Stage 6 Architecture Portfolio (Thesis 1/2) Newcastle University

A Nest Between Two Cities :

Exploring biocentric design and how architects can facilitate spaces to enhance wildlife ARC8085 || Thesis Proposal Document Victoria Haslam 2021/2022 1

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Table of Contents

New Amended New and amended work shown in the bottom corner of page.

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Thesis Outline

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Thesis Origins Gateshead Riverside Park Line of enquiry Biodiversity

06 08 15 16

Dunston staiths Context Intertidal mudflats

22 24 30

River Tyne Ecological analysis History

40 42 46

Thesis formulation

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Typologies Islands Design precedents

54 56 60

Proposal Brief Strategies A nest between two cities

68 70 72 76

Appendix

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Bibliography

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List of images

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Thesis Outline Questioning how architects can design to enhance wildlife and increase biodiversity, through alternative methods of design, construction and material choices.

Architects typically design around the needs of a human, from their spacial to social requirements, considering what materials, construction methods and design approaches most suit the human occupant. Often these decisions, without realisation, can be detrimental to our wildlife. Many projects are thrown up and knocked down due to poor design or construction judgement, destroying habitats and effecting nearby ones. Many material choices reduce biodiversity in an area and construction methods decrease habitats and wipe out species. My thesis proposes to ask how architects can better design, not only to protect wildlife but to facilitate spaces for enhancing wildlife.

delays and the inconvenience of working around seasonal migration and nesting patterns. If nature was considered within the design, these on site complications could be avoided. We depend on nature and it is becoming increasingly more important that we respect and protect it. Humans remove many habitats from the wildlife we share our environment with. In most cases wildlife were thriving in areas before human intervention takes place. (Living Planet Report, 2020) My thesis intends to give wildlife agency, giving spaces back to nature and reversing the damaging effects of human intervention. Establishing a design idea which encourages the inhabitance of wildlife, aiming to create a better relationship between construction and nature. Alongside this my thesis aims to bond the relationship between the human and non-human. Through providing spaces for more positive interactions between humans and wildlife, I intend to propose an intervention which can facilitate experiences we would usually undervalue within the everyday.

Through considering alternative design approaches and materials, my thesis intends to propose a response which would not only benefit wildlife but also the construction industry. Often nature is treated as problematic when regarding construction, causing complications with construction techniques,

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biodiversity in the city and create a precedent for other cities to follow. Responding to the climate crisis is a top priority for all industries right now. As nature loss exacerbates climate change it should be a priority to protect nature and provide more spaces for biodiversity to thrive.

Focusing on the Dunston staiths and the space around it, the project engages with the areas around the Gateshead Riverside Park; promoting a connection between the historic structure of the Dunston staiths, intertidal mudflats, the River Tyne and the park. This has allowed the project to connect with the industrial heritage of the area and provide responses to nature loss through examining the sites history and remaining structures of the industrial past. Exploring how a relic of an environmentally damaging industry can be re-purposed to be used as a catalyst for benefiting nature and the climate.

Without use and under restoration, the structure of the Dunston coal staiths have became problematic to the local council and distancing in connection to the local community. The landscaping of the riverbanks have disconnected the park from the Dunston staiths.

My thesis aims to reconnect the Gateshead Riverside park to one of the only remaining structures of the coal industry in the North East.

Developing from the group site analysis of Gateshead Riverside Park, which was conducted at the beginning of semester one, my project expanded from an interest in exploring the history of the area. During the site explorations I discovered that Gateshead Riverside park was once the industrial centre of Gateshead. The riverbanks of the Tyne, leading up to Dunston coal staiths, were populated with heavy industries. Following the collective group analysis I was alarmed by the awareness that we are not only in a climate crisis but a biodiversity one too. I became interested in exploring the theme of ecology and how the current biodiversity of the site and surrounding areas relate to the sites industrial past.

Through exploring the needs and requirements of the wildlife which inhabit the Dunston staiths and the intertidal mudflats, the project will aim to create interventions which appeal to them and enhance the natural environment. Using positive impact construction, such as designing for de-construction, not interfering with or damaging habitats and to allow the wildlife to have ability to interact with the design in a positive way. This can be achieved through innovative material choices, therefore I aim to do material explorations in which birds can interact with, eat, play, nest or provide habitat.

Gateshead Riverside Park has a thriving range of tree and animal species, alongside the neighbouring River Tyne and intertidal mudflats, which provide important habitats for shore and wading birds.

However despite the park exhibiting a growing biodiversity this doesn’t balance out the larger issues. In the UK human activity has caused 83% of wild animals to be lost, 60% of this is due to carbon emissions and 2% is due to habitat loss due to built up land. (Living Planet Report, 2020) Within the UK the Tyne and Wear Boroughs have a lower biodiversity compared to areas such as Northumberland, however when compared to other urban areas across the UK they all compare closely. Gateshead has a high biodiversity when compared to the other Tyne and Wear Boroughs. (What’s the most Biodiverse area of Britain?, 2022) This gives opportunity to further expand

Overall my thesis proposes to be a catalyst for enhancing wildlife, aiming to consider nature in every aspect of the design. My project takes a focus on the intertidal mudflats at the Dunston staiths. Using the mudflat creating properties of the staiths with island remediation, I aim to create a new restorative ecosystem around the staiths, building upon the current intertidal mudflat habitat. My thesis focuses on the birds which occupy the intertidal mudflats at the Dunston staiths, using carefully chosen materials and modular design, which can easily change the design and function of the intervention to best suit the occupants, both non-human and human.

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02

Thesis Origins Exploring themes of ecology and biodiversity after analysing the Gateshead Riverside Park.

Working as a group the studio compiled a collective report of analysis for the site, Gateshead Riverside Park. During the analysis phase I undertook research into the history of the park, surrounding areas, Gateshead and Newcastle. After sharing the group research I became interested in exploring the ecology of and around the Gateshead Riverside Park.

I became particularly interested in the relationship between the park, the industrial heritage and the infrastructure around the site. Aiming to explore how the environmentally damaging industrial heritage of the site responds to the areas current ecology.

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02 // Thesis Origins

Gateshead Riverside Park

Gateshead Riverside Park Located between the High Level Bridge and the Dunston staiths, the Gateshead Riverside park stretches along the South banks of River Tyne.

Heavily populated with foliage the park is a peaceful fragment of nature so close to both Newcastle and Gateshead’s city centres.

The park opened in 1990 as part of the Gateshead Garden Festival and has remained open as a public park. Since then the park has became home to a variety of public sculptures, some of which provide a subtle nod to the park’s industrial past. Before the area was landscaped in 1960, the site was the industrial epicentre of Gateshead. The banks were crowded in heavy industries such as gas and oil, locomotives and coal.

