ARC8060: Portfolio.
Rory Kavanagh // Stage 6 // “If Everyone Had a Home, Who Would Still be Homeless?”
ARC8060
Architectural Design Stage 6
Architectural Design this year has been thoroughly enjoyable for the fact that sixth years can bring their own interest and research focus to their project.
My studio, Between Oikos and Heritage, investigates World Heritage Cities and identifies a relationship of mutual benefit - an oikos - from which to make an architectural proposal that manifests, celebrates, facilitates or otherwise highlights this chosen relationship.
I began by researching an anecdotally correlated relationship between tourism and visible homelessness in the World Heritage Site of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
This developed, through one-to-one interviews with various stakeholders, into an understanding of a positively causal relationship between Edinburgh’s tourism industry, and fluctuations in visible homelessness.
Setting out to understand current systems in place to alleviate homelessness, I began researching the financial relief available through Edinburgh City
Council, and eventually came to a proposal for rerouting the proceeds of the incoming Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill.
This proposal aims to deliver a threefold beneficial oikos - one where Edinburgh Council receives financial relief, homeless individuals receive positive social interactions, and visiting tourists experience an authentic experience, all the while local infrastructure and services are better funded to continue to help with the route cause of many of these problems.
The design itself is situated within Edinburgh’s Old Town at the top of “The Vennel”, and the massings language takes from the nearby cityscape of closes, wynds, alleyways, and vennels. These pathways converge on a communal courtyard at the heart of the complex, which doubles as an open-air performance space for when the Fringe rolls around each year.
THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG...
3,069
People are rough sleeping on any given night in the UK.
85,000
Households live in temporary accommodation - lacking a decent, proper home.
Statutory Homelessness.
Sofa Sur ng.
e hidden homeless.
Spending >50% of income on rent.
Chronic Homeless.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Student evictions.
Cramped accommodation & Squatting.
Episodic Homeless. Short term lets. Hostels.
B&Bs.
Staying at friend’s and families.
Women’s refuges.
MILLIONS
Are at risk of homelessness, denied a safe home, or are threatened with losing it.
VACANT
VACANT PROPERTIES AND PLOTS EDINBURGH
Long-Term Empty Properties: Long -Term Empty Properties, >1 year: Unoccupied Exemptions: Second Homes:
Total Empty Homes:
Vacant Land Vacant Land and Buildings
Source: Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS) Site Register, 2022
Derelict
THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE OF EDINBURGH
e Financial, Touristic, and Institutional Axes of the Nation’s Capital
Observed Visible Homelessness 25.11.2023
Observed Visible Homelessness 25.10.2023
TripAdvisor Top 10 Tourist Attractions
Homeless Charities and Facilities
New Town World Heritage Site
Old Town World Heritage Site
HighStreetShopping
Jenner’s
National Gallery
Camera
Obscura
eWriter’s Museum
StCuthbert’s Kirkyard
Waldorf
Social Bite
Edinburgh Castle
JohnnyWalker
PrincesStreet THE FINANCIAL AXIS
Calton
Salisbury Crags
[GC1] [GC2] [GC3] [GC4] [GC5] [GC6] [GC7] [GC8] [GC9] [GC10] [GC11]
COWGATE
Tourist Attractions
Homelessness Facilities
Hostels / Hotels
Bars
Institutional Facilities
e Royal Castle
e Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, is a symbol of Scotland's rich history and architectural grandeur. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle has witnessed centuries of royal events and military signi cance. Its commanding position o ers breath taking panoramic views of the city. Visitors explore the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the National War Museum, immersing themselves in Scotland's heritage. e castle hosts the iconic One O'Clock Gun tradition, resonating through Edinburgh. A cultural beacon, the Edinburgh Castle stands as an enduring testament to the nation's resilience, cultural identity, and historical legacy.
