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Chapter 3: Identify key social and design issues of Ampthill Square Estate and the resident community
Social Housing Agenda
social housing
‘Social Housing’ aims to create a more sociable housing strategy within a local authority housing estate in Somers Town, London, improving and extending existing private and public spaces and providing new community facilities on site. The scheme attempts to combat social isolation through encouragement of community interaction. Migration from one social condition and cultural environment to an entirely new one involves complex social and cultural issues and problems. Current urban conditions and social housing in areas of high immigration in London often does not encourage development of social relationships. Though tightly packed together, homes are isolated from one another and communal spaces only transitory. This leads to alienation and isolation for many members of these communities. Whilst providing invaluable space and opportunity for social interaction in dense urban environments, open public spaces can also force unwanted interaction and can become intimidating as a result, excluding particular groups within the community.
give opportunity for increased social interaction between neighbours
set up a network of time and labour share and exchange through established connections
give access tospecialised social and community spaces for specific community needs
encourage personalisation and adaptation of provided spaces, increase sense of ownership
extend existing kitchen and living room spaces opened up to neighbours
create new garden spaces for social encounters and connect towers
provide spaces within existing towers for childcare and home care exchange
construct library, play and exercise centre, teaching rooms, gardens and communtiy hall
wrap towers in woven skin and assemble personal and communal adaptable systems
...provides for...
...powers...
Homes...for...
These women make up one of the largest groups resident in the estate during the daytime and will play a key role in construction, management, running and maintenance of the scheme.
...cultivate...
...provide oppotunity of socialising for...
...sold to...
{
...free up...
-Make the facilities as self-sufficient as possible through energy and water harvesting and sharing of spaces and services.
Mothers
Neighbours
-Provide easy access to otherwise inaccessible or inconvenient community facilities and services, providing specialised spaces for specific community needs
community
...feeds...
-Set up a network of time, labour and services exchange
Food
-Improve and extend social living spaces on a gradient from private to public
Children
...produce...
-Empower the women and through increased social opportunities, community involvement and development of working skills
Elderly
...look After...
Plants
Key Project Aims:
-Give opportunity for increased social interaction between neighbours whilst avoiding forced encounters
...sold to...
{
...irrigates...
‘Social Housing’ proposes a model project for possible future housing strategies in other housing estates or urban conditions within the UK, extending and connecting existing living spaces and providing on site community facilities on a small scale. Social spaces are created on a gradient from private to public, creating small-scale specific use public spaces, encouraging personalisation and a feeling of ownership of spaces, making in-between spaces into destinations.
Electricity
The scheme aims to combat isolation, increase independence and empower the women through social opportunities and networks, development of language and working skills and involvement in the local community. The project aims to give time off from family care responsibilities through care exchange services, giving increased opportunity for social, educational and leisure activities.
Sunlight ...made into...
Rainwater
This project therefore, focuses on community groups for whom environmental and social isolation is a major problem. In particular the scheme aims to empower new migrant women in Somers Town, namely from Bangladeshi and Somali communities. Culture shock, loss of economic role within the family and language barriers often leave female migrants isolated and cut-off, leading to mental health problems and depression.