Today the park finds itself to have little identity or use. It is unknown to many of the public and not seen as a destination. The park was stripped of it’s industrial heritage when it was landscaped and as the sculptures have no description within the park they appear random with no connection to the locals and the area. (Gateshead Riverside Park, 2019)

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Site Location Plan 1/10000

Gateshead Riverside Park

1408 // S

1400

taith at

pipe well gate

02 // Thesis Origins

ld eld nsfie te nsfi e ga e gre ell gre n i w pe d at all Pi e n h ted rks at pen t wo tow struc an o ilt air nd bu on en n du rep op is co ks stati e r e t r v o s r en dge oti me asw ge i nm om d eco // G assen over el br loc fiel nb 19 v es ens 18 4 // P cal g h le tatio gre com f g e o 4 s i o b 8 1 n e // L he h field ut g o o i 4 d i t 4 ve br sta 18 9 // T eens mo ld r ugh 4 ent 18 0 // G ensfie dhe nm e re 185 // Gre gover f th ned o e l 4 g p cted a o in tru 185 // Loc oss ery ons 0 t cr h colli as c 187 // Firs ug ned ge w e e 1 id h p r 7 o 18 gb Red rks 2 // swin gas wo 187 The gh 6 // heu ed 187 Red pen o // s 6 il ne 187 ett o ng ty // Br ed y alo 1877 open ustr aiths // Ind on st 1889 st n Du // 3 9 18

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18

1900

ucted 1906 // King vii bridge constr yer in gateshead otive works is largest emplo 1909 // Greensfield locom 1927 // Redheugh colliery closes closes works e 1932 // Greensfield locomotiv

Goats on the river bank

1932 // Slum clearence of pipewellgate 1952 // Greensfield locomotive works repopened

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1969 // Rabbit banks is landscaped 1978 // The queen elizabeth bridge is constructed 1980 // The thrid crossing of the redheugh bridge is constructed

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2003 // Th ere is 2017 a fire // Re at th dheu e du gh ga nsto n sta swork iths s is re mov ed

Site Timeline Diagram

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Photos of Pipewellgate 1910 (Bratton, n.d.)

Photos showing construction of Queen Elizabeth bridge (Bratton, n.d.)

During the 19th century the riverbanks provided a very different environment to what we see today. The River Tyne and it’s banks had poor biodiversity due to heavy industry. Before the Gateshead Riverside Park the area was known as Pipewellgate and Rabbit Banks and was densely populated with slum housing and heavy industry. (Bratton, n.d.) The banks were completely cleared in 1932 and landscaped into a park in 1969. (Gateshead Riverside Park, 2019) Since the clearing of the riverbank and the decline in industry wildlife has not only returned but thrived in sites around the Gateshead Riverside Park and River.

Photos of Pipewellgate and Rabbit banks after slum clearance (Bratton, n.d.)

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02 // Thesis Origins

Gateshead Riverside Park

Today the Gateshead Riverside park is populated with foliage offering great amounts of semi natural habitat, including: grasses, shrubs, deciduous and conifer trees. These plants provide rich habitat for many species of bat, birds and insects. Some of the animal species which reside in the park include: Pipistrelle bat, squirrel, blue tit, hedgehog and fox.

Running alongside the park is the River Tyne, which is home to many important ecosystems, such as: intertidal mud flats and salt marsh, which can also be found bordering the Gateshead Riverside Park.

Photograph of Gateshead Riverside Park (From group work, group 3)

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Intertidal mudflat

Made up of: Glaciolacustrine deposits, devensian clay and silt.

82% Foliage

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18% Pavement

Gateshead Riverside Park environmental analysis diagram (Base map and information from group work, groups 2&3)

02 // Thesis Origins

Ariel view photograph of the Gateshead Riverside Park (Apple Maps)

Exploring Ecology

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Line of Enquiry Following the environmental studies of the group analysis I set out to investigate the ecology of the site and the surrounding areas, focusing on the ecosystems of the River Tyne and intertidal mudflats.

I want to understand the relationship between the natural habitats and the infrastructure in the area, exploring how an industrial relic, of a previously environmentally damaging trade, can be used as a catalyst for enhancing nature. I also wanted to examine how human activity has had an effect on the ecology of the area throughout history and how historical structures can be re-purposed to benefit the ecology of the area. Following the group analysis and the realisation that we are currently in a biodiversity crisis, I am aiming to explore biocentric design and question how we are architects can design to facilitate more spaces for wildlife to be enhanced.

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02 // Thesis Origins

Biodiversity

Biodiversity Crisis Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms in an area and it is declining faster than it ever has throughout human history. This confirms that we are not only in a climate crisis but also a Biodiversity one. Climate change exacerbates nature loss but nature loss exacerbates climate change, therefore it has never been more important to make more conscious decisions about nature and protecting it.

Humans only make up 0.01% of all living creatures, however due to human activity 83% of wild animals and plants have been lost. This is because 75% of ice free land has been significantly altered to suit human needs, which has destroyed or changed natural habitats. (Living Planet Report, 2020)

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5% 10%

3% 2%

19%

Carbon Footprint Cropland Footprint Grazing Land Footprint Forest Product Footprint Fishing Grounds Footprint Built-up Land Footprint

60%

29%

25%

17%

15% 14%

Humanity’s Ecological Footprint

by Land Use

Humanity’s Ecological Footprint

by Activities Housing Personal Transportation Goods Services Food

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Damaged

Intact

Wilderness

Diagrams to show biodiversity loss and causes. Diagrams edited (Living Planet Report, 2020)

02 // Thesis Origins

Biodiversity

Great Biodiversity

Poor Biodiversity

Gateshead Biodiversity Gateshead has a wide biodiversity, the city has 8 sites of specific scientific interest (SSSIs), 13 local nature reserves and 140 wildlife sites. By comparison to the other Tyne and Wear boroughs, Gateshead has a higher area of semi natural habitat, which has allowed Gateshead to become very biodiverse with 3715 different species. (What’s the most Biodiverse area of Britain?, 2022)

Diagram to show biodiversity in the UK, edited (What’s the most Biodiverse area of Britain?, 2022)

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2043

2471

1805

3715

2360

Diagram to show biodiversity in the Tyne and Wear Boroughs

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02 // Thesis Origins

Biodiversity

Ryton Willows Thornley Wood Lower Derwent Meadows Shibdon Pond

Podkerley Farm Pond

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Ridley Gill Gibside Strother Hills

Wildlife corridors are an ecological network of habitats which allow the movement of species. This helps maintain habitat richness and variety. These are usually disused railways or other man made infrastructures, rivers, woodland and heathland.

(Tyne Catchment Plan, 2012) Gateshead has a greater area of ecological network than Newcastle. And they have developed around the natural areas rather than infrastructure. Gateshead Riverside park is situated right on the boarder of the River Tyne wildlife corridor. (Wildlife Corridors Document, 2009) Diagram to show location of Gateshead’s SSSIs

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City North

Ousburn Catchment

Wagonway City West Town Moor A1 Western Railway & Metro River Tyne

City East City Centre

Stanly Burn

Blaydon Burn

Windy Nook Thornley

High & Low Spen Chopwell Wood

Washingwell

Follingsby

River Derwent Milkwell Burn

Bobgins Burn

River Team

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Diagram to show location of Gateshead and Newcastle’s wildlife corridors

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Dunston Staiths An industrial relic, once contributing to the devastation of the River Tyne’s biodiversity, is now facilitating habitats and ecosystems.

