KO-OPREKARIAT, URBAN STRATEGY AND MASTERPLAN FOR KATOWICE, POLAND. by Andy Hills

prekariat

ariat

prekariat prekariat

ADAM DUFFILL - ANDREW HILLS - ALEX HORTON-HOWE

Ko-oprekariat A MANIFESTO TO SECURE YOUR FUTURE

contents

1 0. introduction I. CONTEXT POLAND & KAToWICE

university of silesia in katowice

26 - university of silesia 28 - current university area 29 - vacant spaces 30 - â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;market readyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; students 32 - luxury university model 33 - university investment 34 - meeting with the university 35 - student feedback

the prekariat

38 - current class structure 40 - a hidden statistic 41 - prekariat characteristics 42 - who are the prekariat? 43 - living at home 44 - the scale of the problem

continued

current innovation

48 - current innovation model 49 - case study - prosthesis 50 - case study - makerbot

II. urban strategy overall strategy

54 - the prekariat future 55 - case study - occupy london 56 - university ko-op zone 58 - activating the prekariat 59 - case study - valve 60 - flat hierarchy 61 - application process 62 - key investment moves 63 - ko-op innovation fund 64 - university involvement 65 - case study - podemos 66 - catalytic university

III. masterplan ko-op konstructed

72 - case study - favelas 73 - rules of allocation 74 - endless possibilities 76 - a hybrid typology 78 - case study - metabolisis 79 - konstruction pedagogy 80 - ko-op konstruction 81 - ko-op forum

3 provided infrastructure

84 - technical hubs 85 - service hubs 86 - waste hubs 87 - delivery/storage hubs 88 - hub breakdown 89 - provided konstruction 90 - bookable space 91 - unused space 92 - buildings on site 93 - building konversion 94 - framework 95 - case study - herman Miller 96 - interchangeable panels 97 - ownership 98 - public space 99 - services 100 - Phasing 1 - 3 104 - potential production line 105 - waste processing 106 - key connections 107 - cycle routes 108 - car routes

the future

112 - future changes 113 - future implementation 114 - ko-op stories 116 - ko-op story - the builder 117 - ko-op story - the innovator 118 - ko-op story - potential politician 120 - hacking the system 121 - visuals

IV. appendix V. bibliography

summary 4 Based primarily in the city of Katowice, southwest Poland, The University of Silesia is one of the largest higher education institutions in Europe. The University is developing fast, supported by the state, the European Union and private investors1. The current master plan developed by the University and the City outlines the investment of over three hundred million zloty in University infrastructure developments over the coming decade. Despite the colossal investment, the current plans fail to address the Universities aim to ‘keep abreast of developments in all areas of study and life, in order to meet the challenges of a changing reality2’. Instead the plans produce the prospect of another homogeneous educational institution, whose sole role is producing ‘improved human capital’ for a ruthless neoliberal labour market. The university must therefore ensure its future plans address not only the needs of current students but also the wider issues affecting its alumni, the city of Katowice and its people. One such issue is the potential social crisis facing Poland3. Whilst the city of Katowice and the associated Voivodeship (County/State) of Silesia present strong economic figures, with 5% and 10% unemployment respectively4, the hidden figures present an altogether different scenario. Poland recently surpassed Spain as the European leader in fixed term (temporary) contracts5. Making ends meet through a seemingly endless round of unstable, poor paying, and low satisfaction ‘junk jobs’ is becoming an increasingly common experience for a generation of young poles6. Theorist Guy Standing has termed those who suffer this reality ‘The Precariat’7. Described as an emerging but highly fractured social class or ‘class in the making’, the Precariat possesses the combined potential to be highly progressive in matters of our political, economic and social futures8. Our Urban Strategy and Master plan aims to harness this potential, capitalizing on the University of Silesia’s position as a socially sympathetic, financially powerful* and asset rich institution*, by providing a secure environment for a Precariat co-operative – ‘The Ko-oprekariat’. Allowing them to form a collective consciousness, whilst acting out an alternative future. Definition of Terms Financially Powerful* - In the sense of outlined future investment and as a key investor in the city. Asset Rich* - in terms of land, knowledge, people and facilities.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Banys, W, ‘The University of Silesia’ [online] http://english.us.edu.pl/university-silesia [accessed 29/11/14] ibid Siemiatycze, g.c ‘Polands Emigration Headache’ [online] http://www.economist.com/blogs/easternapproaches/2013/11/poland-and-eu [accessed 29/11/14] Colliers Int. Katowice becomes mature market [online] http://www.katowicethecity.com/colliers-katowice-becomes-mature-market/ [accessed 29/11/14] Kozek, B ‘Precariats World’ [online] http://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/precariats-world/ [accessed 29/11/14] ibid Standing, G (2011) The Precariat: The new dangerous class. London: Bloomsbury ibid

our visit 5 PLYMOUTH MARCH

university of silesia in katowice

uni presentations

meetings with officials

student workshps workshops with residents

culture & play

As Masters of Architecture students we were invited to the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, to assist with the analysis and development of the Universities master plan. We spent 10 days in the city, holding seminars with the universities staff and students, whilst conducting workshops with the public and council officials. Away from the workshops and meeting we immersed ourselves within the culture and history of the city and the surrounding area.

context

poland & katowice 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

poland poland disappears key facts from silesia katowice proximity population transport education politics economy industry & resource waste polish emigration d.i.y. poland

the university 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

the university of silesia history current university area vacant spaces â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;market ready students luxury university model university investment meeting with the uni student feedback

the prekariat 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

current class structure a hidden statistic prekariat characteristics who are the prekariat? living at home the scale of the problem

title poland & katowice

10 - poland 11 - poland disappears 12 - Key facts from silesia 13 - katowice 14 - proximity 15 - population 16 - transport 17 - education 18 - politics 19 - Economy 20 - Industry and Resource Recent graduates are a key group of the precariat. Graduates have always expected a certain period of precariousness, however the depth of neo-liberal economic policies 21 - Waste forces them towards jobs, with little or no prospects and poor job satisfaction . In turn -their capacity for leisure is severely reduced, whilst pressure on their finances 22 polish emigration means accommodation is often short term or insecure. Despite a growing numbers of graduates the precariat, they continue to find it difficult to form a collective association 23 - diyinpoland 1

or political representative willing to address their concerns2. 1. Standing, G The Precariat a new dangerous class p112-113 2. ibid p220

Lech Wałęsa first president of the republic of poland 1990 “It is hardly possible to build anything if frustration, bitterness and a mood of helplessness prevail.”

poland 10

baltic sea

lithuania russia

belarus Plymouth

Germany

Poland czech republic

ukraine slovakia

The Republic of Poland (Rzeczpospolita Polska) is located within Europe and shares borders with seven other countries, with a coast to the north at the Baltic Sea. It joined the EU in 2004 after a nationwide referendum. It is the 9th largest country in Europe and has a population of over 38.2 million people. It is a unitary state (a state governed as one single power) split into 16 subdivisions1. 1. Central Statistical Office (2014) Concise Statisitcal Yearbook of Poland [Online] Available from: http://bit.ly/1yCTPFc.

poland disappears 11

prussian territory russian territory

Pol

HISTORIC silesia

and

austro-hungarian territory

tod ay the partitions of poland as they were in 1795 until 1918

Poland has a history of occupation and invasion from itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neighbours in most part from the 17th century onwards. From 1772 Poland was partitioned between the Kingdom of Prussia, the Austro-Hungarian empire and Russia. In 1795 Poland ceased to exist where it would remain for 123 years. It was only after the first World War in 1918 that Poland regained itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence until 1939 when it was invaded by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and was once again divided. After the war parts of Poland were retained by the Soviets where their communist influences remained until 1989.1 1. Jagiellonian University in Krakow - A very short history of Krakow

KEY FACTS FROM silesia 12 one of the richest regions in Poland with average salary of pln 3800 per month most densely populated region of poland

silesia katowice

becoming a centre for car manufacturing

has a wealth of natural resources

The Voivodeship of Silesia is located mostly in Poland with areas in the Czech Republic and Germany. The region is rich in mineral and natural resources with coal being mined since the 18th century and Iron Ore since the 4th century BC1. This big heavy industry has developed into a car production hub with companies such as Fiat, Opel and VW building sites in the region. It also has a thriving agricultural centre producing cereal, potatoes and rapeseed amongst others2. 1. Polska (Date Unknown) Natural Resources. [Online] Available from https://en.polska.pl/Natural,Resources,310.html 2.Samorzad Wojewodztwa Opolskiego (2014) Rural development and agriculture. [Online Translated] Available from http://umwo.opole.pl/serwis/index. php?id=2009

katowice 13

during the interwar period katowice was one of the richest polish cities

large business & trade fair centre

city population of around 300,000

heavy industry and mining have always been prominent however this is shifting

katowice new logo of the city represents the heritage whilst the upper layer represents potential (pink represents ‘an alternative’)

memories of the cities’ past spread around the city

The city of Katowice (Miasto Katowice) is one of the main cities in the Upper Silesian region. It is the 16th most economically powerful city by GDP in the EU. It has a heritage as an industrial centre but has more recently had a focus towards large business and trade with it’s Spodek stadium hosting trade fairs and multinational corporations setting up offices within the city. It is also a large scientific centre with over 20 schools of higher education with over 100,000 students 1. Municipal Council of the City of Katowice (Date Unknown) Katowice.eu [Online] Available from: http://www.katowice.eu/en

proximity 14 15km 15.5km 21.5km

6.4km 6.8km

katowice

14.6km

28km

19.5km

78.8km

Katowice is surrounding by many other cities with large populations. The experience of travelling between the different cities is often of each city merging seamlessly into another, there is very little delineating the borders. There are 14 cities listed as part of the greater Silesian metropolis (the largest listed above) and in total these cities create a population of over 2 million. However efforts to govern them from a central council often fail because this would mean that by population the single conglomeration would be greater than that of Warsaw and Krakow.

population 15 307,233

population

katowice

79,428

TRANSPORT 16 cycling for leisure

train connections to other cities widely used bus network covers city and beyond

tram connections east west and north south the car is the most used method of transport - seen as a status symbol

The city of Katowice has excellent transport links, and has recently invested in a new bus station in the centre of the city. Connections between the wider cities are primarily via the bus and coach network, however within the city there is also a significant tram network running primarily east to west through the city centre. The rail network is functioning but largely outdated and many considered this to be an expensive and inefficient way to travel in its current state. Cycling routes are also available however they could be far more extensive and provided for a relatively small investment. Unfortunately Despite this varied and regular network, citizens are strongly rooted to their vehicles and the city has to provide many parking areas, with the current university campus having a significant proportion of parking areas.

