Andreea Antoche - BA3 Portfolio (2021-2022)

PORTFOLIO PORTFOLIO

ANDREEA ANTOCHE BA3

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Contents

Addressing the real issue of domestic abuse, and ending victim blaming by holding the abusers accountable.

“What Were You Wearing?” “Did You Do Anything That Could Have Been Misinterpreted?” “Why’d You Stay With Them?

Such excuses should not be tolerated anymore, instead the abusers should be held accountable for their actions. Starting from the belief that such behaviour stems from toxic masculine views.

The Feminist School of Masculinity aims to shift the blame from victim to abuser and acknowledge the real problem in order to provide viable solutions to encourage progress in the right direction. This will be achieved by teaching a new and healthy way of viewing masculinity through both psychological and physical means, encouraging personal growth

the Feminist School of Masculinity

The main user of the building is expected to be someone who was labelled as an abuser. The aim of the “feminist school of masculinity” is to teach a new, healthy way of approaching masculinity. The school will approach this by providing a safe space where they can relief their aggression in a physical and mental way. The physical aspect will be worked on in the gym, while the mental one will be worked on though therapy sessions and peer-to-peer support. As a new level in their journey to relearn masculinity, they are provided with a learning space full of feminist readings, and a calm space where they can practice mindfulness through yoga sessions.

In order to help create a better society the school will provide a programme that supports young people in learning a feminist way of living, and preventing new generations from having to experience toxic masculinity.

Not as much of an user, as more of a benefactor from the learnings provided by the school, the survivors of any kind of abuse resulted from a toxically masculine thinking, were the main actor in the creation of this school.

User #1

User #2

User #3

the Feminist School of Masculinity

the Feminist School of Masculinity

5

1. The feminist library – a space that encourages educating oneself on social issues, equality and equity.

2. A natural “soft” barrier designed to protect the privacy and safty of the Pankhurst Center’s visitors and workers.

3. Site is enclosed by the landscape that created beautiful views.

4. The form of the building acts as a subtle beacon within the surrounding forrest, a visual clue for the juxtaposition implied by the Feminist School of Masculinty.

5. Scheme provides much needed green space in the city.

the Feminist School of Masculinity

With this intial massing model wanted to explore the illuminating efect of a translucent facade. After analysing the model have decided to use polycarbonate as the upper foor cladding to recreate this efect.

the Feminist School of Masculinity

With the second model I wanted to visualise the visibility of the translucent foor with the diferent forms of the gym roof, as well as the look of the polycarbonate when not illuminated from within.

the Feminist School of Masculinity

gym

lockers

group support

learning

mindfulness learning

therapy

services/storage

protected core

community space

terrace

access

user circulation

“green walk”

escape route

1. LIbrary

2. Quite workspace

3. Communal workspace

4. Group therapy

5. Yoga studio

6. Balcony

the Feminist School of Masculinity

The sectional model of the gym skylight aims to explore the efect of the holographic installation on the atmosphere of the space.

the Feminist School of Masculinity

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Interior materiality & atmosphere

As a way to create a safe space fro individual to be vulnerable in the therapy room will provide comfortable seating and decor that encourages transparency. Soft colours will be used to induce a sense of calmness.

The gym will have limited glazing to ensure dim lighting to shift focus on the rainbow efect created by the skylight, inspired by Peter Erskine art installations.

the Feminist School of Masculinity

The yoga studio interior will embrace a soft pastel aesthetic to encourage calmness. The polycarbonate cladding can be tinted in pastel shades of pinks, blues, and purples to give a nice lighting efect to the room. The glazing alternates between full transparency to frosted glass to let as much natural light in as possible while maintaining a sense of privacy. The recommended fooring for a yoga studio is bamboo for its softness, on top of that it is a sustainable material due to its reduced growing time. The decor of the room will incorporate natural elements to bring a part of the outdoor top the indoor.

the Feminist School of Masculinity

In the 1980s the term shinrin-yoku emerged in Japan and it translated to forest bathing, which is a psychological exercise that encourages the practice of mindfulness through nature walking. This form of ecotherapy is proven to boost one’s mental wellbeing, as well as lessen symptoms of ADD and aggression. While walking surrounded by nature a soft fascinations occurs, providing the opportunity for self refection to help recover from daily mental fatigue. By introducing a forest in the middle of the city, have taken the opportunity to add various trees fowering throughout the year to provide to the needs of the local bee population.

