Shrinking Cities - Aveiro, Portugal

AVEIRO, PORTUGAL

C6-2CALLUM REPORT SOHAL

Callum Sohal BA (Hons) Architecture Cultural Context ArC6-2 Year 3 Case study report: Aveiro, University of Aveiro + CICECO Submission date: 08/03/13 This report is presented to the Birmingham School of Architecture at Birmingham City University as part of the BA (Hons) Architecture course.

Word count: 1537

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION P1____CONTEXT OF STUDY P2____LITERATURE REVIEW + HYPOTHOSIS P3____REFLECTION ON GROUP FINDINGS P4____REFLECTION ON GROUP FINDINGS - CICECO P5____SPATIAL DESIGN P6____MATERIAL VERNACULAR P7____TECHNOLOGICAL REFLECTION P8____CAMPUS LAYOUT P9____CONCLUSION P10___REFERENCES P11___GROUP PRESENTATION P12___GROUP PRESENTATION P13___RISK ASSESSMENTS P14___STUDENT PRESENTATION APPRAISALS P15___PATCHES 1+2

APPRAISAL ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXT

CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY APPENDICES

INTRODUCTION CONTEXT OF STUDY

Quality of space map

Focusing on the University of Aveiro & CICECO (Centre for Research into Ceramics & Composite Materials) this report aims to expand and reflect upon the previous findings in C6-2. By identifying the social and economic impact the university has had on the city the findings will present the causes of to how the shrinking cities hypothesis was inapplicable to Aveiro and examine the social implications its architecture has had upon the city.

The campus occupies a significant area of reclaimed wetland south of the city centre in an area close to San Tiago. It's student’s account for a large percentage of Aveiro’s population, with 12,500 of the 80,000 residents being enrollments of UoA. CICECO are the focal point of the Portuguese Electron Microscopy Network. Their current research can be organised through six interdisciplinary groups; LINE 1: NANO- AND MICRO-STRUCTURED MATERIALS FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Group 1. Inorganic Functional Nanomaterial’s and Organic-Inorganic Hybrids Group 2. Multifunctional Ferroic Ceramics and Nanostructures LINE 2: MATERIALS FOR ENERGY AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS Group 3. Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage Group 4. Carbon Materials, Composites and Functional Coatings LINE 3: SUSTAINABILITY AND BIOMATERIALS Group 5. Bio refineries, Bio-based Materials and Recycling Group 6. Biomedical and Biomimetic Materials UoA’s architectural style expresses these technological advancements externally through its facade, its style has little relevance to its context, disregarding traditional building methods and architectural styles in a way that demonstrates a new era for Aveiro’s place in the countries ranking for human, social and economic development.

Location maps Portugal

Aveiro

University of Aveiro (campus)

CICECO, North of campus 1.

INTRODUCTION LITERATURE REVIEW + HYPOTHOSIS

Literature review: 'A New Culture Takes hold in an Old Fishing Town' Source: article found in the New York Times, published June, 24, 2007 by Sarah Wildman The text outlines the effects modern life has had on the once small fishing town of Aveiro, both supporting and weakening the chosen study theme of ‘shrinking cities’. The effect globalisation has had on local trade and the increasingly residual appreciation for heritage and tradition. The article was selected due to its unbiased reflection on a tourists visit to the town highlighting benefits and issues with its recent shift in cultural identity.

For a small cosmopolitan fishing town the area appears to have responded surprisingly well the recent advancements of social and economic change, with evidence of prosperous industries in tourism, trade and education. After the founding of Aveiro University in 1973 the town had to adapt to the influx of 12,500 students, directly affecting the age-old traditions set out by Aveiro’s ancestors, a quote from a resident states; “The university has drawn in a lot of people. Before the university if you walked around Aveiro on a Sunday, you wouldn't see a single person — everyone was in church! Now that's no longer true.”

The town still thrives as a traditional fishing town ‘fish are sold from stainless steel tanks. Every day, midday, it is hosed down. And the restaurants around it come to life.’ Being an example how the town has adapted to the influx of visitors whether they’re students or tourists, it’s response to dedicating time periods to tradition and new cultural impacts seems to be a successful answer to reserving the towns infrastructure through modern times Not only through its trade has Aveiro adapted but through its transport and mobility infrastructure, a concept I found inspiring is the hugely successful free bicycle renting project led by Aveiro’s Town hall, the concept basically allows anyone (tourists, residents, students) to use a bicycle free of charge promoting health and a cleaner means of travel around the town. The project has led to a decline on automotive mobility making for a more pedestrianised town, allowing it to thrive in tourism as a tranquil destination. “I can walk everywhere.

And just outside of Aveiro, there are great places to ride a bicycle. There you can see herons and seagulls and wildlife. You just give them an ID and you can ride a bike for free.”; a quote from Aveiro resident Mr. Vieira from the New York Times article.

