The Military trains them to go to War. But. No one trains them to come home.
Contents
Content Chapter Introduction Proposition Conflicts The Injured Future Charities British Army Precedence Brief Chapter Conclusion
Page 5 6-7 8-9 10 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 19 20 - 21 22 - 29 30 - 31 33
Site Chapter Introduction Potential Sites Site Regional History Demographic Energy Analysis Site Access Terrain Policies Site Environmental Analysis Precedence Principles Chapter Conclusion
Page 35 36 - 37 38 - 39 40 - 41 42 - 43 44 - 45 46 47 48 - 49 50 - 51 52 - 53 54 - 57 58 - 59 60 - 63 65
Concept Chapter Introduction 67 Brief 68 - 69 Space Sizes 70 - 71 Relationships 72 Road to Recovery 73 Ergonomic Considerations 74 - 75 Environmental Considerations 76 - 77 Key Rooms 78 - 79 Concept 80 - 81 Design Strategy 82 - 83 Massing 84 - 85 Courtyards & Circulation 86 - 89 Principles 90 - 91 Precedence 92 - 95 Materiality 96 - 105 Comparisons 106 - 107 Chapter Conclusion 109
Contents
Technologies Chapter Introduction Origami Studies Canopy Materiality Canopy Development Prosthetics Military Materiality Origami Studies HESCO Barrier Materiality HESCO Development HESCO Concepts Chapter Conclusion
Experience 111 112 - 117 118 - 119 120 - 121 122 - 127 128 - 129 130 - 131 132 - 137 138 - 139 140 - 141 142 - 145 146 - 151 153
Chapter Introduction Building Description Building Orientation Building Divisions Building Configurations Building Layouts Activities Sports Complex Precedence Sports Complex Principles Ramp Concept Accommodation Precedence Accommodation Principles Courtyard Concept Support Hub Precedence Support Hub Principles Concept Chapter Conclusion
Design Development 155 156 - 157 158 - 159 160 - 161 162 - 163 164 - 167 168 - 169 170 - 171 172 - 173 174 - 183 184 - 185 186 - 187 188 - 191 192 - 193 194 - 195 196 - 199 201
Chapter Introduction Chapter Conclusion
Context Chapter Introduction
This chapter will look at the proposition and context for the project. Site, historical and contextual analysis will be conducted in order to understand how to progress the project and influence the design. Many of us will never understand the horrors that service personnel witness, with even fewer of us suffering the life changing injuries inflicted on those who protect us. The aim of this chapter is to help evaluate what injured soldiers require in a rehabilitation centre; investigate potential sites that best meet the parameters discussed and...
Improving the lives of those who Serve
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Proposition
Throughout history, the world has been plagued by conflicts and wars taking millions of lives and injuring infinitely more. The aim of this project is to recognise these brave soldiers and victims of war and assist in rehabilitating the injured; giving them a sense of being and celebrating their success. Injured service personnel have a chequered history and were often the forgotten members of the Armed Forces. Returning soldiers were at the forefront of victory parades basking in the glory of their country’s triumph. We remember those who were taken too early, with the price of success coming at too high a cost for millions of families. After the Falklands War victory, the wounded soldiers attended the celebrations in Civilian clothing, cast aside and unconsidered following their extraordinary efforts. The project will be explored through the Abstract Machines studio; a design studio within Leeds Beckett Masters of Architecture course; focusing on the use of computational analysis and processes to further architectural design. By utilising modern computational technology, the studio believes that increasingly complex Page 6
designs can be derived based on a number of parameters. Analyse > model > test > analyse > model is the mantra of the studio and will be a key influence throughout the project. By utilising computational analysis, a number of parameters will be able to influence the design of the project to best serve it’s occupants. The project will begin with looking at the reasoning behind the need for a rehabilitation centre within the UK. Research will be conducted into recent and current conflicts involving the British Forces and how many injuries these wars inflicted. Investigations will then be conducted into how these injured service personnel are rehabilitated when they return to British shores; and who offers this treatment. Enquiries will be made into charities that help support these soldiers and how they can improve their lifestyle if they are discharged from the Forces. Finally, I will inspect the changes being made to the Army, with significant plans being made to optimise the organisation.
Improving the health of those who Serve
Proposition
EXPAND
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Conflicts Locations
British Army Deployments Past Conflicts Present Conflicts
Over the past 3 decades, Britain have been involved in a significant number of conflicts, from close to home in Northern Ireland; to Commonwealth regions in the Falklands. On the map shown above, it is possible to see all of the British oversea deployments; although British forces can be found in many other countries on allies bases. Portrayed opposite is time line of the past conflicts depicted above on the map. As you can see, British influence is visible worldwide. The forces are still required in present times, with tensions rising in areas such as Syria and the Ukraine, the possibility of futures wars remain a high possibility.
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1 9 8 0
1 9 9 0
2 0 0 0
2 0 1 0
2 0 1 5
Northern Ireland Falklands Gulf Balkans Sierra Leone Afghanistan Iraq
Improving the health of those who Serve
Conflicts Statistics
Iraq: 179 Killed 3820 Injured
Falklands: 777 Killed 255 Injured
Afghanistan: 445 Killed 2188 Injured
NI - 763 / 47,541
Balkans - 72 Gulf War - 47
Ministry of Defence data state that between 1995 and 2015, 32,036 men and women were Medically Discharged from the Armed Forces. The numbers of casualties and fatalities caused by the conflicts are staggering. By far The Troubles in Northern Ireland, spanning nearly three decades caused the highest devastation. Whilst the figures shown above depict physical injuries, the number of mental illnesses and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder cases are exponentially higher. The majority of these injuries would have healed with time, such as broken bones and cut wounds, a large proportion would have suffered dramatic life style altering injuries - such as amputated limbs and paralysis. If you compare these injuries to the map opposite, it is possible to see that these injuries occur all over the globe in war time environments. The importance of getting these injured personnel to a safe environment to aid their recovery and rehabilitation is paramount. The following pages look at the potential futures for the injured, contrasting this to how they’ve been treated in the past.
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The Injured History
Historically, injured service personnel were treated in NHS institutions, with many people criticising the military of not doing enough for their injured compatriots. Being treated alongside the public was very different for the forces members, who are used to a strict and regimented lifestyle, something not associated with public hospitals. Dedicated facilities for the military was a must, with this requirement becoming more prevalent in recent years and a small number of rehabilitation centres appearing over the country, often in locations and buildings intended for a different use.
Researching the images and statistics on the previous pages has been extremely hard hitting. It is astounding to think of the effort these brave soldiers have given for their countries and the various causes. One can’t imagine the things they must have seen, and this is why I believe it is paramount that we as a nation do all we can to assist their futures.
In recent years, a number of charities have started, with their principle aim: to assist our injured. Charities such as Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion, both to be discussed in subsequent pages, have helped raise the awareness of the injured service people and celebrate their efforts. This is in contrast to historical treatment. Following the Falklands victory, the injured were asked to dress in civilian clothing, during the victory parade, robbed of the opportunity to be celebrated and thanked for their service and contributions. Page 10
Improving the health of those who Serve
British Army Military Museums
There are round 140 military museums located around the UK, as varied as the regiments they represent. However, not one of them is specifically for injured service personnel and their contributions to the cause. The largest museum in the country is the National Army Museum, London. Their main aim is to be the leading authority on the history of the British Army. The closest museum dedicated to injured service personnel, is the Science Museum with a section dedicated to Medicine in the War Zone.
National Army Museum: “The British Army played a decisive role in the creation of the nation state of Great Britain, as we recognise it today. Our Army is not called the Royal Army (unlike the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force) because, after a historic struggle between Parliament and monarchy, the British Army has always been answerable to Parliament and the British people.”
Improving the health of those who Serve
I believe that the injured should be more associated with the military, than with the medicine aspect. The brave soldiers that have sacrificed their bodies for our protection, should be celebrated in the museum, with their stories being told so that the public can appreciate their efforts. Exhibitions could be produced so that the public can witness the settings and scenario’s regarding how the injuries were caused.
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The Injured Opportunities
In the UK, around 24,000 British soldiers leave the army every year. It is feared that as many as 1,100 ex-service personnel may be homeless in London, whilst nearly 3%, nearly 2,500 prisoners, are ex-military. The map opposite highlight the locations of a Transition staff officer within the regional brigades, to assist in the transition from Soldier to civilian. In a five year period leading up to 2013/2014, 6, 391 military service personnel were medically discharged from the British Army. Of these, 4,214 were under the age of 30. 65% of those medically discharged from the army aren’t 30 yet, with the rest of their working lives ahead of them. Many of these veterans will have found new employment; assisted by several charities which help promote employers that hire injured service personnel. However, finding this work can be extremely difficult, as the transition from soldier to civilian can take many months, with little support from the forces. There are several established charities assisting ex soldiers find new employment, but as the statistics show, more is required. By having a dedicated venue where courses can be held and where soldiers know to go to, can only be beneficial. With such a venue having a close association with a rehabilitation centre, the injured will be able to learn new skills and possible employment roles as they physically recover. Page 12
Improving the health of those who Serve
The Injured Homelessness
6% Homeless
6% Service Personnel
Any soldier leaving the army may struggle to adapt to civilian life, after such a regimented and strict previous lifestyle. Many have suffered with life changing events (bereavement or financial crisis) or a breakdown in relationship. Furthermore, some simply struggle with civilian work. These factors contribute to a significant number becoming homeless, an outcome unfair on so many, even more so for those who have protected the country they served. When an injured soldier has been rehabilitated, it may not be possible for them to be able to rejoin the forces and therefore have to find a new civilian lifestyle. This can often be a difficult time for them personally, and as noted above, can lead to homelessness. The Armed Forces Home Ownership Scheme, will loan ex-Armed Forces Personnel between 15% and 50% of the cost of the home they want to buy. However, there are a number of criteria which applicants must meet to qualify for this scheme, for example they must have served for at least four years in the Armed Forces before applying, they must have enough savings to cover the deposit for the house and they must have a good credit history. These criteria may prove particularly difficult to meet for individuals who are at risk of homelessness, particularly early Service leavers who may have chaotic lifestyles and support needs.
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Future Army 2020
2010 Army
101, 840 Regulars 24, 110 Reservists
2020 Army
Key Adaptable Force Reaction Force Force Troops Command
82, 000 Regulars 30, 000 Reservists
The future army of 2020 is going to see significant structural changes. For the first time, regular soldiers and reservists are going to be fully integrated, giving an overall size of 112, 000. No longer will the reservists be used only in extreme circumstances, they will be routinely called upon to assist in stabilisation operations and overseas deployments.
HQ
The army is going to be broken down into three types of forces: Reaction, Adaptable and Force Troops. Locations for these troops are shown on the map opposite, with a short description shown overleaf. With the British Army’s withdrawal from Germany, the army will be now predominantly UK based for the first time in generations. With such a large number of soldiers stationed within the UK, patients in Personnel Recovery Centres are poised to rise.
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HQ HQ
London District
Improving the health of those who Serve
Future Army 2020
The Reaction Force will provide a force that will undertake short notice contingency tasks and provide the Army’s conventional deterrence for Defence. It will be trained and equipped to undertake the full spectrum of intervention tasks and will provide the initial basis for any future lengthy operation. The Adaptable Force will be used for a wide range of tasks, including providing headquarters and units for lengthy operations, standing commitments (e.g. Cyprus and the Falkland Islands), overseas Defence Engagement (working with partner nations) and UK civil engagement. Supporting the Reaction Force and Adaptable Force will be specialist Force Troops, which will provide a wide range of capabilities from a centralised pool of Regular and Reserve resources, such as artillery, logistics, military intelligence and signals.
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Charities Overview
In recent years there has been a substantial increase in awareness regarding injured service personnel. Charities such as Help for Heroes have begun; the Royal British Legion has grown in stature; and Prince Harry begun the Invictus games. Over the next few pages I will investigate what these charities do and how they help wounded soldiers. The diagram to the right helps locate the recovery centres dotted across the run by the different organisations. As you can see, there is only one solitary centre run by the British Army themselves. This is because the army utilise the NHS hospitals’ knowledge and facilities to help their employees. None of the centre shown on this page are custom built for soldiers’ rehabilitation. They are all former stately homes or alike, that have been amended to suit the needs of the medical staff. The aim of my project is to understand what the soldiers need to recover, learning this from these existing facilities, and design a bespoke building to help these brave soldiers recover.
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Improving the health of those who Serve
Charities Help for Heroes
Help for Heroes began in 2007 as a result of legal restrictions. A couple visited Headley Court, the army’s rehabilitation centre, in urgent need of a new swimming pool. However, the money could not be raised through existing Military charities, therefore Help for Heroes was born. The charity provides sports recovery, psychological support, career recovery and general welfare support; through recovery centres, grants and a network of charity partners and organisations. Help for Heroes help to run four recovery centres across the country, with the largest being Tedworth House. Tedworth House is on the edge of the Salisbury Plains, a key training ground for the army so an obvious place for a recovery centre. The centre plays host to world class facilities - a specialist sports centre for adaptive sporting facilities. The centre includes: Skiplex, SwimEx, strength & conditioning gym, steam room, sauna and sports hall with a sprung floor. Furthermore, the house provides accommodation for 56 service personnel and capacity for a further 30 day attendees. The other centres Help for Heroes run are Phoenix House, Catterick Garrison; Chavasse VC House, Colchester and the Naval Service Recovery Centre, Plymouth.
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Charities Invictus Games
Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games after seeing the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013. London was chosen to host the inaugural Games in 2014 and it was considered to be a huge success. The Invictus Game provides a sporting platform for injured service personnel from armies around the world; participating in a range of sports representing their country. The Games use the power of sport to help inspire the injured, aid in their recovery, support the rehabilitation process and generate respect for their efforts. The Invictus Games are a great precedence as they help to highlight to injured service personnel what is achievable throughout their rehabilitation. They also bring the injured into the public eye, something that the project aims to do.
