OKO HUB

Öko Hub

A C T I O N S P A C E : ADAPTIVE REUSE DESIGN STUDIO 2A Rachel Chadwick. 2021. University of Salford

CONTENTS

PAGE 3_

Existing Building and Site Analysis

PAGE 12_

Activist Cause: Sustainable Living

PAGE 13_

Design Potential

PAGE 14_

Precedent Studies;

Casaneiro House

Cassina Innovation House

Silence Room

The Wool Pavilion

Hazel Hare Centre for Plant Science

The Growing Pavilion

PAGE 28_

Programme

PAGE 30_

Concept

PAGE 32_

Design Development

PAGE 62_

Proposed Design

PAGE 94_

Reflection

PAGE 97_

References

Project Brief Retrofit project objective in designing a centre for activism.

Through re-use of existing building 'The Crescent'. A disused public house, and attached terraced house.

Located on the crescent, a busy dual carriageway on the A6 corridor, and Massey street of Salford.

The site is less than 1 mile from the University of Salford and Manchester City centre

SITE LOCATION

The river irwell flows adjacent to the dual carriageway at the north of the site. Green-space is present next to the river, however there is low aesthetic visibility of the space from the site.

South of the site the rail line passes, the land in-between this and the site is industrial and un-attractive. Historically the Manchester canal would have been visible here too. > Challenges; A potential challenge of the site is access. The dual carriageway facing the site experiences high traffics. Affects of this could delay construction. This should be considered when planning for JIT material delivery.

Site, 1970. Taken from Digimaps

SITE HISTORY

‘The Red Dragon Hotel’, 1958, https://www.flickr.com/photos/61756486@N05/6319455760/

2010 Property put for action

1900s Site occupied terraced house 20 & 21 The Crescent and 1 Masey street

1940s 20 The Crescent redeveloped to public house ‘ The Red Dragon’

1950s Terraced houses East of site deconstruction

1960s Warehouses built on land East of site

Late 19th Century Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels meet

2016 Sold to Chinese owners Proposal submitted for a Chinese cultural centre

Built around the 1860s the currently named 'The Crescent' is one of the most historic pubs in Salford. Rumoured to be the meeting place of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels as they ''drank and discussed revolution and theories of communism''.

During this period the pub was called 'The red dragon'.

Historic maps show that during the 1940s, '20 The Crescent' was redeveloped to 'The Red Dragon' public house. Photographs from 1958 show the site was also used as a hotel in this period.

2021 Activist space design proposal

2021 Redevelopment of surrounding land fill, east of site. ‘ The local Crescent’ design of 5plusarchitects

Future of master-plan area (2030) Redevelopment

Local DPD strategy aims Strategies outlined ''for use up to year 2037''.

Design proposals should follow these strategies to be in line with local planning framework. Doing so enables progression towards national goal for carbon net zero.

Strategies and design proposal relationship:

The public house later developed a name change to 'The Crescent' in 1986 (1). It is uncertain as to when '21 the Crescent' was incorporated into the pub, although was most likely during this time.

> ''Protect important environmental assets'' - site master-plan should protect green spaces. Creation of green space should take place where appropriate and possible. - Innovative solutions to incorporate urban green space include green vertical walls.

The property was put up for sale in 2010, and has become derelict since its sale in 2016, after closing its doors as a public house.

> ''Tackle inequality'' - Buildings use and master-plan should focus to create accessible green/ natural spaces and educational use.

Sold to Chinese owners, who plan to restore the site as a public house under the original name. Their original plan for a Chinese cultural centre is no longer moving forwards.

Elements of this are proposed for the pub, which will include conference rooms to develop links between China and the University of Salford.

> ''Withstand economic shock'' - Versatile design allows for developed use. Potential to create economic spaces, such as a cafe or shop, should be possible. Moveable interior spaces can be created through minimal intrusive load bearing walls.

The Crescent development framework 2021 sees the site and 240 acres of surrounding area to be sustainably redesigned, over the next 10+ years. The programmes am2021bition is to enhance the areas green, cultural and heritage assets. The case study site falls under zone 6 of the programme.

Partners; Salford City council, University of Salford and English cities fund programme has been designed by 5plus Architects. The proposal would provide the site with improved transport links and green spaces. With a linear park adjacent to the train line towards the south of the site. Also new cycle and pedestrian routes along the river, north of the site.

> ''Minimising contribution to climate change'' - Considered throughout design process. Construction and operational-carbon should be low. > ''Reduce risk of flooding impact' - Water management should be assessed, of the design proposed.

BUILDING FORM

Existing Building Form Existing structure is composed of 4 floors. Previous pub and terrace house are detached internally. The as existing pubs' configuration resembles the two terraced houses, as was, with only two small sections of wall removed during the previous conversion.

The layout of the building is shown in figure 1. Assumed floor-plans of the site are shown, taken from observing videos and photography of the site.

The structure situates the sites' boundaries to Massey Street and dual carriageway, with public footpaths lining these elevations.

