Theatre of Refabrication by Rokas Vilciauskas

AD3 | Term 2

Theatre of Refabrication

Rokas Vilciauskas C1925773 PAGE 1

CONTENTS

As a Unit our design tasks this academic year have been aimed at reimagining the face of St. Philip’s Marsh. We have been actively engaging with design proposals on site, always working between two timelines. Current and Future.

My own interests in primer and comprehensive projects have been centred around actively engaging with the proposals in close proximity, evaluating the influence on current and historic site character, adapting the projects to the needs of locals and tourists, and aiming to participate in resolving contemporary issues.

Site Analysis PAGE 4 - 8

Primer PAGE 10 - 12

Precedent Model PAGE 14 - 16

Comprehensive project PAGE 18 - 60

References PAGE 61 PAGE 2

SITE ANALYSIS

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EMBLEMATIC St. Philip’s Marsh is a historically industrial part of Bristol. Once known for its renowned pub life and cultural melting pot. However, due to unfortunate events the site does not display any signs of public life today. Remnants of its history are still present through architecture; however, the human factor is not there anymore. The industrial contents of the site today allow the city of Bristol to function; however, due to its industrial character, the site does not gather public attention. Despite this St. Philip’s Marsh offers some compelling architecture. The industrial character of the site provides some striking views and sparks curiosity about the inside of the city’s function.

Interlinks with a wider city context, good connecting routes, and a central location for public transport allows St. Philips Marsh to become home to a large scale regeneration process, aimed at bringing life back into St. Philips Marsh.

My interventions will look to pay homage to the historic background of St. Philip’s Marsh whilst creating links to the site’s past, current and future.

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SITE MAP

1:20000

The site of St. Philips Marsh is located in an urban setting of Bristol. The site sits in close proximity to the river Avon and Feeder canal. Central Bristol is located on a Western side moving away from the site. Areas on the East and South of the side are predominantly residential, while up north a mixture of residential, commercial and institutional can be found. The St. Philips marsh is an industrial area that feels deprived of public interaction despite its ideal location.

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SITE ANALYSIS

MAJOR ROADS

CONNECTIVITY

TRAFFIC

St. Philips Marsh is located in a wellconnected part of Bristol. Major roads surround the site, and the presence of constant movement of traffic around the site can be felt.

The site sits in a well-positioned spot to take advantage of public transport including a central train station, bus stops, major roads, cycling and pedestrian paths. This means that the site is easily accessible for residents and tourists alike.

The major roads around the site are prone to heavy amounts of traffic during rush hours. This proves the site is quite polluted. The small roads in St. Philip’s Marsh are also under a lot of heavy machinery traffic, thus making it quite unpleasant to engage with.

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SITE OBSERVATIONS

CURIOSITY

INDUSTRIAL SETTING

A site that has been historically industrial maintains its presence in today’s society through remnants evoking curiosity about its purpose and historic background.

Buildings found in the area of St. Philips Marsh are not shy in displaying their operations. Promoting a strong sense of unconcealed heritage.

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URBAN REGENERATION In an attempt to bring life back to St. Philips Marsh the site is due to drastically change in the upcoming 10-20 years, as the site enters a process of urban regeneration.

The proposals are bound to change the way St. Philips Marsh is observed and interacted with.

Without a doubt, part of the site will maintain its industrial purpose, but the areas that are best positioned to gather interaction will be changed beyond recognition.

Refference 5 for planning proposals.

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TERM 1 | Primer

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SHELTER OF ST. PHILIP’S MARSH My primer project aims to pay homage to the industrial character of the site whilst providing a shelter away from the sounds of heavy machinery for people working in the St. Philips Marsh area or passing by the river Avon.

It also aims to actively engage and critique a current site condition where a bridge leads to nothing. I will be aiming to make this into my architectural proposal.

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SITE EXPERIENCE

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THE EXISTING PAGE 12

THE PROPOSED Opening the bridge to nowhere

PRECEDENT MODEL

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PALAIS DE TOKYO | Description

Information Architect: Dondel, Aubert, Viard and Dastugue Extension/ refurbishment architects: Lacaton and Vassal Year: Original build 1937, extension 2012 Purpose: Art exhibition space •Built in 1937 as a gallery for the modern-art collections of both the French state and the city of Paris.

