Linkages between thresholds and leftovers by DeborahNavarra

urban analysis_silvertown royal dock

l i n k a g e s

b e t w e e n

t h r e s h o l d s

a n d

L e f t o v e r s

BU1_transforming local areas/urban design for development_2015

S h a r o n A m b r o s i o To m o k i F u k u n a g a J e n n a H e l a l M a r i a K o n d y l i D e b o r a h N a v a r r a Y h i r a R o d r i g u e z V e r g a r a

JiaqiZhang

index

introduction

aims

theorical framework

linkages between thresholds and Leftovers thresholds leftovers

5 9 10

methodology

context

history current and future development

spatial analysis macro scale maps meso scale maps micro scale maps

13 15

19 19 20 30

reflections

appendix

references 2

introduction

In the past few decades, the city of London has gone through various regeneration processes within its different areas which are also part of the current worldwide macro regenerations schemes. The creation of the financial district of Canary Wharf located in the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs presents an example of these regeneration processes. The hosting of the Olympic Games in 2012 also brought a great deal of development in the area of East London and has had a great impact on its surroundings. Moreover, the Docklands area has been suffering of deep transformation that, in part, is due to the closing of the docks in the 1980´s. At present, most of the area has already witnessed a change in its physical aspects as well as its identity. The Silvertown Quays is one of the zones in the south of the Royal Victoria, next to the London

CITY OF LONDON

NEWHAM

City airport, that have not gone through any modification yet. However, Silvertown Quays is expected to go through these changes since there is already a plan for its development in the upcoming years.

This report will focus mainly on analysing this particular area.

Silvertown Quays lies in the centre of all the regeneration processes of the docklands area. The intention of this report is to develop an urban analysis through the conceptual lenses of “leftovers and thresholds”, not only within this space by itself but also within its whole context. In order to achieve this, a theoretical framework was created to define the concepts of “leftovers” and “thresholds” which served as the basis for the whole research. From this framework the historical background, geographical aspect and urban spatiality were studied in order to understand the impact and dynamics of human interventions in different scales (worldwide, citywide, neighbourhood).

aims

The main aim of the report is to develop an analysis of the area of Silvertown Quays and its context through the lenses of â&#x20AC;&#x153;leftovers and thresholdsâ&#x20AC;?. These concepts emerge from the theoretical framework used as a tool to analyze the tangible physical urban form as well as the intangible entities of the study area. This analysis is given as a way to better conceptualize these changes and to provide a very specific example of the applied concepts in the area.

linkages between thresholds and Leftovers

theorical framework

Leftovers, as neglected, unutilized places, may evolve to thresholds through the mechanisms of fear or disregarding that are initiated to people during their encounter with those places. On the other hand, the same mechanisms may turn thresholds to abandoned, unoccupied spaces. Trying to define the function of thresholds and leftovers, the understanding of their role in both narrow and broader city context, turned out to be vital. The work of many sociologists and architects such as Foucault, Smithson, Stavridis operated as valuable tools during this process. Those urban elements do not have an unilateral nature. One analysis of their bipolar nature is related to the dipole public-private.

network of urban voids dominating groups

Although empty spaces are often public, sometimes they are of private ownership as well. They may be neglected due to their owners’ lack of interest to intervene. In this case, that attitude becomes an obstacle to the social utilization of those places. W.Benjamin’s (1985, Stravides, 2007) term of human ‘porosity’, defined as permeable boundaries, ‘‘characterizes the relationship between private and public space, as well as the relationship between indoor and outdoor space’’ ( Stavrides, 2007). We could add to Benjamin’s term, that this porosity is created from and depends on social interactions that take place in those areas. Leftovers’ obscurity is, as mentioned above, dependent on the human element. ‘’Fear is therefore connected to how public space is used, occupied and controlled by dominating groups at different times’’(Linda Sandberg, 2014). Currently, we witness (Marcuse 2002, Marcuse and Van Kampen 2002) ‘’thresholds rapidly being replaced by checkpoints, control areas that regulate encounters and discriminate between users. Spatially and conceptually framed identities therefore correspond to the experience of a partitioned urban space ’’ ( Stavrides, 2010). That implies a detachment of those spaces from the surrounding urban element, a perception often proved to be incorrect and fallacious. Human factor determines how separating or connecting the

control areas check-points

nature of thresholds may evolve. This connection may evolve to a transition zone, under conditions. Urban fabric is the catalyst in the process of transition. W. Montgomery (2001) illustrates this with vivid colours. The Heygate Estate formed a typical potential threshold. The barriers-walls of the buildings, created a fragmented reality where its residents did find better living conditions. Furthermore, the demolishment and abandonment of the estate could be seen as a leftover, a reminder of past era. Nevertheless, considering the people’s role

potential movement towards otherness

in the ‘regeneration’, we could discern the creation of a coherent social fabric.