East elevation is attached to a single storey building,currently occupied as offices. Whilst the south elevation presents various add-ons to the structure. These ‘ add-ons’ are not included in the floor-plan because they are not . There’ s currently a relatively large tarmac car park,

Existing North Elevation

Existing North West Elevation

Existing South Elevation

> Existing structure elevations from OMI Architects. As shown the south elevation 5 appears cluttered. Various extensions have been added, services are also visible to the exterior. > Challenges of existing exterior include Grade II listing the North and West elevations.

The existing south elevation has low light provision. Inclusion of addition and/ or larger windows should be presented through design proposals. Also, the south elevation overlooks a car park. Of which is visually un-appealing. Response to this would include the car park for site master-plan redevelopment.

External Structure

BUILDING APPRAISAL

The front facade of the Crescent town-houses were made Grade II listed during 1976. The site incorporates similar Georgian proportions as the rest of the Crescent. Utilising columns and pedimented doorways.

Foundation_ Assumed as brick footings on shallow concrete strip foundation. Possible that no foundation is present. Strip foundation can be assumed as 600mm wide and 150mm thick.

Walls_ Externally the building showcases rough-cast render over red brick. It can be assumed that a double Flemish bond structure, figure 2, would have been used. This structural technique includes a double ''course of brickwork containing alternating headers and stretchers'' (UWE, n.d). Plan view of structural layout shown through figure 3.

Figure 3. Flemish Bond Plan

Condition of existing brickwork_ Repair of damage of age is expected. No major defects are visible. Testing should take place to assess areas of damp, signs of issues are present internally, as later discussed.

Doors_

Figure 1. EPC Report 2013. Retrieved from Gov.co.uk Exterior doors of timber with stone frame. Georgian style doorways are present to the North and West elevations. See figure 15.

Existing buildings produces emissions of 117.71 per year.(Shakleton, 2013). As exiting the building has been given an energy rating of F. The target for design proposals should aim to be net zero C02. In accordance with local and national planning frameworks.

The success of the design proposal can be analysed against the energy rating it is expected to achieve.

Further detail within the report establishes the existing building as compromising 617 square meters.

Natural gas is the current heating source. Of which is a fossil fuel, because of this, better environmental options should be considered for future development.

Figure 2. Flemish Bond Elevation Structure technique is considered weaker than the similar English bond. Although the appearance is uniform.

WINDOWS_ Typical window structure of assumed Flemish bond wall structure is shown in figure 4. The stone cill is visible on the facade.

Existing windows are of varying dimensions, also positioned at differing heights. These changes are slight, including some element of formality.

Homogeneous wooden sash window frames are used. Fitting to the Georgian proportions.

Figure 8. The Crescent existing roof structure

Figure 4 of the building as existing, presents the visible stone cill. Figure 5 illustrates the structural arrangement of the Flemish bond brick window opening.

Roof structure compromises a structural ridge supported by a segmented post and full span header (Timber Frame Engineering Council, 2020). The weight of the roof is transferred through the load bearing walls.

Figure 6. Window structure ROOF_ Open gable pitched roof. With intersection of the west roof.

Roof structure illustrated through figure 7. Internal perspective of existing is presented in figure 8.

Figure 8 illustrates that no insulation is present to the existing structure. Existing timber beams appear rotten.

As existing there is no ceiling between the third floor and roof space.

Welsh slate is used. Material of similar or same appearance should be present for the proposed design. In accordance with Grade II listing.

Three exposed brick chimneys are present. Two are located to the north roof elevation, with the third at the south roof elevation.

The Grade II listing is inclusive of the chimney's external appearance. Compromising the brick flue, crown and cap.

Figure 4. Existing north facade

Figure 7. Gable pitched roof structure

> Existing gable pitched roof strcuture

Internal Structure The high ceiling basement spans the full site, red brick archways connect multiple rooms. However most of the rooms are blocked off with concrete blocks, an unoriginal feature.

Wooden beams are visible in the basement.

FLOOR_ Assumptions can be made of wooden floors being used throughout both properties, composing of joists and floorboards. Exposed floor can be seen in figure 9.

Figure 9. The Crescent existing floor structure

Figure 10. Floor structure Joist shown in figure 9 implies fire damage. Floorboards are missing through the building. These would need to be replaced, to comply with building regulations.

Unfinished concrete is present in the basements. This material is likely to of been a 1900s addition to the structure , using poured concrete. Increasing the structures' stability.

Load Bearing walls_ As illustrated through shading (right). Assumed load bearing walls, carry load of roof structure to ground.

Load Bearing wall structure 1:125

Existing Building Fabric

Other Defects_

Internal walls_ Assumed as single brick Flemish bond solid masonry walls, with lime plaster.

Observations of videography from urban explores showcases that concrete blocks have been added to the site. This addition was possibly made during the 2000s.

Current defects of the structure include the staircases.

Video observations from Urban explorers shows that the majority of timber staircases have warped or have been replaced with temporary staircases, (metal ladders).

