Milly London Portfolio

ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO

M I L LY L O N D O N S TA G E 3 NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY 170365181 W E AV I N G I N WA L L S E N D

1

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Illustrated Reflective Diary

2

Additional Work

4

Framing

10

Thematic Case Study

11

Testing

49

Thinking Through Making

67

Synthesis

72

Cultural Bibliography

96

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Chapter I - Suburbia

Chapter I - Suburbia

I L L U S T R AT E D R E F L E C T I V E D I A R Y Stage 3 has been a year like no other. Despite studying amidst a global pandemic, confined to primarily working within the walls of my student home, I have thoroughly enjoyed this year and feel very proud of what I have accomplished considering the circumstances.

The Weaving in Wallsend studio was focused on the creation of an urban commons within the site of the Wallsend Forum. The Forum is considered a rundown, slightly aged, shopping centre, comprised of mainly stationary stores and pokey shops. It’s a place one would visit to purchase a greeting card, and then leave without connecting with the space or with anybody else using it. There are limited areas to sit, socialise or partake in community activities – making an urban common an ideal addition. Considering this, my design project focused on providing designated areas for communal activities and ample space for socialising with the potential to form connections through encouraging interaction. Within this socially inviting and exciting space, the design also offers social housing to vulnerable people; providing a temporary home, and a means to make an income. This is turn, would not only benefit the existing community of Wallsend, but also the few with no permanent residence who feel that they are part of no community at all.

I believe that the contribution of social housing within my design is owed to the extensive research I did for the ARC3060 dissertation module, as my essay is focused on the isolation of women in American suburbia throughout the 1950’s. The American shopping centre, or “mall,” was one of the few places where women, who were otherwise confined to their own separate homes, could meet and engage in civic life. This led me to consider homelessness, and the loneliness and separation from society that stems as a result. I believe my project both respects the boundary of public and private space, whilst it integrates residents with the resident-less, and provides an outlet for creativity, discussion, and transparency.

At the beginning of the project, I identified three aims in which to meet, one for each phase. For Framing, I aimed to comprehend what defines an “Urban Common” – a term I had come across before, but never truly understood, and therefore be able to fully immerse myself in the studio brief, ensuring I meet every requirement for the common. The various exercises we as a studio did individually were beneficial towards my grasping the concept of an urban common and highlighted the extensive range of potential design ideas. The 3-step diagram I produced on ‘PARK’ a temporary urban common in Vienna, explored the reclamation of space from car (park)ing, and transforming it into a public, multi-functional space for the community. Throughout the project, I found that this early concept remained prevalent in Wallsend, as the site has excess parking space which often goes un-used.

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Illustrated Reflective Diary

Chapter I - Suburbia

Chapter I - Suburbia

History of Suburbia During the post-World War II economic expansion, the suburban population in North America exploded.

Veterans returning from war who wanted a relaxed, slow-paced lifestyle moved in masses to the suburbs, and due to the influx of people in these new areas, the federal government generously supported suburban growth – particularly through guaranteed mortgages and highways.8 Alongside this, the number of shopping centres began to increase, helping to supply goods and services History of Suburbia

for the growing suburban population to shop for a variety of products in one central location without travel to expansion, the city. These were vital,population particularly the design of exploded. suburban homes brought about During the post-Worldhaving War IItoeconomic the suburban in as North America requirements for new productsslow-paced that were not needed in urban neighbourhoods, such as lawnmowers and Veterans returning from war who wanted a relaxed, lifestyle moved in masses to the suburbs, Resultingly, ‘malls’ became a fundamental component of these newly suburban designed suburbs. By 1957, 940 and due to the influx ofcars. people in these new areas, the federal government generously supported 8 malls were built in the USA, and 1960 this number more than doubled to keep up with the demand growth – particularly through guaranteed mortgages andbyhighways. of these increasingly dense suburbs.9 These were often large buildings full of multiple stores and services, that were not just used for began shopping; they alsohelping becametoa supply place ofgoods leisureand andservices a meeting point to socialise.

Alongside this, the number of shopping centres to increase, Mumpopulation reported that if shefor wasn’t working on the house renovation, she too without would sometimes fill the time for the growing suburban to shop a variety of products in one central location going to an outlet with a friend, toof their “favourite shops” and “getting having to travel to theby city.

These were vital,mall particularly as thegoing design suburban homes brought about some lunch” but not for anything in particular. ” requirements for new actually products“going that were not needed in urban neighbourhoods, such as lawnmowers and cars. Resultingly, ‘malls’ became a fundamental component of these newly designed suburbs. By 1957, 940 the than rise of suburbia, partly thedemand desire to have the products malls were built in theTelevisions USA, and further by 1960contributed this numbertomore doubled to keep updue withtothe 9 and lifestyle werewere promoted in suburban TV programs and advertisements. Adverts of these increasingly dense suburbs.that These often large buildingslife fullinofvarious multiple stores and services, thethey ideaalso thatbecame suburbiaa place was a of dream location for women who typically the homemakers, that were not just usedperpetuated for shopping; leisure and a meeting point towere socialise. that acquiring thethe latest gadget for theshe white house bring about fulfilment.

Mum reported that if and she wasn’t working on house renovation, too picket-fenced would sometimes fill would the time Mostwith significant suburbia’s was the many highways, by going to an outlet mall a friend,ingoing to theirdevelopment, “favourite shops” andbuilding “getting of some lunch” but notas the Highway Act of 1956 funded $26 billion for the making of 64,000 kilometres of interstate-highway that spanned across actually “going for anything in particular. ” the entire country.10 This not only offered more commuter routes between major cities, but also enabled construction materials to bedue transported almost driving the mass production of Televisions further contributed to machinery the rise ofand suburbia, partly to the desire to anywhere, have the products standardised suburban and lifestyle that werethe promoted in suburban lifehome. in various TV programs and advertisements. Adverts perpetuated the idea that suburbia was a dream location for women who were typically the homemakers, and that acquiring the latest gadget for the white picket-fenced house would bring about fulfilment.