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“These Games have shone a spotlight on the ‘unconquerable’ character of service men and women and their families and their ‘Invictus’ spirit. These Games have been about seeing guys sprinting for the finish line and then turning round to clap the last man in. They have been about teammates choosing to cross the line together, not wanting to come second, but not wanting the other guys to either. These Games have shown the very best of the human spirit.” Prince Harry Improving the health of those who Serve
Charities Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion are synonymous with the Poppy appeal in the UK, however they offer so much more support. The main priority of the charity is to offer support to any ex-service personnel or their families. The charity was born in the wake of WW I with their main aim to support those who had suffered as a result of service in the Armed Forces during the war. The charity recognise that injuries don’t only effect the soldiers, they have an effect on the families and friends close around them too. The Royal British Legion manage the Battle Back Centre, Lilleshall on behalf of the British Army. The centre provides activities including climbing, water sports, caving, wheelchair basketball, clay shooting and archery. Their principle aim is to build camaraderie with others going through similar challenges. The centre also provides accommodation for 24 people, including 16 fully accessible for wheelchair users. The legion also help to run Edinburgh House, Edinburgh. Whilst the centre doesn’t offer as many activities as other centres across the country, Edinburgh house offers accommodation for 12 people and a further 15 day attendee spaces. The centre was created as the “pathfinder” centre by the army and hosts a computer suite, classrooms and recreational areas.
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British Army Personnel Recovery Centres
Key Help for Heroes British Army Royal British Legion
As described in previous pages, the British Army have access to several Personnel Recovery Centres (PRC), predominantly funded by Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion. The primary aim of these centres is to provide recovery courses and programmes for all wounded, injured and sick soldiers. The centres offer residential accommodation and day time attendance places, for a range of activities. Set within a military environment, available courses not only help in the physical and mental recovery of soldiers, they also assist in welfare, educational and resettlement support. The centres are not considered a hospital, therefore attendees must be able to self administer any necessary medication. Furthermore, the soldiers must be independently mobile in order to stay. The largest recovery centre at Tedworth House, Tidworth, has 50 bedrooms and four family suites, while Phoenix House in Catterick has 46 bedrooms and four family suites.
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Improving the health of those who Serve
British Army Personnel Recovery Centres
The locations of the recovery centres were chosen to be close to areas with a high military population, such as Tidworth, Catterick, Colchester, and Plymouth, so that serving personnel would be able to stay at home while receiving treatment. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “The requirement for the Army Recovery Capability was identified in response to a growing need to look after our people differently. The need for this capability, including personnel recovery centres, was established by the MoD and was developed at some speed in partnership with H4H (Help for Heroes) and the Royal British Legion.� Researching these centres has identified several key factors to a successful Personnel Recovery Centre. Primarily, there must be a substantial amount of land in order to facilitate a large array of activities. Furthermore, the open spaces provide a tranquil setting to assist in a patients’ rehabilitation. There is also the requirement for teaching spaces and office accommodation. A combination of day and long term guests facilitates the requirement for bedrooms. Finally, meeting and large open spaces for events would be advantageous. Improving the health of those who Serve
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Precedence Phoenix House
Phoenix House is a PRC located in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, managed and financed by Help for Heroes. The centre was opened in October 2011 at a cost of £12 million (funded by Help for Heroes), specifically designed to promote recovery and well being. The British army provide the staff to care and command the residential soldiers; whilst operational costs of £2.2m (£1.35m by Help for Heroes, £850k by British Royal Legion) are required annually, with a large proportion of this being spent on bills. Due to these centres being managed by charities, it is obvious that my project needs to be as energy efficient as possible, minimising the costs spent on fuels. Therefore if it is possible to use renewable energy sources and design the build to maximise natural sources, the remaining monies can be spent on the centre itself. The centre plays host to 46 single en-suite bedrooms and four family suites. Also situated within Phoenix House are arts and craft room as well as training, presentation and IT suites. A gym with specialist equipment, a café and social areas also form part of the new Centre; spatial diagrams are provided over following pages. Page 22
Improving the health of those who Serve
Precedence Phoenix House
Whilst there are a significant number of army barracks located within the North of England, Phoenix House is the first and so far only northern PRC. Catterick Garrison is Europe’s largest garrison, therefore Phoenix House is in a prime location to assist in a soldier’s recovery programme. Phoenix House makes excellent use of it’s idyllic location. Set within the Yorkshire Dales, many of the recovery courses take part in the Dales, helping to reconnect the soldiers with their training habitats. It is obvious from the research so far that providing plenty of open space not only provides soldiers a tranquil environment in which to recover, but excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and an area away from the general public helping the residents to feel safe. I had the privilege to visit the centre and it was a very beneficial visit. One of the most important things I learnt, was that the centre’s are not a residential venture. Whilst there are 50 bedrooms in total, these are for soldiers and their families who are coming for a course, on the understanding that they then return to their homes. The charity aims to help soldiers get back their independence - by offering them a home, this value could be lost. Improving the health of those who Serve
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Precedence Spatial
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Giant Chess Set Q50 / 335
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Parasol Q50 / 325 'To be supplied by Help for Heroes'
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Cafe Table Q50 / 230 2no. Cafe Chairs without arms 2no. Cafe Chairs with arms Q50 / 235 & 235A 'To be supplied by Help for Heroes'
Barbecue Q50 / 211 Refer to: A8306-1960-HLM-DR-L956 Hard Landscape Details Sheet 3 'To be supplied by Help for Heroes'
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AREA IN ABEYANCE SUBJECT TO PLAY EQUIPMENT ITEMS Wet pour safety surface to be supplier by external party. Fencing detail subject to configuration
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13no. Steps Refer to A8306-1960-HLM-DR-L961 Hard Landscape Details Sheet 8
Memorial Statue
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Greenhouse Q50 / 380 To be supplied by S 'Help for Heroes'
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Smoking Shelter As per Gaza projects standard design, with only 50% of wall elevation enclosed
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The site plan above shows Phoenix house within it’s context. Although within a 5 minute drive to Catterick Barracks, the recovery centre is a stand alone facility, which leases the land from the MoD. This was a conscious choice as the centre wanted a close affiliation with the barracks, but wanted to have a lot friendlier and approachable environment. The site offers little room for expansion, despite the centre needing to grow due to it’s continuing popularity. It currently supports troops in their recovery, from Nottingham to Scotland, as well as Northern Ireland.
COMBINED AREA DIAGRAM: - OFFICE SPACE - ACCOMMODATION (PER ROOM) - INTERVIEW ROOMS - COMMON ROOM AREAS - PLANT
Opposite shows the floors plans of each floor. One of the key principles that the team are after in any future development, is flexibility of space. The centre hold a lot of events throughout the year and by having a flexible space, it can be utilised to greater effect. At present, the walls between the multi use social space and dining room, can be opened into one large open space.
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Improving the health of those who Serve
Social Space COO Office
Precedence
Social Space
Spatial
Centre OC’s Office Staff Office
Dining Space Breakout Space
Reception
Servery
Breakout Breakout Space Space Retail
Lobby
MAIN STREET
Key Interview Room Conference Room
Charities Office
Staff Change
Classroom / IT Suite
Classroom / IT Suite
Break Out / Dining Space
Classroom / IT Suite
Training Rooms / IT Suites / Gym Staff Office
Fitness Centre
Staff Offices / Change
Storage
Ground Floor
Circulation
Accommodation
Communal Kitchen
First Floor Art Room
Communal Kitchen
Second Floor Improving the health of those who Serve
Games Room
Communal Kitchen
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Precedence Spatial
Staff Offices
Breakout Space
Main Entrance
Multi-use Space
Multi-use Space
Multi-use Space
Breakout Space
Reception
Interview Room
Charities Office Classroom / IT Suite
Conference Room
Classroom / IT Suite
Classroom / IT Suite
Support Hub
At present, there are private and public spaces interspersed throughout the building. After speaking with the Executive Officer, it became apparent that the building would have benefited from having all of the activity spaces on the ground floor, and the remaining floors being purely private. This is something to consider as I develop my scheme, in that some of the guests who come for the courses, will be there for only 1 day; residents may not appreciate these visitors having to come long the bedroom corridors to get to class. A key consideration of the design is the location of the support hub. Despite it now being too small in size due to it’s increasing popularity, it was positioned adjacent to the front entrance, so that any visitors wishing to use the hub, but may be embarrassed or scared to come, don’t have to travel to far into the centre; they can “pop in and out” quickly. This is crucial as it shows a design consideration for all visitors and creates a welcoming environment, without being overwhelming.
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Improving the health of those who Serve
Precedence Spatial
IMAGE OF CORRIDOR AND LACK OF CEILING VOID TO CONTAIN SERVICES
As can be seen previously on the site plan, the main axis of the building is East-West. To the south, the site slopes up with building above, therefore blocking a lot of southern light. Therefore, plant rooms, changing rooms and the fitness suite, areas which require less light, are all on the southern wall. Offices are offset from the southernmost point, in order to maximise the light possible. Large open plan spaces are positioned to the north, to maximise the view, and allow for a greater expanse of glazing. The ceiling to the main corridor was raised to the underside of the roof level in order to maximise the height. However, this has a knock-on effect with the services. Due to their being no ceiling void, all of the services have to pass through ducting in the floor. This makes accessibility extremely difficult if there was to be an issue with any of the electrics on the northern side of the main corridor. This was highlighted as a fundamental error in the design by the Facilities Manager.
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Precedence Function
Biesbosch Museum is the entrance point for visitors to the Biesbosch National Park. In the summer of 2015, a new 1,000m2 extension was opened in response to safety fears and to allow the museum to operate more efficiently. The land around the existing museum building was removed, turning the site into a man-made island. The project was developed in response to safety concerns, with the area converted into a waterretention zone as part of a national safety program. The major need for the renovation was the lack of suitable facilities for a growing visitor population, with a lack of catering facilities of dire need. The extension houses a restaurant that offers views of the adjacent water and landscape, and areas for temporary exhibitions. The existing, hexagonal building comprises of the permanent exhibition, library, multi-purpose theatre, entrance area with reception and museum shop. The new green roof assists in the energy efficiency, providing additional insulation. Furthermore, sky lights penetrating the roof allow an abundance of natural light to filter into the building, providing greater economical benefits. Page 28
Improving the health of those who Serve
Precedence Function
The museum uses many resources available in the area, not only for its energy supply and water treatment, but also for the menu in the micro brew restaurant. Moreover, the museum can count on the commitment of dozens of volunteers, many of whom have worked in the Biesbosch in the past. Even most of the contractors and construction workers involved in the redevelopment come from the immediate area. It is this type of philosophy which I hope to employ within my scheme. That of using local people and materials to construct a building that evokes the local landscape and fits in seamlessly to it’s context. The museum provides multi-functional spaces and directs the visitors around its hexagonal floor plan, before it opening up at the entrance looking out to the landscape. The use of green materials and technologies should be something that should be a driving force behind my scheme.
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Brief
A project brief is beginning to develop based on the research collated to date. Due to the relatively few numbers of PRC around the country, assisting over 100,000 soldiers, there is an ever present requirement for further centres. At present, these centres can provide accommodation for nearly 170 injured service personnel, as well as a further 120 day attendee spaces. With over 6,000 medically discharged soldiers, there is an apparent need for these rehabilitation centres in the future. A prominent feature of these centres is the amount of open space. Phoenix House has ..... m2 of open land, as well as the Yorkshire Dales on it’s doorstep. The expanse of space provides a buffer between any noise pollution; as well as a tranquil environment for patients to recover. Furthermore, additional residential accommodation will be required, a combination of single and family rooms. As well as the rehabilitation spaces, I want the grounds to be engaging with the patients and their families. A series of outdoor spaces that will provide not only milestone targets for the patients to reach, but also areas for the families to play in. Page 30
The centre needs to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible to minimise the maintenance costs falling upon a charity. A key requirement of the brief will be to ensure that design maximises natural environmental opportunities, such as natural ventilation and daylighting. Research and analysis will be conducted to best maximise the design. With the majority of building occupants possibly being disabled, access is a fundamental consideration. Therefore, Approved Document Part M of the Building Regulations will be referred to throughout the design process, to ensure that everyone can access the scheme. This may possibly mean that the majority of scheme is on the ground floor, neglecting the need for any lifts. The principle aim of the project is to deliver a scheme that helps promote the stories of the injured service personnel, assisting in their re-integration into civilian lifestyle by introducing them to the general public as much as possible, whilst ensuring that at all times they feel safe within their environment.
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Programme
Meeting Hall
Accommodation
Physio
Kitchen
Physio
Meeting Space Waiting Area
Rehabilitation Space
Meeting Space
Office Dining Space
Gym
Reception Office Meeting Space Outdoor Spaces
EXPAND SHOP
Key
Exhibition Space
Private Areas (Staff) Public Areas (Patients) Semi-Private (Patients) Public Areas (General Public) Improving the health of those who Serve
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Context Chapter Conclusion
This chapter has helped to highlight the urgent need for a new recovery centre, as the numbers of injured soldiers continue to rise, significant conflicts approaching on the horizon, such as in Syria and Ukraine/ Russia. Injured service personnel have traditionally being neglected by the British Army; however in recent years, their contribution and sacrifices have been recognised, with a number of charities being set up to assist in their recovery. The Personnel Recovery Centres are a great precedent for the rehabilitation aspect of my project. Analysing these centres, it is obvious that open, green spaces are a necessity for the patients’ recovery. In the following chapter, I will formulate a brief for the project, research a site and analyse it. On top of this, I will look at how the project can make best use of it’s surroundings, helping the building (s) be as efficient as possible. Improving the lives of those who Serve
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Site Chapter Introduction
This chapter will investigate site locations and analyse the chosen site; investigating topics such as daylight, transport links, historical context and gradient amongst other factors. These investigations are imperative as they will help to inform the future design.