Directly adjacent the Gateshead Riverside Park sits Dunston coal staiths, a monumental relic of the industrial era. (Dunston Staiths - Heritage Trust Network, 2022) The structure is not only a reminder of the area’s industrial past but has facilitated space for nature to thrive. Harbouring an intertidal mudflat, the area has became a rich biodiverse self contained ecosystem.

The intertidal mudflats provide important habitat for migratory birds along with other creatures.

The large structure of the Dunston staiths attracted my interest to the area. I wanted to find out more about the ecology of the intertidal mudflats and if the wildlife interacted with the ancient structure.

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03 // Dunston Staiths

Context

Focus Areas Following the group analysis of the Gateshead Riverside Park, I wanted to investigate the ecology of the site’s surrounding areas. Initially I was drawn to looking at the infrastructure around the park after having explored the history of the area during the group analysis. This sparked an interest in exploring the ecology of Dunston staiths structure and the environments which interact with it. From there I highlighted three areas of focus, which included: the Dunston staiths, the intertidal mudflats and the River Tyne.

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River Infrastructure Mudflats

Gateshead Riverside Park

Diagram to show location of areas of interest

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03 // Dunston Staiths

Context

The Dunston staiths, located just West of the Gateshead Riverside Park, are one of the few remaining coal staiths left from the mining industry in the North East. Being 526 meters long, the wooden structure is known as the largest in Europe and is protected as a listed building and scheduled ancient monument. (Dunston Staiths - Heritage Trust Network, 2022) In recent years the structure has found itself to have became problematic to the council, without a current use and in need of restoration after having suffered 4 arson attacks since 2003. (Dunston Staiths, 2022)

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Dunston staiths site location plan 1-5000

03 // Dunston Staiths

Context

Photo of coal being loaded onto a ship at the Dunston Staiths. (Lowdon-NEC, n.d.) b/JS71498062.jpg

The staiths began construction in 1890 as a structure for transporting and loading coal onto ships. The scale of operations at Dunston was very large and during the industry’s peak in the 1920s 140,000 tons of coal would pass through the staiths each week.

(Barker, n.d.) The staiths closed as a working structure in 1980. In 1990 they were refurbished by Gateshead council and opened as a public walkway, which was used as the Gateshead garden festival. The structure is now closed to the public and has been in the process of restoration since 2014. (Dunston Staiths - Heritage Trust

Network, 2022)

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Historic photo of the staiths (Fantastic aerial shot of the Staiths, Dunston and Teams, looking West before the Metro Centre was built, n.d.)

03 // Dunston Staiths

Intertidal mudflats

Intertidal Mudflats Known as one of the most biologically productive habitats on Earth, intertidal mudflats are often being compared to the tropical rainforest. They are important habitats for many bird species, especially winter waders and shore birds. The River Tyne is home to 57 intertidal mudflats, one being situated within the basin of the Dunston staiths. As the river Tyne is micro-tidal, mudflats have been created along the river banks by deposition of sediment.

(Stephenson, 2019) As the mudflats are submerged under water during high tide and revealed during low tide, the Dunston staiths gives the mudflats a biological advantage as the structure provides shelter and high tide refuge for birds. Alongside the staiths the saltmarsh which has grown around the basin also provides high tide habitat. Plants which grow around the intertidal mudflat need to be salt tolerant species which are adapted to regular immersion of the tide.

(Environment, the Jetty Project, 2014)

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Low Tide

High Tide

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Diagram to show intertidal mudflats at Dunston staiths (edited from group work, group 2)

w 03 // Dunston Staiths

Intertidal mudflats

Dunston Staiths: List of Species Bird Species: Cormorant Grey Heron Little Egret Buzzard Sparrowhawk Kestrel Peregrine Mute Swan Whooper Swan Shelduck Egyptian Goose Mallard Teal Goosander Common Scoter Common Gull Black-headed Gull Mediterranean Gull Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Great Black-backed Gull Kittiwake Common Tern Common Sandpiper Redshank Curlew Bar-tailed Godwit

Great Tit Bullfinch Greenfinch Siskin Goldfinch Long-tailed Tit Blue Tit Plant Species: Hart’s-tongue Fern Wall Rue Maiden-hair Spleenwort Bracken Horsetail Stinging Nettle Curled Dock Broad-leaved Dock Knotgrass Common Sorrel Common Orache Spear-leaved Orache Meadow Buttercup Common Poppy Common Fumitory Hedge Mustard Perennial Wall-rocket Hedge Garlic Wavy Bitter-cress

List of species found in Dunston staiths mudflats and salt marsh (What lives at the Staiths?, 2015)

Common Scurvy-grass Shepherd’s Purse Charlock Wild Mignonette Biting Stonecrop White Stonecrop Bramble Meadowsweet Dog Rose Cotoneaster sp.

‘Japanese’ Rose Wood Avens Creeping Cinquefoil Silverweed Blackthorn Hawthorn Apple Broom Tufted Vetch Bush Vetch Common Vetch Meadow Vetchling Procumbent Pearlwort Annual Pearlwort Common Mouse-ear Chickweed Greater Stitchwort Red Campion Greater Sea-spurrey Creeping Buttercup Kidney Vetch Bird’s-foot Trefoil Red Clover White Clover Hairy Tare Black Medick Ribbed Melilot Cutleaved Crane’s bill Dove’s foot Crane’s bill Shining Crane’s-bill Petty Spurge Common Mallow Perforate St. John’s-Wort Broad-leaved Willowherb Rosebay Willowherb Evening Primrose Dogwood Ash Cow Parsley

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Hogweed Giant Hogweed Ground Elder Fennel Wild Celery Wild Carrot Wild Parsnip Yellow Loosestrife Scarlet Pimpernel Goosegrass Hedge Bedstraw Hedge Bindweed Field Forgetmenot Tufted Forgetmenot Changing Forgetmenot White Dead-nettle Red Dead-nettle Peppermint Wild Thyme Buddleia Purple Toadflax Ivy leaved Toadflax Toadflax Common Field Speedwell Germander Speedwell Thyme-leaved Speedwell Foxglove Red Bartsia Red Valerian Sea Plantain Ribwort Plantain Greater Plantain Honeysuckle Elder Teasel Daisy Scentless Mayweed Pineapple weed Canadian Goldenrod Yarrow Tansy Mugwort Sea Aster Common Ragwort Oxford Ragwort Groundsel Coltsfoot Creeping Thistle Spear Thistle Black Knapweed

Goat’s-beard Smooth Sow-thistle Perennial Sow Thistle Prickly Sow-thistle Dandelion Hawkweed Rough Hawkbit Smooth Hawk’s-beard Cat’s Ear Lesser Burdock Italian Alder Common Alder Silver Birch Sallow Crack Willow Hard Rush Soft Rush Jointed Rush Perennial Rye-grass Wall Barley Rough Meadow-grass Annual Meadow-grass Crested Dogstail Cocks-foot Yorkshire Fog Meadow Foxtail Soft-brome Red Fescue False Oat-grass Common Saltmarsh-grass Fungi: Field Biewitt Common Ink Cap Insects: Six Spot Burnet Moth Large White Butterfly Orange Tip Butterfly Green Viened White Ringlet Skipper Butterfly Tortishell Butterfly Peacock Butterfly White Tailed Bee Red Tailed Bee Tawney Bee Gorse Shield Bug Red Soldiers Beetle