linkages between thresholds and Leftovers

theorical framework

Decisive factor in this process, is the operation of thresholds as Foucault’s Heterotopias, as ‘’moments where otherness as a different form of habitation erupts as a counter-paradigm...’’Otherness emerges, not only as a threat but also as a promise… threshold-awareness, may reveal encounters between differing social groups and also between different life courses’’ (Stavrides,

heterotopias - urban porosity

2007). That, and linking to the bilateral relation of thresholds-urban fabric, indicates that thresholds are not only transformed by social struggle, but are created but may also be the trigger of social mobilization, especially in the postmodern metropolis. As Stavridis argues( 2010), ‘’in the creation and social use of thresholds, a potential spatiality of emancipation emerges. Social struggles and movements are exposed to the formative potentialities of thresholds. Fragments of a different life, experienced during the struggle, take form in spaces and times with threshold characteristics’’. Furthermore, approaching Harvey’s spatiotemporal

potential spatiality of emancipation

social struggles

social reproduction

construction, he claims that creating spatial barriers in the city, new potentialities of crossing emerge: The utilization of those micro-scale, fragmented places and leftovers’ may have a broader effect on the wider-city problems. Αn indicative example is Sao Paulo’s network of ‘urban voids’. As Mello Franco points out(2011) the redesigning of two waterfront projects in Sao Paolo, transformed fragmented, spatially discontinuous yet interrelated spaces to entry points for intervention in the broader city level .The project integrated urban fabric and conflict, creating a series of open spaces along the canal,

coexistence + conflict

confronting environmental, social and safety issues, as well. Nevertheless, social fabric and struggle is not the only element transforming the structures. Smithson approach includes the concept of entropy, that inevitably dominates every space and building was approached by Smithson. In ‘the monument of Passaic’, the abandoned area of leftover infrastructure, environmental pollution and decline demonstrates the materialization of the concept of entropy. ‘That zero panorama seemed to contain ruins in reverse, that is- all the new construction that would eventually be built. This is the opposite of the ‘romantic ruin’ because the buildings don’t fall into ruin after they are built but rather rise into ruin before they are built. Buildings and infrastructure, designed areas, as every object, as soon as they are created,

opportunity for change flow continuity

experience an inevitable decline. It is the possible intervention of the people, state and community, that influences this process.

linkages between thresholds and Leftovers

theorical framework

This signifies the leftovers’ dynamics in a context of a wider area. Linking to our case and relating our studying area to its location inside the metropolis of London, Stavrides points out the formation of transit identities of a network of flows in bounded non-places, rather than a structure of places. ‘’The economic core of London, the City, has evolved into an enormous enclave defined by an urban “ring of steel’’(Coaffee, 2004, Stavrides, 2010),

in-between areas that related rather than separate

excluding itself from the rest of London. One question is left to ask:

connecting while separating and separating while connecting

mental as well material framed identities How we transform urban spaces that define barriers to those that define turning points?

transit identities

linkages between thresholds and Leftovers

theorical framework

thresholds

The term refers to something that is dividing and shaping the spatial reality in relation to the natural itself of what is labelled as

theorical framework

physical dimension

threshold. A threshold appears in two scales: the micro scale of a door, a gate, a sill, an archway, an entryway, a doorway, but also in the macro-scale of a wider urban area. For example, the docks area in its whole as urban unity may be a threshold for the local residents or the rest of the population of London. In fact, it may be conceptualized as a “line” that put in the realm a dichotomy, a separation and comparison between realities of

conceptual

dimension

different nature, which are, artificially or naturally, detached by the threshold itself. Especially when it comes to the micro-scale, the term can have a double connotation, a positive one, thinking about it as a starting point, (Origin, inception, outset, transition zone)or a negative one, considering it as a barrier that don’t allow the contact between what is separated by it (frontier, boundary, barrier). Nevertheless, these two connotations depend on the interpretation that we have of ‘differences’, diversities, clash and mesh, comparisons.

leftovers

Leftover spaces emerge in the urban scenery, under the influence of various conditions and incidents. Leftovers spaces can be seen as neglected and or abandoned spaces, sometimes they are remnants of past infrastructure, as the ones described

theorical framework

physical dimension

in Smithsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Passaic. Through time, leftovers interact with the social and physical environment, recreating themselves. Sometimes they are perceived under a negative lens. However, a possibility of planning or future development is enclosed in those places. What is more, there

conceptual

dimension

is often a potentiality of (public) use of those places through their linkage with urban activity and a newly defined continuity within the urban fabric. The crucial question emerging in each case is the following: Are these leftover spaces detached from their urban surrounding or are they embedded within them?

