George Matthews Architecture A3 Portfolio 2019

George Matthews gmatthews.arch@gmail.com

P O R T F O L I O

‘In the process of resettlement, music, movement, dance and play, as integral forms of human experience, offer important ways to connect with others, draw comfort, express emotion and develop self-esteem, identity and resilience.’

Marsh, K. (2016). Creating bridges: music, play and well-being in the lives of refugee and

00 Introduction George Matthews

immigrant children and young people. Music Education Research, 19(1), pp.60-73.

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00 Introduction George Matthews

Perspective render from within the Refugee Housing Masterplan, Valby, Copenhagen, Denmark.

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00 Contents George Matthews

THIRD YEAR STUDIO

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Music Therapy Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Technical: Music Therapy Centre

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Enterprise Lab, Frome, U.K.

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Twilight Homes, Frome, U.K.

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The Galleries Phase 1, Bristol, UK.

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The Galleries Phase 2, Bristol, UK.

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Longcross Court, Cardiff, UK.

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Tremadoc Road, London, UK.

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Photography & Sketch Books

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SECOND YEAR STUDIO

02 CHILDS & SULZMANN ARCHITECTS

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00 Contents George Matthews

OTHER WORK

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01 Third Year Studio George Matthews

STUDIO

Music therapy centre development sketch perspectives.

THIRD YEAR

Music & Architecture: Refugee Housing Masterplan & Music Therapy Centre in Valby, Copenhagen.

My final year studio project was based in Valby, a suburb of

allocated site in the suburb. Subsequently, to design a piece of architecture within the proposed masterplan. My design proposals were to reference the theme of the third year studio; ‘The Relationship Between Music and Architecture’.

01 Third Year Studio George Matthews

Copenhagen. The brief was to design a masterplan for an

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ANALYSIS & NARRATIVE

NEW BUILD

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RESIDENTIAL

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SKATER PARK

RAIL LINKS

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CYCLE ROUTES

The 2 week visit to Copenhagen focused on observing and understanding the city. I chose to experiment with different ways of exploring Copenhagen’s urban fabric. For example, recording the sounds of the city and compiling them into a movie or sketching as I walked through the city as a psychogeography study. I considered Copenhagen’s human scale and took inspiration from academics such as Jane

01 Copenhagen Analysis George Matthews

Jacobs and Jan Gehl.

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RIVER

LOCATION

Desktop research into Denmark’s socio-political climate revealed a protectionist approach to the ‘European Refugee

Valby is a forgotten suburb of Copenhagen. 15 minute cycle

I explored the strong relationship between the historic city

Copenhagen explored through the music of the city. This

Crisis’ with strict anti-immigration policy implemented by

from the centre. With rail links to the Airport and City

and the river by kayak. I also traversed the maze of protected

video compiles 24 hours in Copenhagen through the

far right parties. A dystopian future narrative is launched

Centre. The suburb is mostly made up of residential estates.

cycle lanes that dominate Copenhagen’s transport system.

medium of music. I worked collaboratively in a group of

from my research into the fall of liberalism in Denmark (2017) and the rise of the far right.

CONTEXT

TRAVEL

four students.

MUSIC

narrative, created to highlight and dramatize this modern

to present research relating to music therapy. A central

informed by current Danish immigration policy (Hofverberg,

for social and political change in Europe. This change has

isolationist zeitgeist. The narrative explores the possibility

space facilitates music performances at night whilst

2017) which allows for the controlled movement of refugees.

moved once liberal, internationalist nations towards more

of a geopolitical war in Ukraine increasing the number of

during the day the space can be used for recreational sport.