improve social living spaces on a gradient from private to public
Interview with Guljabeen Rahman, Director of Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre services provided: sewing, weaving and quilt-making classes homecare for children and elderly/ disabled ESOL classes employment and life-skills classes healthy-eating and gardening project advocacy for vulnerable adults older women’s group- outings and exercise classes girl’s group- arts and crafts for confidence and self-esteem respite days out counselling on parenting, abuse and domestic violence
wishlist for the centre: funding! easy, free access and movement between facilities and spaces relaxed, comfy social spaces open cooking facilities women to feel ownership of building storage space for classes and activities natural light and ventilation for all spaces
Guljabeen
“My mum. She’s joined the gym recently. Every day she comes back and she’s just like so excited. Oh I did this at the gym today. She gets to socialise ”
close to homes for ease of access quiet, private interview rooms separate office spaces all facilities together to create lively, attractive spaces
Hopsotch centre
Anwara
“i was very lonely when i got here, at home with just my baby. now i have some friends but i only see them at the [hopscotch asian women’s] centre”
soundproofing between spaces secure indoor and outdoor areas
Pushpa and Shilpi
Comments from local bengali women:
private/hidden entrances and spaces for the women
re-instate drop-in creche and playground
Ampthill Estate
Samira
“a lot of these ladies go to sewing classes to learn how to sew. With my mum – She suffers from depression so it’s a way to escape and socialise and just get away from everything like just moping around at home and just thinking”
“she would always be laughing with the other village ladies when they went to the pond [back in bangladesh] but there’s nowhere to do that here”
“back in bangladesh she could just pop round to all her friends’ house and they did washing and swimming and stuff together but here she stays at home. i think thats why she got depressed”
“i think that it’s true that men have taken that space so it really doesn’t leave very much room for women to be able to use the space”
“more and more these ladies are beginning to be allowed to take advantage of these things like the classes, the gyms, opportunities to socialise and get out there and that”
“there are children running around making so much noise. I am scared to let them play outside. Instead they play indoors and fight with each other; sometimes that can really stress you out – I can’t stand too much noise, my head just heats up”
Interview with Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre and local Bengali women -Problems faced and important issues for the centre and users
+
supports
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floor slabs
structural system
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brick facade and external aluminium rainscreen
existing homes- small balcony spaces limit possible use of space or personalisation
Existing Condition and Structure existing facades and flats cut off from one another
funding:
users:
Ampthill Square Tenants Association
compensation for loss of land and rebuilding of demolished community centre
funding adult education and employment
funding renewable enrgy installations
ampthill square estate management and residents
encouraging development and integration amongst local asian women in camden
all-female run organisation, aiding integration, sport and eductation amongst somali women and children
long-term financing and management:
Gender and Employment in Local Labour Markets (GELLM) Comittee
supporting selfsufficiency and city farming projects
eductaional courses and resources paid for by camden council
residents
staff and running of centre paid for by income from charges for use of the centre facilities by local community
Project Participants Participating organisations and users through life of project
existing structure
strip aluminium cladding
remove existing balustrade walls
extending existing living spaces
reinforce columns with frp fabric wrap-
demolish living room wall (insert
fix strengthening tensile cable network from
ping
temporary blocking facade panels) and
beams
Fix steel balcony cantilever supports to existing (reinforced) columns
connecting existing homes
lay steel-frame flooring tray
Install Sliding wall rail system and panels
Extending the existing Improving existing social living spaces, increasing visibility and connections
Connecting Cut-out Communities Establish links and set up mutually benificial networks between community groups
existing public/private land use
current fenced-off area
intimidating overlooked public space
2 3
under-used in-between spaces
4 1 5
Key Private Access Public Access
private................public
1- towers overlooking railway lines
2- under-used cramped balconies
3- small windows
4- over-looked, under-used public space
5- site railings and locks
Site Design Issues current issues with design of towers and use of public space
use and effects of communal spaces in housing
completely public shared space
smaller enclosed shared spaces
openly observed interaction
unease and discomfort
open to anyone and overlooked
brings strangers close to home
forced interaction
non-specific programme or use
no feeling of purpose or ownership of space
spaces left unused
withdrawal and avoidance
isolation
crime in disused spaces
fear of using spaces
extending private social spaces out into shared deck gardens
open space split into smaller shared spaces to create more private social environments
specific use spaces to make social spaces into a destination and cater for community’s needs