Elements of special interest_

Figure 14. The Crescent existing Fireplace

Figure 13. The Crescent existing staircase

Presumed late 1800s features. Brick and stone with metal internal. 3 fireplaces are present to the existing building.

Figure 13 shows that ornate details are carved into the staircases.

Figure 11. Internal wall illustration Existing electrics do not meet building regulation part M standards. As existing, plug sockets are below 450mm.

Signs of damp can be seen, on the ceilings and walls through the site. The cause of this damp is likely to be from the roof, of which gaps are present to the slate roof.

This is an issue of concern. Further assessment would need to take place to understand the cause.

Figure 15. The Crescent existing external doorway Figure 12. The Crescent existing internal wall Ornate Georgian-style columns with pediment are present to the north and west elevation doorway.

SITE ANALYSIS

> Environmental analysis of the site is presented. Diagram also shows proposal for wider site master-plan.

ANALYSIS OF SITE MASTERPLAN Preliminary site analysis presents sun path and wind direction to site.

Existing surrounding buildings present little shadow cast to the site. East of the site there are new multi-storey residential apartments. This poses the largest potential for shadow.

Particularly, as shown through the master-plan environmental strategy, during sunrise hours.

Analysed wind exposure should be considered through design of natural air ventilation and circulation.

Daylight provision analysis of existing first floor floor-plan

DAYLIGHT ANALYSIS OF EXISTING BUILDING Analysis shows that few windows are present to the South facade. Future design should consider this, to make appropriate use of sun gain and daylight.

Illustration presents darker areas where daylight provision is expected to be low. Artificial light is a requirement to these areas.

Light shading is present to all North rooms. Good daylight provision exists here, because multiple windows exist to each space.

Movement ANALYSIS OF EXISTING BUILDING Axonometric of existing floor-plans (left) illustrated with expected main user routes. Layout is disconnected, the floorplan, of previously terrace houses, remains. Little internal structural changes appear to of been made.

Two of the terraced house as previous, have previously seen re-use as a public house. The ground floor-plan as existing shows this. Sections of structural wall have been removed, allowing a flow between the two previous houses.

Improvements can be made to the flow and interaction between spaces as existing. Potential design could see removal of all internal walls. As existing arrangement does not allow for

Movement analysis of existing floor-plans, shown through exploded

The building in proposal faces North north east. As illustrated through the environmental strategy the highest daylight provision should be gained from the South of the site. However as analysis of existing building presents, daylight provision is low within the south located rooms. This is because of the existing windows. Improvements to overcome this is for windows to be added to the south facing rooms. The affect would increase daylight provision significantly.

However, a challenge of this is the potential for overheating.

ACTIVIST CAUSE _SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Sustainable living aims to achieve ‘‘ net zero living’’ , giving what is taken back to the earth.

Activists of the cause aim for a way of lifestyle, a continued fight. Living sustainable encompasses various aspects;

Local. Through travel, sustainable living supports local transportation, cycling or waking.

Or shared transport. Another aspect of ‘ local’ is through ‘ choosing local’ . Minimising product miles, as transportation uses fossil fuels.

‘‘ Regenerative farming’’ , this opposes inorganic farming, of which is a leading cause of biodiversity loss. ‘‘ Regenerative farming aims to restore carbon and health to the soil’’ (Sustainable jungle, n.d.).

Activists are seen more often covered for their fight towards environmental objectives. ‘ Extinction Rebellion’ play a key role in organising protests and projecting issues of the activist cause.

Extinction Rebellion are an organisation in the fight for climate action.

Plant rich diets, such as vegetarian and veganism. ‘‘ Livetsock and their by-products account for...

51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions per year’’ (Cowspiracy, n.d.).

Renewable energy. Against fossil fuels, because of the CO2 emissions released. Instead the activist cause is for the use of renewable sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass.

These clean sources are in unlimited supply.

Self sufficiency, through ‘ own growing’ in food production. Recycling and reuse of products and by-products. Off-grid living strongly involves sustainable living. Elements of these structures are often; rainfall collection, composting toilets, organic plant production.

An often overlooked, yet arguably one of the most important umbrella of sustainable living is materials.

Encompassing all aspects of materials of construction, fabric, furniture, renewable energy. The design should aim to only use sustainable materials.

This use in materials should be how the activist caused is lived through the design. Involving the qualities of sustainable living, showcases activism to future occupant.

Activism is often seen as to be disruptive, powerful shocking. Sustainable living as a cause involves elements of this portrayal, through specific protesting causes. Although sustainable living as a wider cause of activism is peaceful.

Considering this, the design should be intrusive and impulsive.

Design Potential

Features wished to be included in the site are firstly a growing space. Specifically for edible plants, the climate of this space is important and so materials and ventilation are important to consider through concept design.

Provocative design should be bold. Consequently the space behind the listed facade can be reflective of this. It should go beyond concepts of '4 walls' to provide more. Challenge the occupant and encourage strong activist beliefs.