•In 1999 became a ‘centre for contemporary creation’.

•Gained the name of “Palaise de Tokyo” in 2012 after being overhauled and expanded.

Description Palais de Tokyo seen today was created in 2002 as a catalyst for the reconciliation between Paris and contemporary art. The museum offers rotating art exhibitions throughout the year and is the biggest

non-collecting contemporary art museum in Europe. Palais de Tokyo provides a perfect canvas for contemporary art to be displayed.

It pushes boundaries and redefines what a museum could be. Art is not displayed in a traditional way on a plain white wall, rather the building itself becomes the display. The building provides the possibility for the art to be functional and practical instead of simply being highlighted. Therefore, the visitor gets to experience the building through the lens of an artist. The classicist exterior appearance hides the brute reality of the concrete framed building inside. The architects aimed to maintain what was already there. This is obvious as the interior of the building has been stripped down to the essential core, revealing its structure and amplifying the idea of minimalism and simplicity that works well in relation to the building purpose. The building does well in providing daylighting with massive windows, accompanied by the reflective properties of the surfaces, the space feels well-lit without the use of artificial lighting, which further adds to the idea of simplicity.

Refferences 6,7 and 10 for Palais de Tokyo

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MATERIAL PALLETE THE STAIRS Acrylic, a different colour for rise and going.

THE FLOOR Custom pattern mimicking one of the art displays.

THE BACKGROUND WALL A print similar to one of the art displays.

WALLS AND COLUMNS 3 layers of acrylic paint spread with a sponge.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BEAMS Textured paper used for beams.

WALLS AND ROOF Textured paper used for the roof. Wall features a different tone.

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PRECEDENT MODEL | 1:20

DAYTIME PAGE 16

NIGHT-TIME

TERM 2 | COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT

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STITCHING AND MENDING The comprehensive project aims to connect the existing planning proposal with the industrial history and current presence on the site. While reimagining the industry as a spectacle that is no longer closed off to the public.

Inside St Philip’s Marsh engine shed | 1963 Reference 4 for historic image 5 for proposals.

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LOCATING THE SITE

Feeder road connects St. Philips Marsh with central Bristol. And should; therefore, gather public interaction. However, due to the lack of an open facade, the site offers very little for the observer.

Path by the river Avon is most commonly used by locals, as it connects nearby residences with wider Bristol. The path opens up to nature but lacks character.

The site is fragmented from the path due to large fences/walls.

Albert road facades lack character as there are no prominent facades only fences and large solid walls.

Refference 5 for planning proposals.

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5

3

4 1

1

2

2

CURRENT SITE

FUTURE SITE

1. Site Location 2. Retained Industrial buildings 3. Industrial sheds to be removed by building proposals

1. Site Location 2. Retained Industrial buildings 4. Office building proposal 5. University accomodation proposal

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3 1

2

5

4 1

2

FUTURE PROPOSAL

2786_GAD_180001_B Notes

Key Plan

Issue

Drwn

Chkd

A

02.09.19 For Planning

APLB

APLB

B

Date

23.09.20 Revised Planning Submission

Notes

APLB

APLB

Project

Summix Developments Feeder Road Drawing

View looking south along Albert Road

Scale

nts Job nº_Type_Series_Revision

2786_GAD_180001_B

Status

For Planning

© ArchitecturePLB – do not scale For CDM information refer to the ArchitecturePLB Hazard Elimination and Residual Risk Register. Notes on this drawing refer only to items where a Residual Risk can be clearly linked to a specific item. As recommended within HSE's 'Industry Guidance for Designers' document, notes do not include generic risk information which must be considered by the relevant contractor.

