Identity Anchored in Place

identity anchored in place a study on social, emotional and physical wellbeing

ross mccarthy thesis

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2015

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Introduction This thesis, Identity Anchored in Place, is a study examining ‘Wellbeing’ in the built environment, looking at the Neptune Shipyard area of the city of Waterford.

The investigation consists of a HTC exploration of how the sense of identity a place has can affect our ‘Wellbeing’ and what considerations we must take into account in order to design space that has a positive sense of identity.

The quality of how we work or how we live is very much dependent on the spaces in which we do things. In order for architecture to promote wellbeing there are many considerations that must be taken into account. If these are not properly thought out they can have a negative impact upon the user. I aim to investigate some of the key considerations which need to be addressed.

I begin by broadly exploring key elements of the relationship between architecture and physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

researching its background and general history in order to discover its past ‘Identity’ before going into particular detail regarding the Neptune Ironworks, which played an integral part in Waterford’s socio-economic history.

I then look at the modern day site of the Neptune Ironworks (my architecture group’s research area) in order to assess its current ‘Identity’ while seeing how the area integrates itself with its urban context.

In the second part of the dissertation, HTC is applied to my ADS project, ‘The Neptune Boatworks’ in order to re-discover a positive sense of identity for my site and its surrounding context through the consideration of physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

Physical Wellbeing Design decisions in architecture can have tremendous consequences for a person’s physical wellbeing or health. We are affected by such decisions on many different scales.

Unlike in past centuries, almost all buildings that are designed today take into account considerations for human health and safety.

The implementation of building regulations and planning have resulted in tremendous strides in terms of improving the health of whole populations. Observation of these regulations ensures that the spaces in which we work and are safe.

important considerations for physical wellbeing

Wellbeing

ventilation, air quality and climate control.

The subject of wellbeing is extremely broad when it comes to architecture and is one which has been researched many times before but

Daylighting is one of the most important decisions to get right in the design process. Key considerations include location and orientation of windows and openings - whether they face south to maximise solar gain; geometry of a space; the characteristics of the internal surfaces. These are generally the main factors which determine the distribution of natural light in spaces. The distribution of light is extremely important as it has been shown to affect sight, mood and health. Studies have found it can also boost productivity. According to a study which

wellbeing, social wellbeing and emotional wellbeing.

In general ‘physical wellbeing’ in this context particularly concerns health, social wellbeing relates to human interaction, and emotional wellbeing takes into account the sense of space.

We as a society know that the design of buildings can affect our physical health, thus making physical wellbeing a priority element in the building process and one that cannot be overlooked. Social and emotional wellbeing, on the other hand, are often overlooked and have not advanced proportionally in comparison to the improvement in physical conditions; indeed, in some areas there has arguably even been a regression since the industrial age.

We found that students with the most daylighting in their classrooms progressed 20 percent faster on math tests and 26 percent [faster] on reading tests in one year than those with the least.

(Cooper, 1999:A14).

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Edwards and Torcellini point out that it is becoming increasingly more apparent that it is necessary to have ample daylight levels in buildings.

Properly maintained daylighting systems have stress levels, increasing vitamin D intake resulting in less dental decay (cavities), improved eyesight, increased growth, an improved immune system and has even been shown to help improve hospital recovery times (Edwards and Torcellini, 2002).

Burge states that another necessary design consideration for physical wellbeing is carefully thought out ventilation and air quality. He notes that poor ventilation and air quality management in buildings, along with poor management and design, have been shown to contribute to severe health ailments. Without proper air quality management a number of issues can occur including toxic gas build up or sick building syndrome. Resulting ailments include respiratory problems, allergies, tiredness, ventilation, poor air temperature, humidity and lighting levels. Naturally ventilated buildings show fewer symptomatic occupants than those from air

Designing space which promotes and encourages physical activity can include, for example, welcoming staircases, comfortable and accessible walking environments, or locations within easy and safe travel distances by bicycle or foot.

Research suggests that increasing cycling and increased physical activity but also helps reduce congestion and air pollution in the surrounding environment (Besser and Dannenberg, 2005).

Conclusion It is clear that since building regulations have been implemented into the design and construction of buildings there have been vast improvements in the health and general wellbeing of a building’s occupants. Having spaces which are airy, properly lit, appropriately heated and located in order to promote physical activity greatly contributes to the promotion of physical wellbeing. Failure to take these necessities into account can have dire consequences for human health and wellbeing, such as the symptoms from sick building syndrome.