AIMS OF THE SITE The way the site is used should be open to change, keeping enclosed spaces to a minimum would encourage variation in use.

Uses of the site could include; 1A Food production - Greenhouse 1B Educate 1C Promote sustainable living 1D Meeting/ debating area - activist interaction This should be a provocative space, allowing the community to creatively express and discuss their aims for activism.

Occupants could be encouraged to explore and practise themes of sustainable living, through design and space.

This could be achieved through providing growing spaces for the community. An urban allotment would also provide a social space, intertwined with improving users standard of living, an aim of sustainable living.

USER ANALYSIS

> Diagram explains aspects of sustainable living. The proposed design should encompass elements from each of these outlined areas. The overall focus of the design will be on one specific area of sustainable activism.

Expected use would target the age group of 20-30. This is based on current eco-trends as evaluated (Folk, 2018). ''Millenials have made the most changes to their lives for sustainable change''. Folk also discusses that millenials are more likely to live a plant based diet. This produces less carbon than animal products, and so , a more sustainable approach.

Requirements of users include disability access, design will include wheelchair accessible corridors and toilet facilities.

Ground floor-plan, Casaneiro House.

PRECEDENT STUDIES _CONCEPT Detail, Casaneiro House.

CASANEIRO HOUSE Architect UID Architects Year 2016 Country Japan The large volume of the internal external inclusive space is broken up to create new spacial domain. These spaces do not conform to traditional boundaries of rooms, with 4 walls, standard doors and ceiling. Pushing boundaries with elevated ceilings and expansive doorways. Glass is used to present the 'space beyond', enabling narrow spaces to feel expansive.

Furniture elevates these expressions, positioned under openings of dividing walls.

Interaction between exterior and interior intrude and overlap on each other illusively. Creating an established connection between occupier and nature.

The image 2 mimics a doorway on ground level, developing a sense of internal space to this otherwise open exterior.

Colour is applied to dividing walls, reflecting the discrete changes in light and air between transition in space. The colour pallet is bold, creating unique expression.

Transition of seasons is a strong aspect to this building. From the route the occupier takes to travel through the spaces, the use of reflecting colours and the planting chosen. (Abdel, n.d).

Section (Y3), Casaneiro House.

CASSINA INNOVATION HOUSE ARCHITECTS Laurent Troost HVAC LR Engenheria 125 year old brick building in Brazil. This re-use restoration serves as a co-working venue-and restaurant.

The hotel, as previously occupied, was abondoned and the structure overtaken by vegetation. This biodesign presents as a nod to the environemnets overtaking of the space. The architect wanted to honour this.

The existing exterior brick walls and stone foundation have been restored. The internal has been removed, replaced with a steel prefabricated structure.

This structure stands independent from the buildings original outer shell. ''Shading devices help mitigate solar heat gain'' ''The east facade, hit by the rising sun, has received contemporary frames with tempered glass fins to create a ventilated, double-skin facade that keeps the heat out," (McKnight, 2021).

As figures present. The garden area does not have a roof, allowing biodiversity. This design approach is one that could be taken forward into designs for the redevelopment of The Crescent.

Joana Franca photography

Section plans illustrate the sustainable gain of the ‘‘ rainforest garden’’ presented at the front entrance to the structure. Enabling heat reduction, CO2 conversion, reduced air pollution and biodiversity.

This garden area encompasses 4 floors as shown through further figure of section views.

Silence Room, at Selfridges Architects Alex Cochrane Architects Design plays with spacial configurations.

Creating an insertion of a 'box within a box'. Constructed within an existing space, it is designed to be removed without impact to existing building.

Challenges arose due to the structures requirement for 6 large imposing columns. Resolution of this 'issue' enabled the design of the thick cavity walls, that enclose the columns. The depth of the walls extenuates the success of this design. Following the projects brief to create a 'silent room'.

This overcoming of issues to enable strong design is inspiring. A mindset to take forward into designs within The Crescent proposal.

'' The existing space is painted black to create a mysterious intermediate space between busy department store and sanctuary of the Silence room.''

As shown through the floor-plan. The user is lead around the central space.

Lighting is used to create drama, and further contrast of material pallet used within and outside the intrusive box.

Inspiring aspects of precedent; > Use of lighting > This precedent study had been discovered during developing of proposed design. Iterations present a focal intrusive 'box'. This design reflects ideas being explored through these iterations. Through the use of a large central space, Circulation of movement around this box, and also the guidance the space possesses over the users circulation. Of which encourages specific interactions, designed by the architect.

''Takes visitors on a journey along a dark circulation path that terminates in a soft, calm, light-filled space.'' (Higgins, 2015)

MATERIAL _PRECEDENT STUDIES

The Wool Pavilion Architects AUW, Marton Low Questions concepts of traditional structures. Utilising wool fleece clad facade.

The architects concept for the structure is for the solo occupier to have a ''therapeutic session with themselves'' (Levy,2018).

