ANASTASSIA GUSSEINOVA
URBAN DESIGN
01 EARL’S COURT, LONDON Part I - Group studio project, site analysis and masterplan proposal. Part II - Individual studio project, detailed urban design proposal for a section of the masterplan.
02 NORTH WEST LONDON, NW3 Group studio project, macro-scale analysis of the area and development of a Strategic Spatial Plan for 15 years time frame.
03 POPLAR, LONDON Group studio project, urban analysis and preparation of Urban Design Strategy for 30 years time frame.
04 SLOANE SQUARE, LONDON Part I - Group studio Project, streetscape analysis and improvement proposal. Part II - Individual studio project, detailed design proposal of the Sloane Square.
05 METANAR, NARVA, ESTONIA Metamorphological research that explores the speculative form of the city by examining the shape of the urban environment and its cultural landscape.
06 COUNCILLORS’ ATTITUDES TO HOUSING DESIGN A national survey of local councillors in England on their approach to the design of new residential development.
07 SKETCHES
ANASTASSIA GUSSEINOVA Hi! I am Anastassia, an urban planning and design graduate, and this is a selection of my most representative work over the last 3 years at university.
anastassia.gusseinova@gmail.com
+44 7426 937015
London, UK
Whilst studying at the university, I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant for Place Alliance, where I have explored in depth the importance of design governance. The research I conducted has taught me to always question the why and how of urban design solutions and learn from the best practice. Before graduating, I had the luck to work as an urban design assistant at Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design, where I gained experience in a range of masterplanning projects. As part of the team, I was introduced to forwardthinking planning practice and learned to be autonomous both in time planning and thinking of the project. I am interested in creating spaces with a strong identity – for and with people using them. Combining design, planning and research skills, I am particularly interested in the interrelation between strategic planning and its implementation on the human scale. I am a strong believer that people should come first when it comes to the planning and creation of places.
2017 - 2020
EDUCATION
SKILLS
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Adobe Illustrator
BSc (Hons) Urban Planning, Design and Management (RTPI & RICS accedited) Classification: First class (1st). Winner of the Laidlaw Research and Leadership Programme Scholarship. Worked as Student Ambassador at the Open Days. Served as Communications Officer of the Bartlett Urban Planning Society. Founder of a career-oriented platform for students “BSP HelpHub”.
2014 - 2016
Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign SketchUp VectorWorks QGIS ArchiCAD
TALLINN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY BA Architecture (suspended) Studied Mathematical analysis, GIS, Building Structures and Materials, BIM modelling. GPA: 3.71 out of 5.0.
2019 - 2020
2018 - 2020
WORK EXPERIENCE
LANGUAGES
TIBBALDS PLANNING AND URBAN DESIGN Urban Design Assistant
English IELTS Certificate - C1 Level
Assisted with masterplanning of large sites, worked on sites’ layout and framework principles. Assisted with the preparation of Design and Access Statements.
Estonian Estonian as a Second Language - C1 Level
PLACE ALLIANCE
Russian Native Speaker
Research Assistant Contributed to two design-governance oriented research projects of a national scale (A Housing Design Audit for England; Councillors’ attitudes to Housing Design). Redeveloped organisation’s website.
01 EARL’S COURT, LONDON
Part I — Group studio project, analysis of site’s context, development of strategy and masterplan. Part II — Individual studio project, development of detailed urban design proposal of the selected section of the masterplan. Project dates: January - March 2020
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS OF THE SITE
PART I Masterplan development Earl’s Court in West London is a large site occupied by the exhibition centres (now demolished), a depot for London’s Underground, the Empress State Building, and the West Kensington and Gibbs Green housing estates. The site is designated for redevelopment into a large residential-led, mixed-use development. Initial Farrell’s masterplan for the site was granted planning permission by Local Planning Authorities in 2013. Yet, the proposal has raised several concerns due to its density, urban form, demolition of the existing housing estates and a small share of affordable housing. In response, residents have presented an alternative plan, the People’s Plan, developed by Architects for Social Housing (ASH) with residents’ participation. PEOPLE’S MASTERPLAN
In the face of widespread opposition, the decision has been made to revise the scheme and develop an alternative scheme that would keep the existing housing estates on site.
