Studio Portfolio 3.1 by Auguste Juozapaviciute

CONTENT INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................ 1 INCEPTION OF CONSTANT REALITIES.............................................................2-9 Manifesto/ Anti- manifesto Thesis/ Anti- thesis Synthesis/ Agenda Territorial Context History Exploration

3 4 5 6 7 8-9

SIMULTANEOUS REALITIES...........................................................................10-19 Manifesto Agenda Thesis Anti- thesis Synthesis Contextualising Castlefield Subjective Models of Territory Evolution of the Railway

11 12 13 14 15 16-17 18 19

PERSONAL APPROACH.......................................................................................20 Place in Context Palimpsest Programme Development

21-32 33-34 35-40

BIBLIOGRAPHY.....................................................................................................41 APENDIXES.....................................................................................................42-44 Group Posters Presentation Sheets

42 43-44

INTRODUCTION Perception is highly subjective and conditional. Moreover, oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understanding of a space may derive and change with new stimuli discovered. Hence, during the exploration and analysis of the given site, Castlefield, my personal approach towards the area and its interpretation altered. As a result I joined two different agenda groups, which led me to my personal responce. Further on are the two pamphlets produced working together with the other members.

INCEPTION OF CONSTANT REALITIES

PAMPHLET MADE BY: Alexandra Gavrikova Auguste Juozapaviciute Jane Perry RE-EDITED BY: Auguste Juozapaviciute

“Utopian visions erase our sense of location and rootedness, therefore our sense of individuality.”

“We question the adequacy of today’s reality.”

MANIFESTO ANTI-MANIFESTO

MANIFESTO Reading about manifestos we understand their absolutist nature. They emerge in times of transition as a political, economic, social or artistic criticism of the present and entail a radical position for the future. Manifestos embody the architects’ obsession with tabula rasa and the idea of arranging cities in perfect manners according to strict geometrical grids to inform separate functional units- such is Corbusier’s utopian vision “Ville Radieuse”. Buildings are shown as standardised according to their particular function in the urban fabric. Such visions are still advocated today- take Koolhaas’ “Generic city“ also based on sameness but additionally on the idea of flexibility and constant change. As appealing as they look, such utopian visions take away the drama, surprise,dynamism and variety of exploring a city. They erase our sense of location a n d rootedness, therefore our sense of individuality. The city, or even on a larger scale today-the world is seen as a simplified homogeneous whole where the complexities of the human realities are overlooked or completely forgotten. Due to this we believe that such absolutist logic, which refuses to acknowledge the world as a heterotopia, lacks in meaning and therefore is inapplicable in reality. ANTI-MANIFESTO Through our “anti”- manifesto we do not attempt to take a fixed position or define absolutes, we do not aim to solve a political, sociological, ecological, economical or ethical problem but rather question the adequacy of today’s reality in relation to the common human values. What we are primarily interested in is the utilisation of architecture and urban planning as a means of anchoring the “global nomad”. The rise of technology has resulted in radical compression of space- not only has virtual reality taken over but simply the progress of mechanical transportation is enough to annihilate the borders which define space. The world seems to be moving towards a flat reality where the basic human factor lacks in dimension.

THESIS

THESIS So what do we mean by the human factor? We see it simply as the individual’s urge to “dwell”. Summarizing the linguistic origins of the word, Heidegger translates it as “to remain at peace in a protected place”. In its inception architecture was about primarily creating shelter from the elements and giving experiential meaning to the inhabited environment thus creating a sense of individuality and rootedness to a certain reality, or what we call a “Stabilitas Loci”. The permanent spirit of a place, Schulz says is a necessary condition for human identity. Through the “Stabilitas Loci” man establishes a micro cosmos, or his own reality which is dependent on and coexists with the realities of the other. Here we can also refer to the idea of boundaries explored by Frost - he says that boundaries actually stabilize social relationships rather than simply dividing one space from another. Boundaries render the homeless as residents, the strangers as neighbours or reversely the enemies into strangers. So we can say that the quality and meaning of space is distinguished by its boundaries.

ANTI-THESIS

ANTI-THESIS So this leads us to the present reality. The rise of technology and its rapid progress have become what Giedon identifies as “constituent facts” of today’s world. The elements of those produce a shift towards a new tradition. That tradition we can say is the act of globalisation- the annihilation of the phenomenon of space. Boundaries are dissolved, the world is rapidly blurring into a homogeneous mass. To “dwell” seems to have lost its original meaning. “Stabilitas Loci” is fading into “Mobilatas Loci”. Space is no longer an agglomeration of places and their relationships and boundaries but rather becomes largely defined by the flow of time. The former inhabitant becomes a “global nomad” divested of identity and a sense of belonging. The mere idea of identity is reduced to ethnicity and function in society. So we ask ourselves doesn’t the erasure of boundaries render us all as homeless strangers? The unstoppable urge to move forward has resulted in rapid changes in our understanding of what is truly significant. Spaces become an endless function of time and needs, where no constant solution seems to be present. This is manifested in architecture trough the urge to design a building as a blank canvas - eventually it could morph into anything - a hotel, studio, flats or offices. Buildings will essentially become modular grids which can be developed or taken apart and recycled in something else at any moment of time. We aim to calculate the life of the building, we prepare it for deconstruction before it is even built, thus giving it an expiry date. Historical sites become engulfed by the “generic city”, a manifesto devised by Koolhaas, where buildings are mass produced on global scale and devise themselves from the concept of the permanent. In fact “constant” has become a dirty word in the dictionary of the architect- it is perceived as a synonym of “stuck in time” rather than rooted in “tradition and humanity”. On the other hand, the realm of the “domus” (place as source of identity) has become either museumised or simply a necessary backdrop of the vastly growing city; or in worst cases a completely abandoned rotting reality.