methodology

For the development of this urban analysis a methodology was developed in order to obtain the information that would be useful for our report. The first steps that were taken were the observations of the site area. Consequently, a series of field visits in different days of the week and different hours were done in order to grasp a real sense of the environment. In addition, the need of a theoretical framework regarding the concepts of leftover and thresholds was paramount so it would serve as a basis of our research. Moreover, it was developed by exploring the existing literature. Later on, the need to obtain information from people living in Silvertown Quay was fundamental to build on our understanding of the processes and functions that make up the area. Therefore, a series of surveys were carried out by interviewing people from different areas of the study area. The interviewees were chosen so that their characteristics of gender, age and occupation were balanced. The data obtained from those interviews was really valuable to map the physical spaces and social aspects. Both, the information of mapping and the theories developed were useful tools to select the areas of the site that can function as thresholds and leftovers.

contex

history the birth and expansions The history of the Royal Docks can be seen as a repetitive cycle of demolition, leaving left over land, and redevelopment. When the Royal Docks was first developed, the surroundings were complete marsh lands, outside the boundary of the city of London. However the prosperity of Victoria London lead to the constant expansion and development of the dockland area, despite major destruction caused by several explosions in the 1910s, and the severe bombing during World War Two. Rivalry between nearby docks was fierce, suggesting social and physical division, while bridges constructed in later years acting as positive thresholds, connecting isolated areas.

-1852 Beginning

1852 foundation of the clothing factory of Samuel Silver (West Silvertown is named after him) 1855 Royal Victoria Dock opened, first dock in London for large steam ships. 1901 The Cooperative Wholesale Society (CWS), first of nationwide milling companies to establish a flour mill in the area.

Building the Docks

1905 Vernon & Sons set up in the area and the built Millennium Mills 1904 Establishment of the Premier Mill at the Royal Docks by Joseph Rank Limited. 1917 Silvertown explosion Silvertown was beyond the borders of the Metropolitan act, meaning that many indusrtial buildings producing dangerous chemicals were located close to the housing area. This resulted in a massive explosion in 1917, where 73 people were killed and 900 houses destroyed. <The Silver Town explosion, 1917>

The Victoria was built to cope with the excessive work load of the other docks. Fierce livrary between the docks was representated by the isolated areas.

Bird, E., 2010. p.8

1914- War Age

1920 Silo D was constructed at the Pontoon Dock for lifting bulk grain from ships and barges. 1940 "The London Blitz"(the period of intense bombing of London by German forces in World War 2). The docks were almost destroyed. More than 25,000 bombs fell on Docklands. 1917 Explosion The mills were partially destroyed due to an explosion at Brunner Mond's munitions factory on the North Woolwich Road that was creating explosives for Britain's World War I.

1945- Post War Age

1945 to 1950 large-scale post-war reconstruction. Millennium Mills was rebuilt, including a windowless steel-framed infill on the west side. 1958 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Victoria Graving Dock (Pontoon Dock) opened as a ship repair facility < A map from 1946 of the bombing during the World War 2, in the Royal docks >

13 Bird, E., 2010, p.7

Bird, E., 2010, p. 54

Bird, E., 2010, p. 10

Bird, E., 2010, p. 80

contex

history the decline and the rebirth In 1970, the dock land area was already decrepit, the key moment being the closing of the Royal Victoria Dock for commercial traffic in 1981. In the coming years, the dock lands saw many redevelopment schemes produced, some implemented and some not. The surrounding housing, industrial and transportation infrastructure has also been part of this, but many has still been left over. Interesting examples of the usages of such leftover spaces were seen when the millenium mills were used as several filming locations. The contrast of old and ‘new areas’ have contributed to construct thresholds as boundaries all around the area.

1970s The Decline Age

1974 Docklands Joint Committee (DJC) was established to prepare a strategic plan for the redevelopment of the Docklands area. 1980s The Royal Victoria started to go through major redevelopment. 1981 The Royal Victoria Dock closed to commercial traffic but it was still accessible to shipping. 1981 The LLDC (London Docklands Development Coorporation) was established. v

The London Olympics The 02 arena (2007), the Emirates Air Line (2012) and the Crystal (2012) were all part of the redevelopment aimed towards the 2012 London Olymics. The Olypic legacy is an ongoing process, contributing in changing the area in to a tourism site.