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FARRELLS MASTERPLAN
DIVERSE AND LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS
CONNECTIVITY
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT VERSION 1
it un mm Co
s ink yL
HIGH-QUALITY GREEN SPACES WITH PEOPLE IN MIND VIEWS AND VISTAS
Pocket parks
Major Parks Neighbourhood parks
Links betwe en lo cal hu
Lin k
lc
en
t re
s
ICONIC CULTURAL DESTINATION & DISTINCT LOCAL HUB to
ur ult rc he ot
a
bs Local hub & cultural centre
GREEN AND OPEN SPACE
VERSION 2
CONNECTED AND PERMEABLE STREET NETWORK
Major R oad
BUILDING HEIGHTS INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH Industrial cluster
Office cluster Cultural cluster
ions nnect ic co teg Stra
Retail cluster
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Proposal Knitting big and small As with the people’s masterplan, the estates are being retained with no demolition. However, the school and the nursery are demolished and rebuilt at a more appropriate scale; this will also facilitate the re-location of the nursery onto the same site as the school. Approximately 3900 new housing units are provided by this masterplan, with a wide range of dwelling sizes. The new exhibition centre positioned in the centre of the site, surrounded by a large public square. The north area of the site is reserved for a cluster of office buildings mixed with more affordable spaces for vocational training and light industrial facilities. The green network will be enhanced through the creation of new major parks and squares with a variety of uses. The site-wide public realm strategy will serve to unify the currently fractured estate and integrate the existing urban form into the new development.
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MOVEMENT AND ACCESSIBILITY
RESIDENTIAL TYPOLOGIES
BUILDING HEIGHTS
GREEN AND OPEN SPACES FINER PERMEABILITY
SQUARES & PLAZAS
MAJOR GREENWAYS
MAJOR PARKS
NEIGHBOURHOOD PARKS
RECREATION GROUNDS
LAND USE
LILLIE PARK
POCKET PARKS
PLAZA NEXT TO CULTURAL CENTRE
We s t
A4
Crom
w e ll
Rd
Employment cluster
Tube Station
Bea
umo
Existing housing estates
ib
No
l en C
12
d dR
The entrance to Beaumont Ave could have been more prominent if the land was used for retail. Light industrial uses next to the residential area serve as a harsh divide between new working area and existing housing estates.
Gre
En
The proposal did not incorporate well the existing trees, what could have resulted in an unnecessary loss of planting along Beaumont Ave.
High Street
bs
r th
The key aim of the masterplan was to connect the site seamlessly into the surrounding area. Yet, the Northern part of the site is completely cut off from the A4 road and would have benefitted from the pedestrian access, thus increasing permeability and walkability in the area. There is an existing link in place that could be enhanced for future use.
ve nt A
G
PART II Revision of the masterplan
New residential
Light industrial
School
Mu
nd
St
1.
2.
Main shortcomings 1. The massing of the office blocks to the north of the site is out of context and in sharp contrast with existing residential development.
3.
2. The increase in building heights towards the north of the site is too sharp. 3. Missed opportunity to redevelop West Kensington Station and adjacent buildings. Addition of 3-4 floors would have been beneficial and in keeping with the surrounding area along High Street.
4.
4. Building line on the corner of Gibbs Green Cl and Mund St is broken by unsuccessful siting of the nursery, sense of continuity is lost.
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Design Proposal SITE LAYOUT AND OPEN SPACE
GROUND FLOOR TREATMENT
0
BUILDING HEIGHTS
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STREETS HIERARCHY
100m
UPPER FLOOR LAND-USE
COMPLETE STREETS
ACTIVE FRONTAGES
PUBLIC-PRIVATE RELATIONSHIP Private home Front indent Green buffer
SECONDARY ST TYPE A (TWO-WAY BUS ROAD WITH SEGREGATED CYCLEWAYS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS)
3.6m 1.5m
7m
1.7m
4.1m
SECONDARY ST TYPE B (TWO-WAY ROAD WITH SEGREGATED CYCLEWAY IN ONE DIRECTION)
3m
1.5m
RESIDENTIAL STREET (VEHICULAR ACCESS ONLY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS)
2 . 2m 6. 2m
2 . 2m
4.4m
3m
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A place to live
VIEW FROM MUND ST WITH RENEWED ESTATES IN THE BACKGROUND
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COMMUNITY GARDEN NEXT TO DIEPPE CLOSE
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Estate’s retrofitting strategy allows to improve living conditions, create a more liveable environment, and add supplementary housing stock without displacing existing community. Housing layout creates a continuous street line and communal inner gardens for residents.
