Spencer, Emma by Architecture@LJMU

EMMA SPENCER 2021 PORTFOLIO BA(Hons) Architecture | Liverpool School of Art and Design

ABOUT ME

CONTENT

I am a hard-working, creative individual, focused at doing my very best to succeed at any given task. My main fundamentals for life are being able to perform well in any situation under pressure, a strong work ethic, whilst also being able to be adaptable and flexible to situational changes.

BA Year 3 Semester 2 | The Journey to Serenity

My passion for the arts and creative flare are the driving force behind my aspirations to follow a career in architecture. I am a keen learner with a particular interest in sustainable design. I believe this is an important topic within architecture and I have began to explore elements associated to this within my degree. I am also a skilled drawer with excellent written and oral communication skills.

Location | Queens Dock, Liverpool

A Luxury Spa Retreat designed adjacent to the River Mersey which incorporates phenomenological elements predominantly within the interior.

BA Year 3 Semester 1 | Weather Observation Centre Location | Festival Gardens, Liverpool

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The Weather Observation Centre is designed to connect with nature through both the responsive relationship with the surrounding landscape as well as the ever changing weather phenomena.

BA Year 2 Semester 2 | The Future of Cohousing Location | Ropewalks, Liverpool

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A medium-rise timber framed cohousing development providing accommodation for young professionals in the form of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments.

BA Year 2 Semester 1 | Connecting the City Location | Fabric District, Liverpool

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An urban design plan to create a linear route that reconnects the Fabric District to Liverpool City Centre as well as regenerating the local community spirit. Instagram | em.arch_x Linkedin | emma-s-5610191ba

Curriculum Vitae

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Contents | i

The Journey To Serenity Spa

This project was to design a bathhouse along the River Mersey, I have responded to this brief by designing a luxury spa retreat for not only the residents nearby but also visitors to the area. The main spa element of the building sits upon the dock water whilst the more public zones facilitate the building upon the land. Facilities that are included in the scheme are; a Cafe, Sports Shop, Spa Shop, Gymnasium with Studio, Spa Treatment Rooms, Spa Rooms and Water Therapy Pools. Within the design I have created a microclimatic courtyard between the two building masses where the local community can socialise and enjoy nature away from the bussle of the city life. The theory behind my brief is phenomenology thus aspects within my project will be in response to achieving a sensory experience for the spa users such as dark lit areas, views framed by large windows and shadow play.

BA Year 3 Semester 2 | 1

Initial Development` Initial considerations into the materiality and window placements established the connection to phenomenology early in the design development. The perspective is always controlled as it either ensures or denies a view. The interior experience was also a driving factor to the orientation of spaces. The journey through the interior leads the user to a destination; usually being a view; whilst restricting the users’ orientation and controlling their sense of direction.

Circulation

The exterior circulation around the building will be obtained by a bridge structure that passes over the footpath to allow both the building on the land and the building on the water to still be connected. The interior circulation around the building has been designed to become a journey for the user.

Views

The form of the building has been designed in such a way that an added feel of granduer on the inside is created through varying ceiling heights. This then creates larger window openings within those spaces as well as an element of phenomenology; as the user feels as though they are becoming smaller in comparison to the space around them.

Materiality

The majority of the building will be seen to the public as two large masses of concrete, this is largely due to the idea that it looks obtrusive within the landscape. A contrast in materiality comes from the corten steel and glazing modulars. These act as the connections between the two masses where most of the functional spaces are within.

Journey Through Space The creation of long corridors where a journey for the user is achieved. The use of dark and light spaces will draw the user towards designated areas of interest without them being consciously aware.

Double/Triple Height Spaces In relation to the phenomenological concept, the use of double and triple height spaces within the spa have been utilised to create a sense of scale within certain areas for the user.

Materiality The use of concrete as a material creates a phenomenological experience for the users. The texture and appearance of concrete is what I want to achieve for the exterior as well as part of the

Orientation

Influenced by nearby buildings, the early design concept derived from the shape of the Keel Wharf Apartments. The idea of a courtyard in between two large masses of concrete was an idea I wanted to take forward into my design.

Courtyard

The courtyard is postioned between the buildings and is long and linear in shape. Due to the courtyard running the length of the building it is seperated up into sections. The sections which are positioned on the ground are grass and void spaces. The section upon the dock water is a communal stairway down the water level to allow visitors to sit and relax in this space.