The provocative structure features a timber base, tin roof and fleece clad facade. It is assumed that the walls' structure is timber, this is stuffed with thick bundles of wool. The material naturally repels water, being a temporary structure the minimal structure is sufficient.

The interior is simplistic, a stool attached to the back of the door faces a mat on the floor.

Wool is used to insulate the space from external noise. Natural light enters the space through a thin opening in the roofs' pitch.

Design Detail. Internal wool cladding and timber door. Photography Simon Platter

The Wool Pavilion.

Photography Simon Platter Design Detail. Wool Cladding and tin roof.

Photography Simon Platter

Hazel hare centre for plant science. Learning Lab. Photography; Bill Timmerman

Design Detail of Thermal advanced polycarbonate frame fixing Facade system with integrated subsoil, and thermal break frame. Possess high insulated performance and protection against water and air penetration, with reduced thermal conductivity. (danpal, n.d)

Design detail. Polycarbonate frame. From Denpal

Hazel Hare Centre for plant science Architects Co-lab Studio, 180 Degrees The west greenhouse is a Steel framed structure. Polycarbonate cladding diffuses light, creating a favourable environment for plants to grow in. Sawtooth roof, above this, a metal canopy with manoeuvrable perforated aluminium louvres.

The learning labs’ south elevation compromises salvaged wood to shade slot windows. Glazed openings on the north and east elevations provide a connection to outdoors (McKnight, 2021).

Plants are designed externally to be functional as-well as involving volunteers and community to get involved.

Sustainability was a key drive for this project. Materials have been reused from construction to design. The timber form-work has been reused to create a characterful fence bordering the site.

Donated local pallets were salvaged from going into landfill. Used instead to create planters and form fencing.

436 tonnes of rock boulders were transported from the quarry. The bouldards incorporate additional natural Elements, forming a physical connection between occupier and natural landscape. (Darani, n.d).

The Growing Pavilion DESIGN Pacal Leboucq Concept Pascal Lebouq, Lucas de Man, Eric Klarenbeek Temporary construction, showcasing the use of mycelium cladding in sustainable biomass construction.

During the short period the structure was erected for, it occupied an exhibition space.

Materials used; wood, hemp, mycelium, cattail and cotton.

(Berg & Konings, 2019)

PROGRAMME

CONCEPT DIAGRAM

CONCEPT COLLAGE Activist ideas 'grow' as occupant travels up through the structure. Floors present different uses from experience and learning spaces to as the occupiers knowledge grows a stronger political activist view emerges.

The idea of growing is pick pointed out of the wider concept of what sustainable living is. Creating an opportunity to immerse people in the activist cause through material choices. Growth should be taken through a physical sense too. Through incorporating natural living material - living walls, greenhouse, mycelium are a few ideas explored.

Key concepts used in the design are shown through the concept collage.

The main purpose for this space is to create a space for 'sustainable living' activism. The protesters of this idea are at the heart of this design. The space created should project their views aswell as making a usable space for discussions and artistic expression.

The series of channelling tunnels are taken from the precedent study of 'Casaneiro House'. This concept of dividing the spaces is a favourable aspect to take into designs.

ITERATIONS

Iteration #1 Modelling placement of the 'Invasive box' within the space. Series of images present various layouts within space.

Aims to create a visually dramatic space, with high daylight provision. Voids are used to promote good natural air flow.

Continuation of experimentation of internal form.

Orientation of 10m x 3m 'box' explores diversity of internal experience created.

Iteration presents a focus Photoshop visual of previous series of models. Previous models explore the position of the greenhouse 'box' in relation to the space and floor levels.

Model taken forward presents this box centrally located within two floors, enabling high ceilings. The box is slightly elevated from ground level. With open half a meter of open surrounding the box excluded from the first floor level. And a gap of 1 meter towards the north rear of this space. This allows occupiers a visual connection between all floors from certain positions. Aswell as alternative views of the space.

Iteration #2 Iteration #2 Develops on from iteration 1. Too presenting the polycarbonate box infront of the south entrance as existing.

Central to the floor-plan of the space.

This model explores a series of horizontal walls to break the space . Involving large openings to connect this series of narrow spaces. This is taken from the Precedent study of Casaneiro House.

Floor slabs have not been included in the model, yet indication is shown where these would be. (See red line).

Sketch over iteration 1 model image shows design development of iteration 2

> Physician model of iteration, designed post development sketching

> Sketchup model development of iteration #2 CAD modelled to show wall sections and floor levels with further description

> Development presents proposed first floor-plan Void areas are included to enable full ground to roof height exposure within spaces of the ground floor. Creating dramatic spaces, for a provocative user experience.

ITERATION #3

> Exploring relationship between external and internal space.

Model aims to create 3 internal structures within an open courtyard space.

Left structure presents exposed bracing of two storeys. This space could potentially inhabit the functional learning , meeting spaces.

Second, middle, structure of greenhouse 'box'. Enclosing the growing space.