Most significant in suburbia’s development, was the building of many highways, as the Highway Act of 8 Jackson, Kenneth T. Crabgrass Frontier: The Suburbanization of the United States (New York, 1985) 1956 funded $26 billion for the making of 64,000 kilometres of interstate-highway that spanned across 9 Beauregard, Robert A. When America Became Suburban. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, the entire country.10 This not only offered more commuter routes between major cities, but also enabled (2006) construction machinery toRichard be transported almost anywhere, driving the mass production of 10 and materials Weingroff, F. Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, Creating the Interstate System. Public Roads, Federal Highway Administration (1996) the standardised suburban home.

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8 Jackson, Kenneth T. Crabgrass Frontier: The Suburbanization of the United States (New York, 1985) 9 Beauregard, Robert A. When America Became Suburban. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press, (2006) 10 Weingroff, Richard F. Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, Creating the Interstate System. Public Roads, Federal Highway Administration (1996)

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FIG. 12 - Old Orchard shopping center fountain in Skokie, Illinois. 1950-1960.

A place of pleasure and beauty.

FIG. 12 - Old Orchard shopping center fountain in Skokie, Illinois. 1950-1960.

A place of pleasure and beauty.

FIG. 13 - Oregon Lloyd Center Mall, Portland. 1950-1960.

A meeting point to socialise.

FIG. 13 - Oregon Lloyd Center Mall, Portland. 1950-1960.

A meeting point to socialise.

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Producing the Atlas of Commons was a useful tool to refer to as the design project progressed, not only for inspiration of key spaces, but also for architectural representation. I feel as though my studio were particularly successful in producing engaging, clear and unique studies for the Atlas of Commons, and for the Rituals of Civic Life tasks. As well as this, working within a smaller group to produce a case study booklet on Agrocité – a scheme which is open to residents and associations dedicated to environmental practices – was beneficial in considering various approaches to an everyday problem. My contribution involved researching further projects of the same kind, which enriched my knowledge and understanding of what an urban common is, and ultimately how the scheme requires time and attention from the local community, but in return serves them greatly. Upon arriving at this conclusion, I felt that I had met my personal target for Framing.

After the introductory exercises, the Framing phase was also an opportunity to analyse the site. Fortunately, choosing to spend my lockdown in my student home in Newcastle, I was able to visit the Forum with a few others in a small group. This enabled me to take first-hand photos of the site, and truly understand scale and pre-existing material qualities. Furthermore, walking through the Forum gave me an understanding of pedestrian movement, and an idea of which spaces were utilised, and which weren’t, and therefore, where to intervene and where to leave, enabling me to produce an informed masterplan of the site in the Synthesis phase. In that regard, Framing was an extremely successful and important stage of the project in terms of fully comprehending the studio brief, and the site.

For Testing, I aimed to research and employ precedents at every design stage, to ensure that my decisions were well-informed and meaningful, rather than being random – something that became a tendency throughout my Stage 2 design project. Upon researching Star Apartments, I was inspired by Maltzan’s ability to make housing for the homeless deliberately architectural, inviting conversation around the subject, which in turn breaks the stigma around it. The volumetric language of the building, displayed in a digital drawing I produced for the ARC3015 Theory into Practice module, demands attention.

This, alongside the programming which integrate the residents with the local community, through the communal kitchen and dining space and a terraced concrete slab, have influenced my final design programme. After doing further research, this time into a more simple, lower-budget project called Shelter From the Storm, I was able to finalise a programme for the spaces in my design.

Illustrated Reflective Diary

5

I then plotted various iterations of the ground floor and first floor plans. Developing the plans came before developing the overall massing and volume of the design, as I aimed to adhere to the studio theme of Retro-fit by utilising the pre-existing concrete columns that stood on my chosen site. To push the site further, I experimented with transforming the pre-existing concrete ramp that’s essential for service access and deliveries, into a pedestrian friendly ramp that could function as both disabled access, and service access. However, due to the tight regulations and safety concerns of ramps, this idea was problematic, and therefore the ramp was reverted to its original form after the Synthesis review. Post review, I also re-considered the layout of the residential pods, in order to make them accessible for all.

The ARC3014 Professional Practice and Management module, followed shortly by the ARC3013 Technology module were crucial towards my design development. The procurement strategy outlined in ARC3014 informed the structural and construction strategies in ARC3015, which ultimately enriched my own understand of the chosen materials for my project. Due to my proposal sitting on pre-existing columns and foundations, I incorporated a glulam frame on top and used CLT as the secondary structure. This addition is light weight enough to sit on the concrete columns, allowing the design to keep and even expose them to incorporate them into façade and internal finishes. If the construction was a reality, this would save time and money on site, and aligns with the theme of Retro-fit through incorporating new with old. To further my material development, I began experimenting with terrazzo finishes on flooring for my Thinking Through Making piece. I really enjoyed learning from the two modules, combined with the hands-on experience of making something, perhaps as it provided clarity on my project, allowing me to realise my objectives for the Synthesis phase.

Whilst reflecting on my work throughout the year, I believe that my strategy of implementing ideas from precedent studies and being self-critical of ideas has ultimately improved my final design program and spatial arrangement. I also feel that taking the time to understand the depth of the studio brief, and the many layers to an urban common has meant that my final outputs align with my initial objectives – such as the gallery space. On the other hand, the project has also highlighted to me certain weaknesses, such as fully synthesising my project, and representing it fully. Due to the many iterations of floor plans, I resultingly have fewer atmospheric perspectives and renders of the building. Ultimately, I remain proud of what I have been able to accomplish this year considering the unusual circumstances of 2020 and 2021. Thank you.