Hypothesis definition: The initial proposed question was 'Is Aveiro a shrinking city?' A shrinking city can be defined as a city that has experienced population loss, employment decline and social problems as symptoms of a structural crisis.

Taking into account the combined effects of deindustrialisation, suburbanisation and demographic factors that combine to produce a model for decline.

2.

APPRAISAL REFLECTION ON GROUP FINDINGS Our hypothesis' conclusion was negative, although culturally the city has lost many of its traditional values, economically the area does not fall under the label of a city in decline when compared to other cities such as Detroit. To a certain extent the area is undergoing substantial growth, with construction of new residential/ office developments along with population stability throughout the past decade.

Development of the city is focused South of the town center towards the University campus, creating a town within a town scenario. The visit gave a sense that there are two city centers. Enclosed by wetlands in the West, rail and road infrastructures along the North and East it appears that South is the only possible was the City can expand.

Its seasonal weather conditions also influence the cities occupation; winter months present Aveiro as a redundant city with little life, especially during exam time where the campus appears closed. Evidence shows during summer months, Aveiro becomes a vibrant and viable destination with tourism becoming an important industry in the city.

City layout

Population in Aveiro by gender

Exam time at UoA, little signs of life on campus 3.

APPRAISAL REFLECTION ON GROUP FINDING - CICECO

Azulejo tile The faculty focuses on scientific analysis researching ceramics and composite materials, working closely with medical researchers creating artificial joints/ limbs and powders which react with human blood to repair broken and fractured bone structures, all with ceramic as a base component. Work is also done into conventional ceramic use; such as table wear and the Portuguese Azulejo tile with materials being tested through microscopic analysis and x-ray diffusion producing materials with optimum strength. This future development for ceramics allows it to be an ever increasingly versatile material, with other materials like copper and steel being added to provide stronger bonds, reducing the fragile properties of the material resulting in more opportunity for application.

Micro-scopic analysis at CICECO

Research at CICECO 4.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXT SPATIAL DESIGN UoA comprises of fifteen separate departments and one autonomous section, each of the faculties are distributed generously through the extensive, open areas of the campus providing a good environment for link areas between each physical structure. These link areas are currently being utlised as public spaces for external seating and landscaping.

There is a vast difference in spacial layout when compared to much of Aveiro’s previous city model.

The universities large internal and external areas differ to the traditional architecture of Aveiro with its relatively low ceiling heights, enclosed public places, and narrow connective passages. Functionality is key to the campus; the comfortable ‘airy’ interior generates an excellent environment for study; great for peaceful reading within the relative seclusion of it's campus boundaries. The internal triple height ceilings provide an exhibition like space emphasising its theme of study as the sole relevance behind its function.

Enclosed external spaces (Aveiro)

UoA main foyer 5.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXT MATERIAL VERNACULAR The facade for much of the university comprises of standard-sized red brick.

Its bond varies throughout; from stack, flemish and running bonds breaking up the regularity and potentially overwhelming use of the material. In other areas of the campus glazing is used, often staggered between departments; deep ceramic louvers run parallel along the whole extent of the three-storey high glazed facade. The sleek, red panels appear in stark contrast to the rough brickwork of the adjacent building.

At first glance it’s difficult to identify a connection between UoA and its immediate context, the red brick and red louvers appear shockingly different to the traditional blue and white Azulejo tiles which clad many of the surrounding buildings. The material choice reflects the new identity of Aveiro as a place of technological advancements with it clearly not being held back by previous traditions of the city. The campus stands out boldly, disregarding the existence of historical models and there established symbolic connotations.

Image showing contrast in brick/ louvre system 6.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXT TECHNOLOGICAL REFLECTION concrete slab steel i-beam double glazing Structurally the glazed facades are expressed through a combination of steel I-beam’s and pre-cast concrete slabs. Concrete slab flooring provides massing for heat retention helping generate a constant cool temperature internally in the warm environment. A fixed ceramic louver system cantilevers off the glazed façade and expands over large South orientated sides of the campus, limiting glare, diffusing solar gain and reducing natural heat exposure from the renowned warm climate of Portugal.

200mm ceramic louver aluminium mounting frame louver bracket

Cross-section of louver facade Ref: Domus 773, July 1995 7.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTEXT CAMPUS LAYOUT

Sketch of university campus, looking N/W towards wetlands

8.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion Aveiro is currently in a good position as a central hub for education, its technological advancements in medical research from use of ceramic composites mean its world leading in developing biological treatment for medical application. Due to its bespoke research, strong information-based links are created throughout the world, with the most significant connections between CICECO and medical researchers in Germany, UK and America. Its undeniable that the universities establishment has changed the city dramatically, whether this was culturally beneficial for the city is personal opinion, clearly its presence has benefited the town economically and has been a key driver behind development of Southern Aveiro, although its still unclear to whether it has created a barrier through the area and created a town within a town, a strong similarity to Longtons town form, this new ‘edge-town’ removes the town centre’s sense of importance.