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Newly planted hedges and trees gently surround housing blocks along the pavements and walkways creating a sense of privacy.
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New school, nursery and community centre will provide services for various groups of the population.
•
A new housing development is of human scale with interesting architectural details.
NEW SCHOOL AND NURSERY ON THE EXISTING SITE
NEW PLAYGROUND IN THE INNER YARD OF GIBBS GREEN ESTATE
CHARACTER AREAS
Extended back gardens Upgraded playground
Hedges to separate private and semi-priate areas
Shared surface (no tarmac)
New trees and hedges planted to create visual sense of privacy
ESTATES’ RETROFITTING STRATEGY
HOUSING TYPOLOGIES
Additional floors above
New facade
Small balconies on ground floor replaced with spacious gardens
Other balconies widened
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A place to work & visit
VIEW TO THE UNDERGROUND STATION FROM THE SQUARE
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VIEW FROM THE EAST TO THE SQUARE
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Materials such as brick, tiles and stone (rather than glass) are preferable options for the new office buildings facades.
•
Retail units on Beaufort Ave will create a strong entrance to the site, inviting people from the high street.
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The light industrial unit is moved closer to the existing railway tracks as a more suitable location and floor area available.
•
The pedestrian link from A4 road to the site is preserved and improved, adding to the overall accessibility of the site together with an additional entrance to the Underground Station from the East.
VIEW TO THE POCKET SQUARE FROM THE WEST
North End Road High Street improvements
Pedestrian link to A4 Additional entrance to the Underground station Light industrial unit (mannequins production)
Pocket square
• Connection to wider employment cluster
•
Enhanced streetscape
• Office buildings
•
New structures will complement to the character of the North End Rd high street by building on the analysis of local retail frontages, brickwork patterns and rhythm. The heights will increase to 4-5 storeys to match the existing building line. Ground floor mainly used for the retail uses with active animated frontages. Building line is pushed back about 2m to widen the pavement and improve pedestrians’ experience.
EXISTING BUILDING LINE
Vibrant High Street
UPGRADED STATION ENTRANCE
PROMINENT CORNERS
RHYTHM & BRICKWORK
Offices with retail on ground floor
Strong entrance gate to the site
SECTION OF THE WHOLE SITE FROM NORTH END RD
Office cluster
Retrofitted estate New residential
Existing low density housing
New residential
A4 road
19 0
50m
02 NORTH WEST LONDON, NW3
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Group studio project — macro-scale urban analysis followed by the preparation of a strategic spatial plan for a pilot area located at the crossing between central London and the north west growth corridor. The time frame for the Strategic Spatial Plan is 15 years. Project dates: January - March 2019
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CURRENT URBAN STRUCTURE
Urban Analysis From Regent’s Park to Cricklewood The study area is located in north London, covering the boroughs of Brent, Barnet, Camden and Westminster. The main issues are the disconnected and underutilised green network, the shortage of non-selective secondary schools and the lack of different tenures due to the high housing prices. The steady increase in housing prices contributes to the displacement of existing low-income communities and enhances the scarcity of diversified employment and affordable retail.
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It is estimated that in the next 17 years the population in the area will grow by 15% from 307,700 people in 2017 to 352,700 by 2034. Population growth creates the need for additional housing, services and jobs. The study area is a suitable and attractive place for strategically planned growth due to its excellent transport connections allowing easy access within the area and its wider context. It is, however, recognised that there is limited land available to accommodate this growth, thus there is a need to use it more efficiently to ensure that it meets the objectives of sustainable development in the most environmentally friendly way.
KEY STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT DIAGRAM
FUTURE URBAN STRUCTURE
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Objectives and Planning Strategies DIVERSITY OF EMPLOYMENT: REVERSING THE TREND OF SPECIALISATION The area currently contains certain areas of specialisation in the economy, and the majority of residents commute out of the area, thus a more diverse business sector is needed. Local production and consumption of commodities and services distribute local wealth. This reduces the need to travel long distances, resulting in less greenhouse gas emissions in the area.
SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURES: PROMOTING ENCOUNTERS Human interaction in public spaces is an important factor for society. Even distribution of accessible and welcoming public spaces contributes to the wellbeing of residents, meanwhile multi-functional community facilities reduce overall energy consumption.
INCREASING HOUSING: A DENSER MULTI-FUNCTION AREA Increasing housing supply in the area is needed. This can be achieved mostly by densifying along main corridors and adding floors to existing buildings. Development should contribute to the existing land uses and not replace them. Densification of the area and mixed use development is a stable strategy that allows for population growth as well as reducing the need for energy and transport.