“So can we hit pause on the staggering speed of the present reality, even for a little while, in order to remember what it is to “dwell”?” - Vilem Flusser

SYNTHESIS AGENDA

SYNTHESIS So here we need to pose the question, can architecture meet those trends half way. Globalisation and the need for flexibility in space are inevitable part of our reality, however, can we create a space which is both rooted and adaptable (where adaptivity should not be the driving force but a consideration of possible future scenarios). Can architecture be used as an injection of the human factor in the rapidly changing reality? Do we do that by addressing memory, or human senses, or historical and cultural values, or all combined? Vilem Flusser says “I am homeless, because there are so many homelands that make their home in me” stressing the faked sense of belonging to the world when in fact we have forgotten what it means to belong somewhere. So can we hit pause on the staggering speed of the present reality, even for a little while, in order to remember what it is to “dwell”? AGENDA In our anti-manifesto we view the world as strata of simultaneous realitiesor putting it more simple “my reality” versus “your reality” and the rest of the world. We address the concepts of place and non-place through that view point. Universally a space which is centralised (or made meaningful through the act of building) and has set relationships or boundaries with other such spaces or the surrounding natural environment is concretely defined as PLACE - since it also possess a certain spirit (Genius loci) and belongs to a certain understanding of time (Zeitgeist). Places in their metaphysical sense exist as figurative copies of the geographical reality in our brains. They are a series of nodes which orient us, or imagined pictures of memories or possible futures, or historical facts and cultural traditions. However, whether the individual will establish that relationship with a specific place is very subjective and if not impossible to determine. So what makes a place appear in the reality of the individual? We believe it can be a process which entails several steps- prior-knowledge; sensorial experience, emotional response; and finally manifestation of memory and/or future scenarios. We don’t perceive those steps as mutually inclusive or as a necessarily linear progression.

Pedestrian/ car routes Car routes Pedestrian routes

CONNECTION ROUTES

TERRITORIAL CONTEXT

CASTLEFIELD

Neglected viaduct Area of interest Bus route/ stops Train line

CONNECTIONS

Castlefield City centre Lonsight University Hulme Trafford Salford

WARDS AROUND CASTLEFIELD

Castlefield is situated in the inner city of Manchester. It is a conservation area bordered by one of the most active sections of the city. It has largely pedestrian or car access with few public transport connections (no metrolink or train stops). We can conclude that although some of the largest and most important transportation networks pass through the site, what they actually do is define clear boundaries of the territory rather than connecting it with the larger urban fabric.

1830-1850- Liverpool Station+ BWV, ALV and SV+PW

1870s- Central station and Cornbrook Viaduct

1890s- Great Northern Warehouse and GNV

Post 1960s- Regeneration

HISTORY

OF CASTLEFIELD

The existence of the Mancunians begins in Castlefield. Dating back to Roman times, the territory has gone through tumultuous historical events which largely define the identity of Manchester as a whole. When the settlers left Castlefieldnamed so after the Roman fort similar to a castle- they moved further to the north where today stays Manchester Cathedral. As the city was growing people were taking materials from the old fort and market gradually diminishing them into ruins. By the 16th century a large Georgian village emerged along Deansgate. But it was the 19th century when the landscape radically changed when Mancunians started to build their true historical heritage- the era of the industrialism. First it was the Bridgewater Canal in 1761- its terminus being precisely in Castlefield at the Dukes Warehouse (1771- 1919- destroyed in a fire). Next was the rapid emergence of the first canal warehouses- to store maize, oil, cotton, flour and grain. Housing was needed for the workers so Aldport- or the old roman market was buried under vast development of industrial terrace housing. However, as industrialism progressed, faster means of transportation was needed; moreover the canal offered seasonal utilisation since it would freeze over during the winter. So a complex network of railways emerged- starting with Liverpool road station in the Georgian Style- the first railway station in the world and the sequential emergence of huge Victorian viaducts. First was the low- level brick viaduct with cast iron bridges detailed with Gothic pierced spandrels which would branch out to South and North to connect Piccadily and Oxford station to Salford and Altricham.( 1849). In 1877 the Cornbrook viaduct emerged followed by the construction of Central Station as its main terminus. With the construction of the Great Northern Warehouse in the 1890s came the Great Northern Viaduct. But as industrialism faded in the 1960s so did Castlefield- the warehouses and viaducts stood abandoned for almost 10 years when the Manchester City Council redeveloped the territory in a conservation area with museums, rebuild ruins and expensive housing. While the Roman Ruins were rebuild mainly to attract tourists it is evident that Mancunians render themselves as belonging to an industrial background, rather than a common European heritage.

EXPLORATION SIGHT

We can see a trend in the area for the architecture to honour the Roman background of the city. The castellated elements of the piers grow in scale and exuberance in detail sequentially over the years. This relationship between the ruins and the newly built viaducts defines the idea of memory as a constructive force for the future. As industrialism started to fade out the abandoned viaducts and warehouses projected a sense of nostalgia for the past. Castlefield was redeveloped as a conservation area and the Roman market and fort were rebuilt in the form of reconstructed ruins.

EXPLORATION

SOUND/ MATERIALITY The constant traffic noise and the intermittent sounds of the trains disrupt the calming hum of music and water, resulting in a disjointed atmosphere.

