A “bridge space” between individuals, nature and our experiences

A “bridge space” between

individuals, nature and our experiences Social bench designs for Ladywell Fields, London

by Zijue WEI Unit 8 Year 2 University of the Arts London

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0.0 Introduction and contents Following the essay about the “bridge” spaces in the city, this portfolio illustrates an attempt of intervening in the urban green space: Ladywell Fields, in order to increase the connections built between individual city dwellers, humans and nature, and different information from a variety of sources.

Starting with the analysis of the urban fabric and the visitors’

1.1 A green space between the hustle and bustle Initial site analysis: site location

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4.4 Customizing the experience Precedent: Photograph series “One” / Pierre Sernet

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9.1 Light, strong and supportive Research: materials for outdoor light structures

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1.2 The history of human mobility Initial site analysis: site history

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5.1 Build a space with geometrical forms Experimenting with different shapes

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9.2 Rattan, acrylic and aluminum Material selection for the light structure

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1.3 A retained urban green space Site analysis: the urban fabric with urban green spaces

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5.2 Variable triangles in practical uses Using triangles as the basic modular system

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10.1 Plan and elevation: Connectors and adjustable chair legs

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5.3 An appropriate size Finding the best size for the modular system

10.2 Plan: Connectors and adjustable chair legs

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10.3 Section: Adjustable structure in the chair legs

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5.4 Stacks of triangles Installing the modular system in a small scale

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10.4 Plan and elevation: Vertical connectors A-E

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5.5 Modular units mix-and-match Different configurations of triangular panels and frames

10.5 Plan and elevation: Adjustable panels F-I

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10.6 Elevation: Joined connectors and adjustable chair legs

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1.4 From macroscopic to microscopic: what makes people move?

Initial inspiration: the moving pattern of human, as individuals and as groups 8

behaviours, followed by several experimentations with data collection systems and modular units, I could create a set of modular architectural interventions, named social benches, in this area.

2.1 The classification of urban spaces and the metaphor of “bridges” Conceptualization: the methodology of deconstruction towards the urban fabric 10 2.2 Further investigation and classification of the “bridge spaces” Conceptualization: the abstracted forms of “bridges” in urban areas and in urban green spaces 11 2.3 How does urban green spaces as “bridges” facilitate exploration?

Site analysis: first-hand experience of exploring through “bridge” spaces 12 2.4 The “bridges” inside Ladywell Fields Site analysis: dissecting the site into a web of “bridges”

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2.5 Points of reference in “bridge spaces” Precedent: Parc de la Villette / Bernard Tschumi Architects

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2.6 In a busier urban context Precedent: Trafalgar Square

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3.1 The barriers to the “green bridges” Site analysis: insufficiencies and possible solutions for the site to be used as a “bridge space” 18

6.1 The rationale behind selecting possible locations Dissecting people’s attention, routes and experience to find the potential location for the designs 38 6.2 Bridging the man-made spaces and the nature Location selections for the designs

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7.1 Building the “bridges” First attempt of structuralize the “bridging” social benches

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7.2 An initial attempt First attempting to structure the design based on the method above

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7.3 The logic underlying the structures Identifying the basic rationale behind the space and people’s experiences

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7.4 Following the paths of pedestrians Second attempt to structuralize the “bridging” social benches

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7.5 Into the site step by step Second attempting to structure the design

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7.6 First sample from the second attempt

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7.7 Second sample from the second attempt

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3.2 Risks and rewards trade-off Site analysis: possible solutions to turn the meadow into circulation spaces

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3.3 Comforting interactions with the natural surroundings Precedent: Peak-A-Boo Installation / i.thee

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3.4 Bringing people to the sceneries Precedent: Path of Perspective / Snohetta

8.1 Flexible and adjustable structure Testing technical details

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4.1 Constructing bridges in 3 realms Initial design conceptualization

8.2 Mortise and tenon Experimenting models

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4.2 Integrating people’s experiences through data collection Experimenting data collection with Pyhon coding

8.3 A combination of the two Designing technical details

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10.7 Plan and elevation: Configurations of platforms at different levels (1) 70 10.8 Plan and elevation: Configurations of platforms at different levels (2) 71 10.9 Plan and elevation: Configurations of platforms at different levels (3) 72

4.3 Information exchange in modular systems A more achievable and practical substitution of data collection: modular structures 26

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11.1 Plan: Locations of the social benches

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11.2 Section: Social bench design at Location 1 (West)

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11.3 Plan: Social bench design at Location 1 (West)

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11.4 Section: Social bench design at Location 1 (East)

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11.5 Plan: Social bench design at Location 1 (East)

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11.6 Section: Social bench design at Location 2

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11.7 Plan: Social bench design at Location 2

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11.8 Section: Social bench design at Location 3

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11.9 Plan: Social bench design at Location 3

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12.1 Rendering - Social bench 1

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12.2 Rendering - Social bench 2

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12.3 Rendering - Social bench 3

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12.4 Rendering - Social bench 4

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13 Reflection

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14 Bibliography

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1.1 A green space between the hustle and bustle

1.2 The history of human mobility

Initial site analysis: site location

Initial site analysis: site history

Apparently, the history of the area mirrors the evolution

development. The UK began its industrial revolution in the latest

of human society. Usually, human habitats originate from the

18th century, fostering urbanization.

watersides with agriculture and grazing, forming the earliest tribes. Prior to 1700, a few dwellings were located on the east

In 1857, following the arrival of a railway, the local residents

bank of the River, surrounded by crop fields.

started to move towards the north, getting connected with other human habitats.

People cultivated, hunted, married, and reproduced, establishing In 1890, the Ladywell Fields was established.

a society where all movements were interwoven, enabling further

Ravensbourne River

Ladywell Fields

Brockley Rd.

Lewisham High St.

