T H E A LT E R N A T I V E A R T S & C U LT U R E S C E N T R E
Précis
RUZHA SIRMANOVA
Claiming the “Right to the City”: seeking refuge in Western cities
interviews, as well as by studying the
ture of London Road has become
area as a participant observer.
a canvas, on which minorities have overexposed many layers of kinetic
My research showed that the urban
architecture, associated with their
places around the area had a few
own tradition. The most notable use
spatial characteristics, most of which
is that of liminal spaces - or al fina’
relate to the architectural tradition
- the transitional meter between
of the Industrial Revolution, and
private and public. Every crevice,
In my dissertation thesis, I focused
more particularly, that of the work-
niche, alley and courtyard has been
on researching the urban spaces
ing-class’ terraced row. Inexpensive,
designed a use, allowing users to
which asylum seekers and other
unit-based, and flexible, the Victorian
add to their property by slowly
similar marginalised communities
city scape offers a non threatening
expanding.
have inhabited the urban spaces of
and inclusive social environment,
Western cities. In my study, I looked
which aims to nurture a sense of
This way the self-proclaimed im-
for spatial characteristics which
community among the mill work-
migrant colony seeps through the
have contributed or deterred social
ers. Simple and repetitive, it gives
urban spaces of the industrial revolu-
integration and cultural inter-com-
an equal start to everyone and the
tion, using every void as an opportu-
munication.
opportunity to adapt and develop.
nity to claim the right to imagine the
This is why the existing architec-
city as its own.
Theo reti ca l A ge nd a
I tracked the existing state and historic development of a Sheffield neighbourhood (London and Abbeydale Roads), known amongst locals and foreigners as a multi-ethnic hub. I conducted my research by gathering data through historic maps and photographs, walking and structured
al fina’
Adapting the architectural heritage of the Industrial Revolution The Ci ty o f S te e l Following my dissertation research,
A myriad of developments and
to think about how such strategies
cranes is crowning the skyline of
can benefit designing the over-popu-
the city. Already busy with existing
lated and polluted cities of the future
mill and warehouse brick and steel
- sparing space, and waste by build-
structures, it doesn’t allow the free-
ing and adapting what is already
dom of building on central empty
there in order to fit the most pressing
plots. Furthermore, the city centre is
needs of the population. Right now,
wrapped in conservation areas full of
Sheffield’s mills are being turned into
listed buildings.
apartment buildings to satiate the
it was natural to choose Sheffield as
burning issue of the housing crisis.
the city to base my design project in.
Hence, architects have started work-
Its diverse demographic has already
ing in, on and around the present
On the other hand, it is interesting to
created a pre-condition to seek ways
architecture. Retro-fits, imaginative
highlight that the immigrants of Lon-
to reinforce the city’s prosperity by
extensions and creative adaptations
don road and the architects of these
supporting all communities.
have made use of what is already
semi-new developments have taken
there and added (usually) to its archi-
very similar approach to making
tectural merit.
use and adapting structures. Thus,
Therefore, in search of a site and inspiration, I investigated the city’s architectural style.
preserving them, as well as making On one hand, this is an exciting way
them relevant once again.
LO N
DO
N
RO AD
three highrise buildings
D OA
NR
DO
N LO small scale residential
student accommodation high-rise buildings
student accommodation high-rise buildings
STAG WORKS listed mill
THE SITE
PORTLAND WORKS listed mill
Locating the heart of the multi-ethnic hub of London Road
in the area) allowed for a sizeable development, unconstrained by the surrounding buildings - the further one goes South along London Road (meaning away from the city centre),
The S i te
the more the skyline shrinks, slowly running into the countryside.
The reason I chose this site (marked
Finally, the site is located immedi-
in red dashed line) was its close prox-
ately next two cutlery mills which
imity to the main artery, as well as its
are listed, yet not fully used and
near location to the city centre. The
partially derelict. I chose to demolish
main factor contributing towards this
a contemporary warehouse building
decision was the location’s demo-
(on photograph) (in blue on plan)
graphic. Furthermore, being near the
on the nose of the urban block and
city, the stadium and the many new
anchor a structure which suspends
student accommodation develop-
the spaces in and around the mills,
ments (which are mainly targeted
thus rekindling the interest in them
at the large Chinese community
and hopefully their restoration.