Birds Traffic Water Machinery Music Trains People Other

EXPLORATION SCALE

We concluded that the viaducts and Potato Wharf in particular exert what Tschumi calls “spatial violence”. Industrialism is defined by the lack of humanity- everything is mechanised and made bigger to underline the power and significance of the newly developed technologies of production and transportation. Monumental scale is predominant in the site with sudden compressions in scale. However, when we asked people what are their emotional response to those spaces, mostly identified it as generally positive, and only half as negative during night time. As for Potato Wharf, people are largely disinterested and have no reaction towards it whatsoever.

Human scalealmost like an exit point from Caslte street- transitiondoesn’t evoke emotion.

Monumental scale - Sudden expansion of space in vertical axisdehumanizing effect of industrialism

Back to human scale-feeling of enclosurecarries Zeithgeist 0f Roman architecture/ more effective than ruins? permeability in horizontal axis- safetySudden contraction of space in vertical axis-claustrophobiccar park for expensive vehicles unsafe- negative effect on human behaviour. Back to monumental- The GN viaduct the culmination point of industrialism in the area- humbleness

Repetitivness of architectural elements-Disorientation-lack of identity-lack of meaning-lack of architectural importance

Point of reliefopening to Roman Ruins

LESS THAN 10 YEARS

PEOPLE

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS- AFFLUENT- NO CHILDREN 1-4 YEARS

1-4 YEARS

1+ WEEKS

EXPLORATION SOCIAL

STUDENTS

TOURISTS AND COMMUTERS- HOTELS/HOSTELS

REASONS TO VISIT

VIADUCTS MARKET EVENTS AREA DUKES (CAFES) ROMAN REMAINS MOSI CANALS BEETHAM TOWER

HISTORY ORIENTATION SPENDING TIME THERE

RESIDENTIAL HOUSING HOTELS/ HOSTELS AVERAGE DENSITY LOW DENSITY

SIMULTANEOUS REALITIES INCLUSIVE I EXCLUSIVE I COEXISTING AN ANTI MANIFESTO

PAMPHLET MADE BY: Cristina Manta Courtney McLoughlin Alistair Hume CONTRIBUTED AND RE-EDITED BY: Auguste Juozapaviciute

CONTEXTUALISING THE IDEA OF MANISFESTO Manifestoes have a history of arising in moments of social, cultural, political and economic crises and confusion, aiming for change and challenge of the “status quo”, rather than the mere representational or interpretational image of reality. Their aim is to set directions, condense ideas and intentions, fit to the purpose of collective desire, acting as catalyst for power within a society. The origins of the word (from the Latin “manifestum”, meaning clarity) indicate the simplifying, unifying purpose of a manifesto, as means of creating order out of chaos. Charles Jencks writes in the introduction of "Theories and manifestoes of contemporary architecture" (Jencks&Kropf, 1997: 7) that manifestoes “inspire fear in order to create unity and orthodoxy” and that a good manifesto mixes “terror, runaway emotion and charisma with a lot of common sense”. Thus, a manifesto is born from the imperative need for stability (which is why institutions are being constructed and reconstructed in a period of crisis in society) as a result of an “explosion of emotion” cumulated in a confusing and shifting setting, threatening with the disappearance of values and rules. Its expression lies in powerful metaphors which are “jack-hammered into our minds, like a painful experience”, the way through which awareness of certain factors is raised and actions are taken in accordance with. They are “repetitive, incantatory, responding to the imperatives of history, hoping to ward off catastrophe with magic or logic” (Jencks&Kropf, 1997: 10) As no new structure can be raised as long as the previous one has not collapsed, manifestoes often consist in radical and violent breakthroughs. Manifestoes have proved to be essential for the society to overcome the crisis and to move forward and to reconstruct itself. They are essential turning points informed by the “restless self-transformation”, “back-and-forth jumps in the search of the new” and key “shifts in culture and development” (Jencks&Kropf, 1997: 9) of their authors. However, manifestoes suggest a singularity in perspective and indicate absolute, generic attitudes, which operate in a vacuum and ignore other potential directions. The failure of manifestoes lies in their misunderstanding of reality and how life functions. They provide solution based on the idea of change at a macro level, in a singular context, as opposed to the multiple changes acting at the micro level, given the multitude of contexts depending subjects. These subjects (people etc) create a level of unpredictability which requires more than one way of solving the arising problems. Instead, the manifesto evolves around the idea of control and interference in the natural growth of organism, which consequently produces disturbances in their balance, which in turn produces long-term unintended consequences. Thus, the manifesto promotes the idea of stability, by covering up and ignoring the tensions which accumulate underneath and which sooner or later lead to the failure of the entire system, given its centralised layout. The next manifestoes would rise as a reaction to the failure of the previous, but would provide solutions based on the same frame of thinking, which inevitably would lead to the same development pattern. Our [anti]manifesto will consider the widespread implications of our perspective through the dialectic method, and aims to challenge the restrictions imposed by the idea of manifesto.