RETAIN & INCREASE AFFORDABLE RETAIL: LOCAL SHOPS, NOT GLOBAL CHAINS Affordable retail units are a vital facet for keeping high streets & town centres alive and vibrant, they offer opportunities for local employment and shopping. Access to goods and essential services locally reduces the need to travel further distances to obtain them. To retain and increase local shops and services, big global chains must be limited, and the unique, individual shop units must be encouraged.
Locations for locally grown food should be provided.
Seasonal markets should be encouraged throughout the area.
Co-working spaces should be accessible to people of all professions.
New business locations should be within existing employment districts or in close proximity to railway stations.
Council built housing estates with vast amount of surrounding land should be densified. Infill and refurbishment will allow maximisation of land use and street patterns to be followed.
The amalgamation of small and affordable individual shop units that results in the loss of existing local stores should be prevented. Underutilised open space and areas awaiting development should allow pop up businesses to operate on them for a temporary basis. The existing built environment should be supplemented and densified by way of infill and refurbishment, especially in proximity to rail stations and along highstreets. The largest variety of functions in the area should be strived for. Functions such as residences, retail, social services, sports, culture and offices can all exist in one single area.
Existing industrial areas, big box retail and large car parks should be densified to provide housing and more space for other services.
Proposed retail units must be appropriate to scale, character and function of the high street and town centre, taking into account existing shops.
Planning permission will be favourable towards creation of affordable, viable, small independent shop units.
Retail units will be rejected if they cause unacceptable adverse impacts on local economy.
Co-location of infrastructures for schooling, community facilities, gathering and meeting spaces is to be encouraged.
Abandoned, vacant or underutilised properties should be refurbished or repurposed. More and better public meeting places should be created in the area. They should be evenly distributed (relative to population density) throughout. 25
Spatial implementation of strategies MAJOR DENSIFICATION AREAS
DIVERSITY OF EMPLOYMENT: REVERSING THE TREND OF SPECIALISATION
RETAIN AND INCREASE AFFORDABLE RETAIL OPTIONS
Need for night time economy (A3/A4) Retention & provision of small units / one man shop Potential location for local market
In the major densification areas promotion of co-location is essential as it maximises the use of the existing space.
Need for night time economy (A3/A4)
Temporary affordable retail units on long-term development site
Retention & provision of small units / one man shop
Need for more shops & professional services (A1/A2)
Potential location for local market Temporary affordable retail units
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With a long-term plan for the strengthening, localisation and development of different businesses, the diversification of employment sector can grow organically and will be able to accommodate generations to come.
long-term development site Theonfocus is on provision and retention of Need for more shopsoptions by implementing small affordable retail & professional services (A1/A2) shop units (< 200sqm GIA). Additional units of A1, A2, A3 and A4 use classes along the high streets and town centres help to boost the local economy.
RETAIN AND INCREASE SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
INCREASE HOUSING & PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT PATTERN
Council estates regeneration
Co-location of existing social infrastructure
Communities along the railways
Co-location of new social infrastructure
Need for a secondary school
Co-location of new social infrastructure
Retention of existing cemetery
Provision of new infrastructure
Retention of existing sport pitch
Need for a secondary school
The promotion of co-location is essential as it Retention ofthe existing cemetery maximises use of existing space and ensures that adequate social infrastructure is available in Retention of existing sport pitch the area.
Existing parks
Densification by building up
Provision of new infrastructure Co-location of existing social infrastructure
ENHANCE THE GREEN NETWORK
Council estates regeneration
Hyper dense housing
Communities along the railways
Densification by building up & infill
Densification by building up Hyper dense housing
Densification is a stable strategy which allows for Densificationpopulation by building up & growth infill continued as well as ensures housing without displacement.
Existing green corridors Existing parks
Road in need of major improvement
Existing green corridors
Road in need for minor improvement
Road in need of major improvement
Integrating parks and nature areas are important Road in need for minor improvement for recreation, biodiversity and ecosystem services. By connecting parks and recreational areas with green links, they become more accessible and easier to use.