1997-1999 The Royal Victoria Footbridge was built linking the north quays, Custom House DLR Station and the ExCel Centre with the south side and Britannia Village. 2015 The approval of the extension of the London City Airport was given.

1974- Redevelopment Age

1987 The opening of the London City Airport. 1985 The CWS mill was used as the filming location of Brazil, Terry Gilliam's film. 1987 Millenium Mills was the key location the film The Last of England of Derek Jarman. 1988 The Millennium Mills was painted white and used as surface for projection for a concert. "A concert dealing with architecture" Jarre. < A screen shot of he music video “Flourescent Adolescent” by the arctic monkeys, filmed at the millenium mills >

1994 -2000 The residential area of Britannia Village was built. 2000 The ExCel Exhibition Centre opened. 2002 -2003 The construction of the Easter Quay apartments was carried out.

2011 The area around the Millennium Mills and the building itself was used for filming music videos. 2013 The Millenium Mills was used to shoot scenes for different movies.

2006 The introduction of the DLR lead to the closure of the North London Line, and Silver Town Station.

2010 Works started to reopen the Connaught Tunnel.

14 Bird, E., 2010, p.90

Bird, E., 2010, p.12

Crossrail, 2015

contex

current and future development The historical context of the area is a very important aspect to consider in order to understand the spatial and intangible aspects of the study area. In addition, another key elements to analyse are the current developments that are taking place around the area and more importantly the proposed plans specifically for Silvertown Quay. At present there are several developments happening around the area of the Docks. The predominant purpose is residential with some mixed uses and business zones. At the north part of the Excel Convention Centre, it is located the area of Canning Town and Custom which have been changing since the past decades mostly to residential high rise buildings. At the northeast of the docks, the London City Airport is one of the greatest thresholds of the area. It is in process of expansion of its facilities in order to fulfil the rising demands of its services.

This is linked also to the Asian Business Port that will be develop just next to the airport at the north. This is supposed to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;LondonÂ´s third financial and business districtâ&#x20AC;?. It is evident that

Silvertown quay Emerging Development sites 1. Royal Wharf / Minoco Wharf 2. Barrrier Parks East 3. City Airport 4. Asian Business Port 5. Excel & Custom House DLR 6. Emirates Cable Car 7. Canning Town Local Parks 8. Thames Barrier Park 9. Lyle Park

this new district will have a great impact on the number of people that will visit the area and the kind of services that will require.

custome house

hotels / residential

hotels

britannia village 6. 2. 8.

1. 9.

waterside park

current and future development

contex

There are different hotels and apartments next to Excel London and near the airport that will be a fundamental resource. Moreover, the residential areas in the southern part of Silvertown Quay would be also important actor of these flows of people. A major change has already undergone this area, the Waterside Park residential homes is already built next to the DLR station Pontoon Dock. Also, Barrier Park East is another set of apartments next to the Thames Barrier. There are mainly high rise buildings and green areas. The Minoco Wharf is as well another set residential buildings with waterside front. In sum it is evident that a great percentage of the regeneration redevelopments around Silvertown are mostly residential. On the specific area of study the Silvertown Quays it is essential to study the regeneration plan that is already proposed for the area. Therefore, the “Silvertown Quays Design and Access Statement” which contains the master plan and the general project of the area was studied in order to understand the kind of identity and changes that are proposed.

6.4 Dock District, Key Open Spaces “Silvertown Quays Outline Planning Application Design and Access Statement, 2014”

current and future development

contex

The project is supposed to be built in different phases throughout an approximate 10 years and the first phase is supposedly starting these year. The idea of the plan is to “become a new home, workplace and destination for thousands of people, and will also become the focus for the rapidly emerging transformation of the wider Royal Docks…”(Silvertown Quays Outline Planning Application Design and Access Statement, 2014). The plan combines residential space, retail, food and beverage, as well as community/ education area, leisure/cultural spaces and public open spaces. Also, the design of the plan is trying to maintain the historical heritage present in the remaining buildings of the site. Therefore, parts of the Millennium Mills and the Rank Rovis, will be rebuilt since the structure is damaged and is unsafe, and will be given a new use. These buildings although could be considered as leftovers due to the bad conditions of its materials, are at the same time key elements to be kept, considering its historic importance and now iconic relevance of the area. 6.1 Illustrative Masterplan in context. “Silvertown Quays Outline Planning Application Design and Access Statement, 2014”

current and future development

contex

Another interesting aspect of the plan is how the mixture of uses are connected within the site itself and to the “exterior”. The streets, the cycling network and the pedestrian paths are will be set to link people to the different zones and at the same time function as thresholds from area to area. They connect people to the diverse plazas that are part of the plan which “will function as a hub of urban activity”(2014). It is interesting how the idea of threshold is embedded in various elements of the design. For instance, there is a special focus placed on the views that the whole complex will provide from different perspectives such as the ground floor, different levels of buildings and roof terraces. This kind of approach function as transition points between some uses and others as well as between the public and private. In addition, several square plazas will be part of the design to work as “thresholds” to access different buildings. Also, new pedestrian crossings and bridges to access the different areas in a safe way are connecting elements, in some moments starting points of journeys or the end of the trip.