SIMULTANEOUS REALITIES AGENDA

AND THE ROLE OF THE ANTI MANIFESTO US REALITIES AGENDA

E ROLE OF THE ANTI MANIFESTO

THESIS- INCLUSIVE REALITIES

Thesis - Inclusive/Objective Realities

ANTITHESISEXCLUSIVE/ Antithesis - Exclusive/Subjective Realitie SUBJECTIVE REALITIES

SYNTHESIS- CO-EXISTING REALITIES

Synthesis - Co-Existing Realities

The antimanifesto defines potential solutions, posing key questions in the future development of the site, rather than setting rigid directions and restrictions, in the spirit of a manifesto. An antimanifesto exposes the flaws of the manifesto, but it does not represent a solution in itself. It suggests multiple solutions, by considering all homogenous and heterogenous components acting in specific context. Our questions target and attempt to define the different realities which include (objectively)| exclude (subjectively)| and coexist in our urban fabric (such as the way technology affects our sense of place| non-place, intangible markets and the identification of pattern typology). Castlefield catalysed our interest in simultaneous realities; its role in the urban fabric has changed over time (therefore its temporal context changes, and people understand it differently as time passes). It is a collage of places and non places, the overall image of which depends on the perceiver (everyone has their own places and non places). Yet Castlefield has a wealth of history which social, economic and technological systems have begun to cling to and objectify. Our aim is thus to balance subjective and objective realities simultaneously into a coherent image of site, relevant in time and space. We will consider a multitude of realities and situations in our territory. We arrive at this via a dialectic approach as diagrammed on the right hand side.

' "The

Drawing from (economically using theoreti simultaneous

Realities clash (Sirowy, 2010: in the compre human experi place more m operate simul another and c environments

The Convergence of Reality

SIMULTANEOUS REALITIES SIMULTANEOUS REALITIES INCLUSIVE REALITY | THESIS INCLUSIVE REALITIES I THESIS abolition of distance” as an essential feature of contemporary human condition and elaborating on the growing possibilities of instantaneousness and ' "The abolition of distance” as an essential feature of contemporary simultaneity in human experience.'

human condition and elaborating on the growing possibilities of (Sirowy, 2010: 152) instantaneousness and simultaneity in human experience.' (Sirowy, 2010: 152)

m strands of our individual takes on realities, y, culturally and technologically, dualistically) and ical texts we envisage the contemporary city as a s realities existing in a compressed manner.

Further to this our realities in terms of economics technology and culture have become systems and processes due to the instant nature of the contemporary city. There has been Drawing from strands of our individual takes on realities, (economically, culturally a transition and fromtechnologically, the ‘space ofdualistically) place’ to the of flows’texts we envisage the and ‘space using theoretical (Castells 1996: 375). It’scity due this that localities become contemporary as atosimultaneous realities existing in a compressed manner. absorbed in an abstracted way into these h and combine in the city with ‘instantaneousness’ dislocated and Realities clash and combine in the city with ‘instantaneousness’ (Sirowy, 2010: 152) and are inclusive of one another, resulting in the compression of space but : 152) and are inclusive of one another, resulting functional networks. also the loss of place. The human experience thus becomes more chaotic yet in ession of space but also the loss of place. The of place more monotonous and one dimensional.These realities operate ience thus becomes more chaotic yet in terms of Given this terms scenario, should architecture mirror these simultaneously but sometimes incoherently with one another and can converge against them? monotonous and one dimensional.These realities processes oronreact spaces producing fragmented environments. ltaneously but sometimes incoherently with one Further to this our realities in terms of economics technology and culture have can converge on spaces producing fragmented become systems and processes due to the instant nature of the contemporary city. There has been a transition from the ‘space of place’ to the ‘space of flows’ s. (Castells 1996: 375). It’s due to this that localities become dislocated and absorbed in an abstracted way into these functional networks. Given this scenario, should architecture mirror these processes or react against them?

Objective realities Wherby everyone exists in the same spatial plane; each a component of anOBJECTIVE REALITIES Wherby everyone exists all encompasing in the same spatial plane; physical world each that a component of an all could be called ideal encompasing physical world that could be called ideal ovjective reality. ovjective reality.

The Divergence of Reality

SIMULTANEOUS REALITIES SIMULTANEOUS REALITIES EXCLUSIVE REALITIES | ANTITHESIS EXCLUSIVE REALITIES I ANTITHESIS

ind of ignorance in the world all results from not realizing that our perceptions are mbles.'Every We believe what see and thenin wethe believe our interpretation it, we don't kind ofweignorance world all resultsoffrom not en know we are making an interpretation most of the time. We think this is reality.' that our perceptions are gambles. We believe what we (Wilson, R.- 'Real Reality')

realizing see and then we believe our interpretation of it, we don't even know we are making an interpretation most of the time. We think this is reality.' is elaborates on the notion of subjectivity; not all to exist outside of one’s reality tunnel, and may exist outside of s objective, or tangible.R.Emotional response to a many 'reality tunnels'(Wilson, 2009: 187). A self-perpetuating (Wilson, 'Real Reality') place is unique to each person and depends on cycle of urban decay and stagnation in the non-place results. Our antithesis elaborates on the notion of subjectivity; not all information is

ological and psychological factors; our inability objective, or tangible. Emotional response to a situation or place is unique to e our emotions in objective or quantitative terms each person and depends on many physiological and psychological factors; our of simultaneous reality, although a plethora of an experience of place is not transferrable from In this model inability to concretise our emotions in objective or quantitative terms means that an experience of place is not transferrable from person to person. urban interpretations (or models) exist, they can never be rson. Instead, every conscious individual (human or otherwise) empathically shared, only verbally communicated. Thus we constructs their own reality tunnel, based on what they know and understand, and how they feel. One ry conscious individual (human or otherwise) arrive at a certain sad solitude in the urban fabric, in that we could envision a city where realities diverge according to social and economic share urban results; experience, or affirm that our heir own reality tunnel, based on what they know can never truly groups, and our stagnancy non places can be understood to exist outside We live in tunnel, an imagined that we share with and, and how they feel. One could envision a city reality is ‘real’. of one’s reality and maycity, exist outside of many 'reality tunnels'(Wilson, es diverge according to social and economic countless others, all ofA whom live in their own 2009: 187). self-perpetuating cycle of simulated urban decaycities and stagnation in the nonplace results. stagnancy results; non places can be understood (Baudrillard 1981)

