Moran, Oliver

2020 PORTFOLIO

OLIVER MORAN MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE | LJMU

Oliver Moran

About Me Hello, thank you for taking the time to look at my portfolio. My name is Oliver, I am aged 25 and come from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. I am currently living in Liverpool and have previously lived in Manchester.

I am an active person with a wide skill set, who can adapt to situations and people working individually or in a group. I love to travel, I have a passion for cooking, food & drink and watch and participate in various sports. I consider myself to be a creative, open-minded warm person with an eye for detail and a very strong work ethic.

I have just completed the Master of Architecture course at Liverpool John Moores University and I am now actively pursuing a career in the profession that I love.

Contact Email: o.moran2794@gmail.com Tel: 07891704204 Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/oliver-moran-b144a7193

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2020 Portfolio

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Contents Thesis Project (Y2):

De Levende Spa / The Living Spa

1 - 34

Urban Design Project (Y2):

Definieer de Rand / Redefining the Edge

35 - 52

Management, Practice & Law (Y2):

Live Project - Bootle Library Extension

53 - 62

Dissertation (Y1):

Unité D’Habitation: An

exploration of Le Corbusier’s housing project,

63 - 64

its impact on past social housing and its credibility as a precedent in future housing design.

Housing Project (Y1):

Bridging the Gap

65 - 92

Urban Design Project Part I (Y1):

Dimiourgía Chóron / Generating Spaces

93 - 106

Urban Design Project Part II (Y1):

Museum Square Curriculum Vitae

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Thesis Project / Year II

De Levende Spa / The Living Spa

Location: Ghent, Belgium Year: 2019/20 Individual Project Introduction: In the modern world peoples attitudes are changing to adapt to problems that we face in an ever changing society. In the last few years two of the main concerns for people across the planet are the environment that we live in and the state of our mental health.

As the planet faces a climate crisis, people are becoming more educated and aware of the impact that they have on the places that we inhabit. The past decade has seen a more genuine approach to climate issues from government, sparked by the concerns of scientists, climate experts and the concerns of young people in society.

This is a topic that can cause anxiety for people, particularly of younger generations. However, metal heath is a whole other area which has seen a change in attitude of late.

Due to a growing amount of people seeking help for mental health problems including anxiety, depression and stress, the nation is being ‘encouraged to talk’.

This a problem that has previously been viewed as a taboo subject, with the admission of suffering from mental health problems being seen as a weakness.

However, this is something else that society has begun to realise is an important and valid issue. More funding has been given to help tackle this form of illness and nationwide campaigns frequently seek to address this problem.

Architectural design has a responsibility to respond to the changing needs and interests of society. While architectural design has acknowledged climate change and its environmental responsibility for a long period of time, it should always be looking for innovative ways to contribute to the fight against climate change.

Buildings should also be designed with the well1

being of people in mind. Architecture should look to enhance the quality of peoples lives, creating spaces that help them to connect with the places that they live. The design of a building or urban environment can have a huge effect on the mental health of a person.

Having places where people have lots of opportunity to interact with one another, exercise efficiently and have access to green spaces and water are proven to have a positive effect on a persons mental health.

As well as this, facilities can also be made available to ensure people have the opportunity access if they felt it will help their well being. Participating in physically activity has a impact on a persons mental health. The amount of gyms and people who are members of them has increased significantly as a result of this is the last decade.

A more health conscious society provides opportunity to develop other places where people can improve their mental and physical health. Other facilities in this sector could see an increase in use.

Focus The focus of the following thesis project be on a building that addresses these two changing attitudes of society as well as responding to its location that the project is based in. Developing out of a proposed masterplan, the project will strive to be unique, innovative and contribute to the city and society that it serves.

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Location / Site / Context

Location /

The location for this thesis projected is in the City of Ghent, Belgium. The city is the third largest in the country and is located in Flanders. The city has a rich industrial history and is characterised by its many canals and medieval architecture. In more recent times the city is known for its forward thinking attitudes towards greener future.

Site / On the North Eastern edge of the town centre

is a area which is transitioning away from its industrial past. As the industry has either declined or outgrew this area of Ghent vast expanses of land have become vacant and neglected, giving the opportunity for redevelopment. The urban landscape however is still littered with industrial character as a large cement factory, three large cranes and storage arches can be found along the water network.

Currently, the quay is a quiet and disconnected area, as large spaces of open land surround it. There is very little reason for people to visit this part of the city. A small urban beech has been made, but it is hard to access due to current construction work going on in the area. The water front is extremely quiet and quite tranquil and the historical industrial landmarks tell the story of this areas past.

This project was proposed within a group masterplan project however, with the idea that site will have changed to this proposal. (See next project).

Context / The site for my proposed building is on the

northern edge of the Houtdok. The area is currently derelict with very little activity happening within it.

Due to this, the site doesn’t necessarily have any immediate existing or proposed neighbours. However, the site does have a distinctive character.

The area was once the industrial epicentre of the city but as industry has grew and developed it has moved further away from the city centre to cater for its needs. The area is now left derelict with reminder d of its previous life. Three large cranes, an abandoned factory and the remaining pulse of small industries characterise the area today.

The building will be placed at the end of Houtdok 3

Quay. The Houtdok historically was used for the import of timber into the city. The translation for Houtdok is the Wood-dock.

The ground level used to sit 2.8 metres above the water level and the dock walls were made up of three sets of arches. Each set consist of two rows of arches and this is where the wood used to be stored as it came into the dock.

In more recent times the arches have been excavated to expose the structures. They don’t necessarily have a use but are a focal feature between walkways and urban beach which is the start of a planned redevelopment of the area.

The arches really characterise the dock and the area as they are visibility from all around the waterway on both sides of the canal. They provide a great opportunity not only to characterise the redevelopment of the area but to remind people of the sites rich industrial history.

Ghent / Flanders /

Belgium /

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Existing Site /

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Brief / Aims of the Project As the city of Ghent strives forward in the process of being a pioneer in the green revolution, this project looks to embrace the cities stance by helping to clean up the polluted water ways within the city.

With the inhabitants of the cites physical heath in mind, the spa will look to help people with things such as muscle relaxation and minimising the pain of arthritis. Spas have many benefits on physical heath that will benefit the people of the city.

The spa will also create a space where people can come to reconnect with the cities heritage and history. Strong contextual connections in the spa to the character of the area will help people to reflect and relate to the architecture.

The spa and park will look to increase the biodiversity in the area, creating a more sustainable and rich ecosystem in this area of the city with the introduction of a water-park to the south of the building upon the quay, and parkland to the north.

The project will aim to bring people to the waterfront and invite people become tactile with the environment. Interactive activities surrounding the spa will encourage children to learn about the water purification process and allow them get involved in the process.

The project will also aim to provide a place where research and development can take place around the cleaning up of post industrial canals, and how biodiversity can be improved in such areas.

Fresh water Oysters and Mussels - Both Oysters and Mussels that live in fresh water systems are great cleansers of water. When they feed, they naturally filter out the toxins from within the water. This method is used throughout the world and in some places is preferred to man made water filtration methods. By creating oyster farms huge quantities of water can be filtered - an adult oyster can clean up to 60 gallons of water in a single day. Mussels also have the to ability to filter foul water.

Plants - Some plants work in water in the same that they do on land. By removing the carbon dioxide and replacing it with oxygen, plants help to clean and filter water. Some also have the ability to remove toxins and metals from water. Some of the best plants to use include water lettuce and hyacinth, as they both also have the ability to clean foul water.

Sand - Using sand to filter water has dated back 1000’s of years. Using sand as a filter can remove sediment and partials from water effectively. Sand could be used to filter the water at some point in the process.

‘The Living Machine’ - As well as this, the project will look to recreate ‘The Living Machine’ to create its water supply. The idea of the living machine uses a series of tanks that remove certain things from water and eventually purify it. In each tank is a different living organism, whether that’s a plant or fish. By upscaling this process as well as using other natural water purification techniques a high quality of water will be produced and used within the spa.

Natural Water Purification /

Using different methods the quality of water will become much cleaner in this water-park like area. This water will then be taken to the spa where it becomes more purified and has its properties enhanced.

The natural water purification techniques that I will be using are as follows; 7

Initial Sketch /

As part of my project I will be proposing the natural purification of the water within the canal. The quay that sits at the north end for the Handlesdok will become a area where this natural process of filtration occurs.

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Axonometric / Site Plans Axonometric /

The axonometric drawing is a 3D representation of the scheme as a whole. This shows the external areas of the building including the outdoor pools and the previously mentioned water purification areas and their relationship with the buildings itself.

Site Plan I / The site layout shows the building within

the context of the masterplan. The buildings most immediate context are the existing arches, however these are shown as being part of the building as they are a key part of the project.

The drawing shows how the building sits within the park as well as how it is connected to the other areas of the plan.

It also shows all of the areas where the natural water purification takes place. The four tanks shown with planting within them are where the ‘living machine’ inspired purification takes place. The water will move from tank to tank before it reaches the building and is stored and filtered within. The larger area between the four tanks and the canal is where the water is stored, but other natural purification takes place, but in the form of oysters, mussels, snails and other living organisms.

Site Plan II /

The detailed site plan shows the materiality and proposed spaces that surround the building. Changes in materiality indicate the significance of each space and whether they are for congregation or simply a route.

With water being so prominent at the front of the building, it is used to pull people towards the entrance through the park and the tram square. Creating an axis between these spaces allows people to navigate themselves to the entrance square.

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Axonometric /

The details concentrate on the transition between the tram stop & entrance to the building, the rear plateau, the entrance square and the edges of the outside pools and tanks.

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Site Plan II /

Site Plan I /

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Floor Plans Ground Floor Plan /

The ground floor of the proposal is by far the most important in the scheme.

This is where the main entrance to the building is located as well as the largest part of the spa.

As you enter the building through the lobby space, you come to a reception where a guest would purchase their spa ticket or check in as a member.

They then have the option to go upstairs (to the bar/ restaurant/cafe) or through to the spa itself.

Next you are lead through to changing rooms which leach to a showering area. The toilets are also located here. Moving through to the spa there is then a labyrinth of pools with different temperatures and levels of privacy. Guests can choose to use the other facilitates including a sauna, steam room, salt grotto, ice fountain and sleeping pods - these are all inside the old arches. The guests can dérive around the building, seeking the experiences that they personally desire.

There is also an external changing facility within the arches to the east of the building which serves the public outdoor pools. These pools can also be accessed by the spa users through a tunnel.