The temperature and thermal environment in buildings are intrinsically linked with ventilation and air quality control, which if not controlled correctly, can contribute to sick building syndrome. If, for example, moisture is allowed to build up indoors it can lead to growth of mould. Brager and de Dear identify natural individually controlled ventilation as a key factor in having a healthy temperately and thermally controlled work environment (de Dear and Brager, 2002).

American Institute of Architects 2013 6·

Social Wellbeing Social wellbeing, unlike physical wellbeing, relationship with things including how they interact with their surrounding environment and

they have exponentially increased over the last century. The workplace is now where people

This attitude of a mechanising architecture type based on productivity rather than concern for the wellbeing of the user evokes the Marxist view of how workers were considered by their

These laborers, who must sell themselves piecemeal, are a commodity, like every other article of commerce…

Responses from 411 workers in the U.S. and Canada. Only 19% said they were

…the work of the proletarians has lost all individual character, and, consequently, all charm for the workman. He becomes

But the rest, nearly two-thirds of respondents, said they were not happy at work. Twenty-one percent said they

(Marx, 1969:18)

(Adams, 2012).

It would seem that due to the demands of the workplace has resulted in greatly increased hours, and the concern for the wellbeing of the worker is secondary to this. I propose this has created unhappiness and social disconnect in the workplace. If this increase in working hours is to continue, it is necessary to explore how happiness can be brought to the workplace and how our environment can bring worth to the worker.

Marx speaks of how the craftsmen of old who were able to display the individuality and creativity of their craft, and who were also dependent on working with one another, have been converted into isolated robot-like laborers who have lost their Identity no longer valued by any other means than productivity. This idea of the worker being a mere commodity, and having no valued craft or social dependence on colleagues, is an attribution that can be compared with some modern day architecture.

Too often is the concern of building construction solely commercial with no concern for the wellbeing of its inhabitants or surrounding social context.

In his book The Architecture of Happiness Alain de Botton refers to le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye, and how its aim was function and productivity.

Although the building may epitomise the Corbusien manifesto of ‘a house is a machine makes the point that the client was unhappy

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Colossal masses of building substance are being constructed by builders alone without any regard for architectural principles, solely for utilitarian ends and rendered in red brick.

(Schinkel, quoted by Caruso, 2004:76).

In the best cases, an architectural intervention has a critical relationship with its situation and its construction is somehow communicative with the existing and social context.

(Caruso, 1998:26) Here Caruso describes the damaging effect of poorly thought out large scale construction undertaken by builders. It is not enough to visually disguise architecture in a colloquial dress with the aim of responding to its context. Caruso uses the example of red brick to show how there is a need for architecture to respond to its context in more than just a visual sense.

Successful design creates an environment which allows its social context to interact; this type of environment can help promote community interaction and social integration. Considerations for building design and construction must also extend to the ongoing maintenance of a designs environment after completion of the building, as well maintained environments have been shown to

Communities with well-maintained neighbourhoods and facilities self-report a greater sense of happiness and community cohesion (…) increasing more pedestrian activity. (AIA, 2013:2)

Not only do properly maintained communities help promote interaction through increased pedestrian activity, but through the sharing of maintenance meaningful community cohesion and an improved sense of social wellbeing can develop. There are also other methods of encouraging social interaction in communities, such as street level openings which encourage walk-ability and help foster a stronger sense of community. Transparencies can give buildings a more welcoming feel and can boost interaction within the environment by offering linking views which can aid people’s sense of a broader community. (Ibid.)

Spaces which encourage social interaction such as circulation or meeting space can positively improve social wellbeing. How these spaces are integrated into the environment is important; although it has been shown that open circulation space can help foster social interaction, the control of this interaction can be instrumental in whether these interactions

Uncontrollable social interaction is very bad for human beings; it makes us tense and panicky. We have particular placebased rules about how we want social contact with others.

(Augustin, 2009:17).

Conclusion As with physical wellbeing, incorporating individual occupant control in the design can help improve social wellbeing. However, unlike physical wellbeing, design principles which affect a person’s social wellbeing is based more on how an environment is integrated into its surroundings. It can be seen how design can allow for social interdependence, whether that be for business, craft or community maintenance. Architecture can either foster or impede social interaction and if environments are to be constructed without a concern for anything other than commercialisation or productivity, the resulting architecture is not only lacking in a sense of identity it has a negative impact on social wellbeing.

Successful architecture must have a critical communicative relationship with its environment and surrounding social context. Building and design should be looked at as an opportunity to help foster and promote community, giving people a feeling of belonging to their environment and a sense of identity. Similarly to the advancement that has taken place in physical wellbeing, social wellbeing must also become a priority.