Ladywell Fields and its surroundings Ladywell Fields is a common destination to unwind and access nature. It is between two busy streets along with large residential areas, and sheltering a variety of wildlife. The open and vast fields serve a place with the least physical barriers.

Historical trend: expansion to the north Present 1922 Migrating towards the North

Urbanization

Industrialization

1864 Around North Kent Railway

Trade and migration

1760 Around Ravensbourne River 6th - 8th century St. Mary’s Church and King Alfred

Ruling and religions Agriculture and grazing

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1.3 A retained urban green space Site analysis: the urban fabric with urban green spaces

To some extent, our society is built upon human interactions, and developed through exploration, which catalyses the gaining and exchange of knowledge, currency, materials, etc. Everyone rely on each other for survival. Automatically, we are attracted by the places with more social interactions, just like being attracted by food and water.

Although urbanization strengthens the bonds between individuals, it also brought environmental and social issues including pollution and work stress, such as the Great Smog of London, which caused thousands of deaths before 1953 (Martinez, 2019). People realized the importance of environmental protection, and urban green spaces were recognized as an indispensable part of a city. (Lin et al., 2023) The current map shows that natural spaces are more dispersed, including larger spaces consisting of woods and lawns, and smaller elements like solitary trees and bushes. Now the nature are more approachable in daily lives.

The map of Lewisham, green spaces highlighted

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1.4 From macroscopic to microscopic: what makes people move?

Initial inspiration: the moving pattern of human, as individuals and as groups

Digital collage: Mobius strip - Nature and human society finally came together in modern cities.

Now social interactions are not the only things that facilitate

These factors are not equally attractive at different times. In the

This impulse towards nature is magnified in an environment of a

human movements, but also natural spaces are. Humans have a

age of agriculture and grazing, the river was the main attraction.

fully urbanized city. Since the urban population is climbing, the

passion for getting closer to nature and living things, due to the

But after the development of traffic webs, the roads offering

enthusiasm towards nature will be inflating.

subconscious desire. (Fromm, 1992)

effective communication with the outer world, caught people’s attention. After the shift took place after the construction of

The two factors are motivating people’s exploration into the

the railway, the effects of the river remained but went weaker,

outer world, by applying “pulling forces” and “pushing forces”

compared to the railway and high streets.

(Dolan et al., 2021) which make people move, playing significant roles in people’s decision-making at navigation.

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2.1 The classification of urban spaces and the metaphor of “bridges” Conceptualization: the methodology of deconstruction towards the urban fabric

2.2 Further investigation and classification of the “bridge spaces” Conceptualization: the abstracted forms of “bridges” in urban areas and in urban green spaces

How do we get attracted by those “attractive” places? How do we plan our routes towards these destinations?

To look into the current urban fabric, I tried to classify different places in the city into several types:

Examples of “endpoints” in a city

Examples of “bridges” in a city

1. Endpoints: These spaces can only be entered and left through

2. Bridges: For those places that join other places together

one threshold. Usually, what we do here is to turn back and head

spatially, they are performing the functions of a “bridge” – a

towards where we set out. For example, in an ordinary shop by

metaphoric term. When a place attracts people, the force it applies

the street, customers can only enter and leave the shop through

is not always straight, to bring people to the destination directly,

the main entrance.

but more usually goes through these “bridges”, which make people go across more places. They might be streets, footbridges, tunnels, or even an interior space with multiple entrances.

Urban green spaces

Linear roads

The “bridges” can be any place with multiple openings and do not have to be linear.

Most of the urban green spaces with open edges, are naturally “bridges”. Urban green spaces are wide and open, unlike the

The two types of space are both commonly seen in our cities. They differ mainly according to the type of movements happening in these

constraint city roads limited by traffic and width. The spaces

places: entering an “endpoint” means that this part of the trip ends here. But in “bridge spaces”, we are always free to leave from the

easily become sites for social and cultural events due to their

multiple openings, which link the space to other places. In “bridge spaces”, people get attracted easier due to the openness of bridges,

approachability. It is common to see weekend markets and music

and consequently, further movements are facilitated.

events taking place in the parks in London, such as Camberwell Green, thriving and energizing.

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2.3 How does urban green spaces as “bridges” facilitate exploration?

Site analysis: first-hand experience of exploring through “bridge” spaces

Residing in a city for a long time, it is pragmatic to stay on the familiar routes, to minimize the likelihood of encountering possible dangers and unknowns.

In most urban green spaces, hard pavements are built on top of the natural surfaces, to enhance accessibility and landscape aesthetics.

Indeed, the paved roads make the walking experience more comfortable without dirtiness and rugged grounds.

Nonetheless, excessive familiarity may also lead to counteractive behaviours, that prompt people to explore unknown areas. This is usually “risky” but rewarding.

In urban contexts, the “bridges” offer opportunities for explorations into the surroundings.

At another site visit, I embarked on a trip through Ladywell Fields, by leaving the park through an attractive entrance intentionally, to see where it took me to.

Built roads Taken routes River

How did the park lead me to the places nearby?

The map indicates me deviating when noticing something intriguing, and returning to the planned route after satisfying my curiosity.

My route and my “photo trophies”

The behaviour of exploration was rewarding and satisfying, making me feel “connected” to the society.

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2.4 The “bridges” inside Ladywell Fields Site analysis: dissecting the site into a web of “bridges”

While the site itself is performing as a “bridge” space, smaller bridges spaces, such as pavements and meadows, consist

Starting and ending point

Ladywell Fields as well.

There are mainly two types of “bridges” at the site: hard

Large trees

pavements and lawns. By focusing on the routes on lawns that

Cafe

people take to reach their destinations, based on my empirical judgements and observations towards the footprints on lawns,

River Pool

I identified how green spaces act as “bridge spaces” inside Ladywell Fields, and how the attraction forces are applied on

Railway

the audiences.