First Floor Plan / The first floor of the building is spilt

into to areas. There is also a means of escape on this floor, which leads onto the buildings rear plateau.

One side of the building contains the bar, restaurant and cafe. These can be accessed from the lobby at the ground floor - this is so that they are available for people who may not be using the spa.

The other area is where the ‘dry’ spa treatments takes place. Here there are massage rooms and a salon for additional treatments.

The plateau to the rear of the building is a public space which is made up of gardens, a seating area and water features. This will be an extension of the park, but very much part of the building.

Lower Ground Floor Plan /

The basement of the building is where the majority of the service rooms are situated. These all have an important role to 13

play within the running of the spa. The main space is occupied by two large water reserves - this is where the purified water is stored that is used within the pools.

There is also a pump room, heat-retention/outflow pump room, filtration room, laundry/cleaning room, biomass boiler room and a biomass chute/storage area.

Lower Ground Floor (Basement) /

Ground Floor (Water Level) /

First Floor (Park Level) /

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Exterior Study

Front Elevation /

The front elevation of the building over looks the quayside. Here there is full height windows that provide views into this area. The windows are set deep within the reveal to give the building a bold, solid look. The frames accentuate the verticality of the windows, without distracting you from the form of the arches.

The entrance arcade can be seen on the eastern side of the building. This indicates to people that this is where they need to be to enter the building.

The main pool halls dome stands high above the building with the air handling spaces concealed within the smaller brick structure on the roof of the building.

The entrance arcade can be seen on the east facing elevation. This can be seen from the tram station and indicates how you enter the building.

The opposite sides of the quays can also be seen from these vantage points. The water itself would draw people down to the entrance square where people maybe chose to use the building, the public pools or just come to congregate and relax.

External Renders /

The external visuals show some of the perspective views of the building from places where people maybe around the building.

These show a realistic interpretation of what the building would look like.

Front Elevation, South /

The building is framed by the existing arches and sits behind the pools containing the water purification systems, in a unique landscape of greens and blues.

It sits proudly at the end of the quay, with a heavy aesthetic.

Rear Elevation /

The rear elevation shows the building from the park, as if the observer is stood on the grand path leading up to the building. The building does not look as large as it does from the quay side, but sits elegantly as the centre-piece of the parks-cape.

At the end of the path is the rear plateau. Here is a public garden area which is part of both the building and park design.

From this perspective the quay cannot be seen, however, there are visual connections to the water in the form of cascading water features on the steps of the plateau. The main pool viewing area can also be seen, which does offer views through the building across to the quay.

Side Elevation /

Both of the side elevations show the narrower vaulted sections of the building. The positioning of the wall is deep within the reveal of the vault, making the building look solid and heavy. There are also stairs leading down to the quayside here and the rear plateau can be seen.

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Side Elevation, West /

Side Elevation, North / 16

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West Quayside View /

Park Ariel View /

West Plateau View /

Steps View /

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East Quay Upper Promenade View /

West Quay Ariel View /

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Interior Study

Perspective Section /

The front elevation of the building over looks the quayside. Here there is full height windows that provide views into this area. The windows are set deep within the reveal to give the building a bold, solid look. The frames accentuate the verticality of the windows, without distracting you from the form of the arches.

structure is exposed within these larger spaces. The more private are smaller with more controlled and low level lighting.

The details of the brickwork within the arches can be seen, as well as the different aesthetic quality of the two types of concrete used in the project.

The entrance arcade can be seen on the eastern side of the building. This indicates to people that this is where they need to be to enter the building.

The main pool halls dome stands high above the building with the air handling spaces concealed within the smaller brick structure on the roof of the building.

The building is framed by the existing arches and sits behind the pools containing the water purification systems, in a unique landscape of greens and blues.

It sits proudly at the end of the quay, with a heavy aesthetic.

Serial Vision / This series of perspective views are to

explain the journey a guest may take whilst visiting the building. The style of the drawing is more conceptual rather than photo-realistic, but helps to tell the story of the building.

How people navigate through these internal and external spaces is key to their experience of the building and the transition between all of these events should be special and unique.

The plans show the location of each view point.

Internal Renders /

The interior visuals give a perspective view of a range of the spaces within the building.

The public areas have lots of natural light and the 19

Perspective Section /

The journey starts at the tram station, and shows the transition down towards the entrance square, through the arcade and into the lobby. Next, the user would change and shower before entering the spa where they can chose whether to bath, take treatments or use the other facilities.

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SHOWERS / DOUCHES

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MALE CHANGING / MANNELIJKE KLEEDKAMER

DE LEVENDE SPA RECEPTION / ONTVANGST

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8 POOL POOL SEVEN SEVEN

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SAUNA

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POOL FOUR

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DE LEVENDE SPA OYSTER OYSTER BAR BAR // OESTERBAR OESTERBAR

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Main Pool Hall (One) View /

Pool Two View /

Waterside Circulation View /

Pool Four View /

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Private Pool (Five) View /

Sauna View /

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Public Realm

Key Space Diagrams /

These axonometric diagrams are the key spaces around the building.

The spaces are all important in regards to the building experience.

The tram square is where lots of people would arrive in if going to the building. This area also serves other parts of the masterplan and is designed to be a pleasant space to congregate, meet friends or wait for the next tram.

The next diagram shows the steps that take people from the park level down to the quayside. The water axis flows down the stairs leading people to the existing arches and down through to the public changing rooms and building entrance.

Tram Square (1) /

The rear plateau diagram shows the gardens that are an extension of the park. Benches and squares have been designed around the sky lights that over look key spaces in the spa.

Finally, the public outdoor pool area shows the configuration of the lido and heated pool. As well as the an alternative route down to the water level and a observation square.

Key Views / The key views show the building within

the designed public realm. The relationship between the two are important and perspective views of the designed environment around the building help to show this. These images also show the proposed materials and spaces that serve the building.

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Plateau Gardens (3) /

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Arcade Square & Steps (2) /

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Tram Square /

Park Water Axis /

Central Park Approach /

Rear Plateau Gardens /

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The Steps /

Arcade Square /

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Micro Study Pool Design /

This micro study is made up from a diagrammatical drawing which explains how the pools and the services work together.

Creating an elegant design for elements such as the lights ans the spill trays of the pool were important things. The materiality and form of the building is key in this project, so these things would have to work discretely within the designs, not spoiling the raw aesthetic of the brick arches and vaults.

This study also shows where the services cavities are located, showing the pipes, vents and air ducts needed to create the necessity internal environment needed for an aquatic building.

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Environmental Study

An aquatic building needs to be carefully designed with its environmental needs in mind. These type of building generally use lots of energy to keep pools warm and the internal environments comfortable for users, as well as using lots of water.

The environmental strategies implemented within the designs help to create the desired internal environmental, reduce the amount of maintenance required, reduce the amount of energy used & wasted and create a reliable self-sufficient water source.

Air Flow & Zoning /

One of the main environmental considerations was achieving a suitable indoor atmosphere that reduced problems found in aquatic buildings, such as condensation, evaporation and heat loss.

To do this, different air zones were required to keep these things at a minimum. Air would come in slowly at a low level, close to the pool level to help maintain the required comfortable temperatures in this area.

Hot air and condensation would rise so it would be extracted from higher points. All surfaces vulnerable to settling condensation were designed to have heated elements within them - this does not allow condensation to settle resulting in less chance of decaying materials.

The Water Story / The self-sufficient water supply

of the building was a large part of this thesis project.

Inspired by the idea of the ‘living machine’ the water would be extracted from the canal into the quay (which was now enclosed). Here oysters, mussels and water snails would clean the water to a good standard. The water would then move through four tanks one by one, with different plants and fish within that all clean the water even further. This would finally make its way into the spa where it has its final filtration and testing and is used in the spa.

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A0 Presentation Sheet /

All of the mechanical ventilation was designed to be concealed, yet accessible for maintenance. The required sizes were calculated to ensure they could handle the required CFM for the largest pool halls and with a heat recovery system built-in. A biomass combine heat and power boiler was proposed to handle the large amounts of energy required.

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EXTRACTION & INCEPTION

THE WATER STORY

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RELEASE

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Initial Extraction Water is extracted from the canal system at moved into the ‘Houtdok’ quay. This area of water will become enclosed so that the water quality and the flow can be controlled.

Natural Purification Throughout the ‘Houtdok’ quay the water will be purified through natural techniques inspired by the idea of ‘The Living Machine’. The water from the quay will move through a series of pools that have different plants and living organisms such as Oysters, Mussels, Snails, fish and plants such as Water Hyacinth, Algae and others. Each pool will add a layer of filtration and once the water enters the spa it will be at a suitable standard to be used. This concept is used by army base camps where there is no clean water source to use, as well as some eco-friendly service stations.

Filtration & Treatment The water from the quay will then be extracted into the spa once it has passed through each of the living machine pools. Here it will then be filtration to enusre that anything that may have got into the outdoor tanks is removed. It will then be treated and then tested to ensure it is safe to use within the spa. This will then fill a reservoir in the basement of the building. This reserve of water will be constantly kept full so that the spa can use it as it water source.

Pools Filled & Kept Moving Once at an appropriate quality the water will be used to fill the numerous pools through the spa. Here it will be heated and cooled depending on the pool that it is used in. People will bathe and relax in the different pools containing the cleansed water.

Draining & Cleaning Once the water has been used for a week, it is then drained into a wastewater reservoir, which located in the basement of the building. However, this will be done using a water heat pump to ensure that the heat from the water is not wasted and reused. The pools will then be rigorously cleaned to ensure the water quality stays at high standard and that the pools are safe to use.

Cooling, Re-filtering & Re-treatment Upon entering the reservoir the water is re-filtered and then left to cool to its natural temperature. It is then re-treated to ensure it is at an appropriate PH level. Once the water has a PH of 7 the water will be safe enough to be reintroduced to the water-source.

Discharged to Water Source Finally, the clean water will be re-released into the canal system. The water being discharged into the canal will a better quality than it was when initially extracted.

This should overtime help to improved the quality of water network of the city.

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Structural Study

The Houtdok is characterised by the arches and my building will look to these for inspiration. The arches are the most immediate context and are planned to be heavily influential for my designs. The originals have also be reserved and used as a feature both inside and outside for my building.

Although is building was influenced by the arches in terms of construction and materiality, it has done in a contemporary way whilst respecting its context.

The structure should also be the most suitable for the typology of the building whilst achieving the desired aesthetic of the building.