Winter-Flowering Cherry (Autumnalis Rosea)

Hazel (Corylus avellana)

Prunus ‘Okame’ (Okame Cherry)

Juneberry (Amelanchier lamarckii)

Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)

Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Indian horse chestnut (Aesculus indica)

Bee-bee tree (Tetradium daniellii)

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo)

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Materiality

Frosted glass

A simple way to provide privacy while preserving the use of natural light

Polycarbonate caldding

Very lightweight and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, either hot or cold.

Surface charred timber A minimum of 2-3mm of char ensures a low maintenance waterproof material

Holographic lining A lining that provides a nice visual efect

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Precedents

Brockholes Visitor Centre, Samlesbury, Lancashire

have chosen this precedent to help develop the roof structure of the gym. vanted to fnd a way of keeping the foor plan open and the Brockholes Center structure accomplishes that.

SUN PAINTING, Lafayette Library, Lafayette, California

PETER ERSKINE

wanted to incorporate an interesting way of using sunlight to create a nice atmosphere for the gym, so looked at Peter Erskine’s art instalation that used custom laster cut prisms and mirrors to create a moving painting using light.

Laban Dance Centre, London

In order to creat a translucent building looked at the use of polycarbonate cladding in the Laban Center, and the way of using a double facade.

The translucent upper foor contrast nicely with the charred timber claddig of the rest of the building and provides a becon-like efect from within the forest.

ADAM KHAN ARCHITECTS

HERZOG & DE MEURON ARCHITECTS

I have designed a brochure promoting the services of the Feminist School of Masculinity to fnd a way to encourage volunteer attendance at the school.

the

Feminist School of Masculinity

Day in the life at the FSoM

11 AM to 7 PM

the library and adjacent work spaces are open for people to use

10 AM to 12 PM

the building opens at 9:30 am to allow the users preparation time before the yoga sessions and gym training programs begin and run for the entire morning period

12 PM to 2 PM

all activites are on pause fro a lunch break and socialising opportinity in the communal areas

3 PM to 4 PM feminist discourse workshop

4 PM to 6 PM group therapy sessions

4 PM to 7 PM

the users are encouraged to engage in ecotherapy by exploring the surrounding landscape

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Structure exploded axo

steel structural frame

steel structural frame

triple glazing

triple layer polycarbonate cladding

charred timber cladding

continued timber cladding supported by stee structure

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Construction sequance

site digging

groundsource heat pump

foundations

policarbonate cladding double facade

roof landscape

structure timber cladding upper foor structure

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Environmental startegies

Climate emergency

RIBA Sustainable Outcomes

Net Zero Operational Carbon

Energy used to power the lighting and other electrical needs of the building will be generated by the solar panels. The gym equipment such as bicycles and treadmills will generate electricity.

Net Zero Embodied Carbon

The structural system use facilitates less on site construction. The timber for the facade can be sourced and treated locally according to the Japanese practice of Yakisugi to provide a beautiful and long lasting timber.

Sustainable Water Cycle

The harvesting system collects the rainwater and uses it as grey water in the building, and as part of the heating system, circulating through the ground source heat pump and around the building.

Sustainable Connectivity & Transport

Due to the proximity of the site to the city center/ university public transport is easily accessible.

Sustainable Land Use & Ecology

The scheme introduces diverse landscape into the site to improve air quality and support the local bee population.

Good Health & Wellbeing

The building provides strong visual connections to the outside. The rooms have been designed and scaled to ensure a pleasant environment.

Sustainable Communities & Social Value

Considering the adjacency to the Pankhurst Center, maintaining safety and privacy is a priority for the scheme.

Shading

The surrounding landscape will help maintain a cool atmosphere by providing shading, as well as a noise barrier from the busy streets.

Energy recovery ventilation

Provide better air quality and indoor comfort while reducing electricity costs.

ERVs keep your heater and air conditioner from having to run as often, reducing wear and tear.

Rain water harvesting

Drainage system will collect rain water to be reused within the building.

Reuse water

Reusing water where possible to minimise waste.

Photovoltaic panels

The form of the chimey roof provides the oportunity to harvest sunlight.