Cycles

High tide al Te

em Dec

Low tide

r be

ua

m

ary

b Fe

in gG

ul l

N

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Janu

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w rle

He rr

Cu

Ba

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M a rc h

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Common Scoter Dunlin

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te Sep

Apr

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i pw La

M al

la

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sh a

eron Grey H

Re d

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June

July

A ug u

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Lesser Black Gull

Diagram to show daily and annual cycles of birds at the staiths

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03 // Dunston Staiths

Intertidal mudflats

high tide

herring gull

plants : Birds trefoil shub rose pinapple weed white clover yorkshire fog grasses creeping buttercup

Staiths

teal

grey herron

seaweed shelduck

fungi basin wall

fresh water mussels

worms redshank roots

snails dead leaves

water vole

seeds

mudflat : sand clay slit

low tide

Diagram to show ecosystem of the intertidal mudflat at Dunston staiths

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Intertidal Mudflat Ecosystem After investigating the wildlife which inhabits the Dunston staiths area I wanted to gain a better understanding of the intertidal mudflat ecosystem.

I wanted to learn how the creatures of the Dunston staiths interact with one another and their changing environment.

The mudflats are made up of sand, clay and silt with a high organic matter. Within the clay and silt of the mudflats, they have decaying leaves and roots which provide nutrition for plants to grow and food for insects and birds at low tide. (Stephenson, 2019) The mudflat salt marsh plants provide shelter and high tide refuge, they are also breeding sites and food source. The staiths structure and the basin wall also provide habitats at hight tide for roosting birds such as teal and Redshank. At high tide different species are brought in, such as: shellfish, shrimp, molluscs and fish which are often food source to many bird species that live at the mudflats. (What lives at the Staiths?, 2015)

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03 // Dunston Staiths

Intertidal mudflats

Wintering Wading Birds The mudflats at Dunston staiths are especially important to wintering waders who migrate from the Arctic and Scandinavia to join our local birds on mudflats and estuaries every Autumn. The wading birds which arrive in the UK include: over half a million Lapwings, which cross from Northern Europe, half a million Dunlin from Scandinavia, 300,000 Oystercatcher’s from Norway, 50,000 Redshank’s from Iceland, 300,000 knots from Canada, 600,000 Bar tailed Godwit’s from Russia and 40,000 Grey Plovers from the Arctic. (Wintering waders | The Wildlife Trusts, 2022)

Alongside migrating waders, the mudflats at Dunston staiths also see an increase in other birds who have travelled for winter, which include: The Lesser Black Gull, Common Gull, Common Scoter and Peregrine falcon. (Do All Birds Migrate? | Different Types of Migratory Birds

- The RSPB, 2022)

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Diagram to show winter migratory routes to Dunston staiths

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River Tyne

Section to show ecological thresholds around Dunston staiths

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Intertidal Mudflats

Intertidal mudflats

Dunston Staiths Birds roost on the staiths

03 // Dunston Staiths

39 Residential Estate Views of the staiths and the river

Public path & road Public can’t access staiths and mudflats but can view them through gaps in the salt marsh

Salt Marsh Shelters mudflats and river from road

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River Tyne The River Tyne is an important wildlife corridor for Gateshead and Newcastle, home to many different habitats and species.

The River Tyne is an important ecological feature of Gateshead and Newcastle, home to many biodiverse habitats. However the river hasn’t always been this way, due to the expansion of industry in 1850, the Tyne was stripped of habitats and biodiversity. I wanted to understand the ecology of the River Tyne as the Dunston staiths and the intertidal mudflats are situated within it. The intertidal mudflats Dunston staiths make up one of the ecosystems within the River Tyne wildlife corridor. (Tyne Catchment Plan, 2012) I set out to investigate how the River Tyne has been altered over the years, and how human intervention has had an impact on the ecosystems within the River.

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04 // River Tyne

Ecological analysis

Intertidal mudflats

Gateshead Riverside Park

Diagram to show the River Tyne Habitats

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Ecosystems & Biodiversity The River Tyne has a variety of ecosystems which include: Coastal saltmarsh, lowland fens, lowland meadows, deciduous woodlands and intertidal mudflats. (Tyne Catchment Plan, 2012) Within these ecosystems are many rare and protected species, including: Pipistrelle, Noctule and Dawbentons bats, White clawed cray fish, otters, pearl mussel, river lichen jelly, water voles and salmon. Other species within the River Tyne inlcude: Sea Trout, Lampery, Brown trout, Dace, Chub, Liverwort, Great crested newts, violas and sea pinks. (Get to know your rivers, 2022)

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04 // River Tyne

Ecological analysis

The River Tyne estuary is micro-tidal, with a tidal range of 4.5 in spring tides to 2.4 in neap tides, this causes the movement of sediment around the Tyne.

The River Tyne is a heavily modified body of water, which has been artificially widened and deepened, this has not only reduced the habitat diversity but has caused the Tyne to have high levels of zinc and lead. Because of this plant species not only have to be salt tolerant but tolerant to these chemicals. (Tyne

Catchment Plan, 2012)

In the future it is likely climate change will have an effect on the River Tyne and all it’s habitats. Increased rainfall will increase flood risk. The risk of flooding will also be heightened by sea level rise, which will also increase the risk of storm. The Tyne will also experience increased variability in flow rates due to flood and drought. (Tyne Catchment Plan, 2012) 44

End of tidal waterway

Limits of commercial vessels navigability

Commercial passenger & fishing vessels

4.5m

Limits of boat navigability

Personal yachts, boats & fishing vessels

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5.2m

Large international commercial & cargo vessels

6m

10m

Commercial & cargo vessels

Diagram to show environmental features of the River Tyne (Image is edited from group work, group 2)

04 // River Tyne

History

Changing Ecosystems Before 1850 the River Tyne had a completely different ecosystem. It had shallow gently sloping banks which provided a variety of different habitats such as: Reeds, Lillies, pondweed and willows and species such as Phytoplankton, algae and zooplankton. With the industrial revolution the river needed to become deeper and wider to allow access for ships. Therefore the river began to be dredged in 1850. They dredged for a 70 year period, removing 149 million tons of matter, changing the depth of the river from 1.83m to 9m. The dredging destroyed habitats and removed species by changing the Tyne from a slow flowing, shallow water habitat to a fast flowing, deep water habitat, which completely destabilised the biosphere.

Along side this destruction, when dredging they dug into the benthic zone of the river bed. The benthic zone was full of toxic chemicals such as: lead, biphenyl and tributyinthin, from the heavy industries, and these were released into the water of the Tyne. (Tyne

Catchment Plan, 2012)

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Photograph of the River Tyne being dredged (File:The dredging of Kings Meadows in the River Tyne in the 19th century.jpg - Wikimedia Commons, n.d.)