Augustin speaks of the need to be able to control one’s social privacy in order to feel comfortable.

She describes how space can be used in a way that is conducive to how people want to interact.

If we are in a space which is not within our control it can have a negative impact on social wellbeing; on the other hand, individually controlled interaction space can empower us.

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Emotional Wellbeing Emotional wellbeing involves our state of mind and our mental health. A strong sense of emotional wellbeing can enable someone to remain positive

space by assembling honey-coloured limestone tiles together? I suggest not. If we look at the

in their life. Our mental health is related to our

by putting parts or material together.’ We can

a number of ways. Architecture and place have the power to affect our mood, which in turn can

transformed into something primarily concerned with productivity and commerciality if we compare it to Heidegger’s philosophy. If we research Heidegger’s etymological study of the word

health or emotional wellbeing. What is it about the language of a place that can determine how we feel?

In his book The Architecture of Happiness Alain De Botton compares the architectural experience between that of a generic Travel Lodge Hotel bedroom and the Palladian Villa Rotonda with its celebrated architecture of beautiful proportion.

Each space clearly provides a different

An ugly room can coagulate any loose suspicion as to the incompleteness of life, while a sun-lit one set with honey-coloured limestone tiles can lend support to whatever is most hopeful within us.

(De Botton, 2006:12).

the Old English or High German word ‘bauen’ as ‘to dwell’ whilst also encompassing words like ‘to preserve’, ‘to gather’ ‘to re-arrange’ and ‘protect’. culture. Heidegger describes an alternative

Such building only takes care—it tends the growth that ripens into its fruit of its own accord. Building in the sense of preserving and nurturing.

Dwelling is the manner in which mortals are on the earth. (...) The fundamental character of dwelling is this sparing and preserving.

(Heidegger, 1971:64, 146).

Here de Botton speaks of the difference between a sense of loss, the other a sense of inspiration.

He describes the ‘ugly room’ having the capacity to diminish all hope and the other ‘sunlit’ beautifully decorated environment capable of communication and lending support to the essence of our very being. It is clear that beauty can have a great impact on our mood and how we receive a space. Stendhal describes beauty in his book De l’Amour as ‘only the promise of suggests that beauty can offer hope when all else fails. So is it enough to ‘build’ a visually appealing

Rather than an architecture of ‘utilitarian ends,’ Heidegger spoke of a re-arranging architecture of old which implied care, preservation and nurturing, one which was not solely about putting material together without consideration of its environment. Heidegger speaks of how a mortal’s true nature is to dwell. He links the idea of care for our environment to the very nature of our being. Heidegger suggests this belief results in a quid pro quo, that preserving and nurturing helps forge a connection between ourselves and our environment promoting our own emotional wellbeing, a ‘sense of place’ or Identity.

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In order for one to have a sense of being or belonging in their environment, Norberg-Schulz describes the need to be also able to place oneself

Man dwells when he can orientate himself within and identify himself with an environment, or, in short, when he experiences the environment as meaningful.

A place is a space which has distinct character (…) the task of the architect is to create meaningful places, whereby he helps man to dwell.

(Norberg-Schulz, 1979:5).

Norberg-Schulz speaks of how in order to dwell, and to avoid a feeling of loss, man must be able to orientate or place himself in his environment, by experiencing his environment as meaningful. I order to create spaces of meaning they must be

in orientation or a sense of Identity, it creates in its occupant a feeling of loss or ‘placelessness’. A often has no reference to its surrounding contextual identity and can consequently have a negative impact on a person’s wellbeing.

In order to create space which caters for our emotional wellbeing, thought for an area’s unique locality is needed, a construct should help orientate the individual. For this to be achieved, the cultivation of a meaningful sense of place must be considered in this way. It is not a matter of constructing in the sense of just ‘putting parts or material together’ placing it in location. I suggest it is about gathering the identity of one’s environment and constructing an architecture through the language of its surrounding enviornment.

cultural and topographical context. Without an enviornment having its own unique meaning or ‘Identity’ man seems unable to orientate himself, thus becoming incapable of dwelling in his environment.