Vegetation

Around the site itself it is mainly residential with private gardens, therefore I am proposing to add green spaces within my design. These will be accessible by both the residents and visitors to the area. This will become a key point along the existing footpath as it allows people to stop and reflect on the views of Liverpool.

South Elevation A masterplan showing the formation of the two concrete masses and the orientation upon the site. They have been designed so that exterior communal spaces can also be designed. Drawn in AutoCad then taken into Photoshop

North Elevation

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Section A

Axonometric Showing Floor Arrangement

First Floor This floor comprises of elements that relate to fitness and beauty. On this floor the visitor can journey into the spa below.

Ground Floor

Section B

The Ground floor is where the public entrance to the building is positoned. This is where both vistors and residents can reside to relax with some food and a drink.

Lower Ground Floor The lower floor is made up of all the pool spaces, to get to this area the user has to journey down through all the other sensory zones before reaching the pools; the destination.

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Cafe

Sports Shop

In this area people who are using the spa or just passing by can come in to use this space.

This is located on the Ground floor with the Brasserie.

Gymnasium

Sauna

This Space is located on the same floor as the Spa, it is easily accessible for both the spa users and the general public.

This is located within the spa journey, it is a Finnish sauna at a temperature of around 70 degrees.

Spa Reception

Relaxation Space

People can purchase products which are used within the treatments to take home.

This is where people can unwind and relax after the spa journey before they venture into the pools below.

A part section, part elevation shwoing the bathhouse formation as well as the interaction of spaces. Drawn in AutoCad then taken into Photoshop

BA Year 3 Semester 1 | 7 Pools Different temperatures play on the senses of the bather .

Relaxation Pool n this area people enjoy relaxing within a pool with an orb like centre.

Technical Resolution Materiality There are many benefits of reinforced concrete. The main one being that it has a high compressive strength to other materials as well as being able to withstand a good amount of tensile stress due to the provided reinforcement.

In-Situ Concrete 1| 2| 3 | 4 | 5 |

150 mm In Situ Concrete 25 mm Membrane 75mm Rigid Insulation 25 mm Membrane 150 mm In Situ Concrete

Due to its strength, resistance to water, moisture and mouldable properties, I chose reinforced concrete as my structure. Another reason I chose concrete was because of its phenomenological attributes which I will utilise within my design by leaving exposed areas.

The structure of the section on the water will be attached to the existing dock wall to provide additional support. The dock materiality is concrete and below the dock water is silt/ earth, two contrasting materials in strength and durability to withstand the foundations. The foundations need to take into account the materiality of the site. Pile foundations will be used for the structure of both the section on the land and dock. Pile Foundations are beneficial as they can transfer the load to strong strata through deep water. Pile foundation is a type of deep foundation, as it transfers the load of the superstructure to the desired depth into the soil. Each Pile will be longer for the dock water side and will become shorter as they move towards the road as the dock wall structure will be sturdy

Heating and ventilation will be needed throughout the year for the main occupied spaces of the scheme. It is important to achieve a high level of comfort due to the luxury aspect of this scheme as well as the different elements within the building which need to be carefully considered - such as the interior pools and spa journey. The aim of the courtyard is to create a place to relax and reflect with nature, the materials used significantly aid the design which emphasizes the role the senses and emotions play in our experience of architecture. The central garden is a place abstracted away from the world of noise, traffic and smells of the city, it allows people to escape the busy city for something more tranquil.

Energy Strategies

Pipe to Local Waste System

Mechanical Ventilation System

Wire to the National Grid

Heat Pump

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Weather Observation Centre

This brief explores the idea of a Weather Observation Centre located within Festival Gardens, Liverpool. Rather than thinking of architecture as a static object which exists in isolation and against its environment, the building becomes connected to nature through the responsive relationship to its surrounding landscape and the ever changing weather phenomena. Research was carried out beforehand focusing on developing a concept whereby working alongside nature can create sensory experience zones for the visitors within the internal spaces. The strategy includes three observation pavillions where visitors can experience weather penomena, a laboratory for scientific research to be carried out, an educational space, an exhibition zone and a café. The strategy for the design was to create a structure that was sustainable, through the use of materiality and the overall efficiency of the building.