In existing refugee centres, such as Centre Sandholm near

isolationist policies implemented by far-right nationalist

refugees seeking asylum in Denmark, and thus demand for

Asylum seekers can partake in small group music therapy

Copenhagen, refugee movement is monitored via gated

parties. A combination of social and political change has

asylum seeker housing centres.

workshops, listen to performances or play sport to form

entrance to the site. The wall provides protection from

new bonds within a cohesive society. My primary design

anti social activities such as the introduction of drugs,

led to the maltreatment of asylum seekers who, after fleeing conflict, find themselves living in poor, cramped conditions

My masterplan houses refugees who are awaiting approval

concept is to take refugees on a journey from imposing,

prostitution etc. to a vulnerable refugee community. Overall,

in refugee centres isolated from local communities.

on their asylum application. My architectural intervention

functional spaces to spaces that encourage interaction and

the refugee music therapy centre achieves interventionist

functions as a controlled threshold into the refugee housing

cohesion. The progressively changing feel of the building

aims, seeking to improve the lives of asylum seekers

Denmark has experienced social xenophobia and political

master plan and as a music therapy centre to rehabilitate

represents refugees’ journey from the hostility of conflict

whilst integrating them into a cohesive society of different

nationalism in recent years. My architectural intervention

refugees. Music therapy is practiced in workshops located

zones to the safety of the masterplan.

cultures within the masterplan.

in Copenhagen evolved from a futuristic dystopian

on the upper floors of the centre. A lecture space is provided

A controlled boundary surrounding the masterplan is

01 Narrative George Matthews

Dystopian narrative time line including fictional Danish political forecast.

The ongoing European refugee crisis has been the catalyst

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MASTERPLAN

High

density

mixed

use

development

facilitates

surveillance in communities leading to a reduction in neighbourhood crime. Superkilen park in Copenhagen, designed by BIG Architects, is a successful precedent of a high density public space (sketch section diagram above).

The theory of surveillance, championed by Jane Jacobs, dismisses large open recreational spaces in cities; a product of outdated zonal planning policies. It instead champions linking smaller public spaces occupied through out all times of the day with different uses. This design ethos was applied to my own refugee housing masterplan for Valby to create safer more cohesive communities.

“The problem of insecurity can not be solved by spreading people out more thinly, trading the characteristics of cities for the characteristics of 01 Section George Matthews

suburbs.�

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Year 2027 - Masterplan thresholds removed.

Refugees integrated into Copenhagen as Denmark Jane Jacobs (1961) The Death and Life of Great American Cities.

undergoes fall of nationalism.

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01 Section George Matthews

View of Music Therapy Centre from within the refugee masterplan.

MUSIC THERAPY

Valby,

CENTRE

Copenhagen

Temporary Housing Blocks Removed in 2027

Music Therapy Centre Refuge Housing Masterplan

Temporary Housing Blocks Removed in 2027 Relation to context.

The local context of Valby, Copenhagen, follows a typical

Mixed density

Danish vernacular of pitched roof 6 storey apartment blocks

courtyard housing

with internal courtyards. The locality was referenced for

and green urban

the massing of the Music Therapy Centre to maintain a

park space

sympathetic approach to the context of Valby.

01 Masterplan George Matthews

My masterplan also references the high density housing

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blocks. However, where traditional Danish courtyard blocks are closed off, I looked to open them up. Allowing

Movement of Refugees along

Year 2024 - Masterplan thresholds intact as

public access to the inward facing garden spaces. I wanted

cycle pathways from 2023

xenophobic discourse surges through Denmark.

to allow for safe urban space to be accessible to all.

Refugees integrated into masterplan.

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02

01 Kitchen

Courtyard Space

Office

00 00. Creation of landmark public plaza 01. Public Block 02. Public Block Divided - Reception, Performance & Eating Spaces

Canteen

Performance Space

Reception

03. Spaces added to service three public functions

Form: My narrative dictates that in 2024 the culture of Denmark is experiencing a surge in nationalism and socially Danes

of refugees is represented by my architectural form in the classical order of colonnades and heavy, imposing materiality of bricks and concrete. This intimidating

Masterplan Public

form relates to the dark, xenophobic attitude of dystopian

Plaza

Denmark in 2024, and is consistent with critical regionalism in rejecting an international style and respecting context.