6.1 Illustrative Masterplan in context. “Silvertown Quays Outline Planning Application Design and Access Statement, 2014”

The context analysis regarding the current regeneration projects of the area the Docklands is a fundamental element to consider in order to discern the macro and micro changes taking place. It noticeable that many areas are mostly residential. The Silvertown plan is more a mixed uses area that also is trying to maintain some of the historic heritage of the remaining buildings. In sum, the plan of this area intends to give new life to a leftover place in the context of the city and also of the docklands area.

macro scale

spatial analysis ‘arc of opportunity’

The macro scale highlight the ‘arc of the opportunity’ as a threshold. As in the past, this area is still a mental threshold between London and the East. Today, the physical dimension of the ‘arc’, shows two different perceptions and realities of the area. On one hand, developments and investors see this threshold as an open door [that has been opened with the Olympic Games]. On the other hand, the arc of the opportunity still represents the social, economical and political barrier, that exists between the city and the inhabitants of Newham.

meso scale

spatial analysis

The meso scale will be useful to depict specifically Silvertownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s features, considering its functions, its social dynamics and the physical connotations in relations with the area surrounding.

meso scale

spatial analysis

At this scale our area appears as a leftover, being absolutely an abandoned fenced space. Digging deeply, the area itself contains various objects that are the results of different phases throughout it history. It is recognized as a leftover also because it takes distance from what it is surrounded by. On the other hand it could be perceived as a threshold, considering this empty space and the buildings present as opportunities to innovation through new development. The buildings present in the area are:

site study

- Millenium mills: the empty building has undertaken an upgrading process. It looks as an abandoned space, even if it has been used as setting for music videos and movies throughout last years. - Silo D - Rank Hovis Premier Mill - Millenium dome

meso scale

From the meso scale, Britannia village is seen as a gated space, excluded from its surrounding. Specifically, it depends on the

spatial analysis

britannia village

function and the structure itself. Indeed, it is a residential village that looks like a segregated space from the rest of the area.

meso scale

spatial analysis

This dock is perceived as a threshold for people that are living on opposite sides. Surveying the area, the group has noticed a different approach between people who were interviewed in the north area of the dock in comparison with the south. In particular the contact and approach with people was easier in the north area. After we talked with people, we have assumed that this might

the water dock

be related to the presence of tourists which boost localâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitude. On the other hand, when we moved to the area in the south, we perceived a sense of threshold between the residents, making our approach more difficult. We noticed this trend especially within Britannia Village and around the community centre and the school â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tiny townâ&#x20AC;?. Even though from our observations the water dock functioned as a threshold at some point we perceived it as a leftover, due to the its current absence of activities.

meso scale

spatial analysis

This Road appears as a threshold because it acts as a division between the commercial and touristic area in the South and the area in the North, characterized by housings.

victoria dock road In general, the transports implementation over the last years have been big opportunities for the development of the area. The transport system is made of various stations presented throughout the area. This system can conceptually considered as a threshold for the city, as it allows one to travel throughout the city, transforming this areas accessibility.

meso scale

The London City airport appears per se as a metaphorical threshold for the city, considering it as point to access the city from an international perspective. This feature is of course supported by the buildings and their functions which are on the west side

spatial analysis

the london city airport

of the bridge, such as the exhibition and convention centre. These realities represent threshold for the area, which might be considered as borderless itself within the city and the more international panorama, bringing opportunities and possibilities.

meso scale

In between the site of the airport and the Tate Lyle factory there is a housing building strip that represents an interesting texture

spatial analysis

social housing strip

in between two diverse functions and history. Moreover this division is reinforced by the wall that has the role to divide the sugar factory from the area up to the North.

meso scale

The landscape over the river in the south is characterized by the presence of a permeable barrier that has a fundamental role

spatial analysis

thames barrier

for the area itself. It identifies a visible barrier which has been used to control Thamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s floods, controlling the water level. This physical massive barrier framed the landscape in different ways, depending if the barrier is open or closed.