Exposed surroundings enable occupiers to travel around the spaces exterior, exploring the shadows the internal plants present.

Third structure could be used for functional aspects such as toilet facilities.

> Iteration develops from the previous iteration, through rearrangement of internal spaces, to physical separate buildings. > Use of enclosed box relates to Alex Cochranes' Silence Room.

ITERATION #4

> Separated buildings presented in iteration 3, developed to follow vertical dividing walls inspired by Casaneiro house. > A focus of this design is the experience and provision of natural light. An aim for natural light to be present in the basement is created, > Constraints to this design include;

Width of greenhouse space. The experience of the space would appear more dramatic if this were larger. And the user could enter the space, to physically experience the green space.

Privacy is low, for the toilet area. > Post evaluation further design developments will not continue with the narrow atrium space - a larger space would benefit environmentally and also user experience.

ITERATION #5

Developing from previous iterations. Design orientates uses of walls explored previously in iteration 2 and 4. Large square atrium box designed through iteration 2 has been angled to reflect axes of building.

Sketchup has been used to model the design.

Two storeys with basement and roof terrace. The roof terrace is shown to occupy a quarter of the second floor. Located on the south of the building for maximum light. Allowing light to penetrate the central’ greenhouse’ atrium, from above. Light also enters the atrium through multiple double height windows on the south elevation.

SECTION 1

Access Lifts are located on the west of the building for access to the basement, ground and first floor. Second floor lift access is on the east. This is because of insufficient roof height on the west. Ramp access is provided between the two storey roof terrace.

Stair access to the basement is within the planted section of the east of the site. Access to above floors are on the west.

Natural ventilation A narrow void of 200mm is present around the perimeter of the atrium, of all floor levels. Allowing for natural clean air flow.

Plants have ventilation, air cooling and purifying properties. Planted areas are located in the south entrance section of the building, within the enclosed atrium and the roof terrace.

- Planted walls could be incorporated, replacing some of the internal brick walls.

SECTION 2

CAD model developed through sketches and later 3D cardboard model. Developments present extrusion to south facade. Using axes of internal partitions. Large windows allow good daylight provision, and visual connection to external environment.

Dimensions used for internal atrium of 10.5m x 5m.

Improvements to design > Increase user access within atrium. - First floor corridor location could be altered to intersect the atrium. Allowing internal experience of the green space. > Green space - inclusion of internal courtyards would improve this

Iteration #6 Iteration 5 developed through increased internal green spaces. Inspiration is taken from ‘ Cassina Innovation House’ for the entrance walkway. Green space in the basement grows up, allowing users to enter above plants below. Creating an illusion of space surrounded by green areas, at varying levels.

Iteration presented through series of 3D CAD models.

To show light provision and gain a better insight of the experience the space creates.

Glass is used in the staircase to allow for visual connection to varying floors, and the green area as surrounds. Also allows for daylight from the west elevation to enter the space.

Shadows cast from the green box allow for further connection to nature. As associated with Biophillic design principles.

Section elevation

Views present the South elevation.

Involving the double floor (ground and first floors) vertical windows. Accessible roof garden of native fauna .

Render of the model presents brick and weathered timber clad. Other options could be recycled steel - this would be an effective material to replace the timber clad as shown.

Series of elevations present the roof structure. The existing Grade II North and West roof elevations remain. A section of the South roof also remains. With the remainder of the roof structure being removed. Instead the external roof terrace sits within its place. Although this is dropped to first floor roof height. The roof terrace should be angles, to allow for rainwater run off.

Atrium roof is angled, allowing for rainwater run off aswell as directing natural sunlight into the space.

South elevation

> Iteration 6 Photoshop of internal view.

To illustrate interaction between fauna and structure.

Plants rooted in the basement floor level grow up intertwining the ground floor steel floor grating. Aswell as the behind of the staircase, as shown.

Presenting a strong connection between occupant and plants, as incorporated within the activist cause of sustainability.

ITERATION #7

> Designing the internal spatial arrangement for the learning area - first floor

The space observes a ‘ gallery’ style arrangement of non-structural walls. > Design of the learning space is inspired by the form of the plant cell structure.

This can be understood through floor-plan elevations. - Compromising narrow verticals and alternating horizontal walls.

Developing from this the design creates openings within these horizontal walls.

To allow users to travel around the space.

'Blocked' areas are created by the horizontal walls.

The user movement is explored. Shown through series of arrows. The design directs the user towards the atrium at times. The path forces the user to interact with the space. Instead of providing a straight/ direct path to the corridor at the opposite side of the space.

Horizontal walls of polycarbonate panels provided glimpses of the space beyond. The material is also chosen to enable mused lighting to wrap around the space.

l

> Development sketched over previous iteration 6

Developed floor-plan 1:125

PROPOSED STRUCTURE

Grid structure, oriented on axes of existing building. Beams are predominantly concealed, in-line with internal walls.

Glulam post and beam structure used.