Rainwater

The UK climate facilitates the use of rainwater as the main irigation method for the surrounding landscape.

Save water

The building will be equipped with water saving appliances.

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Creating a feminist building

Safe space

Opening up and being vulnerable is a hard thing to do, especially in an unfamiliar environment, thus the programme allows for a range of private safe spaces for conversation.

Compassionate support

Various workshops and inspirational talks aim to strengthen a sense of compassion.

Professional help

While community helps strengthen the belief that you are not alone, having the right tools, such as professional mental health help, eases the journey to a better self.

Community

The programme encourages peer-to-peer support by providing comfortable, familiar spaces, to create a strong community feel.

Growth

The school provides space for personal growth by educating users on feminist issues and encourages the recognition of privilege to channel it in a positive manner.

the Feminist School of Masculinity

escape routes

protected walls

sprinklers

Design for horizontal escape

Two escape stairs are provided on the frst foor to meet the maximum travel distance of 18 m. The travel distance to the nearest escape stairs does not exceed 18 m.

General Provisions

All doors and exits in an escape route open in the direction of escape. The fnal exits on ground foor have direct exit to open space.

Compartmentation

The corridors are equiped with sprinkler system to aid in clearing escape routes.

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Design for horizontal escape

Two escape stairs are provided on the frst foor to meet the maximum travel distance of 18 m. The travel distance to the nearest escape stairs does not exceed 18 m.

Passenger lift

Unobstructed manoeuvring space in front of each lift to allow for a wheelchair to turn

Lift size is chosen to suit the use of building and needs of disabled people

Sanitary accomodation

Unisex toilets provide access for wheelchair users

Escape mobility Wheelchair refuge within fre protected room.

Passageways

All passageways ensure enough space for wheelchair users

Axonometric showing the form, design and dimensions of lift

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Part K: protection from falling

Protection against falling

The top of the handrails are positioned 900mm from the pitch line

Handrails are provided on both sides, and are continuous

Balcony rails are positioned at a 1100mm height

Stairs

The rise and going of each thread is 150mm and 300mm, complying with regulations

Stairs do not exceed 12 risers between landings

Landings are the same width as the width of a fight of stairs

Protection against impact with glazing Skylight on balcony is raised to avoid impact

The glazing is reinforsed for extra protection

Axonometric showing the form, design and dimensions of stairs

the Feminist School of Masculinity Plan development

The studio 3.1 submitted plan had a good use of space with minimal waste, however it lacked a balanced and interesting form

There was no glazing distribution strategy in place

The access points into the building did not ensure a good fow with the programme

The terraced garden was placed in a mainly shaded area

Building form has been changed to create a threshold

The upper foor has been cantelivered on both sides to create balance

The landscape was not give enough consideration

Reduced glazing to create privacy for the

3.1 submitted plan iteration 1

Pankhurt Center

the Feminist School of Masculinity

The structural grid that I used left columns in some awkward placed, challanging the programme

The form of the buildig has been further developed vertically by adding a chimey like structure for the roof of the gym

After speaking to the structural engineer some of the columns have been removed to provide a more open plan

After analysing policarbonate facade precedents I have changed the upper foor wall thickness

The groundfoor conversation area was too shaded, so added a skylight to maintain reduced galzing on facade

Initial considerations for landscape to be introduced as part of the programme

The chimey stucture supports a skylight it provide sunlight and aid in the ventilation of the building

The landscape has been developed as part of the healing programme

Diferent sensory experiences contributr to the forest healing journey

iteration 2 iteration 3 fnal iteration

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Peer-to-peer support

As part of the journey users are encouraged to reach to one another and be vulnerable

The design of the spaces looks at the most comfortable places for conversation: a relaxed zone and a kitchen zone

The freplace and seating nook is a place for relaxed conversation

The kitchen area gives the opportunity to talk over a hot cup of tea or a bowl

the Feminist School of Masculinity

Back to the personal process

For the communal working area looked at diferent seating arrangments in order to fnd a confguration that invites conversation.

I have decided that out of the three options, the L shape desk provides more seating variations, so have adapted this shape to better ft the programme.

1. triple layer polycarbonate cladding

2. air gap

3. insulation

4. vapor membrane

5. three layer gypsum board

6. electrical socket

7. aluminium desk support

8. plywood desk

9. double glazing