The TZODSFUJD!CITY: Gardens of procession, Withdrawal and sustenance Design Report ARCH11069
Harriet Garbutt
s1320559
& Miles Heath
s1773132
University Of Edinburgh City Fragments -Palermo Institutions : [ Act 01 ] [Act 02 ]
forward -
The SYNCRETIC CITY: gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance explores
and
establishes
the
emerging
and re-emerging cultures, religions and programmes; botanicals and minerals and ancient and new landscapes of Palermo to formulate an understanding of the migration happening throughout the city: ancient and contemporary. Religion is the main factor for this migration, and became a starting point in recognising a need for syncretisation within the city; Catholic architecture is merged with Islam and Hindu ideals to formulate a working city which syncretises not only religions, but programmes and productivity; practices of faith are folded into everyday space.
This Design Report is divided into three main chapters: SYNCRETISM, COLOUR and SUSTENANCE. It is not a chronological narrative of our working, but instead weaves our partnered and individual projects - from landscape, to city, to site, to building - to formulate an understanding of
Harriet’s building
scale WOMAN’’S WORK
and
PILGRIMAGE
CULINARY
OF
Miles’s
PERFORMANCE both in context with each other and more importantly the wider syncretic context of Palermo, specifically the region of Il Capo.
1
2
4
A Syncretic History
12-15
Market District
16-25
Il Capo Institutions
26-33
Island sites & drifting Programme
34-53
Icons & Air Cons
56-59
Culture of Colour
60-63
Religious Crossroads
64-67
The Drawing Rooms
68-77
Atlas of Programme
78-79
Institution Openings
80-83
Working Methodology
84-91
The Syncretic City
92-114
Atlas of Landscape
118-121
Religion as Colour
122-125
Atlas of Colour
126-129
Textiles of Il Capo
130-133
Architecture as Colour
134-141
Native Botanicals
144-155
Sites & Bloom
146-147
Water of Palermo
148-153
Water Extraction
154-159
Water Distribution
160-167
Sustainable Sustenance
168-181
Syncretism gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
3
Introduction
The SYNCRETIC City
contents
Colour
Sustenance
5
Reflective Statement
6
Bibliography
168-181
4|5
the Syncretic City Thesis Synopsis
The Syncretic City: Gardens of Procession, Withdrawal and Sustenance
Palermo is a city built
simply “The City”) of Sicily to the enforced
on many cultures, its social and material
deportation of Muslims to Lucera in 1300,
structures celebrate multiple origins, myths,
migration and religion have become part of
religions, cultures, languages and histories.
Palermo’s history.
The cathedral, built on a basilica was at one time a mosque; Ophamil is buried alongside Frederick II. Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo, is common to several faiths, and the feast of Santa Rosalia has become a celebration of religious integration. But Italian legislation prohibits the construction of spaces of religion other than those of Catholicism. As a result, mosques and temples occupy shopfronts and garages; spaces are retrofitted to conform with the orthodoxies of their respective faiths. This has led to particular practices and appearances of symbols and iconography in Palermo. Shrines appear alongside everyday objects (radiators, clocks, vases); practices of faith are folded into everyday space. That Palermo is a city of shifting faiths is not a recent development. From the integration of Islamic and Christian practices under the Norman Kings to the extremities of the Spanish Inquisition; from the expulsion of Jews in 1492 to their recent reintegration in the city (in an old oratory repurposed as a synagogue); and from a city that was the Muslim capital (Al-Madinah, meaning
The SYNCRETIC City
The SYNCRETIC CITY: gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance proposes to develop spaces that will support further migrations. Through a series of proposals for syncretic spaces (spaces that align religious practices and also, programmatically, bring distinct functions into relation) it provides supports for productive gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
practices. It explores spatial typologies of the monastery (the space of withdrawal from the world), the cloister (the space of contemplation of the world) and the garden (the space that sustains the world), the convent and the commune, as means of bringing spaces of Catholicism into new syncretic (urban) use. Colour inhabits this syncretism; in Islam, the prayer mat is woven with images of the Garden of Paradise in greens, reds and golds. In Hinduism colour is symbolic, representing specific feelings and morals. This colour manifests itself in a yellow pollen which drifts across the city, derived from the ancient Arabic Conca d’Oro Basin, and settles on the landscape, forming our Gardens. For both religions the garden is central; plants and vegetables are cultivated to produce dyes for the textiles of Islam, and food and spice for the ceremonials of Hinduism. Landscape offers a terrain to sustain the growth and cultivation of the Garden to provide for our working industries. These gardens form part of a network of island sites which drift, much like the pollen, across Il Capo, housing irrigation systems, water harvesting and storage, permaculture gardens, dyeing baths and vats, botanical and agricultural archives and silk weaving. Hindu culture (the ‘Kitchen Religion’) manifests itself in the kitchen typologies that appear from the dye and pigment extraction, to the almost pantry-like archiving of legumes and other vegetation. Moments of Islamic culture re-emerge through the weaving of silk, a fabric which can only be worn by women, and the careful, almost sacred, treatment of water within the programme. The Syncretic City seeks to bring a level of craftsmanship and artisanal working to the community of Il Capo, whilst establishing a practice which no longer forces non-ecclesiastical religions to the periphery.
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Glossary of Terms The Syncretic City
SYNCRETISM
sustenance
noun
noun
1. The attempted reconciliation or union of
1.
different or opposing principles, practices, or
strength; nourishment.
Food and drink regarded as a source of
parties, as in philosophy or religion. 2.
To bring distinct functions into relation
2. The maintaining of someone or something in
(emerging and re-emerging cultures, religions
life or existence.
and programmes; botanicals and minerals;
3. The growth and cultivation of produce within
ancient and new landscapes; a live working
the Garden to fulfil and provide for working
method) to provide for productive practices and
industries with religious, cultural and economic
cultural sustainability.
considerations.
colour
procession
noun
noun
1. The property possessed by an object of
1.
producing different sensations on the eye as a
forward in an orderly fashion, especially as part
result of the way it reflects or emits light.
of a ceremony.
2.
Vivid
appearance
resulting
from
the
juxtaposition of many bright things. 3. A shade of meaning.
verb 4. Change the colour of (something) by painting, dyeing, or shading it. 5. (Of a person or their skin) show embarrassment or shame by becoming red; blush. 6. An signifier of what was before and what is present in the landscape of Palermo 7. A visual means to identify syncretism across drawings, proposals, programmes
A number of people or vehicles moving
2.
A sequence of spatial moments that describe
a
performative
programmatic
narrative,
referencing religion and culture.
withdrawal verb 1.
Remove or take away (something) from a
particular place or position. 2. Leave or cause to leave a place or situation. 3.
A spatial typology reflecting upon the
monastery, to provide a moment of privacy and contemplation.
The SYNCRETIC City
methodology collage noun 1. A piece of art made by sticking various gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
different materials such as photographs and pieces of paper or fabric on to a backing. 2. A collection or combination of various things. 3.
A working methodology to explore the
overlapping, juxtaposing and syncretic situations in the city.
montage noun 1. The technique of selecting, editing, and piecing together separate sections of film to form a continuous whole. 2. The technique of producing a new composite
whole
from
fragments
of
pictures, text, or music. 3.
A working methodology to explore
various spatial qualities, manipulating existing or designed pieces of architecture.
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The SYNCRETIC City
I II III VI
A Syncretic History The Market District Il Capo Institutions Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
Chapter 1 introduces Palermo as a city that is built on a millennia of cultures, religions and histories, evolving an amalgamative architecture and a rich community. Its vibrancy is played out through the everyday theatre of the market, which drifts its way down to the chosen sites of The SYNCRETIC CITY. The projects own performative nature is played out through its procession of programme, including pigment extraction, silk dyeing and water harvesting.
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
i
AN INTRODUCTION A Syncretic History
824,3
Scale - 1:50000
ci ty of pa lermo
The SYNCRETIC City
Palermo A syncretic history gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Palermo is a city which has been influenced and infiltrated by multiple cultures, religions and empires over its lifetime; one only has to glance at the Cattedrale di Palermo to see the diversity of the city and its Greek, Norman, Moorish and Baroque impressions. The city was founded by the Phoenicians in 734BC as Ziz, and colonised by the Ancient Greeks, who knew it as Panormus, meaning sheltered or complete harbour. It was subsequently sacked and besieged by multiple civilisations until 965, when the it was ruled by the Arab empire and renamed Bal’harm, which we know today as Palermo. This rule ended in 1072 when the city fell to the Normans and became the most populous city in Europe. After centuries of colonisation, General Garibaldi took over Palermo and in 1861 it became part of Italy.1
an introduction
The SYNCRETIC CITY defines ‘syncretism’ as bringing distinct functions into relation with one another, whether that be cultural, religious,
governmental,
geological,
to
provide for a cultural sustainability and a productive, working cityscape.
Over the
lifetime of Palermo, from 734BC to modern day, the spaces in the city have been adapted, a syncretic history
manipulated and re-shaped by this time-line of cultural wealth, which has moulded into a SYNCRETIC civilisation.
12|13
an introduction A Syncretic History
824,3
il capo The market district
Seralcadio,
the
north-western
district of historic Palermo, most commonly known as Il Capo due to the Mercato del Capo, a market which runs the length of Via Cappuccinelle, derives its name from the sari-al-qadĂŹ (street of the KadĂŹ) dating back to the Arabic rule in the 7th Century.2 The market itself is accessed through the Porta Carini to the north of the Palermo, one of the oldest gates in the city.
Once
through, the Mercato del Capo greets you with its shouting, haggling and bustling of a souklike street market, selling goods from food, to clothes to furniture. Its vibrancy and colour seeps its way south into the centre of Il Capo, where The SYNCRETIC CITY emerges.
image t it le image caption/explanation
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
a syncretic history
Scale - 1:10000
Cent ral palermo
14|15
an introduction The Market District
image t it le image caption/explanation
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
the market district
mercat o del capo Young man selling textiles along Via Beati Paoli
16|17
an introduction The Market District
image t it le image caption/explanation
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
the market district
il capo market Seasonal local swordfish for sale
18|19
an introduction The Makret District
image t it le image caption/explanation
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
the market district
il capo market Awnings and aubergines
20|21
an introduction The Market District
image t it le image caption/explanation
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
anb introduction
the market district
il capo market Squid for supper
22|23
an introduction The Market District
image t it le image caption/explanation
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
the market district
il capo market A local fish vendor
24|25
an introduction Il Capo Institutions
il cap o
Scale - 1:5000
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
i l ca p o A syncretic quarter
The ancient Arabic quarter of Il Capo emerges as one of the most diverse in the city.
The ancient
Papireto River, circa 400 BC, carves out the Via dei Candelai and the Via del Celso, two streets which form the centre of the The SYNCRETIC CITY’’S Il Capo and its four island sites.