meso scale

spatial analysis

This road passes along Britannia Village and the focus area. Particularly, it represents a threshold, dividing the two mentioned sites from the southern Thames barrier park and the residential blocks around it. Indeed, during the survey we talked with a few local residents living in the southern area, from their feedback we discovered the strong impact that this road has on their life. In

woolwich road

fact, it has been identified as a threshold which is never crossed because of the absence of any attractions on the other side. The presence of the Pontoon Dock station (DLR) does not give the people an opportunity to cross the street itself, but instead links the area directly with the centre of London. Eventually, Woolwich Road has been depicted by the locals as an ugly and uncomfortable strip that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t invite people to cross to the other side and spend time there.

meso scale

Following the previous description, this bridge appears as a continuation of Woolwich Road. The bridge itself might be identified

spatial analysis

connaught bridge

as a real threshold between the west and the east part of the area. In fact, it concretizes the real separation between the airport and the west site.

spatial analysis

micro scale The micro scale will refer to the urban fabric peculiarities that are perceived from the human scale. This attempt will be put in action specifically in the area immediately around and inside our specific site.

Thresholds

The characteristic of thresholds and leftovers shifts when looked at in the micro scale as the function of each alters depending on

Transform

the situation and the quality of the space it falls in.

Leftovers

Through time when an urban transition occurs it forms physical (tangible) and conceptual (intangible) elements in between spaces that are seen as thresholds. These thresholds can take the form of barriers or transitions.

Area A

Area B

Area C

Area D

Area E

Area F

Area G

N 30

micro scale

spatial analysis area A The Leftover areas give a reflection of distance from its surrounded areas. Currently it is seen as a transitionaal space for people to cross fro one end to another. Bridge - A threshold acting as a transition between excel and Britannia. Walls in Britannia village - create privacy between the different cultures living in the area. Even though the division between the private owned houses and the social houses are not visible, it transmits a passive feeling of detachment and creates a void in the social sphere. The poles found around the periphery of the village also creates a type of barrier that gives a sense of privacy and uninviting feel.

micro scale

spatial analysis area B

Britannia village community - in their own shell, have their own barriers, have their own identity, the community within the same area does not interact. People - The quality of life in a space through time changes socially. The way a space is used cannot be controlled as it changes socially over time. Signs - Are threshold that set rules to the people occupying the space. No swimming, No fishing, these restrictions create a barrier between the social and physical fabric Surveillance cameras - gives people security but also increases their sense of anxiety.

micro scale

spatial analysis area C

Gates - act as physical and social barriers, which divide two areas creating a limit and prohibiting access between one another. Due to their permeable characteristic their presence does not send a powerful message, because according to their situation they are capable of transforming into different functions - they can also be seen as thresholds that act as transitions. Fence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Observing Britannia we came across a playground for kids that was fenced off and had no access. Metal structures - Not inviting, creates a barrier for a free flowing transitional space. Holds a strong identity seen as a threat. 33

micro scale

spatial analysis area D

Leftover space - surrounding the Millenium Mills is currently an abandoned space “nothing” but from a developers eye this perception can transition into a threshold and can be an entry point for “something” new (Kriby, 2011) Social perspective - Millennium Mills labourers do not interact with the surrounding area, therefore creating a social barrier between the millienium mills area in relation to the community in Britannia village.

micro scale

spatial analysis area E

Woolwich Road - acts as a threshold on a bigger scale bringing in people to the area, but it is also seen as a barrier separating Britannia village from Thames park. After interviewing a couple of residents living in Thames park area, they said they do not cross over to Britannia and have no idea about the community there. To them their landmark is the DLR, which is their transition line. DLR - Is seen as a threshold that links the area to the rest of the city. Ramp - The walkway leading to the pleasure gardens is a transitional space that is abandoned â&#x20AC;&#x201C; leftover. Walls around the periphery study area - Draw a solid tangible barrier that marks a territory, creating a sense of security and identity. A wall can also mark a political statement. Houses - Housing districts are divided into zones separated by walls.

micro scale

spatial analysis area E

micro scale

spatial analysis area F Metal Gates - Are also present on the east side of the periphery study area, which create a threshold that isolates the inside area from the rest of the surrounding space. However this permeable metal structure does not give a strong barrier dialogue as the concrete wall does, which is found on the west side of the periphery area. Connaught Bridge - As mentioned in the meso scale, even though the bridge acts as a transitional link it is also a threshold that seperates the east from the west side of the area. Observing the area the bridge holds a grotesque leftover space underneath it.