Residence Skate field

Hospital Tennic court

Residence Open field

The forces of attraction can be applied in many ways: 1. Visual: seeing an obvious symbol or landmark

Cherry blossoms

2. Acoustic: hearing other users or the environment 3. Aware: knowing the place from experiences or other information

Chimney Children playground

Wood field

sources

River

4. ...

Children playground Wood field School

Benches Open field Residence

Open field

Arena Residence

River

Benches Residence

Sport fields

Hard pavements Directions of the attention out the site Directions of the attention in the site Routes

Route take by me at the trip

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2.5 Points of reference in “bridge spaces” Precedent: Parc de la Villette / Bernard Tschumi Architects

2.6 In a busier urban context Precedent: Trafalgar Square

Fig.3 Aerial view of Parc de la Villette. (n.d.).

Parc de la Villette, a famous precedent of transforming urban green space into facilities with cultural and social purposes, successfully utilized the green spaces as “bridge spaces”. The

Fig.5 Trafalgar Square.

most inspiring part is how the red buildings are aligned in a grid

Trafalgar Square in Central London can be compared to a special

pattern, which “gives the visitors points of reference” (Souza, 2011).

“bridge”: the landmark Nelson’s Column and the fountains make

Soho

the square iconic, and turn the square into a “reference point”,

Oxford Street

similar to the design of Parc de la Villette but in a larger scale.

Covent Garden

Regent Street Piccadilly Circus Trafalgar Square

St James’s Park

Fig.4 Parc de la Villette.

The surroundings of Trafalgar Square

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3.1 The barriers to the “green bridges”

3.2 Risks and rewards trade-off

Site analysis: insufficiencies and possible solutions for the site to be used as a “bridge space”

Hard pavements

Relatively dry areas (north and middle)

Site analysis: possible solutions to turn the meadow into circulation spaces

Wet lawns (south)

Getting in touch with nature

Social connections

Enclosed space

Muddy road

Knowledge expansion

Tranquility

Dirtiness

Rugged surface

Recalling the discussion of the factors which facilitate movements and Though, something peculiar was noticed during my observations towards the

explorations, and the experiences and observations about going through “bridge

park users. Distinctively, most dog walkers stick on the hard pavements, differing

spaces”, we get an inference into how people balance the risks and rewards of

from those who play on the lawns in Greenwich Park, for example. Meanwhile,

their possible exploration:

the lawns are damper and slippery in the south part, lasting for days after rain.

Relatively, the lawn in the north part is more welcomed by dogs, kids and ball game players. The observation proves the lack of popularity on the lawns.

1. Rewards:

2. Risks:

(1) Fulfilling curiosity

(1) Physical barriers on the route: terrain, distances…

(2) Gaining cultural enrichment

(2) Possible consumption of other resources: time, stamina…

(3) Building social connections

(3) Navigation challenges

(4) Meeting materialistic needs

(4) Safety concerns

(5) …

(5) Lack of rest spaces (6) …

People usually make a move when they perceive the rewards to outweigh the risks.

Although the movements of people crossing Ladywell Fields were witnessed, the space cannot be regarded as a successful “bridge space” at present. The wet lawns and other factors are stopping people from going across them, increasing the “risk” on the way.

If the actions of exploration are to be motivated, the simplest way is to increase the “rewards” and reduce the “risks”.

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3.3 Comfortable interactions with the natural surroundings

3.4 Bringing people to the sceneries

Fig.6 i/thee (n.d.). Peak-A-Boo Installation.

Fig.9 Path of Perspectives.

Precedent: Peak-A-Boo Installation / i.thee

Precedent: Path of Perspective / Snohetta

Peak-A-Boo, an installation in the wood, illustrated a most common tactic of reducing the “risks” when approaching nature.

The wood panel created comfortable platforms for more variable activities, making a distinctive scenery among the trees.

Path of Perspectives, different from Peak-A-Boo, strongly ascended the “rewards” gained during the trip. The extruding platforms provide perfect locations for looking out, bringing the beautiful landscape directly to the tourists’ sights.

Fig.7 i/thee (n.d.). Peak-A-Boo Installation.

Fig.10 Path of Perspectives.

Fig.8 i/thee (n.d.). Peak-A-Boo Installation.

Fig.11 Path of Perspectives.

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4.1 Constructing bridges in 3 realms Initial design conceptualization

After researching and analysing, three main purposes were identified.

In an exploration through “bridges”, we gain physical and mental benefits and strengthen our social connections with the outer world. The designs would be the architectural interventions that facilitate the bonds formed in the “bridges”. And ultimately, they are abstracted into the three metaphorical “bridges”, constructed not only in the physical world but also in the social webs and knowledge realms.

I planned to design several social benches, as the materialised forms of these “bridges”

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4.2 Integrating personal experiences through data collection Experimenting data collection with Pyhon coding

At a very early stage, I experimented with simple coding that summarize the use of benches, such as the staying time, locations and directions, indicating the factors that grab their attention, to provide real-time feedback to the users.

import random # Define constants NUM_CHAIRS = 10 DISTANCE_RANGES = [(0, 100), (100, 200), (200, 300), (300, 400), (400, 500), (500, 600), (600, 700), (700, 800), (800, 900), (900, 1000)] ANGLE_RANGES = [(0, 30), (30, 60), (60, 90), (90, 120), (120, 150), (150, 180), (210, 240), (240, 270), (300, 360)] MASS_RANGE = (0, 150) MIN_MASS_RECORD = 30

However, I moved away from this concept. Other than practical reasons such as the threats of theft, the program failed to include the most possible factors affecting the final results of the calculation. For example, people do not always face the sceneries attracting them but the people interacting with them. Also, the precise movement and behaviours of the users cannot be recorded and analysed.