EDUCATION 17 41 universities 144,545 students 44,687 Graduates 19 universities 65,050 students 26,006 Graduates

SILESIA silesia KATOWICE katowice

s ate

du gra

s ate u d ra

al g

ic chn

mic

no eco

s ate

du gra

ar fine

s ate

du gra

Katowice alone has 19 universities, teaching many different disciplines. The largest number of graduates come from within the field of economics (8378 per year), however the wider Silesian voivodeship produces huge numbers of technical graduates (over 12,000 per year) within close proximity to the city. This means both the city and its wider boundaries have a wealth of educated talent, with wide ranging skill sets.

POLITICS

second polish republic 1918-1939

Lech Kaczyński 2005 - 2010 Bronisław Komorowski 2010 - present

Aleksander Kwaśniewski 1995 - 2005

POST COMMUNISM

Henryk Jabłoński 1972- 1985

Marian Spychalski 1968- 1970

polish people’s republic 1944-1989

Lech Wałęsa 1990 - 1995

Wojciech Jaruzelski 1981 - 1989

Józef Cyrankiewicz 1970- 1972

Edward Ochab 1964 - 1968

Bolesław Bierut 1944 - 1952

COMMUNISM

Aleksander Zawadzki 1952 - 1964

Ignacy Mościcki 1926 - 1939

Gabriel Narutowicz 1922 - 1922

COMMUNISM

world war two - government in exile

Stanisław Wojciechowski 1922 - 1926

Józef Piłsudski 1918 - 1922

republic of poland 1989-present

The politics of neo-liberalism saw a resurgence in the 1970’s and 1980’s and saw many European countries and the U.S support extensive economic liberalisation, free trade and reductions in government spending in order to enhance the role of the private sector economy. Robert W. McChesney defines neo-liberalism as “capitalism with the gloves off”. During this period Poland was still a communist state, prioritising full employment and heavy industry, consumer goods were in short supply and there was an extensive black economy. Towards the end of the 1980’s communism was coming to an end and saw the state reduce controls on food pricing, almost immediately resulting in 250% inflation. The final Communist head of state stepped down in 1990 and the new government developed the Balcerowicz plan, a form of economic shock therapy, rapidly transforming the polish economy from communism to capitalism broadly following the neo-liberal ideals. Today Poland continues to forge on with neo-liberal economics and whilst many economic studies provide excellent figures, the nations economy has high levels of ‘fixed term’ contracts and has amongst the lowest taxes and social insurance as a % of gdp in the whole of Europe. In turn Poland is highly competitive in the EU due to its low labour costs in relation to its competitors. Taylor, M (2010) ‘Shock Therapy, What we can learn from poland’ [online] Available from: http://prospectjournal.org/2010/11/11/shock-therapy-what-we-can-learn-frompoland/ [accessed 29/11/14]

ECONOMY 19 HEAVY INDUSTRY 45% OF POLAND’S GDP. UNDER STATE CONTROLLED ECONOMY

MAJORITY OF EUROPE AND U.S PROMOTE ‘FLEXIBLE’ LABOUR AND GIVE GREATER POWERS TO PRIVATE SECTOR

CONTROL OF FOOD PRICES RELAXED POLAND suffers recession

1989

POLAND BECOMES MARKET ECONOMY

POLAND RETURNS TO GROWTH

2004 POLAND JOINS EU

POLAND LEADS EUROPE IN ‘FIXED TERM CONTRACTS’

inflation @ 250% BALCEROWICZ PLAN: A FORM OF ECONOMIC SHOCK THERAPY INITIATES TRANSITION 2007 GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS

TUSK GOV’T INSISTS DIVERTING FROM NEO-LIBERAL POLICIES WILL HURT POLISH ECONOMY

Platforma Obywatelska CONTINUE NEOLIBERAL POLICIES

POLISH TAXES AND SOCIAL INSURANCE AS % OF GDP AMONGST LOWEST IN EUROPE

INDUSTRY & Resource 20 lignite (Brown Coal) reserve

Coal reserve

3 coal mines and 2 foundries in katowice

natural reserves focused around the south of poland

in 2010 poland mined 76 Million tonnes of coal 56.5 Million tonnes of lignite

As previously mentioned Poland has a wealth of natural resources. The majority of these are located in the south within Silesia and the surrounding regions. Within Katowice alone there are 3 working coal mines and 2 iron foundries. Poland has a great dependence on coal with nearly 85% of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electricity coming from coal fired power stations in 2012. Unfortunately this has negative effects on the on the health of the country with estimated costs to the healthcare system of around â&#x201A;Ź8 million1. 1. Sourcewatch (2013) Poland and Coal. [Online] Available at http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Poland_and_coal

waste 21 38,500 TONNES 1 waste produced

2 3122 tonnes per km PRODUCED IN 20131

only around 20% of polish3waste is recycled silesia

poland produced around 3 million tonnes of construction waste in 20142 Polish waste management has been in the private market since 2001 so has suffered from a disjointed system resulting in the majority of waste being landfilled or dumped illegally. From 2012 the waste management became the responsibility of the municipality so rates of recycling improved however they are still well below EU targets. From our visit it became clear that the infrastructure for recycling did not widely exist which accounts for these low figures. Silesia, because of it being an industrial centre, produces both the most amount of waste per year and per square kilometre within Poland. Poland also produced around 3 million tonnes of construction waste in 2014. 1. Central Statistical Office (2014) Concise Statistical Yearbook of Poland [Online] Available from: http://bit.ly/1yCTPFc. 2. Nowak, P (2014) Chosen Aspects Of Dynamic Programming Use Within Construction Waste Management. [Online] Available at: http://leidykla.vgtu.lt/ conferences/MBM_2007/2pdf/Nowak.pdf. 3. Recykling (2013) Recykling w Polsce [Online translated] Available at: http://recykling.biz/2013/06/10/recykling-w-polsce/

polish emigration 22

Poland

age 25-35 - 10.6% Emigrate 2.13million poles live abroad

Polish emigration figures are at near record levels. Over 2 million Poles now live abroad. A large proportion of these emigrants are young poles between 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 35 years old who often leave with the hope of finding greater economic opportunity, whilst the remaining population ages. With birth rates also at all time lows, if this trend continues the countries pension system will struggle to stay afloat.

d.i.y. poland 23 agricultural worker

new tractor too expensive

engine tyres

custom one-off hand built ‘tractor’

donor vehicle

custom one-off hand built ‘tractor’

Poland has developed a DIY culture over the past 50-60 years out of necessity. One particular area this has developed is through the self-construction of ‘tractors’ by farmers. The mass produced tractors were too expensive and were not robust or efficient enough for the mountain regions so out of this situation the farmers built their own. Using spare parts and decommissioned army and WW1 vehicles they created their own ‘tractors’ capable of fulfilling their needs. 1. We Make Money Not Art (2008) DIY tractor culture in Poland [Online] Available at http://we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2008/01/the-zak-gallery-in-berlin. php#.VInU6ouG7dk

title university the

26 - university of silesia 28 - current university area 29 - vacant spaces 30 - â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;market readyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; students 32 - luxury university model Recent graduates are a key group of the precariat. Graduates have always expected a certain period of precariousness, however the depth of neo-liberal economic policies 33 - university investment forces them towards jobs, with little or no prospects and poor job satisfaction . In turn -their capacity with for leisure severely reduced, whilst pressure on their finances 34 meeting theis university means accommodation is often short term or insecure. Despite a growing numbers of graduates in the precariat, they continue to find it difficult to form a collective association 35 - student feedback 1

or political representative willing to address their concerns2. 1. Standing, G The Precariat a new dangerous class p112-113 2. ibid p220

‘the future begins today’ Prof. zw. dr hab. Wiesław Banyś Rector of the University of Silesia “The activities of the University of Silesia are in keeping with our philosophy that an institution of higher education needs to keep abreast of developments in all areas of study and life and meet the challenges of changing reality. As one of the mottoes of the 7th Framework Programme launched by the European Union declares: “Tomorrow’s answers start today!” Prof. zw. dr hab. Wiesław Banyś (2014) The Future Begins Today. [Online] Available from: http://english. us.edu.pl/university-silesia

the university of silesia 26

katowice university of silesia in university of silesia katowice free education rybnik

cieszyn

POLAND

The University of Silesia is one of the largest educational institutions in Europe and is within the top 20 of Polandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s universities. The universities main campus is located in the City of Katowice, however the university has further faculties across 5 of Silesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cities. Katowice, Sosnowiec, Chorzow, Rybnik and Cieszyn. The university is one of the few universities in Poland with a faculty of Theology and also boasts a rare but excellent faculty of Radio and television. The university provides two interdisciplinary programmes, in humanities and mathematics and the natural sciences for candidates whose interests go beyond the traditional educational framework. Unlike the UK polish university students have their education paid for by the state.

27 university accommodation located outside city when university was created

UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

1968

this was to intentionally prevent protest/ rallies

university founded in 1968 after merger from three institutions within the city

current university area 28

aleja RoĹşdzieĹ&#x201E;skiego

RAWA (river) main campus newly obtained land kolejowej (R

ailway)

bio-tech & philology

University area

The University of Silesia sits within the centre of the City of Katowice. The main campus is owned by the university and constitutes a significant area of underdeveloped space. In recent months the university has also been given and granted permission to develop adjoining areas of land by the City Authorities, encompassing vacant lots, residential terraces and small businesses.

vacant spaces 29

university campus

L E B

vacant plots vacant/semi-vacant buildings Outside the main university campus, the city has many vacant lots and empty buildings. These spaces vary from multi-storey tower blocks to brownfield sites. As the city continues to develop land is still relatively cheap, however these plots may offer a significant investment opportunity in the future for both the University and other developers as they are already being sold.

University ‘market anticipated title job students prospects of silesiaready’ 30

faculty The University of Silesia outlines on their website and in their prospectus the labour market possibilities open to those who complete the courses. The most common possibilities which appear on their website as potentials are translation, education and research. The other issue is the production of ‘improved human capital’ for a ruthless neo-liberal labour market. These jobs are highly unrelated to the courses studied and pigeon-hole graduates rather than encouraging them to make their own future.