01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews

refuse to integrate with refugees. This lack of integration

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MUSIC THERAPY CENTRE

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Lecture Space 01

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Group Workshop Space 02

StreetMekka Office 01

Personal Workshop Space 03

Specialist staff accommodation 02

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02 03

Lecture Space 01

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Group Workshop Space 02

StreetMekka Office 01

Personal Workshop Space 03

Specialist staff accommodation 02

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02 01

Immigration Office 01 Specialist staff accommodation 02

Personal Workshop Space 01

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01

DEVELOP

02 Reception Space 01

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Performance Space 02

Function:

Immigration office 01

Canteen 03

The Music Therapy Centre provides public spaces accommodating

refugees

and

staff.

Private

spaces

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accommodate only staff. Dividing these two functions is

01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews

the service ‘wall’ (highlighted red) that separates refugees

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02

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from the private staff spaces. A controlled boundary

Performance Space 01

surrounding the masterplan is informed by current Danish

Storage Space 02

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Reception Space 01 Commercial kitchen 02

immigration policy (Hofverberg, 2017). In existing refugee centres, such as Centre Sandholm near Copenhagen, refugee movement is monitored via gated entrance to the site. The wall provides protection from anti social activities such as the introduction of drugs, prostitution etc. to a vulnerable refugee community.

CIRCULATION

PUBLIC

PRIVATE

MODEL MAKING

Models were fundamental to my design process. From the initial development of massing to final atmospheric investigations. Each model was paramount to shaping the final architecture of the Music Therapy Centre.

01. For this 1:50 detailed model I experienced the craft of mixing and pouring concrete in the university concrete lab. I created the mould for the base and ‘services wall’ of the model with rough timber offcuts to achieve a wood grain finish. The model aided my understanding of the chamfered facade columns and how light would interact

02. Final 1:200 architecture context model crafted with components salvaged from an old desktop computer.

Highlighting

the

relationship

between

music

and

technology. Reflecting research finding that refugees access music and culture from home countries through online streaming sites such as ‘YouTube’.

01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews

with the spaces created.

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JOURNEY & ATMOSPHERE

Dark

Light

The physical impact of my architecture aims to reflect the journey of a refugee using light and views to move from darker more intimidating spaces towards spaces that encourage play, music and societal cohesion.

This change reflects the concept that I want to move asylum seekers away from the dark xenophobic narrative and into a lighter more cohesive society within my masterplan where they form new bonds and relationships. Light, therefore, is a pivotal tool to achieving these tectonics within my design

01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews

as the architecture at first uses small openings to funnel

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light in and moves slowly towards colonnades where light pours into spaces such as the double height canteen or the balconies extending from the workshops. In a similar way to the introduction of light, internal views of the performance space are slowly revealed, as well as external views of the masterplan.

‘Refugees face a range of psychosocial and

‘In the process of resettlement, music, movement,

‘Music

also

entrain,

cultural challenges related to geographical and

dance and play, as integral forms of human

synchronise

cultural displacement and trauma experienced ...

experience, offer important ways to connect

offering the excitement, satisfaction, security,

during relocation and resettlement.’

with others, draw comfort, express emotion and

comradeship and cohesion of playing and moving

develop self-esteem, identity and resilience.’

rhythmically together.

movement

co-ordinate

between

and

individuals,

Osborne, Nigel. 2009. “Music for Children in Zones of Conflict and Marsh, K. (2016). Creating bridges: music, play and well-being in

Marsh, K. (2016). Creating bridges: music, play and well-being in

Post-conflict: A Psychobiological Approach.” Oxford University

the lives of refugee and immigrant children and young people.

the lives of refugee and immigrant children and young people.

Press.

01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews

may

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TECHNICAL

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01. Pre-cast concrete panel spanning between piers.

02. Titanium zinc parapet flashing 03. Structural steel

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04.Facing brick 05. Wall cladding pre-cast concrete.

06. Steel lintel 07. Pre-cast concrete paver.

08. Pea gravel.

09. Pre-cast concrete sill supporting PPC-coated steel

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balustrade.

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10. Rigid insulation 150mm 11. Clip-in suspended metal ceiling tiles Polyester Powder

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coated finish 12. Curtain wall glazing system 13. Polished concrete floor 14. Fire stop to slab edge formed in powder coated metal tray.