# Generate random data chair_data = [] for i in range(NUM_CHAIRS): distance = random.randint(0, 1000) angle = random.randint(0, 360) mass = random.randint(*MASS_RANGE) chair_data.append((distance, angle, mass)) # Record data for chairs with mass > 30kg time_distance = [[0] * len(DISTANCE_RANGES) for _ in range(NUM_CHAIRS)] time_angle = [[0] * len(ANGLE_RANGES) for _ in range(NUM_CHAIRS)] for i in range(NUM_CHAIRS): distance, angle, mass = chair_data[i] if mass > MIN_MASS_RECORD: for j, (start, end) in enumerate(DISTANCE_RANGES):

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time_distance[i][j] = random.randint(0, 100000) if start <= distance < end: time_distance[i][j] += random.randint(0, 100000) for j, (start, end) in enumerate(ANGLE_RANGES): time_angle[i][j] = random.randint(0, 100000) if start <= angle < end: time_angle[i][j] += random.randint(0, 100000) # Calculate longest periods of time for each chair longest_distance = [] longest_angle = [] for i in range(NUM_CHAIRS): max_distance_time = max(time_distance[i]) longest_distance.append(DISTANCE_RANGES[time_distance[i].index(max_distance_time)]) max_angle_time = max(time_angle[i]) longest_angle.append(ANGLE_RANGES[time_angle[i].index(max_angle_time)]) # Output results for i in range(NUM_CHAIRS): print(f”Chair {i+1}:”) print(f”Longest period of time at distance: {longest_distance[i]}”) print(f”Longest period of time at angle: {longest_angle[i]}”)

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4.3 Information exchange in modular systems A more achievable and practical substitution of data collection: modular structures

4.4 Customizing the experience Precedent: Photograph series “One” / Pierre Sernet

Moving forward, I thought of modular systems to be adjusted throughout time and by different groups. The modular system integrates people’s personalized experience indirectly: when they are adjusting the space for their personal experiences, they are also shaping these experiences with other users.

What is a part of “personalized experience”?

1. How people use the space (move, utilize...)

2. How people adjust the space (take away, put in, change...)

3. What people do with each other (socialization, playing...)

4. ...

Fig.12 Sernet, P. (2003). T055-Mrs.-Watanabe,-Mt. Fuji, Shizuoka.

Fig.13 Sernet, P. (2002). T-006,-Mr.-Noguchi-& Mr.Ueno, Sakai, Japan.

Fig.14 Sernet, P. (2002). T016-Alice,-CDG-Airport, Paris, France.

Fig.15 Sernet, P. (2004). T058-Malcolm,-Sunset-Beach, Hawaii, USA.

Recalling the analysis of Parc de la Villette, which exemplified the importance of building points of reference, I linked it to the photograph series about an identical space in different locations. In this series, the same tearoom space indicates a certain area of tranquillity, relaxation, etc.

When an identical space takes place repetitively, it posts a clue of a certain vibe. This is the other reason to use the modular system with repeating units: the identical units scattered throughout the site would make the urban green space a whole while acting as “points of reference”, and give a subtle hint of mental relaxation.

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5.1 Build a space with geometrical forms Experimenting with different shapes Spinning triangle panels

Foldable panel rolls

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Foldable square panels

Foldable triangular panels

Foldable and rotatable triangular panels

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Height-adjustable triangular platforms

5.2 Variable triangles in practical uses Using triangles as the basic modular system

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5.3 An appropriate size

Finding the best size for the modular system

When trying to select a suitable size for all the identical units, I thought of the existing dimensions of chairs, tables and staircases.

The units must be light and easily carried by any individuals.

And finally, 50 cm was considered an appropriate size.

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5.4 Stacks of triangles

Installing the modular system in a small scale

In the social bench, there are fixed units for stepping and stabilisation, and units to be moved vertically. The structure of triangle stacks made this possible.

The structure consists of a few triangular panels, with poles made with 6 connectors, allowing free vertical movements of the adjustable structures, and fixing necessary fixed stepping panels at the bottom.

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Installing base supporting structure.

Adding connectors to the level needing different triangular modular units.

Installing fixed units.

Installing movable units.

Installing canopy units.

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5.5 Modular units mix-and-match

Different configurations of triangular panels and frames

Other than the initial configurations by the designer, the modular units catalyse users to personalise and “create” spaces on their own. Among the 4 modular units that are available for changes, the users can create infinite mix-and-matches.

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6.1 The rationale behind selecting possible locations

Dissecting people’s attention, routes and experience to find the potential location for the designs 1

2

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3

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As spatial “bridges”, the architectural interventions should locate between the area where people stay, and the area attracting people but with barriers on the way. They act as spatial junctions and rest spaces.

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Selection 1

6.2 Bridging the man-made spaces and the nature Location selections for the designs

Potential areas selected for the architectural interventions

Selection 1

Selection 2

Existing pavements in the site

Vegetations other than meadows, such as trees and shrubs Ravensbourne River

Selection 2

Selection 3

Selection 4

Selection 3 Selection 4

Selection 5

Selection 5

Selection 6

Selection 6

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7.1 Building the “bridges”

First attempt of structuralize the “bridging” social benches

This was the first attempt when I was trying to divide the selected areas into smaller zones. However, without thinking of the logic behind setting up rest spaces in parks, the initial design led to problems, such as excessive area taken, risks of falling from high places, etc.

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Adding a second level above

Identifying the sights of visitors on the pavements 2

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Finding the routes taken by these visitors to the attractive places

Identifying the sights of the visitors on the second level

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Removing the area too close to the natural elements such as rivers

Extracting the space between the routes

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Cutting the space to leave a route cutting through

Creating routes to a higher place

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Location 7.2 An initial selection attempt

Subtitle First attempting to structure the design based on the method above

Following the first attempt at an early stage, I made the initial zoning for the 3 locations. After reflecting on the problems that emerged in these designs, I could fix them and restructure the rationale behind the zonings.

For instance, the sitting zone should be directly linked to the routes taken, instead of cutting out an area with the routes. Also, the second level was removed for safety concerns, and they are replaced with unaccessible canopies.