50 Southwark Street London SE1 1UN Telephone 020 7940 1888

St Thomas Street Winchester SO23 9HD Telephone 01962 842 200

www.architectureplb.com

2786_GAD_180007_A Notes

ALBERT ROAD - EAST ELEVATION Key Plan

Issue

A

Date

Notes

30.09.20 FIRST ISSUE

Drwn

Chkd

APLB

APLB

3 Project

Summix Developments Feeder Road Drawing

Albert Road View from the South

Scale

nts Job nº_Type_Series_Revision

2786_GAD_180007_A

Status

For Planning

© ArchitecturePLB – do not scale

The most influential proposal for the comprehensive design is that of the proposed development of university accommodation and office spaces. Whilst both buildings create a better public engagement space in comparison to the current industrial sheds on the site, the actual proposals leave much to be desired in terms of architectural language and historic preservation.

For CDM information refer to the ArchitecturePLB Hazard Elimination and Residual Risk Register. Notes on this drawing refer only to items where a Residual Risk can be clearly linked to a specific item. As recommended within HSE's 'Industry Guidance for Designers' document, notes do not include generic risk information which must be considered by the relevant contractor.

50 Southwark Street London SE1 1UN Telephone 020 7940 1888

St Thomas Street Winchester SO23 9HD Telephone 01962 842 200

www.architectureplb.com

3 7

10

12 2 1 9 2 5 5

5

1 6 2

2

6 6

6

2

8

Block D - Commercial

Refference 5 and 9 for planning proposals.

Vehicle access

Block C - Incubator Units & Resi

Social

Block B - Tower

Feeder Road

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COMPREHENSIVE PROJECT AIMS

Creating a spectacle for the public.

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Creating opportunities for sustainability.

Actively engaging with the proposals.

THEATRE OF REFABRICATION

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Bristol textile quarter Perosa Design

SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING IN BRISTOL The movement for sustainability is particularly strong in Bristol. Bristol as a whole produces 4th most textile in the UK. It is home to numerous sustainable clothing brands and is a key contributor to textile recycling. The city is known for extensive vintage/ thrift shops spread all around the city.

BTR | Bristol textile recyclers

Refference 1,2 and 8 for planning proposals.

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Textile Conservation Ltd.

It is quite obvious that people working in the garment sector in Bristol are aware of the current issues of overconsumption and are making valid efforts to combat the issues at hand. This is one of the reasons why I believe my proposal would be a success.

GARMENT TO GARMENT RECYCLING SYSTEM | The “LOOOP”

Yes, this is not a typo. The “Looop“ is a system that turns old garments into new clothes in a linear 8 stage process. Providing a canvas to battle the issue of overconsumption and fabric waste.

Aside from the enjoyment in the performance of refabrication, the technology is quite a spectacle due to its dramatic unconcealed appearance. This industrial process is open to the public, thus giving a new face to how industrial buildings are viewed in St. Philip’s Marsh.

Refference 3 for recycling system.

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THE RECYCLING PROCESS

Raw Materials

15% of produced clothing is collecting for sorting. 3% is recycled into new fibers. 4.5% are reproduced into new products

Recycling

1

Cleaning - Sanitizing the fabric with ozone, removing buttons, zippers etc. Cutting the material into smaller pieces.

2

Shredding - strips the bits of clothes to smaller fabrics.

3

Fibering - The shredded clumps are filtered to remove dust and extra virgin fibres are added to strengthen the material.

4

Carding - The fibre mix is straightened into a fibre web and pulled into slivers.

5

Drawing - A final blueprint is prepared to be produced.

6

Spinning - The fibre slivers are spun to create a single yard thread.

Manufacturing

Reuse Use

THE “LOOOP”

6.75% of clothes are used as second hand pieces of clothing in thrift stores

Clothing production per year is higher than 120 billion per year with an annual growth of 8% Assembly

Retail

Disposal

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85% of clothing produced ends up in landfills. 95% of these clothes could have been reused or recycled.

7 8

Twisting and Knitting - Single yarn threads are double and twisted to increase their strength.

Looop knits the recycled yarn into a new design.