South Bridge
South Bridge in Edinburgh is a historic and iconic structure that spans the Cowgate valley. Completed in 1788, this impressive bridge not only serves as a vital transportation link connecting the city's Old Town and the University area but also houses a series of hidden vaults beneath its arches. ese vaults have been repurposed over the years for various uses, including as shops, workshops, and even as spaces for illicit activities, adding an intriguing layer to the bridge's storied history.
Access
to
Industry
Access to Industry in Edinburgh is a nonpro t organization focused on assisting marginalized individuals in overcoming barriers to employment and education. rough personalized support and skill-building programs, they empower articipants, including those with criminal backgrounds or mental health challenges, to access new opportunities and reintegrate into society.
Site
Grassmarket Community Project
e Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh is a transformative initiative fostering social inclusion and well-being. Established in 1982, it provides support for individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and social isolation. rough various programs, including art therapy, vocational training, and community meals, the project empowers participants, helping them regain con dence and skills. e accompanying social enterprise, e Grassmarket Café, not only serves as a training ground but also generates income to sustain the project. is community-driven endeavor exempli es the power of holistic approaches in creating positive change and breaking the cycles of poverty and marginalization.
Grey iar’s Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic cemetery in Edinburgh, has unfortunately become a refuge for some facing homelessness. e atmospheric setting, while rich in history, has drawn individuals seeking shelter among its tombstones and hidden corners. is reality underscores the complex challenges of urban homelessness. E orts by local organizations and authorities are crucial in addressing these issues and ensuring digni ed solutions for those without homes while preserving the cultural signi cance of this iconic site.
National Museum
e National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh stands as a cultural treasure trove, showcasing the nation's rich history, science, and art. Opened in 1998, the museum's diverse exhibits span centuries, featuring artifacts from ancient civilizations to modern innovations. Visitors explore Scottish history, natural wonders, and global cultures within its architecturally stunning building. Highlights include the Millennium Clock, Dolly the sheep, and a vast array of interactive displays. e museum's commitment to education and accessibility makes it a dynamic space, inviting locals and tourists alike to delve into the fascinating tapestry of Scotland's past and the broader world.
Calton Hill
Access Practice
Access Practice o er integrated services including housing, health and social work from one city centre location. ey o er services to anyone experiencing homelessness who has additional needs.
would present another potential as it was the centre of mass uproar
Richard Branson bought out original Access Practice for a luxury Virgin Hotel, denying the Edinburgh homeless population from easy-access healthcare. e cowgate building is a recent opening.
St Patrick’s
St. Patrick's Church is a historic Catholic church known for its architectural beauty and cultural signi cance. Built in 1774, it has been a spiritual hub for the community. e church stands as a testament to Edinburgh's religious diversity and o ers a serene space for worship, re ection, and community gatherings. It’s also the birthplace of modern-day Hibs!
Scottish Government
e Scottish Parliament Building, located in Edinburgh, stands as an architectural marvel and a symbol of Scotland's political autonomy. Completed in 2004, the building's design, led by Enric Miralles, blends modernity with Scottish heritage. Its unique, dynamic structure features a series of irregularly shaped, interconnected components, mirroring the rugged landscape.
Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace, situated at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, is a historic gem and the o cial residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Dating back to the 16th century, the palace boasts stunning architecture and lush gardens, providing a glimpse into Scotland's regal past. Originally a monastery, it transformed into a royal residence with a rich history, witnessing key events and royal ceremonies.
Salvation Army Hostel
e Salvation Army Hostel in Edinburgh serves as a vital refuge for those experiencing homelessness and hardship. Committed to their mission of compassion and support, the hostel provides temporary shelter, meals, and essential services to individuals in need. Beyond meeting immediate needs, the Salvation Army fosters a supportive environment, o ering counseling, rehabilitation programs, and pathways to employment. e facility plays a crucial role in the city's social welfare landscape, exemplifying the organization's dedication to addressing homelessness and helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
StreetWork
Simon Community Edinburgh is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Committed to o ering shelter, assistance, and advocacy, they strive to address the complex needs of those facing homelessness. rough outreach programs and accommodation services, Simon Community Edinburgh works to provide practical support, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives. e organization plays a vital role in the local community, fostering a sense of dignity and resilience among those navigating the challenges of homelessness in Edinburgh.