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Illustrated Reflective Diary

LEARNING IN 2021

Illustrated Reflective Diary

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FRAMING

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T H E M AT I C C A S E S T U D Y

Economic Resilience A meeting is held annually between members to discuss the project objectives, financing, accounting, possible economic models, the report of activities, the future collective manager and internal regulations. This allows them to take stock of the year and plan for the coming year. The idea each year is to “produce what we consume and consume what we produce”.

The results of the first year were very positive, the garden had developed particularly well, the collective organisation was well structured and the financial results were very encouraging. Enercoop provide 100% renewable electricity for Agrocité. They stand out from other suppliers because they are the only French supplier to go exclusively through over-the-counter agreements with small French producers of renewable energy. They also work together with renewable energy professionals and local communities to progress research in the field.

Crowdfunding

ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

Collaborative and Circular Economy

The construction and maintenance of the site relies on crowdfunding which comes from the support of the local residents.

R-Urban’s ambitions are to promote an economy where residents work together to improve their collective lives and funds are used to finance necessary projects.

Food Growth

Soft Mobility

The plantations on the site are very bountiful and new plots and plants are constantly planted.

Vegetables and local agricultural products are sold at the markets regularly held on site.

R-Urban encourage residents to use non-motorized transport where possible to combat global warming and air pollution.

ELOISE LITTLER

CONSTANTIN PETCOU AND DOINA PETRESCU Constantin Petcou is a Paris based architect, who states that his work stresses the intersection between architecture, urbanism, service design and semiotics. Doina Petrescu is a professor at the University of Sheffield, as well as an architecture and design activist. Both described their role as activators - reinventing urban commons by focusing on political agendas as well as social and economic.

Awards: Zumtobel Prize for Sustainability and Humanity 2012, the Curry Stone Design Prize 2011, the European Prize for Urban Public Space 2010, the Prix Grand Public des Architectures contemporaines en Métropole Parisienne 2010, and has been a finalist at the EIB Social Innovation Tournement 2014.

Doina Petrescu’s book Altering Practices was formed after a conference in which architects were talking about the recent production of the diversity and difference of feminism within spatial practices. The book aims to identify the politics and poetics of the relationship between art and architecture, through pieces written by feminist architects.

Petrescu describes her work as ‘collective reconstructions’ - referring to the ways of doing and un-doing, making and re-making space, according to ‘altered’ rules and values. She sees these ways and both poetic and political. She also highlights that the methods of ‘curating’ and ‘care taking’ within architecture can be seen as processes of reconstruction and reproduction. She sees this as bearing ethical and emotional charge, and states that kind of work is always associated with women.

3 ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

R-URBAN

ELOISE LITTLER

- a framework centred around ‘civic hubs’ which allow communities to enhance their resilience through a range of interconnected initiatives.

ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

ELOISE LITTLER

A RESILIENT COMMUNITY In this drawing I have tried to visualise the community aspect of Agrocite. The practice cannot function with out each part - architects, urban planners, residents e.t.c. - all working together harmoniously. Through this shared collaborative process, they are able to create a scheme which revolves around participation and inclusivity. There is no hierarchy, everyone works together to create a resilient city.

NETWORKING R-URBAN NETWORK

• • •

Establishes resilience networks and initiatives in neighbourhoods through a variety of active individuals and local organisations, merged with civic support.

Networks increase the value of resourcefulness, produc es a more even power distribution.

Each hub is flexibly connected to small local networks as well as the larger R-Urban network - enables an open system.

PARTICIPATION • • R-URBAN PARTICIPATION

•

Allows citizens who choose to be involved to participate fully in the implementation of the strategy.

This includes everything from events and training activi ties, to running the hubs.

Citizens become the key agents to innovation and change, generating alternative social and economic or ganisations, collaborative projects and shared spaces, producing new forms of commons.

LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS • • •

10 Framing | Thematic Case Study

R-URBAN LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS

•

Generates local ecosystems of existing and new servic es.

Residents are encourages to buy local products, but also make their own products.

The spatial design processes of commons facilitates the hands-on activities of citizens.

Long term aim - development of socio-ecosystems at local, regional and international scales.

Framing | Thematic Case Study

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Advocacy-Client

Advocacy-Community Activities

Agrocite's clients are Columbus's 84,000 residents, but due to space constraints, they can only offer 60 venues for family use. The architects decided that 40 homes were appropriate because more land meant more difficult management. Their project is very popular. According to the director of R-Urban Studios, they said the waiting list for the project is long and rotating. While waiting for land allocation, residents need to regularly participate in collective life.

Political Resilience FIG.3 Gardening

Architects said, "It's not just a matter of farming "They hope residents can regard this land as an investment in their lives. And hope they can fully pitch in it.

Community Space

FIG.2 Residents' Feedback

FIG.1vv About 60 families can participate in the programt

Architect's thought

FIG.6 Constantin Petcou, Project Leader

Agrocite Feature Shared gardens have two features., First of all, the public space attributes of shared gardens can strengthen social bonds. Secondly, the unique ecological properties of shared gardens can change people’s lifestyles. For example, poultry farming, plant cultivation requires residents to spend more time in sharing gardens. In a sense, it encourage locals to focus on socializing.

FIG.8

Poultry farming

Sixty individual plots and six large collective plots are available to all of the inhabitants in the district of Genevilliers to encourage sustainable food growth and social connection.

FIG.5 Project Meeting

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Reintegration

Agrocité provides a platform for exploration, action and research around urban changes and emerging social and political practices in the contemporary city.

Events and talks are often held at the Agrocité where residents from all walks of life are invited to participate, encouraging the reintegration of the local society.