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Potential Sites
Key
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Help for Heroes
Adaptable Force
British Army
Reaction Force
Royal British Legion
Force Troops Command
Key
HQ
London York HQ HQ
London District
Wootton Bassett
Any project’s success hinges on its location. If there is no need for it, then it won’t be utilised. If it is required, it has the potential to be a huge success. Therefore, the decision has to be based on a number of factors. After reviewing the locations of the Personnel Recovery centres around the country and the changes to the army by 2020; I believe three possible locations for the project are in York; Wootton Bassett and London. These three locations hold significance to the British Army. York has played host to a barracks since 1795 and as part of the army’s restructuring process, is due to become the head quarters of the adaptable force troops. Wootton Bassett is synonymous with the army during the repatriation of soldiers returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Due to the local residents unwavering support, the town was granted Royal Patronage in 2011. Within London, there are five regular army units and two reservist units, counting thousands of soldiers within it’s ranks. Perhaps the most famous of the London based regiments is the Household Cavalry, which combine operational duties with State Ceremonies. Page 36
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Potential Sites
Reflecting on the future of the British army, there appears to be a relative lack of support in the north of England, in terms of recovery centres and transition officers. York will soon play host to the HQ 1st (United Kingdom) Division, the Adaptable Force Troops. Returning troops from Germany will be stationed in the city, meaning an influx of soldiers and a significant increase in numbers. I therefore believe that York will be best suited to a new rehabilitation centre. At present, there is only Phoenix House recovery centre, over 40 miles away from York. The graphic opposite also shows a lack of transition offices based in the county. Wootton Bassett is situated within close proximity to a large army training base in the Salisbury Plains. Tedworth House, the largest PRC managed by Help for Heroes, is also located on the Salisbury Plains and would reduce the need for any further centres. Finally, London suffers due to the lack of open space necessary for a recovery centre. Having established a location for the rehabilitation centre, I will now begin to analyse York to find a suitable site based on the brief listed previously.
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Site Key A-Roads B-Roads Roads Trainline Open Space River Building
1 - Army Barracks 2 - Police Station 3 - Bar Covent Museum 4 - Train Station 5 - Railway Museum
7 - Castle Museum 8 - Cliffords Tower 9 - Jorvik Museum 10 - York Dungeons 11 - York Minster
6 - National Railway Museum
12 - Yorkshire Museum
York will soon become the HQ for 1st (United Kingdom) Division, the Adaptable Force troops, as part of the Army’s restructuring process for 2020. Set within the heart of the county, York is known for it’s historic landmarks, City walls, The Minster and Viking heritage. York is easily accessible via road networks and the train line. The A19 runs through the city, linking Doncaster with Teeside, whilst the A64 links Leeds, York and Scarborough. Less than 15 miles away, is the main M1 motorway, linking London to the North. Via train, London is accessible within a little over two and a half hours; to Newcastle is an hour whilst Edinburgh is 2 1/2 hours away.
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Site
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Regional History Timeline 71 AD
210
York is founded by Roman Empire
1796
York is made capital city of Britannia Inferior
1839
Calvary Barracks Built
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735
866
1847
First railway arrives
Vikings capture the city
First Archbishop of York
1854
Barracks garrisoned by 5th Dragoon Guards
Military Hospital built within Barracks
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Regional History Timeline 1068
866
William the Conqueror arrives in York
1905
1298
York becomes HQ of Northern Command
British Government is moved to York
York Caste is founded
1939
1644
1951
Farewell parade for horses
Civil War siege of York
1958
Barracks become known as Imphal Barracks
West & East Yorkshire Regiments amalgamate to form The Prince of Wales’ Own Regiment of Yorkshire
Understanding the historical context of any site is vitally important to understand what has gone before. York has a vivid and ancient history, dating back to the Roman Empire and going on to become the capital of the Britannia Inferior. The original cavalry barracks were built in 1796 as part of the barrack-building programme initiated by William Pitt. York was then developed into a garrison in 1847 by the 5th Dragoon Guard, meaning a fortified place where troops are permanently stationed. By the turn of the 20th Century, York had become the Head Quarters of the Northern Command. From 10 officers and 210 men, the barracks had grown to 24 officers and 705 other ranks by the time York was garrisoned.
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In the build up to the Second World War, the barracks had a farewell parade for the horses, instead being armed with armoured cars. For the duration of the war, the barracks were utilised by a succession of war-time units. The Battle of Imphal was considered to be the most significant battle honour won by the West Yorkshire Regiment during the Second World War and lead to the naming of the Imphal Barracks. In 1958 the West Yorkshire and East Yorkshire Regiments were amalgamated becoming The Prince of Wales’ Own Regiment of Yorkshire. In 2006, they joined the Page 41 remaining Yorkshire infantry regiments to become The Yorkshire Regiment.
Demographic Local Population
101, 006 Females 97, 044 Males
83, 552 Households
54, 831 Females (19 - 60) 54, 349 Males (19 - 60)
78% Employment rate 41% degree-level qualified
21, 057 Females (0 - 18 years old) 22, 289 Males (0 - 18 year olds)
Understanding the local demographic is a key to producing a successful scheme. The over-arching aim of the project is to take the stigma away from injured / disabled people in general and a primary way of achieving this is by integrating the local public as much as possible. As you an see from the graphics above, the numbers are split nearly 50/50 between men and women with an average age of 40. In total, their are 198, 050 people living within 83, 552 households. With the majority of people being of quite a mature age, it can be presumed that they are aware of the injured service personnel situation and are looking to help. There are also around 22, 000 students living within York, allowing for huge potential numbers of visitors to the project.
25, 118 Females (61+) 20, 406 Males (61+)
Over 40% have a degree-level qualification or above, with 78% of the local population being in employment, contributing over ÂŁ4.1bn to the British economy. This clearly shows that the area is affluent, and often highly educated. The industry sector has greatly evolved over time; from railway and the Rowntree factory to a services based industry. Page 42
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Demographic Tourist Population
7 Million Visitors
The city of York attracts around 7 million people each year, generating over £500 million, meaning the tourism industry is a key figure for the economy. More than 3 million people walked through the doors of York’s attractions, with over 5.8 million people either day tripping (79%) to the area, or 21% staying over night. There are nearly 250, 000 overseas visitors coming to the city each year, with 18% (41, 400) coming from the U.S.A, whilst 16% (36, 800) coming from Australia. Four of the remaining top ten countries are from within Europe, proving how popular York is with visitors from outside the EU. With such large numbers of visitors coming to the area every year, there is huge potential for an injured service personnel museum to succeed. York castle is famous for it’s military collection, whilst there is also the Royal Dragoon Guards museum, displaying artefacts and portraying the history of the Yorkshire regiment. York has a rich military heritage and there is clearly scope to expand on this and develop a new military museum for injured service personnel as the project hopes to do.
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Energy Analysis Environmental Wind
Solid fuels equates to 2676 tonnes
Bio-energy waste equates to 4057 tonnes Electricity equates to 26088 tonnes
Natural gas equates to 40152 tonnes
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Petrol equates to 60956 tonnes
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Energy Analysis Environmental
Wind equates to 20.3%
Solar equates to 3.8%
Hydro & Tidal equates to 3.7%
Plant biomass equates to 24.2%
Bio-energy excluding plant biomass equates to 48%
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/450298/DUKES_2015_Chapter_6.pdf https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/449102/ECUK_Chapter_1_-_Overall_factsheet.pdf
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Site Surrounding Barracks
As well as many other reservist battalions located around the region, there are 15 Regular Army barracks found within Yorkshire, including Strensall, less than 10 miles north of York. The graphic highlights how central York is to the regular army and that there is a significantly large number of barracks, within Yorkshire itself, that the Help for Heroes managed Phoenix House recovery centre is currently having to assist. This is discounting the barracks north of Yorkshire, in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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Access Transport
York is on the main railway line between Edinburgh and London, joining two of the UK’s capitals. Furthermore, the railway has easy access to large cities in North England, such as Leeds and Newcastle.
KEY REQUIRED
There are also several major roads that pass through York. The A64 is a ring road around Leeds, before turning to a dual carriageway towards York and then onto Scarborough. There is also the A19 running north to south, parallel to the A1. The A19 links Doncaster in the south, to Teeside in the north. Linking Merseyside to York is the A59, which also passes through Lancashire. Whilst York is on the main Edinburgh to London railway line, it is also within close proximity to the A1 (m), the main north/ south motorway also linking the two capitals. Travelling from York is less than 15 miles, 25 minutes. With so many railways and roads leading to the city, it helps to identify why the city is so easy for tourists to reach, and why it is so popular for day trippers. Reading the map above with figures given on the previous pages, there is huge potential for large number of tourists to visit the centre / museum.
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Terrain Elevation
ELEVATION ABOVE SEA LEVEL
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Terrain Gradient
GRADIENT
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Greenbelt
York is known as a beautiful and idyllic city. To help protect the landscape, the city has extremely strict panning regulations and future expansion is limited due to the surrounding greenbelt. The graphic above highlights how limited the growth of the city is. The dark green represents greenbelt, whilst the light green shows the open spaces existing within the city itself. With the centre requiring a lot of outdoor, open space, there’s the option to either build on the edge of the city, where the greenbelt and can be utilised as this outdoor area; or demolish an area of land to build the centre. However, with the current housing crisis, removing valuable housing, as the majority of the building types are on the outskirts of York, would not be the most suitable solution.
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Flooding
The river Ouse runs through the centre of York and helped provide essential transport links when the city was expanding in it’s early history. However, as can be seen on the map on previous pages, the terrain around the city and surrounding areas is very low, leading to large floods plains. York suffers from regular flooding, with two notable large scale floods occurring in 2000 & 2012, with images opposite. If to build on an area of land that is susceptible to flooding, careful consideration will need to be taken into account to protect the scheme.
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Site
An already historic military city, York is soon to become a focal point of the British Army. I have chosen to site my project within York for a variety of reasons, none more so than the lack of Personnel Recovery Centres in the north of country and with York becoming the HQ for the Adaptable Force troops. Within York itself, I have chosen the site to be alongside the Army Barracks, ensuring there is a close connection between the centre and the serving soldiers. The site also overlooks the Walmgate Stray, a large expanse of open space, hidden from the rest of the city. Whilst the stray is classified as green belt, I hope to incorporate it into the scheme by developing a series of temporary structures. These structures will have to be lightweight to ensure they require no foundations, however should enhance the landscape. I intend for interesting spaces to be built upon the stray; spaces where people can come and contemplate, and engage with the feature. The site benefits from having easy access, being cited on the edged of the city with easy reach to the A64 and just off the A19. The scheme will be a 15 minute walk from the city centre and a 30 minute walk direct from the train station. Page 52
As described previously, the scheme would play host to a recovery centre, helping soldiers in their rehabilitation and transition into civilian lifestyle. However, this would only be a part of the overall project. Accommodation would be provided for the course residents, however these will only be on a temporary basis. There may well also be a small amount of accommodation provided for the homeless. A museum celebrating the injured service personnel will also be established, alongside spectacular spaces, to be not only used by the centre, but the genera public too; helping to break down the barriers between the service and the public and removing the stigma. Opposite are various images taken of the site to help show the context and surrounding landscape. Overall, the site is approximately 12,200m2, excluding the stray, with room to expand if required. There are a number of surrounding housing estates, which in time would become phase two of the project, and be seen to turn into accommodation for veterans; creating an area where veterans and civilians live aside each other.
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Site Views
SITE VIEWS
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Environmental Analysis
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Site analysis is vitally important to any project to ensure that the scheme is environmentally efficient as possible. This will help reduce running costs, a positive for any building, especially a charity funded building; as well as having an influence on layout.
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system. Flash flooding becomes a possibility in the situation.
From the graphics shown above, it is possible to see that there is a definite increase in temperatures during the summer months, with temperatures often surpassing 25°C during early afternoons. Wind is going to be a significant factor in the project as there are often strong winds, throughout the year. The south-westerly prevailing wind will bring with it warmer Mediterranean air. However, the Pennine Hills can help protect the area from these winds, meaning that the cooler, northerly winds will be tangible and noteworthy. There is a substantial amount of rainfall during the Autumn months with as much as 26mm falling within one day in September 2014. With a high percentage of rain occurring throughout the year, it may be possible to utilise some sort of harvesting Page 54
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Environmental Analysis
240 180 120
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Daily Cloud Cover (%)
Relative Humidity (%)
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Whilst a higher amount of rain is expected during the autumn months, more sustained periods of rain are more common during the winter months. Prolonged flooding is therefore a possibility, as can be seen on the previous flooding page. The relative humidity often sits around the 75-80% mark, meaning that there is quite a high percentage of moisture in the air, but not too much that it increases the perceived temperature. With very little change throughout the year, there should be little need for any dehumidifier machines. The loud cover graph is slightly misleading, as it suggests that for large portions of the day, even throughout summer, that the skies are overcast. The data doesn’t differentiate between type of cloud cover, i.e. clouds that are more likely to cause precipitation. However, the graph does show that there is a high probability of some shading being produced by the cloud cover.
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Environmental Analysis Sun Path
Spring Equinox
Summer Solstice
Autumn Equinox
Winter Solstice
Solar analysis of the site is hugely important to help ensure that the project is efficient as possible. By utilising the daylight, lighting costs can be limited; whilst it is important to regulate the amount of solar gain.
