Dissertation - Elina Manjrekar

GENTRI FI CATI ON & I NTERI ORS: ACa s eSt udyofCont e mpor a r ySy dne y

El i naMa nj r e ka r

Ba c he l orofI nt e r i orAr c hi t e c t ur e( Honour s ) Fi na lYe a rDi s s e r t a t i on 2 01 9.

Gentrification & Interiors: A Case Study of Contemporary Sydney Abstract Sydney is currently in urban sprawl. Commonly known as one of the most desirable cities in the world, with the population growing 38.9% in the past ten years.

Consequentially, gentrification has stretched across this city and has influenced architecture, through the displacement of existing culture and communities.

Contemporary Sydney is ever evolving and changing, the rapid pace of urbanisation in Sydney has led to an exponential increase to live in suburbs located close to the CBD. Thus, affecting existing communities who are being drawn out of the equation of Sydney’s future.

This dissertation seeks to analyse contemporary Sydney and how it has been impacted by gentrification, through the means of Interior Architecture.

This will be completed through the extensive research of gentrification and its outcomes, as well as research into interior architecture and its involvement with the cultural cache of gentrification. This research will be applied into three case studies of a dwelling subject to gentrification, all located in Sydney.

Evaluating this research will result in a deeper understanding of the effect of gentrification with contemporary Sydney residences.

2

Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr Sing D’Arcy, for convening the course and especially for supervising me throughout the process of completing this dissertation, providing guidance on topic choice, case studies and for sharing his wit and wisdom wholeheartedly.

I would like to thank my most loyal companion, my dog Yogi for sitting beside me and providing me with moral support throughout the entire process of completing this dissertation.

3

List of Illustration Figure 1.1: Image of Sirius Building, 2019, Sydney. Tao Grogers, digital image, abcnews.com Photo: Barton Taylor. Accessed 14th October 2019, < https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-28/sirius-building-sold-to-developers-for150-million-dollars/11262638> Figure 2.1: Midland Railway Workshops pre-redevelopment 1905, Perth WA. Photographer Unknown. Digital image, greenleft.org accessed 5th November 2019 < https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/fight-wa-radical-labour-heritage> Figure 2.2: Midland Railway Workshops Perth, WA. 2017 Redevelopment: Place Laboratory, Photo: Dion Robeson & Kurt McRae, digital image, accessed 5th November 2019< https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/fight-wa-radical-labourheritage> Figure 3.1: Exterior Faรงade of Darlinghurst House, 2019, Darlinghurst, Tribe Studios. Digital Image Photo: Katherine Lu, accessed 12th November 2019 < https://thelocalproject.com.au/articles/house-in-darlinghurst-project-by-tribestudio-luminous-brick-architecture/> Figure 3.2: Closer Image of Different application of brick work, 2019, Darlinghurst, Tribe Studios. Digital Image Photo: Katherine Lu, accessed 12th November 2019 < https://thelocalproject.com.au/articles/house-in-darlinghurst-project-by-tribestudio-luminous-brick-architecture/> Figure 3.3: Interior of dwelling image, 2019, Darlinghurst, Tribe Studios. Digital Image Photo: Katherine Lu, accessed 12th November 2019 < https://thelocalproject.com.au/articles/house-in-darlinghurst-project-by-tribestudio-luminous-brick-architecture/> Figure 3.4: Before and After redevelopment of Griffith Tea House, Surry Hills, PopovBass 2015, Photo: unknown (Source: Cornerstone). Digital image, cstone.com.au, accessed 15th November 2019, < http://www.cstone.com.au/projects/2/griffiths-teas> Figure 3.5: View of modern interior, Griffith Tea House, Surry Hills, PopovBass, 2015, Photo: Michael Nicholson (Source PopovBass),digital image, accessed 11th November 2019 < https://popovbass.com.au/portfolio-items/griffiths-teasapartments/>

4

List of Illustrations (CONT.) Figure 3.6: Panovscott, 2014, Giant oversized back window, Armature for a window, Panovscott Architecture, digital image, panovscott.com, accessed 20th November 2012. < http://www.panovscott.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/T1Armature-for-a-Window.pdf> Figure 3.7: Panovscott, 2014, Backyard view of dwelling, Armature for a window, Panovscott Architecture, digital image, panovscott.com, accessed 20th November 2012. < http://www.panovscott.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/T1Armature-for-a-Window.pdf>

5

Table of Contents: Plagiarism Declaration

1

Abstract

2

Acknowledgements

3

List of Illustrations

4-5

Introduction Chapter 1- The Theory of Gentrification

7 9-15

1.1 Introduction to Chapter

9

1.2 Negative Aspects of Gentrification

10

1.3 Positive Aspects of Gentrification

13

1.4 Conclusion to Chapter

15

Chapter 2- The Role of Interior Architecture and the Cultural Cache of Gentrification

16-23

2.1 Introduction to Chapter

16

2.2 The Role of Interior Architecture

16

2.3 Adaptive Reuse 2.4 Cultural Cache of Gentrification 2.5 Conclusion to Chapter Chapter 3- Case Study 3.1 Case Study of Darlinghurst House – Tribe Studio

19 21 23 24-32 24

3.2 Case Study of Griffith Teas – PopovBass

27

3.3 Case Study of Armature for a Window – Panovscott

29

3.4 Conclusion to Chapter Conclusion Bibliography

32 33 34-35

6

Topic: Gentrification and Interiors- A Case Study of Contemporary Sydney Introduction The primary aim of this dissertation is to research and analyse gentrification and Interior Architecture within contemporary Sydney typologies.

