Reclaiming the Shanghainese Courtyard

Journal [Volume 2]

RECLAIMING THE SHANGHAINESE COURTYARD by Elliot Reilly 1

01

02

03

6-13: Why Repair?

14-33: Case Studies

34-55: Outline Design Development

Chapter one is dedicated to providing an explanation as to why I have chosen the style of intervention I have and a brief over view of both Calum Ramsay’s and Mishell Parodi’s strategies.

Much like Volume 1, I have prioritised a chapter of this journal for detailed analysis of Case Studies.

Here I display my early design strategies through model making and sketches. I have analysed both in detail and drawn conclusions based on a variety of arrangements and conditions.

C 2

O

N

I have chosen a variety of projects from various locations with the intention of learning how other cultures approach similar situations.

T

E

N

T

S

章節

04

60-91: 3-Dimensional Matrix

05

92-101: Environmental Strategy

06

Upon making my final design decisions, I have used chapter 4 to procure my final drawings and illustrations which best convey my design based on the conclusions I arrived at in the previous chapter.

Chapter 5 is where I take the opportunity to display a series of environmental strategies and detailed drawings. Here, I break down conditions at an Urban scale as well as looking closely at conditions created by specific house types.

To conclude my journal, I use the last chapter to discuss my findings.

102: Yield

3

P R E F A C E 4

前言

Contiuing on from Volume 1, this Journal will examine the Urban scale of the city of Shanghai in more detail, in particular the Historic Old Town. As well as the Urban scale, I will explore the tectonic scale in the form of a piece of architecutre designed based on the set of rules and principles set out by myself as a result of a rigid design process.

I will discuss the many factors contributing to the current situation the Old Town finds itself in and ultimately answering the question:

Can the combination of collectivity and privacy be re-connected in a denser arrangement with a spacial organisation suited to the 21st Century?

In order to illustrate my findings, I have procured this Journal to provide evidence to back up my Hypothesis.

5

6

Continuing on from last semester, I intend to look more closely at the existing conditions of the Old Town fabric. Looking specifically at how residents interact and make the most of the poor living conditions.

I aim to examine the social ramifications of these conditions and in what way these conditions can be improved in order to provide the residents with a better quality of living

維修和翻 WHY REPAIR?

01 7

As a result of the government intervention

community and collective living that is sadly

throughout the Old Town over the past 30

being destroyed as a result of the ongoing

years, much of the fabric that has been left

government intervention.

untouched as fallen into a state of despair.

With the current plans in place to completely

Can

the

unique

demolish the remaining fabric, there is unlikely

collectivity

to be any government spending in the repair

constructed in a denser arrangement

of these, almost unliveable conditions.

with a spacial organisation suited to

an

combination privacy

be

of re-

the 21st Century?

Throughout the Old Town there are many areas of redundant, underutilised land that is most likely going to be snapped up by the

It is unfortunately only a matter of time before

local authorities and transformed into yet

most of the Old Town is destroyed. However,

more areas of exclusivity. In order to combat

through repairing the fabric, I believe the

this, I have proposed a strategy that reclaims

qualities that the Old Town possesses can be

the redundant areas and transforms them into

stitched back together in a way that will allow

modern, affordable, small scale residential

the strong sense of community to thrive and

housing developments.

the residents will be able to foster the same style of living they have become accustomed

8

The aim through these new residential

to but in cleaner, more sanitary conditions

developments is to instil the sense of

more suited to modern day living.

1.02

1.03

1.04

1.02 Local laundry shop 1.03 Space used as waste disposal due to lack of proper waste management 1.04 Street condition within Old Town 1.05 Local repair workshop 1.06 Outdoor sink supplying water to residential block

1.05

1.06

9

The Li-Long Revival [Mishell Parodi] Carrying over from Semester 1, Mishell has continued to develop her repair intervention through what she coined, The Li-Long revival. In the site highlighted, Mishell hopes to repair through the process of knitting back together the fabric in the style of the traditional Li-Long typology.

A style that can be found in the existing fabric. Mishell’s development will include a mix of residential and public facilities.

The Fuxing Hybrid [Calum Ramsay] Different to both myself and Mishell, Calum hopes to intervene through a process of Revanchism. He has located the Fuxung Road as an area of Exclusivity and division and hopes to integrate a Hybrid structure along the road in order to connect both halves of the Old Town. The Hybrid will include a mix of large scale public programmes and small scale programmes such as residential sectors.

10

Reclaiming the Chinese Courtyard Like Mishell I aim to intervene through repair. However, I aim to achieve my repair based on the vernacular of the traditional

Chinese Courtyard Dwelling (otherwise known as the Siheyuan). Although most commonly found in other regions in China, the typology of the Courtyard dwelling has many qualities that encourage collective living between residents and as such I have chosen to study it in depth.