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Site Images

The Weather Observation Centre is situated in Festical Gardens, Liverpool. The site was once a landfill site and has a diverse range of plants and vegetation, along with a clear view of the Wirral across the Mersey.

Easterly Direction The site is predominantly covered by densely packed overgrowth that is surrounded by evergreen trees to the north. A bouy structure can also be seen as well as a public footpath located on the edge of the site itself.

Westerly Direction From the west, areas of interest across from the Mersey can be seen. Broomborough which is located in the Wirral can be seen from the site on a clear day, as well as further down the coastal path parts of the Liverpool Dock can be viewed.

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Live

rpo ol C The integration of the surrounding climate has been the focal point ity C entr e within my design process especially rainfall, Liverpool has a temperate maritime climate, with relatively mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall for most of the year (an average of 836mm precipitation per year).

Concept Diagrams

The focus in my design was to create experiential zones so that people become more aware of how the weather around us can have an effect on our mental and physical health, as well as becoming aware of global warming issues. On top of creating three zones specifically focused on weather phenomena, the main part of the scheme is integrated with design features to show how being conscious of the ever-changing natural world can be beneficial.

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Sensory Pavillions

Light Pavillion The light pavilion focus’ on the sensation of reflections and diffusion of light. An organic form has been derived from multiple hexagonal shapes which allow the viewer to experience how using shading aspects such as patterns can make the occupants visualise the interior space from a different perspective.

Rain Pavillion During peak rainfall, visitors will witness how quickly a flood can occur within the space and feel a sense of worry that due to climate warming these flooding events will become more often and severe within society. An ice wall represents the beauty of ice and the affects climate change is having on the loss of alpine and polar glaciers around the world.

Art Instillation This zone is slightly less distinctive in function, the initiative for this space was to create an exhibition zone for both educational and scientific purposes. When the pavilion is not being used for experimental work the space incorporates a misting system from the basement below to create a similar effect to walking through the clouds.

Courtyard Section

Visuals

Educational Space

Event Space

Bridge to Cafe

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Technical Resolution I wanted to include passive design within my strategy to reduce my buildings energy consumption through interior lighting. My structure being located on the riverside means that there is no natural surrounding coverage such as trees that could block the intense direct rays from the sun naturally. I have used double glassing with external vertical shading on the glass facades within my design this concept also cuts out most of the summer heat whilst utilizing the winter heat.

Predominantly south facing glazing to make use of the solar energy for heating the building during the winter season and for daylighting all year round. The layout of the interior spaces has been considered in relation to the solar gains needed for the specific functions of the zones.

When the heat during the summer causes the temperature to rise from the comfort level natural ventilation can occur through openings in the glass façade to allow fresh air to move within the building and to allow the controlling of the temperature.

MicroClimatic Courtyard The aim of the courtyard is to create a place to relax and reflect with nature, the materials used significantly aid the design which emphasizes the role the senses and emotions play in our experience of architecture. The central garden is a place abstracted away from the world of noise, traffic and smells of the city, it allows people to escape the Courtyard busy city for something more tranquil.

A Residential Cohousing Development

This brief explores the potential of a medium-rise timber framed housing development in an urban location. Through research within the origination stage the proposal consists of a cohousing initiative, providing accommodation for Young Professionals in the form of 1 and 2 bedroom homes. The three-story project; with a total of 22 homes; includes a nonresidential space in the form of a café located within the shared area at ground floor level. The site is at the corner of Seel Street and Slater Street within the Ropewalks area of Liverpool city centre. Cross-Laminated Timber and Passive Design Strategies have been utilised within the construction of the building to create a sustainable development.

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The form was derived by analysing the formation of existing cohousing developments, I looked at the most important elements within a cohousing unit and developed a plan off what I believed were vital in an efficient scheme.