Conclusion It is clear that place has a great impact on the essence of our being and our state of mind. It has been shown that a beautiful space can provide hope and help make positive our mood, while an ugly space can do the opposite. We have found aesthetics are not the only determinant for our emotional wellbeing; strong consideration for our environment is also necessary. It is clear that building with only concerns for productivity and commercialisation cannot provide an architecture or an environment which caters for dwelling or emotional wellbeing. If one’s environment is lacking

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Waterford

The Neptune Shipyard

Waterford lies in the South East of Ireland and is said to be Ireland’s oldest city. In the 8th century it was given the name Vaderfjord by the Vikings, meaning ‘safe haven’ or ‘weather heaven’. As the name suggests, the Vikings built their settlement on the banks of the river Suir due to its naturally sheltered geography. Before long it became a vibrant trading port. In medieval times, Waterford was the second city of Ireland due to its strong maritime trading links with Britain and the Europe.

The Vikings were eventually overthrown and it was declared a Royal City. By the 18th century it became the third busiest port in the country after Dublin and Cork, trading with many different parts of the globe. Its quay was considered one of the best in Europe, if not the world, reportedly able to accommodate up to sixty ships in 1764 (Murphy, 1997).

century Waterford possessed six shipbuilding yards which produced many vessels mostly for overseas trade and commerce. The two most notable were Whites Wooden Shipyard and the Neptune Iron Shipyard.

Waterford, a city that stands very pleasantly on the River Suir, having the

The Neptune Ironworks opened in 1843 and was established and owned by the Malcolmsons, a family of Quakers. The Malcolmson Mill was built in 1837, and at its peak employed about 1,500 people, forming the basis of the model industrial town of Portlaw, one of the foremost examples of such model 18th century towns, alongside New Lanark in Scotland and Port Sunlight in England - all Quaker towns renowned for worker equality and wellbeing (O’Brien, 2008). The Malcolmsons were renowned for their concern for the wellbeing of their workforce, which was revolutionary for its time, providing healthcare, food and not only housing but according to Bill Irish ‘set in motion the concept for an industrial village that was to

(Pococke, 1752) The Neptune Ironworks opened in 1843 as a Throughout the 18th century Waterford continued to grow as one of Europe’s leading trading ports, thanks to its fertile agricultural hinterland which provided the port with goods for export. The Suir, the Nore and the Barrow rivers acted as an important network of transport routes, bringing local produce of beef, pork and butter from surrounding counties such as Tipperary, Kilkenny and Carlow. Waterford’s population grew from approximately 5,000 to 20,000 by the end of the century. These three rivers, along with Waterford’s port, were responsible for the growth of the city.

Waterford’s success in international trade and its role as an urban centre for the south east is owed to its waterways. During the late 18th century a glassmaking industry was established in the city along with six shipbuilding industries which both thrived into the 19th century. One of these was the Neptune Shipyard (Irish, 2001). During the 18th

ships, led by the senior partner of the Malcolmson brothers, Joseph, and master shipbuilder and designer John Horn. Within three years they began Neptune, the largest screw-steamship in Ireland at its time, which in 1852 was later lengthened and given an extra 32ft midship making it 204ft (Irish,2005). The ship was built for the inauguration

As she steamed up the Neva His Imperial in his star barge, forts and warships Established Waterford trade routes prior to 1800

ships encountered en route were decked her freedom from all port dues for life.

(Kennedy, 1903:297).

Author

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Although the S.S. Neptune became a great success, it wasn’t until two years later, in 1849, that the Neptune Ironworks received their commission for their next ship, the P.S Nora Creina. In the same year the yard got their third commission to build an even larger ship, the S.S. Mars at 373 tons, which unfortunately would end in tragedy. The S.S. Mars propeller system as opposed to the more commonly used paddles steamer system); it was built to be placed on the Waterford to Liverpool service.

During its construction there was a disagreement on how the ship should be propelled and half way through its construction it was changed to be a modern screw-steamer; this caused the ship to be unbalanced, and resulted in severe damage to the reputation of the yard. In 1862 at Linney Head near Milford she was wrecked, killing 47 passengers, 327 pigs, 178 cows and ten horses; there were only four survivors (Kennedy, 1903).

Shortly after the completion of the S.S. Mars there were scarcely 100 men working in the yard. However, with an ironworks boom in 1853, the yard began to employ many more men and all ocean going ships built after then exceeded 200ft in length. In 1858 the yard was so overstretched with orders they ran out of space, resulting in Neptune having to rent out space from surrounding shipyards. In twelve years Joseph Malcolmson, with master shipbuilder John Horn, had grown Neptune Ironworks into a world renowned shipyard with a workforce of 300 highly trained men and a host of internationally recognisable ships.

Ironworks and it would operate the London, Le Havre, New York line.