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7.3 The logic underlying the structures

Identifying the basic rationale behind the space and people’s experiences

Directions of attention

Before really starting to restructure the space, I went back to the logic behind these design iterations thoroughly. By understanding the relationships between the visitors, the natural environments, the man-made structures on the site and my design, I could make the design clearer and more effective.

Possible directions of moving towards the attractive places

Locations for the social benches

Social benches joining pavements and natural elements

People moving through the social benches

Directions of attentions towards the social benches around the site

The main purpose of these social benches is to intervene in the existing surroundings, by joining the pavement areas and the attractive natural elements, without posting too many effects on the original natural preserved areas.

Height arrangements in the social benches (more intense, then higher)

Rough sketches when restructuring my ideas

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7.4 Following the paths of pedestrians Second attempt to structuralize the “bridging” social benches

With different underlying logic, the results made in the second attempt were completely different. The areas allocated for the adjustable sitting spaces are smaller and more accessible.

Meanwhile, the structures are scattered around the selected locations, giving more options for visitors.

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Adding a second level above (but lower than in the first attempt)

Identifying the sights of visitors on the pavements 2

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Finding the routes taken by these visitors to the attractive places

Identifying the sights of the visitors on the second level

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Reducing the areas closer to the natural attractors

Arranging the sitting spaces around the routes

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Removing some second-level platforms due to excessive height

Creating routes to a higher place

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7.5 Into the site step by step Second attempting to structure the design

Following the page above, the zonings for each location were made. I was trying to adjust the height of the adjustable platforms according to the terrains around these locations, in order to provide convenience and better sights.

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7.6 First sample from the second attempt Location 1

The location in the north part has a steeper slope, which means it is tougher to get close to the centre of the meadow and can be seen more easily.

With the social bench linking the highest point and the river bank, it is easier for people to get close to the river.

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7.7 Second sample from the second attempt Location 3

In the location in the south part, the pavement structure is more complex than in other places, while 5 pavements join here.

The social benches are placed between two pavements, with lush wood on the north. It makes sure that people from most directions can see the social bench, without blocking people’s sights towards the beautiful landscape.

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8.1 Flexible and adjustable structure

8.2 Mortise and tenon

Testing technical details

Experimenting models

Considering the necessity of moving the sitting surfaces upwards and downwards freely, I conjured up several possible structures that can fix the chair legs to a certain level and can be altered as well.

In most of the initial concepts, the movability of the chairs is controlled by the buttons or handles at the sitting surface.

However, these complicated structures might lead to challenges such as theft, corrosion, etc. Consequently, I was looking for a simpler and lighter structure, allowing better flexibility and controllability in these modular units.

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8.3 A combination of the two

Designing technical details

On the first try, the rotatable tenon was inserted into the chair leg and was controlled by the thread connected to the seat surface.

Nonetheless, the structure consisted of too many small units, which increase the budget for production and maintenance. Meanwhile, the connectors for this structure were too big and unstable.

Next, I experimented with the structure with 2 springs. By reducing the number of components, I made it to reduce the size and maintenance difficulties. The drawback of this design is the durability - the springs get tired after too many movements.

By using tougher materials for the springs, the problem can be alleviated to some extent.

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9.1 Light, strong and supportive

9.2 Rattan, acrylic and aluminum

Research: materials for outdoor light structures

Material selection for the light structure

When selecting materials, there are some key factors to be considered: 1. Light enough to be carried by human individuals 2. Strong enough to support the structure 3. Resisting erosion 4. Easily gained and replaced within the UK

Foam board

Acrylic

PVC

Synthetic ratten

Plywood

Rubber

Stainless steel

Concrete

Bamboo

Transparent acrylic

Aluminum alloy

HDPE

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While aluminum alloy acts the role of the supportive structure, the transparent acrylic panel makes the visual of the social benches lighter and less overwhelming, while allowing a stronger visual connection with nature, such as sunlight and vegetation. And instead of acrylic for seats, I chose synthetic rattan, which has a lighter density and warmer texture, while they can easily be obtained and replaced in the local country.

317.6 cm^2 (the volume of the rattan surface) * 1 g/cm^2 (the density of synthetic rattan) + 511.0 cm^2 (the volume of the seat surface frame) * 2.63 g/cm^2 (the density of aluminum alloy) + 3*24.9 cm^2 (the volume of the adjustable chair legs) * 2.63 g/cm^2 (the density of aluminum alloy) =1857.991 g Considering of the weights of necessary other components such as screws, and the stains and dirt attached after being used, the total weight of the adjustable unit could still be less than 2.5 kg. While most of the stools without chair backs weigh from 2 kg to 6 kg, I made it to minimize the size and weight of these adjustable seats.

61

10.1 Plan and elevation: Connectors and adjustable chair legs

Scale 1:5 Unit: mm

15

20 18

30

30

525

30

30

Plan and elevation of the connectors in the standing poles, and adjustable chair legs joining with the sitting surfaces.

30

27

13

10

Connector

62

Adjustable chair leg

63

Installation (Connector + chair leg)

10.2 Plan: Connectors and adjustable chair legs

10.3 Section: Adjustable structure in the chair legs

Plans of the 6 connectors as a group in a standing pole, and the 6 adjustable chair legs when in the connectors. The number of smaller components in each connector can be adjusted for special purposes, such as the junction area between higher and lower platforms.

The section of the adjustable chair legs, showing the movable small component as a part of the adjustable seat.

Scale 1:1 Unit: mm

Scale 1:1 Unit: mm

30 16

17

26

12

15

Fixed connectors

11

120

13

27 5

31

30

550

25

10

7

31

3

Adjustable chair legs

54

16

64

20

10

9 12

7 8

Connector

Adjustable chair leg

12

65

Installation (Connector + chair leg)

Tenon

10.4 Plan and elevation: Vertical connectors A-E

10.5 Plan and elevation: Adjustable panels F-I

Scale 1:20 Unit: mm

Scale 1:20 Unit: mm

40

Different fixed frames and panels to be connected to the connectors, providing different functions such as flooring, sitting and sheltering.