The
aquifer running below the quarter becomes a vital resource to the sustenance of the programmes and the Gardens of Il Capo. The
Phoenician
wall
was an introduction
constructed along the route of the river, passing through and enclosing the southern territories of our site. This merging of ancient with contemporary
landscapes il capo institutions
contributes to the richness of the quarter and begins to pave the way for a syncretic notion.
26|27
an introduction
Il Capo Institutions
cat t edrale d i pa lermo Norman, Moorish, Gothic and Baroque
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
il capo institutions From the popular to the periphery
The
diversity
emerges
with
of its
the
quarter
housing
of
significant and somewhat lesser known institutions.
The most
momentous of these would be the Cattedrale di Palermo, situated south of the district, and the Teatro an introduction
Massimo, Italy’s largest opera house, located north east of the quarter. Hidden amongst, between and inside these ecclesiastical and bourgeois institutions are moments of a fringe society that emerge in the leftover spaces of scattered across the city and unused Catholic churches.
in st it ut io n s o f il capo 1:1000
28|29
il capo institutions
numerous abandoned buildings
an introduction Il Capo Institutions
religious syncretism An illustration of various forms of public and private worship
Italian legislation prohibits the construction of spaces of religion other than those of Catholicism. As a result, mosques and temples occupy shopfronts and garages; spaces
are
retrofitted
to
their respective faiths. This
has led to particular practices iconography in Palermo. Shrines appear
alongside
everyday
objects (radiators, clocks, vases); practices of faith are folded into everyday space.
Image by Emma Grosbois
and appearances of symbols and
t he grocery sh op / ballaro ma rk et
of
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/ artanddesign/gallery/2016/jun/28/emma-grosboisthose-who-watch-us-photographer
conform with the orthodoxies
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introducton
il capo institutions
gi orgio’s place Image by Emma Grosbois Source: https://www.theguardian.com/ artanddesign/gallery/2016/jun/28/emma-grosboisthose-who-watch-us-photographer
30|31
an introduction
Il Capo Institutions
Image by Mirko Li Grecivia
H ind u Temp le / via de spuch es Source: https://www.flickr.com/ photos/138045810@N07/24332445252
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
il capo institutions
Palermo mo sq ue / via Image by Delfino Sisto Legnani
Source: https://www.e-flux.com/architecture/ positions/211592/pandora-s-box/
32|33
Via dei Celso
an introduction
Kitchen
Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
Dining worship dye baths Via del Celso
water pumping
o
els
iC
de
a Vi
lso
Via del Ce
filtration
water tower o
Cels
dei mordant mixing Via
Via dei Celso
dry spraying
The SYNCRETIC CITY’’S Il Capo o Island sites and drifting programmes els el C Via
d
The SYNCRETIC CITY occupies
Kitchen
four island sites across Il Capo;
on
dei Candelai and the Via del Celso,
ni
o
lso
Via del Ce
dye baths
i erg tev
roads which have been carved out
ls Ce
worship
iM de
Via del Celso
by the Papireto River.
Via dei Celso
Dining
three are situated amongst the Via
Via
el
elso
ei C
d Via
Via dei Celso
filtration
The Via
cultivating
Montevergini bridges these sites to
weaving
the fourth, which is nestled just off
organics sorting
the Via Vittorio Emanuele, a street
a Vi
o
els
iC
de
Via del Celso
water harvesting water harvesting
forming one of the two main axis.
Via del Celso
The SYNCRETIC CITY seeks Via
a Vi
de
on
iM
to re-engage Il Capo with the
lso
Ce
ini
peripheric cultures that inhabit
del
erg
tev
Via
o
els
iC
de
the quarter, creating a social
growing
ini
erg
tev
on
i
of
The
ini
erg
Vi
ele
nu
ma
io E
r itto aV
tev
Vit
e
uel
an
Em
on
Via
women and water in Islam.
io tor
ei M
Hinduism, and the celebration of
d Via
performance
gin
colourful
ei M
ver nte
Mo
water harvesting
industry that shows the culinary and
d Via
cultivating
dei
It does this through a working
o
els
el C
d Via
Via
sustainability, or social landscape.
SYNCRETIC CITY’’S
Across the island sites a series of
programmes
are
housed, Kitchen
Via
including water harvesting and
dei Mo
archiving
nte i
gin
ver
dyeing baths and vats, botanical
Il Capo
irrigation, permaculture gardens,
selling/exchanging
and agricultural archives and silk dei Mo
Vi
g ver
nte
ele
nu
ma
ini
oE
ri itto aV
ele
nu
ma
io E
r itto aV
Via
weaving.
Vi
dei ver
nte Mo
Vi
e
uel
an
Em
Via
rio
itto aV
lso
Ce
Via
rio to Vit
ele nu a Em
erg ini
34|35
islands sites drifting programmes
Via
ele nu ma
del
tev
an introduction
Via
on
E rio
lso
Ce
Vi iM
to Vit
ei
ad Vi
so
Via del Cel
Via dei Celso
Via tev
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
e ad
d Via
Via del Cel
elso ei C
so
Via
to Vit
rio
Em
uele an
The SYNCRETIC City
on
M dei
erg ini
an introduction Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
island sites drifting programmes
via del celso Existing entrance to a technical collage
36|37
an introduction Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
island sites drifting programmes
via del celso A crumbling facade
38|39
an introduction Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
island sites and drifting programmes
via del celso A crumbling facade
40|41
an introduction
Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
Palm tree as beacon
wes tern a pp roach to via del ce ls o
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
elso
ei C
d Via Via dei Celso
establishing sites Via del Celso
The neighbouring spaces either side of Via del Celso became the starting point for the three
so
Via del Cel so
following island sites. The site was happened upon after visiting the
a Vi
o
els
iC
de
an introduction
Via del Cel
Moschea di Tunisia, a three minute walk away. Upon the approach a palm tree looms over the
del
lso
Ce
island sites drifting proframmes
abandoned site and immediately
Via
became a beacon of growth and
ini
erg
tev
on
iM
de
The SYNCRETIC CITY could
Via
sustenance, something to which respond to.
42|43
an introduction Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
Noon
vi a del c el s o
Dawn
vi a del c el s o
text title subtitle/dates/fact
enance
proposes
to
develop
spaces
that
will
support
further
migrations.
Through
a
series
syncretic
of
proposals
for
spaces (spaces that
align
religious
practices
also,
programmatically,
and bring
distinct functions into relation it provides supports for productive practices.
It
explores
spatial
image t it le image caption/explanation
Ce
lso del Via
on
iM
de
rgi
e tev
ni
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Via
Dusk
vi a del c el s o
an introduction
uele
island sites drifting programmes
44|45
a Em rio
Afternoon
Via
to Vit
vi a del c el s o
an Em rio to Vit Via
els
o iC de a Vi
The SYNCRETIC City
Via dei Celso
Via del Cel
so
an introduction Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
island sites drifting programmes
n un at no on Via Del Celso
46|47
an introduction Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
Piazza Capo A garden of sustenance
To the east of Via del Celso, a relatively new piazza emerges, which, despite the intention to form a new public space, has become neglected and an unpleasant place to congregate. The SYNCRETIC CITY
has adopted this piece
of Palermo to form a working landscape that will accrue the yield of prickly pears for the pigment making process. It emerges as a specimen garden that forms the network of island sites in Il Capo and could be utilised across the city in underused piazzas.
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
e
Vi
A potential growing site
piazza capo
island sites drifting programmes
uel an Em rio itto aV
els
o iC de a Vi
48|49
Ce
lso del Via
an introduction Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
01, 02, 03 + 04 Site /
[DPW] [ WS ] [ K ] [ D ] [ WE ] [ A ]
[ DPW - SS ]
[ DPW - DB ]
[ DPW - f ]
[ DPW - SG ] Processions of Il Capo Axis Mundi @ 1:100
Site 03 Site 02 0m
1
3
6
10
procession of il capo Il Capo is inhabited by a multitude of institutions, both religious and secular, which sets the urban context. These syncretic spaces weave into the city fabric and add vibrancy through seasonal changes. This drawing explores how the seasonal blooms of the Sicilian Sumac and the Prickly Pear permeate colour back into what was previously a rich Landscape of Colour. A procession of pigment production meanders through The SYNCRETIC CITY island sites of Il Capo, informaing the layout of the drawing itself.
Site 01
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
[ Summer ]
June 1 - August 31
15:00
‘The School Run’
This drawing situations itself at
the beginning of June; the Prickly
Pear is ripening, Sicilian Sumac
is ready to be harvested and the Lemon
Orchards
are
maturing
ready to Yellow after 12 months of year
flowering. is
kitchen
Act [ 2 ]
ending,
The
academic
activating
programmes
the
which
engages with local communities
on a domestic and social scale. Il Capo is inhabited by a multitude of institutions, both religious and secular, which set the urban context. These syncretic spaces weave into the city fabric
Site 04
and add vibrancy through seasonal changes. This drawing explores how the seasonal blossoms of the Sicilian Sumac and Prickly Pear permeate colour back into what was previously a vibrant Landscape of Colour. A procession of pigment production meanders through The Syncretic City island sites [ 01, 02, 03, 04 ] of Il Capo, informing the layout of the drawing itself.
an introduction island sites drifting programmes
50|51
an introduction Island Sites and Drifting Programmes
theatrum mundi model Landscape of programmes
The
tectonics
of
the
model
mimic those used in the island site institutions.
The concrete
plinths hold up the city as they would hold up a building.
This
manifests itself in the heaving concrete casts of the 1:50 models and their respective plaster bases. The heavy base is sculpted to fit and hold the programme of the Weaving Studios, Dye Production Workshops, Kitchens and Archive. The acrylic of the model becomes the city itself, with the ash context representing
the
landscape
of Palermo.
It also suggests
something of a super structure in which the more bespoke metal details of the model are slotted into. This concrete plinth, timber structure and bespoke metal work becomes the hierarchy of tectonics for The Syncretic City.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an introduction
island sites drifting programmes
Landscape of Programme
th eatr u m m u n d i m o del
52|53
The SYNCRETIC City
I II III IV V VI VII
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
ii
Icons and Air-Cons Culture of Colour Religious Crossroads The Drawing Room Institution Opening
The SYNCRETIC CITY’ defines syncretism as
2. To bring distinct functions into relation
Atlas of Programme
(emerging and re-emerging cultures, religions and programmes;
A Working Methodology
botanicals and minerals; ancient and new landscapes; a live working method) to provide for productive practices and cultural sustainability. Chapter 2 opens up the syncretism of the city through two religions, Islam and Hinduism. These two cultures, the former re-emerging and the latter emerging, establish a way for two very distinct practices to come together, forming the basis of our working methodology.
syncretism Icons and Air-Cons
islam in italy A re-emerging religion
Italy is home to the fourth largest Muslim population in Europe, with over 1.6 million Muslims living in the country. However, due to the legal restrictions, (the construction of mosques has been banned in Milan) there are only ten recognised mosques in the country. The Italian government does not officially recognise Islam as a religion, therefore Muslims have taken to inhabiting cultural centres, garages and warehouses as informal prayer rooms.