> Propose tion. Nor shown.

Proposal lenges of Permissio of extern potential nal brick non-struc the struc posed use beams. > Design

LIGHTING Proposed lighting of low energy efficient LED. Lighting to be situated on beam faces surrounding internal atrium. Visual affect of this, to create a lit box during nigh-time. Illuminating the internal green space.

Inspiration taken from the Silence room precedent study.

Silence Room at Selfridges. Alex Cochrane Architects 2013.

ed design wall design detail in secrth facing existing brickwork wall

for 25mm brick slip to be used. Chalf this proposal is the Grade II listing. on would need to be granted for use nal brick slip. A resolution for this l constraint would be to use interk slip instead. However brick slip is ctural. Issues would arise here within ctural frame designed. Due to proe of load bearing walls for several

to include high performance windows,

Proposed use for building takes place during day time hours, because of this the design focuses on natural light provision. The main light source being the large glass atrium. Allowing natural daylight to enter previously dark areas of existing structure. The open plan layout means that during the day time minimal light should be required.

Daytime lighting will be required for the basement floor, stairway to basement, toilet facilities, lift and fire escape stairs.

LED strip lighting will be used within these areas. Motion sensors, enable better energy efficiency.

DESIGN DETAILS

> Illustrations present proposed accessibility details. In accordance with building regulations parts M and K.

> Education wall design detail. Located on first floor.

Detail is designed using anthropometric data. > Dimensions of general access staircase.

> Dimensions of wheelchair accessible lift. Lift is enclosed in concrete, in accordance to fire safety regulations. Cart travels three floors.

> Handrail detail for use of staircase and corridor walkway Detail provided from Building Regulations document M

Building Fabric Details

> Polycarbonate connection detail. Used for connection of polycarbonate panels. Within atrium and corridor/ stairs panels. Aluminium used for base and cap components.

> External wall Detailing Brick-slip infront of existing masonary wall > Roof detail. Connection of two roof types. Flat sedum and angled polycarbonate atrium roof

> Polycarbonate panel connection design detail. For roof connection,

> External proposed materials

Materials sample boards

> Internal proposed materials > Environmental impact of Polycarbonate Efficient recycling options exist, enabling the material to be re-used or recycled at deconstruction process.

Also because of good recylability, polycarbonate sheets can be manufactured of recycled material.

Potential for material to become 100% green.

> Materials should be sourced locally where possible.

To incorporate sustainable activism cause practises.

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>Analysis presented of user circulation within floor level. Predominant movement circulates the atrium space. This has been purposefully designed to allow for complete circulation of the space. Decreasing ‘ dead-ends’ within the floor-plan.

Arrows draw off of this. These showcase other user movement. Of which can be rejoined to continue in the flow of the building.

Improvements External access from the south elevation. To allow for better connection to the wider site master-plan.

First Floor 1:200 >The circulation of the first floor is detached in comparison to the ground floorplan. The west side of the layout forces the user to interact with the 'learning area' successfully. Viewing of the atrium and courtyard is enabled through the central section. The 'discussion area' has been designed to enable privacy. The situation of this area within the building enables this successfully. A development for improvement of this would be to include a 'hidden' sliding door. Between the lift and east side of the atrium.

Improvements Bridge along the north of the building, to enable a connected loop of circulatory movement.

CIRCULATION OF MOVEMENT

Ground Floor 1:200

SECTION ELEVATIONS

West Elevation 1:100

> West and North elevations remain as existing. Design decision for this is due to constraints of Grade II listing. Preventing alterations to these faç ades.

North Elevation 1:100

South Elevation 1:100

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> First floor - used for discussuion and organisation of protesting.

Further education is given through series of informative walls.

Greater physical exposure is experienec through openness of atriuim. Metaphorical of the users increases exposure to the activism cause, and too of learning. > Ground floor - Focused user of space to create experience through viewing.

Presents a metaphoricalrise of knowledge through rise of stairs from basement level.

Entrance is located on this floor. > Basement - Physical teachings explored through use, Specifically for soil education.

Basment reoresents the 'roots' of the building, being underground.

Rainwater harvesting cistern located on this floor.

Section B 1:100

> Floor-plan visualisation Produced through rendering plan view with proposed materials.

Scale 1:125

VISUALISATION

> Series of rendered images, present various internal views to the design.

Positioning of seating presents reflection. Benches are positioned purposefully to face each other. With the glass of the atrium presenting a barrier. Representing the disconnection between visitors who perform sustainable practices and those who have enter the space to educate.

Natural lighting The space as designed for purpose, of an activism space. Is predominantly used during the daytime.

Considering this the design aims to optimise natural light. Enabling low artificial lighting usage, Biophillic principles are reincorporated through the use of natural materials and the lighting cast from these. For example mycelium casts a natural shadow, as the light escapes through passages. As the material grows, expanding will change the visual aspects of the wall. Also of the space. If left to grow and eventually ‘ fill’ the stud openings, natural light penetration will be reduced. Creating an enclosed space. Where visual connection to the courtyard would be reduced.