Gentrification is defined as a process of changing the character of a neighbourhood through the influx of more affluent residents and businesses (Lees et al 2008). It utilises Interior Architecture to redevelop the residential spaces to recondition older some being heritage sites. This dissertation will further identify the context of gentrification with the addition of case studies to enhance the research.

The first chapter of the dissertation will undergo an analysis of the theory of gentrification. It will initially clarify the term of gentrification, where the term originated from and how it is applied in the current context. The chapter will then discuss opinions from various academics such as John Betancur, Professor of Urban Planning and Alan Morris, Professor for Public Policy and Governance and their opinion on negative repercussions of the gentrification, whilst they raise concerns relating to the impact it has on low socioeconomic individuals. The chapter will then continue to discuss opinions from academics such as J.P Byrne, Professor of Property Law, Manuel Castell, Sociologist and Keith Aoki, Professor of Law and their opinions on positive effects of gentrification correlating with the financial growth of community and retainment of the historic built environment.

The second chapter of the dissertation will undergo an overview of interior architecture and the cultural cache related to gentrification. This chapter aims to demonstrate the correlation between gentrification and interior architecture and highlight how aspects of culture correlate within the two. The chapter will begin with discussing the role of interior architecture with a focus on why it is highly relevant in a contemporary context. This will be completed by using relevant links gathered by the Department of Planning NSW and the NSW Heritage Council. The chapter will then further continue with discussions relating to adaptive reuse and its relation to gentrification, this will be informed by Professor William H. Nethery and the Department of Planning NSW. Finally, the chapter will conclude on discussing the

7

cultural cache of gentrification, it will explore contexts of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;poor chicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and aspects of desire that relate to gentrification. This will include studies created by Professor Michael Jager and Professor of Sociology Karen Bettez Halnon.

The third chapter will contain three case studies of different gentrified typologies exclusively located in Sydney. This chapter will act as a connection between the developments made in the previous chapters, whilst relating it to the specific site.

This chapter will firstly study the Darlinghurst House by Tribe Studios, a redeveloped electrical substation turned residential property, and its dependency on its historical past and exterior to inform its redeveloped interior whilst discussing aspects of its gentrification created. The second case study, a multi-residential apartment project named Griffith Teas, by Popov Bass is used to explore and expand on understandings of gentrification in a financial context, as well as aspects of desire that are suspended from gentrification. Finally, the third case study by Panovscott, a single semi-detached home, will overlook aspects of the prominence of innovative interior architecture when gentrifying their once desolated home and the effects of gentrifying in a low socio-economic area.

8

Chapter 1 – Theory of gentrification 1.1 Introduction This commencing chapter lays the foundation for the analysis of the role that Interior Architecture plays on gentrification. It further dissects the differing opinions through scholars and professors on gentrification, whether they believe it has positive or negative repercussions.

Initially it is essential to understand the origin of gentrification. The term was first coined by British Sociologist Ruth Glass (1912-1990) in 1964 when mentioning the London context.

“One by one, many of the working-class quarters of London have been invaded by the middle classes- upper and lower. Once this process of ‘gentrification’ starts in a district it goes on rapidly until all or most of the original working-class occupiers are displaced and the whole social character of the district is changed.”

(Glass, 1964) Here, she was reflecting on her observations of how houses in once low socioeconomic suburbs of London such as Notting Hill and Islington were being ‘taken over’ by more affluent couples with more disposable incomes, with the ability to refurbish interiors of residential spaces whilst squeezing out the existing bluecollar communities from these neighbourhoods.

This term of gentrification is also defined by Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, Petra Doan as “a process in which higher income land-users replace lower income land-users and increase capital investment into the neighbourhood’. (Doan 2011; 331). This definition illustrates a similar context to Ruth Glass’s with both significantly pointing towards a battle of classes and power, with individuals coming from more affluent backgrounds being able to power over the less wealthy.

The next two sections of this chapter will explore positive and negative opinions of gentrification from the perspectives of different academics and professors.

9

1.2 Negative Aspects of Gentrification This section will discuss various negative opinions on gentrification in relation to their effect on society and economically.

John Betancur, professor of Urban Planning and Policy depicts gentrification as “a struggle between community and accumulation, a struggle for which we must assume responsibility” (Betancur 2002; 215). Here, the professor is demonstrating that developments of more affluent classes prohibits tendencies for the growth of existing communities. His inclusion of the term ‘we’ indicates a notion that society as a whole are responsible for the increased effect of gentrification onto minorities.

Betancur’s analysis further continues through his explanation from a study of West Town Chicago explaining that descriptions of gentrification as a market process allocating land to its best most profitable use, or a process of replacing a lower for a higher income group, do not address the highly destructive processes of class, race, ethnicity, an alienation involved in gentrification.” Betancur’s analysis of this ‘injustice’ occurring to the lower socioeconomic group is an example of a negative effect of gentrification, with the impacts of gentrification being ‘destructive’ towards a significant class of community, through the more affluent class’s “destruction of the elaborate and complex community fabric that is crucial for low-income, immigrant, and minority communities” (Betancur 2002 p.807).