Faculty of Philology

Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection

Faculty of Maths, Physics and Chemistry

Faculty of Theology

University OF SILESIA IN KATOWICE

Faculty of Social Sciences

Faculty of Computer Science and Material Science Faculty of Radio and TV

KEY Based in Katowice Based in Cieszyn Based in Sosnowiec Based in Katowice & Sosnowiec

Faculty of Earth Sciences Faculty of Law and Admin Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology Faculty of Fine Arts and Music

Classical Studies Cultural Studies Slavonic Studies East Slavonic Studies English Studies Romance Studies Germanic Studies Polish Studies Library and Information Studies Biotechnology (& PHD) Biology Environmental Protection Maths Physics (and PHD) Biophysics Theoretical Physics Econophysics Medical Physics Chemistry Drug Chemistry Computer Science Computer Science Eng. Mathematical Methods in Computer Science Nanotechnology Theology Family Studies History History of Art Journalism Philosophy Social Work

Political Science Sociology

Materials Engineering Biomedical Engineering Education in Technology and Informatics Modelling & Visualisation in Bioinformatics

Film & TV Production Film & TV Directing Cinematography Geology Geography Geophysics Law Administration Psycology Pedagogy Fine Arts Education Music Education Graphic Design

Abroad Advertising Agriculture Archives Auctioneers Banking Cartography Cinematography & TV Computer Admin Crisis Planning Cultural Centres Data Analyst Directors Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Assistants Drug Design Economics Education Environmental Protection Finance Geological Surveys Government Graphic Design Insurance IT IT Security Specialist Journalism Laboratory Research Lawyer Librarian Manufacturing Marketing Materials Engineering Media House Manager Medicine Meteorology Mining Musicians & Artists Nanotechnology Oncology Organisation Pharmaceuticals Priest Prison Management Prosecution Psycologist Publishing Houses Public Relations Real Estate Research Risk Management Second Directors Seismology Slavic Companies Social Work Software Design Systems Analyst Tourism Town Planning Translation TV Web Design

Luxury University model 32 private investors

accommodation

“Luxury University”

sports

facilities

EU & State

NOBODY CARES “Universities tend to compete not by better teaching but by offering a ‘luxury model’ – nice dormitories, fancy sports and dancing facilities, and the appeal of celebrity academic, celebrated for their non-teaching achievements.”1 This is the direction the University of Silesia is currently taking - directly competing with other “successful” universities in the world. 1. Standing, G. (2011) The Precariat: The New Dangerous Class. 1st Ed. Bloomsbury Academic, London.

university investment 33

pln million public-private partnership

200

pln million partially eu funded

parking

biotechnology

dorm dorm

radio & TV

sports complex philology

dorm

pln million public-private partnership

pln million co-funded from national budget

130

pln million public-private partnership

During our study visit, the University presented an overview of its future investment strategy regarding built infrastructure. The total spend is estimated at approximately 320,000,000zt. The planned projects include Student Accommodation, new faculties and sporting facilities and will be funded through both state, EU funding and where appropriate private investors.

meeting with the uni 34 “WE HAVE NO POWER”

THE UNIVERSITY WAS OF THE OPINION THAT EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE SPENDING 300 MILLION ZLOTY THEY WERE POWERLESS IN THE CITY

meeting with the university

THE UNIVERSITY WERE KEEN TO ESTABLISH A SOCIAL CONNECTION

THE UNIVERSITY WANTED TO SOMEHOW INTEGRATE THEMSELVES BETTER WITHIN THE CITY

During our study visit the University expressed its social ambitions and interestingly its view on its political position within the city and the voivodeship of Silesia. Despite the significant levels of investment the university plans to bring to the city, its representatives felt that it was powerless to influence the decisions of the city council.

student feedback 35 many students would prefer accomodation closer to uni

it was clear that many students enjoyed the university experience

they were deeply concerned above life postuniversity

During our visit to the university we provided workshops for students of the University and spent a great deal of time with our hosts enjoying the city. Throughout this contact we were able to learn about many of the students primary concerns. Chief among the students feelings were worries about the finances upon completion of the course and the possibility of finding rewarding work. Many students were complimentary about the flexibility of the university courses and the choice of disciplines. Many students were satisfied with their current accommodation at Ligota, however they did suggest being based closer to the university would allow them to make more of their evenings and weekends.

precariat the prekariat 36

1. current class structure 2. a hidden statistic 3. precariat characteristics 38 current class structure 4. -who are the precariat? 40 a hidden statistic 5. -living at home 41 prekariat characteristics 6. -living at home changes 42 - who are the prekariat? 43 - living at home 44 - the scale of the problem

from ‘acts of resistance’ by Pierre Bourdieu “Insecurity is everywhere today, haunting the conscious and the unconscious. To design a revolutionary project, that is to say a rational ambition to transform the present by reference to a projected future, there must be a minimum of hold on the present” Pierre Bourdieu, Speaking at the European Meetings against insecurity. Grenoble. 12-13 December 1997. (Translated from French)

current class structure 38

elite salariat proficians old working class prekariat unemployed/ lumped prekariat

39 According to the theorist Guy Standing, we need a new language of class to describe the modern state of class relations, one that replaces the old class structure of an orthodox Marx perspective of a predominantly two-class system of capitalists and workers. The ‘new dangerous’ class of the precariat is described as follows; “It consists of people who have minimal trust relationships with capital or the state, making it quite unlike the salariat. And it has none of the social contract relationships of the proletariat, whereby labour securities were provided in exchange for subordination and contingent loyalty, the unwritten deal underpinning welfare states. Without a bargain of trust or security in exchange for subordination, the precariat is distinctive in class terms.” Standing continues that whilst the precariat is not yet a class in the “Marxian sense” however it possesses all the required characteristics of a class in formation In essence, the precariat is class that anybody can enter. Whether through economic circumstances beyond ones control, or through a conscious rejection of the alternatives. Unfortunately however many enter the precariat with the hope of using it as a ‘stepping stone’ to reach their full potential. Unfortunately many discover that this stepping-stone often becomes an inescapable dead end.

1. Standing, G. (2011) The Precariat: The New Dangerous Class. 1st Ed. Bloomsbury Academic, London.

A HIDDEN STATISTIC 40

junk jobs 85% of under 24 katowice unemployed 10%

junk jobs 65% of under 30

silesia unemployed 5% unemployed graduates 25%

polish junk jobs 30%

On the surface Katowice and the surrounding Silesian voivodeship present strong economic figures. With Katowice well below the national average for unemployment and the Voivodeship broadly tracking the national average. However these figures hide a deeper economic problem. Poland recently surpassed Spain as the European leader in fixed term contracts. Making ends meet through a seemingly endless round of unstable, poorly paying and low satisfaction ‘junk jobs’ is becoming an increasingly common experience for a generation of young poles. Statistics: Katowice becomes mature market - Katowice the City, http://www.katowicethecity.com/colliers-katowice-becomes-mature-market/ Reference: Kozek, B. Precariat’s World - Volume 4. http://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/precariats-world/

PREkARIAT charateristics 41 JUNK JOBS INSECURE ACCOMODATION

NO MONEY = NO FUN THE PRECARIAT NO POLITICAL VOICE

REDUCED LEISURE

The Precariat have been hugely affected by the introduction of flexible labour and globalisation. This has significantly affected both their job security and employment security. Their concern for employment security relates to the constant fear of becoming redundant or unemployed, and having little control over the terms of their contracts. Whilst the issue of job security relates to their lack of fulfilment and satisfaction with regards to the work they are forced to undertake. In turn their capacity for leisure is severely reduced, whilst pressure on their finances means accommodation is often short term or insecure. The variety and make up of the Precariat means they continue to find it difficult to form a collective association or political representative willing to address their concerns1. 1. Standing, G The Precariat a new dangerous class p112-113

who are the prekariat? 42

DUATE

CTUATIONS IN OPPORTUNITIES &

OMING

unemployed youth

- OFTEN DISCONNECTED TO SOCIETY - FEEL Under-represented - LIVING AT HOME OR IN SOCIAL HOUSING - STUCK IN POVERTY TRAP

academics & Researchers EMPLOYMENT SECURITY INCREASINGLY Based UPON ABILITY TO BRING IN FUNDING THROUGH RESEARCH

recent graduate

- working in jobs unrelated to study - UNABLE TO CLIMB THE CAREER LADDER - BALANCE ‘ GAINING EXPERIENCE’ WITH ‘EXPLOITATION’ - OFTEN HAVE TO TAKE ADDITIONAL JOBS TO SUPPLEMENT INCOME

retirees

- SUPPLEMENTING PENSION IN ORDER TO LIVE - often HIGHLY EXPERIENCED

who are we?

skilled worker

- HIGHLY PRACTICAL & SKILLED - BECOME PRECARIOUS AS FLUCTUATIONS IN THE ECONOMY REDUCE WORK OPPORTUNITIES & INCREASE SUPPLY OF WORKERS - VULNERABLE TO LABOUR BECOMING DE-INDUSTRIALISED

‘mc’Jobs

- ‘STUCK’ IN A JOB WITH LOW JOB SATISFACTION - OFTEN ON FIXED TERM / ZERO HOUR CONTRACTS - LACK OF OPPORTUNITIES TO ADVANCE - NO UNION REPRESENTATION

Recent graduates are a key group of the precariat and account for a significant proportion of their numbers. Whilst graduates have always expected a certain period of precariousness, the depth of neo-liberal economic policies have forced them towards a future of unfulfilling and unrewarding jobs with little chance for progression1. The rest of the precariat consists of a wide ranging demographic, with mixed educational qualifications and skill sets. As a whole ‘The precariat’ is bound together by its key concerns and characteristics. 1. Standing, G The Precariat a new dangerous class p112-113

LIVING AT HOME 43 percentage of young people aged 25-34 living with parents

4.0% 4.2% 4.1%

20.2% 34.5% 33.5%

14.4%

43.2% +4.6% from 2009

17.3% 33.7% 11.5%

14.4%

21.8%

46.6%

56.6% 43.0%

44.4% 52.8%

37.2%

These statistics show the percentage of young people aged 25-34 who live with their parents. Poland (highlighted in pink) has one of the highest in Europe. Compared to the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s figure of 14.4% this is alarming and emphasises the precarity of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s citizens1. 1. Bezbojnicul (2014) Share of young people in the EU aged 25-34 who live with their parents [Image Online] Available from http://i.imgur.com/6ZFTC0V.png

the scale of the problem 44

With the total number of poles in junk jobs at 30% this amounts to over 90,000 when considered as a proportion of the population of Katowice. This amounts to a huge amount of human capital, which is currently under-appreciated and ineffective. Capturing just 10% - 20% of this number would amount to the population a substantial town of around 10,000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20,000. Those in junk jobs are less likely to participate in politics so it is highly likely that many of these did not participate in recent local elections where the turnout was around 46% (approx. 150,000) therefore is this group can gather a strong collective voice they could be a huge force in local politics.