In this model of simultaneous reality, although a plethora of urban interpretations (or models) exist, they can never be empathically shared, only verbally communicated. Thus we arrive at a certain sad solitude in the urban fabric, in that we can never truly share our urban experience, or affirm that our reality is ‘real’. We live in an imagined city, that we share with countless others, all of whom live in their own simulated cities (Baudrillard 1981)

Subjective realities Whereby every conscious being constructs a model of their existence, as a SUBJECTIVE REALITIES response to their sensual Whereby every conscious being input. It remains forever constructs a model of their unaffirmable. existence, as a response to their sensual input. It remains forever unaffirmable.

The Coexistence of Realities

SIMULTANEOUS REALITIES SIMULTANEOUS REALITIES

COEXISTING REALITIES I SYNTHESIS 'Building may respond meaningfully to a specific way of life by integrating different and sometimes heterogeneous conditions' (Sirowy 2010:158) To begin to synthesise we must make the assumption that what we see is real and can be defined by constants; we are unified by living on the same spatial plane. We must try to find coherence not only with the objective realities which shift and change but also integrate the subjective realities and thus coexist in a both a dynamic yet constantly relevant frame of thinking to the users. Our synthesis takes both of these points of view into account in equal measure; although we can never confirm or deny the existence of our surroundings according to our perceptions, we can find constants with what we perceive linguistically, and infer an objective spatiality and existence, from which we make our own interpretations. This requires one to assume that what we see exists, while we aknowledge at the same time the existence of other subjective realities. Our synthesis is trying to bridge the gap between overlapping objective and subjective realities, by creating a continuous flow between disparate fragments, which are essentially part of the same objective reality plane, while maintaining their individual characteristics. How can architecture maintain its meaning in the context of a transient world and thus be relevant to the simultaneous realities, both objective and subjective?

COEXISTING REALITIES Whereby all conscious beings have their own individual reality, that can overlap and influence the realities of other beings; whilst unaffirmable, we are all unified by linguistic agreement that what we perceive justifies our existence.

Evolution of the Site treated as the Coexistence of Old and New Conditions

CONTEXTUALISING CASTLEFIELD CONTEXTUALISING CASTLEFIELD

TERRITORIAL ANALYSIS TERRITORIAL ANALYSIS

Salford Trafford Hulme University Lonsight City centre Castlefield

Private Public LOCATION

ROUTES

PUBLIC/ PRIVATE

PUBLIC/ PRIVATE Bus route/ stops Area of interest Neglected viaduct Train line Castlefield

Pedestrian/ car routes Mainly pedestrian routes Area of interest Mainly car routes

Semi private/ public

CONTEXTUALISING CASTLEFIELD

CIRCULATION

VERTICAL GRAIN OF CASTLEFIELD- DENSITY BREAKDOWN

HORIZONTAL GRAIN OF CASTLEFIELD- DENSITY BREAKDOWN

CIRCULATORY FABRIC OF CASTLEFIELDS- COMBINED

This summary of some of the general routes, circulation channels and land usage in terms of private and public is intended to contextualise Castlefield in its current state. These begin to look at the objective realities of our environment in terms of Castlefield, it is important to state here that not all objective realities may be coined in terms of the tangible, for example private and public is a socially constructed notion and technological and economic realities of the site are objective yet can be seemingly intangible. To further develop this analysis of the territory we should explore the site through the lens of the subjective realities of the individual. We propose to do this in a methodology borrowed from Kevin Lynch. We will ask people to draw the territory in terms of routes, nodes and edges and overlay them to gain a more nuanced understanding of the site. We realise that we can never do meaningful analysis of the territory including every single individual personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reality and so this alludes towards a synthesis between the objective and subjective realities of the territory.

Landmarks The canal Routes Named boundaries

SUBJECTIVE MODELS OF TERRITORY

In order to get a more nuanced understanding of the territory we have asked individuals (locals or not) to mark their usual routes and their notion of a landmark and edge (according to Kevin Lynchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definition of paths, landmarks and edges) on the map of the site. The survey confirms the status of Castlefield as a non-place, as most of the people use the site as a transient space, in order to reach the city centre or Salford. The usual routes intersect under the viaducts, being delimited by the canal, considered an edge by most individuals. The routes have different purposes from business ownership to residential or leisure, the site also being used as a detour from the crowded city centre. The most popular landmarks consist in the Museum of Science and Industry, the canal, the viaducts, the roman ruins and Duke 92. Most of the individuals interviewed consider the viaducts a powerful characteristic of Castlefield and see it as a unifying element, rather than an edge.

VIADUCTS APPROPRIATION DIVERGING SPATIAL REALITIES Land use diagram showing how the homogenous condition of the arches has been appropriated by commerce to create diverging uses/realities.

Industry Storage/ parking Leisure/ service

USE OF ARCHES

EVOLUTION OF THE RAILWAY

AN OVERLAP OF TEMPORAL REALITIES

The evolution of the railway and its use reinforces the idea of continuity between different temporal planes, slightly taking different directions, while at the same time maintaing a common axis, one trans-temporal plane.