BUILDING PROGRAMME Changing rooms ±20m2

Toilets ±20m2

Storage ±50m2

Building Services ±50m2

Ancillery Space ±50m2

Retail store ±100m2

Catwalk ±100m2

Exhibition space ±100m2

Cafe|Lounge ±200m2

Viewing deck ±200m2

Seating ±200m2

Recycling space ±400m2

The recycling process is the primary function of the building envelope; however, it also features a space used as a catwalk, an exhibition space and a cafe/lounge to make for a comfortable user experience.

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URBAN STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

The proposal is well situated to take advantage of its urban context.

The path by the river Avon connects the site to residential areas and central Bristol. The close proximity to Temple meads train station allows for easy access by tourists, while the cycling paths provide a sustainable mode of transport to the site. These considerations are taken into account when orientating the site, locating specific functions of the building and strategically engaging with the public.

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Padestrian Circulation

Landmarks of importance

Views onto the Site

Major Crowding spots

LAYOUT STRATEGY | Process of Recycling

8 6

4 7

5

3

2

1 Stages 1-4 (Cleaning, Shredding, Fibering, Carding) are material preparation stages. This part of the design process is the least presentable; therefore, its position is in the most secluded position away from the public eye.

Stages 5-6 (Drawing and Spinning) are very interactive; therefore, they are placed at the centre of attention for people interacting with the river path.

Stages 7-8 (Twisting and Knitting) are the celebrated final refabrication stages. That is positioned at the front of public interaction.

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CONCEPTS | Vision of the Future

New building alongside the planning proposal, to house the theatre.

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An extension to the planning proposal.

Changes to the face of the planning proposal.

DEVELOPMENT 1

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DEVELOPMENT 2

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PRECEDENT STUDY | Exterior material Diller Scofidio’s and Rockwell’s use of ETFE creates a fabric like membrane that offers dramatic lighting conditions in the evening; a permeable and inviting building in the daytime.

WHY ETFE? From the first iteration of design use of ETFE had been celebrated due to its fabric-like appearance as evident in The Shed precedent. This drew close parallels to building use type. It also reinforced the idea of a connection between the public environment and industrial building type due to ETFE being a see-through membrane. It had benefited from various application types that allowed for the creation of dramatic lighting internally and externally.

Thus ETFE had been a perfect material as it was able to maintain the industrial character of the site, create a spectacle for the observer and bring the public into its function.

Fabric like appearance

Permeability, engaging with the public

Dramatic lighting conditions

Diller Scofidio and Rockwell | THE SHED

Refference 12 for The Shed building

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PRECEDENT STUDY | Colonnade Stephen Taylor’s cowshed creates a strong motive for the hierarchy of colonnades. The example of the archway is the most interesting motive while the colonnade wrapping around the building is simplified to enrich the sense of hierarchy between components.

SPACIAL EXPERIENCE The colonnade plays a mediating function between the private interior and the public exterior, governing the interaction of the public with both those facets of the building – enclosing, screening and revealing the spaces within. A colonnade can take shape in many forms, rhythms and functions, a constant being that it is a permeable space that creates a two face envelope consisting of inner and outer layers (colonnade as an outer, building envelope as inner). Thus, creating a small scale street between private interior and public exterior space.

Refference 11 for The Shatwell Farm Cowshed

Stephen Taylor | SHATWELL FARM COWSHED PAGE 34

Lipton Rogers | PATERNOSTER SQUARE

David Chipperfield | ONE PANCRAS SQUARE

PRECEDENT ELEVATION BREAKDOWN

H C- The colonnade is a dominating component in the public experience due to its depth. Colonade takes 1/3 of elevation height adding to the dominant presence in elevation and public spatial experience.

P1 and P2- Horizontal separation is created through plinths highlighting the depths of vertical/horizontal components.

S- Horizontal separation, similar to the plynths creates a distinct differential in heights, rhythm and symmetry.

H- Dominant vertical component. A major element in building hierarchy.

P1 D S P2 C

D- The depth component further amplifies the predominant presence of the dominant vertical component.