45 from ‘cash machine’ by hard-fi Go to a cash machine To get a ticket home Message on the screen Says don’t make plans, you’re broke No, no this can’t be right I know that time is tight I’ve only just been paid Three weeks five days, til I’m seen Right... No... I scratch a living, it ain’t easy You know it’s a drag I’m always paying, never make it But you can’t look back I wonder if I’ll ever get To where I want to be Better believe it I’m working for the cash machine

current innovation

48 - current innovation model 49 - case study - prosthesis 50 - case study - makerbot

from ‘why Britain needs an innovation bank’ the guardian “Everyone agrees that Britain needs as many fast-growing innovative companies as it can get. We need our bankers to be as enthusiastic about lending to them as they are to buy-to-let property companies. The problem is that while buy-to-let offers the security of bricks and mortar with the possibility of rising prices and rising rents, innovative companies offer little but risk and uncertainty – but they are infinitely more important to our future. The Guardian (2014) Why Britain Needs an Innovation Bank. [Online] Available from: http://www. theguardian.com/business/2014/may/04/why-britain-needs-innovation-bank. Accessed 17/12/14

Sâ&#x20AC;?

innovation funding 48 private investor investments based on Return on investment

competitive tender excludes uneducated/non business background

Seed fund return on investment

balancing act time constraints

pressure from investors no sharing

success estimote inc.

failure

give up?

Current innovation projects are often funded through a seed fund, these may be managed by institutions or venture capitalists, or a combination of the two. In order to receive funding and participate in the process the applicants are required to present a business plan and outline their idea. This process is often competitive due to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;limitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; investment opportunities on offer. Furthermore the process excludes those who lack the capability or education to present their idea as an investment and is based on a return on investment, therefore ground breaking social projects or products are often dismissed. Once accepted projects are often under time pressures relating to producing a return on investment and those who fail to do this may be labelled as failures and their chances of receiving investment for future projects is severely reduced.

Cost case study - Low Prosthesis 49 designers

machinists fab lab amsterdam prosthetics experts

la ol

Not an $1800 prosthetic

farmers

tiv ra

minimal return on investment

$41 Prosthetic

nomads

herdsmen

The low cost prosthesis project aims at developing lower leg prosthetics with a production cost of less than $50. The aim is to provide limbs to developing countries where the cost of standard prosthetics is often prohibitive to the majority of the population. This project is funded by non-profit organisations and its sole focus is producing a project with a positive social outcome rather than a return on investment.

case study 50 makerbot founders

collaboration expertise fab lab open source

supportive the cupcake cnc

founders break from fab lab

venture capital

company sold for $400m

dispute over closed source replicator 2 closed source

Makerbot began in a shared fablab space run by the non-profit organisation reprap. Adam Mayer, Zach Smith and Bre Pettis were inspired by the idea of 3D printers and the concept of consumers being able to construct additional parts and ultimately the printers themselves from a single machine. They developed the project with the help of an open source community, quickly producing their first functioning fully replicable 3D printer. This first model was released online to huge acclaim and could be built for very little. However as interest grew, seed funding was offered and the makers gradually withdrew their product and designs from the open source community making components more complicated and difficult to replicate. The project was then completely removed from the open source network after a $400m deal saw the rights sold to Stratasys.

51 from ‘crack capitalism’ by john holloway “The need for radical social change (revolution) is more pressing and more obvious than ever, but we do not know how to bring it about. We know, from experience and from reflection, that we cannot do it by taking state power. But then how?”

urban strategy

urban strategy 54 - the prekariat future 55 - case study - occupy london 56 - university ko-op zone 58 - activating the prekariat 59 - case study - valve 60 - flat hierarchy 61 - application process 62 - key investment moves 63 - ko-op innovation fund 64 - university involvement 65 - case study - podemos 66 - catalytic university

the prekariat future 54 MY secure accomodation

- university controlled rent - 2 year contracts with options

a future

- create own opportunities - explore field of interest - share knowledge

a vote that counts

- vote on collective policy - equal voting - establish collective voice

inclusive community

- inclusive applications - participation at all levels - interaction/cooperation encouraged

live/work balance - control of free time - disposable income

what the future involves how will this be achieved? what the future will involve?

reduce financial worries - no employer controls - reduced living costs

KO-OPREKARIAT aims to provide security to the precariat by addressing their core concerns in order for individuals to have the opportunity to find a way out of their present situation. Furthermore the Ko-op aims to create a coming together of a large chunk of society who are currently fragmented, offering them the chance to develop a common voice, through a process of participation, from which they can seek longer term change.

case study 55 28TH FEB 2012

POLICE AND BAILIFFS CLEAR THE SITE AFTER COURT PROCEEDINGS RULE IN THE CHURCHES FAVOUR

St. Pauls, london

26TH OCT 2011

BISHOP OF LONDON CALLS ON PROTESTERS TO LEAVE

15TH OCT 2011

OCCUPY PROTESTS BEGIN IN THE SQUARE IN FRONT OF ST PAULS CATHEDRAL ( CHURCH OWNED)

16TH OCT 2011

SOME MEMBERS OF CLERGY INITIALLY SUPPORT THE PROTESTS

Occupy’s first visible protest began in New York on the 17th September 2011. The initial action spawned hundreds of similar protests around the world. A month later activists occupied the square at St Paul Cathedral. Land at the heart of the financial centre, and owned by the Church of England. After receiving initial support from the bishops, once the protest caused the closure of the cathedral on health and safety grounds, the church quickly changed tack. They urged protesters to leave and eventually gained a court order to have them removed. Interest in the occupy movement peaked during the protest but has dipped significantly since. “Protests have their big moments when they are in the media and people are talking about it,” “That is success on one level. Occupy have branched out to small [and] very small campaigns and they are making a difference there. But actually changing things for good takes a longer time.”1 1. BBC (2014) The resonance of Occupy [Online] Available from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30176406. Accessed on 13/12/14

university ko-op zone 56 offers protection from ‘removal’ or ‘destruction’ tactics by authorities gathering is not fragmented control rental prices of accommodation

A long term vision

univ wne

ty o

ersi

ko-op zone

nd d la

control rental prices of cooperative spaces protection from current neoliberal model

failure is not marginalised university can participate

Our project aims to create a co-operative, formed and run by the cities precariat. This co-operative or Ko-operative will be based in a ‘KO-OP’ Zone within the boundaries of the university owned land, providing a secure ‘base’ within which the Ko-op can operate and begin to act out alternative futures for themselves and for their fellow precariat. By using the university as a shield between the Ko-operative and the city they are protected from some of the failings of similar groups.

57 from ‘crack capitalism’ by john holloway It is sometimes argued that territoriality is crucial to the development of the new movements of rebellion in the last twenty years or so. Thus Zibechi: “Establishing a territorial base is the path taken by the Sem Terra (the landless peasants of Brazil), through the creation of an infinite number of little self-governed islands; by the indigenous of Ecuador who expanded their communities to reconstruct their ancestral ‘ethnic territories’ and by the Indians in Chiapas who colonised the Lacandon Jungle… This strategy, which originated in a rural context, began to establish itself among the fringes of the urban unemployed: the excluded created settlements on the edges of the big cities by taking and occupying land. In the whole continent, several million hectares have been recovered and conquered by the poor, causing a crisis of the instituted territorialities and re-modelling the physical spaces of resistance. From their territories, the new actors develop long-term projects, central to which are the capacity to produce and reproduce life…” (2008: 25) The latter point is crucial, because it provides a material base for the movement towards autonomy (ibid.: 135 ).

activating the prekariat 58 UNI

university precariat of katowice graduate prekariat

GRADUATE / STUDENT PRECARIA

first ko-op brought together

FIRST KO-OP MEMBERS BROUGH

online publication

continue to promote

events

capture further interest

new members apply ko-op grows

bookable spaces

PROMOTE KO-OP REGULARLY

ONLINE

CONTINUE TO PROMOTE

NEW MEMBERS APPLY / JOIN

The Ko-op will require an initial promotion period led by the University of Silesia. Targeted at the precariat that exist within the city, whilst of course reaching out to the precariat, that they have had a hand in creating, their recent graduates. After this initial period of promotion the university the university will be able to bring KO-OP GROWS together interested parties, some or all of which will then go on to be the first members of the Ko-op. From here the Ko-op will be responsible for promoting itself.

CASE STUDY 59 failure is encouraged as long as mistakes are not repeated flat hierarchical structure employees are ranked according to their range of skills and outputs productivity/output group contribution product contribution

â&#x20AC;&#x153;T-Shapedâ&#x20AC;? people are important with a wide range of skills and an expertise in one area

discussion is encouraged

Valve is an American video game distribution and development company. They differ to typical companies as they have a flat hierarchical structure with everyone equal. As there are no managers or people to report to they produced a handbook for employees explaining how they should work1. The points on this page are they core values and ways of working taken from the handbook to understand how their company functions within this structure. 1. http://www.valvesoftware.com/company/Valve_Handbook_LowRes.pdf

flat hierarchy 60 ko-op vote to accept new members members responsible for shared spaces

all members free to contribute to meetings

flat hierarchy

everyone is valued

1 member = 1 vote collective decisions

The Ko-op operates using a flat hierarchy. Each member is treated equally and given a single vote regardless of their status or the length of time they have been in the Ko-op. This is crucial in defining the future direction of the Ko-op and its membership, where voting takes place within a designated forum space (see Ko-op forum diagram). A result of this structure is that all members are expected to share general duties equally. The purpose of this structure is too encourage participation and to offer the Precariat members and feeling of being heard in order to facilitate a collective vision.

application process 61 anonymous application

application in a variety of formats application unsuccessful can reapply at a later date

questions on skills, interests, living situation & rent and employment status

ko-op vote

split vote

joins ko-op

applicant presents in person

The application process for the Ko-op will involve an anonymous application process. (See appendix for full details). The application will concentrate on the skills one can bring to the Ko-op and their interests along with basic comments on their situation. The application can be in a variety of mediums allowing the individual to best reflect their abilities. This process aims to prevent exclusion based upon race, gender, age, education or background, whilst allowing the Ko-op to gauge the status of the applicant to ensure the precariats are prioritised.