The SYNCRETIC City
Moschea Di tunisia Via del Celso
What was once the church of San Paolino dei Giardinieri is now the Moschea di Tunisia a Palermo, the official mosque in the city, that serves a community of 8,200 gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Muslim residents. It is lead by Imam Boulaalam Abderrahmane MustafĂ . The series of photographs, taken by Delfino Sisto Legnani, an Italian architectural and still-life photographer, depict a syncretic narrative of two faiths.
There
is a serenity about the images, with the white-washed walls and muted colours.
However if you
look closer you can see an almost comical juxtaposition between the modern day necessities of the aircon unit, strip lighting and digital prayer clock, against the Islamic scripture sat on the shelf and the traditional prayer mats on the floor. syncretism
There is an almost temporal feel to the mosque; the abutment of the old church walls, oriented towards Mecca, looks as if it could be lifted straight out.
The decorative icons and air-cons
mos chea di tun isia a palermo
Delfino Sisto Legnani Source: Palermo Atlas by OMA
prayer niche against the existing
script on the columns also have an element of impermanence, as if they have been stuck on.
56|57
syncretism Icons and Air-Cons
Moschea Di tunisia Via del Celso
The mosque is re-imagined in another
disused
building
in
Palermo; Galleria delle Vittorie was a shopping arcade that had been abandoned since the 1970s, and has only just started to become occupied. The series of collages are exhibited as a triptych to suggest a religious undertone and syncretism, but also to act as another method of framing, mimicking the Moorish arch of Islam and the round arch of Catholicism, to integrate these two religions further. The prayer mat appears in all three images.
It becomes an
important motif in representing landscape and the garden, as
t ript ych o f mo n tage
the carpet traditionally features
Re-imagining a place of worship
embroidered images of the Garden of Paradise. The use of colour in fabric, and therefore landscape, also forms an important part of the thesis. This is explored further in the bodily Hortus Mundi / Atlas of Landscape.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
icons and air-cons
58|59
syncretism Culture of Colour Bangladesh Sri Lanka Tunisia
China Ghana Bangladesh
Ghana Morocco Bangladesh
hinduism in Palermo An emerging religion
Palermo has become the home to the
Sri Lanka Ghana Tunisia
largest Tamil Hindu community in Italy, composed of almost 8000 people, mostly refugees from the civil war in Sri Lanka, as well as a growing community
Sri Lanka Bangladesh Ghana
of over 1000 Mauritian Hindus. As a minority proportion of the religious
denominations,
these
groups only represent a small part of the greater population of
Romania Sri Lanka Tunisia
678,000, however have started to influence the city and its culture. Sicilian Mafia, a shift has occurred whereby in the last ten years, Hindus have had an opportunity to emerge as a religion and as part of Sicilian civilisation.3
Sri Lanka Philippines Bangladesh
Mig ration in PAlermo
towards a progressive existence,
Sri Lanka Romania Mauritius
Source: Palermo Atlas by OMA
With the city liberated from the
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
culture of colour
po pulat io n sizes An emerging Hindu culture
60|61
syncretism Culture of Colour
1
2
3
INTRINSIC MIGRATION 1
Nautical Chart A background to the objects of interest as well as the source of diversity in religious denominations.
2
RELIGIOUS NODES IN THE FRAGMENTED CITY Concept model This is to represent the multitude of religions that are prevalent in the city.
3
RELIGIOUS SYNCRETISM Booklet A collection of private and public shrines of various religions.
The SYNCRETIC City
the kitchen religion Hinduism and its relation with food
The Hindu religion has a great emphasis on food that is integral to its practice, which is called ‘Puja’. It is considered that food is a gift from Brahman (God) and gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
therefore must be treated with the utmost respect, being offered to deities as a daily ritual.
2
3
Sattva
Rajas
Tamas
Goodness Constructive Harmonious
Passion Active Confused
Darkness Destructive Chaotic
Fried or spicy food that stimulates
Heavy meats that are chemically altered, left over and indigestible
Good for the mind body and soul These foods promote and increase longevity, happiness and health
Water, cereal grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, unpasteurized and unhomogenized fresh milk and all fresh milk derivatives, raw honey
These are foods which give unhappiness, sorrow and disease Neither beneficial nor harmful
These are foods unable to give nutrients Only allowed to alleviate suffering
culture of colour
Food Groups
1
syncretism
Qualities
Energy
The 3 Gunas
Caffeinated drinks, brown or black choco- Meat of an animal, fish, the fertilized egg, onlate, paan, ginkgo biloba, overly spicy food, ion, garlic, scallion, leek, chive, mushroom, salty food, unfertilized egg alcoholic beverages
62|63
syncretism Religious Crossroads
Exhibition Design Studio 5 as a syncretic space
Hinduism
and
Islam
come
together with a design for an exhibition in the studio.
One
design looks at the procession of colour within Hinduism whereas the other reinhabits the existing niches to create private places of worship, another comment on the issue of Islam being a hidden religion within Palermo. The arch, the cleanse and the niche become architectural languages which
feature
development Room.
of
throughout the
the
Drawing
The SYNCRETIC City
7 2
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
5
6 8
1
syncretism
3
4
religious crossroads
64|65
syncretism
Relgious Crossroads
“We saw you take off your shoes so we took ours off too.”
Gateway to Mecca
2
“We saw you take off your shoes so we took ours off too.”
3
Intimate worship
Hidden curiosities
GATEWAY TO MECCA Harriet Garbutt
4
1
Hidden curiosities
The SYNCRETIC City
syncretism
religious crossroads
66|67
5
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
6
7
8
syncretism The Drawing Rooms
1 Nitya Nitya rituals are performed daily and consist in offerings made at
TECTONICS OF NITYA
the home shrine or performing
The tectonics of Nitya was initially
puja to the family deities.
explored in the Studio 5 Exhibition,
2
which adopted themes that were
NAIMITTIKA Naimittika rituals are important but
only
occur
at
certain
times during the year, such as celebrations
of
the
Nitya
identified in Palermo. The act of ringing a bell is considered to be a fundamental rite that is to be performed when any sacred act is performed. The intention of this
festivals,
rite is to let the relevant deity of
thanksgiving etc.
3
worship know that you are there.
kamya Kamya are rituals which are optional
but highly desirable.
Pilgrimage is one such.
classification Worship tectonics
Hindu religious rites are classified embody
separate
elements
of
the religious practice that are personal or collective. Some of these forms of worship require specific moments or rituals, while others become more daily acts and invoke a lifestyle choice.
Kamya
into three categories [Puja] which
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
spatial relationships of hunduism How they manifest in Palermo
The drawing begins to explore spatial relationships within the emerging culture of Hinduism within Palermo. The sequence of spaces sets out thresholds that define or combine programme. The shrine is seemingly hidden other than a gateway that is nestled
between
the
concrete
urban blocks, an indication and presence of a hidden presence of religion. syncretism
What is interesting and what speaks
through
these
spatial
relationships is that Hindu temples are not just sacred spaces, they are also secular spaces and syncretic in nature. It offers purpose beyond the drawing rooms
a sacred space and extends into social rituals and daily life, giving social meaning.
h in du sh rin e Via Venanzio Marvuglia
68|69
syncretism The Drawing Rooms
linear progression Drawing Room Semester 1
There is a
focus on culinary
performance within the Hindu religious
Chime to alert presence
context
that
brings
together a series of spaces in a
/ Nitya /
linear
progression.
It
defines
Naimittika as a space for dining with a procession from exterior to the heart of the rooms through a series of thresholds.
Gateway Not full enclosed
Procession to chamber Level thresholds
Sacred Space Performance of culinary
traditions
Kitchen Preparation of edibles for chamber
The drawing rooms are considered here as negative, almost chiselling
Enclosure
out of the heavy concrete urbanity that
has
dominated
recent
development in Palermo.
The
program is split into separated volumes that are intrinsically linked through procession. The user is directed through a series of climbs, turns, descends and stops to emphasis this Negative space is explored to begin to develop a language that is derived from analysis into Hindu culture and resonates a return of the garden not through growing organics necessarily but through the
use
and
performance
of
culinary activities in this syncretic program. The result is almost a image caption cast of what the space may be.
69|70
The SYNCRETIC City
M AN DAPA A pillared outdoor hall or pavillion for public rituals
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
mandapa
Similarly to the Cloister that is
present in Catholic architecture,
the drawing rooms
Hindu buildings utilise a similar
spatial syntax in what is called
Mandapa
70|71
syncretism The Drawing Rooms
The SYNCRETIC City
7
Naimittika - Sacred Space // Communal practices in an elevated space.
This space is the conclusion of procession that is elevated physically and boasts a unique vernacular in comparison to the rest of the building that is hidden from the exterior. It is to host rituals that are important but only occur at certain times during the year.
7
6
Naimittika - Sacred Space Communal practices in an elevated space.
Individual Withdrawal // Rest niche perforating existing limestone wall
A rest niche appears when ascending towards the heart of the building as a place for personal withdrawal and rest. This extrusion communicates with the street running alongside the side to note its significance.
5
Individual Withdrawal Rest niche perforating existing limestone wall
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
6
Sustenance & Archive // Preparation of edibles for nutrition and performance.
Drawing from the River Papireto the kitchen washes, prepares and cooks required edibles for ritual or nutrition. As Hinduism is associated with a strict vegetarian diet the kitchen shares its program with a small archive of ‘Legumes’. Here native beans are stored and recorded.
5
4
Procession // Buffer zone between existing and intervention
As proceeding between the existing and solid interventions a series of timber portals create a colonnade, extracting elements from Catholic Church syntax, reinforcing this journey and highlighting the tension between emerging cultures in Palermo with existing.
4
Procession Buffer zone between existing and intervention 3
Cleansing // Drawing from the River Papireto
Once crossing the threshold of the public realm one must cleanse before entering. In Hindu culture footwear is to be removed before entering sacred spaces, creating a specific program which is shared with the act of washing the extremities.
3
Cleansing Drawing from the River Papireto syncretism
2
Nitya // Daily chime to signify presence
Upon entering these sequential spaces one is to chime a bell in order to alert a deity of their presence. This is common in hindu culture and part of ‘Puja’.
2
Nitya Daily chime to signify presence 1
Permeation // City Context - Palermo into drawing rooms
1
the drawing rooms
A connection is made with the public realm with the contrasting red pre-cast concrete panels, providing a visual disruption, and the permeation of the ground floor material that enters the site. An opening is also afforded through the structural and exterior layer of the wall being peeled back to reveal only the metal frame in which the facade hangs.
Permeation City Context - Palermo into drawing rooms 72|73
syncretism The Drawing Rooms
drawing room Via del Celso
The drawing room situates itself on the east of the existing entrance to the technical college behind the
text title site on Via Del Celso. subtitle/dates/fact
The moves made in the drawing room
begin
to
inform
the
programme and language that is visible in the SYNCRETIC CITY; a space of withdrawal through the prayer niche, the growing of botanicals on the periphery of the site, the utilisation of sun light, the emergence of a procession of space.