2010 RAIL MAP

COGNITIVE MAP OF CASTLEFIELD

PERSONAL APPROACH

Experience is very subjective and dependable on circumstances and timing. Analysing Castlefield area gave a great many emotional and empirical responses in terms of data and senses. This led to my questioning what is the true reality? How can different realities co-exist or fulfil one another? With the Inception of Constant Realities group we tried to concentrate on constant realities and reveal the pattern within the area. By approaching people and contextualising the social background, we tried to develop a more objective understanding of Castlefield from ours. However, further analysing the concept of a place and a non- place, I concluded that a dualistic approach can be beneficial and much more accurate. By simplifying the concept of simultaneous realities it concentrates in the polarised poles of negative and positive. Hence, by breaking down the matter into two, it allows a more efficient exploration and further manipulation of experience. Due to my more generic approach towards perception, I decided that my further development was leading towards a more objective path that was not colliding with the social views of my previous group. Thus, I joined the Simultaneous Realities group, where I developed my concept of dualistic realities.

PLACE IN CONTEXT

PLACE: THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER CAMPUS

PLACE IN CONTEXT

THE INFLUENCE OF PRIOR KNOWLEDGE ON PERCEPTION

PLACE IN CONTEXT

PERCEPTION

Categorising spaces under concrete labels of place and non-place is highly inaccurate and questionable, as it falls under personal judgement of a space. The impression does not always conclude from fair evaluation. Prior knowledge, educational and cultural backgrounds have a strong influence on how we perceive spaces. Nevertheless, a dual perception of objective and subjective realities emerges when estimating the contact with space. It exposes a full preview of its value as a place and a non-place. As my place example I chose the University of Manchester Campus on Oxford Road. Most importantly due to its Genius Loci and the atmosphere that one feels when passing by. Even though the street is mostly used as a transitional area, it preserves the soul of deep roots of education, students and their hectic lifestyle. During the day time the campus is bustling with people rushing to lectures or enjoying the nature in green areas surrounding the main buildings. Whereas, during the nighttime, when the road is empty and the tranquil architecture of historical buildings can be truly celebrated. Moreover, University Campus has been inhabited by thousands of students, creating a network of connections throughout the world. Its synthesis of environment creates a place for many. Nevertheless, places and non- places are influenced by stimuli and can be manipulated. In this specific example, time generates different properties of a place; however, easily it may result in a space losing its sense of place due to conditions distracting from a focal source.

PLACE/ NON- PLACE IN TIME

FIGURE GROUND MAP

PLACE IN CONTEXT

CASTLEFIELD

The very first personal impression of Castlefield was profound in its vivid and bustling soul that one is so full of when living in such a big city as Manchester. However, such vibrance was different in its nature. The area was filled with people relaxing in the sun and recovering in green spaces. It seemed as a place far from any city, with its own community that was gathered from various parts of Manchester. However, such impression can only exist during warmer seasons of the year. Most of the time the area seems to be rather neglected and transient. This phenomenon can be explained using historical and cartographical evidence. Castlefield is a part of Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage, and has very open spaces, that were redeveloped as public areas. Moreover, the canals that cover a big part of territory create a sense of exposure. One could conclude that the area is ideal for reconnection with the nature due to its number of open green spaces. However, existing industrial structures left behind, viaducts that do not follow the human scale reminds of the actual purpose of the site that has been long left behind. The area cannot be appropriated by people fully, leaving whole Castlefield a non- place.

PLACE/ NON- PLACE IN TIME

NON PLACE: CASTLEFIELD VIADUCT

PLACE IN CONTEXT

NON PLACE

Further analysing industrial heritage, Castlefield viaducts seem to be the dominant element within the area. It is an industrial structure left neglected after the decrease of goods transfer by rail. Its loss of function and maintenance resulted in an abandoned nonplace, appropriated with a car park and homeless people. One could say that it is impossible to create a connection due to lack of context and hospitality. However, when the light changes during the night, colossal viaduct structures are enriched with warm tones; and shadows created enhance its beauty in arrangement. This suggests that pre-knowledge of a space may influence oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience.

SUBJECTIVE PERCEPTION

PLACE IN CONTEXT DUALITY

The viaducts can be acknowledged as both a place and a non-place, when taking subjective perceptions into account. Dualistic approach can be experienced when analysing every aspect of the space: architecture, appropriation, atmosphere, use of the site, etc. Using polarised interpretations as the most radical perceptions, the concept of apathy against empathy is formed. It gathers all the prior factors under one phenomenon allowing more efficient analysis and results. For the specific example of viaducts, empathy and apathy most greatly influence the understanding of the structure and appropriation. One that can appreciate the architectural beauty and its complexity, will enter the space as a place with historical heritage, whereas other people may see it as a construction that should be removed. Another aspect of the site is the homeless people appropriating the arches of the viaduct. They see the structure as their home; it becomes the only shelter of their own. Only a sympathy or empathy to this occurence allows people to avoid the sense of anxiety felt when passing the viaduct at night.

APATHY/ EMPATHY

NON PLACE: POTATO WHARF

THE TIMELINE OF POTATO WHARF

PLACE IN CONTEXT

NON PLACE

Another historically important space within Castlefield is the Potato Wharf. The area was once as important as Pomona Island in terms of good transfer, but has completely lost its identity. After being redeveloped, the area has become derelict and as unused as the viaducts. The Potato Wharf, however, has less complexity in its nature. Being a modern ruin it contains no historical connections. It is an unfinished development that seems to be stuck in time between the historical period and possible future, where it was planned to be a desirable dwelling. However, not only the complex was not finished, but the inhabited part appears to be deserted with no signs of life. Only the bright colours on its faรงade signals of its bustling intentions, however, being outrageously out of context, enhances its placelessness.