The S.S. Indiana was the last ocean liner to be built at Neptune as the yard turned its attention to the local Waterford Steam Navigation Company’s requirements (Irish, 2005). The Neptune Ironworks were to build 13 more ships, but their golden era was over. While many of the business decisions taken

by William Malcolmson proved to have a damming impact on the company, external happenings in the 1860’s proved even more damaging. The American Civil War affected income from the Portlaw Cotton Mill, and their London bankers went bankrupt, owing the Malcolmsons over two million pounds.

The Malcolmson brothers struggled on to employ and care for their workforce but eventually declared themselves bankrupt in 1877 and sold the Neptune Ironworks to the Waterford Steam Navigation Company.

The Neptune Ironworks had operated for 36 years, constructing 33 steam ships, some of which were in Ireland and abroad.

According to Irish

qualities of altruism and benevolence.

worker productivity which generated his wealth. (Irish, 2005:141)

Joseph Malcolmson died in 1864 and his brother William became the senior partner of Malcolmsons Brothers, taking over proceedings which continued to expand. In 1867 the largest ever ship built in Waterford (weighing 1,572 tons and 325ft in length) was launched. The S.S. Indiana took nine months to build. It was the 27th ship to be built at Neptune

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6ft

Neptune Yard Leveling Plate

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Sketch of Neptune Yard, by the author 14 路

Neptune’s success was a testament to the shrewd business decisions and the desire to care for its workforce’s wellbeing by Joseph Malcolmson, along with the skill and knowledge of John Horn. The Malcolmson Brothers were a leading business entity, giving rise to Waterford’s Industrial Revolution boom with their cotton mill and steam ship companies, establishing much needed employment for over 3,000 workers and providing housing for many. The Ironworks was at one stage Ireland’s leading ship manufacturers and thus it was at the heart of manufacturing Waterford City’s success and Identity. The Malcolmson were the leading industrialists in the Waterford of their time; unlike many other employers of the era they valued their workers and communities, and had concern for their wellbeing. The developers who produced the bleak housing estates of today’s Waterford provide an unfavourable contrast.

Accounts (courtesy of Waterford City Archives) 15 ·

Waterford in the Current Climate Today Waterford has a population of over 50,000 populated city in Ireland. Although Waterford’s population has greatly increased since the 19th century, its fame for being one of Ireland’s most successful cities has waned. From once being renowned for having one of the best ports in Europe and being the second city in Ireland due to its international trading power, Waterford (McIlvenny, 2010) and its famous quay is now used as a car park.

From my initial investigation of Waterford City I focused on the coastal area extending from the South Quay’s Bridge Street to Little Island with my survey group (as shown in accompanying images).

As a group, we found this part of Waterford City to be a conglomeration of commercial activities, suburban residential sprawl, agricultural areas, with the People’s Park acting as the region’s main source of public interaction space. We found that from the beginning of the investigation area at People’s Park until its end at Little Island there was one inescapable architectural element, which we named ‘the wall’. ‘The wall’, extending from the urban city environment outwards to the rural edge, consisted of modern private residences, old manor estate houses, private businesses, housing estates, along with an actual stone and concrete wall that ran alongside the main road the entire length of the site. The housing estates were of very regular uniformity which contributed no sense of individual character to their surrounding area, making my experience a disorientating one. I was left with a sense of placelessness when experiencing the site and remembered my reading of Kevin Lynch’s The

Ibid 17 ·

Lynch found that legible environments of clear perceptual image are those which are able to be ‘image mapped’ by the inhabitant in order to avoid the feeling of being lost. When comparing the site with Lynch’s study, I found it was severely lacking in recognisable focal points or individual character which allow orientation, resulting in an uncomfortable experience. Consequently, it was understandable that I encountered almost no other pedestrians when walking the site. I was unsurprised to learn that, of people travelling to work or education, 68% of people used personal motor vehicles or cars, 20% of people cycled, 4.7% used local public transport and only 1.6% of people walked one of the lowest of such percentages in Ireland. (CSO 2011) - showing very little opportunity for enhancing social wellbeing via social engagement, or promoting physical wellbeing through exercise.

The vast majority of residential architecture on site consisted of housing estates built in the late 20th century. It seemed to be a far cry from the Waterford of old I had learned about. I suggest that the much of the development since the 19th century has been critically damaging to the social context of Waterford city, has failed to positively contribute to boosting the city’s individual character, and has resulted in an environment of disconnect and a loss of identity.

Developers have looked at building solely for The world may be organised around a set of focal points, or be broken into named regions, or to be linked by remembered ones.