LO ND ON RD
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DENB
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ROAD OUGH
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ARLEY
JOHN
STREE
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STRE ET
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E LL L A N
T NS
BRAMA
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The Alternative Arts and Cultures Centre (AACC) The A pp ro a ch
this centre to the flourishing econo-
towards the south of Sheffield.
my of London Road and thus encourage a better pedestrian link between
The other main landmark is London
the city centre and the international
Road. It is a main artery and a shop-
stretch.
ping area, including much pedestrian traffic. The close connection to this
This is done in order to overcome
guarantees the facility’s popularity.
the obstructions imposed by the As already mentioned the location of
ring-road, brimming around the city
Finally, the facility is near the Shef-
the building is particularly key to the
centre and preventing developments
field United Stadium on Bramall lane.
project. Further to this, the approach
from spreading outwards towards the
Regular games on weekends attract
to the site from the surrounding land-
outskirts.
hundreds of viewers who give the lo-
marks is equally important.
cal economy a boost in short bursts. The chosen site is not only near to the
Placing a food vendor court or a mar-
The first one of these is the Foot Moor,
Foot Moor but has a visual connec-
ket would contribute to the success
which is a large development located
tion with it. Its development would
of this part of the development. Also,
on the edge of the ring-road (in the
be beneficial to the council’s project
it will encourage communication be-
image below). The local council has
and will attract even more people
tween locals and foreigners in a safe
been trying to find ways to connect
walking away from the city centre and
and equal environment.
1
2
3
Pedestrian footfall is the largest in
As already mentioned, the T-junc-
London road stays busy all day and
pedestrian connections through
tion on the east side of the mills
night. Its footfall is fed by those liv-
the ring-road. This one is particu-
is especially busy at the moment,
ing in the surrounding residential
larly accessible and therefore pop-
with students, and shoppers (there
quarters, as well as the living spaces
ular with those going to the centre.
are 2 big international supermar-
above the commercial ground level.
kets nearby)
3
student accommodation courtyards
2
Marks the most frequented routes connecting the area to the city centre
1
The Alternative Arts and Cultures Centre (AACC) The B r i ef
developed to nurture people within
lands. This will create a premise for
a safe space. I developed the brief
cultural exchange and inter-commu-
through a series of interviews with
nication.
destitute asylum seeker volunteers and charity organisation represent-
All of these spaces have been de-
atives.
signed with minding the creation of flexible spaces which aren’t generic.
The main elements of the facility are:
Tailored to their use yet not dictating
The aim of the facility is to provide
• An international market which
it to the end user. I believe that the
a safe space for asylum seekers to
occasionally doubles up as an urban
project needs to include a margin for
spend their days. Not being able to
food-court space with stalls.
creativity and consider the user the
work, study, or even stay at home
• A self-improvement space with a
ultimate designer who can change,
during the day, waiting to be grant-
library and computer facilities
adapt and appropriate according
ed asylum is often damaging to the
• Art Pavilion - a flexible and infor-
to the need at a moment in time.
individuality. Lack of communication
mal venue space where arts can be
Versatility and the actual act of grant-
and stimulation cause a plethora
learned and performed
ing the freedom to make changes
of issues which harm not only the
• A gallery which offers an insight
contributes to finding one’s place
individual but their whole communi-
into the alternative arts and cultures
in the city. The size of the facility is
ty. Therefore, a typology needs to be
originating from the users’ home-
approximately 5000m2.
SETTING AN EXAMPLE Currently there is no building typology which deals with the issues the Refugee Crisis posts through the medium of architectural and urban design. The development of such a facility would be an exemplar of the combination of use and their application within the existing urban form. Furthermore, it is an example overlaid in an existing context - immigrant quarters often are set up in bigger cities with existing architectural heritage. The design development of this facility is an exploration of the symbiosis between the AACC and the existing setting of industrial mills and housing.
Design inspiration in terms of form, strategy and execution P receden ts 198 Shoreham Street (Sheffield ) Project Orange The development is not only near the site in focus, but is similar in its setting: a heritage mill building which has been renovated and extended in a contemporary and creative way. The existing ground floor is fitted as a bar and the units above in the vertical extension are offices and flats. The existing roof has been removed and a new structure has been plugged into the produced gap. The project has been nominated and won multiple awards since its completion in 2012.
The Whitworth Gallery Extension (Manchester) MUMA The gallery is located in the Manchester University campus. The rear location is roughly in a U shape, facing away from the building and towards a park, therefore sharing the original rear facade of the gallery. Creative, yet minimalistic use of red brick, steel, and seamless glazing have created an exciting design which is not overpowering. Instead it celebrates the existing building by translating it materiality and tectonics into contemporary design. Strategic skylights and window openings frame the views out of the gallery, and provide different kinds of natural light within: from soft glow, to white north lights and so on. This design is controlled by the requirements of the exhibition.