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
To maintain a purity as part of
The Drawing Room is orientated
The
Wudu, an external door cannot
in relation to the Qibla, the
residence for a visiting Imam. The
open directly into a place of
direction in which Muslims should
facade is wrapped in a translucent
worship, therefore a procession of
face whilst performing Salat.
fabric which creates an element of
vestibules and thresholds creates
Drawing
Room
provides
the Prayer Niche.
forms ‘leftover’ spaces of the site.
a tectonic for the Drawing Room,
These are utilised as Gardens of
with the language of wrapping
The hanging of fabric above the
Sustenance that represent, on a
mimicking the warp and weft of
entrance references the corrugated
much smaller scale, the pieces of
thread in the weaving of textiles.
steel roofs of the hidden mosques
‘leftover’ site across Il Capo. These
in the city and creates a threshold
spaces will be regenerated as
above the head, as well as level
places of cultivation and growth
changes on foot.
for the Institution.
74|75
the drawing rooms
use of fabric within Islam becomes
DRA WING RO O M AXIS MUND I
This specific situation inevitably
An opening into the Institution
a convoluted circulation towards
syncretism
privacy, an external curtain. The
syncretism The Drawing Rooms
Dawn - Fajr
Dusk Isha
Sunset Maghrib
Sunrise Shuruq
Afternoon - Asr
Noon Dhuhr
drawing room prayer niche Light and prayer
The prayer niche is nestled on the east of the site; to emphasise the idea of pulling light into an overshaodwed site, the niche took on a
language of folding, as if
growing towards the sun, much like the botanicals grown in the Gardens. The facade of the niche features three moments of angled glazing which allow the morning sun to enter and cast light on the rear wall, which is kinked out to suggest the bodily movements in Islamic prayer.
drawin g ro o m pray er n ich e A bodily space
The SYNCRETIC City
the syncretic city prayer niche Light and prayer
prayer
niche
into
existence
again
SYNCRETIC
CITY.
comes in
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
The
The The
interior floor is carpeted with the prayer mats, creating a soft surface under bare feet. The niche is aligned towards Mecca, creating a focal point towards the Garden of Sustenance.
A bodily height
window is once again seen, so as the person comes up from prayer, the Garden greets them.
syncreitsm the drawing rooms
Scale - 1:100
t he syn crei tc city pray er n ich e
76|77
syncretism Atlas of Programme
t h eat rum mun di Atlas of Programme
The SYNCRETIC City
Water
Existing surface water
Irrigation Existing Manual
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Cultivation
Controlled Wild Controlled Wild
Tectonics
Concrete facade
theatrum mundi
Concrete structure
The first version of the Theatrum
Procession
An Atlas of Programme
Mundi really started to work the syncretic
which
leant itself to a programmatic syncretism
Wrapping
methodology by
establishing
a
network of interweaving island sites that drift across Il Capo.
Hanging
Allen and his ideas on ‘notation’.
syncretism
Folding
The drawing looks toward Stan He states, “The drawing as artefact is unimportant.
It is rather a
set of instructions for realising
Process
Pigments
another artefact.”4 The Theatrum Mundi begins to generate a set of instructions through its sprawling
Dying
of programmes come into being,
atlas of programmea
Casting
territory and as a result a series forming a working landscape.
Weaving 78|79
syncretism Institution Openings
garden sites Islands of Programme
Landscape offers a terrain to sustain the growth and cultivation of the Garden to provide for our working industries.
These
gardens form part of a network of island sites which drift across Il Capo, housing irrigation systems, water harvesting and storage, permaculture
gardens,
dyeing
baths and vats, botanical and agricultural archives and silk weaving. Hindu culture manifests itself in the kitchen typologies that appear from the dye and pigment extraction,
(Hinduism
is
also
known as the ‘Kitchen Religion’) to the almost pantry-like archiving of legumes and other vegetation. Moments of Islamic culture reemerge through the weaving of silk, a fabric which can only be worm by women, and the careful, almost sacred, treatment of water within the programme.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncreitsm
institution openings
80|81
syncretism Institution Openings
A PIGMENT HISTORY Textile trade in Arabic Sicily
This study begins to understand the connection Palermo and the chosen sites within Il Capo have with the greater cultures of the world. This particular moment looks east towards India and the source of emerging Hindu migration. Sketches of component parts of the pigment extraction process emerge to begin to suggest an architecture which facilitates these practices and how colour is intrinsic within this.
The SYNCRETIC City
Via dei Celso
o
Via del Cels
Via
o
els
iC
de
lso
Ce
Via te on
iM de gin
ver i
The plants will be sorted and boiled to produce pigments for the silk dye
9th-11th Century, Sicily became an due to the introduction of goods crafted in the souks of northern
rio
Via
to Vit
uele
an
Em
syncretism
important commercial crossroads
S ici ly silk trade
Whilst under Arabic rule in the
From Northern Africa to the markets of Sicily
Textile trade in Arabic Sicily
The silk is then woven by a handful of women to produce textiles to sell at the markets across Il Capo
A Silk history
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
del
Garden sites in Il Capo are pollinated with prickly pears and sumac trees, to be cultivated for dye production and consumption
Via
Africa, which were brought over during the invasion.
Amongst
these goods was silk, resulting in Sicily becoming a major producer institution openings
of raw and woven silk in the late 10th Century, which continued under Normal rule.
82|83
syncretism Working Methodology
mo dels o f drawin gs Sketch models derived from the notations made in the Atlas of Programme
i n i t i al mas ter p l an Drifting sites of Il Capo
a programme emerging Draw, model draw
Allen goes on to state, “Notations are “abstract machines” capable of producing new configurations out of given materials…”5. These ‘new configurations’ begin to be realised when our working methodology comes into life.
The Atlas of
Programme became the ‘abstract machine’ whereby its notational language
was
utilised
and
manipulated through drawing, modelling and drawing again, resulting in new configurations and the beginnings of a design.
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance syncretism working methodology
a wo rkin g st udio space The SYNCRETIC CITY’’’S working space developed from the notations made on the Atlas of Landscape
84|85
syncretism Working Methodology
image t it le image caption/explanation
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
working methodologies
86|87
syncretism Working Methodologies
A working method developed Sections from sections
The
SYNCRETIC
CITY
developed further when moments from the sections from models from drawings became partially rendered sectional perspectives, suggesting the start of a spatial language:
a
foundation
that
extruded
from
solid
concrete
in
moments
the
ground;
bespoke pigmented pre-cast pieces highlighting important moments of programme; slender frames and glazing that slot into a superstructure.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
working methodlogies
88|89
syncretism Working Methodologies
image t it le image caption/explanation
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretic workings Filming
our
working
method
was a way of understanding and recording the process in which we draw and progress an idea. Drawing together at the same time was critical to align with our thesis as well as to exchange ideas as it is carried out. Working in a syncretic nature. exercise
processional
of
drawing
route
of
syncretism
An
the the
proposals for the four island sites and drawing with soft pastel dust was executed. This thetic exercise proved useful as to where the
working methodologies
colour was occurring at a smaller scale in order to develop finer details of panels, facade cladding and finishes.
90|91
Concrete Shell Timber sections
syncretism
Insulation
Steel extrusions
Compression Structure
The SYNCRETIC CITY’
Dry lining Steel profile window casement Concrete Roof lightShell [ Integrated drain detail ]
Metal wire Metal Cap
Insulation Screed Floor Drainage channel Limestone floor tiles
[ 01 ]
[ 02 ]
Compression Structure
[B]
[C] [E] [F]
[D]
[A]
[ 01 ]
A compression system is adop side the sacred dining space w a ribbed timber cage that sits o extrusions. The weight of the t holds it together whilst clips h inside of the concrete shell. image t it le
image caption/explanation A metal wire system also affor
Procession of culinary Performance
opportunity to hang textiles fo events.
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
the kitchen and cultivation of the sumac bush. It explores several spaces of specific doctrine, culinary performance and sustenance which all work together in a syncretic way to create a new urban theatre. The previously enclosed and inaccessible site is now open with what can be considered a series of Mandapa [ Pillard halls ] very much like the Catholic
syncretism
Cloisters in the many churches that inhabit Il Capo.
[ 02 ]
[ 03 ]
Naimittika - Sacred Space - Communal Upon entering these sequential spaces practices in an elevated space. This space one is to chime a bell in order to alert a is the conclusion of procession that is deity of their presence. This is common in elevated physically and boasts a unique Hindu culture and part vernacular in comparison to the rest of theof ‘Puja’ [ Hindu Worship ] building that is hidden from the exterior. It is to host rituals that are important but rds the only occur at certain times during the or seasonal year.
Entrance Sumac Courtyard Dhyana - Contemplation and meditation [ d ] Cleansing
[A] [B] [c]
Nitya - Daily chime to signify presence [F] Tiled lobby overlooking Kitchen [ G ] Naimittika - Sacred Space for Communal practices
[e]
92|93
the syncretic city
pted inwhich has onto steel timber itself hold it to the
This procession is sequence organised around Hindu Practice,
syncretism The SYNCRETIC CITY’
axis mundi From Landscape to Loom
The SYNCRETIC CITY’ seeks to hold and resonate the colour of what was once a vibrant, cultivated landscape , and repollinate Il Capo with its yield. The use of a prickly pear purple ogee tile, which has Islamic references due to its Moorish characteristics, emerges throughout the building either in the form of a pre-cast concrete facade tile, or within the pigment process itself as a perforated screen. Another motif emerges also, that of the pigmented concrete gutter.
It catches the
water off the wings of the filtration space and the weaving studios and drains it into the Garden pools to be recycled as irrigation water.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
the syncretic city
94|95
syncretism The SYNCRETIC CITY’
text title subtitle/dates/fact
Workman’s Hut
Site 04 Despite the intention to form a new public space this existing piazza has become neglected and an unpleasant place to congregate. The Syncretic City has adopted this piece of Palermo to form a working Landscape that will accrue the yield of Prickly Pears for the pigment making process.
Area of Cultivation
Bicycle Depot
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance syncretism
Organics Sorting & Washing
Raw Silk Drying Garden of Sustenance
Dye Baths
Silk steaming
Dyed Fabric Rinsing
Waste Dye Water Filtration
Garden of Sustenance
Site 02 the syncretic city
The growth and harvest of the Prickly Pear holds together the programmtic functions of the silk dyeing and weaving. A purple pear life-cycle emerges from cultivation to cloth, and offers a sustainable approach in water havesting and irrigation. The weaving studios lend themselves to a small group of women to hone their artisanal skills and add to the ever growing syncretic city. 96|97
syncretism The SYNCRETIC CITY’
Storage Silo
Dye Baths
Site 01 Located on a busy road and passage for many schools in close proximity, this site has been intentionally blocked off and left to degrade. The Syncretic City has taken ownership of this space to return it to the public domain by opening it up and keeping density low whilst also integrating the Dye Production workshops. Thus it is weaved together with the rest of the institutional sites to form an overall strategy to replenish the landscapes of colour in Palermo.