The terror of being lost come from the necessity that a mobile organism be orientated in its surrounds. (Lynch, 1960:125).

in almost no potential sites left available for encouraging social interaction. If we are to compare the investigation area to Heidegger’s philosophy of a re-arranging, nurturing archetype, it is in great contrast and seems to resonate much more with Caruso’s reference to mass building developments built only for ‘utilitarian ends’ without regard for architectural principles, rather than an archetype concerned with the social and wellbeing of its inhabitants By the Author

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Semester 02 Case Study Research

identity

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ross mccarthy - thesis - 2015

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Boat Manufacturing

Case Studies

Ireland has a long history of boatbuilding, although in recent times the industry has fallen into decline – being one of the worst hit sectors in the construction industry during the recession (Vega, 2010). There are no college courses

Safehaven Marine, established in Cobh, County Cork in 1998, are a world renowned pilot boat manufacturing company supplying vessels to almost all parts of the globe. They consist of a comparatively small (by shipyard standards) workforce of 40 workers, comprising very skilled, experienced craftsmen. In 2006 they built over 60 vessels, mainly in the commercial work boat and passenger vessel market; currently 80% of Safehaven’s production consists of pilot boats.

In Ireland they have 100% share of this market; in the UK they have 30%; and in other parts of Europe 50%. To date, Safehaven Marine have delivered 27 different types of pilot vessels to ports worldwide. They have two manufacturing

base exists among the older generation. This includes knowledge and expertise in the construction of racing yachts, although most of this construction has moved abroad to central Europe, resulting in very few successful boat manufacturing companies still existing in Ireland. Manufacturing has moved away from traditional methods of construction no longer seen as viable, such as wooden boat design, large manufacturing industry has moved into Eastern Europe, China and Korea due to lower manufacturing costs although there is still a market for super rich yacht owners.

(McCarthy, 2014).

Lurssen Yachts, established in 1875 in BremenVegesack, Germany, are a world renowned super-yacht manufacturing company. Their workforce is comprised of more than 1,000 building yards in North Germany capable of building yachts from 100ft to 650ft. The company has launched more than 3,000 vessels since its establishment and has 3.25% of the world market share. It has built twenty of the largest motor yachts in the world including the world’s largest, the Azzam.

factory and the other is a smaller 5,000 sq. ft. factory built in 2005.

Crown Princess - Longistudal Section

Lurssen Yachts, superyachttimes.com 70 ·

Newport, News Gantry Virginia 71 路

Harland & Wolf Arrol Gantry, Belfast 72 路

The Crystal Palace, Hyde Park, London 73 路

Ricola Storage Building, Laufen, Switzerland 74 路

Semester 02 The Project

identity

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ross mccarthy - thesis - 2015

75 .

The Project

Proposal Conclusion

IDA Assessment

Following on from my research on ‘Wellbeing and Waterford City’, and the story of the Neptune Shipyard, I have set about creating a project aimed at rediscovering Waterford’s ‘Identity’, through the consideration for wellbeing. From my initial investigation into Waterford city in its current climate with my research group I found it an uncomfortable architectural environment lacking in meaningful experiences and Identity. Modern housing developments which I found were built primarily with the concern for productivity and commerciality, although they may have incorporated concepts of physical wellbeing internally into their design they provided nothing in support of their surrounding context. For example their was no sense of encouraging ‘walk-ability’ and I found Waterford had one of the lowest walking rates in the Country, a lost opportunity for community interaction. In the case of the ‘Wall’ or the famous Quays’s car park it was reminiscent of Caruso’s reference to mass building developments built only for ‘utilitarian ends’ monopolising the River Suir and impeding meaningful integration or communication thus loosing the opportunity to promote social or emotional wellbeing and loosing Waterford’s sense of Identity.

From my study I discovered the Neptune Ironworks was an integral part of Waterford’s socio economic History run by the Malcolmson’s a family once renowned for equality and Wellbeing claiming the maxim of “a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work“.

The Malcolmson’s employed over 3,000 workers from Waterford and its surrounding area and provided housing for many. The Ironworks gained Waterford an internationally renowned reputation for quality iron steam ships, some of which were

From my discussions with Robert Doyle of ‘Ron Holland Design’, Ciaran McCarthy (head of the AUXNAVALIA project to improve the competitiveness of the naval ancillary industry in Ireland) and the Halpin Centre for Research and Innovation on the future of the shipbuilding industry in Ireland I found since 2007 the industry had the largest decline in the construction sector, although it maintains a huge current knowledge base in Ireland. In order to regain growth in this industry I found companies need to establish niche markets in the high quality bespoke sector rather than high the high quantity sector. The Industries Location was also found to be advantageous compared to other successful European bases due to its proximity to the port and it accessibility to America and the Caribbean.