The results of the first year were very positive, the garden had developed particularly well, the collective organisation was well structured and the financial results were very encouraging. Enercoop provide 100% renewable electricity for Agrocité. They stand out from other suppliers because they are the only French supplier to go exclusively through over-the-counter agreements with small French producers of renewable energy. They also work together with renewable energy professionals and local communities to progress research in the field.

FIG.7 Constantin Petcou, Project Leader

Shared Gardens

Research

A meeting is held annually between members to discuss the project objectives, financing, accounting, possible economic models, the report of activities, the future collective manager and internal regulations. This allows them to take stock of the year and plan for the coming year. The idea each year is to “produce what we consume and consume what we produce”.

R-urban studio found that the social relationship between residents and the city is gradually disappearing through research on Columbus. They thought As architects, they have the responsibility to restore this connection by rebuilding largescale communities. After investigation, a shared garden was established on the open space in the suburbrns of Columbus.

Part of R-Urban’s approach is to reduce and reuse household organic waste. Residents are therefore encouraged to use the compost bins located on the site.

Part of the Agrocité scheme is to motivate all residents in the district to recycle in order to fight the ongoing crises of air pollution, resource depletion and global warming.

Several universities and schools have made visits to Agrocité in order to learn more about the sustainable city of tomorrow.

Economic Resilience

Comments for Agrocite

Composting of organic waste

Recycling

Educational and Cultural Space

Agrocite is an agricultural centre built on a 3,000-square-metre plot in the heart of a social housing complex that includes an experimental micro-farm, community gardens, educational and cultural Spaces.Different areas have different social functions, and here the residents are the masters

As a place for teaching, learning and researching, AAA have set up an architecture workshop on site which helps promote AAA’s ideas of ‘urban tactics’ where they encourage the participation of inhabitants in the self management of abandoned urban spaces and the initiation of intervening practices that explore potentialities in contemporary cities.

Schools FIG.4 Local Markting

In Educational and Cultural Space, they usually Organized workshops on gardening and cooking courses. Architects sometimes organized collective Governance sessions with residents to discuss development of Argrocite.

R-Urban’s intentions with Agrocité are to initiate and support civic dynamics of urban agriculture and to support cultural and educational activities. Regarding this, all citizens are required to invest in local collective activities that mix conviviality with the resilience of everyday life. This includes composting of organic waste, shared gardens, recycling and soft mobility.

Aware of the urgency of concerted action, R-Urban’s political ambitions with the Agrocité are to facilitate citizen engagement in order to achieve an ecological transition strategy. The plan is to use emerging practices that will change urban lifestyles in order to combat the ongoing global crises of global warming, air pollution, resource depletion, the collapse of biodiversity and the energy crisis.

R-Urban are calling on political, institutional and media decision-makers to support them in their collective endeavour and the site in Gennevillers is often used as an example in presentations delivered by R-Urban of how various solutions such as reversible and organic architecture can be used to preserve a habitable planet and a democratic society.

In community space, they usually hold group activities like market fairs. Residents can trade eggs and vegetables that they harvest at Agrocite.

Benoît is a local resident.

He said:“You see, here my daughter and I can grow our own vegetables, and we don’t use any pesticides. Organic fruits and vegetables are really expensive, so getting an allotment here has been nice.”

The creation of Agrocité saw the collection of residents from all disciplines project leaders, activists, students and elected officials to discuss and reflect on the city of tomorrow. Residents have been a huge part of every stage of the Agrocité project from the construction and design of the buildings and planting of the gardens to the management of the café and the architecture workshop.

Charlie Kay

In the shared garden, people can grow their favorite vegetables here. They can also breed poultry or bees in the backyard of the garden.

Catherine is busy baking cakes for the café. “It fills my free time, and you meet a lot of people. We learn from each other.”

Social Resilience

Demonstrating Critical Spatial Practice

Experimental Micro-farm

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Crowdfunding The construction and maintenance of the site relies on crowdfunding which comes from the support of the local residents.

Collaborative and Circular Economy

Critical Spatial Practice

R-Urban’s ambitions are to promote an economy where residents work together to improve their collective lives and funds are used to finance necessary projects.

Food Growth

Soft Mobility

The plantations on the site are very bountiful and new plots and plants are constantly planted.

Vegetables and local agricultural products are sold at the markets regularly held on site.

R-Urban encourage residents to use non-motorized transport where possible to combat global warming and air pollution.

FIG.9 Plant cultivation

Relationship Between Architects and Agrocite The project has attracted the attention of some people from all trades and professions. Some of them founded workshop to teach useful agriculture skills to locals. Others help agrocite set up its own community committee and realized self-management. As r-urban studio said, they are invisible architects. They created and managed agrocite. Then, they attracted residents to join, and manage with them together. At the end, they pulled out, and let the residents manage agrocite themselves.

FIG.10 Communal cooking session in the “Agrocité” pavilion

12 Framing | Thematic Case Study

FIG.11 workshop

In the last collage, I dislocation the ground and the sky. And arranged Agrocite’s surrounding building irregularly. The aim is to show the relationship between Argocite and the surrounding context.

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3

Framing | Thematic Case Study

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ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

ELOISE LITTLER

Critical Spatial Practice CONSTANTIN PETCOU AND DOINA PETRESCU Constantin Petcou is a Paris based architect, who states that his work stresses the intersection between architecture, urbanism, service design and semiotics. Doina Petrescu is a professor at the University of Sheffield, as well as an architecture and design activist. Both described their role as activators - reinventing urban commons by focusing on political agendas as well as social and economic.

Awards: Zumtobel Prize for Sustainability and Humanity 2012, the Curry Stone Design Prize 2011, the European Prize for Urban Public Space 2010, the Prix Grand Public des Architectures contemporaines en Métropole Parisienne 2010, and has been a finalist at the EIB Social Innovation Tournement 2014.

Doina Petrescu’s book Altering Practices was formed after a conference in which architects were talking about the recent production of the diversity and difference of feminism within spatial practices. The book aims to identify the politics and poetics of the relationship between art and architecture, through pieces written by feminist architects.