SPLIT VOT

APPLICANT PRESENT IN BEFORE A R

key investment moves 62 university acquires land outside of boundary

university of silesia sold with planning permission for student accomodation

land leased to developers

developers build student accommodation

profits go to ko-operative

ko-op The Ko-op will require an initial period of funding, until it can achieve self-sufficiency. We propose the funding could be achieved through the university outsourcing the development of accommodation to private developers, similar to the model of many UK universities. This would not only save the university a significant sum in regard to its expected outlay on accommodation construction, but could also allow them to return a profit. This would involve the purchase of suitable vacant lots or buildings, close to but outside the current city centre campus.

TCOME OF PROJECT

ko-op innovation fund KNOWLEDGE SHARING

63 knowledge sharing

present idea vote to provide funding collaborate on project with other members

outcome of project

% of profits to ko-op

The Ko-op innovation fund is available to itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members and provides a funding for any member or group of members to pursue a project that requires finances above and beyond their means. In order to receive funding the member or members must discuss their project idea with the Ko-op and in turn the Ko-op will vote as to whether funding will be given. If funding is received the member or members are encouraged to collaborate where possible and to share the knowledge gained from the project with the Ko-op, this may be through a presentation of the completed project or through open-source design. If the project returns a profit (this is not required to receive funding) a percentage of this will be returned to the Ko-op fund. The aim of this funding method is to be as open with ideas as possible and to judge a project on its merit rather than its investment potential, whilst hopefully removing competition from the process as much as possible.

University involvement 64 active involvement DEVELOP/GROW social sciences - produce annual reports CO-OP SYSTEM

highlighting potential improvements - study successes & failures - assist with initial framework

economic sustainability

passive involvement

radio & TV

RATI

-OPE

F CO

TH O

GROW

ko-operative

inactive involvement

PROMOTE CO-OP

- document process - document urban environment changes as a result - assist with promotion

university of economics

- provide advice only when required

Whilst the Ko-op will operate autonomously to the university, the university can play a key role in its progress and facilitate its success. We propose that several key faculties will be crucial in the Ko-opâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress and success. The students and academics of the faculties involved could reap huge benefits from studying such a complex social project in action, whilst the Ko-op would benefit from the impartial and independent input.

case study 65 OCT 2014

january 2014

SPAIN’S 2ND PARTY BY MEMBERS

FOUNDED BY Pablo Iglesias

PODEMOS MEP €1930 A MONTH

MEP € 8000 A MONTH

may 2014

win 5 of 84 spanish seats in european parliament

ANYONE CAN BECOME CANDIDATE ANYONE CAN VOTE FOR CANDIDATE Podemos was founded in Spain in January 2014 by talk show host and left wing activist Pablo Iglesias. In order to run for the 2014 European parliament elections in may, the party needed to select candidates for the elections. The format allowed anyone to run as a candidate and anyone to vote for their preferred candidate. After these primary elections the candidates selected won 5 of Spain’s 84 seats in the European parliament. The parties MEP’s have elected to only retain 1930 Euros a month of the 8000 Euro a month wage, as this is still 3 times the average wage in Spain. The rest of their wage funds the party and charitable causes. After less than a year they were Spain’s 2nd most popular party by membership.

catalytic university 66 potential students

catalytic university ko-op

“we care” city & cities prekariat

future change?

By implementing our strategy the university will shift from a ‘luxury university (see context diagram entitled luxury university) to a ‘catalytic university’. Whilst the university will still invest in infrastructure improvements to remain competitive, by supporting and providing space and infrastructure for the Ko-opprekariat project they will also offer their graduates an alternative to the ‘precariat’ future that haunts so many of their alumni. Over time the possibility of facilitating an alternative political future with a greater social conscience may also become a reality. Associated diagram ‘Luxury University’ on page 30

67 from ‘crack capitalism’ by john holloway By envisaging a different world, by acting in a different world we actually call forth that world. It is only because we have, at least partially moved out of what makes ‘sense’ in the old world that another world can start to make its own sense. Take the example of Rosa Parks who simply refused to move to the back of the bus. She wasn’t making a demand, she wasn’t even in opposition, she was simply acting in a different world. That action which sparked off the civil rights movement in the U.S, now strikes us as a simple assertion of a human right, but in its moment it was a daring and experimental gamble, a crossing of a threshold into a world that might not come into existence. That is the nature of cracks; they are acting out of a world that does not exist, in the hope that by acting it out, we may really breathe it into life; or rather, in the knowledge that this is the only way in which we can bring it into life.

masterplan

ko-op konstructed 72 - case study - favelas 73 - rules of allocation 74 - endless possibilities 76 - a hybrid typology 78 - case study - metabolisis 79 - konstruction pedagogy 80 - ko-op konstruction 81 - ko-op forum provided infrastructure 84 - technical hubs 85 - service hubs 86 - waste hubs 87 - delivery/storage hubs 88 - hub breakdown 89 - provided konstruction 90 - bookable space 91 - unused space 92 - buildings on site 93 - building konversion 94 - framework 95 - case study - herman Miller 96 - interchangeable panels 97 - ownership 98 - public space 99 - services 100 - Phasing 1 - 3 104 - potential production line 105 - waste processing 106 - key connections 107 - cycle routes 108 - car routes the future 112 - future changes 113 - future implementation 114 - ko-op stories 116 - the builder 117 - the innovator 118 - potential politician 120 - hacking the system 121 - visuals

ko-op konstructed

72 - case study - favelas 73 - rules of allocation 74 - endless possibilities 76 - a hybrid typology 78 - case study - metabolisis 79 - konstruction pedagogy 80 - ko-op konstruction 81 - ko-op forum

from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;crack capitalismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by john holloway Often the alternative doing grows out of necessity: the functioning of the capitalist market does not allow us to survive and we need to find other ways to live, forms of solidarity and cooperation. Often too it comes from choice: we refuse to submit our lives to the rule of money, we dedicate ourselves to what we consider necessary or desirable. Either way we live the world we want to create. Holloway, J (2010) Crack Capitalism. 1st Ed. Sidmouth: Pluto Press.

case study - favelas 72

Complexo do Alemão Favela Case Study

Complexo do Alemão is an unplanned Favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The buildings are built by the residents with whatever materials they can afford. The buildings develop over time and whilst each unit is unplanned the buildings have developed in such a way that routes and pathways develop between them, creating a densely packed neighbourhood. Space that is not yet developed is often taken over for public events and impromptu football matches. Services are connected in an ad hoc fashion, linking into an infrastructure developed for the planned parts of the city1. 1. Archdaily (2014) Case Study: The Unspoken Rules of Favela Construction [Online] Available at http://www.archdaily.com/531253/case-study-the-unspokenrules-of-favela-construction/. Accessed 12/12/14 Images: Solène Veysseyre

RULES OF ALLOCATION 73 ST (HY OREYS BRID PE STO /MU RMIT (SIN REYS LTIP TED GLE PER LE k KO- MIT O-O OP) TED P) PLO TS A LLO CAT ED PER SON S

potential to build upward and costs shared

1 2 3 4-8 8-16

Each Ko-op member is entitled to a single plot measuring 2m x 2m. This is highly restrictive for most activities and has been chosen with this in mind. With the application process generally an individual affair due to fragmented nature of the precariat, members are encouraged to team up and are rewarded with extra plots, allowing greater possibilities. Units are restricted to a single story with 2 or less members. However with 3 members or more an additional story is permitted, but only if the collaborating members are working on different projects or have highly varied skill sets – we have termed this a ‘hybrid’ (see hybrid spaces for further info). A 3rd story may be permitted but only after the hybrid group concerned gain permission from the Ko-op via a open vote. Associated diagram ‘Hybrid Typology’ page xx

8 PLOTS 2 STOREYS NOT ALL PLOTS BUILT ON

endless possibilities

OUT

74 8 PLOTS / 2 STOREYS NOT ALL PLOTS BUILT ON

4 PLOTS / SINGLE STOREY

8 PLOTS / SINGLE STOREY HALF PITCH

IRREGULAR SCALES AND LAYOUT

storey height max 5m (ridge)

storey height max 4.5m

8 PLOTS / 2 STOREYS

8 PLOTS / 3 STOREYS

ADDITIONAL STOREYS PERMITTED WITH KO-OP APPROVAL

IRREGULAR SHAPES FROM HALF PLOTS

8 PLOTS / 2 STOREYS

IRREGULAR SCALE AND ROOF TYPES The heights of units are restricted. Each storey is restricted to 4.5m if the roof is flat, and 5m if pitched. Units can be any height under the maximum but must comply with the building authority regulations. The heights have been chosen as they will allow for mezzanines, storage and vehicle access (if necessary) Members may build their units in any configuration over the space of their allocated plots.

proposed routes explanation 75 from ‘The Graphic Artist and His Design Problems’ by joseph Muller-Brockmann “The grid system is an aid, not a guarantee. It permits a number of possible uses and each designer can look for a solution appropriate to his personal style”

Recent graduates are a key group of the precariat. Graduates have always expected a certain period of precariousness, however the depth of neo-liberal economic policies forces them towards jobs, with little or no prospects and poor job satisfaction1. In turn their capacity for leisure is severely reduced, whilst pressure on their finances means accommodation is often short term or insecure. Despite a growing numbers of graduates in the precariat, they continue to find it difficult to form a collective association or political representative willing to address their concerns2. 1. Standing, G The Precariat a new dangerous class p112-113 2. ibid p220

a hybrid typology 76 medium spatial requirements

small spatial requirements musicians

micro-brewery

MUSICIANS

web based retail LABORATORY

creatives research lab mechanics

art workshop café large spatial requirements The ‘hybrid’ is both spatially and financially incentivised as we believe this model will create the most interesting collaboration and force members to work together both during construction and throughout the unit’s life. These spaces provide the opportunity for users with different spatial requirements to co-operate in order to achieve their requirements. Those with larger spatial requirements can only achieve their needs by teaming up, those with minimum spatial requirements also benefit - with rent charged in relation to the ground plots.