Double Height Spaces

Vegetation

BA Year 2 Semester 2 | 17 Private /Public Areas

Section A

Second Floor 1 | One Bed Apartments 2 | Two Bed Apartments

First Floor 1 | One Bed Apartments 2 | Two Bed Apartments 3 | Bridge to Outdoor Courtyard

1 4

Ground Floor 1 | Bar/Restaurant 2 | Entrance 3 | Gym 4 | Study Room

5 | Office 6 | Bin Storage 7 | Workshop 8 | Laundry

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Section B

Apartment Designs Two Bedroom Apartment

One Bedroom Apartment

BA Year 2 Semester 2 | 19 Internal Floor Space: 64.75m2

Internal Floor Space: 52.75m2

The Regeneration of the Fabric District

This project was located in the Fabric District within the city of Liverpool. It facilitates design and creative thinking beyond individual buildings to that of the urban fabric. The initial stages of this brief is the generation of an urban strategy, produced through group discussion, shared ideas and collaboration. The final stages of this brief is the individual design strategy which focus’ on one part of the group scheme to create a more developed outcome. This focused on creating a linear route between New Islington and London Road, whilst developing a more social environment for visitors and residents of the city.

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Parklets Along the Street

Inlets with Activities

Large Chess Boards

Circular Lights

Emma Spencer Poulton - Le - Fylde | Lancashire | FY6

T: 07746748059

E:elspencer222@live.co.uk

Work Experience

Educational Qualifications 2018 - 2021 | Liverpool John Moores University

May 2019 - Present | Staining Lodge Golf Course A Family Run Golf Course, Brasserie and Events Venue

Liverpool School of Art and Design BA (Hons) Architecture (Predicted a First)

• Working in a fast pace environment under pressure as a team.

• Achieved 2:1 in both first and second year, on track • I am a good problem solver, who is able to respond to recieve 1:1 in third year. creatively to design challenges.

• Organising the Event space to suit the client’s vision.

June 2016 | Croft & Goode Architects Week Placement Private residential housing, Social Housing as well as Small Commercial Developments. • Experience shadowing multiple members within • Interviewing proffessionals about the workflow & the office. inner workings of a practice.

2017 - 2018 | Blackpool & the Fylde College

August 2015 | Triangle Architects

2015 - 2017 | Baines Sixth Form College

Week Placement Social Housing, Healthcare Sectors, as well as Urban Regeneration, Community and Workplace Projects. • Understanding the different roles within a practice. • Developing an understanding on the process from design to development.

Notable Achievements

2017 | 3 A Levels Geography, Fine Art, Mathematics. 2016 | 1 AS Level & an Extended Project Qualification Physics, EPQ Topic: Sustainable Cities.

2010 - 2015 | Baines High School

2021 | I completed the RIBA mentoring scheme across the course of six months, gaining insight into life in practice, the business of architecture and studying ongoing and completed projects via monthly Zoom calls.

2016 | I undertook an Architecture Short Course at Nottingham Trent University, this allowed me to gain an insight into the practice of architecture as well as learning softwares and modelling techniques that I could take forward into University/ Practice.

2015 - 2017 | During Sixth Form I completed an EPQ, my research topic was about sustainable developments around the world. The research I undertook; which involved an online course and independent learning; gave me an understanding of sustainable architecture in the modern world.

2013 - 2015 | I have recieved a North West Artist of the Year Award and have also been awarded an Excellence in Art Award within high school for two consecutive years for being best in my year at senior level.

10 GCSE’s A* - B Including Mathematics (A), English Language (B) and Science (B).

Extra Curricular Activities Experiencing and learning from other cultures fascinates me, whenever possible I enjoy taking time to travel and visit new places to expand my knowledge on historic and new architecture both in the UK and abroad. In addition to this I am also learning Spanish as this has always been an interest of mine to learn this language as I feel this will be a benefit as I visit Spanish regions often.

UAL Foundation Diploma Art and Design (Merit)

In my free time I also like to keep active through many forms of exercise. I have completed DofE Gold which took place in the Peak District, creating wonderful memories and friendships throughout the the four day intense activity. Where possible I have taken part in charitable events such as a coast to coast bike ride; even through physical exhaustion, motivation was sustained through teamwork; it was 165 miles altogether that raised over £5 000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.

References • Aliki Myrto Perysinaki Third Year Design Tutor Email: A.M.Perysinaki@ljmu.ac.uk • Peter Horrocks Second Year Design Tutor Email: P.J.Horrocks@ljmu.ac.uk

• Alison Wiglesworth Owner of Staining Lodge Golf Course Mobile: 07703320418 Curriculum Vitae | 22