Key Design Details /

The idea behind the building was to replicate the existing aches on the site in a more contemporary way. To do this, the building was designed on a tartan grid (based on the dimensions of the old arches) and considered of a series of vaults and arches running perpendicular to each-other. A ‘Petersen’ brick was proposed which to contrast to the existing arches, which is a more slender contemporary design.

Another key element of the structural design was the concealed the services within the pool basins and vaults. To do this a composite construction was chosen. Anything underground/below was level was concrete reinforced construction and anything above was load baring brick. All internal walls were also load baring brick.

Elevation Study / The individual details show the

makeup of the front elevation. This was designed to give the building a heavy aesthetic, with deep recesses in the external façades to accentuate the depth and structural integrity of the building. The windows were designed to highlight the verticality of the arches.

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A0 Presentation Sheet /

Lighting and ventilation were hidden in the shadow gaps in line with the arch’s columns to illuminate the structure and allow a slow/low input of airflow.

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Urban Design Project / Year II

Definieer de Rand / Redefining the Edge

Location: Ghent, Belgium Year: 2019 Group Project (Emma Fitzpatrick) Introduction: Ghent is a city that grew around the Rivers Scheldt and Leie and in the Late Middle Ages. Its location allowed for good trade connections and became one of the richest cities in Europe at this time.

Ghent boasts various medieval architectural landmarks which overtime the city that we see today has developed around. These provide the basis for the thriving tourism industry as many people come to Ghent to experience the large amounts of attractions that it has to offer. Ghent is well known for is popular horticulture, culinary traditions and nature.

The water network of canals, rivers and dockyards have connected Ghent to the wider world throughout time and is now widely diverse inhabited city by a range of ethnicities. It is thought that the population of the city will be a majority-minority by 2040.

In more recent times Ghent has become a frontrunner as a green city and many others are starting to take the ideas found its bold forward thinking plan for the future. The city has adopted a change or die attitude and its ambitions mobility plans aims to get the central area of the city car free by 2030.

In the north eastern area of city is the old dock area seems to have been neglected and forgotten. As industry has grew and moved out of the city centre the area has not yet been redeveloped. However, the area has recently seen some pop-up installation as well as ambitious plans as the people of the city want to reconnect to this once thriving area.

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Location / Site / Context

Location /

Ghent is a municipality city located in the East Flanders province of Belgium. It is the capital of the region and the third largest city in the country.

Ghent is a city that grew around the Rivers Scheldt and Leie and in the Late Middle Ages. Its location allowed for good trade connections and became one of the richest cities in Europe at this time.

Ghent boasts various medieval architectural landmarks which overtime the city that we see today has developed around. These provide the basis for the thriving tourism industry as many people come to Ghent to experience the large number of attractions that it has to offer. Ghent is well known for is popular horticulture, culinary traditions and nature.

The water network of canals, rivers and dockyards have connected Ghent to the wider world throughout time and is now widely diverse inhabited city by a range of ethnicities. It is thought that the population of the city will be a majority-minority by 2040. The city boasts a strong industrial history that helped to shape the city and its people. Evidence of this can be found around the canal network with old storage buildings, facilities, old and new cranes.

The city is a frontrunner in Europe for implementing bold environmental strategies to help reduce its carbon footprint. The city has determined policies and objectives such as their mobility plan which looks to make Ghent city Centre car free by 2030.

The city is already on course to do this by banning cars from certain areas and improving the public transport network & cycle routes within the city. They also hope to achieve this by densifying the city and removing the suburbs that most of the city’s car users come from.

The city’s adapt or die attitude to their climate ambitions is bold but will certainly speed up the process of becoming a cleaner place. Architectural designs should respond to this rapidly changing city.

The city invests a lot of money into the research and development sector which may be linked to its advanced approach to becoming a green city.

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Site /

The proposed site is located at the old docklands area to the North Eastern edge of central Ghent. The site has an industrial character due to the nature of their location in the city, but also accommodates different uses such as residential and commercial.

There is lots of potential for this area of the city as it contains a mixture derelict and underdeveloped built fabric, all of which feel disconnected from the city.

Context / The area is characterised by the canal,

the old cement factory, grain storage and three large cranes. Although these are beautiful in their own right, the area is blocked off from the city by the busy R40 ring road that runs alongside the canal at this point.

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Masterplan Strategy

Re e buil a

How to Improve Ghent /

By doing extensive research into the needs of the city, areas of improvement were highlighted. Urban design should respond to the way that the city is evolving and work in coherence with the aims of the local government.

Changing Population / Ghent’s population is increasing rapidly, with migrants and students choosing to move there. To accommodate this, suburban areas are being developed.

However, this is not what the city wants. They plan to make the city work around the central areas to reduce urban sprawl. The low density urban suburbs that have been built to the North East and West of the city centre do not align with Ghent’s mobility plan as they prefer to accommodate the residents centrally.

The population of the districts that the site sits within is decreasing which does not fit in with the city’s aims.

This has effected large projects in the area such as Dok-Nord, a commercial/leisure centre including shops, bars, restaurants and businesses, not reach their full potential. This is due to the lack of inhabitants in this district.

Densifying and intensifying this area of the city would result in more footfall in the area, which would support the local economy.

Disconnected Green Network / Ghent has a

large network of green spaces with lots of large parks and nature reserves. However, they are all positioned on the outskirts of the city. When these green networks meet the central districts of the city they essentially stop.

Due to the more dense urban fabric there are limited options to improve this in central areas with large open spaces. But the Old Dockyard area does have potential for this kind of proposals. Green corridors and streets could provide more connection between the inner an outer city.

Central Green Spaces - As you move into the city the size of the green spaces decrease significantly. They are usually in-front of important building or at the side of roads and tramlines. The city centre is missing a 39

significant outdoor green space.

Lack of Connectivity -The connectivity between green spaces is poor in the central areas. There is a slight connection between some of the spaces in the northern districts of the city, however these are essentially just tramlines with a grass embankment.

They also stop in relativity quiet areas without a distinct destination.

Green Potential - The city would most defiantly benefit from a large city park or more pockets of larger green spaces that are well connected to the city centre. This would provide a place for residents and tourists to use throughout the year and to provide a natural area to enjoy.

This could create a focal point and destination for a new series of green corridors to enhance the currently poor green network in the centre. These corridors should create pleasant spaces and routes for people to navigate between the new park in the old docklands area and the city centre.

Shift In Mobility /

To accommodate the growth of the city, Ghent City Council released a mobility plan to accommodate the changes that it will face.

The plan focuses on making Ghent more pedestrian friendly by tackling a number of issues.

The main objective is to redirect traffic going through the city centre. It was measured that 40% of traffic in Ghent is passing through the middle of the city as a short-cut. This creates more congestion in the centre, when the traffic should realistically be using the ring road.

The plan sets out to reduce the use of cars in the city centre to make it more pedestrian, cycle, bus and tram friendly. It also hopes to give a better driving experience to those who actually need to enter the city centre with a car.

They plan to achieve this through a new parking system, improved public transport links, more pedestrianised areas and connection charges and monitoring.

Filling in the gaps rather than starting fresh

New infrastructure an transport networks

INTER AT D SC Large scale de-industrialisation of the area to make way for more sustainable areas closer to the city

To design places where activities can take place which include all members of society

Design mixed dential blocks w people live and grate with oth

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Embracing the area’s identity and character, rather than reforming it

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Knitting into the existing urban fabric harmoniously, respecting what is already there

egenerating derelict spaces and lding to give them a new purposed

Cycle networks that help people move people through the site and city

INTENSIFICATION & DIVERSIFICATION

DESIGN FOR HUMANS, NOT MACHINES

Pedestrianised zone designed to function without cars

RVENTIONS DIFFERENT CALES

d resiwhere d intehers

MANIFESTO HEALTHIER CITY

SOCIAL INCLUSION

Giving the streets back to the residents making them places where people meet

Encourage people to be active by designing good walking & cycling routes

Designing places that promote well-being & self care to improve mental health

Improving the green & blue areas of the city to improve air quality and reduce stress

Improving public transport networks to create a more sustainable city

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Brief / Aims of the Project After establishing our manifesto and identifying areas of improvement, we set out to create a list of objectives that our masterplan would look to achieve.

This created our brief and resulted in our program for change diagram.

one community.

- To create a pedestrianised zone, designed to the human scale ensuring that everywhere can be accessed by foot and bicycle.

- To design for the present, as well as the future. A mixture of temporary projects, refurbishment and new projects will help to make the area establish an identity faster.

- Redirect the R40 ring road to the eastern side of the dock to allow better access to the waterfront, reconnecting it to the city.

- To extend the tram lines to improve the public transport network by taking them over to the eastern side of the water and connecting to the Daamport & Muide.

- To complete the existing blocks to the west of the river through diversification and intensification. This will create a better quality urban system of spaces, routes and thresholds.

- To design a creative area around the cement factory for both leisure and work to attract people to use this neglected area of the city as well as providing the community with activities.

- To create a series of parks in the current industrial area to give the city the central green spaces it needs. This will pull people to through this area and will also contain well-being facilities as well as creating an environment in which people will feel more relaxed in. These spaces will become the city’s “breathing space�.

- To improve the relationship with the water with an active promenade where the city can truly reestablish its connection with the water.

- To create social streets and green corridors where residents can meet make use of as an extension of their homes and work places. This should reinforce the sense of community as well as creating safe places for children to play and explore.

- To insert mixed occupancy residential buildings where people from all social classes live together as 41

- To re-use derelict buildings that are suitable for a change of function, rather than demolishing them and starting a fresh.

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1/

Design Strategies 1 / Redirect the R40 to the other side of the dock so the waterfront becomes accessible.

2 /

Design a pedestrian/cycle/tram bridge to connect the new park and create area to the city.

3 / Extension of the existing tram and public transport network to make the area easily accessible.

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Create new cycle network making it easy to reach all areas of the site.

5 / Filling in the gaps of the existing block to create a more dense urban fabric.

6 / Proposal of a creative and social district around the old cement factory.

7 / Activate the waterfront with an accessible promenade and other activities.

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Creation of a collection of large green spaces that create breathing space within the city centre.

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Sketch Ideas

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1 / Re-purposing redundant cranes and structures as meeting places, keeping the area’s industrial landscape part of the street scene.

2 / Stitching existing fabric together with new residen-

tial, and pedestrianising streets to increase human comfort and mobility.

3 / Re-purposing old wood dock arches as a space for markets, bars and children’s play.