77 medium spatial requirements

small spatial requirements musicians MUSICIANS

micro-brewery IT

web based retail creatives research lab mechanics

art workshop cafĂŠ large spatial requirements

The opportunity for extra storeys not only offers more space and more possibilities but also mean rent becomes significantly cheaper per square metre permitted. The hope is that members will learn from the variety of skills in a single building, but will also be required to share significant areas of the units by working together to form an agreement. This could be by sharing the same space at different times of day or giving some of their allocation to the other group members.

case study - metabolisis 78 hospital?

factory?

school?

The metabolists were trying to use architecture as a means to physically describe the ever changing and ephemeral association of people, buildings, infrastructure, goods and information within the metropolis. The Nakagin tower was one of the only built examples of the philosophy. However today it is largely empty. In a sense it was a failure, the ‘adaptable modules’ bolted within a permanent frame offered the opportunity for constant flux. One day a residential tower block, the next month school,ofhospital or factory. Psychologically people was struggled 1. They recognised that theasuccess a city, and in broader terms of any species, tied to how fast and with themuch ideaease of their personal being of less permanent, the semblance of with how it could adapt space to the needs thethan moment, how capable it was of dealing with the permanence is They therefore crucial to an adaptable projectthat were people are at the centre1. modules bolted metropolitan flux. consequently proposed buildings were comprised of adaptable to permanent frames – this year the building is a tower block, but next year it might be a school or a hospital Self, J (2009) Metabolism: Icons that are not Objects [Online] Available from http://millenniumppl.blogspot.co.uk/2009/09/metabolism-icons-that-are-not-objects. or a1.html. factory. Accessed on: 15/12/14 And there’s the rub: psychologically, people don’t like the idea that next year their home might be a factory. They like to feel that the structure they reside in is permanent. The Metabolists made the mistake of interpreting the city as being an essentially empty field filled with urban nomads. But the metropolitan flux is far more rooted than one might think: people still have a very strong sense of ‘mine’ and ‘thine’. The absurdity of this

konstruction pedagogy 79

ko-op

new design or modified design

existing design

collaborative construction

open source building library design

documentation into open source building library

The Ko-op members themselves are required to construct all Ko-op units. Due to the varying skills Ko-op members will have to offer, the Ko-op will provide a basic set of plans and construction instructions for varying units. Members will be able to select and construct whichever ready designed solution fit their needs. However due to the backgrounds of members and DIY culture of Poland we anticipate many members to modify these suggested designs or design and construct their own units. Any modifications and new designs will be added to the existing database of tried and tested designs creating an increasing open source resource for new Ko-op members.

ko-op konstruction KO OP UNITS KONSTRUCTION

recycled/basic materials for frame self build unit

ko-op to konstruct reclaimed materials from construction waste & elsewhere The Ko-op units are constructed by the members themselves. This allows the members to learn to collaborate together, and to share skills with each other (see pedagogy diagram). The units are self-build, in order to allow the Ko-op to feel a sense of ownership of their own spaces and to develop a sense of permanence. Our case study (see metabolism) suggested that pre fabricated units do not offer a strong sense of permanence and as such we believe a self-build approach is more suitable. Koop funding will cover the costs of materials, however whenever possible they will be provided from waste streams processed by the Ko-op at the waste and recycling centre.

ko-op forum 81 VOTE ON KEY POLICIES/ MEMBERS/FUTURE VOTE ON FUTURE PLANS

open to public view

resolve issues free to speak

CINIBA

central location

The forum is a crucial part of the masterplan. This space is where the Ko-op gather to resolve issues, vote on new members, discuss future policies and learn all about participatory politics. The forum is located directly outside one of the universities most important and well used buildings the CINiBA library. This allows the centre of the Ko-operative to be highly visible and also encourages student participation. The forum is also surrounded by plots housing the Ko-op units, its position highlighting its importance in the overall scheme.

provided infrastructure

rem koolhaas â&#x20AC;&#x153;Infrastructure is much more important than architectureâ&#x20AC;?

technical hubs 84

university bio-tech

workshop/fab lab

laboratory

ko-op specialist hubs

UBS

BRARY

UNIVERSITY BIO TECH

ko-op zone

printing and copying

ciniba library

kitchen

The masterplan requires specialist hubs to be provided to allow the Ko-op access to specialist equipment that would be unaffordable and impractical within the members units, which provide limited space. These hubs are two storeys, located on every major plot, with specialist equipment located on the ground floor, and services above. In the initial phases of development the university will provide this infrastructure. As HUB the project grows and new plots come online, new specialistsCATERING hubs and their genres will be voted for by the Ko-op, who will also fund and construct them once they reach self-sufficiency. The initial hubs provided by the university will plug into suitable university departments where possible, creating an interface between the Ko-op, students and academics of the university and allowing the possibility of additional co-operation. Each Ko-op member will be expected to contribute to the management of the hub, with users familiar with the machinery offering inductions for the use of machines and equipment.

service hubs 85

university

power service hub

hubs plug into university where possible

wi-fiâ&#x201E;˘ ko-op provide basic facilities

Located on the upper floor of the specialist hubs and present on every major plot the hubs provide power, Wi-fi and other services to both the specialist hubs as well as all the other units and spaces provided by the Ko-op. Toilets and washing facilities are also provided for Ko-op members. Where suitable these hubs will plug in to existing university buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; using and distributing existing services such as power and Wi-fi. This will help to reduce the overheads of the Ko-op. In the cases of plug-in hubs the university will be responsible for maintenance with Ko-op members available to assist. Standalone hubs will be serviced and maintained by Ko-op members on a rotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d basis.

waste hubs 86 processed waste out

als

teri e ma

usa

waste processing centre

small waste

waste hub waste ko-op large waste

university

Capitalising on the huge waste output of the city (see context). The waste and recycling hubs will provide Ko-op members and the university the opportunity to see their waste recycled and where possible re-used in the construction of Ko-op units and as raw materials for Ko-operative projects. As the Ko-op develops it may also allow members of the city or particular construction projects to recycle their waste, in order to gain a wider range of useful materials. The waste will be collected at local hubs allocated around the plots and processed in a central facility to reduce the reliance on municipal waste services. Associated diagram â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Wasteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; page 105

Delivery/storage hubs 87 ko-op KO-OP MEMBERS PLACE ITEMS FOR STORAGE / DELIVERY AT LOCAL HUB

KO-OP MEMBERS COLLECT THEIR ITEMS FROM LOCAL HUB service hub

KO-OP MEMBERS DELIVERIES TAKEN TO LOCAL SERVICE HUBS

KO-OP MEMBERS ITEMS STORED pre-DELIVERY storage/delivery centre

deliveries in/out Delivery/ storage hubs will be present on all plots. They allow the Ko-op to collect deliveries and materials from a nearby location. It also facilitates the Ko-op production line (see Ko-op production line diagram ). Ko-op members place their items for delivery or storage in the hubs and likewise collect incoming deliveries and materials from them. This reduces the requirement for storage space within each individual unit. The Ko-op will share duties and responsibilities for the running of the delivery and storage hubs. Once collected goods and materials may be distributed further down the production line to other Ko-op members or taken directly to the central distribution and assembly warehouse. Associated diagram ‘Production Line’ page 104

hub breakdown 88 ices

serv

op sh rk

e wast

The hubs have been designed over two levels to facilitate the public interaction and sense of openness required as well as the restriction of access to other spaces. By having the services on the 1st storey and the workshop and waste on the lower level it allows for a completely accessible public space without worrying about stairs and lifts. The service space providing infrastructure for itself and other hubs is located on the 1st storey to make a more private space which does not have such strict access requirements. This is only one possibility as different hubs will have different requirements as to how the space is used.

provided konstruction 89

university

design (phase 1 only)

prefab

roof structure

bookable spaces

all hub types

design (all phases)

roof structure

ko-op

prefabricated on / off site

all hub types bookable spaces

Provided infrastructure such as the bookable spaces, service hubs and specialist hubs will be constructed via prefabrication, with the fit out pre-decided, allowing for quick installation and ease of use. The units allocated in phase 1 will be designed by the Koop in collaboration with the university. Once the Ko-op strengthens further units will be designed without the additional support of the university. The prefabricated units can be constructed in the assembly centre, or off site. As these elements are university funded initially they may source the units via the most cost efficient method. Later units may be prefabricated by the Ko-operative themselves.

bookable space 90 public

medium/ large units

all sizes of spaces available for booking by public, university and students

medium units ko-op

university small units

ko-operative has priority over use of spaces

students

In addition to Ko-op built units, all plots will also provide a random allocation of bookable spaces. These bookable spaces will vary in scale and will form part of the initial infrastructure provided by the university until the Ko-op reaches self-sufficiency. The spaces will be open to all, from the university and its students to the general public, however the Ko-op will have priority booking over the spaces, which will be managed through an online system (web based, app based). Spaces can be booked for various lengths of time from a few hours to a month. The Ko-op members will not be charged a fee for bookings, however the general public will be required to pay a fee for lengthy bookings to prevent abuse. Additionally, to prevent those from outside the Ko-op abusing the system for creation of businesses without any return to the Ko-op they will work similar to the Fab-Labs in that everything created within the spaces will be shared online and open source allowing anyone access. This should deter those trying to abuse the system but encourage those who want to start businesses to join the Ko-op. Not only do these spaces offer the Ko-op greater flexibility but also allow others to experience the Ko-op first hand and provides the wider public a space to test their ideas. The users of the spaces are responsible for cleaning them and leaving them in a fit state for the following booking.

unused space 91

FOOD MARKET REGULARLY GRAFFITI ARTISTS SPORADICALLY

POP UP CRAZY GOLF 1 MONTH MUSIC FESTIVAL 1 - 2 DAYS

Whilst plots are under development and throughout their life, the spaces in between will be considered public space. This is likely to create a series of spaces at different scales and levels of enclosure, allowing the Ko-op to facilitate a variety of different activities within the spaces. These events can be themed or aimed at bringing the population of the city within the site, facilitating interaction. If there are certain businesses or groups who require this public interaction these events in vacant space can be tailored to suit. There is also the potential for the public to occupy these spaces whilst they are unused to express themselves.