01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews

15. Wall cladding pre-cast concrete 16. Reinforced Concrete

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17. Rigid acoustic floor insulation 18. Underfloor heating system

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19. Liquid applied waterproofing and drainage mat.

20. Pre-cast concrete fascia.

21. Thermally insulated cantilever connectors

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Isometric facade section.

Passive Cooling - Ventilation Stacks

Environmental Strategy Concepts such as reuse of materials, thermal mass and ventilation were all considered within my design. The reuse of materials was important to reduce the building's impact on the natural environment. The high thermal mass of the concrete structure allowed for the storage of heat energy during the day when temperatures are highest and the release of the energy at night. Finally, natural ventilation was assessed within the design and included four ventilation stacks throughout my building along the concrete service core. The ventilation stacks draw hot air up and out of the building across a pressure gradient

Materiality The material palette of the Architecture responds directly to the Danish vernacular and the local context of Valby,

Denmark and is prominent throughout the Copenhagen. To achieve design cohesion with the local context the concrete structure is clad with reused bricks from the demolished buildings of the Valby masterplan site. Recycling building materials aids the sustainability strategy for the Music Therapy Centre.

01 Music Therapy Centre George Matthews

Copenhagen. Brick is the traditional building material of

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02 Second Year Studio George Matthews

STUDIO

Perspective collage of approach to the Enterprise Lab and extension to Frome market.

SECOND YEAR

Location: Frome, Somerset, UK. Two studio projects, Enterprise Lab & Twilight Homes.

Second year studio was based in the small market town of Frome in the West of England. On a site visit to Frome my studio explored the town collaboratively with a brief

we were to inform our designs for the two subsequent projects, ‘Enterprise Lab’ and ‘Twilight Homes’. The focus of second year was to introduce students to software based presentation of design. There was a continuous focus on detailed technical design throughout all projects.

02 Second Year Studio George Matthews

to create an analytical document. From this document

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ENTERPRISE LAB

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The Frome Enterprise Lab is an innovation factory aiming

spontaneous interactions. Divergent spaces on level 00

also aid natural ventilation and lighting strategies.exposed

to diversify and regenerate the economy of Frome. The Lab

allow workers to relax and recharge. The indoor activity/

Glulam structure is represented in the office space render

caters for start-up organic food companies with facilities to

break out space, at the centre of the plan, is a key example

(page 23).

create, test and market new products.

of divergent workspace where informal meetings can occur

02 Enterprise Lab George Matthews

surrounded by distraction and unexpected inspiration. In

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The enterprise lab facilitates both divergent and convergent

contrast convergent workspaces mostly occupy the level

thinking to support an optimum working environment . A

01 plan. Removed from the noise pollution of divergent

hierarchy of interior spaces creates a linear pathway through

work spaces, office workers can focus without distraction.

the architecture. Progressing from loud group interactions

Convergent areas are more predictable and less flexible

to quieter more focused workspaces. Divergent workspaces

spaces with more physical barriers to limit collaboration.

mostly occupy the level 00 plan focusing on flexible seating

Both divergent and convergent workspaces are connected

arrangements with limited physical barriers to encourage

by voids in the level 01 plan maintaining cohesion. Voids

Test

Office

Interior render of upstairs office space, with view over the River Frome. Exposed pitched roof Glulam structure references both traditional building techniques and vernacular of the locality.

Create

‘Spontaneous interactions generate knowledge sharing and learning with colleagues. Fruitful grounds for additional insights, these interactions allow for novel connections by affording more access to a variety of perspectives, knowledge, and expertise, both within and

Sailer, Kerstin. “Organizational Learning and Physical Space: How Office Configurations Inform Organizational Behaviors.” In Learning Organizations, edited by Ariane Berthoin, Peter Meusburger, and Laura Suarsana, 103–27. Springer Netherlands, 2014.

02 Enterprise Lab George Matthews

outside an organization.’

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TWILIGHT HOMES ‘Research has already stated the massive effects of movement, social encounters and the like when it comes to preventing and curing lifestyle diseases, loneliness, depression etc.’