From this research it was decided the niche market of Bespoke Composite Yacht Design was a viable target. The design of these bespoke yachts shall be completed from cradle to gate or design to launch in-house. It was also advised that to help sustain income the addition of a high quality yacht repair yard along side the manufacturing industry could be a viable area of growth for the Irish shipbuilding industry.

Following on from my group study I continued my research on Waterford and focused on the last remaining vacant site along the ‘Wall’ by the river Suir which I highlighted as an opportunity to

in Ireland and abroad thus having a great impact on contributing to Waterford’s Identity of Old which has since been lost. Today there is no reminder of this legacy in Waterford and its site is doomed to join Waterford’s ‘Wall’.

Although the Malcolmson’s were much ahead of their time as regards Wellbeing towards their workforce, the standard of Physical Wellbeing in the workplace in 1800’s does not compare to Today’s high standard. Following on from my research of other more modern shipyards including Safehaven Marine, H&W and Lurssen Yachts the project I propose consists of creating a yacht manufacturing industry on the site of the old Neptune Ironworks, re-establishing the longstanding tradition of boatbuilding in the heart of Waterford, named ‘Neptune Boatworks’.

its river Suir. I found this site to be home to the Neptune Ironworks and I began my research into re-discovering Waterford’s lost Identity.

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Physical Consideration

Social Consideration

The design required a Manufacture, Marketing and Design Warehouse with a large internal clear span space of 45 meters by 100 meters, consisting of a

A marina is provided as a ‘Safe Haven’ for boat mooring and also to stop the build up of silt outside of the Dry Docks provided. A processional square for public viewing has been set up alongside the marina inviting the People’s Park to the River Suir responding to its surrounding social context helping to provide alternative choices of circulation space.

It is a key element of the scheme dismantling and

Although the Truss is has a ‘skin’ the space functions in the same way as its classic predecessor allowing space where the majority of mould construction and carpentry work can occur while the rest of the space is taken up mostly by the ‘underworld’ of boat stand’s, keels and struts.

plates based upon ones used at the original Neptune Yard which allow the function of timber bending, drainage and washing down of boats.

The roof is a triangular steel frame Truss clad in allowing the worker a connection to the sky.

The space has been designed throughout to incorporate physical wellbeing, in terms of air quality, lighting, temperature control and location. If these are ignored, negative outcomes such as poor health or sick building syndrome can occur. Due to improved design standards in the last century these elements have greatly improved health, although it is not enough just to consider physical wellbeing.

for a river walk which now offers control and choice over social engagement unlike before encouraging a walking environment and social interaction and sense of community.

The structure is clad in simplistic Fiberglas panels which can be made by the workman allowing him to display ‘the individuality of his craft’ while the truss’s simple steel angle construction also provides a sense of understanding for the structure allowing for ease of maintenance and helping to foster a sense of belonging and identity between the worker and his environment.

use of the Gangway’s, where the main ‘assemblage’ activity would have taken place for example in the Harland and Wolf Arrol Gantry, this street like activity at gangway level provides the possibility of overview an interaction between workers on multiple

and naturally ventilated highly insulated (also for acoustic protection) air tight cabins are attached to

The Gangway cabins facilitate separated space allowing the worker multiple choice of interaction space of different qualities acoustically, thermally and visually for example the canteen having an external view of the Park.

The buildings translucent envelope will act as a new visual advertisement for the Identity of the boats Neptune will design while also allowing glimpses of the structure underneath of whats past and of the activity going on inside through the marina facade’s large opening. These transparencies allow a sense of communication between the public and the building similarly helping to promote belonging and Identity but not just with the worker also with the surrounding social context.

Social Wellbeing I found was a consideration very much lacking since the Industrial revolution in Waterford. I concluded that social wellbeing, which depends on human interaction, has been adversely impacted upon by increased working hours in the the worker and I cited with concern the prioritising of mechanising architecture for commercial productivity over recognising and facilitating the importance of social engagement.

This research has been a key factor in my design decisions, I have employed space designed to promote social interaction throughout the scheme not only for the worker but by also including a critical relationship with the surrounding environment in order to promote social wellbeing.

changing rooms, toilets, a canteen and ‘assemblage’ storage space.