buildings on site 92 demolish abandoned buildings with no character AND IDENTIFIED BY THE BUILDING SURVEY AS POOR CONDITION

h abandoned s with no characetr

BUILDING SURVEY

RETAIN LIVED-IN FLOORS

RENOVATE ABANDONED STOREYS

These buildings are at the southern edge of the university campus. Much of this area has recently been gifted to the university by the city council, allowing for the development of further university faculties and infrastructure. The current masterplan proposes the demolition of several residential blocks and replaces them with student accommodation and faculty buildings such as biotechnology.

building konversion 93

BIO-TECH ACCOMMODATION

HUB ACCOMMODATION KO-OP

Following on from our key investment moves where the university invests in suitable sites for developer led student accommodation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The residential areas within the university campus are still available for development. The vacant and run down residential plots, will therefore be developed by the university with the help of the Ko-op, allowing the Ko-op to provide accommodation to the members with the most urgent need. With the residences being firmly within the Ko-op zone and university land, the university can maintain below market rate rents for Ko-op members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thus providing accommodation security. The accommodation blocks will be connected to Ko-op plots and university buildings, providing a live work typology.

framework 94 INTERCHANGEABLE panels

FRAMEWORK

PROTECTION AND ABILITY TO PLUG-IN FOR SMALL UNITS

The grid-type roof structure derives from the grid of plots and aligns directly above it. However, much of the roof overhangs the plots and in places the roof wraps down to the pavements below (see public space diagram). The roof provides the Ko-op units with protection from the elements and also the framework for simple plug-in connections to services above the units themselves. Provided by the university, the roofs are provided prior to the plots being released for development. The roofs consist of a simple grid-like metal frame with each grid housing an interchangeable panel. The roof sits 8 – 9 metres above the plots. Associated diagram ‘Public Space’ page 98

case study 95

1 3

2 Completed in 1976 and still used by client today. Grimshaw Architects (formerly Grimshaw/Farrell) designed the offices for furniture design firm Herman Miller. Essentially an industrial unit the building needed to provide the company with maximum flexibility. Designed around a 10 x 20m grid the cladding system is completely demountable and can be interchanged for glazing, openings or solid insulated panels. All primary circuits for services are located in the roof space and reached by catwalks.

interchangeable panels 96 LOUVRES OR GLAZED

DESIGN SOMETHING ELSE

SOLID

FRAME

SLOTS INTO EXISTING SYSTEM

The removable roof panels enclose the spaces below and protect them from the elements. Interchangeable panels are provided by the university, until the Ko-op can become self sufficient. There are a variety of panels available to suit different requirements. A simple enclosed panel, a glazed panel or a louvred panel. However if the members require something bespoke such as a chimney they can design and install their own.

ownership 97 9x9 roof unit

2x2 unit

each 2m x 2m unit is responsible for 9 roof units

green ko-opâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roof units

nits

du are

pink ko-opâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roof units where roof units overlap they become the joint responsibility of those who share them

Each 2 x 2 metre unit has the responsibility for the roof structure above. It is their decision to select modules to fill the structure or not as per their requirements. The area above for which they are responsible is the perimeter of their site plus and extra 2 metres to allow for suitable shelter. When these areas of roof responsibility overlap it becomes a shared responsibility and decision for the units which overlap, similar to the way a garden fence works.

public space 98

PUBLIC SPACE

VISIBLE HUBS

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

The roof structure is transformed at some of the edges into a wall structure not only to provide added protection but also provides a series of enclosed and open spaces creating public spaces and facilitating the movement of people alongside and between the Ko-op plots. (see visualisations). However whilst the Ko-op units are protected they remain visible rather than enclosed. The decision for which interchangeable panels will fill the wall structure is the responsibility of those units who will be affected by the change eg. through sunlight etc.

services

G wa AS Po ter we wi- r fi

UNIVERSITY

Services for the Ko-op are provided to the individual units via a service hub. Where possible the services are connected to existing university infrastructure. The service hubs distribute the services to the units by suspending them from the underside of the roof infrastructure. Units simply plug directly into these overhead tracks, meaning complicated groundworkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are unnecessary and allowing the units greater flexibility.

phasing 100

key proposed ko-op infrastructure REDEVELOPED RESIDENTIAL FOR PREKARIATS POSSIBLE KO-OP UNITS PROPOSED University BUILDING EXISTING UNIVERSITY BUILDING

The masterplan develops over a series of phases, allowing for the growth of the Ko-op and to allow for a staggered funding approach. Phase 1 sees the first of the Ko-op plots opened for development. These plots will be provided with the covered structure to allow the Ko-op units to benefit from the shelter during its early stages. The plots will be provided with their related infrastructure, including the hubs and bookable spaces. The university also constructs the biotechnology department and its connected hub along with the sports hall. The plots in this phase are centrally located to allow the first phase to have the maximum impact and therefore the best possible chance of attracting new members. The Forum is also introduced along with the developed residential for the precariat. The recycling and waste centre is also provided at this stage Phase 2 sees the development of further plots hubs and related infrastructure. The assembly and distribution centre is introduced. Phase 3 sees the introduction of further Ko-op plots and related hub and roof infrastructure.

phasE 1 101 SPORTS HALL waste material and recycling centre bio-tech faculty forum

proposed ko-op infrastructure REDEVELOPED RESIDENTIAL FOR PREKARIATS POSSIBLE KO-OP UNITS PROPOSED University BUILDING EXISTING UNIVERSITY BUILDING

HUBS

PHASE 2 102

ASSEMBLY AND DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

HUBS

proposed ko-op infrastructure REDEVELOPED RESIDENTIAL FOR PREKARIATS POSSIBLE KO-OP UNITS PROPOSED University BUILDING EXISTING UNIVERSITY BUILDING

PHASE 3 103

PREKARIAT ACCOMMODATION HUBS

proposed ko-op infrastructure REDEVELOPED RESIDENTIAL FOR PREKARIATS POSSIBLE KO-OP UNITS PROPOSED University BUILDING EXISTING UNIVERSITY BUILDING

potential production line 104

production line

ASSEMBLY / DISTRIBUTION

assembly/distribution

local

national/intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l

With the precariatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fragmented structure, the application process for the Ko-op is geared towards individual applications, with Ko-ops formed through connecting with other new and existing members. Therefore the masterplan offers the opportunity for an external production line, allowing the opportunity for goods from Ko-op units to be distributed between each other and also directly to an assembly and distribution centre. This allows the Ko-op the opportunity to take advantage of any larger production opportunities that evolve from the day to day production of the individual Ko-ops. The centre is located with easy access to the road network allowing for easy access to delivery vehicles.

waste process 105

WASTE/MATERIALS line

ASSEMBLY / DISTRIBUTION

WASTE/RECYCLING CENTRE

UNRECLAIMABLE The Ko-op self build units require materials for construction. The waste hubs (see waste hubs diagram will collect waste materials, which where possible will be recycled or processed into usable construction materials. The city also produces huge amounts of construction waste and as the Ko-op grows the hope is they will also be able to harness this effectively. The masterplan proposes the inward and outward flow of waste and materials will emanate from the central hub along the central pathways of the space. The centre is located close to the road network for ease of access.

key connections

city centre

MARIAcKA ST.

Cult

ure c

entr

School of economics

106

proposed key routes existing key routes

Part of the masterplan involves maintaining and emphasising key routes to and from the university to the city centre and elsewhere. These are all accessed on foot as the precariat cannot afford the luxury of personal motorised transport.

cycle routes 107

Ligota

Park

Ĺ&#x161;lÄ&#x2026;sk i

Culture centre

proposed cycle routes existing popular cycle routes

The bicycle is an important method of tranposrt for the precariat as they are inexpensive and provide a better way of life. By improving cycle infrastructure around the university campus we can provide a safer environment for the precariat and also help to integrate the public into the site.

car routes

Restric

ted ac

cess

108

area of university campus new underground car parks existing routes to be pedestrianised existing routes to be retained The car has taken priority over anything else in the city and the site however is unobtainable for the precariat. By proposing alternative car routes and creating ample car parking to the edges of the site we aim to free up land currently designated as car parking for use by the Ko-oprekariat.

109 from ‘MAKING HEALTHY CITIES: interview’ with jan gehl “To me, a sustainable city would be a very people-friendly city. It would be a city with good public spaces and a city that is rather compact. It would be a city that really invites people to walk and bicycle as much as possible. A good walking and cycling environment with a good public realm is also a good environment for public transport, so there is an important connection here as well.” Gehl, J (2014) Interview: Making Healthy Cities. [Online] Available from: http://www.dac.dk/en/dac-cities/ sustainable-cities/experts/jan-gehl-making-healthy-cities/

the future

112 - future changes 113 - future implementation 114 - ko-op stories 116 - the builder 117 - the innovator 118 - potential politician 120 - hacking the system 121 - visuals

111

from ‘THE ANGRY MOB’ by KAISER CHIEFS And it’s only ‘cos you came here with your brothers too If you came here on your own you’d be dead It’s only ‘cos you follow what the others do It’s no excuse to say you’re easily lead You could choose anything You choose to lose again and again And you could do anything But why should you do anything again

future changes 112

existing rules

initial ko-op development KO-OP MEET TO DISCUSS AMENDMENTS

TEST AMENDED RULES ON NEW PLOT

continue with new rules

The rules relating to the development of the plots and roof, would be open to adjustment. Once the Ko-op is underway and has begun to develop if consistent problems arise from a particular rule, or they feel the system will benefit from changes to several rules, this is absolutely encouraged. However it is envisaged that this will occur on a small scale, perhaps in the form of a test plot of series of test plots before being rolled out across the project. However as with all decisions affecting the ko-op it will need to be a group decision and voted upon by members.

future implementation 113

katowice

rybnik

ko-operative KO-OP

POLAND

cieszyn

europe? EUROPEworldwide? / WORLDWIDE?