Petrescu describes her work as ‘collective reconstructions’ - referring to the ways of doing and un-doing, making and re-making space, according to ‘altered’ rules and values. She sees these ways and both poetic and political. She also highlights that the methods of ‘curating’ and ‘care taking’ within architecture can be seen as processes of reconstruction and reproduction. She sees this as bearing ethical and emotional charge, and states that kind of work is always associated with women.

4

ELOISE LITTLER ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

R-URBAN

- a framework centred around ‘civic hubs’ which allow communities to enhance their resilience through a range of interconnected initiatives.

ELOISE LITTLER

A RESILIENT COMMUNITY In this drawing I have tried to visualise the community aspect of Agrocite. The practice cannot function with out each part - architects, urban planners, residents e.t.c. - all working together harmoniously. Through this shared collaborative process, they are able to create a scheme which revolves around participation and inclusivity. There is no hierarchy, everyone works together to create a resilient city.

NETWORKING R-URBAN NETWORK

• • •

Establishes resilience networks and initiatives in neighbourhoods through a variety of active individuals and local organisations, merged with civic support.

Networks increase the value of resourcefulness, produc es a more even power distribution.

Each hub is flexibly connected to small local networks as well as the larger R-Urban network - enables an open system.

PARTICIPATION • • R-URBAN PARTICIPATION

•

Allows citizens who choose to be involved to participate fully in the implementation of the strategy.

This includes everything from events and training activi ties, to running the hubs.

Citizens become the key agents to innovation and change, generating alternative social and economic or ganisations, collaborative projects and shared spaces, producing new forms of commons.

LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS • • • R-URBAN LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS

14 Framing | Thematic Case Study

•

Generates local ecosystems of existing and new servic es.

Residents are encourages to buy local products, but also make their own products.

The spatial design processes of commons facilitates the hands-on activities of citizens.

Long term aim - development of socio-ecosystems at local, regional and international scales.

Framing | Thematic Case Study

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16 Framing | Thematic Case Study

Framing | Thematic Case Study

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18 Framing | Thematic Case Study

Framing | Thematic Case Study

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T H E AT L A S O F C O M M O N S To introduce us to the concept of an urban common, each member of the studio was tasked to individually research and produce a drawing that represents the key themes and spaces of their chosen common.

Producing the Atlas as a studio was extremely valuable in learning about and being exposed to an extensive range of commons early in the project, and by showcasing various methods of representation amongst the studio members.

20 Framing | Atlas of Commons

Framing | Atlas of Commons

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PARK was a temporary social sculpture situated within a car park in Vienna. Whilst the glu-lam frame structure is very simple in its form, it acts as an urban common for the local community by providing space for entertainment, collaborative working, and socialising. Due to the multi-purposefulness of the spaces, they are managed by the user in a non-profit-orientated and prosocial way. This is through a prosocial, participatory process known as “communing.” Because the user decides how to manage the resources, they can be organised in a flexible way, and this is the key to what makes an urban common.

22 Framing | Atlas of Commons

Framing | Atlas of Commons

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RITUALS OF CIVIC LIFE LIBRARY

CORNER SHOP

PLAYGROUND

As the user is at the forefront of an urban common, and the purpose of the spaces within the common are dictated by the users, it was important to look at how pedestrians’ function in civic spaces. Our studio investigated this through each exploring a stereotypical ‘ritual’ of civic life, such as having a coffee in a café, or visiting the bank. Similarly, to the Atlas of Commons, this exercise resulted with a range of outputs, each unique in their form of representation. Furthermore, a theme among them is the presence of people, as the spaces are all greatly inhabited.

BAKERY

CAFE

24 Framing | Rituals of Civic Life

Framing | Rituals of Civic Life

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GP SURGERY

LAUNDRETTE

TAKEAWAY

I explored the space of a takeaway, which highlighted two main things. Firstly, the boundary between public and private space, represented by contrasting shades of colour between the consumers and the workers. The experience of the takeaway is completely different for the two – the workers have perhaps been cooking and taking orders for hours, seeing the back and front of house, whilst the consumers have been in and out of the space within 10 minutes and haven’t seen further than the menu on the wall. Secondly, people congregate around food. The act of eating is a ritual, and one can almost be certain that there will be some form of crowd or gathering where food can be smelt.

26 Framing | Rituals of Civic Life

Framing | Rituals of Civic Life

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R E A D I N G WA L L S E N D

WIDER CONTEXT NORTH TYNESIDE

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

SOUTH TYNESIDE

GATESHEAD

1 SUNDERLAND

NORTHUMBERLAND

TYNE AND WEAR

TYNE AND WEAR COUNTY DURHAM

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(Wallsend highlighted in orange)

Site Residential

2

Education Facilities Points of Interest Industrial Buildings Social Infrastructure I was fortunate to visit Wallsend and investigate first-hand the site of the existing Forum. As a studio we worked collectively to analyse the wider context of Wallsend as a place, considering its rich history and socioeconomic data, and the Wallsend Forum itself. The following site analysis is a combination of group work and individual work.