Dumbiedykes
Dumbiedykes has faced social deprivation challenges, with factors like poverty and unemployment impacting its community. e housing complex, despite its historical charm, has experienced economic struggles, a ecting residents' well-being. High levels of social deprivation have been linked to limited educational opportunities and healthcare disparities.
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh is an engaging science center dedicated to Earth's natural history and processes. Opened in 1999, it o ers interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and a 360-degree cinema, allowing visitors to explore the planet's evolution, climate changes, and geological wonders. It's an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
Arthur’s Seat
“To look over the South Bridge and see the Cowgate below full of crying hawkers,
Street’s name is recorded, in various spellings. Gate is a Scots word for “way” or “road”, and the name derives from the medieval practice of herding cattle down the street on market days. In 1498 the Latin name Via Vaccarum is recorded - latin for “The Way of the Cows”!
The oldest surviving structure on Cowgate, the Magdalen Chapel, begins construction. The Queen Regent arranged academic lectures there and, to this day, it houses the only piece of pre-Reformation Catholic stained glass in all of Scotland. It is now a Category A listed building.
St Ann’s Community hall has had various uses, but it’s original site was the grand home of Cardinal David Beaton. Beaton nominated himself to rule during Mary, Queen of Scot’s infancy, and his residence was often described as a palace. Indeed, for a long time, Cowgate had been a higer status housing district..!
Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed for a time in a Cowgate house where the Court of the Exchequer would meet. The Exchequer Rolls mention that she was provided with fine food and luxuries. After her abdication, she is recorded as having visited the Earl of Bothwell in an adjacent house.
Tailor’s Hall is the original guildhall of the tailors of Edinburgh, one of the recognised guilds of the medieval city. This brought important trade, knowledge and economy to the area. The building was occupied as military offices in the 19th century, and, today, is well-loved as the Three Sisters sports bar.
When James designed New in 1766, the gentry in Edinburgh relocating from historic Cowgate The planned, New Town attracted the wealthier leaving Cowgate into a more workingclass neighborhood. shift marked socio-economic transformation city’s urban landscape.
Earliest archaeological evidence of development, concentrated to the South because of a burn to the North - although this was filled in and built upon around 1490.
COWGATE
hawkers, is to view one rank of society from another in the twinkling of an eye.”
Craig New Town gentry Edinburgh began from the Cowgate area. upscale attracted residents, Cowgate to evolve workingneighborhood. This a significant socio-economic transformation in the landscape.
South Bridge divided Edinburgh in 1788, physically and socio -economically. The bridge housed businesses on top while its vaults became slums for the poor. Overcrowded and unsanitary, the vaults exemplified the contrast between wealth and poverty, reflecting the challenges of urban development in the 18th century.
The Irish Potato Famine, which claimed the lives of nearly 1 million people, caused a mass immigration of Irish nationals, who settled en masse in Cowgate. As such, the area developed the name “Little Ireland”.
James Connolly was born at 107 Cowgate, a notable figure in the Irish revolution of 1916 who was eventually executed for his involvement in the uprising against British rule.
The city addressed poor living conditions by demolishing old tenements and replacing them with modern housing. Dumbiedyke slum clearances aimed to improve living standards, yet they also displaced communities, raising debates about the social impact of urban redevelopment during that period.
A fire started above the Belle Angele nightclub in Cowgate, sweeping up the eight storey structure. 19 fire crews fought the flames for over 52 hours, and later described the complicated closes, multiple levels and small avenues as a “rabbit warren”.
Protesters camp out in bid to derail plans for a £65m Old Town hotel, citing concerns that it would reduce access to medical care for those affected by homelessness within the Cowgate and beyond.