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03 POPLAR, LONDON
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Group studio project â&#x20AC;&#x201D; development of a new vision for Poplar and its interface with Canary Wharf reflected in urban design strategy. The time frame for the strategy is 30 years. Project dates: October - December 2018
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS OF THE AREA
Understanding Poplar Issues of inequality and access Poplar is a district in the East End of London, it sits within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and hosts a part of Canary Wharf. The transformation of docklands over the last 35 years has been accompanied with controversy; many feel that the development of Canary Wharf has not benefited the whole community and that there has been limited spill-over value from Canary Wharf to its surrounding districts. This divide is especially evident in the current Canary Wharf-Poplar relationship. The relationship is defined by the hard A1261 boundary, which prevents any meaningful interaction. The entire Canary Wharf complex is spatially imprisoned within its natural boundary, which creates a fragmentation of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape. There is no doubt that the current dynamic between these two districts requires a fundamental change to ensure benefits are shared. 30
Strategy 2018 - 2048 Vision: Connected and characterful
1
Existing highway
2
Trench excavation
The vision involves the achievement of two aims that flow throughout this strategy: Linking the already existing areas whilst also ensuring that the existing characteristics of Poplar are preserved. To achieve a strong link between the wards of Poplar and Canary Wharf and to bridge the psychological and physical gap between the districts two large-scale infrastructure projects are proposed:
3
Tunnel construction
4
Reinstation of the surface, streetscape improvement
“Cut and Cover” strategy for transformation of A1261 (steps 1-4) and DLR tracks south of the All Saints Station (steps 3-4).
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‘Cut and Cover’ over A1261 with further creation of a park connecting Aspen Way and Trafalgar Way.
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‘Cover’ of existing DLR tracks leading to All Saints station and expansion of the park from A1261 to Chrisp St Market.
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CONNECTIVITY AND STREETSCAPE CHARACTER
Proposal Within our strategy, we propose a mixed-use development with an attractive public realm. The sites adjacent to the waterfront (Trafalgar Way and North Quay) would become transition areas between high-rise Canary Wharf tower development and Poplar residential area. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cut and Coverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; strategy will help to overcome the divide between Canary Wharf and Poplar through creating a park in place of buried A1261 with sports pitches and garden allotments for the local community. The connectivity of the area will be further enhanced through building new legible pedestrian and cycle pathways linking waterfront area with Aspen Way. Total redevelopment of Pennyfields estate and creation of a new residential neighbourhood with high-quality housing and the improved public park will increase the quality of living and provide additional affordable housing. Within our strategy, we identified four Opportunity Areas and developed detailed frameworks for each of them. 32
GREEN NETWORK STRATEGY
ILLUSTRATIVE MASTERPLAN
1
New Pennifields
2
North Quay
3
Aspen Way
4
Trafalgar Way
1
2
3
4
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04 SLOANE SQUARE, LONDON
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Part I - Group studio Project, streetscape analysis and improvement proposal. Part II - Individual studio project, detailed design proposal of the Sloane Square. Project dates: January - March 2018
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PART I Urban Analysis Understanding King’s Road
LAND USE
The King’s Road is a major street located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London. It is an excellent example of a successful high street, well used by pedestrians and mainly known as one of the best London’s shopping destinations. The wide range of facilities and activities on offer attracts a diverse public. Due to the evenly allocated residential, retail, and mixeduse units, the street stays a vibrant and lively place all day long. There is a variety of open spaces adjacent to the high street – yet many of them are either privatised (Wellington Square) and therefore inaccessible for the wider public, or are underused (Royal Avenue) and do not create an inviting environment for recreation.
OPEN AND GREEN SPACES
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LISTED HERITAGE BUILDINGS
Holy Trinity Church was built in 19th century to a striking Arts and Crafts design.
Heritage assets
34 Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road - an excellent example of the Pont Street Dutch architecture.
The area features many listed buildings, including the Grade I listed Holy Trinity Church next to the Sloane Square, designed by the architect John Dando Sedding. Many historic buildings were converted over time and now serve as cultural or commercial assets. The area has been thoroughly preserved by the Cadogan Estate, the second-largest surviving aristocratic free-hold estate in central London. We conducted a primary research survey in the area asking people on the streets whether they were aware of the historical context of the surroundings. The results have revealed that only 9% of respondents had such knowledge.
Saatchi Gallery - former Royal Military Asylum converted into a contemporary art gallery.
37 The former Chapel for the Duke of Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Headquarters, currently a clothing store.