The site highlighted (see fig.02) shows my operational zone for 2020. Although I have developed my scheme in detail for this site, I am proposing that this approach can be implemented in other redundant spaces throughout the Old Town. My scheme allows for the modules to be arranged to suit the site in which it is located.

11

As set out in the rules within our manifesto,

one another. For what the two points of

we propose to provide a scale of repair

repair lack in large scale, public programs,

throughout the Old Town in areas where

the Fuxing Hybrid makes up for.

we deem to be in a lacking in proper facilities,

Similarly, where the Fuxing Hybrid lacks

kitchen/dining areas and open, green

in small scale connections to the existing

spaces to allow for a positive relationship

fabric, the two points of repair are able

between the new facilities, whilst keeping

to compensate and provide intimate

the natural sense of community in tact in

connections to the complex fabric of the

what could be described as an ‘accidental

accidental mat.

infrastructure

i.e.

Sanitary

mat’ integrated into the existing context of Shanghai. This intervention takes place in the form of repair at either end of the section, as indicated below and the point of revanchism occurs in the centre.

12

Although not physically connected, the

The diagram below illustrates a section

three strategies work in harmony with

taken through each of our strategies:

The Fu[x]ing Hybrid:

Li-Long Revival:

Situated in the between both

In an attempt to revive the traditional

points of repair, the Fuxing

typology of the Chinese Li-Long,

Hybrid stitches back together

Mishell proposes a strategy of repair

the

was

in the form of her low rise, mixed use

the

residential project. With the focus

main road. Realising this, Calum

being on the integration between

submerges the road and uses the

residential and public facilities. Much

Hybrid to form a public threshold

like my attempt to reclaim the Chinese

connecting the two sides of the

Courtyard, Mishell uses the unique

Old Town. Stepping the Hybrid

form of her house types to dictate the

down towards the existing fabric

activities that go on in between them.

connectivity

previously

lost

that

through

also engages those inhabiting it with the neighbouring residents.

13

Hangzhou Housing Project, Aerial View

14

In

order

to

develop

a

more

in

depth

understanding on the current socio-political environment in China, I have analysed a number of contemporary examples of projects which have strived to maintain a similar sense of Collective living to that within the Old Town.

Although the pre-existing conditions differ between each project, the underlying issue is the same:

How can a modern typology reinstall a sense of Collective Living?

A style of living which is fundamental to the success of the community.

案例分析 CASE STUDY: HANGZHOU

02 15

Although, geographically, this area differs

One of the key aspects to maintaining the social quality

to the location of the Old Town, the social

within their design was to develop a strategy orientated

issues attached to both areas are quite similar.

around the traditional courtyard typology (see fig. ??) in an

Currently, with China undergoing a massive

attempt to concentrate most of the interaction between

period of urbanization, many of the rural areas

residents in these communal outdoor spaces.

out-with the City are being exploited for their labour and resources. Like the Old Town fabric, these rural towns and villages are in desperate need of improved living conditions.

It was the goal of the practice, GAD Line + Studio, to design a typology that would provide current residents with a new and improved version of their traditional way of living.

“How to design and construct quality housing for relocalized farmers with such a low budget, while maintaining their original lifestyle of collective living, becomes the major challenge of this project” (Architizer, 2016)

2.02

16

2.03

DONGZIGUAN, HANGZHOU With the intention of improving the standard of living, the studio provided 15,300 square meters of housing across 50 property’s. Each property designed based on the traditional, vernacular typology, with every six properties sharing a communal courtyard. However, this courtyard differs with each arrangement, creating different conditions for each microcommunity.

It is the variety of conditions that allows for different forms of social interaction between the residents. Thus allowing the residents to adapt to the spaces between and create their own conditions based on their individual requirements.

2.02 Communal Courtyard Area 2.03 Alleyway 2.04 Private Garden 2.05 First Floor Plan

17

The figure to the right depicts one of many courtyards in the development. Although the courtyard is walled off at every side, there is a clear attempt to create a sense of permeability in the wall through the brick, no brick, brick pattern. This is also achieved through restricting the height of the wall to allow for a visual connection from the neighbouring property.

18

2.04

It is evident in the arrangement of the plan that in order to achieve the sense of connectivity and collectivity between residents, each property had to be approached individually with a specific condition applied to each.

fig.2.05 First Floor plan

19

20

Although studying a project

in China, I

analysed several examples of mass housing throughout Europe. Studying projects in different Political, social and geographical climates allowed me to view a wider range of techniques and methodologies undertaken by a number of architects.