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Re-generating old grain storage bunkers as event spaces

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5 / Introducing an urban park to an under-developed open area, with cycle lanes and spaces for children’s’ play

Initial Sketch Proposal /

This image shows the initial design for the East Dock area of the proposal.

This shows the green ‘breathing spaces’ between the proposed fabric which is completely different to the tight streets that characterise the city.

The ideas of the sketch would develop to replicate the architectural character of the buildings within the city with pitched roofs etc.

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PROPOSED FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

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Final Proposals Residential Buildings

Axonometric /

This 3D representation of our scheme shows both the west and east areas of the dock. The west side of the dock consists mainly of stitching into the existing urban fabric. New leisure facilities had already been built but were underused.

This was due to the lack of people living in the area so we proposed mainly residential in the area.

The east side of the dock was where we decided to change up the urban fabric. After identifying a lack of one green space in the central city, we created a large green network. As well as doing this, we maintained our proposed density levels by building between 3/6 storeys.

The R40 road was temporarily redirected to the west side of the dock with the idea that over time it would become redundant creating a linear park/promenade. The other side of the moved road would be a high density housing area that helped to facilitate people who were being relocated from the suburbs back to the centre as a repose to the cities future urban planning ambitions. This whole area is pedestrianised with cycling routes throughout and improved public transport.

Site Layout / This image similarly shows the layout of the scheme, however includes all of the relevant information regarding what each proposal is.

Street Views /

These images show key squares and spaces through the project including the creative area surrounding the cement factory, outdoor art installations along the promenade, the ground floor/ public realm relationship, a sunken market and screen square for public events, the main park and the waterside promenade.

Site Section /

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Axonometric /

The site section shows the difference between each side the dock, the changing lateral densities and the changing heights of the blocks.

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Principle Buildings

Public Service Buildings

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Community Centric Buildings

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Key

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Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Existing building to be retained (Bar & Market) Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Gymnasium & upper floors residential Ghent Thermal Spa Research facility Community Offices & Hub Sports Centre Residential & ground floor well being centre Residential & ground floor community youth centre Existing warehouse chimney (monument) Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Education & skills centre Independent food & drink market Creative Exhibition Centre (theatre, gallery, cinema) Residential & ground floor mixed use(retail, leisure etc.)

Creative area (small exhibitions, workshops & studios) Floating exhibition spaces Mental Health Hospice Existing residential (Incomplete) Existing school, Day & After Care. (Incomplete) Existing residential (Incomplete) Apprenticeship & skills workshops Apprenticeship & skills workshops Apprenticeship & skills workshops Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Residential & ground floor mixed use (retail, leisure etc.)

Tents for public use/activities (yoga, bbq’s etc.)

Large pond & deck Public screen square for events (football, tennis etc.)

Water sports jetty Re-purposed grain storage - bars, cafe & restaurants Small boat/ barge jetty Multi-use sports court Outdoor amphitheatre

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Creative District /

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Interactive Upper Promenade /

Street Views /

Existing residential

Proposed residential & ground floor public realm West Dock Area to be intensified & densified 70 people per hectare

Site Section /

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Dock Nord

Residential Edge /

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Event Square /

Creative Exhibition Building

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Main Park /

Amphitheatre

Skill & Education Building

Lower Promenade /

Relocated R40 Ring-road

Breathing Space Newly proposed area with a different feel to the rest of central Ghent 70 people per hectare

Proposed Residential

Proposed Residential

East Dock High Density housing area creating the new edge of the city centre 100 people per hectare

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Management, Practice & Law / Year II

Live Project - Bootle Library Extension

Location: Bootle, Liverpool Year: 2019 Group Project (James Blackburn, Liam Bowers, Rasul Rahmat, Sally Abdul Aziz & Yasmin Barson) Introduction: In this module, Management, Practice & Law, the process of the live project that we took part in was evaluated. By looking back upon the time working on a real project with real clients, we assessed and evaluated the organisation and professionalism of our design team, as well as the design process from a systematic perspective.

This project allowed us to reflect on what it would be like working with a real client and taking the lead as the project managers/architects. I had the chance to take responsibility for our group and organised this project.

Although we were marked on the reflection of the process, the design of the building played a major part of the workload. The following displays our proposal to the clients, Marie Clarke Well-being Centre and Bootle Library. Our task was to combine the two services at the existing Bootle Library site.

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Client Brief “In seeking to address in some part the ongoing financial cuts to the public sector, Sefton Council runs an ‘Invest to Save’ programme which looks to make savings to annual budgets by rationalising facilities and services. We have been asked to look at a feasibility study for a significant (circa £1m) new building design. The study is to consider building an extension on the side of Bootle Library to relocate Marie Clarke and Cambridge Family Well-being centres into. This will create a community hub in Bootle, give opportunities for innovative ways of service delivery, reduce operational costs and produce a capital receipt from the sale/redevelopment of land. Family Well-being Centres provide joined up support for children and young people aged 0-19 years to make family life that little bit easier. Parents and carers receive extra help, advice and guidance to help them build confidence and resilience to deal with things that family life throws at them. The project will involve visiting the existing facilities to be replaced, developing a full programme, scheme, cost advice and planning permission considerations, to provide a comprehensive feasibility study for the client.”

Reception

Staff Room

PUBLIC Cafe

Staff Room

Courtyard

Office Kitchen

Storage Contact rooms Community Room

PRIVATE Community Room

Storage 55

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Brief Interpretation & Program Interpretation of Brief / After meeting the clients

various times we began to adapt the brief to what we believed that the client really needed to fulfil their ambitions for the project.

To create an integrated library and welfare centre that works as one whole multi-purpose building.

To create flexible and adaptable spaces that have appropriate services for the library and welfare centre.

To create functional and efficient storage to be incorporated into the design of the new extension.

To create a cafe that is run by local volunteers that will create profit for the library, and service space to be able to cook meals for up to 80 people.

To create mixed-use spaces where safeguarding children and aiding emotional support is key in the design with enclosed courtyards and sensory rooms.

Sensory Room

Program /

To truly understand what the client’s needs we went to visit both sites. Visiting the existing library gave us a good understanding of the site that we had to work with, and visiting the Marie Clarke Centre allowed us to understand the program of our proposals. The following is what we established that needed designing into our proposal;

Community Cafe

Shared Staffroom Library

01 / 5/6 Contact rooms for mixed age groups.

02 / Community room that could be locked off .

03 / Joint entrance that is welcoming, as well as

Shared Entry

being an easily controlled space.

04 / Joint staff room to integrate library and family

Family Centre

centre staff.

05 / Office space for family well being centre.

06 / Community cafe.

07 / Kitchen/laundry room to create ‘home situations’.

08 / Storage.

09 / Toilets and baby changing facilities.

10 / Outside area that offers safe place for children to play.

11 / Second ‘quiet entrance’.

Contact Rooms Private Courtyard

Offices

Flexible Spaces Community Centre

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Site & Floor Plan Site Plan /

The site plan for the building shows the building from an aerial perspective. The existing path and gardens were retained and the enclosed courtyard can be seen for a safe environment for the children to play.

Floor Plan /

The floor plan shows our proposal for the building extension. Within the building is the shared reception office space, flexible contact rooms, cafe, courtyard, staff and community room.

Site Plan /

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Store

Floor Plan / 58

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Elevations & Section Elevations / The client wanted the elevations to be

in keeping with the existing building. However, they wanted a more welcoming entrance so we proposed more glazing in this area.

Section / The clients also wanted to use the same structural system for the extension that was used for the original build. This resulted in some nice double-height spaces with the rib-like glulam timber beams becoming an internal feature.

Front Elevation /

Side Elevation / 59

Side Elevation /

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MARIE CLARKE WELLBEING CENTRE

C O N T R A O C O T M S

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BOOTLE LIBRARY

Section /

Rear Elevation /

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Visualisations Shared Entrance /

The shared entrance was a key and intricate part of the project. The clients wanted a safe entrance for safeguarding reasons, as well as being welcoming and ‘stigma removing’. This proved tricky but after a few attempts, we seemed to have solved it well.

Circulation & Courtyard / This area of the building became a good way to bring light into the building, as well as creating a fully enclosed area for kids to play.

Flexible Spaces / Flexible spaces would allow the

clients to add a verity of extra activities into their working day. These large adaptable rooms meant both group and private sessions could take place here.

Shared Entrance /

Office Space /

The office space provide spaces for the hard-working staff, who currently site where ever there is space. This is something they wanted, deserved and loved. This also included a small meeting room.

Flexible Spaces /

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Circulation & Courtyard /

Office Space /

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Dissertation / Year I

Unité D’Habitation: An exploration of Le Corbusier’s housing project, its impact on past social housing and its credibility as a precedent in future housing design.

Location: Case Studies - Marseilles, France/Firminy France. Composed - Liverpool, England.

Year: 2018/19 Individual Project Introduction: “The UK currently finds itself in the midst of a housing crisis. Affordable housing, particularly for young people wishing to get their feet on the first rung of the property ladder, is a term that seems to be almost completely meaningless in today housing market, as it is so scarce. This situation is caused by a general shortage of housing which creates house price inflation that places the cost of getting a home – the deposit required and the mortgage repayments – beyond many people either starting their careers and/or in low paid work. This is a problem repeated across Europe.

However, it is important to remember that this is not the first time that the UK has found itself in this situation. The repetition of these patterns in supply and demand for housing is not dissimilar to the housing crisis that occurred across Europe in the aftermath of the Second World War. One of the responses to this housing crisis was mass urbanisation, with large scale state funded social housing projects seen as the solution. This solution was practiced throughout Europe for the best part of 30 years after the end of the war, shaping the urban fabric of our cities today.

In the UK it could be argued that a stigma exists towards inexpensive homes for working people, particularly those that fall into the category of mass housing. Not without reason they have become associated with crime ridden sink estates. These buildings are seen as intimidating failures that loom over our cities. They are often located on the outskirts of urban areas, well away from parts of cities frequented by visitors and tourists. For many people they have become emblematic of inequality and a lack of social cohesion.

When considering the negatives related to high density and mass housing, the demolition of the Pruitt-Igor housing projects in St. Louis in 1972 comes 63

2020 Portfolio to mind (figure1.1). Whilst their demolition was described by critic Charles Jencks as “the death of modern architecture” [1] it was seen as a decisive way of addressing the social problem that become associated with the project. However, there is a danger in such acts that the problems – primarily crime and poverty - are not solved but merely displaced. There are strong arguments to suggest that the underlying causes of poverty and crime are the economic conditions that people experience – unemployment, poorly paid and insecure work, rather than the housing they live in. Although it could be conceded that issues such as poor planning and design intensified these issues.