South Bridge Divide
Little Ireland
Leaders
Households with at least one support need identi ed Households without a support need Statutory Homeless Households with at least one Identi ed Support Need.
Mental health problem
Basic housing management / independent living skills
Drug or alcohol dependency
Medical condition
Physical disability
Learning disability
Reason for Having to Leave Accommodation
Rent arrears (RSL tenancy). Rent arrears (LA tenancy). Default on mortgage payments. Forced division and sale of matrimonial home. Emergency ( re, ood, storm, etc.). Loss of service / tied accommodation. Rent arrears (PRS tenancy). Applicant terminated secure accommodation. Discharge from prison / other institution. Other reason. Other action by landlord.
Year on Year Change in Scottish Housing Provision by Tenure, 1999-2020
Co-Housing the Homeless with the Holidayers.
A Business Proposal
Nº01 · May/2024
Timeline and process
MONTH 1 MONTH 2
SITE IDENTIFICATION
DESIGN PROCESS
CONSTRUCTION
TENANT IDENTIFICATION
PRIVATE OWNERSHIP
SITE IDENTIFICATION
COUNCIL OWNERSHIP
A list of vacant and / or derelict sites, in close proximity to primary tourist thoroughfares will be drawn up. A SWOT analysis of these sites will identify the test bed for the proposal, from which further sites will develop at later stages.
DESIGN PROCESS
This would be put out for tender as an open competition to local architects, working alongside the pre-existing contractual team of a chosen housing association and a local council representative. The project is replicable across the city, but each individual project should respond architecturally to its specific site.
CONSTRUCTION
Being part-funded by the local council would allow for higher fees to be specified, and for there to be greater scope for including low-energy heating systems - thereby reducing fuel poverty for end-users. Upskilling a local construction force where possible would be desirable.
20 IF EVERYONE HAD A HOME
YEAR 2
YEAR 3
YEAR 3 - 30 30 Years +
Cycle Repeats ...
TENANT IDENTIFICATION
Affordable housing units will be placed on the open market, and tourist accommodation advertised through a dedicated council website. Social housing will be added to the existing stock and advertised through its own portal. Homeless individuals in transitional housing will be selected by Cyrenians.
PRIVATE OWNERSHIP
Once tenants have moved in, and businesses are operational, ownership and operation will transfer completely to the private housing association, under a BOOT model. This will allow the private company to recoup costs incurred.
COUNCIL OWNERSHIP
Once the BOOT time-frame has completed, ownership, and maintenance, of the site will return to the local council. This will have allowed the private company to recoup there upfront costs and risks, while replenishing local council social housing stock.
WHO WOULD STILL BE HOMELESS?
evolved into the city's bustling 'Tourist Axis', captivating visitors with its meticulously preser ved historic charm and vibrant atmosphere. Tourists are greeted with a picture-perfect' portrayal of Edinburgh, akin to a meticulously streets, lined with majestic building s and adorned with quaint shops, create a romanticized vision of the city s past and present.
However just a stone s throw away lies Cowgate, running parallel to the Royal Mile. Despite its close proximity, Cowgate o ers a stark contrast to the polished facade of tourist-centric Edinburgh Here, amidst the hustle and bustle, lies the heart of the real Edinburgh - a place where homelessness institutions, charities, and support ser vices are deeply embedded
[GC1] [GC2] [GC3] [GC4] [GC5] [GC6] [GC7] [GC8] [GC9] [GC10] [GC11]
THE ROYAL MILE.
Grassmarket
eVennel
WestPort
HeriotPlace
Lister Housing Association
6VT Youth Cafe
Edinburgh College of Art
GeorgeHeriotSchool
eFloddenWall
KickassHostel
TENURE BREAKDOWN: FOR A MIXED-TENURE, CO-HOUSING PLOT... LAND REGISTERED AS VACANT
A ordable Housing Supply Programme.
A er two years as a registered vacant plot...
CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL...
Carry out a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) at 5% VAT en recoup costs by leasing the land to a...