Secondly, Alan Morris, Professor for Public Policy and Governance identifies his key issues with gentrification through his book, Gentrification and Displacement: The Forced Relocation of Public Housing Tenants in Inner Sydney. In this book he focuses on the repercussions of communities being gentrified out of their homes in Sydney, with government housing being sold out to investors, resulting in public housing residents to be evicted out of their lifelong homes.

Morris links gentrification to globalisation and major shifts in the economy and also mentions that state led gentrification has become a central driving force of the cause in more recent times (2019), as “economic restructuring and inter-city global competition for investment and revenue intensifies” (Morris 2019 p.45).

He focuses his study of the impact of gentrification and displacement particularly on the Sirius building, as pictured in Figure 1.1. This building located in Millers Point, a suburb adjacent to the heart of Sydney harbour and previously an integral part of the

10

maritime and urban development of Sydney, was opened in 1980 as a public housing block for displaced tenants.

Although, in 2014 the residents of the Sirius Building were displaced with the government selling this building to increase profit. Through Morris’s study he discusses that effects of displacement through gentrification are often very traumatic for the individual. In his book he includes personal statements from the individuals that have been displaced from the Sirius Building with one saying “losing a loved one is so devastating, but this comes close to second. To think that your home, it’s not just a place to live. It’s your home and you’ve made so many contacts with everyone and the whole community” (Morris 2019; p. 83). His inclusion of the victim’s quotes increases an intimate link towards the impacts of gentrification and how Morris perceives gentrification negatively.

To further Morris’s negative opinion of the effect of gentrification, he includes a parallel to the occurrences of the displacement of the residents of the Sirius Building to Dr Khaled Alawadi, Professor of Sustainable Urbanism’s discussion about the same issue happening in the UAE. Khaled mentions that “the strength of place attachment is shaped by a range of interlinked factors- an individual’s longevity of residence, experiences in the area, sense of security and strength of social ties all contribute’ (Morris 2019, p.71, cited in Alawadi 2016; p.2). Through the inclusion of this statement, Morris identifies that the effects of displacement, caused by gentrification can be severely traumatic upon the individual depending on the length of time they have resided in that community as well as their connection to their community. In the case of the Sirius Building, Morris explains that some individuals had lived in the same public housing complex for over 50 years before moving in 2015. This demonstrates the connection the residents had with the Sirius Building. In his book Morris correlates the connection that gentrification has on individual’s through displacement and demonstrates this through studying the removal of the tenants in the Sirius Building (Morris 2019).

This section explored different Professors negative opinions on gentrification. Both Professors, John Betancur and Alan Morris view gentrification negatively through the impact it causes low-socioeconomic communities and individuals. They both also raise concern over gentrification in relation to high amounts of displacement caused

11

for members of the communities, either being evicted out of their public housing accommodations or by simply not being able to afford where they live. The next section of this chapter will discuss alternate opinions of gentrification.

Figure 1.1: Sirius Building, Sydney, Tao Grofers, 2019. Photo: Barton Taylor 1.3 Positive Aspects of Gentrification The previous section overlooked negative opinions of gentrification; this section will discuss various professor’s positive opinions of gentrification.

The article ‘Two Cheers for Gentrification’ written by Professor of Real Property Law, J.P Byrne depicts a positive opinion of gentrification. He mentions that gentrification is ‘entitled to two cheers if not three given that it enhances the political and economic positions of all”(Byrne 2003, p.3) , Byrne’s use of the term “all” indicates that he believes gentrification is positive for everyone, including lower socioeconomic communities which in the previous section was strongly disagreed with.

Byrne’s positive stance towards gentrification is shaped through inspecting it from a political and economic viewpoint. He argues that the number of affluent and welleducated residents is ‘plainly good’ for cities to distribute balance, and by increasing the population of people who have a disposable income to purchase local goods and services, subsequently benefiting the city or town.

12

On the contrary to statements made by Morris in the previous section, Byrne believes that the reduction in affordable housing, results primarily not from gentrification itself, but from the “persistent failure of government to produce or secure affordable housing more generally”(Byrne 2003, p.3 ), here he is opposing that gentrification is causing a lack in affordable housing.

Furthermore, Byrne explains that “gentrification creates an urban political force in which affluent and poor citizens must deal with each other’s priorities in a democratic process” (Byrne 2003, p.18) , his understanding that gentrification is positive is shown through his opinion that it groups individuals from different classes together to ‘ameliorate the social isolation of the poor, reduce crime, increase the educational attainments of the poor”(Byrne 2003, p.21) . Through this article it is shown that Byrne believes that gentrification is beneficial for all, through its ability to assist lower socioeconomic individuals with the addition of higher wage individuals to their community.

Similar to Byrne, Spanish sociologist Manuel Castell possesses similar views to gentrification. He presents an opinion that gentrification provides importance to the built environment, he explains this through individuals earning a higher disposable income being able to “revive the colours of the painted facades, repair the shaken foundations of buildings, lit up the tempo of the street and help make the city beautiful and alive”(Castelle 1983, p. 161) . This depiction of gentrification allowing for restoration and care for existing built environment is seen as a positive attribute for towns and communities, further explaining that it is unachievable for individuals with a low disposable income to do so.