Filtration
Offices
Slurry Gantry
Water Tower / Pump Station
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Dye and Textiles Bazaare
Archive
syncretism
Pigment Sorting
Offices
Site 04 the syncretic city
Intersecting the main Axis [ Via Vittorio Emanuele ] Site 04 aims to restore a derelict street squeezed in between the Collegio Massimo and an existing street block. This opportunity affords The Syncretic City to provide an archive for the organics, culinary and silk dyeing processes. A small public courtyard is provided and the process of Dye Production is terminated in order to be able to sell the goods at a busy zone within the city.
98|99
syncetism The SYNCRETIC CITY’
[f] [a]
[e] [b] [d] [c]
[a]
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Act [ 2]
syncretism
woman’s work @ 1:200
a working lower ground floor plan A - Subterranean irrigation B - Silk dyeing vats and baths C - Pigment storage wall
D - Rinsing line E - Irrigation filtration pots F - Water pump and cooling tank
the syncretic city
100|101
SYNCRETISM The SYNCRETIC CITY’
[M]
[K]
[L] [N]
[J]
[H] [H] [I] [c]
[a]
[G] [b] [F] [d] [E]
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Act [ 2 ]
syncretism
woman’s work @ 1:200
H - Gardens of Sustenance I - Silk dyeing baths J - Cutting and sewing space K- Tapestry loom studio L - Islamic prayer space M - External prayer N - Imam’s entrance
a working ground floor plan
the syncretic city
A - Truck delivery entrance B - Bicycle delivery entrance C - Organics sorting and cleaning D - Worker’s entrance E - Street vendor F - Kitchen G - Public courtyard
102|103
syncretism
[F]
The SYNCRETIC CITY’
[G] [ E]
[B]
[C] [D]
[A]
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Act [ 2 ]
syncretism
woman’s work @ 1:200
a working first floor plan Site 02 A - Herb garden B - delivery administration C - Overseeing deck
D - Fabric and yarn hanging E - Loom studio F - Tapestry loom balcony G - Imam’s study the syncretic city
104|105
syncretism The SYNCRETIC CITY’
Lower Basement Floor Plan
[ a ] - Hot Dye Baths [ B ] - Sicilian Sumac Bushes [ C ] - Water Fountain [ D ] - Pond [ E ] - Legume Cultivation [ F ] - Shoe racks [ g ] - Cleansing areas [ H ] - Hindu Kitchen [ I ] - Private Dining [ J ] - Filtration Pool [ k ] - Public Dining area [ l ] - Slurry Gantry [ m ] - Bicycle-truck Depot [ n ] - Sub-station [ For water tower ] [ o ] - Mandapa [ Pillard Halls ]
Upper Basement Floor Plan
The Ground floor plane is critical in this proposal and indeed the thesis. The previously closed and narrow site would become open, with
Upper Basement Floor Plan
seasonal programme spilling out into the courtyards throughout the year which align with the blossoms of several botanicals. Timber portal
N
frames create permeability between the new squares as there is a visual connection as well as programmatic.
The SYNCRETIC City
[a]
syncretism
[b] [d]
the syncretic city
Upper Basement FloorlsoPlan
Ce del Via
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
[E]
[c]
[o]
[L]
[f]
[M]
[N] [g] [h]
[c]
[i]
[j]
[k]
106|107
syncretism The SYNCRETIC CITY’
First Floor Plan
Weaving the Urban fabric Site
01
consists
of
complicated
geometries that cut into several streets [ Via Sant Isidoro, Via dei Candelai & Via dello Spirito Santo a Monte PietĂ ]. A complicated evaluational study was a result which suggested an architecture that is not uniform. The proposal aims to bookmark, open and reduce density in order to allow permeating into the sites and thus Fourth Floor Plan
weaving the institution into the urban fabric.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
the syncretic city
108|109
Glossary of Terms syncretism The Syncretic City CITY’ The SYNCRETIC
shading the hortus mundi Atlas of Colour
As an urban scale drawing, the Atlas of Colour had to interpret the city not only through the drawing itself but how it is curated. Part of the thesis looks into the textiles of the city which is prevalent in the street, from the washing hanging off balconies to the draping of the sun shades. As a result the Hortus Mundi drawing reflects this by being hung into a frame that is raised off the ground, as if one of the balconies in the street.
The
stand holding the Atlas of Colours mimics the railings and adds a bodily scale.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
the syncretic city
110|111
syncretism The SYNCRETIC CITY’
matthew gallery exhibition First semester
In the Matthew Gallery,
The CITY
SYNCRETIC
occupied the south-east corner. The concept was to have all work free-standing, so there is the manipulation to set a specific orient. This can be see much more definitively in the curation layout for the studio.
The drawings
themselves were sat off the wall creating a shadow gap, again emphasising and
this
free-standing
independent
presentation
method.
The
two
drawings
sat side by side offer an almost triptych feel. The Hortus Mundi / Atlas of Landscape frame mimics that of the balconies in Palermo, with the sunshades draped across them. The stand for the Atlas of Colour sits in front, acting as the railing and adding a 1:1 bodily scale to the drawing.
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
studio 5 exhibition First semester Christmas submission
For the studio exhibition,
SYNCRETIC
The CITY
occupies another corner space. The free-standing frames allow a distinct orientation, creating a north-south axis, with the Qibla traversing through the middle. The Theatrum Mundi drawing and model, and Hortus Mundi form a procession across the space, with one drawing being read after the other. The Theatrum Mundi model is raised to be read as if a lectern, with the tripod hanging over head, emphasising its working state. The
syncretism
portfolios are stood, like the Atlas of Colour, on balconies and are to be read in conjunction with the Axis Mundi drawings sat behind. One drawings hangs vertically, as an indication of the Hindu ascension of spirit, whereas the
the syncretic city
other has a horizontal emphasis which coincides with the easterly orientation towards Mecca.
112|113
SYNCRETISM The SYNCRETIC CITY’
studio 5 exhibition Second semester Summer submission
The curation of the final act in the Palermo studio [ City Fragments ] orientates itself around the work station. This station operated as part of the thesis line of thought through the way we worked; sitting next to each other allowed us to work more syncretic through drawing together or working on the live model. A north/south orientation is maintained with the majority of drawings being held in or on frames to allow this. Colour is present in all the drawings and the model [ Acrylic and elements in the proposal (1:200) and relevant parts of construction (1:50) ] . The hierarchy of the materials in the table and model construction also reflect the same strategy in the syncretic city spaces that form the institutions of the thesis.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
syncretism
the syncretic city
PB|115
The SYNCRETIC City
I II III VI V
Atlas of Landscape Religion as Colour Atlas of Colours Textiles of Il Capo Architecture of Colour
Colour inhabits The SYNCRETIC CITY. In Islam, the prayer mat is woven with images of the Garden of Paradise in greens, reds and golds. In Hinduism colour is symbolic, representing specific feelings and morals. This colour manifests itself in a yellow pollen which drifts across the city, derived from the ancient Arabic Conca d’Oro Basin, and settles on the landscape, forming Gardens of Sustenance. The Gardens yield more colour which is expressed through the dyes in the textiles of Islam and the food and spice for the ceremonials of Hinduism.
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
colour
iii
colour Atlas of Landscape
THESIS OF COLOUR Cultural, geological and botanical
Under Arab rule, from 965 to 1072, the landscape between the Palermo Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea was a rich horticulture of citrus groves, pistachio and almond trees and sugar cane fields, sustained by the introduction of an irrigation system
called
Qanats.
This
landscape of orchards became known as the Conca d’Oro, the Golden Basin. This territory has since been lost due to the mass, uncontrolled urban expansion from the 1950s to the 80s, known as the Sack of Palermo. Only a small area of the plain still being cultivated remains in the rural villages of Ciaculli and Croceverde-Giardino, where the Ciaculli Mandarin is grown.
The SYNCRETIC CITY hopes to re-inhabit the city with the rich productive landscape and colour of the Golden Basin.
Arabic garden s The Conca d’Oro in 17th Century Palermo
The SYNCRETIC City
atlas of landscape Ancient layers, natural resources and city materiality
The Atlas of Landscape is one of the first moves into the collage/ montage working methodology and is the opening, and perhaps culmination, of our Thesis of Colour.
The drawing presents gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
an amalgamation of syncretisms within the city that focus on the convergence of past and present colour. There
is
a
density
of
beige
limestone used predominately in the Old Town, which can be seen in the photographs of Il Capo in the first chapter. The yellow haze of the Conca d’Oro Basin dominates the west of the landscape. The haze becomes the Pollen of the The SYNCRETIC
CITY which drifts across the landscape and forms our Gardens, echoing a Garden of the past. The
devastating,
sprawling colour
post-war construction fills the landscape outside the Arabic walls with the grey hue of concrete. The most northern terrain depicts Monte Pellegrino and the wild growth of the red Sicilian Sumac
atlas of landscape
and purple Prickly Pear.
118|119
colour Atlas of Landscape The Atlas of Landscape should be read in conjunction with the Atlas of Colours.
natural resources Sustaining the landscape
The second layer unifies two specific botanics which are native to the island: the red Sicilian Sumac and the purple Prickly Pear.
The vegetation forms the
sustenance of the Gardens and are cultivated for their intrinsic natural properties.
ancient layers Arabic ruling
Reds and
purples pollinate Palermo through the street vendors selling pears on the street, to the sporadic growth
The Ancient Layers of Palermo
of sumac trees in abandoned
overlay the Phoenician City Wall
corners of the city.
(circa 400 BC) with the Arabic Wall, who ruled the city from the
Traversing through Old Town is
9th to 11th Century.
the ancient Papireto and Kemonia
Floating above is the yellow pollen
river, a natural resource which will
of the Conca d’Ora and the rich
be drawn upon for the nurturing
agricultural landscape.
of the Gardens of Sustenance.
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
city materiality Colour in built form
Old Town Palermo is awash with the crumbling beige limestone, quarried south of the island. Outside of the Arabic Wall is a vast expanse of grey concrete, colour
constructed during the Sack of Palermo, which now dominates the landscape. An interior wealth of colour and opulence can be uncovered in the Catholic churches sprawled across the city, whilst tucked away in
atlas of landscape
abandoned buildings or between dense urban blocks moments of delight appear with the saturated prayer mats in mosques and the gaudy Hindu shrines. 120|121
colour Religions of Colour
Hinduism and Colour A symbolic meaning
For the Hindu, colours have a very
deep
significance
which
transcends a purely decorative role. Reminiscent of such natural elements as the earth, the sky and the sun, many colours have appropriated
and
symbolise
the characteristics which these elements possess. From the saffron robes of holy men, to the blue skin of the deities to the white clothing of mourning windows, certain colours are used specifically for their symbolic meaning.