As a result of an exponentially growing population (during the 1960/70’s), architects were having to think of ways to house this population. Many opted for tower block typlogies, however, this proved to neglect the social aspect of living completely. On the other hand, many architects strived to ignite a sense of collective living into society. It will be these examples I will reflect on throughout this journal

案例分析 CASE STUDY: PORTUGAL

2.1 21

Although, geographically, this area differs

One of the key aspects to maintaining the social quality

to the location of the Old Town, the social

within their design was to develop a strategy orientated

issues attached to both areas are quite similar.

around the traditional courtyard typology (see fig. 2.1.2) in

Currently, with China undergoing a massive

an attempt to concentrate most of the interaction between

period of urbanization, many of the rural areas

residents in these communal outdoor spaces.

out-with the City are being exploited for their labour and resources. Like the Old Town fabric, these rural towns and villages are in desperate need of improved living conditions.

It was the goal of the practice, GAD Line + Studio, to design a typology that would provide current residents with a new and improved version of their traditional way of living.

“How to design and construct quality housing for relocalized farmers with such a low budget, while maintaining their original lifestyle of collective living, becomes the major challenge of this project” (Architizer, 2016) 2.1.2 Apartment Type from Street 2.1.3 Flat type floor plans 2.1.4

22

Spacial Arrangement Diagram

2.1.2

MALGUEIRA, PORTUGAL With the intention of improving the standard of living, the studio provided 15,300 square meters of housing across 50 property’s. Each property designed based on the traditional, vernacular typology, with every six properties sharing a communal courtyard. However, this courtyard differs with each arrangement, creating different conditions for each microcommunity.

It is the variety of conditions that allows for different forms of social interaction between the residents. Thus allowing the resident sto 2.1.3

adapt to the spaces between and create their own conditions based on their individual requirements.

2.1.3

23

2.1.5

24

It is evident that Siza was designing this project with the residents needs in mind. By developing each dwelling as a type it gave the opportunity for a variety of different conditions.

Much like Siza, I am hoping to accommodate to the needs and requirements of the existing residents by forming dwelling types that will provide residents with both an equal amount 2.1.6

of privacy and communal spaces. In doing so this will allow the residents to foster a collective style of living in a spacial arrangement suited to the 21st Century.

2.1.5 Taxonomy of flat types 2.1.6 Local collecting water 2.1.7 2.1.7

Flat type on sloping ground

25

Traditional Chinese Courtyard, Entrance

26

As well as exploring contemporary precedents, I undertook a study of the traditional Chinese Courtyard typology. In order to achieve a combination of collectivity and privacy, I would have to replicate elements from both modern housing methods and the traditional style of Chinese Courtyard living.

CAN

THE

COMBINATION AND

COLLECTIVITY BE A SUITED

PRIVACY

RE-CONNECTED

DENSER

IN

ARRANGEMENT

SPACIAL TO

THE

OF A WITH

ORGANISATION 21st

CENTURY?

中国四合院 CHINESE COURTYARD

2.2 27

Traditionally named, Siheyuan, the Courtyard

Traditionally the enclosed dwelling would serve as protection from

typology is native to China and can be found

harsh weathers as well as maintaining a level of privacy from the main

mostly in Bejing. However, it can be seen

roads out with the walls.

elsewhere throughout the country.

Through a combination of each of these methods, I aim to create a This style of living has been native to China for

3-Dimensional Matrix of collective spaces suited to the traditional

the best part of 2,000 years and traditionally

Chinese way of living, as well as introducing 21st Century technologies

was occupied by one large family. This family

that will improve the standard of living.

would most likely consist of extended family members ie. Elderly parents who would be cared for by their children. This collective way of living is very common in Chinese culture and hence why the Courtyard typology best suited this way of life.

As seen in fig. 2.2.2, the accommodation was orientated around a private courtyard with a grand entrance. Each building facing the courtyard would serve a different purpose to the family. The buildings form a hierarchy ranging from the most important (the head of the family) and the least important (most commonly the youngest son or daughter).

28

2.2.2

SIHEYUAN In order to better understand the social ramifications of the courtyard dwelling, I have created an illustration to express how each design decision influences the way the dwelling operates.

I aim to draw comparisons between the traditional courtyard dwelling and the sociospacial qualities I am creating through my 3-Dimensional Matrix.

2.2.3

2.2.2 Traditional Chinese Courtyard 2.2.3 Traditional Chinese Courtyard entrance

29

SIHEYUAN TYPOLOGY

As indicated, almost every Siheyuan as one main

Like most courtyard typologies, the Siheyuan

The courtyard dwellin

point of access. This entrance is the only point

uses the courtyard to its full capabilities.

into a hierarchy of s

of permeability separating the dwelling form

Traditionally the courtyard will be comprised of

void is met upon en

the main road. Upon passing through the Main

a combination of pathways, green spaces and

acts as the buffer be

entrance, you are met with a smaller entrance

vegetation. This in turns encourages the spaces

the main courtyard. T

which divides the entrance corridor and the

to be used as the main congregating area for

where most communa

main courtyard space. This lack of permeability

most activities; including socializing, cooking

last void occurs at th

is something I aim to improve within my

and funerals. This sense of collective living is

commonly as the ‘rea

3-Dimensional Matrix.

key to the success of courtyard living. Similar

and external space b

to the Siheyuan, I will introduce green spaces.

and the master reside

However, rather than being only accessible in 2-Dimensions, I will orchestrate the green spaces in a 3-Dimensional manner.