In a similar context to Castell, Keith Aoki, Professor of Law, pertains similar views to gentrification positively benefiting Architecture and the Built Environment.

Aoki makes the comment that “gentrifiers reclaimed formerly descript areas of the city and sought to restore Victorian era buildings to their former glories, a reappreciation of the entire historical style might spread through….creating a taste and demand in suburban construction for decoration and ornament that looked authentically ‘old’ or Victorian”(Aoki 1983, p.90) . He correlates the growth of gentrification as being beneficial for pre-existing built environment as it maintains the value of the historic buildings. Aoki further goes on to explain that the escalation

13

of gentrification in neighbourhoods consisted of individuals purchasing formerly undistinguished Victorian era buildings and then the buildings being “sandblasted to remove peeling paint and grime… cleaned, repainted and fitted with new doors and appropriate interior mouldings” (Aoki 1983, p. 128). This would then create gentrified neighbourhoods with an air of ‘unreality’. Through having ‘tasteful, luxurious unreality contrasted sharply…their bogus antiquity belied their complete modernity with respect to communications and security technology” (Aoki 1983, p128). Here Aoki is depicting that with this new wave of individuals repairing and remodelling homes it brings modernity and luxury into older Victorian era homes.

Thus, preserving the history and significance of the home whilst still adapting it to the individuals use. (Aoki 1983; p.824) This section summarises academics who demonstrate positive opinions of gentrification. Through including effects of gentrification being positive for communities from a lower socioeconomic background, as well as gentrification being beneficial to encouraging and preserving pre-existing historical architecture through readaptation and renovation.

1.4 Conclusion to the Theory of Gentrification This section is concluding this chapter of the theory of gentrification. Throughout this chapter there has been a definition of gentrification and additionally a display of the two opposing opinions regarding gentrification. The first section outlined different academics negative opinion of gentrification, through its impact on less affluent individuals and the repercussions that gentrification has on displacement with these individuals. Whilst the second section demonstrated positive opinions of gentrification with academics discussing beneficial outcomes due to gentrification such as its impact on existing built environment. The next chapter of this dissertation will discuss the prevalent role of Interior Architecture and Adaptive Reuse.

14

Chapter 2: The Role of Interior Architecture and the cultural cache of gentrification 2.1 Introduction: Chapter two will begin with exploring the role of Interior Architecture, with a focus on why it is so prevalent in a contemporary context. Predominantly using information gathered by the Department of Planning NSW and the NSW heritage council, with their accompanied research and studies.

The second section of this chapter will then progress forward to discuss applications of adaptive reuse, informed by Professor William H. Nethery and the Department of Planning NSW. Finally, the third section of the chapter ends on discussing the cultural cache of gentrification, exploring contexts of ‘poor chic’ and its aspect of desire that it attracts to a particular cluster of people. This is explored through explanations of Professor Michael Jager and Professor of Sociology Karen Bettez Halon.

The purpose of this chapter is to understand the role Interior Architecture plays with adaptive reuse and gentrification, while also discussing the cultural cache of gentrification and the correlation each section has with each other.

2.2 Prevalence of Interior Architecture This first section of the chapter will outline the role of Interior Architecture and its prevalence in a contemporary age.

The role of Interior Architecture is to impact in significant ways visually distinct from conventional architectural representation, also involving an intimate association.

(Rice; 2007 p. 16).

Through the prominence of adaptation of heritage buildings there is a challenge which is presented to designers and architects in order to find innovative solutions.

As development increases in our cities, more heritage buildings are being reused, constructing some brilliant examples of creative designs that retain heritage significance. (NSW Heritage Office 2004). Therefore, this continues the need for Interior Architecture through a large number of NSW heritage properties placed under The NSW Heritage Act (1977) protecting these sites with an extensive history, by placing regulations on what can be changed, typically the exterior façade of buildings are not permitted to be altered whilst the interior has more leverage for

15

adaptation, thus bringing forth the requirement for innovative Interior Architecture to adapt these homes to the current user. (Freeman, Martin and Dean 1985) Furthermore, modern demands can be obtained when pre-existing buildings or sites are adapted for a new use. This can be advantageous for the built environment through conservation and the environment through lower material wastage.

Understanding and being sympathetic to heritage buildings, materials and settings is said to not prevent good architecture from occurring. Furthermore, new architecture can complement heritage buildings by reflecting and showcasing their historic character, through adaptations or contrasting it. (NSW Heritage Office 2004). This depiction of the benefits of readaptation highlights the changing role of Architecture.

Architects are now focused on readaptation and ‘promoting innovation’, factors to allow preservation of heritage and taking moving towards reduction of waste and increasing sustainability. (Celadyn 2019).

To further extend, when Associate Professor Dianne Smith, researched into the redevelopment of Midland Railway Workshops built in 1904 in Western Australia, she noticed that ‘the interiors of these places are of particular interest, since they are the loci of either existing or potential occupants’ she further continues on to explain that the ‘exteriors will ideally largely appear as they were originally constructed, and are contextually unchanged as little as possible” (Smith, Lommerse & Metcalfe 2014, p.112 ). This demonstrates that the sole purpose of the redevelopment of this site, one of many redevelopments is to transform the interior and minimally alter the exterior.