Ground floor Staircase to basement floor incorporates a concealed glass 'box' allowing natural light to pass through the space.

Floor uses and suggestive surrounding metaphorical representations; Metaphors embedded within the activist cause are created through this illusion of enclosure. Creating a view into sustainability through the rising of one floor to the upper.

The basement levels’ use of physical teaching of sustainable practises. Transitioning through a rising of the stairs and metaphorically of knowledge, to the ground floor level.

Used as a space for visual teaching through exposure the ground floor is representative, of disconnection to sustainability.

The glass surrounding the atrium space is more open at the second floor. The second floor represents exposure, physically

> Internal viewpoint of west side to atrium, looking South East towards mycelium wall

https://youtu.be/Xe0TdM2mXC0 Video demonstrates the proposed deign through a walk through of the building.

The video begins at the striking redesigned south elevation. Wider site master-plan proposes an expansive natural park at the south of the building.

Leaves are shown against the extended wall.

The video proceeds to the internal space of the ground floor. Presenting the user interaction with the atrium/ greenhouse space.

Material choices within the video include light walls of visible plaster, inspiration here was drawn through biophillic design tendencies to incorporate natural materials. Exploring with texture creates an altered user experience. Light CLT flooring is presented throughout.

The use of video enabled a better understanding of the proposed space. Through exploration of the design.

Material Development; Static visualisations present a dark material pallet. Exploration of these contrasting material choices, found that the drama of the space altered significantly. The dark materials draws attention to the natural materials presented in the spaces. i.e., mycelium, flora and fauna.

The buildings use and the design focuses on the natural. It was felt that other materials used should not detract from this, rather to reflect the contrast of material.

Reflection of visualisation development; Development progression through visualisation. Presented rendered images have been developed through Lumion and Photoshop CAD software.

In reflection the quality and realistic impact of these visualisations are stronger than previous images. Of which were designed using Enscape and Photoshop.

DEVELOPED STATIC VISULISATION AND VIDEO

Video:

> Viewpoint - inside atrium, angled up towards atrium roof.

Visualisation presents user variation of user experience.

> Reflection - Right elevation of south exterior to design proposal shows significant progression in development of visualisation

> Proposed South elevation

> Success of the design is analysed through environmental qualities. Through reflection environmental strategy and water use is illustrated;

DESIGN PROPOSAL REFLECTION

> Example for South elevation potential development

Environmental strategy of proposed design > Analysis of the proposed design shows that the clerestory roof structure will succeed in reducing overheating through sun exposure. Although, passive heat gain is possible. This is because of the inclusion of two windows to the south elevation of the roof.

A potential challenge the design could see improvement is the south elevation.

Overheating is a risk because of the large two storey height windows. Incorporation of extended walls, and fauna for sun shading is present. This should be assessed further.

Development for this elevation is shown through the example figure above.

> Response to national frameworks and concept aim for environmental sustainability. Water management utilises rainwater, Roof surface run-off is collected, directed via drainpipes into the water harvesting cistern positioned in the basement floor.

Challenges found included overflow water. To combat this overflow pipes are incorporated into the design. This will reduce risk of flooding. Overflow is directed

>Flood risk is reduced through the incorporation of a bio-swale at the north of the site.

This reduces flooding because the demand faced on the public sewage tunnels is lessened.

Design success in achieving purpose;

Overall design reflection;

The design enables the activist cause purpose to take place. Open plan areas enable associated activities to occur comfortably.

EPC analysis of the existing building presumes a narrow strip foundation, although potential no foundations would be present.

The design proposals' inclusion for current standard foundations, enable greater structural integrity.

Otherwise from the buildings use further purpose proposed enabling the building to reach a high potential energy performance.

To far extent it can be assumed that a higher EPC rating would be given to the redevelopment. Due to additional and replaced inclusion for high efficiency (U-value) insulation. Also, high performance windows, as specified.

User experience; Through initial design potential evaluation. Focus to the age group of 20-30 year old has been deemed suitable.

The design reflects this through the accessibility. Predominant access is by general access stairs. Reflectant of the assumption that the majority of this age group will be physically able to use stairs.

Another way the age group is reflected through design in the moveable inclusion of bike storage at the south elevation. Also reflecting the distance/ location of user aim. The site is designed for local use, because of this a physically able 20-30 year old is likely to prefer cycling as their method of transport.

Additionally, the inclusion of storage benefits the local Salford DPD aim to encourage better physical health.

The visual aesthetic of the interior can be seen as a vast improvement. Through additional window openings. A strong connection the outside (of south elevation) can be experienced.

As reflected throughout the design process, elements of biophillic design are largely involved. This is through visual and physical connection to nature. Good light provision. And use of natural materials. Biophillic practices are proven to stimulate good mental and better physical health for the user. This aspect of the design alone can be seen as a great success.

This also coincides with the Salford DPD - to 'improve the health of residents'.

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