30

ng can be broken down

Like almost all Chinese courtyard dwellings, they

The key aspect to the Chinese courtyard

solid and void. The first

have signle storey high wall that wraps around

dwelling is the key positioning of the residential

ntering the dwelling. This

the perimeter of the block. In doing so, creating

blocks and in which way they are orientated.

etween the entrance and

a sense of privacy from neigbouring dwellings

The three blocks are backed to the external

The Main courtyard being

and a sense of protection from external forces.

wall and face towards the main courtyard thus

al activities take place. The

encouraging maximum interaction between

he end and is know most

Much like this, I aim to maintain a degree of

ar courtyard’ and provides

privacy whilst achieving a sense of collectivity

between the rear building

that is otherwise lost in the traditional format.

ence.

residents.

I have taken this method and used the form of each housing type to dictate the way in which the interaction takes place between residents.

From shared courtyards on the ground floor to neighbouring patios on the second floor.

31

3-DIMENSIONAL MATRIX 32

Although the Siheyuan provides a degree of dense

In my opinion, the most successful element of the

arrangement of accommodation, it is exclusive to only

Siheyuan is the courtyard itself. The courtyard acts

one family. However, by expanding the courtyard into

as a collective device, that without, the Siheyuan

3 Dimensions, I am able to provide the residents of

would not be possible. I have taken the traditional

several homes a number of green, communal spaces

courtyard and combined it with the Void in order to

in which families can interact with one another. This

create a multifaceted, 3-Dimensional experience for

social connection can now take place vertically as

each resident.

well as horizontally.

Another crucial element to consider is the orientation

The one strategy that, although successful for the

of the residents. For my project to be successful it is

Siheyuan, will not be of any benefit to the Matrix by

important to maintain a visual connection between

means of creating a permeable environement is the

the residents on each level. In order to achieve this, I

lack of access. Where the Siheyuan only has one

have orientated the main living spaces of each house

point of access, I will provide several points of access

type towards the centre of each sub-enclave, much

throughout the perimeter of the Ground Floor. Only

like the Siheyuan, encouraging social interaction at

the sizes of the streets will determine whether or not

each level of the Matrix.

they are private, public or semi public.

33

3-Dimensional Matrix, Sketch Development

34

At this stage in the design process I used a combination of massing models, sketch vingettes and precedent studies in order to better understand my site and the context around it.

This combination also allowed me to develop a clear visual narrative of my design process.

案例分析 OUTLINE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

03 35

Through the composition of varies arrangements of this 1:200 massing model, I was able to test numerous social conditions. Taking dimensions based roughly on the same sizes of low rise properties existing in the Old Town I was successfully able to explore a dense

1:200 MASSING MODEL

01

arrangements of mass, void and public circulation.

36

3.01 Zhongyuan Liangwan City 3.02 Old Town goverment intervention 3.03 Zhongyuan Liangwan public space

37

Through the composition of varies arrangements of this 1:200 massing model, I was able to test numerous social conditions. Taking dimensions based roughly on the same sizes of low rise properties existing in the Old Town I was successfully able to explore a dense

1:200 MASSING MODEL

02

arrangements of mass, void and public circulation.

38

Through the composition of varies arrangements of this 1:200 massing model, I was able to test numerous social conditions. Taking dimensions based roughly on the same sizes of low rise properties existing in the Old Town I was successfully able to explore a dense

1:200 MASSING MODEL

03

arrangements of mass, void and public circulation.

39

01 MODEL ARRANGEMENT 40

Matrix [Arrangement 1] It was crucial for me, in order to understand the spacial qualities of the space created as a result of the form of each house type, that I modelled each type as a solid at a scale of 1:100.

In doing so, informed me of the overall form depending on the specific arrangement of types. Before planning out each house type I would allow the form of each arrangement to determine each floor plan.

This

particular

arrangement

successfully

aided me in focusing on what conditions worked well and what conditions did not work practically.

Elevation variations

Model Development (Floor by Floor)

41

42

Matrix [Arrangement 1] From further analysis I was able to make early design decisions based on what arrangements provided the best conditions for collective living.

It became clear through this analysis that specific conditions, when repeated, would form very interesting

communal

spaces

between the properties.