This form of adaptive reuse has shown that “the interiors of these places, … offer scope for interpretation, adaptation and spatial modification to accommodate new uses” (Smith, Lommerse & Metcalfe 2014, p.112). As demonstrated in Figure 2.1 & Figure 2.2, It is evident from the before and after images that minimal modifications have been completed to the exterior of the site, while a drastic update has been made to the interior. The role that is provided to an Architect / Interior Architect currently is vastly different to the role Architects had in previous decades. (Temple 2006; p.

22)

16

This section of the chapter has demonstrated the current role of Interior Architecture. It has further demonstrated the key qualities required for Interior Architecture, such as promoting innovation in design and the Interior Architects role to accommodate to modern demands with existing buildings or sites for a new use.

This section has further outlined the importance of Interior Architecture in adaptive reuse projects, through mentioning that a predominant amount of the alterations to the site are occurred in the interior of the building. The next section of this chapter will outline the definition of adaptive reuse and its purpose.

Figure 2.1 Midland Railway Workshops pre-redevelopment, Perth, WA. 1905 Photographer unknown, (Source Greenleft. Org).

Figure 2.2: Midland Railway Workshops Perth, WA. 17

Place Laboratory, 2017 Photography: Dion Robeson & Kurt McRae

2.3 Adaptive Reuse This section of the chapter will outline the definition of adaptive reuse and its purpose and relation to gentrification.

Adaptive Reuse is defined as “a process that changes a disused or ineffective item into a new item that can be used for a different purpose.” (NSW Heritage Office 2004) Further explained by NSW Heritage Office, one of the main environmental benefits of reusing buildings is the “retention of the original buildings embodied energy” (NSW Heritage Office 2004, p. 11). The CSIRO defines embodied energy as the energy consumed by all of the processes associated with the production of a building, from the acquisition of natural resources to product delivery. Applications of embodied energy would also include factors such as product delivery and history such as mining, equipment, transport and administration factors. The embodied energy furthermore links to the buildings past history and soul it carries. Adaptive Reuse is a method of protecting this history whilst still allowing new growths to foster in these buildings. (NSW Heritage Government 2004) To continue, the growing population and increasing densities in popular cities such as Sydney, which is projected to grow 58% from 2016-2041, is correlated to the growth of adaptive reuse (Infrastructure Australia 2018). The re-claim of heritage structures in recognised residential areas can assist growing communities, such as Sydney with new housing and commercial property opportunities, which is beneficial financially and environmentally, by minimising material wastage and production costs. (NSW Heritage Government 2004) Further expanding on population growth, the relationship between gentrification and adaptive reuse is prominent. Many scholars have analysed the built feature walk of the High Line, an abandoned freight train track which endured multiple decades of misuse and located in a low socio-economic area of New York, to be reused into a 1.45 mile long greenway featuring over 500 species of plants and trees, also home to multiple public and community programs. (Reichl 2016) 18

Alexander J. Reichl provides quantitative evidence of the gentrifying effects of a major adaptive reuse sustainable development project, such as the High Line has. He demonstrates that this has become a public space dominated by wealthier classes to a level that is greater than their share of population in that city or the surrounding neighbourhood. (Reichl 2016) On the contrary, it is shown that small scale adaptive reuse projects do not affect the social life of local communities unlike large-scale redevelopments, this is due to the increased exposure large scaled adaptive reuse projects receive, with adaptive reuse of buildings, such as the High Line creating new tourist venues and gentrification in the area. (Reichl 2016) These effects of gentrification, the definition provided in the earlier chapter, is linked to the large increase of adaptive reuse projects which were stemmed from the creation of the High Line.

This section has identified the purpose of adaptive reuse, its ability to reduce waste and maintain the embodied energy in existing spaces. The necessity of adaptive reuse, in relation to rising populations, creating new housing and commercial property opportunities. This section also explored the link between adaptive reuse and gentrification, showcasing that large-scale adaptive reuse projects to historic sites or buildings effectively contribute to the growth of gentrification in that region.

Additionally, the next section of the chapter will identify the cultural cache of gentrification and the desire that surrounds living in gentrified dwellings.

2.4 Cultural Cache of gentrification This section analyses the cultural cache of gentrification, it will overlook aspects of ‘poor chic’ and the desire that is correlated with gentrification.

Initially the term “poor chic’ is referred to an array of fads and fashions in popular culture that make recreational or stylish – and often expensive – ‘fun’ of poverty, or traditional symbols of working class and underclass statuses. Shown as an objectification of poverty that assures itself through the fragmentation of a ‘class script’ over multiple fads and fashions. (Halnon 2002, p. 501)

19

An early example of the concept of poor chic can be related to Marie Antoinette, The Queen of France from 1774-1793, who resided on a 15-cottage style ornamented Haneay farm, using the place to relax and unwind from her lavish royal life. This term of ‘poor chic’ can be reflective of current trends in gentrification, as defined previously in chapter 1 as a process where higher income land-users replace lower income land-users. (Doan 2018; 331) Another related topic towards the concept of ‘poor chic’ and its relation to gentrification is the aspect of class and demographic which surrounds it. Shown through variations of class definitions depicted by Sociologist Michael Jagar, who describes the new gentrifying class consisting of young, dynamic and technical professional workers determined to create, on the basis of their financial power an environment suitable for a lifestyle of commercial entertainment. He further continues to explain the notion of gentrification mentioning that “Slums become Victoriana -interesting or valuable objects characteristic of the Victorian age, and housing becomes a cultural investment with facadal display signifying social ascension” (Jagar 2007; 29) His inclusion of ‘social ascension’ is reflective of the current objective of gentrification as mentioned in the previous chapter by Keith Aoki, as of keeping the exterior the same to depict a sense of reappreciation of the historical style or a depiction of following the trend of ‘poor chic’.