Fo r m ex p lorat ion t h ro u gh a series of p h y s i ca l models Develo p men t I developed the design through a series of abstract and scaled models in order to understand the form which best fits the unorthodox site and suspended character of the development. Once, I reached the long, narrow form, the most appropriate structure became evident quickly and was soon followed by materiality ideas. The model dictated the genius loki of the design to be raw and industrial which seems fitting to the city.
Exposed Steel Structure & Fibre Cement Cladding
• buffed brick in red/brown
over-shadow the existing listed red-
• exposed steel structure
brick mill buildings below them.
• seamless glazing
Finally, fibre cement cladding balances
• polycarbonate
the linear design of the project by adding an element of verticality to it.
Tec to n i cs
EQUITONE FIBRE CEMENT CLADDING
The natural feel of the cement cladding contributes to the raw look of the indus-
Building upon the existing setting and
The ridged panels give the facade add-
trial site while retaining a smooth and
the industrial character of the area, and
ed depth and are useful in differentia-
fine finish of the design.
its prevailing materiality (brick, ridged
tion zones (by changing the linear direc-
steel cladding, and rough concrete fin-
tion). They also nod to the ridged steel
The material is completely recyclable by
ishes),
panels of the existing environment’s
being able to be crushed back into fibre
warehouses and industrial units.
cement. This benefits the environment
I have identified the following materials
and complements the design’s ability to
as most appropriate for the develop-
The panels come in three different
change with time and offer tailored flex-
ment:
shades of grey, and will thus blend in
ibility to its users.
with the monotone colour of the sky • composite concrete cladding
for the larger part of the year and not
Exposed steel V-brace (Interior)
The two kinds of bracing are used throughout the development to allow maximum flexibility in all internal spaces.
Exposed steel X-brace (Interior)
To be relocated Mill’s Complex To be demolished
The complete footprint of the considered urban area is 5200m2
The Ex i st ing Site C o n f i g u rat ion and Re q ui re d Treat ment
After thorough exploration of the site
per the Sheffield Council’s Plan of Ac-
and particularly the existing buildings,
tion to relocate the industrial sector to
I established which parts of the un-
a 2ha Business Park to the East of the
used and non-listed structure can be
city centre. The diagram above shows
Precise Demolition
removed, as well as the contemporary
the relationship between the preserved
warehouses which can be relocated as
and removed elements in context.
M ove m e n ts above a n d am o n g the exi sti n g m ills Detailed Form & Circulation
vertical circulation
The peculiar situation of the develop-
the interior promenade with enough
ment was a driving force in the forma-
natural sunlight depending on the ty-
tion of a circulation strategy. While the
pology, frequency and timing of the ac-
linear shape worked well with the func-
tivities within the building. The market
tion of the gallery, access in and out of
is situated under the wing, spreading
the building was carefully tuned to cre-
from the spine of the building. This area
ate minimum impact on the ground lev-
houses the arts pavilion and is the only
el. Afterwards, I focused on the skyline
part of the facility which isn’t elevated
of the facility, in order to accommodate
above a foreign structure.
natural light
horizontal circulation
the spine the wing
natural light natural light
Designing for a journey and narrating the user’s experience
Nevertheless, even though the full pres-
and learning - developing their individ-
entation will cover all kinds, it focuses on
uality beyond being destitute.
one type only: the asylum seekers - they are the main users. They not only use it
Disclaimer
as a facility but also look after it, work in
Refin emen t
it and are represented by its contents.
While this is the most crucial and telling elevation of the design, it doesn’t pro-
Other users are the charity workers who
vide the full information covering the
It is important to highlight that the build-
work with asylum seekers, government
journeys through the whole building.
ing encompasses the daily routines of
officials, and visitors from the local com-
Therefore, the market, the arts pavilion
several different kinds of dwellers. Their
munity. This page explores the possible
and some of the admin spaces have
varied lifestyles outline more than one
daily path of an asylum seeker user
been omitted from this diagram.
generic path through the facility.
through the building - working, resting
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5
4
8
in
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KEY 1. Government office for signatures
5. Exposed cross bracing structure runs
2. Crèche
along the exhibition
3. The main gallery of temporary exhibi-
6. Ambient light walkway gallery con-
tion pods with manually directed light
stant exhibition (Kurdish Carpets)
wells (Somali Pottery, Syrian Tiles, Sus-
7. Reception and shop
pended Yemeni Baskets)
8. Library and self-improvement centre
4. Existing mills’ ridge line
7
out
The Alternative Arts and Cultures Centre PrĂŠcis
Ruzha Sirmanova May 2018