N 10˚ 20˚ 30˚ 40˚ 50˚ 60˚ 70˚ 80˚
21:40
Solar analysis can help to inform the design. For example, it would be beneficial to orientate the bedroom accommodation tot he North, as they require little daylight; whilst the activity spaces that require higher lighting levels should face South to make the most of the natural daylight. As can be seen on the diagrams above and on the opposite page, the site receives plenty of direct sunlight throughout the majority of the year. Due to such a large open area around the site, especially to the east, the project will receive plenty of direct daylight during the early parts of the morning.
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Environmental Analysis Solar Shading
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Precedence Environmental
Located within the middle of a lake in Brockholes Nature Reserve near Preston, is the £8.6m Brockhole Visitor Centre. As a response to building in a floodplain, Adam Khan Architects took the bold decision to build on the water itself; atop a concrete floating pontoon, that rises and falls with the water. The centre aims to be as sufficient as possible, with Hareth Pochee, an engineer at Max Fordham, explaining”It was clear from the outset that environmental performance was top of the client’s agenda.” Windows have been orientated to not only take advantage of the beautiful surroundings, but to maximise natural daylight, minimising the requirement for any artificial lighting. The double glazed windows are specially designed to give the performance of triple glazing, without the loss of light transmission. The windows are also designed to maximise the solar gains generated during the lower winter sun. When the sun is higher in the sky, during summer, external awnings are extended to limit the amount of direct sunlight overheating the building. Page 58
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Precedence Environmental
The visitors centre utilises a natural ventilation strategy, a passive system I aim to use within my scheme. All of the five buildings have a north facing roof light to avoid over exposure to the summer sun, with integral blinds to prevent over heating. When combined with low level vents that run along the perimeters of the buildings, the rooflights create a stack effect. These vents are positioned below the windows and are controlled by a building management system. Cool air enters through the vents, mixing with the warmer air within the building, before being exhausted through the rooflights. Brockholes visitor centre also uses a reed bed filtration system to clean the lake’s water before being used for toilets and any waste water activities. After the grey water is used for sanitation purposes, it passes through the reed bed to be recycled again. Reed beds work by cleansing the water that passes through the bed. This is done using three main elements: Microbes (soil based); Physical and chemical properties of soil(or base material); Reeds (plants). These create a rich environment where aerobic bacteria can thrive. These organisms breakdown compounds found in sewage. Improving the health of those who Serve
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Principles Environmental
(Hrs)
The wind rose opposite shows the prevailing wind coming from the south/ south west, as is common throughout the UK. This prevailing wind will be coming from the warmer Mediterranean areas and so is likely to bring relatively warmer air. However, the wind rose also shows that wind comes from all directions, and often from the north. This northern wind ill be coming from the Arctic, and will be carrying colder air.
600>
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The diagram above shows that whilst the warmer prevailing south westerly wind is more frequent, there are a large number of properties and buildings blocking the strength of the wind on the site, probably protecting the site. Whilst the northern part of the site is exposed to the colder northern winds. This will need to be thought about during the design, as the northern façade of any building is generally cooler than the remaining sides due to it’s lack of direct sunlight.
40 30 20 270˚
90˚
Therefore, some form of protection may be required to this northern side to negate the effect of the cooler wind. Alternatively, by having relatively few windows along this side, the proposal could be inherently protected. Page 60
180˚
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Principles Environmental Summer
Winter
the design and environmental strategies are extremely important. Whilst the scheme can be designed to work efficiently within the environment, natural features can be used to protect a building. Building within a canyon is one such way of using the natural environment to offer protection. The diagrams above use trees to help the building act more efficient. In the summer when the sun is high in the sky, with less frequent wind, the foliage offered from the trees reduces the amount of direct sunlight reaching the building, negating the solar gains. Furthermore, the natural barriers will deflect the wind up and over a low lying building. With such a large expanse of land to the east of the site, some form of protection will be required from the elements. As mentioned previously, the wind coming from the north and east is a colder, but less frequent. This will have a dramatic effect on the building fabric, conducting the heat out of the building. One of the primary functions of any building is to protect its inhabitants from the elements. To help a building perform better, i.e. suffer from less heat loss or solar gain, Improving the health of those who Serve
In the winter when the trees are bare, a greater amount of sunlight can pass through the canopy and help to heat the building. This will reduce the amount of mechanical heating required, assisting in lowering the running costs. This is a huge benefit for any person / company, even more so when the building in question is managed by a charity and funding is slim. Page 61
Principles Environmental
Windows are a key feature in the environmental principles as they effect both lighting and ventilation. The size of windows will obviously allow a greater amount of sunlight in; however they will also allow for more solar gain.
To combat this, solar shading may be required. This can be as simple as a blind either internally or externally, or alternatively through a solar shading device such as large overhangs, louvres or brise soleil.
Rooflights can provide three times more natural daylight compared to a vertical window. They will light a lot greater space, but will also allow for a far greater amount of solar gain. Therefore, as seen in the Brockholes Visitor Centre, rooflights could be orientated to the north to combat this over heating.
Sun pipes are a great way of getting natural light into a deep plan building. Whilst allowing some natural daylight in, they are not as efficient as rooflights as they have a smaller aperture. EXPAND
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Principles Environmental
Windows are the most obvious form for natural ventilation. However, depending on how they are hung can greatly vary their effectiveness, as well as their height up the wall. Placing windows higher up the wall, can increase the natural stack effect.
Kitchens are a prime example of rooms utilising high ceilings. As the warmer air rises, the heat gets contained within the ceiling. This air can then be used to heat incoming air in a heat recovery system.
Natural environmental strategies will be the bedrock of the scheme. As showcased on these pages, there are multiple ways in which this can be achieved. Any openings in the façade will need to be carefully considered in terms of aesthetics and environment. The primary principle of the scheme is to be as efficient and sustainable as possible. Natural lighting is important to help create a welcoming and warm internal environment, not only for the residents but also the staff. Artificial lighting may be required to enable specific tasks to be performed, but in the main, the project will be naturally lit. I will therefore have to pay considerable attention to the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sun path.
As seen in the Brockholes Visitor Centre, rooflights are used to assist in the natural ventilation. Air is drawn in at low level, before being exhausted through the rooflights utilising the natural stack effect.
Improving the lives of those who Serve
Ventilation is equally important to ensure a comfortable climate. Windows and rooflights can greatly assist in the natural ventilation strategy. The scheme will be slightly protected from the prevailing winds as shown on the previous page, however careful thought must be given to the cooler, northerly winds. Therefore, the openings along the north / east façades will need consideration, especially as this is the main entrance for the public. Page 63
Site Chapter Conclusion
The visitors centre utilises a natural ventilation strategy, a passive system I aim to use within my scheme. All of the five buildings have a north facing rooflight to avoid over exposure to the summer sun, with integral blinds to prevent over heating. When combined with low level vents that run along the perimeters of the buildings, the rooflights create a stack effect. These vents are positioned below the windows and are controlled by a building management system. Cool air enters through the vents, mixing with the warmer air within the building, before being exhausted through the rooflights. Brockholes visitor centre also uses a reed bed filtration system to clean the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water before being used for toilets and any waste water activities. After the grey water is used for sanitation purposes, it passes through the reed bed to be recycled again. Reed beds work by cleansing the water that passes through the bed. This is done using three main elements: Microbes (soil based); Physical and chemical properties of soil(or base material); Reeds (plants). These create a rich environment where aerobic bacteria can thrive. These organisms breakdown compounds found in sewage.
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Concept Chapter Introduction
Within this chapter I will begin to develop a more detailed brief expanding on the initial brief proposed previously. Investigations will take place into the spacial and environmental issues for the programme; establish relationships between different areas and ergonomic details to consider. Following this, I will begin to look into a number of common construction techniques and evaluate them.
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Brief Programme
Security Outdoor Spaces
Support Hub reception Art Room Dining
Gym Shop
Museum
Exhibition Space
In live projects, the project often begins by the architect being given a brief by the client. This may include a schedule of accommodation, time-scales, budget and design styles. The architect then works alongside the client to finalise the requirements of the proposed scheme. This project is focused around a rehabilitation centre for injured service personnel in York, soon to be the headquarters of the Adaptable Force Troops. The scheme will become only the second PRC in the north of England, helping thousands of injured soldiers rehabilitate either back into the services or for a civilian life. At the end of the first chapter, I gave an initial schedule of accommodation. Shown above is the refined version, displaying estimate proportions of the individual spaces. Over subsequent pages I will investigate the ergonomic and environmental factors of the spaces, before narrowing down key environmental conditions on main spaces.
Kitchen
Workshop
The diagram shown above portrays an illustrative setting out of the building. Relating rooms are linked and spaces sizes are shown indicatively. Private (residents / staff ) and public spaces are highlighted and refined on the following page. This information will help assist in the initial design grouping. By grouping these similar rooms together, their properties can be considered as a collective. For example, office spaces, meeting rooms and charity support hubs require a private, quiet area, lending itself to keep these rooms away from the public view of Walmgate Stray. The main spaces are going to include the gym and sports facilities - these are one of the main reasons for the projects as they are going to assist in the physical rehabilitation of the soldiers. Another key space will be the relaxing / quiet spaces. These are going to need to be areas that individuals can come to get away, possibly read or simply look out onto Walmgate Stray; as well as a space where families can convene and be together.
Understanding how a series of spaces can be related to each other is a key principle in the initial design process. By grouping relating rooms such as a kitchen and a dining The museum aspect of the project hopes to portray the injured soldiers in a positive room, or gym and changing rooms, floor layouts begin to form. light, taking the stigma away from the issue and helping to highlight the brave stories Page 68
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Brief Programme Accommodation
Meeting Space
Office
IT Suite
Plant Breakout Space
Private Public
and sacrifices that the soldiers have been through. The museum is likely to be the well being. focal point of the public areas of the scheme and as such, should be obvious to the outside. Individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stories are to be posted around the walls, with installations of war ADD A CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH zones a possibility, as well as interactive displays. One of the main points mentioned by the team at Phoenix House, was that of flexible spaces. The meeting rooms should have the opportunity to open out and become a large open plan space - this will allow for functions, events or ceremonies to be held here, rather than in the sports gym as the internal environmental conditions are likely to differ greater to the meeting rooms. Sustainability is one of the main driving points behind the design of the project. As many of the other PRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the scheme is likely to be managed and funded by charities. Therefore, ensuring that the building operates as cheaply as possible is a key issue. Natural lighting and ventilation can easily be accommodated for within the design, as opposed to posthumously fixing photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to the project. Furthermore, natural lighting and ventilation are known to improve social Improving the health of those who Serve
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Programme Spaces Sizes
Support Hub : 200m2
Meeting Space : 65m2
Gym : 350m2
Understanding the required sizes for the programme is essential. Portrayed on this page are diagrams showing the sizes of various spaces of the programme. When these are read in conjunction with the information given over subsequent pages, the basis of layouts begin to form. The largest spaces are given over to the gym, support hub and museum as these are the main functions of the scheme and the focal points. Whilst the bedroom sizes appear to be relatively small, the graphic shows the space given to one bedroom, thought the scheme will consist of around 50 bedrooms. Significant other spaces include the staff offices, the dining rooms and the activity spaces The sizes given to each space are derived from the required regulations and consultation with the staff at the Help for Heroesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Phoenix Centre. They advised that a larger gym and activity space would be essential; whilst the 49 bedrooms they have is the perfect amount. A main discussion point was the urgent need for a larger support hub. This scheme will posses a lot larger support hub, offering the chance to assist and support many more injured soldier. Page 70
Bedroom : 19.5m2 En-Suite : 5.3m2 Residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen : 55m2
Exhibition Space : 150m2
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Programme Space Sizes
Museum : 180m2
Art Room : 60m2
Workshop : 100m2
IT Suite : 65m2 Kitchen : 60m2
Staff Offices : 200m2
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Dining Space : 180m2
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Programme Relationships
Private
Served
Servant
Public I described on the previous page how vital it is to have rooms with similar properties close to each other so that they can be managed accordingly. On the diagram to the right, spaces are broken down into their private / public requirements. The most private of spaces is reserved for the injured soldiers’ accommodation. Whilst the accommodation will require pleasant views, they won’t want the general public to be able to see in. The support hub will also require a lot of privacy. The Executive Officer at Phoenix House, as discussed previously, spoke about how some people find it extremely difficult to even make it to the doorstep of the facility, let alone coming inside and joining in. Having the support hub in a secluded area, away from the general public will help to ensure that the service personnel feel more comfortable. As you look down the list, the spaces become increasingly public, areas such as the exhibition and reception areas are relatively public. Finally, the general public will be graciously welcomed into the museum, shop and outdoor spaces. One of the key principles of the brief is to take the stigma away from the injured soldiers and Page 72
celebrate their achievements and sacrifices. One of the principle ways to achieve this is by engaging with the public as much as possible, meaning their will be a fine balance between too open so that the soldiers don’t feel safe, and too private that the public don’t know the facility exists. The diagram on the right highlights several rooms which will either serve, or be served. By this I mean that the kitchen will serve the dining room, whilst the gym will be served by changing rooms. This helps in affiliating key areas as displayed on the pages previously, again helping to focus down potential layouts. A key example shown above is the exhibition space which is linked to the art room and workshop. The main purpose of the exhibition space is to showcase the items made by the residents, assisting in improving the self esteem of the residents as they can see their work on display with people admiring.
Improving the health of those who Serve
Programme Road to Recovery
Over the next couple of pages, investigations take place into the ergonomic considerations of the future occupants of the scheme. Before this though, I think it is important to take a step back and look at how these brave service personnel came to be injured. There are a number of conflicts currently being fought all over the world including British Armed Forces. Once these soldiers are injured, they are treated and stabilised, before being flown back to a UK hospital. Upon being discharged, they are then welcomed to one of the recovery centres to further aid their rehabilitation and transition back to civilian life. The aim of this scheme is to
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Programme Ergonomic Considerations
Any building needs to cater for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inhabitants, with it vitally important for a building of this nature that will care for injured and disabled people. Approved Document Part M of the Building Regulations sets out the guidelines regarding Access to and Use of Buildings, covering items such as level access and suitable sanitary conveniences. Shown above are a variety of diagrams for principles that will be required in the scheme. Ensuring that level access is accessible throughout the scheme is one of the most important things, as any steps will provide problematic not only for wheel chair users, but will provide an unnecessary obstacle for people using crutches and prosthetic limbs alike. Furthermore, design considerations such as an accessible kitchen where the worktops can be raised and lowered will be a key feature.