Nonetheless, the Pruitt-Igoe is an extreme example.

Many of the post war housing projects are still in use today across Europe, and further afield. In ‘The Social Project’ by Kenny Cupers, large scale housing developments are described as “never quite unique nor completely alike.” [2] Although most people view high density social housing built in large sites by local authorities – or as it was commonly referred to as ‘council housing and tower blocks’ – as unsightly large concrete slabs, poorly designed edifices from a catalogue of bad ideas, from an architectural perspective we know this is not necessarily always true.

Cupers goes on to say, “It is no wonder they challenge the norms of the discipline— despite being modern architecture’s most widespread manifestation to date.” [3] As the manifestation has been so prevailing, there has obviously been many successful projects, as well as lots of bad ones.

Many iconic architectural landmarks have arisen from post war mass housing projects, as well as the birth of brutalism. Many developments have also gone through different cycles throughout time. It is fair to say that problems associated with such places are not only a bi-product of substandard design, but also political policy. Many developments were well designed, desirable places to live in post-Second World War UK, however, in the late 1970’s, policy changes by the Conservative government saw rises in unemployment which was held responsible for an increase in crime, drug abuse and overall poverty. The residents of these housing projects where particularly adversely affected and the projects in which they lived shifted from being examples of modern and innovative solutions to a shortage of affordable homes and became the backdrop to a marked deterioration in the social fabric. As the economic conditions of the inhabitants deteriorated so did the reputation of the buildings they inhabited. Yet, today people and developers have seen the potential in these buildings, with many being gentrified through refurbishment, and made desirable again. An example of a mass housing development that has gone through this very cycle is Park Hill, Sheffield (figure 1.2 & 1.3).

The general assessment of large scale post war, affordable housing is largely negative, and it is the architects that are often blamed for the supposed inadequate response that they provided to the post

UNITÉ D’HABITA

An exploration of Le Corbusier’s hous housing and its credibility as a preced

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ATION:

sing project, its impact on past social dent in future housing design.

war housing crisis. Owen Hopkins, an architectural historian, described post-war housing as “a convenient scapegoat for the failures of our own era” [4] as he appealed for politicians to stop placing the blame upon architects. The architect who is the recipient of most of the blame for the modernist urbanisation of the outskirts of cites across Europe, and the world, is undoubtedly Le Corbusier.

“With Le Corbusier usually taking the blame, three decades of building production have become synonymous with modernism’s failure: its rationalistic hubris, its inflexible and inhumane treatment of urban space, and its outright denial of people’s needs and aspirations.” [5] After the Second World War the opportunity arose for Le Corbusier to put his theories into practice and his Unité d’Habitation in Marseille set the bench mark as a mass housing solution. Many other architects and followers used the ideas and theories displayed in the Unité to create similar developments across the globe. However, few of these replicated the success of the original Unité for a variety of different reasons.

This being the reason that much of the blame for poor post war housing is directed towards Le Corbusier.

In 1928, Corbusier assembled the Congrès Internationaux d’Architecture Moderne (CIAM) – a group 28 of prestigious architects that planned to create the parameters in which urbanism could flourish in the modern world. Many of the design theories that came from the CIAM would influence the design of many social housing schemes.

“If accepted wisdom about this topic relies on overarching judgment— public housing is a necessary good; public housing always fails”.[6] This statement summarises how public housing is generally perceived as a poisoned chalice. Post war social housing, described as the result of “the progressive, experimental establishment” [7], allowed architects to practice the theories that they had established regarding living and social standards in an empirical manor. High-density and mass housing was not just the product of the optimistic utopian ideas of architects, but a combination of research from sociologists and planners. It is true that to succeed, you must first fail, and in a time where there is such a high demand for housing, a good quality high density solution would be the most efficient and sustainable way to provide it. Can we look back at the successes and failures of high-density housing, and learn from the mistakes that were previously made, to help to solve todays housing crisis?

Author Oliver Moran LJMU MArch Word count 9998

The subject of this specialist study will be high-density and mass housing solutions, in response to the UK and European housing crisis. The focus of this study will be Le Corbusier’s ‘Unité d’Habitation’. The study will provide an in depth an¬alyse of how the events that took place in Le Corbusier’s lifetime influenced his thinking and development of his own design theories in relation to social housing, and how this inspired

LJMU other architects to use his principles.

I will begin by looking at the housing policies in France that resulted in Le Corbusier being commissioned to build the initial Unité project. In addition, the work will investigate Europe’s large demand for social housing which at the same time resulted in the urbanisation of our cities, and many manifestations of the Unité across the continent. Further to this, the origins of the design theories that Le Corbusier practiced in the project will be considered carefully, to help provide a clearer understanding of how the project was conceived.

As the first project, Unité d’Habitation Marseille (1952), referred to as La Cité Radieuse, or “The Radiant City” by the Swiss architect, was the most effective in implementing Corbusi¬er’s ideas, it will be used as a case study to draw comparisons with his other Unité projects in Nantes (1955), Berlin (1957), Briey (1963) and Firminy-Vert (1965).

Although Le Corbusier intended for all projects to follow his design principles as consistently as the Cité Radieuse, they did not. Each variation was different due to a range of factors, resulting in the projects being substandard versions of how Le Corbusier intended them to be. By thoroughly researching the Unité projects, which are considered by some to be the pinnacle of large scale social housing design, the study will be able to suggest what makes a good project, and identify the conditions under and within which they are seen to fail.

Comparisons will also be drawn to different manifestations of Le Corbusier’s principles for social housing, using examples in Britain and further afield, by other architects. This part of the study will explore the way that different architects interpreted Le Corbusier’s theories, for better or worse. By looking at other examples which drew inspiration from Corbusier’s Unité projects, the study will look to establish how they match up to the original Unité.

This study will provide a basis to establish how and why the projects were deemed successful or otherwise, and how Corbusier’s theories manifested through urbanism in the UK.

[1] Cupers, K. (2014). The social project. Minneapolis: Univ. of Minnesota Press. p. xiv [2] Cupers, K. (2014). The social project. Minneapolis: Univ. of Minnesota Press. p. xiv [3] Cupers, K. (2014). The social project. Minneapolis: Univ. of Minnesota Press. p. xiv [4] https://www.dezeen.com/2017/08/31/post-war-architectureshouldnt-take-blame-for-political-failures-owen-hopkins/ [5] Cupers, K. (2014). The social project. Minneapolis: Univ. of Minnesota Press. p. xiii-xiv [6] Cupers, K. (2014). The social project. Minneapolis: Univ. of Minnesota Press. p. xv [7] https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/British_post-war_mass_ housing

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Housing Project / Year I

Bridging the Gap Location: Toxteth, Liverpool Year: 2019 Individual Project Introduction: With the state of housing across the EU considered ‘critical’, younger generations find it increasingly difficult to access home-ownership, whilst simultaneously facing limited availability of social/ affordable housing. At the same time, construction appears to be recovering at a slower pace than prices, and consequently, housing shortages are emerging more clearly, mainly in cities with a growing population. According to estimates from the Liverpool City Region Strategic Housing and Employment Land Market Assessment and the Liverpool Strategic Housing Market Assessment, Liverpool will need between 1,400 and 1,700 new homes per annum over the next 16 years to meet housing demand.

The project seeks to examine space and age variations of mainly high-density flats that should form, together with the existing low rise housing developments in the adjacent streets, a bustling neighbourhood, equipped with services and close to public means of transport (bus 82, Brunswick station). How can apartments be though in a way to accommodate different lifestyles?

And, how can variants of apartment types be interrelated, such a three-dimensional puzzle, to form opportunities for the community?

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Location / Site / Context

Location /

This project is located in the Toxteth area of Liverpool. Made famous for the riots in 1981 this part of inner-city Liverpool is a diverse melting pot of ethnicity.

The population of the Princes Park, Liverpool ward consist significantly of people between the ages of 18 and 40. These figures are well above the national average for the UK.

need, or in this case non-essential need for parking.

A building uses plan was also developed to create a better understanding of the facilities that existed close to the site. This helped to inform the activities that would be designed into the public areas of the project.

...of people Princes Park ward are aged between 18-40.

As the UK currently faces a housing crisis, one of the age groups that are affected disproportionally are young adults who simply cannot obtain the high deposits, despite some earning respectable salaries.

This is an interclass problem for young people in the UK with 40% of young adults not being able to afford to buy one of the cheapest homes in their area even with a 10% deposit.

It is thought that house prices have risen around 173% over the last two decades making the purchasing of housing unrealistic, even when considering the average salary of this age group has increased by 19%.

Site /

The plot is currently a vacant brownfield site with a small car garage in the middle and a derelict pub at the end. The site used to have terrace houses lining it as well as an old bank but these had all been demolished to make way for new buildings. However, no proposed works have been planned for the land currently.

Context /

In the preliminary phases of the design process, site analysis of the area around the site was accumulated to gain a better understanding of the areas.

A road hierarchy plan was created to help identify the business of the surrounding roads, as well as the transport links into Liverpool City Centre. The information found here went on to influence the development of massing, building heights and the 67

Princes Park Ward Statistics /

The site is located on the busy park road which is a major route into the city centre. The rest of the site is edged by terrace housing and Toxteth reservoir.

...of which are aged 18-29.

... of which are aged 30-40.

Building Use Plan /

Road Hierarchy Plan /

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Brief / Aims of the Project

This scheme aims to provide good quality affordable housing for people within this age group as a reaction to this particular part of the housing crisis, as well as providing community facilities to promote well-being for the residents. The project aims to bridge the gap between the generations that can afford to get on the property ladder, and those whom it seems to be almost impossible to get a foot on that same ladder.

The project will provide housing for a range of young people from students who require cheap shared housing, to young professionals, singles, couples, young and growing families.

Initial Ideas / The site strategy was proposed to be sensitive to the existing built fabric, as well as the busy main transport artery - Park Road.

These two main factors helped to inform the densities of each block, as well as their proposed position. The sketch also shows the main external circulation core that connects each block and provides access to the second and third floors, as well as the general masterplan for the site.

This site section once again shows the proposed block heights and densities. It also shows the circulation structure and the bridges that will be used to access the upper floors.

The reasoning for this design decision is to maximize the used spaces inside the units, with circulation taking up as little room as possible. Also, the circulation structure will be designed in a light frame, allowing light to enter the spaces between the blocks, allowing for better densities throughout the site.