protected social spaces
more private interaction
designed for specific community needs
motive to use space, not forcing interaction
comfortable setting to meet neighbours
spaces used and inhabited regularly
good community relationships
more humanscale spaces for smaller groups
less intimidating, more attractive spaces
natural surveillance through use
feeling of security
limited neighbour access creates feeling of safety in social interactions
green spaces open to neighbourhood remain overlooked for security
proposed programme land use
Private-Public Gradient of Space Encouraging, without forcing social interaction by creating specific use inhabitable social spaces
Bathroom- Oxenholme 9th Floor
Bathroom- gillfoot 3rd Floor
Living room/bedroom- gillfoot 3rd Floor
Kitchen- Oxenholme 9th Floor
Bedroom- gillfoot 8th Floor
Kitchen- gillfoot 8th Floor
Living Room- Oxenholme 14th Floor
Living Room- Dalehead 19th Floor
typical floor plan of existing towers 1:200
Views from gillfoot 8th Floor
Existing Homes Existing homes in Ampthill Square estate
Social Housing Proposal: self-powered communtiy centre for ampthill square estate run by resident migrant women replace and revive community facility for ampthill square estate residents improve, create and connect social living spaces give increased independence, social opportunities and community roles for resident migrant women within ampthill community
for the women
experience in management, contributing to community and free facilities
social meeting spaces producing fresh food produce for themsleves and their households
set up shared childcare network to allow time off and greater freedom to the women
gardens
childcare
self-sufficiency low cost services in new community centre
open communal spaces fresh food produce available at low cost on site
for ampthill community
safe play spaces for children and daytime child care services near home
provide educational resources and teaching to develop language and working skills
library free library and teaching spaces for whole community
time off for carers and social opportunities for residents with limited mobility
homecare social opportunities for housebound and limited mobility residents and access to new services
protected, covered spaces -improving health and fitness whilst socialising
gymnasium indoor and outdoor male and female spaces for sport- open to community, societies and clubs at low cost
Chapter 4: Extend and connect private social spaces in homes to allow increased opportunity for social encounters between neighbours
enlarged windows
facade trellis
cable net ballustrade
micro wind turbines
extended private living rooms
shared balcony spaces retractable living room wall
Extended Living Rooms and Back Gardens Glass facade extends living room outwards, sliding back to open living space to new balcony space
testing different configurations
bars in compression cables in tension
Tensegrity Cable network Bracing testing configurations for minimal facade balcony structures
steel plate cable anchor bolted into FRPreinforced concrete prestressed tefloncoated steel cable gutter
steel plate hinged cable anchor
welded steel lattice floor frame
1:5
prestressed teflon-coated steel cable
square steel profile bolted into concrete
1:20
Tensile balcony Supports Lightweight tensile cable system supports new balcony structures
greenhouse/ kitchen extension in winter and open garden (on nice days) in summer Kitchen spice gardens green wall gardening trellis
retractable sliding folding wall opens up to garden space
connecting balcony garden spaces
supports attach to existing carbon fibre-reinforced columns living room extension retractable living room sliding folding wall opens living space up to neighbours changeable floor system
deck connecting to towers
External insulation and new cladding system
Extensions to the Existing 1:100 extending living spaces onto decks, connecting through towers
su mm er su su mm n er su n
sun sun ter r win winte
winter space works as greenhouse to heat inside space during winter months
summer Glass facade slides back to allow free movement of air on hot days during summer months
green wall filters polluted air entering flats
Additional insulation and double-glazed extensions provide improved thermal barriers to improve thermal performance of flats
balcony Extension Performance Kitchen greenhouse/spice garden extension seasonal performance
existing column existing concrete footing
150mm micropiles
existing concrete pile foundation
fibre-reinforced plastic wrapping on concrete columns
pile drilled through exitsing footing
drill left in
existing
structure
grout poured in to set to foundation
pile foundation reinforced
micro pile underpinning
concrete supports reinforced with frp wrap
micropile crown around existing concrete pile
temporary pre-fab flats constructed on rooftops housing residents whilst modifications are done to homes
balcony extension cantilever supports fixed to newly reinforced concrete columns
floor structure, new living room and kitchen facades fitted
Reinforcements to the Existing Reinforcing tower structure and foundations to accommodate new interventions
balconies dressing trees
protected gardens
play school run route
balconies connecting to decks
connecting towers with new proposals
Creation of social landscape in-between towers Open public space and routes split into smaller protected spaces
Chapter 5: Extend created social spaces further, constructing a gradient of private to public spaces and facilities for specific community needs
PLAY
Care
Exercise
Read
Meet
Grow
Shared childcare facility
Shared homecare gives in-
Enclosed exercise spaces,
Self-managed library and
New community hall provides
