Unit C
Post Pandemic Civic Centre
Dr. Fulvio Wirz , Dr. Heba Elsharkawy
The unprecedented times we are living in are calling for a major rethinking of the role of public spaces in the post pandemic society which has already been labelled as the “new normal”. Unit C explores the role of civic buildings in a world where people are progressively sublimating their real lives into a digital society made of social media and virtual meetings. What spatial and planning strategies can architecture adopt to preserve social interaction and how can it leverage on technology to encourage digital proficiency within a shared environment? Moreover, the current global sustainability agenda raises the significance of low carbon design supported by momentous bottom up initiatives such as Extinction Rebellion, Global Climate Strikes, etc. Hence, creating low carbon buildings helps to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions through more efficient use of resources besides enhancing people’s health and wellbeing. The unit ethos supports the UK Architects’ declaration for climate and biodiversity emergency where over 600 architectural practices signed the pledge to: ‘adopt more regenerative design principles in our studios, with the aim of designing architecture and urbanism that goes beyond the standard of net zero carbon in use’. Unit C seeks to achieve thoroughly considered and innovative architectural propositions following an holistic approach to architectural design where space, structure and performance work synchronously to achieve low carbon design. Libraries, mediatheques and learning centres can play a crucial role
LONDON BOROUGH OF NEWHAM
democratising the access to digital contents and new technologies required for the future jobs. We worked in collaboration with London Borough of Newham, Greater London Authority and Lendlease on this live project which supports Silvertown in achieving sustainable economic growth, vibrant communities, and a healthy environment for healthy people. We explored new concepts for civic buildings which seamlessly embed social distancing strategies. whilst fostering interaction between diverse social groups by adaptive and inclusive design approaches catering for all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Unit C encourages a responsive design approach to improve sustainability at all stages of the design process. Particular attention is given to the building envelope and how its design filters daylight allowing to achieve healthy indoor spaces while influencing people’s spatial experience, comfort and wellbeing. We also be investigated various materials of low embodied energy and sustainable construction methods to ensure a low-zero carbon footprint of the new-built schemes.