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Block 1 & 2 Massing & Configuration /

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Site Strategy /

As a development from the previous sketches, combined with recommended unit sizes for different typologies of units the massing for the site proposals were created. This drawing was used as a tool to explain the positioning of each block, as well as the units that would fill them each of the units go on to be developed in a more detailed scale.

Circulation

Massing

Development / The general configuration of each block and typology can be seen on these pages. By using the recommended sizes for unit types, catering for a different range of potential inhibitors and arranging them in a Tetris like way, each block was formed.

Block 1 & 2 - These blocks provide the highest density on the proposal, catering for young professionals in one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as young families in two and three-bedroom apartments. The mixture of different sizes of typologies should result in a mixture of tenants, creating a cohesive living environment. The upper floors of these blocks will be accessed by the external circulation cores Blocks 3 & 4 - These blocks also provided a mixture of typologies catering for a range of different users from shared accommodation, to singles, couples and families. The design of these flats will be different to blocks one and two, however, as they will be mainly accessed from the ground floor or internal circulation cores, which lead to semi-public roof gardens. These can also be accessed via the circulation structure.

Mixed Apartments Block 2

Site Strategy /

Blocks 5 & 6 - The proposed design of these blocks will be the most traditionally designed, accessed from the street. The blocks will be the lowest density and cater for families, with three and four-bedroom dwellings.

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Mixed Apartm

Mixed Apartments Block 3 & 4

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Block 5 & 6 Massing & Configuration /

Block 3 & 4 Massing & Configuration /

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Family Housing Block 5 & 6

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Floor Plans Apartment Typologies /

A range of typology was designed to ensure that a good mixture of people would be able to live within the same community.

Although blocks 5 & 6 is yet to be designed, these would have had more family-sized units as they are in the lower destiny area of the scheme.

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Block 3 & 4 Typologies /

Blocks 3 & 4 have similar with a mixture of shared accommodation, family-sized units and one-bedroom units. These have direct access to outdoor shared outdoor spaces, whereas blocks one and two have small private balconies.

Block 1 & 2 Typologies /

Blocks 1 & 2 typologies are aimed at young professions and small family. These homes may be made up of friends sharing, or a young couple with a newborn child. Although this doesn’t mean other families who may be older could not live here if they could fit or preferred the space.

1 Bedroom Apartm

2 Bedroom Apartment

1 Bedroom Apartment

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Shared Accommodation

2 Bedroom Duplex +

3 Bedroom Duplex

2/3 Bedroom Triplex

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Proposed Layouts Ground Floor Plan / The ground floor plan shows

the relationship between the public realm and the building. Blocks 3 & 4 ground floor are dwelling as they are in a quiet area where as blocks 1 & 2 are for public use as they face onto Park Road.

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POS Private Garden Existing building retained and made better Gym Kindergarten Shop Unit Community Rooms Bin Store Winter Gardens

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Proposed Layouts Third Floor Plan /

The third floor plan shows the semi-public roof gardens that can be accessed from both the external circulation structure and the internal circulation cores in blocks three and fours. There are bridges that connect these outdoor spaces to one another, and the connectivity throughout the project aims to provide an sense of community where different people from different flats share these outdoor areas between themselves. This provides an area where they can mix with others and create a feeling of strong connected neighbourhood.

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Site Section This 3D site section is a representation of how the site will be developed. As blocks one to four, as well as the circulation structure have been designed fully, the section shows how they sit within the site, and how they interact with one another.

Further to this, the section also shows how the internal spaces of the development work, and how they connect to the outside. For example, blocks one and two provide dual aspect apartments with the living spaces facing south-west. The bedrooms face into the more private streets which will be used by the residents.

Park Road

Block One

The drawing also shows other aspects to the projects such as the public open space, the inhabited circulation structure, the community street, the semi-public roof gardens and bridges.

Block Two

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POS Block Four

Circulation

Community Street

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Street Views Visualisations were created to show what it would be like to be placed in certain areas around the site.

Park Road Elevation / This image shows the park

road elevation, this was chosen as it is different to all of the others as the typologies of the flats in block one and two would have large windows that overlooked the River Mersey.

Blocks 3 & 4 /

This image shows the entrance to the pedestrianised street that serves blocks three and floor. It shows the activity within the street as well as the bridges connecting to the other blocks in the site.

Community Street / This image shows the ground

floor inhabitation of the external circulation structure.

Here we can see the play area that would serve the ground floor kindergarten in block one, as well as the entrance to the winter gardens.

Park Road Elevation /

External Vertical Circulation / This image also

shows the circulation structure, but this time from the third storey. Here we see the break-off sitting areas where residents could interact and relax, as well as the bridges that serve block one’s apartments, and the semi-public roofs of block three.

Community Street / 81

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External Vertical Circulation / 82

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Development of Park Road Facade Extrusion of Typologies /

By extruding the shape of each unit onto the facade it will allow people to identify the ‘Tetris’ like stacking formation of each apartment. This will also break up the facade and add depth.

This will be made from a hollow metal frame structure which attaches to the facade. Within the framed structure will be strip lighting and will light up the façades at night time. This effect should result in the building looking inviting and elegant.

Additional Depth /

Recessed balconies were incorporated into the design as a solution to allow the users to have access to private outdoor spaces, but also to add depth to the facade making it more aesthetically interesting and add variation.

Thresholds & Apertures /

The buildings openings, both windows and doors, on this developed facade will provide additional detail to the design.

The apartment units contain large floor to windows that take up 80% of their Park Road facing facade.

Alternating the side that the window sits in each unit creates variation in the somewhat rigid facade that is defined by its structure.

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Materiality Ashington Red Multi Brick /

Redbrick will be used on the main facade of the building. This is in keeping with existing built fabric and sourced locally. The brick is supplied by Wienerburger.

Staffordshire Blue Brick /

Staffordshire Blue Brick will be used in certain areas of the elevation including the balcony exterior walls and the wall panels that join to the BiFold Doors.

Hardwood Exposed Beams /

The exposed hardwood timber beams that can be seen on the recessed balconies will also continue through the apartments (see detail). This is done mainly for aesthetic purposes.

Black Aluminium /

Black aluminium will be used on the small details of the building, including window and door frames, and coping to balconies. The same material will also be used to build the frame of the Park Road elevation.

Plasterboard /

Skimmed plasterboard will be the finish for the internal walls and ceilings, but can also be seen in-between the exposed beams on the recessed balconies.

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Structural Study General Wall Build-up /

This image represents the general wall build-up of the building. Mineral wool insulation was proposed due to its good insulation qualities. This detail is pretty standard, by tried and tested.

Structural Section /

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The proposed section shows the construction methods proposed for this project.

The detail has elements like exposed beams and rafters that show the structural qualities of the building as well as breaking up the white finishes. It also shows the facade details with built-in lighting that would illuminant the building at night time.

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1. Brick Work 2. Block Work 3. 50mm Wall Cavity 4. DPM 5. 150mmx50mm Timber Frame 6. 220mmx75mm Timber Beams 7. Timber Cladding 8. Hollow Aluminium Black Cladding 9. Strip Lighting (Within Metal Cladding Frame) 10. Fully Adhered Roof Membrane 11. Stone Pebbles 12. 22mm Timber Decking 13. Thermal Insulation 14. Water Proof Membrane 15. 12.5mm Plasterboard with 5mm Skim Finish 16. Lintel 17. Weep Hole 18. Aluminium BiFold Doors 19. Rationel Tilt & Turn Window 20. Triple Glazed Window 21. 38mmx40mm Batten 22. Joist Hanger 23. Wall Tie 24. Black Aluminium Window Cill 25. Cavity Closer 26. Vapour Control Layer 27. 22mm Hardwood Veneer Floor 28. 22mm Ply Subsurface 29. 22mm Underfloor Heating 30. Mineral Wool Insulation 31. Screed 32. Floor Insulation 33. Concrete 34. Hardcore 35. Concrete Foundation 36. External Ground Surface

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Interior Visuals /

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Interior Study 2.

For the interior study I have developed the details of the triplex apartment within the block facing park road. This apartment type is the largest in the this particular block, however the proposed details would be consistent throughout the other apartment types also.

The main areas that will be developed are the kitchen and living space which are spread out over two floors but connected due to the double height space that there are connected by.

Due to the liner typology of each dwelling, a detailed light study will be used to help development of the interior design. This information will influence aspects of design such as positioning of artificial lighting and positioning of furniture and units.

Further to this, materials and colour pallets will be developed which help to emphasize the architecture.

The detail of the design will help to complete the project, and bring life to the drawings to give a realistic representation of how they would look once the project has been built.

Colour Pallet /

The colour pallet has been sampled from different proposed areas of the building.

Overall, the pallet is simple consisting mainly of beige & brown tones, as well as greys and blacks.

The browns generally come from the different tones of the hardwood flooring, as well as the exposed beams.

The lighter beige to off white colours are found on the walls and ceilings. The contrast between these two materials is subtle and elegant, and also makes the apartments seem warm and bright. As light reflects well of these tones, the dwellings should capitalise on any light that bounces off these surfaces.

The greens come from the indoor and out door plants.

Although these would be additional features that each user would place in their own flat, it is an example of how a splash of colour can lift the interior, and how the subtle colour scheme gives each resident the opportunity to add their own personal finishes.

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Colour Pallet /

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Environmental Study Light & Wind Studies /

By looking at both the internal and external effect of daylight throughout the year, design decisions have been made.

As seen in the external study, the use of a light framed structure for the circulation allowed the density to be improved throughout the site. The light structure allows light to pass through to the more northerly positioned blocks. This light study also helps when deciding the best areas for planting. As the areas with the most exposure to sunlight are revealed.

The internal light study helps to show the exposure of natural light that the tenant would be exposed to. This will influence the artificial lighting as well as the treatment of the facade.

Environmental Section / This section shows the

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Light & Wind Studies /

environmental proposals for the scheme. A range of techniques have been implemented including rain water harvesting, the installation of solar panels, cross ventilation and much more.

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LJMU Roof area = 2421m² Permeable surfaces = 1836m² Total = 4257m² 4257 x 900 (annual rainfall mm) x 0.75 (rainfall coefficient) x 0.9 (filter coefficient) = 1,978,626.5 1,978,626.5 x 0.05 Rainwater tank size = 98,931Litre

Community Spaces Glazing

Bin storage & Strategy

Cross Ventilation Photovoltaic

Insulation

Deciduous Trees Permeable Paving

Smart Meters

Acoustic Solutions Green Additions

Rain Water Harvesting

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Sectional Model

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Urban Design Project Part I / Year I

Dimiourgía Chóron / Generating Spaces Location: Elefsina, Greece Year: 2018 Group Project (Jake Chesworth) Introduction: Elefsina made a successful bid to become the ‘European Capital of Culture’ for 2021. Elefsina is a city which has been in constant motion in the run up to 2021. The awarding of Capital of Culture has certainly re-energised the community to take action.