Condition 1 being of particular interest as it formed a central courtyard shared by 4 properties.

43

02 MODEL ARRANGEMENT

44

Matrix [Arrangement 2] It was crucial for me, in order to understand the spacial qualities of the space created as a result of the form of each house type, that I modelled each type as a solid at a scale of 1:100.

In doing so, informed me of the overall form depending on the specific arrangement of types. Before planning out each house type I would allow the form of each arrangement to determine each floor plan.

This

particular

arrangement

successfully

aided me in focusing on what conditions worked well and what conditions did not work practically.

Elevation variations

Model Development (Floor by Floor)

45

46

Matrix [Arrangement 2] Similar to Arrangement 1, I have produced a series of conditions created

as

a

result

of

the

arrangement.

The yield from this analysis is that conditions 2, 3 and 4 have certain attributes that promote a sense of collective living.

I

will

these

take

forward

conditions

and

each

of

explore

them further as I develop my 3-Dimesnional Matrix.

47

03 MODEL ARRANGEMENT

48

Matrix [Arrangement 2] It was crucial for me, in order to understand the spacial qualities of the space created as a result of the form of each house type, that I modelled each type as a solid at a scale of 1:100.

In doing so, informed me of the overall form depending on the specific arrangement of types. Before planning out each house type I would allow the form of each arrangement to determine each floor plan.

This

particular

arrangement

successfully

aided me in focusing on what conditions worked well and what conditions did not work practically.

Elevation variations

Model Development (Floor by Floor)

49

Sketch Vingettes Once modelling the basic volumes I began to sketch a series of vingettes to explore each condition and how those conditions could be utilised by the residents.

By imposing elements into each sketch such as windows, doors and railings, for the first time I was able to convey a sense of the atmospheric qualities of the spaces between the volumes.

Upon further analysis, it became apparent that although I was creating positive outdoor spaces, the language of the railings were not coherent with the language of the overall form of the scheme. As highlighted in the sketch to the left the language of the facade as began form as a continuous plane. As well as the facade, I aim to integrate the up-stands into the same continuous language.

50

3.01 Zhongyuan Liangwan City 3.02 Old Town goverment intervention 3.03 Zhongyuan Liangwan public space

51

Sketch Vingettes [Version 2] The second series of sketches have began to take on a more continuous language where the up-stands do not read as separate elements but rather a continuation of the facade.

This process of sketching out each condition has aided me in developing the conditions created throughout my scheme.

Moving forward from this stage, I will proceed to develop each house type based on the form my design has taken and ultimately design each type based on the interaction it may have with the spaces between.

52

53

MODEL DEVELOPMENT 54

Model [1:100] Based on the language set out in my development models and sketches, I composed a new model in order to express the minimalist concept throughout my design.

At 1:100 I was able to express

The model allowed me to explore the arrangement of spaces created as a result of the form.

It was essential that the orientation of the house types dictated the form of the project.

55

Unité d’Habitation, Firminy, Perspective of east facade by Le Corbusier

56

As a continuation from the lecture reflections

in

Volume

1,

I

explore

capitalism and its effects on the free market, particularly house prices. As well as my intentions for taking my project further into the design development and integrating the knowledge gained from Andy Stoane’s Lectures series into my own strategy.

演講感言 LECTURE REFLECTIONS

AR41001 57

HOUSING: A MASS PRODUCED ‘PRODUCT’ Having discussed the influence that

dependent on what will make the large

Without

Henry Ford had on Le Corbusier’s

take-holders richer. This is most certainly

becomes obsolete.

attitude towards architecture during

the case in China, particularly Shanghai.

the 1930’s, in Volume 1, I would like to

Right now China is experiences one of,

As a result of this viscous circle, the

take this opportunity to continue this

if not, the worst housing bubble it has

prices of housing increase exponentially

discussion.

ever experience. It is estimated that

leaving many families with no other

this bubble will eventually pop and the

option than to sell their homes in the

Andy Stoanes lecture on Infrastructure

outcome for the people of China and the

city for next to no profit and re locate

brought to light some key ideologies

economy will be disastrous.

outside the city. It is exactly this that has

that I felt I could apply to my own design

profit,

the

commodity

lead to the outward growth of Shanghai

strategies. This of course being the idea

Although traditionally not a capitalist

and if this process is to continue, only

that a house can become a product in the

country, China most certainly operates

the high earning stakeholders will be

same way that a phone or a car is. Why

under a capitalist way of lif and like every

able to afford to live in the city.

can’t the same rules apply to a house

other capitalist country, the free market

as they do to a phone? Unfortunately, as

is ruled by the small majority of large

Therefore, in an attempt to tackle

a result of a capitalist society, families

stakeholders.

this crisis, I aim to provide affordable

are investing in homes as a long term

housing within the Historic Old Town

investment and with house prices sky

As Karl Marx said, a capitalist society

of Shanghai. Mainly targeted towards

rocketing, it is becoming increasingly

revolves

commodity

existing residents that are under threat

more difficult for people to get a grasp

production. He realised that the value

of losing their home and/or families

on the housing ladder.

does not lie within the commodity itself

previously forced out of the Old Town

but rather the amount of profit that

and want to move back.