9.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Websites http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/06/24/travel/24next.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 http://www.ciceco.ua.pt http://www.ua.pt

Text Sources Domus 773, July/ August 1995 edition, Pages 19-25 City of baseline case study - City of Aveiro

Images Domus - http://www.domusweb.it/en/from-the-archive/souto-de-moura-house-in-alcanena/ http://eciu.ptu.ac.kr/images/ECIUAnnualReport2006_img_3.jpg

10.

APPENDICES GROUP PRESENTATION

11.

12.

APPENDICES RISK ASSESSMENTS

13.

APPENDICES STUDENT PRESENTATION APPRAISALS Brief breakdown Keywords: Mobility Relative to Stoke-on-Trent (ceramic industry/ manufacture) Emerging digital structures Social support and engagement Physical movement Create a study diary whilst on visit (record context) Look at University of Aveiro & CICECO (Case study, individual report) Patch 1: Find literature and review selection (book review) Patch 2: Research methodology (instruments, apparatus, process of investigation, primary research).

Outcome: 1. Group presentation; refer to p3 of brief for contents. 06/02/13 - Intro - Physical & Social Context Appraisal - Cultural Context Appraisal - Conclusion 2. Individual reports (A3 bound) brief for contents. 08/03/13 - Intro - Group work appraisal - Architectural Context - Conclusion - Bibliography - Appendices

14.

APPENDICES PATCHES 1+2 Literature review: (Patch 1)

Research methodology for site visit (Patch 2)

'A New Culture Takes hold in an Old Fishing Town' Source: arcticle found in the New York Times, published June, 24, 2007 by Sarah Wildman

Association Cultural Mercado Negro (Rua João Mendonça, 17/2a), a cultural center and boutiques mall rolled into one, is on the second floor of a building on the main canal. There you'll find shops like Miyabi, for trendy design (351-9380-520193, www.miyabidesign.blogspot.com); and WahWah, for music (351-966-528-775, www.wahwahrecords.com); as well as the Mercado Negro bar-coffee shop. Doce Pimenta (Rua Jos Estvo, 97; 351-234-481-273) sells gourmet goodies and local sea salt.

The text outlines the effects modern life has had on the once small fishing town of Aveiro, both supporting and weakening the chosen study theme of ‘shrinking cities’. The effect globalisation has had on local trade and the increasingly residual appreciation for heritage and tradition. The article was selected due to its unbiased reflection on a tourists visit to the town highlighting benefits and issues with its recent shift in cultural identity.

For a small cosmopolitan fishing town the area appears to have responded surprisingly well the recent advancements of social and economic change, with evidence of prosperous industries in tourism, trade and education. After the founding of Aveiro University in 1973 the town had to adapt to the influx of 12,000 students, directly affecting the age-old traditions set out by Aveiro’s ancestors, a quote from a resident states; “The university has drawn in a lot of people. Ten years ago if you walked around Aveiro on a Sunday, you wouldn't see a single person — everyone was in church! Now that's no longer true.” ” The town still thrives as a traditional fishing town ‘fish are sold from stainless steel tanks. Every day, midday, it is hosed down.

And the restaurants around it come to life.’ Being an example how the town has adapted to the influx of visitors whether they’re students or tourists, it’s response to dedicating time periods to tradition and new cultural impacts seems to be a successful answer to reserving the towns infrastructure through modern times Not only through its trade has Aveiro adapted but through its transport and mobility infrastructure, a concept I found inspiring is the hugely successful free bicycle renting project led by Aveiro’s Town hall, the concept basically allows anyone (tourists, residents, students) to use a bicycle free of charge promoting health and a cleaner means of travel around the town. The project has led to a decline on automotive mobility making for a more pedestrianised town, making it thrive in tourism as a tranquil destination. “I can walk everywhere. And just outside of Aveiro, there are great places to ride a bicycle. There you can see herons and seagulls and wildlife. You just give them an ID and you can ride a bike for free.” A quote from Aveiro resident Mr. Vieira from the New York Times article..

Small sketchbooks, camera, iPhone (video, sound recording) Keep a diary of each days events, logging personal interpretation of site visit.

Use of informal interviews with residents, students, possibly try and organize a visit to CICECO facility.

Emails of CICECO teaching staff for later use.

Photographing the vernacular of the city, merge and compare through visuals demonstrating how ceramics has changed as a building facade. Try and find archived photos of buildings during the ceramic industry climax, show how this has evolved and changed the occupational use of the building i.e. office space, residential, retail etc.

Initial sketches on the University layout, technological structures. Layers i.e. structural cross sections for later use.

Collect evidence for and against hypothesis of shrinking city. (Referring back to Detroit as a comparison).

15.