Building Regulations Part M
Due to the size and requirements of a lift, I have decided to ensure that the project is primarily single storey. This negates the requirements of lifts and stairs, allowing all of the buildingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; occupants to access the entire scheme. However, some office accommodation may be required to be provided on an upper floor due to the size of the site. Page 74
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Programme Ergonomic Considerations
1480
1200
1000
1350
1450
1700
800
ERGONOMICS OF PEOPLE IN WHEEL CHAIR AND CRUTCHES ETC.
Building Regulations Part M
Building Regulations Part M
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Building Regulations Part M
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Programme Environmental Considerations
VENTILATION IMAGES
Air Temperature
Air Speed
Mean Radiant Temperature
Relative Humidity
Clothing
Work Rate
Environmental conditions are crucial factor in ensuring that a building is successful. Portrayed on this page are various requirements of producing a comfortable, internal environment. Factors such as Thermal Comfort, Lighting, Ventilation and Building Fabric.
theme that I intend to run throughout the project - that as much of the spaces should be lit naturally. This will not only lower the running costs, but will also assist in giving the scheme a more open appearance. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation between natural lighting and increased patient recovery.
There are six factors that determine thermal comfort, shown above. Air temperature, air speed, mean radiant temperature and relative humidity are all environmental factors that the building can influence, whilst other considerations are personal factors - clothing and the occupants work rate. These personal factors will have a key influence, for example, in a gym people will be often expelling a lot of heat energy, so the room will need to be cooler than a quiet room where people will often be sat.
In the British Building Regulations, regulations are given regarding ventilation and building fabric. Ventilation is covered in Approved Document Part F which covers topics such as flow and air exchange rates, types of ventilation and how new buildings compare to existing buildings. Similar to the lighting challenge, I aim to utilise natural ventilation as much as possible.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), whilst not giving statutory regulations regarding lighting levels, they do give minimum guidelines which are shown in the table above. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) (WHSW) Regulations simply requires that lighting at work is â&#x20AC;&#x153;suitable and sufficient.â&#x20AC;? The HSE also place a huge emphasis that where reasonably practical, spaces should be naturally lit. This is a Page 76
Approved Document Part L2A - Conservation of Power & Fuel in New Buildings other than Dwellings discusses the energy efficiency of the Building Regulations. The regulations state that reasonable provision shall be made for the provision of conservation of power and fuel by: limiting heat gains and losses (through the building fabric and services); and providing fixed building services which are efficient and user controlled. Improving the health of those who Serve
Programme
Ventilation
Lighting
Environmental Issues
There are a plethora of other regulations that are required to comply against, however, the ones listed opposite relate to the efficiency and internal climate of a building. In order for the project to be considered a success, each individual space will need to be considered against these environmental factors. The previous pages help to show how rooms are related function-wise. This page displays similarities in the environmental aspects of rooms. It is important to analyse which rooms will require mechanical ventilation, such as a kitchen, compared with rooms such as offices, that can be naturally ventilated. Naturally ventilated spaces will therefore are likely to be on the perimeter of the building and it is this type of information that helps to decipher possible layouts of the building. Reading this in conjunction with the tables and information listed opposite, I am able to view relationships between different rooms’ properties. It is imperative that the building operates within “comfortable” climates; although “comfortable” conditions are subjective. Therefore, the spaces are required to work within a range of environmental conditions that suit the average population. Improving the health of those who Serve
The diagram above portrays rooms that can be naturally lit and ventilated; whilst rooms such as the kitchen and wood working workshop will require artificial daylight and mechanical ventilation as they have specific requirements. Some rooms will require a mixture of natural daylighting and spot lights for specific activities; similarly some rooms will require both natural and mechanical ventilation in certain situations. Situating these rooms close to each other will reduce the amount of service ducting required, allowing ceilings to be higher and a smaller plant room. By utilising technologies such as heat exchangers, then the exhausted air from the warmer rooms, such as the gym and kitchen, can be used to warm the fresh, incoming air into the rest of the building, without contaminating it with pollutants and smells. The relationships are vital in order to produce concept schemes and to optimise the building’s efficiency. Reading this information in conjunction with the information provided on previous pages, concept layouts are beginning to develop.
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Programme Key Room Considerations
Bedroom
Gym
The accommodation for the residents is going to be one of the most private places of the scheme to ensure that the residents feel safe when on site. The rooms are going to be as naturally ventilated and lit as possible, although subsidy mechanical ventilation and lighting may be required in the en-suite. The rooms are going to have to be insulated well to avoid noise disrupting other residents.
The gym and rehabilitation area aims to be one of the focal points for the project. The primary aim is to take the stigma away from the injured soldiers issue and so by opening up the rehabilitation process, the scheme aims to integrate the public and soldiers. Acoustically, the gym will need to ensure that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disrupt the externals. Natural daylight and ventilation will be supplemented by mechanical means when necessary.
Breakout Spaces
Art room & Workshop
Breakout spaces are going to populate the majority of the project allowing soldiers a place to retreat to, or meet with members of the public, or allow members of the general public to meet and convene. Therefore, the area will need to feel open, whilst providing adequate security when necessary. Provisions will need to be in place to avoid any noise disrupting the other occupants of the building.
Two of the most prominent spaces of the project will be the art room and workshop. Courses will be run out of these spaces and any items made will be displayed in the exhibition. Especially in the workshop, there will be some large pieces of equipment which will require specific ventilation and extraction rates, as well as localised lighting for a variety of tasks. Therefore, the spaces will require a combination of natural and mechanical means in order for the rooms to comply and work to the best of their ability.
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Programme Key Room Considerations
Museum
Exhibition Space
Potentially the most advertised part of the scheme, alongside the exhibition space, will be the museum. Here, personal stories from the front-line will adorn the walls. A plethora of other items will be exhibited from war-zones, as well as the possibility of an interactive display. A combination of mechanical and natural ventilation and daylighting will be required, when the specifics of the exhibits is finalised.
As mentioned previously. the exhibition space aims to be one of the most popular areas for the general public, showcasing items created by the course members in the workshops. The majority of the space will be naturally ventilated and daylight, although some localised lighting may be required on specific items.
Support Hub
IT Suite / Classroom
The support hub needs to be an area where service people feel that they can come without any fear. Small one on one places will be required as well as larger offices from which some charities can operate. Security is a principle concern here, therefore large open expanses of glass wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be used. As with all the offices, natural ventilation and daylighting will be used.
The heat loads given off in the IT suite will need to be carefully considered. Therefore some form of mechanical ventilation may be required to remove any heat gains, although the space aims to use natural ventilation as much as possible. Glare will also be another key consideration. Large over hangs or blinds can help to reduce this, although these may make the interior quite dark, meaning artificial lighting may be required.
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Concept Layouts
Accommodation
Meeting Space
Security Outdoor Spaces
Support Hub Office reception Art Room IT Suite
Dining
Gym Shop Plant Museum
Exhibition Space
Kitchen
Workshop
Breakout Space
Private Public
The graphic above shows the programme accommodation given previously. If the above was to be provided for over a single storey, the plan would need to be extremely long to allow for natural means to be used. I therefore propose to base my design on a village-type design, with individual buildings being used to house different activities. This is portrayed in the diagram opposite. If the activities were grouped under one roof, the building would be very linear, making the circulation feel a bit like a process - going from one room, to another, then another. By using a village like concept, different buildings would make use of their specific internal requirements and the circulation is broken up a lot more creating a more intriguing and interesting arrangement. Shown on the opposite page is how the areas could be broken down. I believe there to be four main criteria for how the schedule of accommodation can be broken down: The Support Hub, Accommodation, the Course Accommodation and the Public Spaces, which I believe could be broken down even further. Page 80
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Concept Layouts
Public Spaces
Support Hub
Course Accommodation Accommodation
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Concept Design Strategy
Starting Point
Increasing Natural Elements
As described previously, if the accommodation was to be under a single roof, the building would be extremely large, requiring plenty of artificial daylight and ventilation, as well as a thick structure. The amount of ducting and services required would probably require a significant ceiling void, again increasing costs. This type of layout fails to satisfy the brief due to the aforementioned points.
By splitting the building footprint in two and creating a courtyard or corridor through the centre of the footprint, allows for the northern building to now receive additional daylight. Furthermore, by decreasing the depth of the plan, natural cross ventilation can be induced.
On the previous page I described how the scheme is likely to be resemble a village like arrangement. The sketches on this page show one possibility to how this could be achieved on the site. It should be noted that this is a process and design principle that I aim to follow. The diagram show an indicative layout based on the information I have accrued so far in the process - taking into account privacy, lighting, ventilation and size requirements. The public pedestrian entrance for the site (shown in red on the map opposite), is likely to be from Walmgate Stray, to the east of the site. The south westerly prevailing winds are indicated on the diagrams, with the barracks situated to the north-west. I describe the process above in the annotations and how the final concept idea is brought about. The final outcome allows for each space to represent a different expression, allowing the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabric to emphasise and enhance itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s function. Page 82
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Concept Design Strategy
Private Spaces
Support Hub
I consider the north western area of the site to be the most private as it is adjacent to the barracks, away from the housing estate and the stray. Therefore, by separating a corner of the northern block, a portion of the northern public building offers protection from the main corridor. Again, natural daylight and ventilation is increased in the new private portion.
Separating the north west corner of the private block could form the Support Hub. Access could be provided through the barracks, although this may be difficult due to the security for both site. The support hub in this location is furthest away from any public, therefore offering security and stability that the visitors would seek to feel comfortable.
Public Focus
Course Accommodation
Dividing the northern block up as shown above creates the museum, shop and exhibition spaces, whilst the office block can be created, offering further protection to the accommodation and support hub. The areas face onto the Walmgate Stray enticing the public to enter, whilst maintaining a close relationship allowing an information point to direct the general public.
With the course accommodation likely to be the most used spaces within the project, they are housed within the southern block, split into quarters. Natural sunlight and ventilation will be in abundance. By creating a variety of external avenues, breakout spaces and meeting points can be incorporated into the landscaping. This will help to increase public participation as it will add an extra dimension for the public to engage with.
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Concept Massing
As described on the previous page, I intend for the project to be split into a variety of buildings, each with itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own function. Due to the large differences between functionality of the programme, it would be infeasible for each building to be the same floor area. This therefore leaves a couple of options, building-wise. Shown above are a variety of sized buildings with the same floor plan in each option; the difference being their height. In the left hand diagram, the buildings have a variety of heights, giving a greater sense of scale and difference to the scheme. On the right, the same height has been applied to all the structures, giving a reduced sense of drama and hierarchy. This may not be functional as some buildings, such as the gym, may benefit from having a higher ceiling than a bedroom for example, as the extra headroom will give an area for which warmer air can settle, without creating an uncomfortable internal environment.
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Concept Massing
If the buildings are all of differing height, this will have a dramatic effect on the daylighting and shading. The sketch above shows that some of the taller buildings may completely shade other buildings. Therefore, the heights of the buildings could further influence the layout of the scheme, as spaces which require artificial daylight could be these buildings to the north. Creating taller spaces will create dramatic effects on the building and can be used to help â&#x20AC;&#x153;protectâ&#x20AC;? the private, possibly shorter, buildings. By keeping the windows at a uniform height, as shown in the sketch below, this shading effect is enhanced. REWORD
Improving the health of those who Serve
When the buildings remain at the same height, the amount of shading placed upon the surrounding buildings, will depend on its proximity. The closer the buildings are together, the more shading will be inflicted upon surrounding buildings; whereas a greater distance between buildings will allow for a greater amount of sunlight. However, by increasing the distance may mean that wind flow becomes an issue to contend with. In either case, the height of the windows can further REWORD
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Concept Courtyards & Circulation
The internal atmosphere of the buildings are obviously going to be a huge part of the projects, however I believe the external courtyards and circulation areas to be of great importance. Shown on this page are a series of study as to how the courtyards and circulation spaces could work.
Offsetting the buildings along the Y-Axis allows for inner courtyards to be defined as shown in the above sketch. This would allow for the residents / staff / public to congregate and interact with one another, one of the main ethosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the scheme.
In the image shown above, the buildings are arranged in a linear fashion, allowing views through the entirety of the scheme. This allows for the buildings to arrange themselves in an efficient manner, allowing plenty of direct daylight and ventilation to affect all of the buildings. However, little consideration is given to courtyard areas, with there being no discernible meeting spaces.
Views throughout the scheme are maintained, allowing a clear view to potential exit points, something that many of the residents suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may always consider. However, by allowing the visitor to have a clear sight throughout the scheme, some of the drama and suspense of the project may dwindle, as opposed to turning a corner and finding a fascinating space. Furthermore, as a result of long, narrow passages, the site may suffer with a tunnelling effect of the wind, that could mean people wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enjoy being outside.
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Concept Courtyards & Circulation
In the above sketch, the concept buildings have been offset in both the X & Y- axis. This helps to break up the scheme, offering the chance for the inured soldiers to have a series of milestones to which they can reach,. Furthermore, defined meeting spaces can be created, as well as enabling greater control of daylight reaching a building, by the distance between them, as referred to previously. As discussed on the opposite page, by breaking up the scheme, this can have the effect of disrupting wind flow, allowing a more comfortable, serene environment. However, the buildings are still arranged in a linear fashion.