28 Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

Green Space River Tyne

Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

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G R E E N S PA C E

SECTIONS

Close-up selected section of the existing Wallsend Forum (not to scale)

Close-up of Selected Section (Richardson Dees Park) *not to scale

Close-up selected section of Richardson Dees Park (not to scale)

30 Framing | Reading Wallsend - Group Work

Framing | Reading Wallsend - Group Work

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POINTS OF INTEREST

1 St. Peter’s Church

Replaced the ancient medieval church Restored in 1890’s and its church yard is home to a 19th century headstone Primary School and Courtcare Home

32 Framing | Reading Wallsend - Group Work

H I S T O R Y O F WA L L S E N D

2 Hadrian’s Wall Path

UNESCO World Heritage Site

3 Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum

Exhibits the surviving foundation of building Large interactive museum 35 metre high viewing tower

Framing | Reading Wallsend - Group Work

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L I F E I N WA L L S E N D

A N A LY S I S

SUN PATH ANALYSIS

WIND ROSE ANALYSIS

34 Framing | Reading Wallsend - Group Work

CONNECTION TO THE NEARBY ALDI

PERCENTAGE OF HOUSEHOLDS IN AN AREA WHERE ONLY ONE PERSON LIVES

Framing | Reading Wallsend - Group Work

35

TIMELINE OF THE FORUM

nd Forum Wallsend Forum Wallsend Forum

Wallsend Forum, 1970s Wallsend Forum, A Wallsend Forum, artist’s Wallsend Forum, April 1981 Wallsend Forum, 1970s Wallsend Forum, artist’s Wallsend Forum, 1970s Wallsend Forum,impression,1960s artist’s impression,1960s impression,1960s

Wallsend Forum, April 1981 April 1960s - ARTIST’S IMPRESSION 1970s APRIL 1981 OCTOBER 1996 2000s 2016 Wallsend Forum, 1981 Wallsend Forum, April 1981 Wallsend Forum, 1970s Wallsend Forum, artist’s Wallsend Forum, October 1996 Wallsend Forum, October 1996 Wallsend Forum, 2016 Wallsend Forum, 2016 Wallsend Forum, 1970s Wallsend Forum, artist’s Wallsend Forum, 1970s um, artist’s Wallsend Forum, 2000s Wallsend Forum, 2000s Wallsend Forum, October 1996 Wallsend Forum, 2000s Wa mpression,1960s 960s impression,1960s

36 Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

37

THE FORUM NOW

6 7 15 1

3

2

14

5

9 4

4

7

10

13

16

2

5

8

11

14

17

3

6

9

12

15

18

17

16

10

11

1

18 8

12 13

38 Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

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SITE CONSTR AINTS

SITE OPPORTUNITIES

Existing roads

Residential frontages

Important buildings

Under-used parking areas

Service entrance

Routes through the Forum

Busy shops

Busy outdoor area

Parking areas

Commercial frontages

Difficult / narrow entrances to site

Significant trees and green space

Proximity of surrounding homes

Bus stops

Significant trees

Key / large entrances

Site boundary

40 Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

41

S I T E E L E VAT I O N S

42 Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

C A R PA R K O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Framing | Reading Wallsend - Individual Work

43

requirements, and continually prepare and present working plans and drawings, ultimately creating an aesthetically pleasing outdoor environment. They are a heavily involved key consultant within the design team, providing input throughout the whole process – from the initial preliminary studies of the site, to choosing the final vegetation across all green areas.

Environmental Consultant – Offer expert advice, which can be an integral part of the decision-making process. They are appointed in the early stages of the project to plan, organise and police the development in order to minimise the environmental impacts – usually done by creating an environmental policy statement, followed by an environmental plan. Throughout they will be required to assess the materials thermal qualities and the whether the sources in which they come from are sustainable.

They are also needed to advise on waste management, particularly from the café and the workshop, and suggest whether this can be repurposed into energy.

PROJECT BRIEF

VISUAL BRIEF

Keeping that to Budget I believe other modules such as the ARC3060 Dissertation module, and the ARC3014 Professional Practice and Management module influenced the scheme for As the cost is the client’s highest priority, they will employ a quantity surveyor at RIBA stage 1 to manmyage design project.

Whilst writing my the dissertation and about history of the project finances.

The client will specify project budget, andlearning from this the QS canthe evaluate options forsuburbia, building type and establish estimatedfelt cost isolated in RIBA stage 2. This preliminary American it and wassizeevident thatanwomen and confined to their cost information will be a result of using the “superficial floor area method,”5 where the internal gross homes.

Shopping centres, or “malls” became places for socialising and engagement floor area of the building x estimated cost per m2 = the total cost of building. The estimated cost will be with civic life.cost Mydata aim, therefore, is This to create a multi-purpose, socially inviting based on the of similar buildings. is an effective method of estimating the cost because space the floor area of the building is known early on from measuring the existing car park on the site. that includes social housing for those who feel isolated – but instead of just women, it will bedesign for anybody in adevelop, vulnerable position.

To plan support this, During belowRIBA is an extract As the and specification the accuracy of the cost will increase. stage from my Practice and Management essay 3, the costARC3014 informationProfessional will be updated with the developed design as the QS will workwhich with thestates archi- that tects and managing contractor solidify a firmer cost plan prior to construction.

The Design & Build “specialist housing” is a keyto priority for development in Wallsend. method ensures a fixed cost for the client early on, which is beneficial for the them as they are a charity so do not have an excess of money to put into the project as it goes along. Additionally, by starting the construction in spring, the risk of delay due to weather is reduced and therefore brings down the cost.

Newcastle council have implemented system change and a strengthening of a culture that makes the prevention of homelessness everyone’s business and homelessness crisis the exception.

Planning The local planning authority for the site is North Tyneside Council, which includes four main town centres: North Shields, Wallsend, Whitley Bay and Killingworth (fig. 5). The Local Plan sets out a series of strategic policies and proposals to deliver sustainable development and growth in these areas by 2032. A key priority in Wallsend is the provision for more “diverse housing” in particular “specialist housing, including extra care and supported housing, where the development is integrated into the local residential community.”6 The design responds to this by providing the residential pods for vulnerable people. Within the site, the pods are situated on Elton Street East, on the north side. This means they face the houses on the opposite side of the street, integrating them into the existing residential community. The form and materiality of the pods, with pitched roofs (fig. 3) and in brick, mimics the language of the existing residences opposite and throughout all of Wallsend, allowing the project to blend seamlessly into the community. These pods are considered “specialist housing” as although they promote independent living, the wider project offers support to those with needs such as substance misuse, and ultimately delivers a place of temporary refuge to those in need.