04 // River Tyne

History

Reeds

Water lillies

Pond weed Zooplankton

Phytoplankton

Algae

Before 1850

Diagram to show the River Tyne before and after dredging

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Sediments in water

Deeper by 9m Lost biodiversity

After 1850

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04 // River Tyne

History

1860

1890

1930

1980

2020

Diagram to show change in the River Tyne’s plan

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m i g i D

© Landmark Information Group Ltd and Crown copyright 2021. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

Plan of Kings Meadow island 1860 (Digimap)Scale 1:7500 0

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Projection: British National Grid

Exploring how the river has changed during the period of dredging I noticed that there was an island, located just West of where the Dunston staiths are now situated, in the river during 1860. The island was known as Kings Meadow island and was removed in 1862-1887 for the construction of Dunston staiths and to allow ships to access further up the river.

The island was 30 acres long and was inhabited with manor house and pub. (Kingsmeadow Island, n.d.)

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1000 m

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05

Thesis Formulation After exploring the theme of ecology I began to consider what architecture could be if designed for non-humans as well as humans.

Following my research into the ecology of the intertidal mudflats at Dunston staiths and the River Tyne, I aim to engage with these areas. Human intervention has destroyed ecosystems along the River Tyne throughout history, this has influenced the direction of my thesis to aim to enhance the development of nature and biodiversity in the area. Focusing on an outcome which will offer the best response for non-human occupants of the site. During my research of the River Tyne I was intrigued by the island which used to exist in the Tyne. Moving forward I wanted to learn more about islands and if they could offer any ecological benefits if reintroduced to the site. Alongside this I wanted to explore biocentric design approaches.

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06

Typologies A collection of example projects which address similar themes of ecology and biocentric design.

Through these precedents I am hoping to develop my thesis and gain understanding of how other projects have created landscapes, architectures and materials.

These projects all have a biocentric nature and aim to benefit ecosystems and facilitate spaces for nature to thrive. Alongside precedents for architectural responses I have also explored island creation and looked at manmade islands of Mississippi River.

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Islands

Hexham

Corbridge

Bardon Mill

Prudhoe

06 // Typologies

Diagram to show location of islands currently in the River Tyne

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River Islands Following my research into the history of the River Tyne and my interest in the Kings Meadow Island, I wanted to expand my knowledge of islands to find out if they could benefit the ecology of a river. I also aimed to understand how to build an island. After looking into the benefits of river islands it was clear that they could not only increase river biodiversity but help reverse some of the effects caused by climate change. Some of the benefits islands provide are: + Reducing wind fetch - wind fetch increases wave action which erodes shorelines and destroys habitats. + Reducing turbulence - by reducing river turbulence less particles and sediment will be present in the water therefore more light can penetrate to reach the river bed allowing more plants to grow. + Providing habitat - the islands themselves provide habitat, food source and roosting spots for riverine creatures and high tide refuge for wading birds. + Prevent flood risk. (Mosedale, M, 2020)

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06 // Typologies

Islands

Photo of Chouteau island (Upload.wikimedia.org. n.d.)

Chouteau island is a series of three man made islands in the Mississippi River. The islands were created in 1946-1953 using material removed when constructing the Chain of Rocks Canal, which adjoins to the Mississippi River. The islands create a total of 5,500 acres which provide wildlife habitat, flood storage and recreational opportunities. (Chouteau Island - HeartLands Conservancy, 2021)

There are three main ways to create an island. The fastest way is to use hydraulic dredges, which suck sand and matter from the riverbed and re-position it. This method is messy and disruptive. The most common method is a mechanical process using backhoes, bulldozers and barges. Finally the most natural and least invasive method is by placing rocks in areas of flowing water and allowing the rocks to accumulate sediment. Although this method is slow it mimics the natural process of creating an island.

(Mosedale, M, 2020) Alongside these methods there are also techniques for creating a floating island. Floating islands can be anchored to the river bed but allows roots to hang on the underside creating more habitat and improving water quality. (Floating Islands:: Blumberg

Engineers, Germany, 2022)

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Photo of bird nesting at floating island Gadenstedt, Germany (Floating Islands:: Blumberg Engineers, Germany, 2022)

Photo of floating island for nesting and water treatment site Gadenstedt, Germany (Floating Islands:: Blumberg Engineers, Germany, 2022)

Natural floating islands gain self buoyancy through trapped air spaces and the release of gasses from decaying plants. Floating islands can be mimicked by using a textile plant carrier mat, made from a foam material for buoyancy. The textile plant carrier is made up of a coarse warp knitted structure, which allows high water storage capacity whilst allowing the plant’s roots to grow through the structure, creating nesting areas for waterfowl. The microbial biofilm of the plant’s roots have the ability to improve water quality, therefore these islands are often built as wildlife refuge and water treatment sites. (Floating

Islands:: Blumberg Engineers, Germany, 2022) Photo of floating island for nesting and water treatment site Gadenstedt, Germany (Floating Islands:: Blumberg Engineers, Germany, 2022)

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06 // Typologies

Design prededents

Animal Interactions Following my research I focused on exploring biocentic design and began to consider a proposal which would act as a catalyst for facilitating wildlife and increasing biodiversity. I looked at some precedents for non-anthropocentric design. One precedent I have focused on in particular is Studio Ossidianna, they have a range of projects which are designed to allow humans and non-humans to coinhabit space and interact. However their designs are created with the use of the non-human in mind unlike most architectural interventions, where humans are considered the primary users. Their project Variations on a birdcage offers a variety of play-scapes made from edible materials for birds to experience. The playscapes are installed around cities and towns which allow birds and humans to have a closer interaction than they usually would. Another of their projects is Buyukada Songlines, a floating island which attracts its inhabitants with the use of interesting materials to jump on board and facilitate unusual interactions.

(Studio Ossidiana, 2022)

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Photo of “Variations on a Birdcage” by Studio Ossidiana (Studio Ossidiana, 2022)

06 // Typologies

Photo of “Büyükada Songlines” by Studio Ossidiana (Studio Ossidiana, 2022)

Design precedents

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Photo from Bats in Space exhibition (Jeremy Deller – Bats in Space, 2012)

Photo of Bird sanctuary, Ringkobing (Johansen Skovsted Arkitekter, Rasmus Norlander · Tipperne bird sanctuary, 2017)

Looking further into biocentric design, the Dovecote

by Oscar Niemeyer in Brazillia is an iconic structure, purposefully giving space for pigeons in the city. The bird sanctuary in Ringkobing Fjord, by Johanson Scovsted Architects, incorporates a series of subtle interventions, which includes a bird hide and watching tower, allowing a not only a closer interaction between humans and birds but giving the birds space to inhabit. (Johansen Skovsted Arkitekter, Rasmus Norlander · Tipperne bird sanctuary, 2017) I also looked at the art exhibit Bats in Space by Jeremy Deller and Professor Kate Jones, which allows participants to walk around London Olympic site and experience the frequencies of bats we can not usually hear, giving humans a different encounter with nature. (Jeremy

Deller – Bats in Space, 2012)

Photo of Dovecote, Brazillia (Nast, n.d.)