Private spice Gardens/
gives social opportunities
creased social opportu-
providing visual barriers
teacher exchange system
flexible space for meeting
greenhouses provide oppor-
and time off for other ac-
nities to elderly, less
amd allowing women-only
gives language and knowl-
of community groups and for
tunity to grow small-scale
tivities for the women
mobile and isolated members
sessions
edge resources, empowering
private events
foods of choice whilst ver-
of community whilst giving
the women through increased
tical gardens allow larger
time off to carers
independence
scale communal farming
Key Actions in scheme Specific use community spaces for key actions
reinforced existing
primary steel
bracing ring beams
structure
structure
steel lattice
spiral circula-
floor plate and modular
floor frames
tion ramp
floor system frame
Detail model at 1:50- meeting point Interaction between existing homes and new interventions
ed
ycl
rec
soil layer over top of wall
timber reinforcing post brick rubble steel mesh
vegetation allowed to grow in-between bricks
timber reinforcing post
cut-out garden wall 1:20
Recycling Materials from HS2 demolition Earth and brick rubble from HS2 demolition used to construct new landscape
raised decks connect towers and provide shared outdoor space
steel frame towers enclose private functions, circulation, fire escape and services
living room extension decks around towers
Reinforcements to existing towers
Overall Strategy extending tower facades onto decks, connecting to new supporting towers
steel lattice structure
spiral circulation route braces tower structure
bar and cable network for skins or vegetation
thermal padding skin panels floors inserted into central spaces
weatherproof external membrane
spaces dressed with screens and skins by residents to protect and adapt spaces
climbing plants- e.g honeysuckle, ivy, jasmine
anchored towers support decks connecting towers
Parabolic Tower Structures New parabolic tower structures support decks connecting to existing towers
cable connection welded rubber sheet cover edge clamping profile aluminium shell form button fabric glip clamp holds top ptfe layer without piercing top layer sandwiched welded aerogel layer steel ring beam gutter
compression ring beam steel tension ring steel compression bars tensioned cables
compression ring beam steel tension ring
tensioned cables
steel compression bars
Lightweight Tensegrity Roof Construction Tensile cable and compression bar dome structure
construction sequence- compression bars tensioned ring-by-ring
tensile membrane skin in layered panels roof membrane constructed in panels
side elevation of tensegrity dome structure
secondary fabric roof panels allow under-roof ventilation
side elevation with tensile skin membrane
Tensile membrane skin PTFE and high performance aerogel skin membrane over tensegrity structure
stainless steel anchor cap fitting diagonal timber compression posts plasterboard ceiling electrical services and lights
aluminium profile edge clamp welded steel tube bars
central cable shelfdividers glass shelf
1:5
tops
timber shelf supports in compression hinged steel cable clamps tensioned plastic-coated steel cable supports diagonal timber compression posts
inflated etfe pillows 1:10
steel tension cables hold cable net ballustrade kick plate
tile and pedestal flooring system concrete block weight bitumen dampening layer
suspended bookshelves run around sprial
spiral floor frame bolts over edge ring beam double-curved rolled steel ramp segments
Library Tower Bookshelves run around spiral
communal reading room
tensile ptfe membrane glued, sandwiched lightweight aerogel insulation
individual study space personal quilted reading rooms provide space for private study
pretensioned tefloncoated steel tension cables
quilted fabric cushion linings fix to tensioned cables
padded bench runs around space perimeter
padded seat floor to ceiling curtain draws around space
cantilevered beam bolts to spiral ramp structure
edge fabric clamps (as previous page) 1:20
ptfe and aerogel membrane allows diffused sunlight into reading rooms
Library Reading Rooms Communal and individual reading rooms in library space
concrete footing steel plate play landscape hills
welded reinforcement plates screw pile heads
1:20
Steel anchor cable
steel anchors
anchors buried in play landscape
anchors balance deck load on opposite side of tower
library tower 1:200
foundation hidden in landscaping
Anchoring Tower anchors form elements of landscaping
1
key junctions of primary frame
1
spiral ramps
1
2
3
ramp structure 2
3
150mm steel tube frame member crossing point
weld line 2
steel tubes welded at crossing point
frame cross points welded plate
tubes welded to steel base plate fixing bolts set into concrete main body of foundation buried concrete footing 150mm concrete piles
15mm concrete piles bolts set into concrete welded support edge plates bolts set into concrete 3
1:200
foundations
foundation detail 1:20
plan view 1 :20
[Academic use only]
Tower Frame Key Connections 15mm steel tube frame structures- pre-fabricated welded elements can be assembled quickly onsite
2
1
1 existing flats
steel lattice frame towers
2
6 3
4
4
7 landscaping and
8
connecting decks
gabion walls
5
5
6 personal facade
exterior skins
system
8
7
Interior linings
acoustic linings
3
Key design elements in scheme Structure, linings, skins and adaptable systems
Chapter 6: Redefine the role of resident migrant women within the ampthill community in construction and management of facilities
bengali kantha quilt-making
camden- hopscotch asian women’s centre sewing classes
recycled saree fabric kantha quilt using women’s skills and heritage
bengali weaving patterns
recycled saree fabric curtains