In addition to this the desire that correlates with the expansion of gentrification is a focal factor of the rise of gentrification. It is shown that these ‘gentrifiers’ are willing to take on the risk in investing in an initially deteriorated neighbourhood. The desire to live in the city, closer to their work in order to establish an urbane-lifestyle and capture a financially secure position in the housing market.

Furthermore, Professor of Urban Planning, Robert A. Beauregard demonstrates when discussing the chaos and complexity of gentrification, “the desire to be close to their place of employment, their particular consumption needs, and the derivative desire to treat ‘housing’ as both an investment item and as a statement of the image of affluence and taste which these individuals are trying to project, Is not surprising that they search for inner city locations near central

20

business districts with amenities and with architecturally interesting housing stock, which has the potential to be rehabilitated and redecoratedâ&#x20AC;?

(Beauregard 2007, p.47).

Here he showcases the purpose for gentrifiers, demonstrating that their desire to live in a gentrified home is due to the convenience and long-term value it brings financially and socially.

In summary, this section has analysed the cultural cache of gentrification, it has outlined the term of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;poor chicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and its relation to gentrification. This chapter has further outlined the association between gentrification and desire, showcasing that the aspect of desire is derived from factors of gaining social ascension and for individual convenience.

2.5 Conclusion To conclude, it is evident that gentrification has a strong correlation between the development of Interiors and Interior Architecture, this further follows through with developing a strong sense of cultural consummations along with it. This chapter has demonstrated the role that Interior Architecture has in relation to the occurrence of gentrification, as evidently shown that the exteriors of these places remain the same and the interiors are redeveloped. It has further identified the cultural aspect of gentrification, aspects of the desire for gentrifiers to live in spaces that were once of low socio-economic status. The next chapter will explore three different typology case studies to further support the notion between Interior Architecture and Gentrification within Sydney.

21

Chapter 3: Case Study Introduction: This chapter will contain three case studies regarding three different typologies within Sydney. This chapter will analyse the correlation between gentrification and Interior Architecture with three contemporary Sydney residences. The chapter will initially study the Darlinghurst House by Tribe Studio and how its pre-existing architecture is transposed into the new design of the building. The chapter will then follow through by studying Griffith Teas, readapted by PopovBass and how the rich history of the site is interlinked with the high demand of the properties. Finally, the chapter will end on studying a semi-detached residence, Armature for a Window, redesigned by Panovscott and will highlight the relevance of innovation through modifying interiors. The purpose of this chapter is to understand the application and benefits interior architecture has on gentrification, specifically for residences in contemporary Sydney.

3.1 Case Study of Darlinghurst House This section will explore a study of the ‘Darlinghurst House’ by Tribe Studio and its relevancy to gentrification and Interior Architecture.

The ‘Darlinghurst House’ designed by Tribe studio and Architect Hannah Tribe is a constrained 50 sqm house in the heart of a once industrialised now residential suburb of Darlinghurst. This home, built in the 1900’s has borne many different purposes, initially being an electrical substation, then redeveloped into an office space, and has been finally constructed into a two-bedroom house inclusive of recreational spaces such as a pool and rooftop terrace over the span of four floors.

The verticality of the house is reflected through the overall design both in the exterior and interior to reflect the previous history of the space as showcased in Figure 3.1 (Tribe Studios 2019).

The industrial past of the building has informed the new residential design with the Architect incorporating two additional forms of brick, harmonising with the original red brick of the exterior building as pictured in Figure 3.2.

As visualised, the design of a brick screen inside the existing windows is subtly detected through the inclusion of framing it with a solid black steel frame. This has

22

been designed in order to increase the level of privacy in the home while allowing a high influx of natural lighting into the north facing residence. Furthermore, it creates similarity and cohesiveness towards the new redevelopments of the building.

Additionally, the inclusion of glass bricks at top of the building provides a privacy screen for the rooftop deck and pool. The glass blocks at a height just shy of 2 metres provides just enough privacy whilst allowing for the neighbouring trees to lean across the space filtering light naturally. Visually it creates a display of refraction of light throughout the day.

Further exploring the relevance of the additional brick on this home, Architect Hannah Tribe mentions ‘The way we have redesigned this building celebrates the ‘bricky’-ness of the building and recalls its past as an electrical substation”. It is reflective of the similar tone Steve Aoki verbalised in Chapter 1, exploring the trend of homes now being more valued due to their ‘past architectural qualities’. The Darlinghurst house is demonstrating this through its manipulation of the dominant brick material of the building. As mentioned in chapter two, the main benefits of reusing existing buildings is the retention of the original buildings ‘embodied energy’ this is reflected in the complete retention of the exterior façade of the building, including the pre-existing windows which have been slightly altered to include a brick screen in the same colour as the existing brick.