Proposal Heritage Panels To raise the historical awareness about the area, heritage panels will be installed at locations of historical interest. The panels will catch the attention of the passers-by and improve the historical legibility of the area. The intervention would increase shared cultural capital by making information more accessible. To ensure the accessibility of the panels, the information about landmarks will be placed at a sight level where people of any height would be able to see it. Additionally, the information in braille will also be embossed on the panel. The panel design was inspired by the existing Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information stands. To preserve design continuity, the proposed panel has a similar silhouette and features.
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PART II Urban Analysis Understanding Sloane Square Sloane square is located at the centre of a busy gyratory. Due to the high levels of vehicular traffic around and consequently high levels of noise pollution, the square is mainly used as a passingby space for commuters or a place to meet. High levels of winds negatively contribute to the sensorial experience of the space. The current content of the square consists of two monuments and a couple of benches placed in the middle. The square also accommodates a mature canopy of trees. For this exercise, we were to assume that the current square is to be demolished and the roadways to be realigned through the middle of the site. This will form a new public space, composed by the two platforms on the southeast and northwest corners of the roadway junction. The brief also required to keep the majority of trees untouched.
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MO
VEM
ENT
Concept Cultural legacy + flexibility + inclusiveness Out of originally 18 trees 12 are kept in place. The trees are rearranged to allow free pedestrian movement and to open the views to the Royal Court Theatre and Peter Jones. Feeling of continuity and integrity over two parts of the square is created by the striped pattern of the pavement, which also runs over pedestrian crossings. Bold white stripes catch the attention and are meant to slow down the cardrivers. Due to the high pedestrian traffic, the pathways are made 7-8m wide to provide the inclusiveness of the space and avoid any inconvenience during the rush hour. 41
ILLUSTRATIVE MASTERPLAN
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PAVEMENT ILLUSTRATIVE DESIGN
Cultural legacy & flexibility The historical and cultural legacy of the area is highlighted by the name engravings of the famous people on the pavement. The list includes King Charles II, Sir Hans Sloane, Cadogan Hall and family, and many writers who started their career in Royal Court Theatre.
MODULAR FURNITURE DESIGN RATIONALE
The existing surrounding cultural and leisure places provide an opportunity to host a great number of activities (Chelsea in Bloom festival, Cadogan Hall concerts, Royal Court Theatre performances, Pavilion Road street market, Saatchi Gallery art exhibitions). To make the place flexible and inclusive the surface of the square is flat and open space is kept to a maximum. Existing street furtinure is replaced with modular units made from 30mm thick plywood, which might be rearranged into a variety of configurations depending on the needs.
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WEST SIDE OF THE SQUARE IS DESIGNED TO HOST TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS, PERFORMANCES AND PROVIDE A PLEASANT SPACE TO REST.
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THE SLOANE SQUAREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EAST SIDE ACCOMMODATES THE NEW FOUNTAIN, ACCOMPANIED BY THE MARKET STALLS.
05 METANAR, NARVA, ESTONIA
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Metamorphological research that explores the speculative form of the city by examining the shape of the urban environment and its cultural landscape. It is a team project that was prepared as part of the “(Re)configuring Territories” Spring School — an interdisciplinary research program for emerging architects, artists, designers, programmers and urban planners. The Spring School explored ‘border’ conception – its’ role as a separator but also as a connector and investigated geographical, political and cultural borders of the city. Project dates: 6 - 12 May 2019
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Urban Analysis
The Town Hall is one of the few buildings of Old Narva that were restored after WWII.
Understanding Narva Narva is situated at the eastern extreme point of Estonia. The Narva River serves as the physical border between Estonia and Russia, the EU and Russia, and NATO and Russia. Due to its strategic location on the river and in the proximity to the Gulf of Finland, the city, dating back to 12th century, was conquered multiple times over the centuries and controlled by Danish, Swedish, Russian, and Soviet rules. In the middle of the 19th century, Narva started to develop into a major industrial town. Krenholm Manufacturing Company was established, which at the end of the century became one of the largest cotton mills in Europe and the world. The factory has throughout its lifetime epitomized both, the heights of Narva as an industrial powerhouse, as well as the decline of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s importance and place in the national and international economic order. As such, the factory can act as a metaphor for the conflicting and interlaced sentiments of pride and frustration residents may experience when thinking about the history and trajectory of their city.
Narva Castle (left) and Ivangorod fortress (right).
Remnants of the once powerful Krenholm Manufacture.