PLACE IN CONTEXT

BARCELONA

The problem of a space losing its function and sense of place is common in every urban city. It was proved during our study trip to Barcelona. As it was the first time visiting the settlement, it was rather helpful to use the advantage of no prior knowledge when evaluating spaces. It required several visits during different times of days, creating an overall experience. The specific site that I chose as my non- place in Spain was the Placa Reial. Famous for its lampposts designed by Gaudi, the square has completely lost its primary function and importance. The square, that was originally purposed to serve as a gathering place, has become a massive food court offering cuisines from all around the world. It seems that the fountain situated in the middle has left as the only â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;freeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; space in the square, as it is lined with restaraunts to meet every budget (however there are many more expensive restaraunts). Thus, in my montage i tried to create an experience of an endless horizon of restaurants. Interestingly enough, the contrast between Castlefield and the Placa Reial appears, as one space filled with people becomes a place whereas in Barcelona the opposite. Such difference could be explained with high rates of tourism in the city centre. People do not create memories; they use the site as a transient space.

PLACE/ NON PLACE OF FUNCTION

THE MAP OF BARCELONA

HETEROTOPIA: PLACA REIAL

PLACE WITHIN NON PLACE- HETEROTOPIA

PLACE IN CONTEXT

HETEROTOPIA

Surprisingly, the concept of a restaurant does not always lead to a transient non- place, even if people stop there just for a while. A way to create a place within a non place is being introduced through the idea of heterotopia. A place that is completely different from all the other places and equal at the same time. A place and a non- place in one. Such example I revealed in Barceloneta- the fishermen village in Barcelona. The first interest was gained through discount deals being shown on the glazed Creperie Bretanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s door. Being completely dull on the outside, it surprises with an incredible interior. Once inside you feel as if in a different world. The place is created using parts of metal scrap by combining them together. On the one hand meaning nothing separately, the composition made sense in this certain heterotopia that was discovered completely accidentally. It seems as if you were in a different dimension, where all the people are kids and are allowed to misbehave and enjoy themselves. A double decked bus that is used to create the kitchen enhances the magical atmosphere bringing the power of imagination back. Such discovery encouraged the ideas of a possible heterotopia in Castlefield and its present existence.

HETEROTOPIA: CREPERIE BRETONNE

PALIMPSEST

DUALITY

ARC DEL TEATRE FACADE

Another accidental discovery was made when wandering around close to the main tourist street- La Rambla. It was a hotel designed by Xavier Claramunt. Not only attracting oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye for its interesting outer structure, it had a connection between old and new - a double facade wall that was created using steel frames. Even though the historic outer wall was not preserved by the law, the architect had left it there to create an architectural palimpsest. The most interesting concept is that the old facade is not load bearing or structural anymore. In fact it is reinforced and connected to the new build with a steel frame structure that is bolted into the brick wall. This duality and layering started catalysing ideas of dual perception and its further meaning in the programme development. What if one of the functions is hidden? What if the exposed function is hiding the enclosed one, even though the enclosed supports the programme? Such rather literal interpretations led to my further development. DETAIL MODEL 1:1

AXOMETRY OF THE 1:1 DETAIL MODEL

PALIMPSEST

OLD WALL STRUCTURE NEW WALL STRUCTURE STEEL BEAM STRUCTURE

FOCAL POINTS

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT

FOCAL POINTS

Changing groups, and very interesting discoveries on the study trip, led to my taking a step back to analyse the outcome that was gathered so far. It helped me formulate the focal points that i am further interested while developing my programme. That is: the concept of duality, empathy and apathy, infinite function and simultaneous realities. All these ideas were developing whilst I was in both groups that I had a chance to work with. Further on, I started analysing every point separately to understand the possible programme. The first one was duality. In my montages I tried to explain the importance of prior knowledge and further analysis to the site experience. With the first montage I tried to show one’s possible prior knowledge and interest and the other’s lack of education in architecture. I am analysing its influence towards the experience of a space in Milan. To be more specific, their reaction towards the sign of globalisation- McDonalds and its threat to the square’s Genius Loci. The second montage analyses manipulations of person’s perception and how it may influence the evaluation of a site.

DUALITY: PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

DUALITY: MANIPULATION OF PERCEPTION

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT

INFINITE FUNCTION

MERGE OF INFINITE FUNCTION GROUPS

Second focal point that I analysed was the infinite functions. Evaluating the demand over years and the need of certain professions, I came to conclusion that there are six main programs that do not lose their meaning. Those are: schools, cemeteries, hospitals, art galleries, museums and churches. However, these can be easily grouped under infinite function groups that are: education, health and religion.

GROUPS OF INFINITE FUNCTION

Further on, the merge of these three was analysed so as to create the closest to infinite programme. Health and education lead to explore the future of medicine, whereas religion as an opposing side of medicine required a different approach. The concept of juxtaposition filtered health through religion creating a position of no religious norms towards scientific and medical experiments with people, to further understand human anatomy and to develop the discipline of medicine.