3180

Different connectors as poles, for the adjustable surfaces at different levels specifically.

20 20 32 10

30

10

20

50

20

525

10

860

950

50

20

385

475

10

26 60 Connector A A Connector

36 Connector B B Connector

60 Connector C C Connector

66

36 Connector D D Connector

36 60 Connector E E Connector

440 500

440 500

442 500

440 500

Frame F

Panel G

Panel H

Panel I

67

10.6 Elevation: Joined connectors and adjustable chair legs

Scale 1:10 Unit: mm

Presenting how the panels at different levels are connected to the different connectors.

460 340

150

Panel H

475

Frame H + Panel G

Panel H

Frame H + Panel G

Frame H + Panel G

Connector D

68

395

Ground level

Connector D

Connector B

69

Connector A

10.7 Plan and elevation: Configurations of platforms at different levels (1)

10.8 Plan and elevation: Configurations of platforms at different levels (2)

Scale 1:20 Unit: mm

Plans and elevations of the 2 lower platforms consist of different panels and connectors.

Plans and elevations of the 2 upper platforms consist of different panels and connectors.

150

Scale 1:20 Unit: mm

150

625

Frame F

625

Frame F

Connector A

Frame F

150

Frame F

Connector A

Connector B

Panel G

Panel H

Panel G

Panel G

Panel G

Connector A

Connector B

Panel H

Panel G Connector B

Connector B

Connector C

Connector B

Lower stepping platform

Connector B

Connector C

Connector D Panel H

Panel G

Connector C

Connector D

Panel H

Panel H

Panel H

Panel H

Panel H

Panel G

Lower adjustable platform

70

Connector D

Panel G

Panel G

Panel H Connector A

Connector C Panel G

Panel H

Panel H

Panel G Connector A

Connector C

Panel H

Panel G

Connector A

Connector B

Connector C

Connector D

Upper stepping platform

Connector D

Upper adjustable platform

71

Connector D

10.9 Plan and elevation: Configurations of platforms at different levels (3)

Frame F

40

Scale 1:20 Unit: mm

2935

Plans and elevations of the canopy consist of different panels and connectors.

Connector E

Connector E Panel I

Connector E

Panel I

Panel I

Panel I

Panel I

Connector E

Panel I Connector E

Connector E

Canopy

72

73

11.1 Plan: Locations of the social benches 20

2

Site plan: Scale 1:150000

55

Social bench plans: Scale 1:50000

17

13

9

27

29

41

259

53

59

Location 1

Shelter

38

1 to 6

Lister House

Location 1

4

Lad ywe ll (St

atio n)

1

St Mary's Centre

5 to 12

1 to 9

15 to 23

29 to 36

34

30

24 to 28 37 to 40

10 to 14

21

13 17 PC

54 56

52

33

78 80

45

102 104

57

126 128

71

Rising Bollard

El Sub Sta

1 to

Willo

9

wme

85

1

154 156

150 152

re

160

2

31 28

University

29

to 32

24

to

40

170

23

97

Hospital Lewisham

8

22

176

9 9

dy

La ll

ar Ye

we 19

rly

109

18

re

nt Ce

13

s

Ea El Sub Sta

190

14 192 194

16 28

26

17 121

10 to 16 to

to

212 214

Ladywell Centre

24

8 18

2

14

7 9 232 234 240 242

23

67

244 246

15 19

e

3

dg

73

10

137

El Sub Sta

133

20

11

Posts

on

Lo

14

e

dg

gt

in

5

14

l Lo

el

w

dy

29

89

16

12 14

39

La

147

ss

Dre

1

14

75 5

to

3

274 276

72

13

82

13

9

Nockholds House

13 9 20

10

El Sub Sta

286 288

57

1

117

49

1

10

1 to

157

123

6

131

153 to 199 105 to 151

44

11 109

11

67

22

95 23

16 85 to 93

115

56 103

32

75 to 83

35 73

68

52

47

69

129

Location 2

62 76

42

Mee The ting Roo

64

m 59

1

86

82

143 72

80

20 71

5

20

145

98

19

18

17

Prendergast

96

145a

21

Tank

El Sub Sta

Primary School

40 52

9

15 108

77

10 11

13

14

63

12

73a

80

120

73

81

100

Pavilion

Tank

Location 2

Sta

183

93

112

132

82

Prendergast Ladywell School

El Sub

29

136

1 to 53

103

46

96

141

137

140

150

160

114

57

193

Location 3 Appleby Court

205

1 to 126

Dixie Court

133

126

149

138

150

El Sub Sta

122

217 30 120

29

110

138

1 to 12

18 to

13

140

122

Westm ead Court

17 to 18

229

Harlie

Court

136

1 to 11

12

Location 3

140

34 16

133

115

35

17

52 21 to

20

19

30

126

106

150

122

241

106a

El Sub Sta

29

85

106b

1 to 11 160

110

251

17 to 28

97

33

Lawre Court

1 to 16

nce

97

Abbey

Court 111

12

101

96

105

99

16

115

95

127 El Sub Sta

128

27

124

103

2

6

6a

8

Court

101

Dunsto

ne

30

1 12

97

15

El Sub Sta

El Sub Sta

Holbeach 1 to 17

Primary

Burgess Court

School

Bowling Green

85

80

69

25 to 32

67

74

3 4 9

1 6 7

rt

33 to 38

n Cou

51

Coli

59

1 to 8

68

64

80

108

1

y Court

83 to 105

1 to 24

Dempse

81

3 28

31

Firgrove

Court

7

1 to 27

6

45 to 50

4

96

3a

8 84

13

15

66 62

13

60 72

129

25

132

56

23

11 54

1

30

16 1 to 128

2 52

Ferdinand Court

27 13 42

1a

1

24 12 2 7

2

6

1

74

75

11.2 Section: Social bench design at Location 1 (West)

Scale 1:100 Unit: mm

11.3 Plan: Social bench design at Location 1 (West)

Scale 1:200 Unit: mm

The plan and section of the social bench locating in the northwest corner of Ladywell Fields. Since the north area is more popular, two social benches were placed. This page shows one of them.