micro scale

spatial analysis area G

Neighborhoods in the area - Upon our observation on Britannia village and the social housing area on a micro scale we found different kinds of characteristics between them. Social Housing Area - Barb wire is located around the area which creates a strong barrier between the surrounding households living in this community. These barriers send out a perception that the community living in this area is not inviting, but upon our observation and interaction the residents were very friendly and they language they had between each other was open. Whereas in Britannia village these elements are not found, but the social barrier between the community living there is very cold and shallow.

reflections

After the research (secondary literature materials) and mapping (primary site materials) of the site, the Royal Docks and the London Docklands. We analysed the area through different lenses and scales. In terms of the macro scale, we contextualized the site in the city dynamics through a historical and geographical analysis, in which the east area of the city has always been depicted as an excluded and segregated part. For the mesa scale, we depicted specifically Silvertownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s features, considering its functions, social dynamics and the physical connotations in relation with the surrounding area. While in the micro scale the urban fabric peculiarities were perceived from a human level. We defined the leftovers and thresholds from the physical and concept dimension. Leftovers include neglected spaces, pastresidual spaces, and buildings which are now abandoned. Threshold can be a door, a gate, a sill, an archway, an entryway, a doorway, and a whole urban area which divides and shapes the spatial reality in relation to the nature itself. For their relationships, Leftovers, as neglected, unutilized places, may evolve to thresholds through the mechanisms of fear or disregarding that are initiated to people during their encounter with those places. On the other hand, the same mechanisms may transition thresholds barriers into entry points. In conclusion as a critical practitioner, we need to consider how to active this huge leftover space in terms of the individual, local, and city scale, to fill the gap by engaging with leftovers and thresholds and the development context for both temporary use and long-term development.

appendix

No. GENDER STATUS 1 F

local

AGE RESIDENCE

WORK

27 Custom House Hackney

USAGE OF AREA

TOWARDS LEFTOVERS

weekends, ExCel, sometimes pub, jogging around the

no such place, SAFE AREA

appendix

dock, generally go out to central 2 M

local

29 Hackney

South West construction

no, no fun in the area

site, have worked in ExCel

there are left overs but they are changing, they are potential!

in the past 3 F

local (with kid)

45 around Pontoon Dock

ExCel - 2,3times a no, SAFE AREA week, nice walk around

St.

the dock (in Summer), nearby park (Barrier Park), local shop (NISA)

4 M

worker - 2 months (goes back to Yorkshire

42 Premier Inn next to ExCel

South East construction

walk from Inn to work abandoned dock area - Potential, site, airport very useful below the bridge - not many people

site

but nice place

every Friday) 5 M

worker

40 Hackney

construction site

to work, not for other usage

7-9, 17-, the DLR stations are busy, but other times pretty abandoned

6 M

worker

40 south of Silvertown

construction site

to work and back, once in ExCel

7 F

local

35 close to Pontoon Dock

sometimes ExCel, west dock area close to Silver town, others of ExCel nice (in no.

St.

8 F

worker

30 out side area (West)

Summer), Barrier Park estate receptionist

close to Pontoon Dock

non during work days, once or twice in ExCel,

residents love local parks, private park for residents or visitors, in the

walk the dog around the dock and west of ExCel (in Summer),

barred area (Millennium Mills, dock area), should be more shops close to Mill and on other side, no dentist or

once on cable car

Summer very busy.

St. 9 M

local

29 close to Pontoon Dock St., 2 years

cable car and ExCel and dock for visitors,

doctor in the area.

sometimes pub on other side, Barrier Park, airport very useful 10 M

worker

40 out side area

family run corner shop close to airport

weekdays - none. drive New people -> online shopping, locals to work. not much to don t use new places ie. ExCel. the do. Sometimes pub on apartments keep buildings -> bad other side, ďŹ shing on South side of dock, go walk with friends and have fag, all in THE SUMMER.

impression. customers go to large supermarkets, corner shops don t get regular customers.

references ABP Royal Albert Dock (n.d) Retrieved fom http://abp-london.co.uk/development/ http://www.londoncityairport.com/aboutandcorporate/page/airportmasterplan (Accesed 02/11/ 2015) Akkerman, A. (2009) “Urban void and the Deconstruction of Neo-Platonic city-form, Ethics, Place & Environment: A Journal of Philosophy & Geography, 12(2). Barrat London (n.d) Waterside Park Retrieved from http://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/greater-london/h517901waterside-park/ (Accesed 02/10/2015) Britain

from

above

(2014)

“Silvertown,

Newham”