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT

CIRCLE OF EXCHANGE

Having the programme of human research centre, I started questioning the theoretical approach to find the connection with the site. From that the circles of exchange were designed. It does not try to solve world problems or the ones existing on site, it does though offer a solution that is beneficial for both sides. The voluntary circle involves the homeless people living around the viaducts or any other place within Manchester. It assures poor people with a place to stay, relax or even dwell in exchange to their blood samples and minor experiments, that do not harm their health. In this way, the research centre receives voluntary donors and less fortuned people get a chance to enjoy their everyday life more through a no threat research experience. Moreover, the centre offers a recovery spa treatments for its temporal inhabitants assuring their health is stable. The second, wider circle includes mostly old or terminally ill patients. What it offers is a possibility to survive, no matter how little it might be, in exchange of trying the treatment out and further disposal of the body. The agreement assures no violence takes place and the patients are given the best treatment of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medicine. In return the centre receives a possibility to develop todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medicine and financial support from donors. The second circle does not appear pleasant for everyone. Though no force is used, possibly fatal experiments do not guarantee the life being saved, resulting in peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; misunderstanding. Such medical centre creates a positive aim with a very fragile possibility of life saving that can be improved through repetitive analysis. It leads to polarised pole sides existing within one design- negative and positive dwelling at the same place. A heterotopia that within time might evolve into different realities: where the centre develops into a place or a non-place.

VOLUNTARY CIRCLE

CIRCLE OF LIFE

PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT

DUALITY

POSITIVE/ NEGATIVE DUALITY OF FUNCTION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Augé, M., & Howe, J. (2008). Non-places. London: verso. Baudrillard, J. (1994) [1981] Simulacra and Simulation. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press Benedikt, M. (1987). For an architecture of reality.Lumen Books. Burdett, R., &Sudjic, D. (2011). Living in the endless city.Phaidon. Castells, M. (1996), The Rise of the Network Society. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell Publishers Cullen, Gordon (1961) Townscape, (no place of publication); Architectural press DeSilvey, C., & Edensor, T. (2012).Reckoning with ruins. Progress in Human Geography. Giedion, S (1888-1968), Space, time and architecture: the growth of a new tradition; London; Cambridge mass Jackson, F. (1986). What Mary didn't know. The Journal of Philosophy, 83(5), 291-295. Jackson, F. (2003).Mind and illusion. Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplement, 53, 251-271. Jencks, C., &Kropf, K. (Eds.).(1997). Theories and manifestoes of contemporary architecture. Bath: Academy Editions. Koolhaas, R., & Mau, B. (1995). The Generic City in S, M, L, XL. The generic city: S, M, L, XL. Lo, A. W., & MacKinlay, A. C. (2011). A non-random walk down Wall Street. Princeton University Press. Lynch, K. (1960)The image of the city; London; Cambridge mass Mitchell, W. J. (1995). City of bits. Cambridge, MA: MIT press. Relph, E. (1976), Place and Placelessness, London, Pion. Schulz, N. (1980). Genius loci. Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture. Sirowy, B. (2010). Phenomenological Concepts in Architecture: Towards a User-oriented Practice. Arkitektur-ogdesignhøgskoleni Oslo. Tschumi, B. (1944) ”Architecture and Disjunction”; London; Cambridge mass. Wilson, R. A. (2009). Everything Is Under Control. HarperCollins e-books. Wilson, Robert. "Real Reality" [Retrieved 20 October 2013]

DUALISTIC REALITIES

PERSEPTION

FOCAL POINTS

HORIZONTAL/ VERTICAL HIERARCHY

Dualistic approach towards realities groups perceptions of a space to positive and negative poles. The individual is influenced by various stimuli that create first impression of a space making it a place or a non- place. However, educational and environmental background, pre-knowledge deforms greatly how the space is perceived and understood.

Moreover, the interpretation of a space can be manipulated by additional information or stimuli given. An individual finding an area being a non- place at the first glance may be proven to be wrong by introducing various factors that cannot be noticed or learnt just observing the surface.

Horizontal/ Vertical Hierarchy diagram shows the domination between the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roads. Horizontal lines tend to be short and narrow suggesting vertical path domination. Hence, it leads to a conclusion of vertical circulation through the site, directing to the main transport lines of viaducts and canals.

SUBJECTIVE REALITIES

BIPOLAR REALITIES

DUALISTIC REALITIES

DETAIL PALIMPSEST

LAYERED SKIN

Arc del Teatre fasade palimpsest brings out the concept of duality- an external skin covering the new hotel structure. Fragile glass is covered with a solid brick wall, preserving the privacy of their guests. The connection between the old and new fasades inspire a double skinned concept, further developing into a function within a function.

ARC DEL TEATRE (MIMIC HOTEL)

Layered skin diagram conceptualy shows the relation between the outside and inside- the circulation through known and unknown.

VERTICAL WALL SECTION

Old Wall Structure

New Wall Structure

HORIZONTAL WALL SECTION

Steel Beam Structure

New Build Structure

ARC DEL TEATRE VERTICAL SECTION

DUALISTIC REALITIES

PROGRAMME

INFINITE FUNCTION

INFINITE DEMAND

PROGRAM EQUATION

To create a perfect endless place is a rather utopian concept. However, school, cemetery, hospital, church, museum and art gallery- these are the infinite programmes that will never lose its meaning and need in the society, no matter how the form of expression changes with time. All of these functions can be labelled under three generic titles of education, medicine and religion. However, what is the outcome of the merge of all three?

Health and education are non- separable in terms of evolution from one another. Medicine and its and further development these days are not imaginable without scientific research. However, this discipline has been rather threatening to religion for hundreds of years, when humansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; curiosity led to the first experimentation with corpses as well as exploration of anatomy. Thus, using a juxtaposing prism of religion, I release the medical research from moral norms, so as to create a brighter future.

CIRCLE OF EXCHANGE

VOLUNTARY EXCHANGE

FORCED EXCHANGE

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