women involved in construction and maintenance of spaces
Social Construction Kantha quilting and Jamdani weaving- traditional Bengali women’s social activities
existing flats
existing flats extend and spill out into connecting communal facade extensions, wrapped in hand-woven skins
Living Spaces extend into new Structure Glass facades push out and slide back to open living rooms and kitchens to shared balcony space
cable net facade allows personalisation
fine cable netting allows only small garden birds through gaps
patterns woven into cable net wrapping extended living spaces
woven skin wraps facade and connecting staircases
woven ribbon patterns provide shading, weather protection or privacy to extended facade spaces
jamdani weaving patterns-
a traditional bengali weave with cotton thread designs woven
re-dressed woven tower facade
into a fine muslin fabric
Jamdani facades Cable net facade of balcony spaces woven into, modified and adapted by the women
deepest decks and denser shading weave on south-facing areas of the facade
decorative weave with coloured threads and fabrics woven in for occasions
12.00 -facades receiving direct midday sun
trellis weave to aid plant growth
dense weave at top blocks strongest high summer sun, allowing lower sun to penetrate
dense patterns to provide a screen and visual privacy
Facade Weaves Different weaves and materials for varying purposes and location on facade
stepped moving of residents floor-by floor
social housing works on flats
improve social living spaces on a gradient from private to public
give opportunity for increased social interaction between neighbours
set up a network of time and labour share and exchange through established connections
give access tospecialised social and community spaces for specific community needs
encourage personalisation and adaptation of provided spaces, increase sense of ownership
extend existing kitchen and living room spaces opened up to neighbours
create new garden spaces for social encounters and connect towers
provide spaces within existing towers for childcare and home care exchange
construct library, play and exercise centre, teaching rooms, gardens and communtiy hall
wrap towers in woven skin and assemble personal and communal adaptable systems
as building work takes place residents move up to temporary accommodation to minimise disruption whilst staying on site
order of works and site closure
oxemholme tower closed off with pedestrian resident access
dalehead tower closed off with pedestrian resident access
gillfoot tower closed off with pedestrian resident access
central area closed off from towers to lay foundations
construction and landscaping
resident construction of adaptable systems
Construction Sequence Order of construction works in stages alongside project aims and sequence
open tensile fabric screening and shading
trellis framework for climbing plants
inflated pillow skin systems
tower skin dressings
tower frame dressed with skin panels
Dressing the Towers Lightweight skins and dressings constructed and maintained by women and residents
primary framework structure
open shading fabric panels
bracing circulation ramp closed rain screen
wind
micro wind turbines
polluted air
wind reduced to breeze filtered cleaned air
cable network holds pins in compression protective skins
Skin System Test model at 1:25 Tensegrity skin system -Adjustable according to function
rainwater flows down glazing and ballustrade
behind-ballustrade gutter overflow to greywater tank external gutter
storage tank
tap
perforated pipe sprinkles plants
greywater
water used directly to flush toilet tensile wall trellis
installed filter/storage tank
bedding tray
1:20 simple to fit greywater recycling tanks can be fitted easily and cheaply into existing bathrooms
black water to sewage mains
Water Systems Resident Women Trained to install new facilities in towers improvement
homes
25cm diameter inverter and interconnectors
min 2m/sec
main utility breaker panel
current
micro wind turbine
25cm diameter AC electrical circuits
DC voltage output
AC voltage input
average 5m/sec
1m 2 surface area of turbines
min 2m/sec
current
131 kWh/yr turbines built and maintained by hand by
resident migarnt women
1m 2 surface area of turbines
average 5m/sec
131
Micro Turbines Small-scale wind turbines scatter building facades to harvest wind energy
Chapter 7: Encourage personalisation, creating sense of ownership of space, leaving scope for flexibility, adaptation and future expansion
panels slide easily on and off wall rail
‘clip on’ rails
ptints and colours chosen by residents
tophat fixings with easy slide-on, slide-off rails
recycled
existing aluminium cladding
new panel system
1:20
Interchangeable cladding system recycled cladding panels chosen and changed by residents, giving increased feeling of ownerhsip of space
panels clip over steel corner pedestals balcony floor system
floor tiles chosen, laid and changed by residents
corner pedestals
colours and prints chosen by residents
Personalisable Floor system removable floor panel system allows panels to be chosen and changed by residents
floor frames fit into steel lattice grid ring beam cables anchor to main frame
tensegrity network braces platforms steel lattice frame
tension cables
compression pins
mic use only]
steel lattice holds floor panels
steel lattice frame with tensegrity reinforcements
Suspended Deck System Minimal Tensegrity framework structure, whilst allowing flexible use
play
planting
safety mesh
structures fitted into secondary panel edge
secondary interior floor tray contains functions trays fitted into lattice frame fixed steel mesh provides safety floor under panels
framework
panel trays
panels hold flooring. planting, seating, sandpits...