R - 245 G - 183 B - 104
Reminiscent
composition
colour of fire, saffron
red symbolises bold
of
is
emotions
knowledge
multiple
colours,
symbolic
of
the the
As
a
bold
R - 191 G - 066 B - 066
As a result of its of
of
R - 241 G - 210 B - 052
colour,
such
as
Yellow
is
learning
R - 101 G - 128 B - 109
R - 099 G - 166 B - 206
symbolic and because
The SYNCRETIC City
R - 255 G - 255 B - 255
Blue represents the
The colour green is
characteristics of the
one
deities
whose
skin
and calmness, due to
that
colour:
its association with
tranquillity
white can symbolise
cleansing and purity
passion,
sensuality,
it is a colour often
is
many things. It is
that
power and strength
depicted in the clothes
bravery,
worn
burning
and
of wise Hindu deities,
determination,
representative of the
protectiveness.
It is
fertility, life and re-
are
deities
from objects.
is
the
colour
It is also
Hindu monks wear
used most frequently
such
peacefulness,
saffron-coloured
for
like
Krishna and Ganesha.
also a colour that is
birth of the natural
innocence and purity,
robes
to
marriages,
births,
As the colour of the
found in nature in
world.6
while the cleanliness of
their
mission
festivals.
sun, yellow represents
the sky and water,
the colour symbolises
cleanse and eliminate
It is also the colour
light,
and therefore possess
new beginnings and
impurities
of Shakti (prowess).
happiness, and new
a
rebirth.
However,
from the world, whilst
Deities
beginnings
with
white is also symbolic
also representing a
charitable,
of death in Hinduism;
lightness and wisdom6
and
represent
and
to evil
occasions
who
are brave
protective
are
widows wear white
clothed in a red dress,
while
mourning
something which is
because
of
its
also replicated when
properties,
a woman dies; her
manifesting itself in
body is wrapped in
the need to reflect
a red cloth for the
upon life in a time of
cremation, suggesting
grieving.6
a
reflective
of
real
Vishnu,
nature.
equated
with
as
goodness,
warmth due
seasonal connotations. 6
and its
spring
peaceful
being of
quality,
dark
blue
representative calmness
and
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
who
by
comes
of
of
intuition.6
celebration
the female as
matriarch.6
colour religions of colour
imag e t itle 122|123
colour Religions of Colour
Islam and colour Green as significant
The colour green in Islam is hugely significant and holds a number of traditional associations, mainly that of Paradise.
It became
a dynastic colour in the 12th Century after the Shiite Muslims adopted it as their chosen colour. It also references the Prophet Muhammad;
in
the
Ottoman
Empire, the wearing of a green turban was a privilege afforded to the descendants of Muhammad, whose tomb itself is topped with a green dome at the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina.
image t it le image caption/explanation
The SYNCRETIC City
The Quran also associates the colour green with textiles and fabric. Reclining on green Cushions and rich Carpets of beauty Sura 55, verse 76 Upon them will be green garments
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
of fine silks and heavy brocade... Sura 76, verse 21
colour religions of colour
124|125
colour Atlas of Colour
I
Lemon Yellow
II
Sumac Red
III
Prickly Pear Purple
IV
V
Concrete Grey
Limestone Beige
V
Atlas of colour Gardens of Sustenance and programme
From our developing interest in the syncretism of the city, the minerals R - 224 G - 199 B - 158
and botanicals of Sicily become of great importance to our Gardens
R - 131 G - 099 B - 074
R - 187 G - 160 B - 065
R - 097 G - 107 B - 070
R - 207 G - 200 B - 190
R - 168 G - 181 B - 155
R - 046 G - 066 B - 055
of Sustenance and programme. Palermo is a city that is built with colour; its geology offers a wealth
80%
60%
40%
20%
the island, and are visible from the Grigio Billiemi marble used in the Catholic churches, to the Ragusa
16 / 10 / 18
of raw materials quarried across
limestone from which the Old Town is built. During the field trip to Palermo, the distinct colours of the city were documented through photographic essays.
These
images
R - 224 G - 224 B - 224
were
categorised into natural and manmade colours, creating a colour palette of Palermo. This manifests
16 / 10 / 18
itself in the Atlas of Colour. 80%
60%
40%
20%
The SYNCRETIC City
VI
Palermo Marble
VII
Graffiti Blue
VIII
Leaf Green
IX
Fresco Peach
X
Porphyry Stone at l as o f c o l o ur
Colour Index
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Atlas of colour Colour index
From this Atlas a colour index was generated, allowing a consistent R - 054 G - 054 B - 052
R - 108 G - 048 B - 037
R - 171 G - 121 B - 072
R - 219 G - 220 B - 214
reading between Hortus Mundi, Axis Mundi and Theatrum Mundi. The colours reappear throughout the
80%
60%
40%
20%
project
building
denoting
materials,
specific natural
20 / 10 / 18
resources, moments of pollen and planting and building syncretism.
III
60%
40%
20%
R - 076 G - 083 B - 003
R - 080 G - 053 B - 024
atlas of colour
18/ 10 / 18
80%
R - 112 G - 024 B - 010
colour
R - 250 G - 163 B - 154
126|127
colour Atlas of Colour
Pietra Di Sicilia City Materiality
Custonaci Marble
Catania Basalt
Sicily has a rich geology due to the active volcano, Mount Etna, which sits to the east coast of the island. As a result of this, the earth is utilised for its raw materials and can be seen in the city materiality across Palermo. The Palermo mountain chain is quarried for its Grigio Billiemi marble, which adorns the Catholic churches across the City. Further east towards Mount Etna basalt is in abundance, whilst Custonaci marble can be found in the north west. The Atlas of Landscape makes clear the predominant building material in the Old Town - the Ragusa
Limestone
quarried
south of the island. In the Atlas of Colour, Index colour V is used to denoted this stone hue, and becomes a predominant colour in the materials chosen for models and the paper used to print on, representing a city materiality. Palermo Marble
Ragusa Limestone
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
V
colour
60%
40%
20%
128|129
atlas of colour
I l Capo / via del celso
80%
Old Town Ragusa Limestone
R - 224 G - 199 B - 158
colour Textiles of Colour
cloth, clothe, composition Textiles in Palermo
The use of textiles and fabrics roots itself
within
various
religions
across Palermo: the lavish saris and traditional dress of Hindus within the city, the ornate and regal decoration of Catholicism and the prayer mats and embroidery of Muslims. The importance of these religious fabrics led to a study of the everyday textiles of Palermo, documenting their different uses whether that be to shade, to clothe or to decorate, alluding to a spatial and tectonic quality of thresholds and folding.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
colour
textiles of colour
130|131
colour Textiles of Colour
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
colour
textiles of colour
132|133
colour Architecture as Colour
1:50
Purple ogee tiles
The SYNCRETIC CITY seeks to hold and resonate the colour of what was once a vibrant, cultivated landscape , and repollinate Il Capo with its yield. The use of a prickly pear purple ogee tile, which has Islamic references due to its Moorish characteristics, emerges throughout the building either in the form of a pre-cast concrete facade tile, or within the pigment process itself as a perforated screen.
ki tc hen s treet fac ade
a Prickly pear facade
Prickly Pear O gee T iled facade 1:20
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
from landscape to loom colour
A cycle of purple
A moment highlighting the pears ripening in the gardens, to the dyed raw silks hanging above, and finally the fabric being woven onto the looms. This one corner of the site frames the
architecture as colour
three transitional moments of the prickly pear and its cycle of growth to cloth.
134|135
colour Architecture as Colour
DRAWING THROUGH POLLEN Soft pastel carvings
A constant collaging approach has been adopted where a model turns into a plan, which turns into section and then through different media. By doing these colour experiments it begins to inform more of the architectural language which in turn begins to form more programme or new architectural features within the existing proposal.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
colour
architecture as colour
136|137
colour Architecture as Colour
seasonal bloom Colour in section
The two drawings strip back the line-work of the Procession of Il Capo site drawing to reveal the blossom of the Sicilian Sumac and the Prickly Pear.
The red
and purple emerges in places where colour would be held; the dye workshops, the kitchens, the organics sorting.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
colour
architecture as colour
138|139
colour Architecture as colour
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
model in colour 1:50 island models
The 1:50 models produced the collaging and presence of colour at
a
tangible
relationship
can
scale. be
Spatial seen
in
order to understand how these elements work in a syncretic indicating
program
colour
way,
or
indicating an important piece of architectural detailing across both sites built. The materiality of the model reflects the 1:200 site model, keeping a consistency. The process of designing and building
architecture as colour
the model also revealed more about the construction process and technical details.
140|141
The SYNCRETIC City
I II III IV V VI
Native Botanicals Sites and Bloom Water of Palermo Water Extraction Water Distribution Sustainable Sustenance
Palermo sits above a vast aquifer occupying a territory stretching from Partinico in the West of the island, to CefalĂš in the East, over nearly 90 km in length. This rich source of water has been utilised since the 9th century by the Arabs, which has in recent history been in contention between economic forces and the increasing demand for fresh water by its growing and parched population. Water in the programme forms the basis of the environmental approach in The SYNCRETIC CITY, allowing the blooming of the botanicals and the production of pigments.
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
SUSTENANCE
iv
Sustenance Native Botanicals
sicilian lemon
prickly pear
the syncretic city botanicals
Growth Instruction
Growth Instruction
Vegetation that is grown and harvested
Botanical name:
Botanical name:
Citrus limon Osbeck
Opuntia
Sun Exposure:
Sun Exposure:
Full sun - cannot grow in the shade
Full sun - dessert-like conditions
Mature Plant Size:
Mature Plant Size:
Up to 6m tall
Height: Anywhere from 300mm to 2.1m
Harvest:
tall
Flowers most commonly appear in
Pad size: Ranges from 10-46 cm in length
spring, the fruit develops over summer,
- larger pads have been known to grow as
and then slowly turns from green to
wide as 23cm or more
yellow in fall or winter. You can harvest
Fruit size: Average 7cm long and and is
green lemons whenever they reach 2
cylindrical in shape
inches in diameter, at which point they
Harvest:
will have the typical lemon flavour.
From early spring to summer the cactus
Planting:
blossoms and fruit lines this edges of the
Plant in friable soil enriched with com-
plant’s pads. From then onwards until
posted manures - can grow into specimen
late autumn, the fruit ripens and is ready
trees that survive for decades7
to be picked, being at its most ripe from
The Gardens of Sustenance grow native vegetation to Sicily, the Sicilian Lemon, the Sicilian Sumac and the Prickly Pear, along with two types of beans that are scared in Hindu culture. The Sumac and the Pear are the main botanicals used in the dye extraction process: the Sumac is used for red and brown dyes, as well as tanin, with the pear being used for its purple colour Both plants are also utilised in the kitchens across the sites, each with having their own beneficial properties.