As the Ko-op grows, demand is highly likely to spread. At this stage it is highly likely that the University will wish to extend the opportunity to its satellite campuses, in turn this may well see the concept spread Poland wide and perhaps even throughout wider Europe and worldwide?

ko-op stories 114

the ‘builder’

‘potential politician’

‘innovator’

three potential members of the ko-operative

As required by the nature of the situation, the Ko-oprekariat targets a diverse range of individuals. Each member will have different needs and develop different outcomes. Some may require more assistance than others; those who have no family to fall back on, or have family to support themselves are likely to appreciate a place in the Koop organised accommodation. Those who have a close family network may prefer to continue to live at home with their parents, keeping their outgoings low in order to devote more of their time to the Ko-op. Some may still require part time work outside the Ko-op to support them, however the Ko-op’s reduced rent accommodation and workspaces should reduce this requirement as much as possible. The following Ko-op stories outline a few potential members and the lives they may lead, both whilst in the Ko-op and if or when they move on.

115 from ‘crack capitalism’ by john holloway “The people in the centre, devote as much time as possible to the anti capitalist struggle, but they also take jobs, at least occasionally in order to survive; …there is no purity here, but there is a common rejection of the cohesive logic of capitalism, and an attempt to create something else.”

ko-op story the ‘builder’ 116 diy/practical skills

non academics

4. assists with construction

0. unemployed

the ‘builder’ 3. balances paid work, welfare & ko-op

1. applies/ joins ko-op

2. offered ko-op accommodation 5. stays in ko-op indefinitely/leaves when political landscape changes

ko-op story the ‘innovator’ 117 creative person/ inventor

3. COLLABORATES WITH OTHER MEMBERS & DEVELOPS PROJECT

‘innovator’

4. project attracts outside investment

0. stuck in ‘junk jobs’

1. applies/ joins ko-op

2. project idea receives funding from ko-op 5. now financially secure leaves ko-op

6. CONTINUES TO INVEST PORTION OF PROFIT TO KO-OP ALLOWING IT BECOME SELF SUPPORTING

ko-op story ‘potential politician’ 118

perhaps a recent graduate

T IN POLITICS

4. runs for mayor/council

3. key forum contributor and promoter

5. pushes for political change from a position of power whilst continuing to support ko-op

‘potential politician’

S HIM

0.unrepresented

1. applies/ joins ko-op

2. continues part time work to support themselves (lives in ko-op)

3. KEY FORUM CONTRIBUT

119

“Because of their education, and awareness of the drabness or absurdity of the labour they are expected to accept, they are wellplaced to appreciate the need for a new progressive vision … Perhaps the biggest challenge for this part of the precariat is to induce the other varieties to share a common vision. There is no reason why that cannot happen, just as craftsmen and intellectuals acted as educators and leaders of the ‘working class’ in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.” Guy Standing ‘A Precariat Charter’ p30

E IF BIG

hacking the system 120 infiltration lies on application

SPIES/ EXTREMIST/ SABOTAGE COULD DIVIDE KO-OP HARD TO PENETRATE IN NUMBERS DUE TO INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION PROCESS. APPLICATION MAY HAVE TO BE ADJUSTED TO DEAL WITH ANY ISSUES THAT ARISE.

democracy

DEMOCRACY BECOMES INEFFECTIVE IF SCALE OF MEMBERSHIP is too big

uptake

political divides may appear in ko-op

STILL ALLOWS THE PREKARIAT TO ENGAGE IN DISCUSSION. SUCCESSFUL sUB GROUPS MAY DEVELOP AND DEVELOP NEW EXPERIMENTS.

THE KO-OP FAILS TO GROW OR DEVELOPMENT IS TOO slow MEMBERS MAY BECOME IMPATIENT AND LEAVE

THE SOCIAL STUDY AND REGULAR SUGGESTIONS FROM SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENTS WILL HELP THE KO-OP TO ADJUST POLICIES THAT ARE INEFFECTIVE. STUDY WILL ALSO PROVIDE DETAILS OF ANY FAILURES FROM WHICH A FUTURE PROJECT CAN LEARN

With this approach to providing security for the precariat of Katowice we can forsee those who may take advanatge of the system or ways in which it can break down. It is open to infiltration however the applicant process only allows individuals to apply, the method of open democracy is limited once it reaches a certain quantity and as this is a new typology of project it is unclear at the rate of which it will grow so some may become lethargic and leave.

121

122

123

appendix 124 THE RULES FOR KO-OPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT 1.

The site has been divided up into 2m x 2m plots

The more people you have in your cooperative, the larger plot and higher building you are allowed. The limits of construction sizes per group size is listed below: 1 person = 1 plot 2 people = 2 plots 3 people = 4 plots 4-8 people = 8 units The model continues in this manner for 8 -16, 16 -32 etc 3.

From 3 people onwards you are permitted to construct upwards to allow for extra space, however you must be part of a hybrid co-operative.

To position your buildings onto a plot you must first discuss with other neighboring members who are already occupying the same zone.

There must be a perimeter of at least 2m around the central hub buildings and the main access corridor must remain open.

Notes: These designated sizes are a maximum and you are permitted to use less if necessary. It is not compulsory to construct on all your plots. It is encouraged to cultivate/landscape the remaining land, including the roofs of your buildings. Remember, the shared buildings host large and expensive facilities for your use this is to prevent individuals having to invest beyond their means and to promote co-operation and knowledge sharing. Utilise the booking system to ensure that they are available when needed.

125 THE CODE FOR BOOKABLE SPACES 1.

Bookable spaces are for both public, university and Ko-op use

Public (non Ko-op members) activity in the bookable spaces requires all project outputs / developments to be shared on the Ko-op open source database

Booking will be managed by an online system and the bookings for the day will be displayed at the entrance to each unit.

Spaces can be booked for various lengths of time from a few hours to a month.

Ko-op members will not be charged for booking, but may incur a fine of additional Ko-op activities for failing to use the space during booked times.

The general public will be limited to booking spaces for longing than 4 hours per week.

Lengthier public bookings may be arranged with permission Ko-op.

Users of the space are responsible for cleaning the space after completing their booking period and leaving equipment etc ready for the next booking. Failure to do so may result in the user losing the privilege to use the spaces.

appendix 126 APPLICATION PROTOCOL The application form to join the “Katowice Ko-operative” does not require the applicant to provide personal information, such as their name, age, ethnicity, or education. This creates a platform for each applicant to be assessed purely on what they can bring and share with the collective, rather than excluded or included based upon an unnecessary or exclusionary agenda. The form does not necessarily require a written application. Photos of completed / ongoing projects, interests, music, sketches and diagrams are also acceptable and encouraged. This allows those who are uncomfortable with written expression to showcase their skills in an alternative format and for the assessment panel to be unmoved by a perceived educational level. The result of your application will be posted at the collective forum / online and in our monthly newsletter. Your applicant number will serve as your reference. In the rare event your application results in a tied vote by the collective, you may be invited to the forum to speak / express yourself in person. If your application is unsuccessful, you may apply again at any time in the future, upon which you will be allocated a new applicant number. Only one active application is permitted at any one time. APPLICATION FORM FOR PROJECT…….. Applicant Number: 0000000000001 Brief Outline of Skills ( This may be pictoral, musical, written, sketched…. Or anything else. ) Brief Outline of Fields of Interests ( This may be pictoral, musical, written, sketched…. Or anything else. ) Why do you feel precarious?

127

bibliography 128 Banys, W, ‘The University of Silesia’ [online] http://english.us.edu.pl/universitysilesia [accessed 29/11/14] Baumann, Z ‘Identity in the globalizing world’ Bourdieu, P (1998) Acts of Resistance. Against the new myths of our time. Oxford; Blackwell Central Statistical Office (2014) Concise Statisitcal Yearbook of Poland [Online] Available from: http://bit.ly/1yCTPFc. Chomsky, N ‘Wellbeing is more than sideshow to neo liberal economics’ [online] https://www.opendemocracy.net/transformation/christine-berry/ wellbeing-is-more-than-sideshow-to-neoliberal-economics [accessed 30/11/14] Colliers International. ‘Katowice becomes mature market’ [online] http://www. katowicethecity.com/colliers-katowice-becomes-mature-market/ [accessed 29/11/14] Gorz, A. (1982), Farewell to the Working Class: An Essay on Post-Industrial Socialism, London: Pluto Press Hardt, M & Negri, A (2001) Empire. Cambridge: Harvard University Press Holloway, J (2010) Crack Capitalism. Sidmouth: Pluto Press Kozek, B ‘Precariats World’ [online] http://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/ precariats-world/ [accessed 29/11/14] Nowak, P (2014) Chosen Aspects Of Dynamic Programming Use Within Construction Waste Management. [Online] Available at: http://leidykla.vgtu.lt/ conferences/MBM_2007/2pdf/Nowak.pdf. Polska (Date Unknown) Natural Resources. [Online] Available from https:// en.polska.pl/Natural,Resources,310.html

129 Recykling (2013) Recykling w Polsce [Online translated] Available at: http:// recykling.biz/2013/06/10/recykling-w-polsce/ Seymour, New Left Project ‘We are all precarious – on the concept of the precariat and its misuses’ [online] http://www.newleftproject.org/index.php/ site/article_comments/we_are_all_precarious_on_the_concept_of_the_ precariat_and_its_misuses [accessed 30/11/14] Standing, G. New Left Project ‘Response: Misunderstanding The Precariat’ [online] http://www.newleftproject.org/index.php/site/article_comments/ response_misunderstanding_the_precariat [accessed 29/11/14] Standing, G (2011) The Precariat: The new dangerous class. London: Bloomsbury Standing, G (2014) The Precariat Charter: from denizens to citizens. London: Bloomsbury Standing, G (2009). Work after globalization Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing Taylor, M ‘shock therapy, what we can learn from poland’ [online]http:// prospectjournal.org/2010/11/11/shock-therapy-what-we-can-learn-frompoland/ [accessed 29/11/14] Townsend, L. The resonance of Occupy [online] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ magazine-30176406 [accessed 10/12/14]

prekariat

prekariat prekariat

Our Urban Strategy and Master plan aims to harness the combined potential of the Precariat to become a progressive force in matters of political, economic and social issues. Initially capitalizing on the University of Silesia’s position as a socially sympathetic, financially powerful* and asset rich institution*, we provide a secure environment complete with the necessary infrastructure for a Precariat co-operative – ‘The Kooprekariat’. Affording them the opportunity to form a collective consciousness, whilst acting out an alternative future. Qualification of terms: Financially Powerful* In the sense of outlined future investment and as a key investor in the city. Asset Rich* - in terms of land, knowledge, people and facilities.

Adam Duffill - Andrew Hills - Alex Horton-Howe Plymouth University Master of Architecture Year 2 Printed December 2014