48 Mass-produced homes from Soviet era. Photo: A. Volkova
URBAN STRUCTURE OF THE CITY IN 1943
The morphology
CONTEMPORARY STRUCTURE OF THE CITY
The city acquired its contemporary look and shape following the Soviet bombing raids during World War II when over 96% the baroque old town structures were destroyed. The baroque Old Town, built under Swedish Rule in the 17th century, underwent practically no changes until WWII and was recognised as a hidden gem of Northern Baroque. After the war, most of the buildings could have been restored as the walls of the houses still existed, but in the early 1950s, the Soviet authorities decided to demolish the ruins to make room for apartment buildings. Only a few buildings of the old town were restored. Instead, a new, Soviet-style city has emerged on the site of the old one - with an entirely different shape, form and completely ignoring the previous city centre plan.
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Pimeaed district
Kerese district
UuskĂźla district
Kulgu district
50 0
1km
Narva Venice
Khrushchyovkas in Pimeaed district. Photo: Tõnu Tunnel
The colours of the city In search for self-expression and creativity
Mass produced homes in Kerese district.
Social dormitory in Uusküla district. Photo: A. Volkova
Colourful Kulgu dachas
The urban landscape of the city is dominated by blocks of flats built in Soviet times, usually five or nine-storeys high, grouped in micro-districts. Rows and rows of faceless grey rectangular homes characterise Narva. We explored four micro-districts in the city - Pimeaed, Kerese, Uusküla and Kulgu. Most of the districts can be distinguished from each other only by different series of mass-produced homes but have the same underused patches of grass and abandoned spaces in between the buildings. Extracted colours of building facades reveal once again the monotony and homogeneity of the city. Yet, there are colourful facades of summer cottages (known as “dachas“) in Kulgu district – seasonal second homes characteristic for post-Soviet countries, the colourful summer paradise of Narva residents. Every cottage is unique and presents owners style ideas, which cannot be visible in mass-produced, standardised soviet blocks. Back in the Soviet times, there was a lack of building regulations concerning dachas, which meant people were able to build whatever they want without the consent of the city. This allowed space for selfexpression and creativity, and resulted in a colourful informal settlement where no two homes are the same.
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Dachas of Kulgu Diversity of built form and colours In the vicinity of the city, there are more than 7500 dachas seasonal second homes, that are extremely popular amongst local people in the summer. Many of these homes were built on land plots that were distributed by the Soviet government to local people with the intention to address food shortages existing at that time. It was expected that people would use the land to grow crops of vegetables, fruits or berries to feed their families.
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Garages were extended by adding top floors for living.
Narva Venice And other informal settlements
Outside terrace on the water for socialising.
In addition to the traditional cottage settlements, the city also has a place called Narva Venice. These are the man-made canals and boat storage facilities of Narva water reservoir where people come to enjoy peace and quiet, nice weather, fishing, barbequing and working on their boats. Many people transformed their boat garages into small liveable units, with sofas, TVs and even kitchen facilities inside.
In summer months growing of vegetables is very popular
53 Fishing is a big part of life for the local community.
06 COUNCILLORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ATTITUDES TO HOUSING DESIGN
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A national survey of local councillors in England on their approach to the design of new residential development. Project timeline: June - August 2018 • An online survey with a focus on the quality of residential design in local authorities was sent to 16,578 local authority councillors in England. • The councillors contact details dataset was provided by Oscar Research with aid from the Design Network. September - October 2018 • A follow-up survey aimed to gain a better understanding of the most common themes that have emerged from the analysis of the responses to the original survey. • The follow-up survey was sent to 343 councillors who expressed an interest in being interviewed. Researched and written by Matthew Carmona, Valentina Giordano and Anastassia Gusseinova, UCL. You can read more about this research here.
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Introduction Place / Politics / Priorities The Government, both in its manifesto and in the recent Housing White Paper*1, committed itself to a step change in the delivery of high-quality new homes across the country. Unfortunately, the recent Place Alliance report*2 puts those aspirations in doubt because of a worsening design skills gap in English local planning authorities. It demonstrates that urban design skills and capacity within local planning authorities are woefully low and declining and that these gaps are not being filled by the patchy, albeit increasing, use of Design Review. Critical gaps exist within local planning authorities, including the ability to produce proactive design guidance in-house to positively shape the future of new housing developments. Understanding the role of councillors in this, by allocating resources, establishing priorities and focusing on the quality of places is an important next step to understanding and influencing the field. The research asked, how are our local politicians playing their part in helping to deliver better design?
