A C T I O N S P A C E : ADAPTIVE REUSE DESIGN STUDIO 2A Rachel Chadwick. 2021. University of Salford
SITE HISTORY
SITE -
Located on the crescent, a busy dual carridgeway 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 (1) The river irwell flows adjacent to the dual carriageway at the north of the site. Greenspace is present next to the river, however there is low aesthetic visibilty of the space from the site. South of the site the railine passess, the land inbetween this and the site is industrial and un-attractive. Historically the Mnacehster canal would have been visible here too.
future of site - redevelopment of area The Crescent development framework 2021 sees the site and 240 acres of surrounding area to be sustaibably redesigned, over the next 10+ years. The programmes ambition 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.
Site, 1970. Taken from Digimaps
SITE HISTORY
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 Engles as they ‘drank and discussed revolution and theories of communism’. During this period the pub was called ‘The red dragon’ (1) Originally the site would of comprimised three terraced houses, numbers 20 and 21 The Crescent and 1 Massey Street. 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. The public house later developed a name change to ‘The Crescent’ in 1986 (1). It is uncertain as to when ‘21 the Crescent’ was incorpriated into the pub, although was most likely during this time. The property was put up for sale in 2010, and has become derlict since its sale in 2016, after closing its doors as a public house. 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 propesed for the pub, which will include conference rooms to develop links between China and the University of Salford.
Site, 1940, Image taken from ‘Digimaps’
‘The Red Dragon Hotel’, 1958, https://www.flickr.com/photos/61756486@N05/6319455760/
BUILDING APPRAISAL
Existing Building Form The structure currently involves, a 3 storey with basement terrace house, also a 3 storey again with basement pub. The pubs’ configuration resembles the two terraced houses, as was, with only two small secions of wall removed during the previous conversion. The layout of the building is shown in figure 1. Assumed floorplans of the site are shown, taken from observing videos and photography of the site. The structure situes 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 eleavtion, as presented in in figure 4 presents various add-ons to the structure. These ‘add-ons’ are not included in the floorplan because they are not . Theres currently a relatively large tarmaced car park,
figure 2. north elevation
figure 3. north west elevation
figure
figure 4. south elevtaion
External Structure The front facade of the Crescent townhouses were made Grade II listed during 1976. The site incorpriates simialr Georgian proportions as the rest of the Crescent. Utilising columns and predimented doorways. Walls_ Externally the building showcases roughcast render over red brick. It can be assumed that flemish bond strcuture, figure 5, would have been used , this structural technique includes a double ''course of brickwork containing alternating headers and stretchers'' (UWE, n.d).
Internal Structure FLOOR_ Assumptions can be made of wooden floors being used throughtout both properties, composing of joists and floorboards (figure ). 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. 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 vsiible in the basement. ROOF STRUCTURE_ It acn be asssumed that the roof structure comprimises a structural ridge supported by a segmented post and ful span header (Timber Frame Engineering Council, 2020). The weight of the roof is tranferred through the load bearring walls (figure ?)
WINDOWS_ Typical window strcuture of assumed flemish bond wall structure is shown in figure 6. The stone cill is visible on the facade. The windows are of varying dimensions, some are also placed at differing heights. These changes are slight, including some element of formality. Homogenous wooden sash window frames are used. Fitting to the georgian proportions. ROOF_ Welsh slate pitched roof. Three chimneys.
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Existing Building Fabric Internal walls assumed as single brick flemish bond solid masonary walls, with lime plaster. Observations of vidography from urban explores showcases that concrete blocks have been added to the site. This addition was possibly made during the 2000s.
LOAD BEARING WALLS (AS PRESSUMED) Shaded
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. Figure
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 lifetsyle, a continued fight. Living sustainable encompases various aspects; ‘‘Regenarative farming’’, this oposes inorganic farming, of which is a leading cause of biodiversity loss. ‘‘Regenartive farming aims to restore carbon and health to the soil’’ (Sustainable jungle, n.d.). Plant rich diets, such as vegetarian and veganism. ‘‘Livetsock and their byproducts account for... 51% of all worldwide greenhouse gas emissions per year’’ (Cowspiracy, n.d.). Renewable energy. Against fossil fuels, beacasue 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. Eleements of these structures are often; rainfall collection, composting toilets, organic plant production. 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. 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 orgnaistaion in the fight for climate action.
An often overlooked, yet arguably one of the most important umberella of sustainable living is materials. Encompasing all aspects of materials of constrcution, 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 distruptive, powerful shocking. Sustainable living as a cause involves elements of this portrayl, 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 Diagram explains aspects of sustainable living. The proposed deisgn should encompass elements from each of these outlined areas. The overall focus of the design will be on one specific area of sustainable activism.