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06 // Typologies

Design precedents

Photo of the Wingardhs Takern visitor centre (Tåkern visitor centre, 2012)

Photo of RSPB bird hide (Hartman, 2011)

Nature and bird hide architecture inspires how to design in a respectful way, leaving little impact in the environment. The RSPB Bird hide, by Haysom Ward Miller, uses a careful choice of materials to not attract non indigenous species to the site.

(Hartman, 2011) Brockholes, by Adam Kahn, has a floating mechanism to protect against flooding.

The buildings use oak shakes on the roof which is a renewable material, local to the site and helps the building blend into it’s environment. (Brockholes Visitor Centre, 2012) The Wingardhs Takern visitor centre is clad in thatch to camouflage into it’s surroundings.

(Tåkern visitor centre, 2012)

Photo of Brockholes (Brockholes Visitor Centre, 2012)

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Photo of UAE nature reserve (Avian oasis: Wasit Nature Reserve visitor centre

by X Architects, 2022)

Photo of Elephant house (Wilkinson, 2018)

I also looked at some animal enclosures to understand how designing for the use of an animal has been done before. The Elephant house at Copenhgen zoo,

by Fosters + Partners, was designed after studying the needs of the elephant, the architects installed underfloor heating along with spaces for play and materials to scratch against. (Wilkinson, 2018) The Kangaroo enclosure by White Arkitekture, allows visitors to interact with Kangaroos without stressing them out by viewing through a slatted timber wall.

This enclosure also has a concrete underfloor heating for the Kangaroos in winter. (Rogers, 2022) The UAE nature reserve by X architects provides space for bird watchers to view birds in their natural habitat using a series of woven canopys. (Avian oasis: Wasit Nature Reserve

visitor centre by X Architects, 2022)

Photo of Kangaroo enclosure (Rogers, 2022)

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06 // Typologies

Design precedents

Material precedent The landscaping in which Studio Ossidianna construct are made from a variety of bio-materials which they have developed themselves. Some of these materials are: 1- Compressed earth mixed with charcoal powder, lime and water, with red salt inserts for animals to lick.

2- Hemp, lime and water with organic red pigment.

3- Charcoal in an ash and lime binder creates a light tile which changes intensity with humidity.

4- A tile of gypsum, sunflower seeds and turmeric powder. The tile changes colour over time from orange to red and allows birds to peck seeds out.

5- Expanded clay covered in lime mix, creates a porous surface which over time can become filled with soil, seeds and insects.

6- Compressed earth with charcoal allows different pressures of the strata to control air quantity and speed of decay.

(Studio Ossidiana, 2022)

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01

02

03

04

05

06

Photos of Studio Ossidiana’s material studies (Studio Ossidiana, 2022)

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07

Proposal Creating a design approach which can be used to enhance wildlife and enhance human experiences with nature.

Following my precedent studies and research on the ecologies of the River and intertidal mudflats I am proposing a thesis which facilitates space for enhancing wildlife. My project will be designed for non-human and human occupants of the Gateshead Riverside park, the intertidal mudflats, Dunston staiths and the River Tyne. My thesis focuses on creating an intervention where all aspects of design take into consideration the needs and requirements of the non-human occupants. Acknowledging what is best for nature and responding with not only low impact solutions but positive ones. Alongside this I aim to re-purpose the Dunston staiths, creating spaces which encourage interactions between humans and non-humans.

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07 // Proposal

Brief

Brief My thesis will respond to the developed brief of: 01

Facilitating space for wildlife to be enhanced

02

Creating space for non-human species

03

Creating space for interactions between nonhuman and human

04 Using positive impact construction and design techniques 05

Using long life or flexible design, to minimise need for deconstruction

06

Creating opportunities for wildlife to interact and alter design

07

Improving biodiversity and addressing climate change

08

Re-purposing the Dunston staiths

09

Connecting Gateshead Riverside Park and surrounding areas to the rich and exciting ecosystems of the River Tyne.

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Teal

Curlew Shelduck

Dunlin

Redshank

Cormorant

Herring gull

Common sandpiper

Mallard

Common gull

Common ink cap

Tortishell Field biewitt Six spot burnet

Garden bee

Birds treefoil

Large white

Pinapple weed

Shub rose

White clover

Salt marsh grass Yorkshire fog grass

Creeping buttercup Sea plantain

Common scurvy grass

Wild celery

Sea aster

Lesser sea spurrey

Concept image

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07 // Proposal

Diagram highlighting potential location of island and bird hide interventions

Strategies

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w

Site Strategy I have highlighted potential areas in the River Tyne for a nature reserve island. I have also indicated potential sites along the river bank and on Dunston staiths for interventions allowing non-human and human interactions. The island would be situated in the Tyne between the Dunston staiths and the Gateshead Riverside Park. As large ships do not travel this far up the Tyne, the island should allow room for small personal boats to still travel up the Tyne.

If small vessels can not pass with the construction of one large island, it could be split into smaller islands to give more room for navigation of the Tyne.

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07 // Proposal

Strategies

Sketch of material made from oats and straw with a lime binder. With salt inserts, which will turn into crevasses over time to provide nesting spaces.

Material Strategy Following my research I knew that I would want to use only local plant species on the nature reserve island to avoid attracting non-local invasive species.

I want to provide materials which offer a chance for creatures to play, nest and eat. Allowing me the opportunity to experiment with creating material prototypes. These material prototypes could be made from: Charcoal, soil, hemp, straw and clay, seeds and red salt. Spices could also be added to create natural colour, nutritional benefits and sensory experiences for the non-human and human. Cloves and ginger are anti-bacterial and can improve birds immune systems. Cinnamon, paprika and turmeric are all safe for birds and will add colour to materials. Cinnamon gives birds calcium, iron and magnesium. (Spices to Add to Your Bird’s Food for Flavor and Good Health, 2010) I would like to give the birds opportunity to intervene with the design by providing spaces, plants and materials they can use to build nests. I would provide marsh and wetland for waders and open, concrete-like materials for gulls to nest and perch on. Alongside considering what natural materials to use I am also considering what common construction materials to not use. I wouldn’t want to use large spans of clear glass, as birds can often accidentally fly into glass and injure themselves. I am also thinking about the experience of the design from the perspective of the non-human, which could offer opportunity to design using materials of colours which can not be experienced by humans but appeal to other creatures.

Sketch of material made from clay and paprika with a natural wax binder, with seeds for birds to peck at.

Sketch of material made from hemp and soil with a natural linseed oil binder and ginger inserts for birds and animals to lick and peck at.

Sketch of material made from hay and clay with cinnamon. Easy for birds to pick at and remove material to create nests.

Sketch of potential material prototypes.