In Figure 3.3 it is interesting to note the clear contrast of the site from an interior perspective, with the traditional appearance of the exterior the interior is designed with a minimal effect, highlighting the natural light that appears throughout the windows throughout the day.

23

Figure 3.1: Exterior Faรงade of Darlinghurst House, Darlinghurst, Tribe Studios 2019.

Photo: Katherine Lu (Source: The Local Project)

Figure 3.2: Closer Image of Different application of brick work, Darlinghurst, Tribe Studios 2019. Photo Katherine Lu (Source: The Local Project)

24

Figure 3.3: Interior of dwelling image, Darlinghurst, Tribe Studios 2019. Photo Katherine Lu (Source: The Local Project)

Chapter 3.2 Case Study Griffith Teas The second case study explores a study of Griffith Teas by Architect PopovBass.

Located in the heart of Surry Hills, an inner-city suburb of Sydney, stands a building built in 1915. The seven-storey warehouse built by Kent, Budden & Greenwall is a visual representation of the industrial past of innercity Sydney. After being held dormant for nearly three decades the building was then revitalised into a mixed use residential and hospitality hub. The redesign of the building led by Popov Bass architects has retained its late federation warehouse style specifically on its exterior façade visible in Figure 3.4 whilst minimally maintaining some of its interior, such as its timber framing and exposed brickwork.

Continuing on with the alterations made with the redevelopment of the site, from the perspective of the architect Alex Popov he mentions “The best thing one can do to the outside of an old building is to leave it alone- but the inside should bear witness to one’s own time in positive terms”(Popov, 2017) . This can be corresponded to the

25

comments made in chapter two by the NSW government that, new architecture can complement heritage buildings by reflecting their historic character, by adapting or contrasting with it. This is demonstrated through the contrast of the heritage exterior of the building and its modern interior pictured in image 3.5. The interior of the building has been extensively remodelled to bear likeability to the desired consumer.

Additionally, the price of the 38 apartments varied, ranging from 2.6 million for a smaller sized apartment, to more than 4 million dollars for the penthouse apartment.

This can be reflective to the comments of gentrification made by John Betancur in chapter one with gentrification simply just catering for the wealthier class and prohibiting tendencies for growth of existing communities. This is reflective of the fact that this building, with its history of being unkempt and in disrepair for 30 years can easily sell at an upscale price once its interior has specifically been remodelled.

Furthermore, this correlates to the idea mentioned in chapter 2 about â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;poor chicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and the notion of the objectification of poverty that is desired from the wealthy is demonstrated through the cost that the apartments sold for and were sought after with at least three or four buyers battling out for each of the 38 apartments (Duke 2015).

Figure 3.4: Before and After redevelopment of Griffith Tea House, Surry Hills, PopovBass 2015, Photo: unknown (Source: Cornerstone).

26

Figure 3.5: View of modern interior, Griffith Tea House, Surry Hills, PopovBass, 2015, Photo: Michael Nicholson (Source PopovBass)

Section 3.3 Case Study of Armature for a window This section is a case study studying a terrace house in Newtown, Sydney named Armature for a window.

The terrace house redeveloped by Architects Anita Panov and Andrew Scott of Panovscott has been designed to emphasise the flow of natural light and air into their semi-detached home. The narrow house only spanning between 3.5 to 4.5m wide has been remodelled throughout to create an open plan living through its interior, with the kitchen, dining and the living space overlapping each other in the back of the house, with minimal divisions to encourage flexible usage. The project involved a complete renovation, while still maintaining the key elements of the house with an additional level was added to the house, transforming it into a double storey residence, providing additional space as well as higher ceilings for more breathability in the compact home. The architects correspondingly made the decision to add two oversized sash- style windows, one for each level of the house to the back of the house in order to completely open up to the garden as pictured in Figure 3.6. The house was named armature for a window due to the significance of light the initially small window to the backyard produced, with the original site not providing enough natural lighting (Panovscott 2012).

27

Furthermore, due to the lack of natural lighting previously in the house, the design decision to include the large windows as mentioned earlier was practical and smart.

As mentioned previously in chapter two by the government of NSW the adaptation of older buildings becomes a challenge and therefore producing successful examples of innovative design is noteworthy. This house is reflective of this, with its innovative style of adding in more natural lighting into a space which previously was dark.

Also mentioned in chapter two by Dianne Smith is the popular occurrence of the exteriors of buildings largely appearing as they were originally constructed, and contextually unchanged, whilst the architect leaving room for the interior to be accommodative of the new uses. This is reflected with this as the interior of the building has been completely converted whilst the front of the house remains appearing the same with no alterations.

It is also noted in Figure 3.7 the stark contrast between the developed house and its neighbours. This image is beneficial to showcase the difference between traditional homes and gentrified homes, similar to Castells understanding in chapter one, relating to gentrification reviving and repairing foundations of buildings in order to make spaces beautiful and alive.