NOT-FOR-PROFIT, C.I.C., HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Place Based Investment Programme: With private nancial access to the...
Ending Homelessness Together Fund:
Regeneration Capital Grant Fund:
National Lottery Community Fund:
Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme:
Private loans Tourist
... in order to cover a bigger upfront private percentage than usual.
Retail
Open Market
Social Rent, in line with ...
[GA2.1]
ARC8095
Learning
Lab
Stage 6: Research By Design
This project looked at working alongside KS1 “co -researchers” as “experts in their own lives” to develop a live-build architectural project whose brief developed along the course of the project unfolding. The premise here was to remove any subconscious prioritisation or hierarchy of “the architect” and, instead, to validate the opinion of the non-architectural end user.
The project was a fascinating exercise in collaboration and the role of the architect, and was, understandably, a whole lot of fun. The output saw us create paper mosaics with the KS1 students which we then translated to a wall panel for their quad space. This was accompanied with hand painted flower pots, and a series of chalk-based educational games.
The overarching aim was to develop Built Environment Education (BEE) resources for KS1 students which could be rolled out across other schools and education centres.
ARC8084
Architectural Practice
Stage 6
This module had potentially the greatest impact on both my ARC8060 sixth year thesis, but also on my preparation for architectural work next year.
The module is intended to teach students about the responsibilities and duties of an architectural professional, as well as the contractual, financial, and legal frameworks within which architectural practice operates.
My thesis this year centred around the financial constraints of contemporary Scottish social housing projects, and advocates alternative funding avenues. As such, the financial and contractual learnings that I made through this module proved invaluable.
I wrote an essay about the proposed contractual framework for my design module, focussing on the Build, Operate, Own, and Transfer (BOOT) framework, under which a private Housing Association would finance the upfront costs of a social housing venture, which they would then recoup through ownership of the site for ~30 years, before finally transferring ownership back to the local council in order to replenish their depleted housing stock.
Under the PPP procurement route, the project would follow a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) contract, whereby the private body – the Lister Housing Co-Operative – would deliver the project, shouldering most of the risk but receiving financial support from the public body the City of Edinburgh Council.
The Lister Housing Co-Operative would then be granted the right to own, maintain, and operate the project for a predetermined period, and to draw fees from users of the project during this time to recoup upfront construction costs. Once this period is up, the control of the project would transfer back to public ownership to help rebuild the Council’s depleted social housing stock.
Interested, Non-Contractual Third Parties:
• University of Edinburgh
• UNESCO World Heritage
• VisitScotland
• Registered Unintenional
Homeless Households
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PROCUREMENT (PPP) ROUTE
LISTER HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE
PRIVATE SECTOR BODY
B.O.O.T. CONTRACT
CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
PUBLIC SECTOR BODY
INSURANCE CONTRACT T. C. YOUNG SOLICITORS
TIMESCALE:
LOAN REIMBURSEMENT Contract End Date
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER COLLECTIVE ARCHITECTURE
CONSULTANTS
DESIGN CONTRACT
BUILD CONTRACT
PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR ROBERTSON GROUP
SUB-CONTRACTORS
ARC8094
Learning Lab Stage 5: Research By Design
In Stage 5, Learning Lab centred around developing replicable educational resources for teaching Built Environment Education (BEE) to KS1 students.
We learned a lot about teaching, let alone about architectural education, and had great fun unpacking what it is that architects do with the students.
Pictured on this spread was an example of one activity that we developed in order to allow the children to translate their opinions of built spaces to us, even if they did not have the education or vocabulary that we might have.
Here, nine photos are arranged by a group into a diamond such that their favourite photo is at the top, their least favourite is at the bottom, and the grey area in between completes the diamond. This exercise was repeated across six groups and the averaged responses informed our built project next year.
ARC8060: Portfolio.
Rory Kavanagh // Stage 6 // “If Everyone Had a Home, Who Would Still be Homeless?”