www.baoliving.com/.

“Buren Koken, Ruilen En Repareren.” https://stad.gent/nl/samenleven-welzijn-gezondheid/ samenleven/buurtwerk-gent/buurtwerk-de-wijken/buren-koken-ruilen-en-repareren?fbclid=IwAR21DjRcs25xzXrvgX_RZlTRjw4LP4LPLxhVvqGWd9EKA4h39gzD-dBvOhw, n.d.

Circular Flanders. https://vlaanderen-circulair.be/src/Frontend/Files/userfiles/files/Circular Flanders Retrospective Report.pdf.

Culture of Repair. https://www.cultureofrepair.org/.

Industrie Museum. https://www.industriemuseum.be/nl/collectie-item/vieze-goten-en-verborgen-gevels-drie-eeuwen-gentse-beluiken.

Industrie Museum. https://www.industriemuseum.be/nl/collecties/beluiken.

Issuu. 3XN_GXN, n.d. https://issuu.com/3xnarchitects/docs/buildingacircularfuture/226.

Metabolic , n.d. https://www.metabolic.nl/news/circular-economy-materials-passports/.

Samenlevingsopbouw Gent. https://samenlevingsopbouwgent.be/wat-doen-we/projecten/ wijkrenovatie-dampoort-clt/#inhoud.

Searching in History. https://searchinginhistory.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-industrial-revolution-of-belgium.html.

Stad Gent. https://stad.gent/nl/samenleven-welzijn-gezondheid/samenleven/buurtwerk-gent/ buurtwerk-de-wijken/buren-koken-ruilen-en-repareren?fbclid=IwAR21DjRcs25xzXrvgX_RZlTRjw4LP4LPLxhVvqGWd9EKA4h39gzD-dBvOhw. Thomas Rau, n.d. http://thomasrau.eu/en/material-matters/.

Turn Too. http://turntoo.com/nl/bouwen-met-een-toekomst/.

Ulden, Eric van., Daniel Heussen, Sander van der. Ham, and Els Brinkman. De Stoep: Ontmoetingen Tussen Huis En Straat. Rotterdam: Nai010 uitgevers, 2015.

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