While on the other hand this image can be symbolic to notice the negative aspects of gentrification as mentioned by John Betancur in chapter one that it creates a struggle between community through the increased amounts of more affluent lifestyles to be accumulated into previously low socio economic areas, as evident in this image the readapted gentrified house stands sandwiched between two older traditional homes that have been unkempt and unmaintained.

28

Figure 3.6: Giant oversized back window, Armature for a window, Panovscott, 2012 Photo: Panovscott (Source Panovscott)

Figure 3.7: Backyard view of dwelling, Armature for a window, Panovscott, 2012, Photo: Panovscott (Source Panovscott)

29

3.4 Conclusion: To conclude, to have an outcome of a successfully gentrified space the interior architecture of the space must be successfully readapted to entice the new clientele.

Throughout the three case studies mentioned above, it is evident that these gentrified residences all have a similar notion of the exterior remaining the same whilst the interior being transformed. This chapter explored this commonality throughout and related it to how this increases the desire and prices for the relevant houses and showcase how these previous older typologies have transformed into modern typologies fit into contemporary Sydney.

30

Conclusion: The main premise of this dissertation was to analyse gentrification and interior architecture, this was completed by relating it to the contemporary Sydney context.

Chapter one of this dissertation initially began this study by breaking down the theory of gentrification, by defining the concept of gentrification and its origin, the chapter further divulged into showcasing various scholarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinions on the effect of gentrification including their reasoning.

In light of acquiring a greater understanding of the topic, chapter two discussed the role of interior architecture and its context towards gentrification. It further continued this by discussing the correlation between adaptive reuse and gentrification, demonstrating the link between large scale adaptive reuse projects causing a growth of gentrification. This chapter also analysed aspects of desire involving gentrification and the reasoning behind it happening.

The final chapter proved the most crucial for relaying the previous research into the context of contemporary Sydney. This chapter overlooked three case studies of different typologies located in Sydney, consisting of the Darlinghurst House by Tribe Studio, Griffith Teas Building by Popov Bass and Armature for a Window by Panovscott. This chapter explored the research produced in the previous chapters and applied it to the context of each dwelling. It allowed for a deeper understanding to me conduced from the previous research of the chapters.

In conclusion, this dissertation has showcased an in-depth analysis of the connection between gentrification and interiors whilst successfully applying it to the contemporary context of Sydney.

31

Bibliography -

Aoki, K 1983, Race Space, and Place: The Relation Between Architectural Modernism, Post-Modernism, Urban Planning, and Gentrification, Fordham Urban Law Journal, Oregon.

-

Beauregard, R 2007, The Chaos and Complexity of Gentrification, Routledge, Abingdon.

-

Betancur, J 2002, The Politics of Gentrification: The Case of West Town in Chicago, Vol 37 Issue 6, UIC College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, Chicago.

-

Byrne, J.P 2003, Two Cheers for Gentrification, Vol. 46 No. 3 Georgetown University Law Center, Georgetown.

-

Castelli, M 1983, The City and the Grassroots: A Cross-Cultural Theory of Urban Social Movements, University of California Press, Berkeley.

-

Celadon, M 2019, Interior Architectural Design for Adaptive Reuse in Application of Environmental Sustainability Principles, MDPI

-

Doan, P 2011, The Demise of Queer Space? Resurgent Gentrification and the Assimilation of LGBT Neighbourhoods, SAGE Journals, London.

-

Duke, J 2015, Domain, accessed 3rd November 2019, <https://www.domain.com.au/news/surry-hills-landmark-griffiths-teasapartments-sell-out-20150817-gj0qvn/>

-

Freeman, P, Martin, E & Dean J 1985, Building Conservation in Australia, RAIA Education Division, Canberra.

-

Glass, R 1964, London: Aspects of Change, MacGibbon & Kee, London.

-

Halnon, K 2002, Poor Chic: The Rational Consumption of Poverty, Vol 50 No 4, Current Sociology.

-

Infrastructure Australia 2018, Future Cities Planning for our growing population, Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.

-

Jagar, M 2007, Class definition and the esthetics of gentrification: Victoriana in Melbourne, La Trobe University, Melbourne.

-

Lees, L, Basset, J & Wyly, E 2008, Gentrification, Routledge Taylor & Fracis Group, New York.

32

-

Morris, A 2019, Gentrification and Displacement: The Forced Relocation of Public Housing Tenants in Inner Sydney, SpringerBriefs in Sociology, Singapore.

-

NSW Heritage Office 2004, New Uses for Heritage Places, Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.

-

Panovscott 2012, Armature for a Window, accessed 7th November 2019, <http://www.panovscott.com.au/speculations/armature-for-a-window/>

-

Popov, A 2015, Griffith Teas Apartment, accessed 3rd November 2019, <http://www.cstone.com.au/projects/2/griffiths-teas>

-

Reichl, A.J 2016, The High Line and the ideal of democratic public space, Urban Geography.

-

Rice, C 2007, The Emergence of the Interior: Architecture, Modernity, Domesticity, Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.

-

Temple, N 2006, Disclosing Horizons: Architecture, perspective and redemptive space, Routledge, Abingdon.

-

Tribe Studio 2019, House in Darlinghurst, Tribe Studios, accessed 29th October 2019, <https://www.tribestudio.com.au/house-indarlinghurst >

33