Under

58

a

capitalism,

the

around

the

affordability

commodity can make and without a

and availability of housing is totally

profit, the commodity is worth nothing.

As well as providing affordable housing,

I have designed each unit based on a standard component of parts that can be repeated in various arrangements throughout a chosen site within the Old Town. Much like Corbusier, I hope to introduce each house type as an affordable product that can be rented or bought.

Immeubles Villa, 1922

PlanObus, Alger, 1933

59

60

Through a combination of precedent analysis and model/sketch exploration I have reached the stage of applying what I have learned into what I have titled, the 3-Dimensional Matrix.

Through the reclaiming of the Chinese Courtyard, I propose a strategic intervention in the form of a Residential housing project that introduces improved living in the form of modern housing techniques, green spaces and a community kitchen.

This chapter will explore the key design decisions I made in order to achieve an improved way of living whilst maintaining the traditional Chinese style of living.

Matrix [meitriks] noun matrix 1. the cultural, social or political environment in which something develops 2. the set of conditions that provides a system in which something grows or develops

3D矩陣新 3D矩陣 新 3-DIMENSIONAL MATRIX

04

61

Although the three points of intervention

are

working

in

symbiosis, as part of the my individual strategy of repair I had to select a specific area within the Old Town where I could implement my strategy at a fully resolved level of detail with the intention that the same strategy can be implemented in various other locations throughout the Old Town fabric. As highlighted in the plan opposite, I have picked a number of other open spaces currently not being utilised and where my strategy can easily be implemented.

62

63

64

Although the Old Town fabric fails

to

provide

in

living

standards, the local residents are still able to maintain a collective style of living. The very style of living that is being destroyed through the act of government intervention.

In an attempt to preserve this pluralistic way of life, I propose a Sub-Enlcave.

This Sub-Enlcave is based on a 3.2mX3.5m grid and will produce a series of conditions

that

will

be

repeated throughout the site in order to replicate the collective style of life in the Old Town.

65

As evident in the plan of the Old Town, there is a severe lack of open, green space. In contrast to this, plans from the mid 20th Century would show

otherwise.

The

Old

Town, before being objected to market forces during the 1970-90’s, did have a have a number of communal green spaces scattered throughout the historic enclave.

I see this as a great opportunity to install a new sense of freedom into the residents of the Old Town by introducing a series of amenities that can be used and accessed by not only the residents of that particular Sub-Enlcave but residents from elsewhere in the Old Town. These include retail lots that can be rented by local trades people to provide

66

4.0.2 Existing repair shop 4.0.3 Meat stall 4.0.4 4.0.2

4.0.3

Fresh fruit stall

them with the opportunity to set up a short term SME (Small/Medium enterprise), where they can effectively set up and maintain a steady income. Each retail lot is set up perpendicular to the main public route through the site and adjacent to the open green space. This in turn promotes a positive GDP within the Old Town without the business under threat of being bought over by larger stakeholders. As evident in figure 4.0.2-, the current situation in the Old Town is far from sustainable.

So with the introduction of a new and improved retail sector, I hope to create a more sustainable way of living for the residents of the Old Town.

4.0.4

67

From first hand experience of

De Caparica, Portugal, I seen

the Old Town, it was evident that

conditions of living that were

much of the socialising between

identical to those I discovered

residents

over

taking place in the Old Town. Much

food. More specifically, in the

like the residents of the Old Town,

preparation of food out on the

the small Portuguese community

street in which their home fronts

live by a similar style.

takes

place

onto to.

Due to the harsh conditions Dating back to the invention of the

put upon the community, the

Courtyard dwelling, this tradition

living conditions are completely

as always been integrated into

unsuitable for the 21st Century.

the Chinese culture. It is most

However, they are able to maintain

common for food to be cooked for

a collective style of living. One

large groups: including extended

way in which they do so is through

family and friends.

cooking. What can be viewed as a fairly mundane task amongst most

This aspect of collective living is

1st world countries, communities

one I have attempted to replicate

like this are able to thrive on it and

through the Community Oven.

through cooking are able to form

This strategy can be seen on the

a sustainable environment.

Ground Floor plan of the 3-D Matrix.