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HORIZONTAL CORRECTIONS | Proposals

H3 H2 H1 Horizontal Corrections H1 - Office building (Grey brick) sits on a plynth. There is no actual reason for the building to be elevated. It complicates access for disabled people, and access to the loading bay for items is made more difficult. The height of the ground floors does not line up. The rhythm with university accommodation is; therefore, not maintained.

Correction - Following the example of the university accommodation my proposition is for the university office to meet the ground rather than be elevated. In this case, the foundation would go deeper into the ground rather than above it.

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H2 - Office building does not respond to the colonnade on the university accommodation building. The heights of openings do not line up; therefore, the buildings feel very different in character.

Correction - My proposition would align the height of the ground floor between both buildings. A colonnade could be created to follow the horizontal rhythm.

1:200 at A3 H3 - Office building datum line does not line up. The small plinth gives good depth to the university accommodation building.

Correction - Align the datum lines by shifting 1st-floor height up. And provide a small plinth to mimic the horizontal pattern of the university accommodation building.

VERTICAL CORRECTIONS | Proposals V1

V2

V1

V2

1:200 at A3 Vertical Corrections V1 - University accommodation building (Red brick) features a very prominent corner edge that is well detailed and wraps onto a Northern facade. Such a feature is missing in the office building (Grey brick) Correction - Develop a featuring vertical rhythm on the office building and wrap it around onto the internal street (marked in arrows).

V2 - University building has successfully used perforated brick patterns in tandem with arches to create an architecturally rich experience and frame key heights.

Correction - Instead of bland and uninspiring window openings, proposing the use of perforated brick to make up a more interesting vertically continuous element.

V3 - Generally both buildings do not feature consistent symmetric elements.

Dissonance can be felt especially in the university building. At parts, it attempts to be symmetrical and then breaks the rule of symmetry and composition.

Correction - redevelop a symmetrical grid that forces symmetry into both buildings with a slightly different application.

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CHANGES | Face of the proposal The issues of asymmetry in the proposals are caused by clearly undefined window patterns and rhythms, while the proposed shape and scale are fairly unintriguing. Thereby, I am aiming to unify the building elevation by creating a continuous rhythm and an architecturally rich example of window detailing.

1:25 at A3 PAGE 38

CHANGES | Colonnade of the proposal Even though a colonnade element had been displayed and developed the colonnade itself is uninspiring and not developed enough to attract public interaction. Thereby, I have developed a more convincing example of the colonnade that would create a barrier between outside and inside while allowing a dramatic change between spaces.

1:25 at A3

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IMPACT | Changes to the university accomodation proposal The effects of the rhythm changes and dynamics of window details and colonnades have a clear impact on the perception of the building. The previously uninspiring face of the proposal is converted into a dynamic and publicly appealing environment. The colonnade is given a larger impact on the face of the proposal by increasing the scale and getting rid of windows before the plinth.

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1:100 at A3

IMPACT | Changes to the office proposal The underdeveloped office proposal had been changed internally and externally. The proposal is given a face in the wider context of St. Philips Marsh. through an addition of a colonnade that extends in rhythm to the university accommodation and maintains the functionality of the space inside by providing windows at the same height. The uninspiring windows are given much needed detailing and depth.

1:100 at A3

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IMPACT | Street The area between the two proposals offers very little spatial experience for the users.

Despite the opportunity to create a street between the buildings, it is instead used as a service route with a loading bay. The elevation itself is clearly underdeveloped and unintriguing.

PAGE 42 1:200 at A3

IMPACT | Street After the changes, the office proposal is converted into a public destination spot with a street facade. The office had been converted into a building with a rhythm and hierarchy. The colonnade changes with movement, marking the change in site history. My own proposal sits next to it following the colonnade set out by the office proposal but converting it into a modern solution.

1:200 at A3

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Additions to proposal PAGE 44

Retained proposal

GROUND FLOOR | 1:200

1ST FLOOR PAGE | 1:200 45

PUBLIC REALM | Street Facade The building face previously used for building services is converted into a public domain with a seamless transition into the green space, creating a street facade between the buildings that it so desperately needed.