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Emotional Consideration

Conclusion

The building’s typology is based upon a classic shipyard Truss as a visual Ode to the Neptune Ironworks providing its observer a reminder of Waterford’s rich historical culture and history relating to a Heidegger arch-type of gathering the identity of one’s environment past and present and constructing from that language.

If as a society we can allow cities like Waterford of old, whose character and identity derived from its beautiful natural resource, the River Suir, to become lost to the majority of citizens due to monetary concerns, I suggest it is necessary to take steps to change our priorities in design from productivity

The orientation of the Boatworks not only now invites a much needed new relationship between the River Suir and Waterford but also helps its surrounding community orientate themselves in a historical sense to Waterford’s Identity of old.

whole. The concern for wellbeing in architecture must not only encompass the physical but in order to reverse the damage which has been done to place and disconnect in society it is imperative that considerable thought be given to social and emotional wellbeing.

Through my investigation of emotional wellbeing I discovered architecture and place can have a strong bearing on our mood and mental state.

Spaces that we consider ugly can leave us with a feeling of loss, whereas beautiful spaces can be a great source of inspiration and hope. Such spaces require something more than just the mere appealing. If one can identify and honour the distinct character of an environment, I suggest the result can allow for dwelling space that can orientate and create a positive sense of emotional wellbeing and state of mind. Using the Truss as a metaphor helps provide the area with meaning thus allowing ‘man to orientate himself in his environment’ rather than constructing an architecture solely for ‘utilitarian means’ I suggest is the key reason for a place’s sense of lost Identity.

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Current Neptune Site

Images of current Neptune site

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Thesis Presentation

identity

anchored in place

ross mccarthy - thesis - 2015

Scale 1:2000

1897-1913

ground/first level plan

1 . 200

Boatworks ground plan 84 路

North Section 85 路

East section 86 路

East elevation 87 路

NEPTUNE BOATWORKS

1 . 200

s t r e e t e l e vStreet a t i elevation on 88 路

Internal perspective 89 路

Neptune Ironworks 1865 90 路

Cross river image 91 路

second level cabin plan cabin section

1 . 20

1 . 100

Truss Tower Plan Junction

Galv Steel Beam To Gangway

Timber Cladding To Office Cabins

Truss Tower formed with 200 x 200 Galv Angles

100 x 100 Galv Steel Angles

Gantry Roller Assembly

Galv Drainage Channel

Galv. Ridge Capping Polycarbonate Glazing On Galv Framing

Holding Drum Bolts Chemically Fixed to Reinforced Concrete Foundation Pad

Part Truss Tower Detail

Cladding on Treated Timber Framework

Galv. Parapet Capping Roof Membrane Metal Decking

1.10

detail drawings

Model render 94 路

1 .500 Model 96 路

Steel Truss Junction Model 1.10 98 路

Neptune Ironworks Shackle Salvaged from site 99 路

Fiberglass cladding model 1.10 100 路

Structural Bay Model 1.50 101 路

Steel Leveling Floor Model 1.1 102 路

Final Board 103 路

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A c k n o w l e d g m e n t s

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people who have supported me over the last seven years, since I began studying Architecture.

the Dublin School of Architecture who have mentored me throughout my time in Bolton Street. Those include Dermot Boyd, Sima Rouholamin, Gavin Buggy, Patrick Flynn, Paul Kelly, Ryan Kennihan, Brian Ward, Noel Brady, Johanna Cleary, Dominic Stevens and Orna Hanley. I also want to say a special thanks to Aileen Mullane, Paul Moore and Donal.

I would like to thank everyone with whom I have shared a year in DIT, for making this course one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.

I also want to thank my friends, you know who you are, without you I would no longer be sane.

Finally I thank my family, my dog’s Grizz and Megatron, my sister Aoife and most of all my Mum and Dad, for their unwavering guidance and support. Without you this body of work and my studies as a whole would not have been possible, I cant thank you enough.

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Other Source: Interview conducted by the author of this dissertation on 12th November 2013 with Ciaran McCarthy, Project Manager of AUXNAVALIA plus. This project is funded though the 2007-2013 Atlantic Area Programme and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim of the project is to improve the competitiveness of the naval ancillary industry by implementing activities to enhance its innovation capacity.

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Murphy, B (1997) The Waterford Catholic Community in the Eighteenth Century, National University of Ireland, Dublin.

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O’Brien, K (2008) Portlaw and its Role in the Twentieth Century History of Leather Manufacture in Ireland, Fintel, Dublin.

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