5 Estimation QS, 2021. 4 Common Estimating Methods Used by Quantity Surveyors and Construction Cost Engineers. [online] Estimation QS. Available at: <https://estimationqs.com/common-estimating-methods-used-by-quantity-surveyors/> [Accessed 24 March 2021].

6 North Tyneside Council, July 2017. North Tyneside Local Plan. [online] Available at: <https.//my.northtyneside.gov.uk> [Accessed 24 March 2021]. Page.111

5 Potential development sites Large sites with planning permission Existing employment land Green or open space Green belt North tyneside boundary

“Newcastle has a good record of preventing homelessness and we are pleased that this work has been recognised by Government. We look forward to building on our work and making the prevention of homelessness the norm and supporting someone at crisis point the exception.”

Joyce McCarty, the deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, 2019.

Figure 5: North Tyneside Development Plan7 with the site circled and marked as a ‘Potential Development Site’

CDM Regulations

44 Framing | Project Brief

Under the CDM Regulations (2015)8, I as the designer must make sure the client is aware of their duties under the CDM 2015 before starting the design work. I would do this by arranging a meeting between the client and myself at the end of RIBA stage 0 during the information exchanges.

I must also communicate, cooperate and coordinate with other designers and contractors. This will be done efficiently on this project as the procurement method is Design & Build, meaning that I will be in constant communication with other members of the construction team throughout the whole

Framing | Visual Brief

45

OBJECTIVES

46 Framing | Visual Brief

Framing | Visual Brief

47

TESTING

48

49

I N T E G R AT I N G T H E L O C A L C O M M U N I T Y MICHAEL MALTZAN - STAR APARTMENTS, LA

Key points: Deliberately architectural housing for the homeless in LA Terraced concrete slab Community programmes

50 Testing | Precedent Research

A drawing produced for the ARC3015 Theory into Practice module, highlighting the volumetric form.

Testing | Precedent Research

51

P R O G R A M M AT I C P R E C E D E N T

P R O G R A M M E D E V E LO PM E N T

SHELTER FROM THE STORM, LONDON

Key points: Detailed key spaces and how they link Communal kitchen Counselling/therapy rooms 52 Testing | Precedent Research

Testing | Programme Development

53

STRUCTURAL PRECEDENT

RETRO-FIT

“To retrofit a machine or a building means to put new parts or new equipment in it after it has been in use for some time, especially to improve its safety or make it work better.”

-Collins English Dictionary

LUO STUDIO - COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHINA

Key points: Residential and community project Abandoned pre-existing foundations and concrete columns After structure was assessed, timber framework was decided on for the upper storeys to minimise the load

54 Testing | Precedent Research

Testing | Programme Development

55

G R O U N D F LO O R D E V E LO PM E N T

The ground floor and the first floor were the two most imperative things to get right before I progressed onto any further development. Due to my scheme utilising the concrete columns, I plotted various iterations of potential floor plans. The site is so vast that there is scope for a courtyard in the centre, adding natural light to the art rooms which lie beneath the pre-existing concrete slab. The ARC3015 Technology module ensured that I have various protected cores and fire escape routes.

56 Testing | Ground Floor Development

Testing | Ground Floor Development

57

F I R S T F LO O R D E V E LO PM E N T

The main aim for the first floor was to create a place which encouraged socialising and movement.

By keeping the pre-existing concrete slab and transforming it into a terrace, which holds seating and provides access routes between various parts of the scheme, it would rarely be empty and unused.

58 Testing | First Floor Development

Testing | First Floor Development

59

MASSING INFLUENCE

M A S S I N G D E V E LO PM E N T

The massing naturally developed after I had decided on the ground and first floor arrangements. I have taken influence from all of the precedent studies, whilst also responding contextually to the site with regards to storey heights, roof lines, and material.

INITIAL SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT AND MASSING

GROUPWORK - BARRETSS GROVE, LONDON

FINAL MASSING AND THE BEGINNING OF MATERIAL CONSIDERATION

MULLER SIGRIST ARCHITEKTEN - KALKBREITE, ZURICH

Key points:

Key points:

Match the contextual influence of pitched rooves across the existing site Materiality – brick and CLT, lightweight and economical Simple form

Successful model for cooperative housing Courtyard Large multi-purpose spaces that can be used for any “commoning” activity

60 Testing | Precedent Research

PROTECTED CORES

Testing | Massing Development

61

RESIDENTIAL PODS

I then experimented with varoius room layouts, and decided upon one that I felt was most suitable for the pods, and allowed ample room for anybody.

My initial design for the residential pod was a two level, mezzanine floor apartment. Whilst this meant that more pods could fit into the scheme due to the narrower dimensions, the design is not accessible for all.

62 Testing | Pod Development

Testing | Pod Development

63

T E C H N I C A L D E V E LO PM E N T

R A M P D E V E LO PM E N T

One of my very first ideas for the site was to transform the existing ramp that leads to the roof of the forum, and re-design it so it can pedestrian safe whilst remaining an access and service ramp. This required me to research and trial the maths and angles for the ramp to comply with the safety regulations. After the synthesis review however, I chose not to pursue the idea for the final floor plans as very little natural light is able to reach the north-east area of the site where the ramp currently is, therefore compromising the safety of pedestrians walking at night.

My initial sketch for the ARC3015 Technology module, which then led me to research the material qualities of my chosen materials.

64 Testing | Technical Development

Testing | Ramp Development

65

THINKING THROUGH MAKING We as designers are asked to consider the sustainability of the materials we select for our designs. As my proposal re-purposes the existing foundations, there will be some rubble on the ground from excavation.