Having

studied

a

similar

technique implemented in Costa 68 4.0.5

The partnership of Ateliermob and Colectivo Warehouse were able to come together and design a project completely tailored to suit the ay of life of this small Portuguese community. Orientated around a large dining space, the small complex also includes washing and cleaning facilities, fresh water supply and open space for the community to use for large gatherings. Having explored the techniques of Atliermob and Colectivo Warehouse, I have proposed a strategy that tackles similar issues and at a very similar scale.

4.0.6

4.0.5 Community Table 4.0.6 Community Hub 4.0.7 Community gathering 4.0.7

69

In order to maintain a collective style of living but provide a denser arrangement of accommodation, I continued to replicate what I achieved on the Ground Floor on both the First and Second Floor.

Without any ‘Ground’ I had to redefine what the ground meant to the residents. For them, the ground is the platform in which they go about their daily life.

Taking this into consideration, I used the form of each module type to mould new platforms on each floor, thus creating the 3-Dimensional Matrix.

The combination

of Solid and

Void on the vertical axis gives opportunity

for

residents

on

every level to have some form of interaction, whether that be physical or visual.

70

Even on the Second Floor, I have attempted to integrate the same pluralistic way of life that is evident on the Ground Floor.

With only three properties per

Sub-Enclave, there was potential for

open,

communal

spaces.

These communal spaces serve as a continuation of the garden on the Ground Floor but offer a closer alternative to those residents situated on the highest level.

Each property on the Second Floor have direct access onto (semi-private) communal patio spaces that serve as a buffer between the main circulation and the entrance foyer to the property.

71

S U B - E N C L AV E C O U RT YA R D 72

73

SUB-ENCLAVE Consisting of 11 properties, each Sub-Enclave can provide housing to between 25-30 people.

With this dense arrangement, I was able to limit the height of each Sub-Enclave to no more than 3 storeys to maintain a level of collective living that, in my opinion, would otherwise be lost if I exceeded a height of 10 meters.

Ground Floor: The Ground Floor arrangement consists of 2 property types. With the living spaces orientated towards a central courtyard, both property types can take full advantage of a shared space. These courtyards, although used by the residents of the house directly off of it, can also be accessed by residents of the floors above in order to use the external stair situated just off centre. Each stair then leads to the floor above, providing sufficient access for those residents occupying the upper floors.

74

First Floor: Where, on the Ground Floor, I introduced

collective

spaces

through courtyards, I adopt a similar technique on the First Floor. However, it was crucial that I maintained a sense of permeability on the vertical axis to allow for enough sun light and to provide a visual connection between the floors.

I achieved this connection through the use of the Void. As an architectural device, the void provides a sense of openness as well as forming a visual relationship between the residents on either side.

Providing

a

view

towards

the

perimeter of the Sub-Enclave are the exterior patios off of the bedrooms of each type. Each patio provides the bedrooms with both enough sunlight and privacy needed for a bedroom.

75

Second Floor: Consisting of only three properties, the main focus on the Second Floor is given over to the collective style of life.

As the Second Floor would appear separated from the Ground Floor, I repeated the technique of the void with the intent of continuing the visual connection all the way through to the Ground Floor. Likewise, I have introduced several

communal

spaces

including

patios and community gardens.

When working in symbiosis, all three floors

come

together

to

form

the

3-Dimensional Matrix. It is within this dense matrix that a combination of collective activities occur.

76

77

B E D R O O M W I T H E X T E R N A L PAT I O

78

79

80

PROPERTY TYPES_EXPLODED ISOMETRICS

81

82

83

84

MULTI-STAGE STRUCTURAL SEQUENCE Much like Le Corbusier’s Maison Citrohan, I have modelled each house type based on a strict grid. This grid (3.2mX3.5m) provides the foundation to allow each type to be massed produced and assembled using a kit of standard components that are repeated in every type.

As well as efficiency in construction, I have reflected some Corbusien styles of efficiency within the plan itself: including open plan living/ dining space. Although, unlike Corbusier, I have chosen not to express the Column but instead used Load Bearing walls to express the language of Solid Vs Void throughout my design.

The

figure

opposite

displays

a

typical

arrangement of a Ground Floor House type, showing the build up from the Concrete slab below to the screed on the deck above.

85

86

87

88

KITC

C H E N W I T H E X T E R N A L PAT I O

89

90

91

92

With the ambition to achieve simplicity within a complex 3-Dimensional Matrix of spaces, I had to maintain a high level of detail in the conditions that occur within each House type.

This chapter explores the methods and techniques I adopted in order to achieve a simple continuity throughout my design.

As well as details of structural conditions, I have explored the conditions that occur at an urban scale. Showing my own illustrations of the street conditions formed within the 3-Dimensional Matrix.

環境策略新 環境策略 新 ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

05 93

94

95

96

97

98

99

100

THE THIRD DIMENSION

101

CAN THE COMBINATION OF COLLECTIVITY AND PRIVACY BE RE-CONNECTED IN A DENSER ARRANGEMENT WITH A SPACIAL ORGANISATION SUITED TO THE 21st CENTURY?