Finally, the concept would be to arrange the layout to allow the buildings in a seemingly random fashion, but actually offers a substantial amount of privacy from the surrounding buildings. Furthermore, the orientation of the buildings can assist in their internal climate. For example, buildings to the south are generally going to receive a greater amount of natural daylight, with the buildings to the north being able to be positioned such that the amount of shading, provided by other buildings, controls the amount f light they receive, as discussed previously. I believe this is more the route I will go down as it will create a greater atmosphere in the building and a more ore inspiring design. On the following page I will look at potential building shapes.
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Concept Courtyards & Circulation
TEXT
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Concept Courtyards & Circulation
TEXT
TEXT
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Principles Design
Public / Private Spaces
In the previous chapter, environmental principles were given as to how the building could work with its surrounding context. This page gives the design principles and how they are likely to impact the overall scheme.
Natural Daylighting / Ventilation
I will now begin to look into form and technologies...
Given the nature of the project, there are many significant and highly important considerations. The separation of public and private spaces were a key aspect provided by Help for Heroes. EXPAND
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Principles Design
Accessibility
Sustainability
Construction Time frame
Flexibility
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Precedence Form
The Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi are some of the most striking sky scrapers around. Traditionally, the Middle East sky scrapers are designed without considerate for the harsh climate and environment. When designing the towers, Aedas took into account cultural and environmental considerations, to produce a façade that represents the Islamic culture, whilst also protecting from the strong solar gains. The façade is designed to resemble the “mashrabiya” - a popular form of wooden lattice screen found in vernacular Islamic architecture and used as a device for achieving privacy. Aedashave used the motif to assist in the solar shading process and helps prevent solar gains. Each tower comprises of over 1, 000 individual shading, “umbrella” like, devices that are connected to the building management system. Constructed from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) panels, a linear actuator will open and close the panels as per a pre-programmed device. In response to an overcast sky or high winds, the building is covered with additional sensors that open the panels. Page 92
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Precedence Form
Strong Sun
Evening / Morning Sun
Little Sun
To help protect from solar gain in strong sun, the “mashrabiya” will open out to shade the interior. Each panel can open and close individually allowing an incredible amount of precision.
With varying degrees of “open-ability” the “mashrabiya” can produce bespoke amounts of solar shading. As the sun is rising / setting, the “mashrabiya” will open slightly to allow greater amounts of direct sunlight in, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
During times of high winds or with little sun, the “mashrabiya” will fully open allowing the maximum amount of natural daylight in, solar gains to heat he internal environment and allowing the air to pass through the façade reducing the possibility of damage during high winds.
The effects of this system are comprehensive: reduced glare, improved daylight penetration, less reliance on artificial lighting, and over 50% reduction in solar gain, which results in a reduction of CO2 emissions by 1,750 tonnes per year. The environmental impacts of the Al Bahr Towers are undeniable; as well as the reduce solar gains and shading, the towers also incorporate solar thermal panels for hot water heating. More than these technologies, the design was based around optimising the effectiveness of the solar shading. The design began with two simple cylinders, the circular plan giving the most efficient shape in terms of wall-to-floor area while also creating the greatest volume with the least surface area. The plan was then manipulated based on digital models and narrowed at the base and top. There are also several sky gardens, as can be seen in the image opposite, that help with ventilation. Whilst my project will not be built in a similar environment or on a comparable scale, the principles are my main interest: designing a building where the “intelligent” structure assists in the environmental conditions; is developed based on its context and is overall a striking building. Improving the health of those who Serve
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Precedence Form
Winner of an international competition to design a new town hall in Tallinn, Estonia, were Danish architects, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). The winning design features a cluster of administrative buildings with large panoramic windows arranged around a public square, allowing citizens to see their representatives at work. As a two stage competition, BIG were able to incorporate all of the feedback from the first stage into their winning entry. The majority of this feedback focussed around how the local residents would interact with the buildings, a key consideration of the judges and client. In the new town hall of Tallinn the ceiling will be a real (reflected) overview of the city both old and new. Whenever a politician raises his/her glance, he/she will be met with the view of Tallinnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s townscape. In reverse, the citizens, rallying protesters or simply people passing by, will look towards the tower, and within it get an insight into the political work.
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Precedence Form
This scheme is of particular interest to my proposed project as it broken up into a campus type arrangement. Within the inner courtyards, public stalls and shops are engrained into the design. The diagrams shown in the centre of this page, highlight how the buildings could have been arranged in a very linear pattern. However, after angling the buildings to take advantage of views, and scaling the buildings for their required functions, a number of iterations were created, till the perfect plan was developed. Whilst all the functions have their owns spaces and areas, they share a common façade and style, connected at the corners so that the inhabitants arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t required to leave the building. The roof plan is designed to create a sense of excitement and drama. Overall, I find this a fascinating design, with itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form and idea of adjoining buildings a style to give a lot of consideration to. Investigations will now take place into various construction methods that could be implemented in the scheme, and may further inform the form.
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Precedence Materiality
On previous pages investigations have been taken into precedent forms, however, as equally important is to investigate construction techniques and structural types. Constructed like a large, 3D jigsaw puzzle, the WikiHouse is a new type of Do-ItYourself housing. Effectively, the principle ethos of the WikiHouse is an “open source construction set.” Although the WikiHouse is in it’s prototyping stage, the concept and experimental houses are a huge success. Initially, the client would choose their blueprint and customise it as they wish. Once the design is finalised, the components are cut out using a CNC machine using locally sourced materials. This locally sourced materials concept is something that I wish to use. The components are then pieced together, leaving a finished house typically within a day. The precision manufacturing of the chassis makes it much easier to achieve very high levels of airtightness and insulation, resulting in a super low energy envelope. By using sustainably resourced and recycled materials, the system also has a much lower Page 96
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Precedence Materiality
embodied energy compared with other construction methods. Furthermore, due to the construction method, a service void is easily accommodated within the structure allowing for all services to be hidden away, yet easily accessible. The principles of the WikiHouse are something that I truly admire, although the open source concept can be considered detrimental to the profession by some architects. As you can see, a plethora of designs are possible with any number of cladding systems available. However, there are a few limitations, namely the scale of the buildings. Despite the my proposed scheme being broken down into smaller buildings, some of them are still considerably large. Through the research into WikiHouses, the main drawback is the span at which the system can work. EXPAND
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Precedence Materiality
Gathering increasing popularity over recent years is the introduction of shipping container architecture. There are large numbers of empty shipping containers all over the world and these are now being used to create these fascinating structures. Shipping container architecture is considered to be a green alternative to traditional building materials, and seems like a smart choice for people looking for eco credentials. However, there are a lot of downsides to building with cargo containers. For instance, the coatings used to make the containers durable for ocean transport also happen to contain a number of harmful chemicals, such as chromate, phosphorous, and lead-based paints. The containers can be used to quickly create a weatherproof structure, however significant work will need to be carried out internally to make the shell habitable. Structural openings need to be created for windows and doors, insulation and wall linings are required as well as many other finishes. Furthermore, a lot of hazardous waste is created during this process, with this compounded by the energy required to move the structures to their new location. This makes them extremely Page 98
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environmentally unfriendly. An additional disadvantage is the very linear space, with a low ceiling. Stacking multiple containers together, large clear span spaces area created, with the examples shown on this page showing that complex and aesthetically interesting projects possible. However, there is a substantial lack of flexibility when utilising these containers, creating a very linear plan. The main advantage of shipping container architecture is that projects can be created extremely quickly that are weatherproof, when shelter is quickly required and useful when resources are scarce. However, on a project such as the recovery centre, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe this construction method would be suitable for reasons listed on this page.
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Precedence Materiality
Modular buildings are often thought of as the porta-cabin type buildings that litter school car parks for additional class rooms or temporary structures. However, as can be seen on this page, whilst this may be true, modular technologies have significantly progressed. Many modular building companies now provide off-site construction systems and can be more structurally efficient than steel framed buildings. One manufacturer, Yorkon (based in York itself ), claim that 99.7% of their projects are delivered on time and budget, compared to the rest of the construction industry which only averages 75% on budget and 46% on time. Off-site construction involves assembling complete buildings using individual steel-framed modules that are built in the factory under controlled conditions. The modules are fully fitted with all electrics, plumbing, heating and internal finishes before they leave the factory. This allows for the buildings to be constructed despite weather conditions, one of the main restricting factors to meeting construction deadlines. Page 100
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Precedence Materiality
Designs are often based around a standard module size, which are then configured into a plethora of floor plans. Despite buildings being built around a module, walls do not necessarily need to be confined to the edge of a module, allowing for internal spaces to be divided as the user requires. One of the main advantages of modular construction, and one that I have mentioned previously, is there are up to 90% fewer vehicle movements on site than on a traditional construction project â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reducing noise, dust, congestion and carbon emissions. Modular construction techniques are extremely beneficial when construction multistorey buildings. However, as I plan for the majority of my scheme to be single storey, then the benefits or economy of scale are lost and therefore I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consider modular building methods to be a viable construction technique for this scheme.
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Precedence Materiality
Due to the access constraints of the site, I believe a pre-fabricated system would be best for the construction of the scheme. As you can see on the diagram opposite, and from the previous research, access to the site is limited. Surrounded to the east by Walmgate Stray, the remaining site is protected by the Imphal Barracks and housing estates. Utilising a pre-fabricated system, disturbances to the local residents will be reduced as the major building work can be completed quicker, fewer people on site and less heavy equipment. Modular type buildings would be another possibility, however they may produce a very linear type scheme, something I am not hoping for. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are a pre-fabricated construction material comprising of two layers of structural board (i.e. plywood), sandwiching an insulating core, such as expanded polystyrene foam. Despite being initially more expensive to construct, these costs are often recouped during the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifetime due to their environmental properties. Page 102
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SIPs have the potential to be used on their own, creating their own frame in effect. They can be used in walls, floors and roofs. However, as with modular buildings, the outcome may be very rectilinear. However, as seen in the Brockhole Visitor Centre, SIPs panels were used in conjunction with a gluelam frame. This gave additional support to the SIP panels and therefore allowed a more bespoke finish. NEED TO EXPAND
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Precedence Materiality
Situated in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, Boyle & Petyt Primary School was looking to expand their premises to allow a greater number of children to attend their school. With a budget of £150, 000 and a quick build period required, the design team, at the request of the school governors who had seen similar projects, decided to use a SIPs construction. The classrooms are a 100 m2 construction, covered by a larch cladding. The walls and roof are all built using a SIPs construction method. Utilising this method, the overall thickness’s of external walls can be significantly slimmer. For example, when building a wall to achieve a U–value of 0.20 W/m2K using Kingspan TEK® Cladding Panels, the structure can be just 252.5mm thick. In comparison, a 100mm steel framed wall to achieve the same U–value may have to be 305.5mm thick, a 150mm steel framed all to achieve the same U–value may have to have a wall 335.5mm thick.
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The school had restricted time scales due to the manner of the funding, with a final construction deadline of March 2015, therefore SIPs is the perfect construction method. The first SIP was erected on the 15th December, 2014, with the final laid a week later on the 22nd December, 2014. With the structure built and weatherproof within a week, three months were left to finish the building. Thanks to the properties of SIPs, external and internal trades were able to be on site at the same time, further speeding up the build time and reducing costs. Compared to other construction methods, SIPs is unrivalled for speed as shown in the Boyle & Petyt Primary School. Another example is the St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Primary School which was constructed within a single day. Therefore, little disruption will be caused to the neighbouring barracks and housing estates of the York site. Furthermore, there are minimal cost differences compared with traditional methods, hence why I plan to use the SIPs method.
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Materiality Comparisons
WikiHouse
Shipping Container Architecture
Cost effective as costs are limited to materials and CNC machine rental.
Weather tight buildings can be quickly produced as the skin is inherent within the structure; allowing internal trades to start early. A lot of time can be spent however preparing the containers and making them habitable.
Incredibly flexible as pieces can be designed as the user wants. Any number of floor plans and elevation treatments are available as pieces simply slip together. Little waste is created as a number of pieces are cut out from a single sheet, with computer technology able to determine the optimum position of each piece on the sheet prior to cutting. Production can often be laborious and time consuming waiting for the pieces to be cut, before assembling like a giant jigsaw. This may mean that it could take a long time for the building to be weather tight, which could damage the material.
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Lacking in flexibility as the designs have to conform to the module size of the container. To ensure durability and protection from oceanic weather, containers are treated with coatings that contain a number of harmful chemicals, such as chromate, phosphorous, and lead-based paints. Moreover, wood floors that line the majority of shipping container buildings are infused with hazardous chemical pesticides like arsenic and chromium to keep pests away. The average container eventually produces nearly a thousand pounds of hazardous waste before it can be used as a structure. All of this, coupled with the fossil fuels required to move the container into place with heavy machinery, contribute significantly to its ecological footprint.
Materiality Comparisons
Modular
SIPs
Off-site construction is inherently sustainable, and modular construction has been developed to reduce environmental impacts. Typically 94% of materials used to manufacture the buildings are recycled. Furthermore, Insulation material used in wall and roof panels contains no HCFCs and has an ozone-depletion potential of zero – to help protect the environment.
Similar to modular construction, SIPs offer incredible flexibility, as they are essentially a timber frame construction, without the timber.
Despite the structure being built on a module, the concepts have incredible flexibility, even after the construction is finished, as internal walls can be easily moved, off the module. Produced off site, modular construction is incredibly fast, with nearly 100% of projects being built on time. Buildings can be completed up to 50% faster than using traditional site-based construction method. Furthermore, noise pollution on site is kept to a minimum, as the majority of major construction is off site.