I have proposed to re-use any waste material by incorporating it into the floor finishes throughout the scheme. This led me to experiment with pouring terrazzo concoctions, and seeing which were successful and effective.

66

Testing | Thinking Through Making

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68 Testing | Thinking Through Making

Testing | Thinking Through Making

69

These were my 3 most successful attempts at pouring Terrazo:

1. Really enjoy the colour combination, however too rough, even for a non-slip surface.

This would feature in outdoor spaces, such as the courtyard or the concrete terrace.

70 Testing | Thinking Through Making

2. Perfect for a non-slip surface, such as in a strip along each step on both the feature stairs, and the protected cores, or in the workshop when carrying heavy machinery.

3. Smooth finish due to excessive sanding Ideal for the gallery or in the residential pods.

71

F LO O R P L A N S F O R R E V I E W

SYNTHESIS

72

GROUND FLOOR

FIRST FLOOR

SECOND FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

Synthesis | Old Plans

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MASTER PLAN

G R O U N D F LO O R P L A N

74 Synthesis | Masterplan

Synthesis | Ground Floor Plan

5m

10m

20m

75

F I R S T F LO O R P L A N

S E CO N D F LO O R P L A N

76 Synthesis | First Floor Plan 5m

10m

Synthesis | Second Floor Plan

20m

5m

10m

20m

77

T H I R D F LO O R P L A N

ROOF PLAN

78 Synthesis | Third Floor Plan 5m

10m

Synthesis | Roof Plan

20m

5m

10m

20m

79

SECTION

80 Synthesis | Section 1m

Synthesis | Section

5m

81

1.3: Programmatic Summary

PA R T E L E VAT I O N

P R O G R A M M AT I C S U M M A R Y sculpture garden reception 250m2

multi-purpose room 150m2

Circulation to Use multi-purpose room 150m2 viewing platform 76m2

residential pods (7) 40m2

residential common room 90m2 cafe 190m2

workshop 190m2

Hierarchy Diagram

art rooms 80m2 38m2 50m2 35m2 40m2 25m2

courtyard 400m2

gallery 340m2

residential reception 40m2

82 Synthesis | Technical Components

Synthesis | Technical Components

1m

5m

Axonometric Diagram showing zones 6

83

CONSTRUC TION SEQUENCE

S T R U C T U R A L S T R AT E G Y

Construction Sequence

84 Synthesis | Technical Components

Synthesis | Technical Components 16

85

Stainless steel lintel to support brickwork over window Non-structural ashing and waterprooong Galvanised ashing Aluminium frame

1:20 TECHNICAL SECTION

60mm Perforated brick cladding

Triple glazed window

90mm Wall tie xed through waterproof membrane into plywood Pastic spacer rail. 10mm x 25mm to allow free owing water below Waterproof membrane 50mm x 50mm treated timber battens running up pitch of roof 50mm void 2 x 100mm K8 insulation 120mm cross laminated timber structural wall (CLT) Treated timber batten for window support Rigid insulation Velux aluminium snap cap and frame

10mm Damp-proof membrane

Triple glazing Extruded aluminium snap cap and frame Galvanised steel interior frame 60mm steel bolts for support

Triple glazing

Green roof foliage 150mm Soil 13mm Drainage deck 10mm Waterprooong membrane

Aluminium cover 70mm Terrazo oor nish

Concrete block for support

Ancon CFA angle for brick roof load = 70kn/m Underroor heating in screed

60mm x 60mm x 15mm metal shim bolted from brick screen to CLT Black aluminium gutter rail

200mm K8 insulation

200mm x 100mm Treated timber blocks for support

500mm Pre-existing concrete slab

500mm Pre-existing concrete slab

Rooong membrane as speciied by specialist rooong sub contractor

250mm insulation

Breather membrane lapped underneath gutter by at least 150mm

5mm Ceiling plaster and paint

300mm wall tie Gallery track lights

30mm Continuous air gap

500mm Pre-existing concrete column (in background) 30mm Pre-cast concrete cladding panels 20mm Continous gap for free owing air and rain 120mm Structural CLT to hold panels

120mm K8 insulation

120mm CLT

Panel anchor Panel hook

20mm screed ooring nish 200mm K8 insulation

10mm interior plaster board and paint Stainless steel lintel to support brickwork over window Non-structural ashing and waterprooong Galvanised ashing Aluminium frame Triple glazed window

10mm Terrazo oor nish

10mm Damp-proof membrane

Triple glazing Extruded aluminium snap cap and frame Galvanised steel interior frame 60mm steel bolts for support

Green roof foliage 150mm Soil 13mm Drainage deck 10mm Waterprooong membrane

5mm Damp-proof course Aluminium cover

70mm Terrazo oor nish

Underroor heating in screed

86 Synthesis | Technical Components

200mm x 100mm Treated timber blocks for support

500mm Pre-existing concrete slab

500mm Pre-existing concrete slab

250mm insulation

Gallery track lights

Pre-cast concrete water shed removal 5mm Damp-proof course

500mm Pre-existing concrete oor

Concrete block for support

200mm K8 insulation

5mm Ceiling plaster and paint

40mm Underroor heating in screed 75mm K8 insulation

500mm Pre-existing concrete column (in background) 30mm Pre-cast concrete cladding panels 20mm Continous gap for free owing air and rain 120mm Structural CLT to hold panels

Pre-existing pile cap foundation

Synthesis | Technical Components

87

N O R T H FA C I N G E L E VAT I O N

88 Synthesis

Synthesis

89

APPROACH

90 Synthesis | Approach

Synthesis | Approach

91

R E S I D E N T I A L I N H A B I TAT I O N

92 Synthesis | Residential Inhabitation

Synthesis | Residential Inhabitation

93

G A L L E R Y I N H A B I TAT I O N

94 Synthesis | Gallery Inhabitation

Synthesis | Gallery Inhabitation

95