Retrieved

from

http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/

asearch?name=SILVERTOWN&gazetteer=SILVERTOWN&POPULATED_PLACE=SILVERTOWN&ADMIN_AREA=Newham (Accessed 30/01/2015) Coaffee, J. (2014) ‘Rings of Steel, Rings of Concrete and Rings of Confidence: Designing out Terrorism in Central London pre and post September 11th’ Journal: International Journal of Urban and Regional Research Volume 28.1 201-11[Online Resource] Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com Last access:11/2/2015 Crossrail (2015) “Breathing New Life to Connaught Tunnel” Retrieved from http://www.crossrail.co.uk/construction/tunnelling/ breathing-new-life-into-the-connaught-tunnel/ (Accessed 02/02/2015 De Mello Franco, F. (2011) “Filling the voids with popular imaginaries, architectural design” 81 (3), Special Issue: Latin America at the Crossroads, 80-85. Exploring 20th London (n,d) Retrieved from http://www.20thcenturylondon.org.uk/mol-ja020 (Accessed 03/02/ 2015) Fletcher Priest Architects (2014) “Silvertown Quays Outline Planning Application Design and Access Statement” Chapter 2.1 Vision pp. 13. 45

references Graham, S. (2005) ‘Heterotopias in City Modelling and Urban Design’. In: Graham S. ‘Recombinant Urbanism, Conceptual Modelling in Architecture, Urban Design, and City Theory pp 231-303, Chichester: Wiley Eyewitness to History (n.d) “The London Blitz” Retrieved from http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/blitz.htm (Accessed 01/02/2015) I love BV(2014) “West Silvertown Village Community Foundation” Retrieved from: http://www.ilovebv.com/wsf.html (Accesed 03/02/2015) Krivy, M,. Mendieta, E., Richter, A., Catterall, B. (2011) On “The Urbanism of Nothing”. City, 15 (3-4), pp. 443-455. Montgomery, W. (2011) “Sounding the Heygate estate. Sounding the Heygate estate” City, 15(3-4), pp. 443-455. Museum of London Docklands (n.d) “Docklands at War 1939 - 1945” Retrieved from http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ docklands/whats-on/permanent-galleries/docklands-war-1939-1945/ (Accessed 29/01/2015) Newham Recorder (2012) “London Pleasure Gardens goes into administration weeks after open” Retrieved from http:// www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/news/london_pleasure_gardens_goes_into_administration_weeks_after_opening_1_1471198 (Accessed 01/02/2015) Portcities London (n.d) “The Blitz: Why did it start?” Retrieved from http://www.portcities.org.uk/london/server/show/ ConNarrative.53/Docklands-and-the-Blitz.html (Accessed 02/02/2015) Portcities London (n.d) “Royal Victoria Dock (1855-1981)” Retrieved from http://www.portcities.org.uk/london/server/show/ ConFactFile.73/Royal-Victoria-Dock.html (Accessed 02/02/2015) Royal Wharf London (2015) Retrieved from http://www.royalwharf.com/the-location (Accessed 11/02/2015)

references Sandberg, L. (2014) ‘I don’t think we’ll ever be finished with this’: Fear and safety in policy and practice Linda Sandberg Urban Studies 1–16 Urban Studies Journal Limited 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0042098014550453 Available from: usj.sagepub.com [online resource] ( Last Access: 11/2/2015) Sebregondi, F. (2012) “Notes on the potential of void. City:analysis of urban trends, culture, theory, policy, action” 16:3, pp. 337-344. Silvertown Quays: officially dead (2010) Retrieved from http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/daily-news/silvertown-quaysofficially-dead/5208709.article (Accessed 02/02/2015) Smithson, R. (1997) “A tour of the monument of Passaic” In: Flam, J. (ed.) Robert Smithson: The collected writings, Berkeley, University of California Press. Smithson, R. (2004) University of California Press. Accompanies the exhibition: ‘ Robert Smithson organized by Eugene Tsai Published by the Museum of Contemporary arts, Los Angeles in association with the University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, California and University of California Press, Ltd. London, England .Editor: Jane Heyn Stavrides, S. (2007) “Heterotopias and the Experience of Porous Urban Space” [online source] Published In Franck K. and Stevens Q. (eds.) 2007 Loose Space. Possibility and Diversity in Urban Life. London: Routledge (Accessed 11/02/2015) Stavrides, S. (2010) “Toward the city of thresholds (Chapter 1)” Retrieved from www.professionaldreamers.net/_prowp/wpcontent/uploads/978-88-904295-3-8.pd Stray of the Path (2014) “Spillers Mills” Retrieved from http://www.strayoffthepath.co.uk/spillers-millennium-mills.html (Accessed 02/02/2015) The Royal Docks, A short story (2008) Retrieved from http://www.royaldockstrust.org.uk/rdhist.htm#Decline (Accessed 01/02/2015)

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