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Birds treefoil

Pinapple weed

White clover

The bird species that currently occupy the site & their habitat: Cormorant Grey Heron Little Egret Buzzard Sparrowhawk Kestrel Peregrine Mute Swan Whooper Swan Shelduck Egyptian Goose Mallard Teal Goosander Common Scoter Common Gull Black-headed Gull Mediterranean Gull Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull Great Black-backed Gull Kittiwake Common Tern Common Sandpiper Redshank Curlew Bar-tailed Godwit Great Tit Bullfinch Greenfinch Siskin Goldfinch Long-tailed Tit Blue Tit Dunlin Lapwing

Trees, rocks and banks. Coastal environments.

Around water. Nest in trees.

Mudflat and salt marsh environment. Nests in reeds and Rocks .

Shrubs and salt marsh environment.

Nests under tree canopy’s.

Vast trees and wetlands.

Nests on cliffs and crags.

Slow flowing river environments.

Wetlands and marshes. Shrubs and forests.

Coastal environments. Nest in old rabbit holes, tree holes and haystacks.

Open wetland and avoid dense forests.

Wetland. Nests close to water on dry land under vegetation.

Freshwater and shore environment. Nest near water in grassland.

Sheltered estuaries.

Rivers and forests.

Wetland and coastal environments. Nest on terrain with low vegetation.

Nest on open ground and in low trees.

Coastal and wetland environment.

Inaccessible locations such as cliffs and islands.

Coastal environments. Salt marsh and islands.

Rocky environments. Estuaries, sandy coasts and wetland.

Nest on rocky cliff-like areas. Nest with seaweed, feathers and vegetation.

Rocky islands, shingle beaches.

Rivers, wetland and mudflats.

Shallow water, mudflats, salt marsh and coastal environments.

Open moorland and boggy environments.

Sandy and muddy estuaries and rocky environments.

Woodland and areas with scattered trees.

Woodland and shrubs.

Woodland and hedges.

Mixed woodland.

Scattered trees andbushes.

Woodland, shrubs and parkland.

Woodland, hedges and parkland.

Estuaries, saltmasrhes and mudflats.

Wet grassland.

Yorkshire fog grass

Creeping buttercup

Salt marsh grass

Sea aster

Wild celery

Common scurvy grass

Shub rose

Sea plantain

(The Woodland Trust, 2021) (The RSPB Wildlife Charity: Nature Reserves & Wildlife Conservation, 2022) Lesser sea spurrey

Table of bird species & their habitat. Potential habitats to be created on the island

Plant species which can make up habitats on the island

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07 // Proposal

Proposal

A nest between two cities My thesis proposes to create an intervention which enhances wildlife and the natural environment, responding to the intertidal mudflats and the Dunston staiths. Creating a new restorative ecosystem and re-purposing the Dunston staiths. I aim to create positive interactions between the nonhuman and human alongside prioritising space for nature to thrive by using biocentric design methods.

My design proposal intends to provide a man-made nature reserve island, acting as a nest, providing more habitat for the wildlife which occupy the mudflats at the Dunston staiths. I am also proposing a series of biocentrically designed nature watch pavilions, which allow humans to view and experience the wildlife respectfully.

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Wildlife island concept image

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09

Appendix

3

At the beginning of semester one, I worked on collecting research on the history of the Gateshead Riverside Park. I gathered information on the history of Gateshead and Newcastle, creating a timeline of events, comparing the two cities. Besides this I also created a historic time-line for the Gateshead Riverside Park, highlighting where events happened on the site. I also mapped the Great Fire of Newcastle and Gateshead, which occurred in 1854. The fire began at a mill in Gateshead and quickly spread across the river to Newcastle. The fire destroyed Gateshead’s medieval heritage.

Debris thrown accross Tyne and caused fire to spread into Newcastle

2

1

Fire began at Wilsons worsted factory

Mapping to show the Great fire of Newcastle & Gateshead

78

Fire spr neighb chemic wareho which c an exp

CITY WIDE CONTEXT City Wide Timeline

1700

2000

1850

2000

1950

1700

1850

Historic Events of Newcastle & Gateshead

1408

1400

// ST AITH

AT PI PE

WEL

LGA TE

Time-line of Newcastle & Gateshead

read to bouring cal ouse, caused plosion.

LD FIE D NS IEL EE SF GR E EN AT RE LL IN S LG G RK EL AT N HA ED T W D W T WO IR IPE NE AN UC T P OPE N TO STR ND EPA ER TA DU PE ON RE TIV UIL ION O C ES MO S B TAT ENT E IS LD M K O S C SFIE OR ER NM IDG BECO S LO EEN SW NG VER L BR N ME GR O VE GA SE IO CO OF // AS L G LE STAT BE UT GE H N 19 / P CA EO RID IO 18 44 / / LO HIG IELD OV HB F TAT 18 44 / THE ENS TM EUG DS N L H / E D E IE 8 / E M 1 GR ENSF D ER 49 ERN CTE E F TH PENED 18 0 // OV TRU GR 5 GO O LG NS 18 4 // CA SSIN IERY CO 5 18 / LO T CRO COLL E WAS NED H 0/ RS G OPE 187 // FI EUG BRID KS 1 DH OR G 7 E W 8 R IN 1 S / SW GA 2/ 187 // THE EUGH ED H PEN NE 1876 // RED OILS O G TY T ED LON 1876 BRET PEN RY A 7 // HS O UST 187 STAIT IND N // STO 1889 DUN // 1893

0

0 18

1900KING VII BRIDGE

GOATS ON THE RIVER BANK

1906 // EMPLOYER IN GATESHEAD TIVE WORKS IS LARGEST 1909 // GREENSFIELD LOCOMO CLOSES 1927 // REDHEUGH COLLIERY CLOSES 1932 // GREENSFIELD LOCOMOTIVE WORKS 1932 // SLUM CLEARENCE OF PIPEWELLGATE 1952 // GREENSFIELD LOCOMOTIVE WORKS REPOPENED

1000

1969 // RABBIT BANKS IS LANDSCAPED 1978 // THE QUEEN ELIZABETH BRIDGE IS CONSTRUCTED 1980 // THE THRID CROSSING OF THE REDHEUGH BRIDGE IS CONSTRUCTED

2000

2003 // TH ERE 2017 IS A // RE FIRE DHEU AT TH GH G E DU ASW NSTO ORK N ST S IS AITH REM S OVE D

Time-line of Gateshead Riverside Park

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08

Bibliography Adamkhan.co.uk. 2012. Brockholes Visitor Centre. [online] Available at: <https://adamkhan.co.uk/projects/brockholes/>

Dunston, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. n.d. Kingsmeadow Island. [online] Available at: <https://historyofdunston.weebly.com/kingsmeadow-island.html.

Architectural Review. 2022. Avian oasis: Wasit Nature Reserve visitor centre by X Architects. [online] Available at: <https://www.architectural-review.com/buildings/avian-oasis-wasit-nature-reserve-visitor-centre-by-x-architects.

Dunstonstaiths.org.uk. 2022. Dunston Staiths. [online] Enivironmental artworks and sculpture trails in Britain. 2019. Gateshead Riverside Park. [online] Available at: <https://environmentalsculptures.wordpress.com/gateshead-riverside-park/>

Barker, E., n.d. The Staithes. [online] Dunston, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Available at: <https://historyofdunston.weebly.com/the-staithes. html>

Hartman, H., 2011. Sustainability in Practice - Haysom Ward Miller’s RSPB bird hide. [online] The Architects’ Journal. Available at: <https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/archive/sustainability-in-practice-haysom-ward-millers-rspb-bird-hide.