Rasmus B. Andersen

Twilight Homes delivers private housing for elderly tenants that require varying levels of care at different stages of retirement. The aim is to reduce loneliness and encourage social interactions in the spaces created.

The social isolation of elderly communities in our cities is commonplace throughout the west. Isolation from the community leads to loneliness and subsequently

02 Faceted Geometry

depression. There is an obvious need for cities to promote and facilitate a healthy, active lifestyle and enable social encounters among a diverse range of the population in order to reduce loneliness and depression. This focus is especially important when considering our often isolated elderly communities. Creating a public space that encourages social interaction is key to the Twilight Homes project.

02 Thoroughfare

Noise and air pollution analysis guides an L shaped plan where the architecture turns its back on the road. The

02 Twilight Homes George Matthews

parti diagram highlights the pathway through the plan

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where commuters can take a short-cut avoiding the busy road which in turn populates the courtyard space. The architecture also responds to context when considering massing respecting the surrounding residential properties.

01 Courtyard

Urban courtyard and thoroughfare for commuters to Frome station.

Lift

1 Bed Ap.

Courtyard

Staff Office Reception Lift

reception desk at level 00, gym/rehabilitation centre at levels 01 & 02 and a visitors cafe with viewpoint balcony at level 03. All facilities are open to public membership and therefore encourage social interaction with people of varying ages, helping to reduce loneliness.

02 Twilight Homes George Matthews

The architecture provides a private pool at level -01, security/

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03 Childs & Sulzmann Architects George Matthews

CHILDS & SULZMANN ARCHITECTS

Part 1 Architectural Assistant at Childs & Sulzmann Architects (C&SA) located in Bristol.

Previously working for a C&SA has given me experience engaging

with

demanding

responsibilities

in

an

environment where you have to step-up and cannot hide. On the Longcross Court project for example, I was responsible

to present to the client, M&E and lighting consultants.

Responsibilities also included detailed technical design of a proposed polycarbonate light box facade for phase one of the Galleries project. I developed my technical knowledge considerably at C&SA through an iterative and collaborative design process with both project architects and consultants. I believe this experience will set me in good stead throughout my architectural career.

03 Childs & Sulzmann Architects George Matthews

for individually heading a design team meeting on site

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THE GALLERIES Phase One

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03 04

05 ‘Green’ break-out space 01 Co-working office 02 Cafe 03

PLAN

Cycle hub 04 Proposed facade 05

Phase one of the two phase Galleries project considers the

maintenance of moveable parts. Iterations were considered

regeneration of the Galleries Shopping Centre located at the

in the studio with collaborative design workshops hosted

heart of Bristol.

by the project architect. The final design proposed a polycarbonate double skin ‘light-box’ entrance facade

The client brief outlined a desire to renovate empty retail

(right) .

03 The Galleries: Phase One George Matthews

units to create more valuable and desirable co-working

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space. As part of the new commercial branding strategy

At C&SA I was regularly given demanding responsibilities.

for the shopping centre a cycle hub, cafe, break out space

For The Galleries project I worked independently to

and new entrance facade were also proposed. The initial

successfully design the bespoke polycarbonate ‘light-box’

proposal for the entrance facade (visual above-right)

facade detail. Polycarbonate samples from Rodeca ltd. were

suggested moveable interactive panels. I delivered a

used to create 1:1 models exploring the diffusion of light

presentation to the client and design team outlining our

and to answer concerns over the rigidity of the material.

proposals. Client feedback highlighted issues with the

Creating rough models at this scale was integral to the

moveable facade including cost implications and long term

design process.

Residential Block Proposed

THE GALLERIES Phase Two

Office Block Proposed

Commercial ‘Pop-Up’ Proposal Floor Plan Residential Block Level 10

Phase two of the Galleries project involved concept design for two towers overlooking Castle Park in Bristol.