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 relective 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 - actavist 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 deisgn and space. This could be achieved through providing growing spaces for the community. An urban allotment would also provide a social space, intertwinned with improving users standard of living, an aim of sustainable living.
Ground floorplan, 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 expanisve 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 intridue and overlap on eachother illusively. Creating an etsablished connection between occupier and nature. the image 2 mimics a doorway on ground level, developing a sence of internal space to this otheriwse 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 reflectant 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 reuse restoration serves as a co-working venueand restaurant. The hotel, as previously occupied, was abondoned and the strcuture overtaken by vegetation. This biodesign presents as a nod to the environemnets overtaking of the space. The architect wanted to honour this. The exsiting exterior brick walls and stone foundation have been restored. The internal has been removed, replaced with a steel prefabricated strcuture. This strcuture 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 biodiersity. This design approach is one that could be taken forward into designs for the redevelopment of Th Crescent.
Joana Franca photography
Section plans illustarte the sustainable gain of the ‘‘rainforest garden’’ presented aat the front entrance to the tsructure. Enabling heat reduction, CO2 conversion, reduced air pollution and biodiversity. This garden area encompases 4 floors as shown through further figure of section views.
MATERIAL _PRECEDENT STUDIES
The Wool Pavillion 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).
Hazel hare centre for plant science. Learning Lab. Photography; Bill Timmerman
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 repells water, being a temporary strcuture the minimal strcuture 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 Pavillion. Photography Simon Platter Design Detail. Wool Cladding and tin roof. Photography Simon PLatter
Design Detail of Thermal advanced polycarbonate frame fixing Facade system with integrated subsoil, and thermal break frame. Posesses 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 Colab Studio, 180 Degrees The west greenhouse is a Steel frammed structure. Polycarbonate cladding diffuses light, creating a favourable environment for plants to grow in. Sawtooth roof, above this, a metal canopy with mouvarable perferated aluminium louvres. The learning labs’ south elevation comprimeses 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 aswell as involving volunteers and community to get involved.
Sustainabilty was a key drive for this project. Materials have been reused from construction to design. The timber formwork has been reused to create a characterful fence boardering the site. Donated local pallets were salavaged from going into landfill. Used instead to create planters and form fencing. 436 tonnes of rock boulders were trasported from the quarry. The bouldards incorpriate additional natural eleemnst, forming a physical connection between occupier and natural landscape. (Darani, n.d).
The GRowing Pavillion 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
Basement - Grow - Soil + growing area + seed storage Ground - Experience - focus on exciting + invasive box Floor 1 - Learn educate through exhibition style spaces Floor 2 - Protest - ideas + create areas - inlucive shaped table -- no ‘head’ / leader position -- inclusive/ equal Floor 3 - enjoy - roof terrace - views of nature light - natural light - enter all spaces
CONCEPT_
Diagramming the concept Sketchup model - place in photo - or sketch model - white exterior no detail - colour shows series of ramps and ‘box’ correlation with levels/ paths exploring space trees - green concept diagram of nature/ environ placements
through text and 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. 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 idea of growing is pick pointed out of the wider concept of what sustainable living is. Creating an oportunity to immerse people in the activist cause through material choices. Growth should be taken through a physical sense too. Through incorpriating natural living material - living walls, greenhouse, mycellium are a few ideas explored. The series of chanelling tuunnels are taken from the precedent study of ‘Caseneiro House’. This concept of dividing the spaces is a favourable aspect to take into designs.
Sketches - will make models of these this week idea to replace existing roof with mesh impersonating the slates so essence of building remains from front - below this mesh roof will be essnetially external space encompassing plants and the stairs Caseino precedent study uses this design choice
ITERATIONS
Modelling placement of the ‘invasive box’ within the space
Iteration #1
Iteration presents a focus photoshoped 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. Thr 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’ Develops on 1. Too presenting the poly box infront of the south e existing. Central to the flo space. This model explores a ser tal walls to break the spac large openings to connect narrow spaces. This is tak Precednet study of ‘Casan
Floor slabs have not been in the model, yet indicatio where these would be. (se
Iteration #2
n from iteration ycarbonate enterance as oorplan of the
ries of horizonce . Involving t this series of ken from the neiro House’.
n included on is shown ee red line).
Sketchup model development of iteration #2 CAD modelled to show wall sections and floor levels with further description
ITERATION #3
Exploring realtionship between external and internal space. Model aims to create 3 internal strcutures within an open courtyard space. Left strcuture 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 strcuture could be used for fuinctional aspects such as toilet facilities.
images that might use in future - show polycarbonate details
polycarbonate panel design detail
REFERENCES 1. manchester history net - https://manchesterhistory.net/manchester/outside/SALFORD/thecrescent.html