Ultimately, the housing crisis in China is

to better enhance my knowledge on

I believe the specific conditions created

likely to result in long lasting economical,

what strategies and methods created

throughout my 3-Dimensional Matrix

political and social disrepair, However,

a suitable environment for collective

allow the integration of collectivity and

until a time where the country can

living.

privacy to successfully co-exist within a dense arrangement of public and private

operate under a set of ideologies that prioritise the commodity and not only

Having examined a number of case

its value, only then will the economy

studies, I was able to apply similar

be able to cope with the overwhelming

strategies in my own Outline Design

growth of population.

Development. It was crucuial that I tested as many different arrangements

In the mean time, in an attempt to release

as possible in order to produce an array

some of the pressure from the housing

of conditions that I would examine in

market and maintain the density within

further detail.

the city, I have proposed a strategy that I believe can tackle the problem of an

Having come to a decision on the form of

exponentially growing population whilst

each house type, I could use their form

providing spacial organisations suited to

to dictate the spacial organisation in the

21st Century living.

space between. It is here I intend to reconnect the collectivity of traditional

Through the process of analysing case

Chinese living and the degree of privacy

studies catering to similar conditions,

required in such a dense arrangement.

I feel I 102

gained sufficient knowledge

spaces.

103

Alberto Campo Baeza. 2020. Architecture - Alberto Campo Baeza. [online] Available at: <https://www.campobaeza.com/architecture/> [Accessed 10 April 2020].

ArchDaily. 2020. Gallery Of Community Kitchen Of Terras Da Costa / Ateliermob + Colectivo Warehouse - 31. [online] Available at: <https://www.archdaily. com/775891/community-kitchen-of-terras-da-costa-ateliermob-plus-projecto-warehouse/56297ff4e58eceb4c4000064-community-kitchen-of-terras-da-costa-ateliermob-plus-projecto-warehouse-photo?next_project=nohttps://www.archdaily.com/775891/community-kitchen-of-terras-da-costa-ateliermob-plus-projecto-warehouse/56297ff4e58eceb4c4000064-community-kitchen-of-terras-da-costa-ateliermob-plus-projecto-warehouse-photo?next_project=no> [Accessed 5 April 2020].

ArchDaily. 2020. Reflections On Álvaro Siza’s Seminal Quinta Da Malagueira Housing Scheme. [online] Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/592436/reflect ions-on-alvaro-siza-s-quinta-da-malagueira-communist-housing-scheme-in-evora> [Accessed 4 April 2020].

Archdaily.com. 2020. Grocery Store Architecture And Design | Archdaily, Page 2Https://Www.Archdaily.Com/Search/Projects/Categories/Grocery-Store?Page=2. [online] Available at: <https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects/categories/grocery-store?page=2https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects/categories/grocery-store?page=2> [Accessed 21 April 2020].

Avenier Cornejo architectes | Paris 75010. 2020. Avenier Cornejo Architectes | Paris 75010- Architectes À Paris. [online] Available at: <https://www.avenier-cornejo. com/> [Accessed 15 May 2020].

Bow-wow.jp. 2020. Atelier Bow-Wow. [online] Available at: <http://www.bow-wow.jp/> [Accessed 20 March 2020].

China Highlights. 2020. Siheyuan, Famous Chinese Courtyards Examples. [online] Available at: <https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/architecture/siheyuan.htm> [Accessed 24 March 2020].

Peter Barber Architects. 2020. Peter Barber Architects. [online] Available at: <http://www.peterbarberarchitects.com/> [Accessed 5 May 2020].

Sim, D., 2019. Soft City. Island Press.

Woodman, E. and Mollard, M., 2020. Quinta Da Malagueira By Álvaro Siza: The Last Great Social Housing Estate. [online] Architectural Review. Available at: <https://www.architectural-review.com/films/quinta-da-malagueira-by-lvaro-siza-the-last-great-social-housing-estate/8677620.article> [Accessed 7 April 2020].

B I B L I O G R A P H Y 104

參考書目

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2.2.2. 2020. [image] Available at: <https://www.chinacenter.net/2016/china_ currents/15-1/chinese-courtyard-housing-under-socialist-market-economy/> [Accessed 5 April 2020].

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4.0.5 - .7. ArchDaily. 2020. Gallery Of Community Kitchen Of Terras Da Costa

/ Ateliermob + Colectivo Warehouse - 31. [online] Available at: <https://www. archdaily.com/775891/community-kitchen-of-terras-da-costa-ateliermob-plusprojecto-warehouse [Accessed 5 April 2020].

Any images not referenced were taken/created by Author or created through group analysis

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C R E D I T S

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