Shipping Containers

The Galleries Shopping Centre

Bristol planning authorities, in 2018, presented a new strategy for the city supporting high rise development. This new strategy initiated The Galleries phase two feasibility

The first tower houses commercial functions including offices, restaurants, gym etc. The second residential tower was to adhere to stringent local planning requirements for social housing. We explored locating shipping container break out space on the roof, making use of the unused car park. C&SA explored and developed proposals in close collaboration with ARUP structural engineers.

Castle Park

03 The Galleries: Phase Two George Matthews

study.

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LONGCROSS COURT

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04

03

02

Renovation of existing offices, courtyard and reception with

for the grade B office units on site.

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new co-working space and cycle hub proposed.

03 Longcross Court George Matthews

I worked collaboratively with M&E, planning, structural

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Interior proposals included the refurbishment of seven

and landscaping consultants. I was involved in the project

of the existing office units and reception space with the

from feasibility stage through to the delivery of the tender

inclusion of a new co-working area and cycle hub. The

package.

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new co-working space created a USP for Longcross and

Private

occupied previously vacant office units.

Public No development

Exterior proposals included new louvre system, Crittall glazing package, signage and paintwork to existing brick facade. These proposals aided the new marketing strategy

Working for a smaller practice I enjoyed a large amount of freedom over design. Bespoke concrete kitchen worktops and exposed M&E were just two of the key design details to create an industrial aesthetic.

I worked collaboratively with graphic designers to agree

The Longcross Court project highlighted the importance of BIM in the construction industry. BIM software was not used at Longcross. As a result communication between Architects and M&E consultants proved challenging in regards to aligning drawings after design iterations.

03 Longcross Court George Matthews

colour schemes and signage for significant spaces.

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04 Other Work George Matthews

Scandinavian Pavilion, Venice - Architect, Sverre Fehn.

OTHER WORK

Work in which I develop my communication skills and broaden my architectural knowledge by experiencing and documenting designs and thoughts.

My drive to discover and master different ways of expressing a feeling or conveying a message guides my interest in the world of design. Travel exposes me to a variety of different design cultures and allows me to practice recording thoughts ideas and moments. Last year visiting the Venice Biennale’s ‘FREE SPACE’ Exhibition where I practiced my photography aiming to capture how people use ‘FREE SPACE’ throughout the city. Sketchbooks are also key to

constantly improve and learn guided my decision to take on private work to obtain planning permission in Clapham, London, for a refurbishment and extension to a ground floor flat.

04 Other Work George Matthews

the documentation of my travels and learning. A desire to

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TREMADOC

04 Tremadoc Road George Matthews

ROAD

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Successful Planning Application: Extension and Refurbishment

well for cross ventilation and the inclusion of light to the

Tremadoc Rd. Clapham, London.

bathroom, kitchen and bedroom spaces. The light well

I was appointed by a private client to obtain planning

also created a balcony area for bedroom two. Proposing a

approval from Lambeth council at Tremadoc Road for a

large opening with bi-fold aluminium doors at the rear of

refurbishment and side extension to the ground floor flat.

the property increases light in the living areas. The side

I submitted a proposal which was subsequently approved

extension expands the interior space but within stringent

by the council. Once approved I handed over designs to a

parameters set out by Lambeth council.

local Architect who proceeded with detail construction drawings.

Key concerns of the client when considering the designs were lack of ventilation, light and space. I proposed a light

Scandinavian Pavilion, Venice - Architect, Sverre Fehn.

SKETCH

PHOTOGRAPHY

BOOKS

Dutch Pavilion: Work, Body, Leisure

Photography allows me to document and capture immediate moments that I experience when travelling. Visiting the 2018 ‘FREE SPACE’ Venice Biennale I aimed to record my

the architectural ‘Free Space’ through out the exhibition.

Where photography captures scenes, sketching captures detail. Studio work is also documented in my sketchbooks. I mostly sketch and annotate ideas, theories and precedents.

The successful communication of these ideas to tutors using my sketchbooks benefited me greatly at university.

04 Photography & Sketchbooks George Matthews

experience with photography. I focused on how people use

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George Matthews gmatthews.arch@gmail.com

O I L O F T R O P