The city plans to restore many of the derelict industrial buildings, adding public parks, spaces and cultural venues. Art Installations are beginning to spring up all over the city, as well as community projects.

The vision of 2021 is to focus on a programme that shows a clear vocabulary of ‘Transition to Euphoria’.

This means creating a programme that connects art and culture with all fields of human activity.

Elefsina aims to be a catalyst that inspires Greece through a difficult period in its history. Hopefully the success of this identity shift (from industrial city to a truly sustainable living environment), driven by art and culture, will be a model which can be repeated to re-engage people with their own cites across the country and beyond.

The Aeschylia Festival /

The year following the Greek Junta in 1975, Elefsina decided to create a festival dedicated to Aeschylus, born in Elefsina 525 BC and known as the first dramatist in the history of theatre. As a result of this, the ‘Aeschylia Festival’ was born.

The festivals organising committee consisted of people from a variety of backgrounds within Elefsina’s community; from workers unions to folk art associations, youth workers to business men. The group worked voluntarily to help vulnerable people in Elefsina, particularly children.

The first few years of the festival mainly consisted of reenactments of ancient drama at the archaeological sites. This seemed to re-engage people with the 93

cultural past of Elefsina, rather than its stereotypical industrial nature.

As time has gone on the festival has grown, expanding its artistic direction to include a wide range of creative genres. This is best captured by the variety of exhibitions that are held each year. The festival has also helped reclaim some of the inactive spaces scattered along the coastline. Derelict buildings such as The Old Oil Mill and the Kronos Building are now an integral part of the continual growth of this festival.

Although the Aeschylia Festival has existed for over 40 years, in the early 2000’s people realised that this would provide the perfect platform for progress in the city. To challenge and change the image once associated with Elefsina. The city took advantage of its existing industrial heritage through the use of derelict factories as its infrastructure, and set about generating a new identity, with a sustainable future and investments in the creative sectors at its core.

We proposed to use the festival and what it represents as the focus point of our project.

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Location / Site / Context

Location /

Neighbouring Athens, Situated in the Attica region of Greece, Elefsina has on occasion been referred to as ‘Attica’s Liverpool’ due to its industrial past and maritime location. This is a city which, past and present, has wrestled with its relationship to the industries that once drove it. Recently, the city obtained the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ for the year 2021. However, with clear divisions; physical and psychological boundaries have disconnected the public from key points in the city.

The waterfront, which in many former industrialised cities became a catalyst for change, has instead been left inaccessible both physically and visibly. Less than a third of the coastline is accessible from the city streets. Considering the importance of the sea to a coastal settlement, there is a clear disconnect here.

This division is often caused by industrialisation which has formed much of the urban fabric of Elefsina.

Site / Once we visited the site we began to develop

a better understanding of what Elefsina was really like. The centre of the city, in particular the main route through the town, appeared to be busy with both people and traffic. However, as soon as you started to navigate through the town, down towards our site, the ‘Old Oil Mill’ and the waterfront, it seemed deserted.

Passing through ‘Heroes square’ past the archaeological site of Eleusis towards the waterfront, was an area populated mainly with bars and restaurants using a pedestrianised street as its spine.

Although this sounds inviting, there was very little activity happening in the area.

Approaching the waterfront, it was clear that this was a place not utilised by the people of the city, other than the occasional swimmer. Here also stands the ‘Old Oil Mill’ – a site now used by the ‘Aeschylia Festival’, hosted in a series of charismatic derelict buildings. However, these were disconnected from the town by an imposing wall, giving the impression to the public that this space is only used occasionally.

Context / Elefsina consists of a mixture of new build

and ancient ruins. There is an archaeological site and old industrial buildings that run along the towns 95

waterfront. There is a small fishing harbour in the centre a well and a large dock further around the gulf. The town is somewhat ran down but holds lots of potential.

Site Sketches /

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Brief / Aims of the Project

Proposed Manifesto / Elefsinas’ Art and Culture is A Range of Arts / In our masterplan, we propose epitomised by the Aeschylia Festival. This takes place every year on the site of the Old Oil Mill. We aim to redevelop this area by celebrating the vibrancy and colour of the Aeschylia Festival, weaving new facilities and artistic disciplines into the growing creative fabric.

Realised through a new cultural district, consisting of various neighbourhoods that mingle and overlap.

Our vision is to provide a stepping stone for artists and creatives from all over the Attica region. We hope to offer this by providing facilities for creatives to live, learn, develop and exhibit their work.

to accommodate the main disciplines of art. We identified these by taking inspiration from the accident Greek ‘muses’, and appropriating them for modernday use. These are; Music, Dance, Comedy, Theatre, Art, Film & Photography and Literature.

We envisage an environment where the streets of Elefsina are alive with creative activity, both night and day. Through a more connected and holistic village atmosphere, people are encouraged to showcase their talents; music, art, theatre and anything in between. Test out new ideas. Learn their craft amongst the people of Elefsina. Fail, Succeed and Grow as an artist. We want to create a sense of bohemian living, where people can come to be part of the urban fabric and be inspired by activities around them; both as an artist and as a spectator.

Music – Large public performance space, smaller intermediate performance spaces, private practice spaces, radio station, and recording studios.

Using the situationist as precedence and being sensitive to the existing fabric, we are proposing to ‘unlock’ the spaces that have been lost to the density of the city. Connected via a series of suggested routes, people are encouraged to dérive through the neighbourhoods, discovering new people, stories and experiences along the way.

As well as the arts, we plan on re-establishing the people’s relationship with the waterfront. Lost in a sense to the cities industrial development. The waterfront as we see it today is a ghost town, littered with both active and inactive industries. To bring the waterfront back to life we propose to connect it to the urban fabric through a series of green spaces and esplanades, culminating in a redeveloped pier.

In terms of connecting to the wider region, we are proposing the introduction of a tram line, which will run along the waterfront to the Kronos district and beyond. In addition to this, water taxis will transport people from the islands surrounding the Gulf of Elefsina. Encouraging more people to engage with the city.

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Once established these 7 disciplines began to map out the needs and facilities that each art form would require to allow it to be created, exhibited and fully immersive experience for both the inhabitants of Elefsina, artists of Elefsina and visitors.

Dance – Large performance spaces, small performance spaces, private practice spaces, dance school, and music.

Comedy – Large performance spaces, smaller performance spaces and places to write material.

Theatre – Large performance spaces, small performance spaces, private practice spaces, ‘backstage’ areas, theatre school, places to write plays, and choreography performances.

Art – Gallery Spaces, studio spaces, sculpture park, other exhibition spaces and festival spaces.

Film & Photography – Cinemas, exhibition spaces and studio spaces.

Literature – Private writing areas, private reading places, library resources and discussion areas.

As well as creating specific areas for each of the different disciplines to make up ‘units’, there will also be ‘neighbourhoods’. It is clear that the facilities needed by different arts are shared, and therefore the positioning of each ‘unit’ becomes important, as it will create an artistic ‘neighbourhood’.

At a Range of Scales / By identifying the existing

‘dead spaces’ and other potential public spaces from the psycho-geography analysis, we began to

visualise what these spaces could become.

We soon realised that there were lots of different scales of spaces that we could potentially use. As a result of this, we started to arrange the spaces in relation to how public or how private that they could be. How we arranged this was due to numerous different factors.

The size of the square was the primary indicator of how we would consider the square. If it was large, it would make sense to designate the square for public use. If it was small, it would more likely be more enclosed and therefore for private use. The size would also be important as it would dictate what activities could happen in a square. For example, if the activity was music, the square would need enough space for crowds and a stage, therefore, would inform its scale.

Further to this, the positioning of the spaces. If a square was enclosed by residential buildings then it makes sense for the square to be private due to noise pollution. If it were near the leisure-based pedestrian street, then space should be more public.

These factors would be carefully considered when deciding on the hierarchy of each space and would influence strongly the activity that takes place in each of these squares.

Public & Private Spaces /

Situationist in Elefsina /

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Design Development

Site Analysis & Strategy / We began our design

We identified areas of our site that showed a clear disconnect. The Old Oil Mill site, the mixed-use area and the waterfront. It was clear that these areas could be better connected and so we began to devise a series of key routes which could inform our masterplan.

Further to this, we analysed the existing main routes and axes through the site. This was important as we identified routes that should be treated in particular ways to help guide people through our site to reach important places and nodes.

Site Potential /

process by analysing the site with our design manifesto and objectives in mind.

Wanting to retain as much of the existing as possible, we identified buildings which could retain their existing purpose and ones which could be re-imagined.

Much of the residential were found to be clustered together, this, in turn, informed the development of our neighbourhoods.

Through identifying all of the spaces within the existing fabric, we found there was potential for these spaces to be connected. We imagined these spaces to be thriving and full of activity. Connected by potential routes, informing the idea of a dĂŠrive, meandering through the spaces, discovering a series of events and activities.

Having generated a series of spaces from the existing fabric, we began to identify which spaces could be occupied by particular activities; Music, Theatre, Film/ Photography, Comedy, Art, Literature and Dance.

Inspired by the 7 Muses, these activities have a variety of spatial demands. Placed in relation to each other and their position within the spatial hierarchy, these have informed our neighbourhoods which mingle and overlap to form the holistic village of bohemia.

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Building Uses /

By analysing all of these components we curated our site strategy which we used as the basis for our design.

These fundamental development drawings informed our design and manifesto.

Exploded Proposed Development Areas /

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Street Views

Different Spaces / Private Space - This is how we

envisage the atmosphere of a ‘private’ space to be.

This will be a generally quiet place, may be positioned in the rear of the residential unit. Users of this type of square would be practising their discipline alone maybe or participating in a quiet activity related to art or literature for example. Once in the square, you would be made aware that you are somewhere important, but there may not be a distinctive route to lead you to the square.

Intermediate Space - This image represents an intermediate-sized square. This would be much more public than the private square, people would be encouraged to navigate to these spaces through secondary routes that meander through the existing fabric. The activities that take place in this kind of square could include busking, impromptu performances and small rehearsals. This is a space where people could experiment and develop their craft.

be retained and improved, with some public and intermediate squares being accessed from this street.