The erection of the panels is estimated to be as much as 3 times faster than traditional framing, ensuring the projects are completed quickly. SIPs panels are around 10–15% more expensive than conventional timber frame, but as the frame accounts for perhaps 30–40% of the overall budget, its total impact is 3–5%. Although, due to their energy performance, they will soon begin to recoup these initial higher costs. Produced in the factory, the panels are pre-engineered and produced in a controlled environment meaning waste is kept to a minimum.
Off site manufacturing allows for the components to be built in factory controlled settings, ensuring that quality control is kept to strict standards. Furthermore, projects are not affected by weather, until the crane lift into position.
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Concept Chapter Conclusion
This chapter has focused on the programme and structure...
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Technologies Chapter Introduction
This chapter will focus on the form and technologies in the project...
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Concept Origami Studies
During concept designs, it is important to consider not only the plan, but the overall aesthetics of the building. For several years I have been fascinated by the ancient art of origami and believe it is a perfect art form to inspire a buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form. Origami has the ability to form a 3D shape from a flat piece of paper and is one of the main reasons why I find the techniques so intriguing. Through a variety of intricate folds, a series of shapes can take place as is shown. Many of the models shown give the sense of movement, with many of them possessing the ability to be manipulated to form different shapes, without too much effort. The aim for the architectural style of the scheme is to be as striking as possible, providing shelter and a sense of safety where required, whilst openness and freedom will be required in other areas. Canopies are easily created and I believe create an impressive space. Incorporating the ethos of origami - flexibility, ability to create 3D from flat plane, adaptability and ....
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Concept Canopy Studies
As described previously, due to the folding technique the system can also open in a radial manner as shown in the bottom left image, as well as opening out into a faรงade as shown in the bottom right image. This allows for multiple configurations of the design, based on how it is treated. In any of these designs, materiality will be key. I have previously investigated Di-Bond as a material, but found that it would fail after several folds. The material is required to be lightweight, easily flexible and durable for the system to work. Furthermore, due to me wanting the structure to be operable externally, I believe a good material would be nylon tent fabric, which can then be supported via a structural system, similar to assembling a tent. I therefore will investigate tent materiality to test in the design as shown below and opposite.
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Concept Canopy Studies
The blue again represents the smart wire and you can see that as a current is passed through it, the wire reduces in size and forces the structure to fold. Using this design, a beautiful canopy can be constructed that can be unfurled as it is required. As the structure is folded, it requires significantly less space than in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open form. Shown in the images below, the structure opens out in a linear direction; however it is also possible for the system to open in a radial fashion as can be seen in the images opposite. This is possible due to the folding technique, and how the system is operated. When the canopy is opened in a linear fashion, the system becomes narrower. Therefore a track/ guide system could be used only if it had the potential to slide inwards as the width reduced. However, if the smart wire was threaded through the edges (as depicted in the images) then this could act as the guide and force the structure to open as shown. The main consideration for this system is strength - a material will be required that has the potential to fold easily, while still structurally strong. Improving the health of those who Serve
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Materiality Smart Materials
However, a family of materials that have the inherited ability to alter their shape based threshold temperatures can be reprogrammed for each material and application on external elements, such as temperature, are Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) and , therefore allowing any number of possible uses. However, these actuators aren’t Shape Memory Plastics (SMP). The images shown on this page are produced from a readily available and still relatively untested. SMP. Memory shape materials are a unique material in that their molecular build up changes when heated. To produce the models shown, the plastic has to be heated to 70°C, before manipulated into the shapes shown. When the material is reheated, it returns to its original sheet form. The limitation however, is that the plastic can not have two “memory shapes.” Once the material is reheated to its flat form, it can not be then reheated into the shapes shown below. To achieve this dual memorised shapes, a Shape Memory Polymer Actuator has been developed. This material has the ability to memorise two shapes, reverting to them based on external parameters, such as temperature. Therefore, it is achievable to have a structure, such as a parasol, automatically raising when it reaches a critical temperature, before lowering after passing a lower threshold temperature. These Page 120
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Materiality Lightweight Frames
I mentioned on the previous page that tent construction could influence my design. Tents help to provide shelter, are weatherproof and lightweight, and can be rolled into significantly smaller shapes; the essence of my scheme.
in the tent pole, to pull the canopy back when the current is broken. On the hinge shown below, these springs would be positioned where the two holes are, effectively acting in the same manner as a door closer.
Held in place by flexible poles, I aim to use this technology to help construct my design. Traditionally, tents are held in place using elasticated poles, as shown in the bottom left image; however have the ability to pivot in any direction at the joint. For my project, I require a stricter joint and would look to use a hinged joint similar to that shown in the bottom right image. This would only allow the poles to hinge in 2 directions, which is required for the canopy structure to work. For the poles to be kept in place, I will also thread the poles through a net, as shown in the centre image. Furthermore, I discussed previously that it would be possible to have a memory shape wire with two- predetermined, temperature dependant, positions. However, this is highly expensive and not commercially available. Therefore, it may be necessary for the system to have springs attached, which will pull the structure back into itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closed forms. These springs could be positioned on the hinge, and act similar to the elastic Improving the health of those who Serve
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Concept Canopy Studies
These sketches help to depict the structural development of my design. The image to the left shows the structure in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flattened state. The red lines indicate the poles that would have a single axis hinge, as discussed on the page opposite. As the canopy is retracted/ opened due to the smart wire, the hinge in the centre of the pole would allow for the squares to fold. The black line indicates where structural poles would be. These will be held in place similar by the fabric, in a similar fashion as shown on the opposite page, and will offer support to the structure. These poles will not be connected to anything at their ends however, due to the complexity of the motion. Instead, they will offer full support and stabilisation. The blue lines indicate poles that will stay in a horizontal position, and move along the xy axis.
canopy is unfolded, whilst not allowing the square to overextend. I appreciate the simpleness of the structure, creating a complex and beautiful design. The majority of the materials, (apart from the smart wire) could be bought in most outdoor shops, yet the structure created is something not often seen.
The image centre and right detail how a single square would fold up, and the positioning of the seams around the poles. The corners of the square (junction of blue and red lines) will use a similar hinge as described before, although with a maximum opening of 90°. This will offer additional support when the Page 122
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On this page I have included the elevation of the structure to show how the design folds away, the differing height of the structure as it opens out and that the base of the canopy remains on the same plane. In the paper origami model that I made, the model could curve in multiple directions. However, I noticed that when the model curved, it made it difficult for the model to open into the shape as shown on the right. I want the system to open out to provide shelter, and this is a lot easier when the base remains in the same plane. The advantage of this system is that it has the ability to be an extremely intelligent system. Due to the structure I have employed, there is an inherent strength in the canopy and therefore little additional support is required. The system automatically responds to external environmental factors without the need for human interaction. This is exactly the outcome I was looking for when I began investigating origami models and how they could be utilised.
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Concept Canopy Studies
I described previously that the smart wire only reduces by a small amount when the current is applied. I therefore opted to use the smart wire to change its shape when heated, therefore acting as a hinge. The diagram to the left depicts the set up. A photovoltaic cell will provide the current for the circuit and which will heat the smart wire. A light sensor (although this could be any type of sensor for an external environment) will act as the resistor - this means that when a certain lux level is reached, the resistor will allow current to pass and the hinge to open.
The image to the right shows the structure how Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d construct it. If you look at previous sketches, the design now shows a complete square, meaning that there will be no gaps. I will now look to see how the canopy could be fixed to the face of a surface, such as a wall.
The wire will be positioned alongside the hinging poles (previously shown in red in the diagrams) and folded back on itself to close the circuit, as shown n the bottom left image. I have doubled up the smart wire (shown in thin blue line), not only to close off the circuit, despite the possibility the wire could go down the opposite side as shown in the green dashed line, but to give additional strength to the hinge to close. The centre image depicts the actions caused by a current passed through the smart wire and the hinge closing. Page 124
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Light Sensor & Photovoltiac Cell
Circuit
Reel Slider
SMA
Hinge
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Concept Canopy
CANOPY MODEL
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Technologies Prosthetics
Military interventions often lead to new medical advances and has been the case for millennia. Prosthetics technology is no different. The Defence Department Agency in the USA have been at the forefront of prosthetic technology for many years and have produced many prosthetic limbs, including a couple shown opposite. Furthermore, they have been developing exo suits. These suits are designed to assist the human body and can allow a person previously confined to a wheel chair, walk again. However, the military are using them to create an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iron Manâ&#x20AC;? type suit, enabling soldiers to perform super-human feats - lifting more, running faster and jumping further for example. Many of the residents and military visitors coming to the scheme will have a prosthetic limb, therefore by using technologies that are borne from prosthetics, the injured will be able to see .....
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Technologies Prosthetics
Bluetooth
RE-NET
In 2007, Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua Bleill received two artificial legs each fitted with Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth is more often recognised for its ability to connect pieces of technology together without the use of wires. In Bleillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s case, the Bluetooth devices communicate with each other to regulate stride, pressure and speed in the prosthetic legs.
Reliable Neuro-Interface Technology (RE-NET) is the technology and research that allows the signals sent from the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing muscles and nerves to control the new prosthetic limb. The USA Defence Department Agency has been researching the technology since 2009 and is reminiscent of the fact that medical advances are often borne from military interventions.
BeBionic
APL Module Arm
The BeBionic prosthetic arm is one of the most advanced arms on the market today. It places sensors on the skin which, in conjunction with microprocessors in the arm itself, detect muscle movement from the remaining portion of the biological arm and translate patterns of movements into 14 different grips. This range of grips allows the user to grip a pen, type on a keyboard, hold keys and other tasks. or camouflage.
Developed by the Defence Department Agency the APL Module Arm is another product brought about due to military incidents. The APL arm utilises technology that recognises signals sent by the brain to the amputated limb, to allow the prosthetic arm to move every joint independently.
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Precedent Materiality
Considerations thus far have been given to construction technologies most common in the civilian construction industry. In the armed forces, buildings are often temporary and lightweight. The images on this page highlight this, with tent structures being a favourite of the British Forces, with these structures often extremely large and clear space. The ethos of these buildings is quick to build and flexible use of space, similar principles to that of this scheme. EXPAND
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Precedent Materiality
When looking through the current army construction methods, the primary aspect is that of lightweight and flexibility, that again reminds me of the origami. I decided to create a series of origami models that portray the armyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s principles. The models shown on this and subseuent pages show how it is possible to take a flat sheet and turn it into quite a large span. These spans can then be consolidated into manageable forms that can be easily transported. It is this ssense of fglexibility that I want to run throughout the scheme. It is relatively easy to clad a building with a skin shaped as if forme by origami, but it is a different challenge, and one I aim to pursue, to use origami as the drawing force and to instill a flexible, moving building. This would allow the charity to expand or decrease the amount of area based on their current requirements. On previous pages, it was shown how a canopy could be created based on external parameters, that was derivred from origami principles, over the next few pages, the models depict the spans and spaces that can be created,whch when combined with the previously shown technologies, can produce a remarkable space. Page 132
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Precedent Materiality
Although originally designed to be used as flood control, the HESCO barriers are now common place in many military locations. EXPAND
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Precedent Materiality
The HESCO bariiers are reminiscent of the rammed earth building technique used for centuries. The construction method appears to be making somewhat of a revival as it has many benefits, similar to that of the HESCO barriers. The main positives of rammed earth are the incredible amount of thermal mass. This helps keep the building warm when the external temperature is cooler, and vice versa. This is important for any project, the added benefits to my scheme is that the rammed earth gives great sound insulation. One of the primary concerns of the Help for Heroes precedence was to make the occupants feel safe, with any loud noises having the potential to disrupt and aggravate them. Shown on this page are a number of buildings that have been constructed using the rammed earth technique. The interesting aspect is how the images opposite have dealt with opening. They have used the rammed earth as the base and the foundations, before creating clerestory windows to sit above, with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;floatingâ&#x20AC;? box on top. Page 140
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HESCO Technologies
Protection
Day Time Thermal Mass
Cooler / Night Time Thermal Mass
Utilising the HESCO technology woud have substantial environmental benefits, as well as intangible positives. Firstly, due to the depth of the structure, the walls would be extremely thick, giving a great sense of privacy and protection; ideal for use in the support hub and accommodation where security is vital. Furthermore, the depth would give great sound insulation, as well as protection from the wind; crucial from the cooler, northerly wind. Furthermore, the thickness of the baarriers would behave similarly to that of a concrete structure, and posses a great deal of thermal mass. This would have the effect of keeping the internal environment cooler when the external temperature is warm, as it absorbs the heat; before releasing the heat slowly during the evening or when the internal temperature is colder. This passive regulation will greatly reduce the amount of subsidiary heating required. As well as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inherited benefits, the HESCO technology has the potential to be combined with existing technologies to produce even greater sustainability results, shown opposite. Page 142
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HESCO Technologies
Trombe Wall
Under Ground Plenum Ventilation
Ground Source Heat Pump
Trombe wall technology has been around for decades and would work well in conjunction with the HESCO barrier. Trombe walls, a passive solar design, work by an over projecting roof protecting the glass externl layer from the summer sun, whilst allowing the cooler, winter sun to prevail. The sun then heats the heat capacity layer (in this instance the HESCO barrier) and uses the thermal mass of this layer to regulate the internal temperature. EXPAND The underground plenum
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HESCO Technologies
USING HESCO TO CREATE A GRID FOR CLIMBING WALLS?
USING HESCO TO CREATE A GRID FOR CLIMBING WALLS?
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As well as having the ability to have a variety of claddings attached to the exterior, the interior could be used to attah items to too. In effect, the entire internal grid could be used to become a giant rock climbing wall, where a variety of fixings are held from, to create a truly flexible internal environment. The rock climbing wall could be used as an alternative to stairs to allow able bodied members navigate their way around the buildings, giving them the opportunity to witness a multitude of views. Furthermore, objects, such as hammocks or canopies can be hung from the structure; as well as internal walls, to allow the users to create their own desired space. Overleaf are images of a variety of models to show what could be created.