*1 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (2017), Fixing our broken housing market. *2 Carmona, M., Giordano, V. (2017), Design Skills in English Local Authorities.
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NORTH EAST
5.1%
5.5%
NORTH WEST
YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER
6.2% EAST MIDLANDS
5.3% WEST MIDLANDS
6.6%
EAST OF ENGLAND
8.1%
SOUTH WEST
8.6%
7.3% 9.4%
SURVEY COMPLETION RATE BY REGION
GREATER LONDON SOUTH EAST
Why have design standards declined? Had a nega�ve impact
Had a significant nega�ve impact
Had some nega�ve impact
Developer prac�ces Changes to government policy
Findings Standards of design
Changes to your local plan policies Highways authority design standards
Change of the quality of design in new housing in recent years.
Availability of design skills in your local authority Street adop�on processes Neighbourhood planning Introduc�on of design guidance Use of design codes
11%
Community involvement
Significantly Declined
Use of design review 0%
20%
Moderately Declined
17%
No Change
41%
Moderately Improved
11%
Significantly Improved
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Overall, councillors believe that the quality of design in new housing development has improved in recent years.
Why have design standards improved? Had a posi�ve impact
Had a significant posi�ve impact
Had some posi�ve impact
Changes to your local plan policies Introduc�on of design guidance
Looking at the responses by regions, the greatest positive change in the design quality of new residential development was in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West and the East Midlands.
Developer prac�ces
Southern regions (South West, South East and Greater London) were seen as having the biggest decline in the quality of design in new housing development.
Community involvement Neighbourhood planning Use of design codes Availability of design skills in your local authority
Aspects of design such as overdevelopment, local character, parking and access to local facilities and amenities were of greatest ongoing concern, whereas practices encouraging walking, integration of bins and play facilities were least important.
Use of design review Changes to government policy Highways authority design standards Street adop�on processes 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90% 100%
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Leadership There is an overwhelming concern about design quality among councillors - 90% of respondents considered the quality of design to be a very important issue. Councillors see themselves as intermediaries between the community and planning authorities. Councillors see their unique contribution as acting as a bulwark against powerful developers (and national policy) seeking to impose inappropriate developments upon their localities for short-term economic benefits. Whilst councillors were generally supportive of their planning team’s capabilities, this did not mean that they were supportive of every decision they made. Indeed, 83 per cent of councillors who sit on the Planning Committee indicated that they do not always support planning officers on design matters. The most frequently mentioned grounds for disagreement between councillors and planning officers are: 1. The proposed development is out of context with the area. 2. The proposed development might have a negative impact on the community or the needs of local people were neglected. 3. The proposed development’s design is of poor quality.
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WHAT DISTINCTIVE ROLE DO COUNCILLORS PLAY DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT?
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Promo�ng/ensuring good design
42%
Se�ng/uphold policy
27%
Represen�ng residents needs/concerns/views
25%
Ensure developments fit within local context
20%
Have li�le/no influence
18%
Ensure developments promote environmental/sustainability standards
7%
Ensure delivery of housing no. and social/affordable targets
4%
SUGGESTED ACTIONS IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE BETTER RESIDENTIAL DESIGN. Reject more schemes on design grounds
60 %
Strengthen Local Plan Policy Encourage Neighbourhood Planning Challenge the highways authority Engage more with developers Prepare a local design guide Introduce Design Review
50 % 43 % 43 % 42 % 41 % 32 %
Appoint a councillor as design champion
31 %
Use design codes Appoint a / more designer(s) internally Nothing more is required
23 % 19 % 2%
Governance Based on the responses, there is a direct link between the planning teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; capacity to influence design for the better by having requisite skills and councillorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; perceptions of how quality of design has changed in recent years. Around half of the councillors identified the planning teams in their local authorities as capable of influencing design for the better. Councillors who sit on the planning committee tend to be more positive about the skills and capacity of planning teams in their local authority compared to those councillors who do not sit on the committee. In order to encourage better residential design, respondents suggested that Local Authorities should reject more schemes on design grounds. Strengthening Local Plan Policy together with Neighbourhood Planning fostered by better community engagement would reinforce local design aspirations and encourage design matters to be taken more seriously by developers. Use of design governance tools would help define and establish a clear set of design aspirations and thus provide certainty for Local Authorities, developers and local communities.
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THANK YOU anastassia.gusseinova@gmail.com
+44 7426 937015
London, UK