September to November8
The SYNCRETIC City
Growth Instruction
Growth Instruction
Growth Instruction
Botanical name:
Botanical name: Vicia Faba
Botanical name: Phaseolus Lunatus
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Sun Exposure: Full sun - warm
- cool-season vegetable
temperatures and a long day length. Full
Mature Plant Size: 600 – 1500 mm (h)
sun will also keep the vines dry and less
x 25 – 300 mm (w)
prone to fungal problems.
Harvest: Broad beans require a 75 – 80-
Mature Plant Size: Pole varieties -
day growing season
2400 mm (h)
in mild climates, they can be planted
Bush types - 600 - 900 mm (h)
in the fall and allowed to grow slowly
Harvest:
through the winter, for a spring harvest.
There is wide fluctuation in the length of
Planting: Direct sow the seeds about 50
the growing season. Some bush varieties
mm deep, spaced 100 - 150 mm apart.
can begin producing in 60 days. The heat-
Thin the seedlings to 200 – 300 mm,
loving pole beans won’t start setting pods
because crowding can encourage diseases
until about 90 days
Nutrition: 1/2 cup = 93 calories
Planting:
Plant 4 to 8 broad beans per household
Directly sown 25 - 50 mm deep. Space
member
bush varieties about 100 - 150 mm.
Rhus Coriaria Sun Exposure: Full sun - cannot grow in the shade Mature Plant Size: Deciduous shrub growing to 3m tall Harvest: Suitable to grow in light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) well-drained soil. It is in flower from July to August. Planting: Grow seeds in the greenhouse for their first winter, then plant them our in their permanent positions in late spring to early summer9
native botanicals
lima beans
sustenance
fava beans
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
sicilian sumac
Nutrition: 1/2 cup = 120 calories Grow 4 to 8 lima bean plants per each household member 144|145
sustenance Sites and Bloom
1
1
Prickly Pear Field
2 3 4
5
Legume Beds
6
Sumac Tree
3
1:500
th e sy n creti c cit y gardens
4
The SYNCRETIC City
2
6 5
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
sustenance
sites and bloom
146|147
sustenance Water of Palermo
g eol og i c al map of t he pa lermo plain
Source: www.mdpi.com/journal/water
Geological Map of The Palermo Plain This Geological map of the earth of Palermo and its surrounding territories describes the more permeable Calceranite [ A type of limestone ] which is situated above a impermeable base rock that holds the water at a relatively high level. Accessibility to it is made a lot easier, which in part had lead to Palermo developing as a rich area for cultivation of lemons and crops in the Arabic rule to now.
The SYNCRETIC City
Jato
Terrasini
Petrazzi Carini Gabriele
Palermo S. Ciro
Canale
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Aqueduct
Bagheria
Sasi Ovest CICALA
Casuzze
Partinico Cefalu’ Piana Degli Albanesi
Presidia
Termini Imerse
L. Poma L. Piana degli
Risalaimi Marineo
L. Scanzano
L. Rosamarina
abundance of water that stretches Well across 90km of Sicilian coastline. Water Tank
The topography of the mountains has also allowPlant for this to be Purifying accessible through traditional
Scillato
0
2
water of palermo
Lake
sustenance
Water Srouce This diagram illustrates the
West Main
ch oreog raph y of palermo’s wat er supply sys tem
Settlement A choreography of
ROsamarina
Aqueduct
Source: The Centre for Industrial Sutdies for European Commission
PALERMO WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
East Main
Scillato
Scanzano - Risalaimi Aqueduct
ROsamarina
CACCAMO
methods of transporting, Tyrrhenian Sea
aqueducts, and then pump stations in more recent history.
148|149
10k
sustenance Water of Palermo
continuous service provisions Increase provision, increased loss
Despite service provisions actually going up, the system is currently suffering from a severe problem 1997
of water losses. About 47.8% of the water fed into the distribution network
in
2010
(86,406,847
m3 ) was lost. This is due to degradation of systems supplying the the southern part of the city, sub-standard measuring of water usage, unauthorised water usage and and accumulated debts to the
companies.
The
Syncretic
City thus seeks to manage water consumption and address cultural issues as well as the water intensity that is intrinsically linked with programme. Sourced from [ the Centre for Industrial Studies: for European Commission ] 2011
The SYNCRETIC City
current water networks A series of water sources tap into the hydrological basin plain that supply’s Palermo. This is a combination of historic irrigation canals and modern facilities. Topographical landscapes aid in
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
the transportation of water which lead to Palermo. It seems that as part of this system there are points of collection along the system to be held where necessary in the form of stations and towers.
Headwaters of Gesuitiche [ Qanat ]
Headwaters of Gabriele
Headwaters of Gesuitiche [ Qanat ]
Headwaters of Gabriele
sustenance water of palermo
current wat er n etw orks
Headwaters of Gabriele
Source: [ www.mdpi.com/ journal/water ] [ Water collection and distribution systems in the Palermo Plain during the Middle Ages ]
Headwaters of Gesuitiche [ Qanat ]
150|151
sustenance Water of Palermo
water collection Water collection and distribution systems in the Palermo Plain during the Middle Ages
The intrinsic link to water has shaped the urban form. Looking at this initially was in the physical forms of water towers where water is collected and held in the systems described. What was previously an integrated part of the urban fabric, seen in the images of water towers from the middle ages on the left, has become isolated and communicates a completely separate architectural tectonic.10
t h ree [ cast ellet t i ] in a ro w Via Benedetti
[ Cast ellet t o ] 20 m h ig h, us ed as a televisio n an ten n a post
Corso Gesuitico, Castelletto Piazza della Pinta
Si ngu lar [ Cast ellett o ]
Via R. Sandron
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Via Tommaso Fazello
Source: ( tiboswatertowers.blogspot.com/2018/08/ palermo-olaszorszag.html )
[ C as tel l etto ] 20 m hi gh , u sed as a tel evi s i on antenn a po st
Corso Gesuitico, Castelletto Piazza della Pinta
Mo d e r n concr e t e Water To w er
sustenance water of palermo
[ C as tel l etto ] Dri nki ng wat er s torage t o wer Piazza delle Fate-Albergheria 152|153
sustenance Water Extraction
water and the urban form Atlas of Landscape and Water Water has also shaped the urban grain and driven the development of the city. Through drawing Palermo at city scale [ 1:2500 ] it revealed that the Phonecian city developed inside of the historic River Paperito and Kemonia, followed by the Arabic and then Normac rule during the Middle at l as o f l an d sc ap e Scale - 1:2500
Ages which orientated itself around the port.
The SYNCRETIC City gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Riv
o
iret
ap er P
wa l ls a n d r i v er s o f p u n i c pal er m o Circa 400 BC
sustenance
intersecting the river Atlas of Landscape and Water
During the locating of sites in Il Capo, a driving factor was where these sites intersect the River Papireto. The intention is to then
Kem
er
Riv
water extraction
extract from an ancient water
a oni
source for the sustainability of our programmes.
154|155
sustenance Water Extraction
additional water networks Industry and cleansing The use of water in the programme
processes. This appears in moments of cleansing before religious rites for Hinduism and Islam and as part of the intense water use in the dye production.
7m
cleanliness and the industrial
Permeable Calcarenites
for the institutions is critical for
Water Level
action pump to serve the kitchen. It operates in dug wells or boreholes of 10-45m deep and can serve up to 300 people with 15-20 litres of water per person per day
3m
drawing room with a manual lever
Impermeable base rock
This water enquiry began in the
culin ary perfo rman ce drawin g ro o m
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
sustenance
Scale - 1:200
water extraction
t h e sy n cret ic cit y sit e 0 2
156|157 156|157
sustenance Water Extraction
pump station Water extraction
The water tower houses the pump station; water is extracted and held above as a store for when workload increases in the Dye Production
Workshops.
This
increase in workload coincides with the blossoming of the Sicilian Sumac and Prickly Pear
The SYNCRETIC City
water tower cladding Solar gain cover External screen cladding wraps the facade of the water tower to provide cover from solar gain. This is to avoid the concrete structure from absorbing too much heat from direct sunlight and heating the water being held inside.
Air release valve
Flow meter
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Butter fly valve
Pressure gage Motor
Suction pipe
sustenance water extraction
water ex t rac ti on s ec ti on Scale - 1:200
158|159
sustenance Water Distribution
sit e 0 1 Water network
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
sustenance
water distrubtion
Ground Floor Plan
@1:100
160|161
sustenance Water Distribution
water filtration A sustainable approach to water
In both Site 01 and Site o2, the waste
dye
water
is
drained
through natural filtration vats which is then passed through a drip irrigation system to water the Gardens.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
wast e wat er recyclin g
1:20
Gravel
Charcoal
Fine Sand
water distribution
natu ra l filt rat io n
Filter Paper
End Product Filtered Water
Dye water filtered through natural stones
sustenance
Sand
162|163
sustenance Water Distribution
3
1
2
The SYNCRETIC City
waste water recycling From vat to garden
The water that is used to dye the silk travels through the dyeing process, from the dyeing baths themselves, to the rinsing of the silk and lastly to the filtration of the water. This water is poured into natural filtration vats and
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
is drained back into the Garden. The Gardens use a method of
5
subterranean
drip irrigation to
ensure as little evaporation off the surface as possible.
4
sustenance
5
3
2 4
water distribution
Scale - 1:200
was te wat er jo urn ey
1
164|165
sustenance Water Distribution
s ac red s pac e Drainage plan
sacred procession and water Cleansing and draining The sacred dining space is host to many culinary performances and inevitably becomes dirty. As part of Hindu culture cleanliness is critical so the materials chosen are for durability and the room orientates around the drainage channel at the centre. This then feeds to a filtering pond and the water is allowed to permeate back into the Calceranite rock underneath.
The SYNCRETIC City
rainwater harvesting Site 01
Roofs that are not specifically targeting
solar
orientated
to
gains
capture
are water
when it rains, forming part of the architectural language across site 1 and 2. They also act as a sail beneath. This section also describes the relationship the courtyard has with these processional moments. The pool on the left leads to the irrigation of the Sumac tree, which then to the steps under the canopy. This extends the public space as
To avoid direct
well as extending a sustainable
sunlight
water network.
overheating,
and
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
to enclose the industrial process
o p e n i n g s are
smaller
and
glazing
is
receiving
indirect sunlight
sustenance water distribution
166|167
sustenance
rain water harvesting
Sustainable Sustenance
From roof to garden
Along with the ogee tile, another motif emerges also, that of the pigmented concrete gutter. It catches the water off the wings of the filtration space and the weaving studios and drains it into the Garden pools to be recycled as irrigation water.
weavin g st udio wit h bespo ke gut t er Scale - 1:100
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
wat er n et wo rk t o sustain t h e garden s Site 02
sustenance
sustainable sustenance
Scale - 1:20
bes po ke g ut ter d etail
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part/chapter 01 sustenance Chapter/Part Title Sustainable Sustenance
a section of water usage 1:100
Site 02
sorting and washing Grey water
cultivation Water harvesting
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
sustenance
filtration
mechanical and natural
Heated water
Used water for
and ventilation
irrigation
sustainable sustenance
dyeing
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sustenance Sustainable Sustenance
ventilation strategy Cross and stack ventilation
Woman’s
Work
looks
to
the
ancient windcatchers of Iran in its environmental approach to ventilation. The tall capped tower has open sides which face the prevailing wind, in this instance the windcatcher above the dyeing room faces the north-westerly wind of Palermo.