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PUBLIC REALM | Courtyard On the other side of the proposed entrance, the servicing of surrounding buildings is maintained and a small scale garden is provided to enhance the experience.

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ROUTE 1 | Consumer

The path taken by the consumer highlights the atmosphere created around the refabrication process.

The initial approach to the building is through a developed street between the proposal and university accommodation, showcasing the impact of the colonnade.

1: Showcases the machinery room for the refabrication stages 1-8. Allowing the consumer to engage with material preparation.

2: Showcases the celebrated stage 8 of the design where the observer can see the final product.

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2

1 PAGE 49

ROUTE 2 | Observer

The path taken by the observer highlights the spacial experience of a casual simply observing the performance from an outside perspective.

The initial approach to the building is through the path by the river Avon which would be the most common way to approach the theatre for locals.

1: Showcases the spacial experience of the observer during daytime and regular working hours.

2: Showcases the spacial experience of the observer during a fashion show taking place in the theatre and a dramatically different atmosphere.

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2 1 PAGE 51

ROUTE 3 | Performer

The path taken by the performer highlights the spacial experience of a model coming to wear and display sustainably produced clothing.

The initial approach to the building is through the public space on the Southside of the building.

1: Showcases the spacial experience of the performer in the space shared by the proposed office development and comprehensive project proposal.

2: Showcases the spacial experience of the performer during a show.

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1 2 PAGE 53

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LOCATING VIEWS

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1

4

7

2

5

8

3

6

9

MATERIAL BREAKDOWN ETFE skin roof

Roof

Trusses holding the ETFE with restraints

Fully restraint ETFE skin support

Outer envelope consists of ETFE skin and steel structure/ trusses.

Primary ETFE skin

Secondary skin

Base pad + foundation

Inner envelope consists of structural steel and brick facade, reminiscent of industrial sheds.

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DETAIL | 1:20

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DAYTIME

NIGHT-TIME PAGE 59

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REFERENCES 1. Textile Conservation Ltd. n.d. About Textile Conservation Ltd.. [online] Available at: <https:// textileconservation.weebly.com/about-us.html> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

2. Bristol Textile Recyclers. n.d. About Us | Bristol Textile Recyclers. [online] Available at: <http://btr-ltd.co.uk/ about-us/> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

3. H&M. 2020. From old to new with Looop | H&M. [online] Available at: <https://www2.hm.com/en_asia1/life/ culture/inside-h-m/meet-the-machine-turning-old-into-new.html> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

4. Flickr. n.d. Inside St Philip’s Marsh engine shed. [online] Available at: <https://www.flickr.com/photos/trainstravel/30408040968> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

5. Pa.bristol.gov.uk. 2022. Map Search. [online] Available at: <https://pa.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/ spatialDisplay.do?action=display&searchType=Application> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

6. ArchDaily. 2012. Palais de Tokyo Expansion / Lacaton & Vassal. [online] Available at: <https://www.archdaily. com/248026/palais-de-tokyo-expansion-lacaton-vassal> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

7. Arquitectura Viva. n.d. Palais de Tokyo, Paris - Lacaton & Vassal. [online] Available at: <https:// arquitecturaviva.com/works/palais-de-tokyo-10> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

8. perosa_design. n.d. Perosa Design Textiles. [online] Available at: <https://www.perosadesign.com> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

9. Pa.bristol.gov.uk. 2022. Planning - Planning Application Documents 21/04609/F. [online] Available at: <https://pa.bristol.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails. do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=QYAKYVDN0DG00> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

10. Architectuul. n.d. Rehabilitation of the Palais de Tokyo | Architectuul. [online] Available at: <https:// architectuul.com/architecture/rehabilitation-of-the-palais-de-tokyo> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

11. Arquitectura Viva. n.d. Shatwell Farm Cowshed, Yarlington - Stephen Taylor Architects. [online] Available at: <https://arquitecturaviva.com/works/establo-para-vacas-yarlington#> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

12. Archdaily.com. 2019. The Shed | Tag | ArchDaily. [online] Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/tag/theshed> [Accessed 19 May 2022].

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