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HESCO Technologies
MODELS??
USING HESCO TO CREATE A GRID FOR CLIMBING WALLS?
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HESCO Technologies
MODELS??
USING HESCO TO CREATE A GRID FOR CLIMBING WALLS?
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HESCO Concept Development
The HESCO technology uses the most efficient shape in order to create a solid building block, whilst maintaining its main advantage of being able to fold flat. Once the cage has then been infilled, the container canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take any other form. Developing on this concept, it would be possible to introduce the origami studies conducted previously, in order to create a new type of building block.
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USE HESCO TO PROTECT FROM NORTHERLY WIND DIAGRAM
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HESCO Concept Development
USE HESCO TO PROTECT FROM NORTHERLY WIND DIAGRAM
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USE HESCO TO PROTECT FROM NORTHERLY WIND DIAGRAM
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Technologies Chapter Conclusion
A lot of information has been included within this chapter, including the environmental and size considerations needed for the schemes programme, as well as the materials under CONSIDERATION for the project.
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Experience Chapter Introduction
Having looked at the concept information and derived design, structural and environmental strategies, I will now begin to develop this information into a succinct design...
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Concept Building Description
Over recent chapters, a lot of research, experimentation and analysis has been conducted into a number of technologies, forms and environmental conditions. Now is the time to look into how this information can inform the site layout of the scheme. Shown on this page are the site and programme, to highlight what will be required. In previous chapters, a number of key considerations have been discussed; such as the public / privacy issue; the protection offered from the housing estate to the south, with the large open expanse to the north east; accessibility and the need for familiarity. Given these topics, decisions are starting to be made on the positioning of some of the programme onto the site already, which are to be discussed on subsequnt pages. EXPAND
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Concept Building Description
Accommodation
Meeting Space
Security Outdoor Spaces
Support Hub Office reception Art Room IT Suite
Dining
Gym Shop Plant Museum
Exhibition Space
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Kitchen
Workshop
Breakout Space
Private Public
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Concept Building Orientation
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Concept Building Orientation
SKETCH TO SHOW HOW THE WIND WOULD FLOW AROUND THE BUILDING / UP AND OVER THE BUILDING
As mentioned previously, protection from the colder, northerly wind is important to ensure a comfortable and energy efficient internal environment; whilst creating a tranquil and calm external courtyard conditions. The orientation of buildings can greatly effect how the wind is diverted around the structure. As it is possible to see in the diagrams opposite,by orienteering the corner of the building towards the wind, the pressure will be channelled around the building and deflect towards the remaining site. When the building is flat to the oncoming wind, a positive, pushing force is created, whilst behind the building, a negative pressure develops causing a suction effect. Turbulent air will also develop, which could cause a turbulent environment, possibly uncomfortable for the residents and occupants of the external spaces. Creating a pleasant atmosphere is crucial to a successful project and by utilising a village style building type, micro-climates are likely to be produced in the courtyards. Considering this is highly important and so developing around this is needed. FLUID DYNAMICS?? Improving the health of those who Serve
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Concept Building Divisions
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One of the key principles of the scheme is to give the impression that the prtoect is Public vehicular access will likely come from the south of the site. Private pedestrians open to the public, whilst ensuring that the residents and visitors to the support hub are likely to either come via the barracks, or the south. feel safe and secure. The top diagram opposite show the possible separation between the public (blue cross hatch) and private (grey diagonal hatch) spaces. The private On the following pages are a series of indicative layouts.... space is adjacent to the barracks, with the possibility of a secure entrance to the rear of the site. The public area is the full width of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;entraceâ&#x20AC;? from Walmgate Stray, helping to give the impression of a large, public extension to the stray; extending to the south west corner, over looking the housing estates. On the previous page, th orientation of the building was discussed in order to design against the wind. In the bottom diagram opposite, a hatched area is shown where the HESCO technology could be utilised. With the deep thickness of the HESCO, the material will absorb the colder wind and protect the internal environment. An additional advantage is that the thick walls will offer the aura of security and privacy. The diagram above shows how the visitors are likely to access the site. Public pedestrains are more likely to come from the east of the site, the Walmgate Stray. Improving the health of those who Serve
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Concept Building Configurations
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Concept Building Configurations
Over the next few pages, the concept configurations shown previously, are portrayed with their respective spatial relationships, as defined in previous chapters. With the above iteration, a lot of open space can be found in the centre of the scheme, helping to make the whole project feel extremely open. The staff offices, IT and meeting rooms are used to help shelter the support hub, however the accommodation appears to be prominent and towards a main entrance; if this layout is to be utilised then this factor will need to be considered. Having two large structures, such as the accommodation and gym areas in close proximity block the view of the scheme from the south west. OPINION
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Shown above, the individual buildings are in a denser compilation. As opposed to the layout opposite, the sports complex is shifted towards the stray, with the workshops and exhibition spaces crowded in to accommodate this move. The IT suites and meeting rooms surround the staff offices which offer shelter to the support hub. In the above diagram, the accommodation becomes more noticeable as it is one of the main buildings to be seen as visitors approach. Because of this, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that this arrangements works particularly well due to the lack of security to the accommodation. In terms of the environmental factors...
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Concept Building Configurations
Another relatively â&#x20AC;&#x153;openâ&#x20AC;? layout shown above, offers more privacy to the accommodation, whilst also sheltering the support hub. The support hub is situated adjacent to the barracks, allowing the opportunity for serving members to visit the hub for support and assitance if required. The sports complex is situated on the south east of the site, allowing for views out over the stray, and the possibility for the design to include external space and to link with the stray. The large open expanses shown throughout the scheme, allows for external break out / courtyards to be developed. The workshops and exhibition space are shown to the south of the site offering plenty of natural daylight and ventilation opportunities. EXPAND
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In the above iteration, the accommodation is shown in the north west corner of the site. This offers the residents maximum privacy, which is a key issue as these are the rooms that are likely to be occupied by residents for the majority of the time (DOES THIS MAKE IT SOUND LIKE EVERYONE STAYS IN THEIR ROOMS?) The support hub is shown closer to the entrance of the site, with the building’s entrance having the potential to be hidden. This would be a similar situation as to that seen at Help for Heroes’ Phoenix House in Catterick. The offices and meeting rooms are shown to the east of the accommodation, offering some privacy. Whilst these staff areas require less privacy than the accommodation, I don’t think it is beneficial to the scheme to have these areas on show from the stray. EXPAND
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Activities Lifestyle
I believe this project has the potential to be a fantastic scheme and will revolve around the success of a number of key spaces. The scheme can be broken down into several key areas: Sports complex, Accommodation, Support Hub, Museum and the Break out / Socialising space. A soldierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyle is often very fast paced and full of outgoing activities. The assumption is that once they are injured, these activities will be difficult, but I believe that there are not the facilities in place to assist. If the design could in some way be incorporated into the scheme, it will hopefully give a sense of familiarity and helping to allow the residents to engage with the building.
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Activities Lifestyle
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Precedence Sports Complex
Olgiata Sporting Club / LAD
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Precedence Sports Complex
KEY PRINCIPLES OF ACCOMMODATION
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Principles Sports Complex
The Sports Complex aims to be one of the focal points of the scheme. It wants to be quite a public space, as it plans to be one of the main links between the injured soldiers and the public, whilst offering some private gym space should there be a requirement for it from individual residents. Flexibility will be a priority for the sport centre. Its primary function will be that of a gym, requiring lots of natural daylight and ventilation, although protected from solar gains. However, as the space will be largely open plan, functions and events will be held in the space, aiming to generate income for the charities. Due to the nature of the sports centres use, accessibility is paramount. Level thresholds will be incorporated throughout the scheme; however I plan to introduce an element of fun in the scheme. This will be through the use of the rock climbing walls described earlier and the undulating floor levels. Wheelchair users may often feel neglected in gyms; but by building an almost skate park like flooring, the residents will hopefully be able to enjoy themselves. Page 172
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Principles Sports Complex
Incorporating a skate park-like flooring will need to be carefully designed to ensure that it complies with the Approved Documents. This type of arena will give a great workout to the wheelchair user, whilst creating an element of fun. Another way to achieve the skate park idea would be through a series of ramps. Furthermore, this would allow for the users to easily travel between a series of different levels, allowing the occupants to experience the space from a number of angles. Over the next few pages, the ramp concept is developed further. EXPAND
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Concept
1000
Regulations stipulate the incline and length of ramp and landings permissible, which these concepts comply with, however I believe that it can be taken further.
1350
As opposed to the ramp running alongside some stairs, or around the periphery of the floor plan, the ramp would instead become a feature that slinks and winds its way around, that can cross over the top of itself.
1450
An important consideration for any scheme is access around the building, with ramps being the traditional way of allowing disabled occupants to travel around. The concept of this scheme is to take the ramp further though and incorporate the ramp in a different way.
1700
Ramp Access
EXPAND
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Concept Ramp Access
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Concept Ramp Access
DEVELOP RAMP IDEA
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Concept Ramp Access
ANOTHER RAMP
DEVELOP RAMP IDEA
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Concept Ramp Access
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Concept Ramp Access
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Concept Ramp Access
DEVELOP RAMP BASED ON OTHER SHAPES - NOT SQUARES
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Precedence Accommodation
The Belmont Community Rehabilitation Centre offers, in Victoria, Australia, offers an active, goal-focused rehabilitation program in a residential setting. The accommodation is adjoined to the local health centre and focuses on preventing further disability by supporting clients to reduce the chance of relapses and improve their well-being. Located on a prominent corner, the building form and materiality seek to engage with the surroundings. White cypress timber was selected as the primary façade material due to its sustainability, inherent warmth and natural appeal. The façade is articulated with recessed self-shading windows to the street elevations, and expressed sunshades to the windows to the garden areas. The strong motif of glass and timber showcases the timber’s natural grain and colour, expressing the form and design of the façade and creates a non-institutional and engaging building, easy to construct and maintain.
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Precedence Accommodation
The interesting features of this project are that despite it being a rehabilitation centre, it offers an extremely familiar and
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Principles Accommodation
The accommodation for the scheme is required to be one of the most private and secluded areas achievable. Consisting of 40 bedrooms, the bedrooms need to be somewhere that the residents will feel safe; however such that the occupants will congregate and social is recreational areas as opposed to hiding away in their bedrooms; Therefore a social aspect will be equally important. The aim of the accommodation is to be as familiar and homely as possible, therefore I propose that the bedrooms to be built from a common construction method as analysed in the Concept chapter, such as SIPs. If built on a human scale, this aims to help make the residents feel welcome, secure and comfortable. However, despite the construction method being common, I believe that interest can be added to the plan. As seen in the Belmont rehabilitation centre shown on the previous page, subtle design features can be included to give a sense of privacy. Design features such as the facade being angled draws the occupants eyes away, however, I believe this can be developed further, as shown in the diagrams above. Page 184
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Principles Accommodation
ANGLE OF WINDOWS PRO’S AND CON’S
ANGLE OF WINDOWS PRO’S AND CON’S
ANGLE OF WINDOWS PRO’S AND CON’S
COURTYARDS
COURTYARDS
COURTYARDS
Although I have previously stated that the scheme aims to be single storey, in order to preserve site area, I think it may be beneficial to house the accommodation over two storeys. Part M of the Approved Documents requires that each floor must have the same provisions. Building around a courtyard would provide a secluded outdoor space that is accessible for all the occupants. Outdoor space is an important factor in aiding recovery and will provide the residents with their own, secluded, external space. This further integrates with the angled windows as discussed previosuly. Over subsequent pages, these ideas and concepts will be developed further to create a sense of what the accommodation buildings could look like.
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Concept Accommodation
Typical Bedroom Corridor
Courtyard
In the majority of accommodation buildings, the bedrooms are aligned either side of a central corridor, giving a very medical and unwelcoming atmosphere. Whilst the central corridor would allow for easy access for all residents, the building would have to be quite large to allow for all the bedrooms to face onto a courtyard; a concept that I wish to employ.
By utilising a courtyard, the bedrooms are guaranteed an external view, with the corridor and circulation spaces around the outside, adding an extra layer of privacy from the
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Concept Accommodation
WHAT ARE THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE ACCOMMODATION
WHAT ARE THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE ACCOMMODATION
DEVELOP COURTYARD IDEA
DEVELOP COURTYARD IDEA
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Concept Accommodation
WHAT ARE THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE ACCOMMODATION COMBINING RAMP COURTYARDS & WINDOWS?
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KEY PRINCIPLES OF ACCOMMODATION
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Precedence Community Centre
Pumanque Community Centre / The Scarcity and Creativity Studio, Chile.
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Precedence Community Centre
Pumanque Community Centre / The Scarcity and Creativity Studio
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Principles Community Centre
Pumanque Community Centre / The Scarcity and Creativity Studio
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Principles Community Centre
Pumanque Community Centre / The Scarcity and Creativity Studio
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Experience Chapter Conclusion
Courtyards & Circulation
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Design Development Chapter Introduction
Courtyards & Circulation
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Concept Courtyards & Circulation
LAYOUTS B GRASSHOPPER
USE IN DESIGN D
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Concept Courtyards & Circulation
BASED ON R LAYOUTS???
DEVELOPMENT?
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Precedent Materiality
IS THIS PAG TECH
HOW FAR CAN SIPS SPAN? WILL ANOTHER STRUCTURE TYPE BE NEEDED? COMPARA A RANGE OF MATERIALS SPANS?
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GE JUST FOR H A???
HOW FAR CAN SIPS SPAN? WILL ANOTHER STRUCTURE TYPE BE NEEDED? SIPS ON FRAMES? Utilise a campus arrangement to minimise large scale construction, encourage airflow through the site and increase future expansion options.
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