The tower
‘catches’ the wind, pulling it down into the building and cooling the interior. The tower additionally acts as a solar chimney by creating a pressure gradient, in which the less dense hot steam from the dye vats travels upwards and escapes through the opening at the top.
The steam from the dye baths drawn through the wind catcher steams the raw silk which is hanging above,
dy e bat h win dcat ch er 1:100
The SYNCRETIC City
THERMAL CO O LIN G gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Spine walls taking the pipes through the building
1:50
ki tc hen venti l ati on
ventilation strategy Cross and stack ventilation
The kitchen utilises a different method
with
regards
to sustenance
ventilation. Four crescent shaped roof lights, the form of which makes reference to the curvature of the windcatcher, utlise a cross ventilation approach.
Openable
glazing to the courtyard-facade of the kitchen acts as an inlet to the sustainable sustenance
cooler air entering the building, ki tc hen p l an 1:100
whilst the rooflights above pull the warmer air outside.
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sustenance Sustainable Sustenance
Roof gutter
North facing roof light Pre-cast concrete gutter
Hung steel perforated sheet Party wall cavity Timber framing with mineral wool insulation
Timber herringbone block floor tiles Composite metal/concrete deck Bespoke steel portal frame Concrete partition wall
Screed lapping pad for wet areas Ground bearing slab insulation Footing foundation Short Section @ 1:50
image t it le image caption/explanation
stac k v en t i l at i o n sec t i o n
Scale - 1:25
t h er m al c o o l i n g sec t i o n
Stack vent detail
The SYNCRETIC City
Stack cap
Prevailing Wind
Steel Purlins Steel portal Frame
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Interior
Exterior
Red hung tiles
Zinc roof system with solar thermal heating system embedded
Pre-cast concrete cap Insulated Cavity
thermal cooling Timber Portal frame
In-situ concrete structure Within the structural concrete walls
Pre-cast concrete panel In-situ concrete wall with thermal cooling pipes embedded Black steel encasement
External Paving
Electric heating element
upon which the timber and steel
Above all programme where there
portal frames sit, is a thermal cooling
would be strong smells, excessive
system that utilises water pumped
heat or activity, stack ventilation
straight from the ground to cool it in
is applied. The kitchens have
order to keep a cooler temperature
a series of boiling vats which
inside. There is no cavity on the
require
internal side to allow the temperature
High pressure is kept at the top
transfer so the cavity sits on the outer
by allowing the warm air to pass
layer behind the pre-cast concrete
through which creates a negative
panel. This system of cooling is
pressure, inducing air movement
applied in both Site 01 and Site 02.
passively.
substantial
ventilation.
sustainable sustenance
Drainage channel
Ventilation through programmatic form
sustenance
Mot Sub-base
Passive Ventilation
sustenance Sustainable Sustenance
Storage Silo
Dye Baths
Filtration
Slurry Gan
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
sustenance
Scale - 1:200
sustainable sustenance
solid mass es and sails Programme development
ntry
dye p rodu c ti on s ec ti on
Sustenance Sustainable Sustenance
storage silo
dye baths
Processed and stored organics
Pigment extraction
The
Hot baths are utilised to extract
SYNCRETIC CITY is the
the pigment from the organics.
Procession of Colour through the
This process can take days and
dye production workshops. These
produces a sediment which sinks
not only produce the coloured
to the bottom of the vats. Colour
pigments from the Red Sicilian
rich water is drained into filter
Sumac and Prickly Pear but also
ponds and then used to cultivate
create
where
more plants. A steel structure
the colour resonates in the built
affords a passive ventilation tower
environment itself. This happens
and encloses the activity.
Intrinsic to the programme of
an
architecture
through the craft itself, staining materials the pigment touches as well as in the architectural forms that hold these industrial and tactile processes.
The SYNCRETIC City
filtration
slurry
Mordant making
Manual gantry
Large
filters
separate
the
Where the site experiences a level change of up to 5m, the procession
the distiled slurry ready to be
requires a manual lift to get the
mixed with mordants to create a
products onto the ground floor
pigment that can be used in other
plain to be delivered to the next
processes.
stage of the dye production. A
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
amalgamated sediments to leave
manual gantry is used to lift the vats of slurry.
sustenance sustainable sustenance
178|179
sustenance Sustainable Sustenance
Zinc Roof System The zinc roof system contains a Solar Thermal Heating system. South facing orientation takes advantage of optimum solar gains to heat water using the ‘evacuated tube technology’.
Timber Portal Frame System Lightweight
timber
framing sits onto the concrete superstructure.
Steel Portal Frame System Steel structure is bolted into the concrete pad that holds the kitchen program.
basalt claddin g
dining The sacred space of withdrawal for dining sits on top of the primary structural walls that enclose the kitchen
concrete walls and pre-cast panels A concrete wall superstructure is achieved when casting the foundations. Additional concrete pre-cast panels provide a cavity to reduce solar gain from the south as well as to create relief on the facade
Section through pre-cast facade panel and basalt cladding located in all cleansing areas
The SYNCRETIC City
South-facing facade
sec t i o n al axo n o m et r i c
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
pre cast wall assembly Wall components explosion
structural hierarchy Defining structure by programme
The Culinary Procession of the Hindu Kitchen, in part, has driven the structural hierarchy of the superstructure. The wet area is sustenance
defined by the lapping concrete
so ut h facin g elevat io n
floor pad which utilises a steel
Scale - 1:100
structure for its durability and resistance to liquid damage and timber where program does not involve messy processes. Wet areas of cleansing also have
sustainable sustenance
vernacular which is much darker with the use of basalt internal cladding.
drain age detail
180|181
reflective statement Thoughts on Palermo
The SYNCRETIC CITY: gardens of procession, withdrawal
and sustenance has unfolded an architectural language of colour and environmentally driven landscapes which interprets the city in a unique way. A much deeper understanding of how the city works has become clearer through the conceptual tools developed during the two semesters. The thesis first began by defining related terms to produce a glossary as a consequence of the initial research with focus on the Palermo Atlas and the shifting demographics. Upon visiting Sicily with these in mind it prepared the inquiry into the syncretic nature of the city and its religious communities or subverted cultures. Spaces of procession, withdrawal and sustenance were found by embarking on a self guided procession. What was a fruitful exercise was mapping the atlas of colours and shrines, which ultimately resulted in the Hortus Mundi drawing. Colour was then addressed with its use and significance in different cultures as a way that attempts to explore what can be considered as these invisible landscapes. Described as the pollen of the historic lemon orchards, taking cues from the age of Arabic rule and the blossom of the Sicilian Sumac and Prickly Pear became more than simply a way to identify specific cultures. From the bright colours of the Hindu shrine or the carefully woven prayer matts of a Mosque , the use of colour evolved to define the architecture itself on a variety of scales. From the extent of the city down to the detail of a wall panel, the meaning of colour changes, which has also driven the way drawings are presented. This has been challenging at times to present colours in a logical way and to actually define what they are at each scale as to still not confuse them. Thetically, some of the colour cannot be drawn in a controlled manner so other means of uncontrolled recordings had to be explored. Through conceiving the architecture as seasonal processions, exceeding the limits of its physicality in a moment of time, created a recurring architecture. The architecture must then not only react to its immediate context but oscillates on a seasonal basis according to, in this situation, the pears and sumac. Research into the organics also drove specific program to create an architecture unique to the cultures that were researched in Act 1 to then situate them
The SYNCRETIC City
in the context of Il Capo and become autonomous at certain times of year. Furthermore in such a congested district within the city, scattered with religious and secular institutions, The gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
Syncretic City has began a methodology in which cultures can integrate into complex social, cultural and community networks through identifying traditional practice in a new context. When these organics blossom and dormant program is activated, processes can be water intensive. Set in the context of Palermo, it was identified that water conservation was critical to the success of a well developed scheme. Rigorous research had to be carried out to understand how the proposals participated in the somewhat chaotic hydrological cycle. This surprisingly abundant resource has been and continues to be exploited so the environmentally driven tectonics [ thermal cooling, optimizing solar gains through also water heating ] of the developed architectural scheme seems to be a logical way of addressing the water cycle. What is highlighted in the development of this thesis is the importance of community engagement where an absence from local municipalities has subverted so many communities. This is critical in the development of Palermo in the short and long term future as it is going through another stage of rapid urban development that is putting enormous pressure on not just the water network but defining the syntax of the next thread waved into the Palermo tapestry. The issue found with this thesis is the syncretic nature of the program requires substantial research and it essentially is not a fragment but a thread in a greater piece of fabric where one
reflective statement
cannot exist without the other. The inquiry only explored two organics specifically. However, this could be taken much further and into different seasonal blooms at different times of year. The Theatrum Mundi drawing is only one out of potentially infinite interpretations of the city.
thoughts on palermo
182|183
reference list
01
French, Christopher. 2018. “City Fragments: Palermo Institutions”. Studio Brief. Edinburgh.
02
Capo market, lapalapino, Posted on April 3, 2017, https://www.illapinobeb.com/en/2017/04/03/ capo-market-3/
03
Commissioned to OMA by Foundation Manifesta 12 Palermo, “Palermo Atlas”, humboldtbooks. Milano
04
Allen, Stan. “Mapping the Unmappable: On Notation”. Practice: Architecture, Technique and Representation.
05
Allen, Stan. “Mapping the Unmappable: On Notation”. Practice: Architecture, Technique and Representation. London: Routledge, 2009
06
Allen, Stan. “Mapping the Unmappable: On Notation”. Practice: Architecture, Technique and Representation. London: Routledge, 2009
07
n/a, “Color Symbolism in Hinduism”, 2004, http://www.wou.edu/wp/exhibits/files/2015/07/ hinduism.pdf
08
Birger Jensen, Lemons in Mediterranean-Climate Gardens Citrus Cultivation , Mediterranean Garden Society, http://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/citrus.html
09
“opuntia.” A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition. . Encyclopedia.com. (May 1, 2019). https://www. encyclopedia.com/education/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/opuntia
10
L., “Rhus coriaria - L. “, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rhus+coriaria
11
Giusy Lofrano 1,*, Maurizio Carotenuto 2, Roberta Maffettone 3, Pietro Todaro 4, Silvia Sammataro 5 and Ioannis K. Kalavrouziotis 6, “Water Collection and Distribution Systems in the Palermo Plain during the Middle Ages “ www.mdpi.com/journal/water ] [ Water collection and distribution systems in the Palermo Plain during the Middle Ages ]
note: All Figures are Authors own unless stated.
The SYNCRETIC City
gardens of procession, withdrawal and sustenance
the syncretic city
reference list
184|185