patchwork deck panels house different floorings, functions and structures
Deck Framework and Floors Interchangeable modular floor trays allow different functions
building out onto partition
balconies
extension for a growing family
existing
proposed
scope for future extensions, partition and adaptation
Facade Deck Evolution Facade balcony spaces for future adaptation and extension
meeting/crossing points
moving users through spaces
character handles
A day in the life sequence model showing a route from one home to another through new interventions
shared social spaces connect homes
decks connecting
balconies link homes to scheme
marked routes show paths through scheme
bedroom
bathroom
kitchen and spice garden
balcony
garden gate staircase
play deck
climbing net
adaptable systems across all spaces
through towers
exercise track
connecting deck
reading room
library
extended living room
bathroom
bedroom
Key Routes through Scheme a possible daily route through play/exercise tower and library spaces
bedroom
play route leads into tower
bathroom
kitchen extends into balcony
play route across deck
stairs connect to decks
ramps lead down to
reading rooms lead from decks into
library connects to
next deck level
library
balconies
living room extension opens to balcony
Establishing Connections through Spaces Spaces on a gradient from private to public to private
public/private garden
children’s play landscape
Inhabited balcony spaces Living rooms extend into personalisable shared balconies
Exercise/play tower Small protected inside spaces can be opened up or closed off for privacy
Garden tower Community cultivation, providing habitats for declining insect and garden bird populations
Ground Floor Plan 1:200 1- Built up Landscape 2- Library 3- Outdoor Reading Garden 4- Cut-out Entrance 5- Community Hall 6- Enclosed Play Garden 7- Residential Tower Lobby 8- Pathways through scheme 9- School Run Play Route 10- Existing Multi-Purpose Sports Court 11- External Lifts 12- Play net
First Floor Plan 1:200 1- Vertical Gardens and Farming 2- Library 3- Teaching Spaces 4- Reading Rooms 5- Community Hall 6- Play/Fitness Centre 7- Circulation tower 8- Public Seating/Climbing Frames 9- School Run Play Route 10- Back Gardens Balcony Extensions 11- Living Room extensions 12- Kitchen/Greenhouse Extensions 13- External Lifts 14- Cable Anchors
Seventh Floor Plan 1:200 1- Vertical Gardens and Farming 2- Library 4- Reading Rooms 5- Community Hall Tensegrity Roof 6- Play/Fitness Centre 7- Circulation tower 8- Communal Garden/REading Deck 9- School Run Play Route 10- Back Gardens Balcony Extensions 11- Living Room extensions 12- Kitchen/Greenhouse Extensions 13- External Lifts 14- Planting
Eleventh Floor Plan 1:200 1- Vertical Gardens and Farming 2- Library 3- Teaching Spaces 4- Reading Rooms 5- Community Hall Tensegrity Roof 6- Play/Fitness Centre 7- Circulation tower 8- Play/Exercise DEck 9- School Run Play Route 10- Back Gardens Balcony Extensions 11- Living Room extensions 12- Kitchen/Greenhouse Extensions 13- External Lifts 14- Planting