76

77

11.4 Section: Social bench design at Location 1 (East)

Scale 1:100 Unit: mm

11.5 Plan: Social bench design at Location 1 (East)

Scale 1:200 Unit: mm

The plan and section of the social bench locating in the north-east corner of Ladywell Fields. Due to the steep slope at the east, the scattered small benches are placed at different heights.

78

79

11.6 Section: Social bench design at Location 2

Scale 1:100 Unit: mm

11.7 Plan: Social bench design at Location 2

Scale 1:200 Unit: mm

The plan and section of the social bench locating in the middle part of Ladywell Fields. In the area without much height changes, the social bench provide chances for more direct connections with the natural surroundings in the area.

80

81

11.8 Section: Social bench design at Location 3

Scale 1:100 Unit: mm

11.9 Plan: Social bench design at Location 3

Scale 1:200 Unit: mm

The plan and section of the social bench locating in the south part of Ladywell Fields. The most popular part closer to the railway is at a lower altitude, leading to a different design logic, which is to increase the platform height at the lowest point, to create a better lookout.

82

83

12.1 Rendering - Social bench 1

84

85

12.2 Rendering - Social bench 2

86

87

12.3 Rendering - Social bench 3

88

89

12.4 Rendering - Social bench 4

90

91

13 Reflection

14 Bibliography

It was an extremely busy unit since I have been reworking so many ideas and designs, that I feel such satisfied when I am finally completing it. However, if this was a longer unit, I will think of structuring my initial ideas in a clearer way, in order to identify the problems existing in the site and my design target, which would save more time to improve my designs, since at the early stage I spent too much time to figure out what I wanted to do, instead of analysing for the design.

Reference list

Maguire, P. (2016). A Brief History Of The Lewisham Borough. [online] Lewisham Card. Available at: http://www.lewishamcard.co.uk/latest/2016/4/6/a-brief-history-of-lewisham-borough [Accessed 6 Mar. 2023].

Admin (2016). Trafalgar Square: the Heart of London | London Airport Transfers. [online] London Airport Transfers. Available at: https://londonairportransfers.com/ trafalgar-square-the-heart-of-london/.

Martinez, J. (2019). Great Smog of London | Facts, Pollution, Solution, & History.

In: Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/ event/Great-Smog-of-London.

Atlas of Urban Expansion (2016). Atlas of Urban Expansion - Cities. [online] atlasofurbanexpansion.org. Available at: http://atlasofurbanexpansion.org/data [Accessed 23 Feb. 2023].

Niantic, Inc (2023). Niantic, Inc. [online] Niantic. Available at: https://nianticlabs. com/.

Baldwin, E. (2019). Beatrice Bonzanigo Unveils Off-Grid Micro Home for Milan Design Week. [online] Beatrice Bonzanigo Unveils Off-Grid Micro Home for Milan Design Week. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/912987/beatrice-bonzanigo-unveils-off-grid-micro-home-for-milan-design-week?ad_source=search&ad_ medium=projects_tab&ad_source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all.

Meanwhile, there are still things to be improved in the technical drawings. For instance, I found it tough to draw the technical details, such as the movable units, since I could only rely on the experimental models to construct those details, but could not build a 1:1 model for experimentation. Also, with little former experience in building movable structures, the experimenting process was tough as well.

Pew Research Center (2018). Demographic and economic trends in urban, suburban and rural communities. [online] Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/ social-trends/2018/05/22/demographic-and-economic-trends-in-urban-suburban-and-rural-communities/.

Barbosa, H., Hazarie, S., Dickinson, B., Bassolas, A., Frank, A., Kautz, H., Sadilek, A., Ramasco, J.J. and Ghoshal, G. (2021). Uncovering the socioeconomic facets of human mobility. Scientific Reports, [online] 11(1), p.8616. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/ s41598-021-87407-4.

After the unit, I gained more experience in combining scientific theories into my design. I understood how to utilise them to analyse the site and my ideas, such as Marginal Value Theory when analysing visitor behaviours, and semantic links between abstract concepts when understanding the reasons behind confirmation bias on the Internet and in real life. The theories strongly support my conceptualization and design.

Pintos, P. (2022). Peak-A-Boo Installation / i/thee. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/988189/peak-a-boo-installation-i-thee?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab [Accessed 3 May 2023].

Bayly, C.A. (2004). The Birth of the Modern world, 1780-1914 : Global Connections and Comparisons. Malden, Ma: Blackwell Pub.

QUERCUS in Lewisham Evaluation Report. (2008).

Bernard Tschumi Architects (n.d.). Bernard Tschumi Architects. [online] tschumi. com. Available at: http://tschumi.com/projects/3/.

Ritchie, H. and Roser, M. (2018). Urbanization. [online] Our World in Data. Available at: https://ourworldindata.org/urbanization.

Boyd, B. (2019). Urbanization and the Mass Movement of People to Cities | Grayline Group. [online] Grayline Group. Available at: https://graylinegroup.com/urbanization-catalyst-overview/.

Ross, P. and Maynard, K. (2021). Towards a 4th industrial revolution. Intelligent Buildings International, [online] 13(3), pp.1–3. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/17508975.

2021.1873625.

Chen, J. (2020). Risk-Return Tradeoff. [online] Investopedia. Available at: https:// www.investopedia.com/terms/r/riskreturntradeoff.asp.

Sernet, P. (2018). One. [online] Pierre Sernet. Available at: http://pierresernet.com/ one/.