BirdTricks. 2010. Spices to Add to Your Bird’s Food for Flavor and Good Health. [online] Available at: <https://birdtricksstore.com/blogs/ birdtricks-blog/spices-to-add-to-your-bird-s-food-for-flavor-and-goodhealth.

Gateshead.gov.uk. 2009. Wildlife Corridors Document. [online] Available at: <https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/media/12077/Gateshead-Wildlife-Corridors/pdf/Gateshead_Wildlife_Corridors_December_2009.pdf?m=636872990377870000>

Blumberg-engineers.com. 2022. Floating Islands:: Blumberg Engineers, Germany. [online] Available at: <https://www.blumberg-engineers.com/en/ecotechnologies/more-ecotechnologies/floating-islands/>

Heritage Trust Network. 2022. Dunston Staiths - Heritage Trust Network. [online] Available at: <https://www.heritagetrustnetwork.org. uk/about-us/case-studies/dunston-straiths/>

Bratton, J., n.d. Pipewellgate, Gateshead - Gateshead History. [online] Gatesheadhistory.com. Available at: <http://www.gatesheadhistory. com/pipewellgate-gateshead.html>

Holidaycottages.co.uk. 2022. What’s the most Biodiverse area of Britain?. [online] Available at: <https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/biodiversity-in-britain/.

Divisare. 2017. Johansen Skovsted Arkitekter, Rasmus Norlander · Tipperne bird sanctuary. [online] Available at: <https://divisare.com/ projects/370357-johansen-skovsted-arkitekter-rasmus-norlander-tipperne-bird-sanctuary.

Invisibledust.com. 2012. Jeremy Deller – Bats in Space. [online] Available at: <https://invisibledust.com/projects/jeremy-deller-bats-in-space.

Divisare. 2012. Tåkern visitor centre. [online] Available at: <https:// divisare.com/projects/217081-wingardhs-ake-e-son-lindman-takern-visitor-centre.

Jetty-project.info. 2014. Environment – The Jetty Project. [online] Available at: <http://jetty-project.info/context/environment/>

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Living Planet Report, WWF. 2020. Bending the curve of biodiversity loss.. [online] Zsl.org. Available at: <https://www.zsl.org/sites/default/ files/LPR%202020%20Full%20report.pdf>

Wildlifetrusts.org. 2022. Wintering waders | The Wildlife Trusts. [online] Available at: <https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/where_to_see_wintering_waders>

Mosedale, M. 2020. How Man-Made Islands Can Save the Mississippi River. [online] Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Available at: <https://mspmag. com/arts-and-culture/island-time/>

Wilkinson, T., 2018. Typology: Buildings for animals. [online] Architectural Review. Available at: <https://www.architectural-review.com/ essays/typology/typology-buildings-for-animals>

Newcastle.gov.uk. 2012. Tyne Catchment Plan. [online] Available at: <https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2019-01/tyne-catchment-plan-print-version.pdf.

Woodland Trust. 2021. The Woodland Trust. [online] Available at: <https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk>

Rogers, S., 2022. Architecture for Animals: 13 Structures Designed with Non-Human Use in Mind. [online] Web Urbanist. Available at: <https://weburbanist.com/2017/06/28/architecture-for-animals-13structures-designed-with-non-human-use-in-mind/ Stephenson, L., 2019. Tyne Estuary Partnership. [online] Groundwork. org.uk. Available at: <https://www.groundwork.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Tyne-Estuary-Partnership-Report-FINAL.pdf>.

Studio Ossidiana. 2022. Studio Ossidiana. [online] Available at: <http://www.studio-ossidiana.com.

The RSPB. 2022. The RSPB Wildlife Charity: Nature Reserves & Wildlife Conservation. [online] Available at: <https://www.rspb.org.uk> The RSPB. 2022. Do All Birds Migrate? | Different Types of Migratory Birds - The RSPB. [online] Available at: <https://www.rspb.org.uk/ birds-and-wildlife/natures-home-magazine/birds-and-wildlife-articles/ migration/which-birds-migrate/

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List of Images All photos and images un-referenced are my own

Invisibledust.com. 2012. Jeremy Deller – Bats in Space. [online] Available at: <https://invisibledust.com/projects/jeremy-deller-bats-in-space.

Adamkhan.co.uk. 2012. Brockholes Visitor Centre. [online] Available at: <https://adamkhan.co.uk/projects/brockholes/>

Holidaycottages.co.uk. 2022. What’s the most Biodiverse area of Britain?. [online] Available at: <https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/biodiversity-in-britain/.

Bratton, J., n.d. Pipewellgate, Gateshead - Gateshead History. [online] Gatesheadhistory.com. Available at: <http://www.gatesheadhistory. com/pipewellgate-gateshead.html>

Living Planet Report, WWF. 2020. Bending the curve of biodiversity loss.. [online] Zsl.org. Available at: <https://www.zsl.org/sites/default/ files/LPR%202020%20Full%20report.pdf>

Blumberg-engineers.com. 2022. Floating Islands:: Blumberg Engineers, Germany. [online] Available at: <https://www.blumberg-engineers.com/en/ecotechnologies/more-ecotechnologies/floating-islands/>

Lowdon-NEC, J., n.d. Dunston Staiths down the years. [online] ChronicleLive. Available at: <https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/history/ gallery/dunston-staiths-down-the-years-10006109>.

Commons.wikimedia.org. n.d. File:The dredging of Kings Meadows in the River Tyne in the 19th century.jpg - Wikimedia Commons. [online] Available at: <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_dredging_of_Kings_Meadows_in_the_River_Tyne_in_the_19th_century. jpg>

Nast, C., n.d. 16 Examples of Stunning Modern Architecture by Oscar Niemeyer. [online] Architectural Digest. Available at: <https://www. architecturaldigest.com/gallery/stunning-modern-architecture-oscar-niemeyer>

Divisare. 2017. Johansen Skovsted Arkitekter, Rasmus Norlander · Tipperne bird sanctuary. [online] Available at: <https://divisare.com/ projects/370357-johansen-skovsted-arkitekter-rasmus-norlander-tipperne-bird-sanctuary.

Pinterest. n.d. Fantastic aerial shot of the Staiths, Dunston and Teams, looking West before the Metro Centre was built | Newcastle, Newcastle upon tyne, Gateshead. [online] Available at: <https://www.pinterest. co.uk/pin/219057969352585754/>.

Divisare. 2012. Tåkern visitor centre. [online] Available at: <https:// divisare.com/projects/217081-wingardhs-ake-e-son-lindman-takern-visitor-centre.

Hartman, H., 2011. Sustainability in Practice - Haysom Ward Miller’s RSPB bird hide. [online] The Architects’ Journal. Available at: <https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/archive/sustainability-in-practice-haysom-ward-millers-rspb-bird-hide.

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