The materiality would be the same as the secondary routes, but only where it link one square to another.

This would exaggerate once again that you are on a route that is leading you on your journey through the town.

Promenade - This image represents the proposed changes to the promenade area and the waterfront.

We have designed a tram line which passes through the site and will bring people from places along the coast. This will make the site much more accessible as well as populating the waterfront. As well as this we plan on improving the promenade by creating shade, adding some green spaces, adding a boat graveyard/playground, creating a floating exhibition amphitheatre and improving the beach area.

Public Space - Here is an example of a public space which we are proposing. These places would be the most publicly accessible plazas, in terms of scale, size and connectivity. They are situated on main routes as well as having connections through the proposed secondary routes. These spaces would host public exhibitions and contain stages where performances would take place, attracting people to spectate, interact and congregate in large numbers.

shown represents how we envisage our proposed secondary routes to look and feel like. These routes will be created between the fabric of the existing built environment. This, therefore, means there size widths and heights will be determined by what is already there. Although these routes will all be different shapes and sizes, the materiality and context will give them a sense of importance. People will, therefore, know they are navigating between squares which host activity because of this.

Main Route - This image is a visual representation of how we would treat the existing main routes through our site. The existing pedestrianised street would 101

Different Places /

Different Routes / Secondary Route - The image

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Proposed Site Layout

Axonometric /

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Axonometric /

The axonometric representation of our proposed scheme shows how we used all of the derelict spaces around the buildings to create a series of public and private event spaces where the different muses all have a space to practice and exhibit their crafts. These are all positioned next to similar art forms, for example, music and dance are next to one another. This is to promote the interaction of different arts the coexist together.

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Proposed Site Layout

Site Layout / This version includes a key indicating

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Site Layout /

the proposals and there location.

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Urban Design Project Part II / Year I

Museum Square Location: Elefsina, Greece Year: 2018 Individual Project Introduction: “Working from the outputs of the group urban design project, take a specific element of the group project, such as a singular street of square or other public spatial feature and develop it up to a finer level of detail, with regard to materiality, composition, and landscape design. Your design proposal should also indicate the massing and possible design approach to the surrounding buildings and the way in which they might contribute to the urban setting you develop.”

For the next stage of the project, we each took a key space from our masterplan proposal and designed it in more detail. I chose the ‘Central Square’ as it was the transitioning space between the main festival site and the streets of Elefsina, as well as having many important buildings on its perimeter.

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Brief / Aims of the Project

For the individual design stage of this project, I chose to develop the central square in the project.

The reasons for this were due to its significance and location in the scheme, and the challenging nature of developing it.

This particular square would be the transitional space between the more private, intimate squares and routes, and the main festival area. I aimed to create a square that would be the main gathering space on the cite, and the most central point of the project.

Initially, I looked at the surrounding context of the square, looking at what activities would take place within a close proximity to the proposed areas. This helped influence what would happen within the square. For example, as the sculpture museum sat to the north of the square, there would be external exhibition spaces through the square.

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Site Location /

Then, by using the existing site lines of the existing built fabric I began to divide the square up into potential routes and areas, and ended up with three main sections where different activities would take place.

Sketch Development /

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Proposed Site Layout

Aerial View /

The aerial view of my proposal shows the different spaces within the square. Having verity of activities would make the most of the space bringing people to the area. There is a small stage and amphitheatre for performances, a skating and boules area for the community to use, seating area, outdoor exhibition spaces and seating areas.

Trees have been proposed to offer shade in the hot months, as well as mater features throughout. This should help to cool the warm environment that this city experiences.

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Aerial View /

There are multiple level changes as well as material changes - this helps to indicate significant spaces and buildings as well as adding a hierarchy to the spaces.

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Proposed Site Layout

Key /

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Site Layout /

1. Outdoor Exhibition Space 2. Studio Entrance 3. Grid Fountain 4. Seating 5. Museum Cafe 6. Community Area - Skating & Boules 7. Water 8. Stage & Amphitheatre

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1

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3

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Perspective Views

Amphitheatre & Water /

Amphitheatre & Water /

Here you can see the water axis that brings people into the square. If offers a place to relax as well as cooling the square.

The amphitheatre is seen in the background where people can relax and enjoy small performances.

Skate Park & Boules Area / This area is a more

active section of the square. This is for people of the town to enjoy at all times and to meet friends.

Grid Fountain & Sculptures /

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Skate Park & Boules Area /

This view shows the shaded seating beneath the trees, as well as the museum plateau and grid fountain.

Grid Fountain & Sculptures /

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Site Sections

Section A-A / This section shows the area in front

of the museum as well the grid fountain, seating and cafe area. This interactive area has lots of activities for people to participate in.

Section B-B / This section shows the amphitheatre and skate park. These sunken spaces offer places where people can relax, enjoy and express themselves.

Section C-C /

This version runs perpendicular to the other section planes, cutting through the sunken amphitheatre, grid fountain and museum plateau.

Section B

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Section A-A /

B-B /

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Curriculum Vitae Personal Information /

Higher Education /

Architectural Work Experience /

Name: Oliver Moran Date of Birth: 27/12/94 Email: o.moran2794@gmail.com Mobile: 07891704204

Liverpool John Moores University MA (Hons) Master of Architecture - 2018-20 (Currently 1st)(Awaiting final grade)

MPSL Planning & Design (Manchester) Architectural Assistant February 2017 - September 2019

Liverpool John Moores University BA (Hons) Architecture - 2013-16 (Upper 2nd)

During my time at MPSL, I developed my skills considerably. Having gained over two years of experience, I became a more competent and confident architectural designer. I believe taking more than one year out between my university courses allowed me to significantly improve my skill set and understanding of the discipline. This helped me greatly over the course of my Masters.

Personal Statement / Hello, thank you for taking the time to look at my CV. My name is Oliver, I am aged 25 and come from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. I am currently living in Liverpool and have previously lived in Manchester.

I have just completed the Master of Architecture course at Liverpool John Moores University and I am now actively pursuing a career in the profession that I love.

I am an active person with a wide skill set, who can adapt to situations and people working individually or in a group. I love to travel, I have a passion for cooking, food & drink and watch and participate in various sports. I consider myself to be a creative, open-minded warm person with an eye for detail and a very strong work ethic.

Having been in employment since the age 16 and as a result, have developed a strong set of interpersonal skills and competences as well as a level of professionalism that I apply to everything that I participate in.

Personal Skill Set / • Good communicator • Personable and social character • Enjoy team work • Confident at working independently • Good Problem Solver • Good Organiser

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Secondary Education / St. Joseph’s Sixth Form College, Trent Vale Product Design AS/A2 (B) Geography AS/A2 (B) Business Studies AS/A2 (C) St. Joseph’s High School, Trent Vale 10 GCSE’s (A*-C)

Summary / Whilst at university I developed a range of skills in addition to my design integrity. During the period of study both my passion for and understanding of architecture has been intensified. The opportunity to explore the history of the field - architects, styles and eras, design movements and other influences provided a foundation for developing my design style and for the development of my acquired skills.

I have completed numerous design projects during my time at university which has aided the development of my skills, particularly, CAD, technical drawings, and presentation techniques. Group work helped to develop my team working skills and understand the value of team working and collaboration in architectural practice.

Choosing to take the course offered by John Moores allowed me to participate in both urban design as well as architectural projects. This is something I enjoyed and valued as it gave me the experience of working at different scales and taking projects from a masterplan stage right through to technical design.

At MPSL I became an important member of the design team as well as a valued member of the office. This was reflected through the awarding of pay raises and bonuses. I was allowed to influence the presentation and style of drawings that the office produced through various graphic representation techniques.

Whist working at MPSL I mainly worked on the planning side of large scale residential projects. During this time I learnt a lot about the planning process for these projects as well as the skills that manifest themselves in all areas of architecture. Working on large projects also allowed me to practice master-planning as well as building design. I believe I could now work competently on this type of project individually.

During my time at MPSL I also worked alongside major housing developers which gave me a good insight into how they operate.

While at MPSL I also worked on retail and commercial development projects as well as other aspects of residential including apartments and bespoke dwellings.

Forefront Development Consultants (Stoke-on-Trent) Architectural Assistant September 2016 - February 2017 This was my first job working in architecture and was a great introduction into the design, planning and building processes. Here I worked on a range of small scale residential, industrial and commercial projects.

Each project was personal to each client and working for people within the locality of my family home was a

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special experience.

Other Experience /

Although I was only with the company for a relatively short period, I had the opportunity to work on projects at all different stages of the design process - from conceptual design to technical details. I also frequently attended site visits as well as liaising with clients and planning officers.

Greenway Hall Golf Club Duty Manager/Supervisor 2012-2016

Mecanoo (Manchester) RIBA Student Mentoring Scheme 2016 Whilst studying my undergraduate degree at Liverpool John Moores University I had the opportunity to take part in a mentoring scheme organised by RIBA North West. I was fortunate to be paired with Mecanoo where I was allowed to spend time with architects from the company’s Manchester practice.

This was my first taste of what it would be like to work in a practice and this opportunity fired my enthusiasm and increased my knowledge and understanding of the architectural practice and work. I was able to observe and gain an understanding of how an architectural practice was organised and operated as I sat in on design meeting with clients, engineers and surveyors, and learnt about the development of live projects throughout the different design stages.

Although this experience was through observation rather than practice, it was a privilege to see how a world-renowned practice is run. It has sinWce been an ambition of mine to work in a practice of this calibre.

Developed Professional Skill Set /

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Whilst working at Greenway Hall Golf Club I learnt an enormous amount about how such a business operates as well as developing a range of skills and competences.

I started as a waiter working part-time, but was soon promoted which involved taking on more responsibilities and hours. Extra duties included stock counts, stock ordering, the delegation of tasks, managing a team, taking daily cash records, as well as organisation and coordination of events.

Working in a role that involved staff management and customer relations allowed me to develop my interpersonal, communication and decision-making skills considerably.

Although this job has little relevance to my desired career path, I believe the experience helped to develop me into the person I am today. Making me more confident, mature, hard-working and sociable.

Other Developed Professional Skill Set / • Teamwork • Leadership • Communication skills • People skills • Decision-making skills • Organisation skills

• Proficient use of AutoCad • Proficient use of Adobe Creative Suite • Proficient use of Sketch up • Some use of Revit • Use of rendering software - Enscape & Podium • Technical drawing • Graphic Design • Model Making

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OLIVER MORAN MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE | LJMU

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