Crafts, N.F.R. (2002). Understanding the Industrial Revolution. The English Historical Review, 117(471), pp.489–490. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/ehr/117.471.489.

Snøhetta (n.d.). Path of Perspectives. [online] www.snohetta.com. Available at: https://www.snohetta.com/projects/path-of-perspectives [Accessed 1 May 2023].

Dimensions.com (2023). Browse Humans | Dimensions.com. [online] www.dimensions.com. Available at: https://www.dimensions.com/browse/humans.

Souza, E. (2011). AD Classics: Parc de la Villette / Bernard Tschumi Architects. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/92321/ad-classicsparc-de-la-villette-bernard-tschumi.

Dolan, R., Bullock, J.M., Jones, J.P.G., Athanasiadis, I.N., Martinez-Lopez, J. and Willcock, S. (2021). The Flows of Nature to People, and of People to Nature: Applying Movement Concepts to Ecosystem Services. Land, 10(6), p.576. doi:https://doi. org/10.3390/land10060576.

Tschumi, B. (1987). Parc de la Villette. [Architecture Design].

Tschumi, B. (2001). Architecture and disjunction. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Mit Press.

Edwards, S. (2022). User Behavior Analytics: How to Track and Analyze. [online] Amplitude. Available at: https://amplitude.com/blog/user-behavior.

World Bank (2022). Urban Development. [online] World Bank. Available at: https:// www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/overview.

Florian, M.-C. (2022). ‘I Believe that Architecture is Never Finished’: In Conversation with FAR, Creator of the First Generative Project for the Metaverse. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/990862/i-believe-that-architecture-is-never-finished-in-conversation-with-far-creator-of-the-first-generativeproject-for-the-metaverse?ad_source=search&ad_medium=projects_tab&ad_ source=search&ad_medium=search_result_all [Accessed 1 May 2023].

Fromm, E. (1992). The anatomy of human destructiveness. New York: Henry Holt And Comp.

Hitch, N.L. (2022). sweeping arches and wood-laminate decks form i/thee’s stage at site of woodstock festival. [online] designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/arches-decks-wood-laminate-i-thee-stage-woodstock-festival-08-25-2022/ [Accessed 3 May 2023].

Kazimierz Dabrowski (2015). Personality-shaping through positive disintegration.

Red Pill Press.

Leese, M. and Stef Wittendorp (2017). Security/Mobility. Manchester University Press.

Lin, B.B., Chang, C., Andersson, E., Astell-Burt, T., Gardner, J. and Feng, X. (2023).

Visiting Urban Green Space and Orientation to Nature Is Associated with Better Wellbeing during COVID-19. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), p.3559. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043559.

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Images Fig.1 Ladywell Fields after QUERCUS Project in 2008. (2008). [Photograph].

QUERCUS in Lewisham Evaluation Report.

Fig.2 Park users concerns pre and post QUERCUS. (2008). QUERCUS in Lewisham Evaluation Report.

Fig.3 Aerial view of Parc de la Villette. (n.d.). [Photograph]. Le Parc de la Villette est le plus grand centre de création artistique du Grand Paris Nord. Available at: https://www.tourisme-plainecommune-paris.com/decouvrir/aux-alentours/lavillette.

Fig.4 Tschumi, B. (n.d.). Parc de la Villette. [Photograph]. Available at: https:// www.tschumi.com/projects/104.

Fig.5 Admin (2016). Trafalgar Square. [Photograph]. Trafalgar Square: The Heart of London. Available at: https://londonairportransfers.com/trafalgar-square-theheart-of-london/.

Fig.6 i/thee (n.d.). Peak-A-Boo Installation 1. [Photograph]. Peak-A-Boo Installation / i/thee. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/988189/peak-a-boo-installation-ithee?ad_medium=gallery.

Fig.7 i/thee (n.d.). Peak-A-Boo Installation 2. [Photograph]. Peak-A-Boo Installation / i/thee. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/988189/peak-a-booinstallation-i-thee?ad_medium=gallery.

Fig.8 i/thee (n.d.). Peak-A-Boo Installation 3. [Photograph]. Peak-A-Boo Installation / i/thee. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/988189/peak-a-booinstallation-i-thee?ad_medium=gallery.

Fig.9 Snøhetta (n.d.). Path of Perspectives 1. [Photograph]. Path of Perspectives ‘Perspektivenweg’ at Innsbruck’s spectacular Nordkette mountain range. Available at: https://www.snohetta.com/projects/path-of-perspectives.

Fig.10 Snøhetta (n.d.). Path of Perspectives 2. [Photograph]. Path of Perspectives ‘Perspektivenweg’ at Innsbruck’s spectacular Nordkette mountain range. Available at: https://www.snohetta.com/projects/path-of-perspectives.

Fig.11 Snøhetta (n.d.). Path of Perspectives 3. [Photograph]. Path of Perspectives ‘Perspektivenweg’ at Innsbruck’s spectacular Nordkette mountain range. Available at: https://www.snohetta.com/projects/path-of-perspectives.

Fig.12 Sernet, P. (2003). T055-Mrs.-Watanabe,-Mt. Fuji, Shizuoka. [Photograph].

Pierre Sernet. Available at: http://pierresernet.com/one/.

Fig.13 Sernet, P. (2002). T-006,-Mr.-Noguchi-& Mr.Ueno, Sakai, Japan.

[Photograph]. Pierre Sernet. Available at: http://pierresernet.com/one/.

Fig.14 Sernet, P. (2002). T016-Alice,-CDG-Airport, Paris, France. [Photograph].

Pierre Sernet. Available at: http://pierresernet.com/one/.

Fig.15 Sernet, P. (2004). T058-Malcolm,-Sunset-Beach, Hawaii, USA. [Photograph].

Pierre Sernet. Available at: http://pierresernet.com/one/.

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