Thamesmead Volume 2.
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Volume 2.
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“There is a misconception that Thamesmead was selected for the film because of its notoriety, but this is one of the myths about British Modernism” - Sam Jacob on ‘A Clockwork Jerusalem’.
Thamesmead Thamesmead then and now, vision, labyrinth and new dancing grounds. Address the current lack of city center and unclear infrastructural sys-
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
tems in Thamesmead, London. The fail vision of the GLC modernist resulted in a confusing topologies clustered with faulty architectural typologies which had almost became follies of the ground.
The current ground scape is confusing, private and public has no boundaries. Thus, the status of the ground had become diminished, something that represents life and freedom was restricted to garages and ornamented greenery in which serves no purpose.
“There is no distinction between earth and building. He advises to build with and not above the earth, because the ground “is a component basic part of the building itself.” Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
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The royal arsenal. Around Thamesmead there are remains that indicated a by gone yesteryear of the British artillery and ammunition storage sight, tumps which now have been converted to greenery and basketball courts by man made lakes were once mounts made to isolate gunpowder from the rest of the settlement. These purpose to the land made permanent markings to give subtle indication of what the land use to be and that also suggests what the current model of Thamesmead could leave behind.
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Connectivity.
The focus of the Connectivity is to identify and complete existing gaps within the Town’s transportation network. The only and main connectivity is between Abbey Wood Station, Plummeted Station and The town center.
Otherwise, the should-be connections, the roads, inversely become moats, separating, segregating, tearing the towns apart. These infrastructure in turn split and divide the boroughs, giving no alternative means of connection.
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
Walkways and Pathways.
Thamesmead is a generous sprawling estate with numerous curbs and footpaths. These paths are located within the estates and many intersect parks and gardens but do not justify the sparse population and in turn require significant maintenance.
Walking routes.
While there are numerous paths, only few are used frequently. These are the walkways that pedestrians use to commute within Thamesmead. The most significant element of this is the bridge linking North and South Thamesmead, located Northwest of Southmere.
Canals & Sewerage.
Much of Thamesmead is located below the River Thames’ waterline. A series of canals were built to accommodate storm water runoff and drain the area. The Southern Outfall Sewer carries sewerage from South Central London to Crossness. This Sewer runs through Thamesmead, and was landscaped to become the Ridgway.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
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Urban Planning. Life evolve around bodies of water, where the is water there is life, perhaps the watery would come and go activating the public space with different perspectives. The urban planning would also evolve around the Eco-system of thamesmead. Removing some previously desolate typologies, to make way for the piazza. The Piazza or new public city center would be surrounded by infrastructure, Banks, Shops, Restaurants, Youth facilities etc. There will be multiple infrastructural public city centers withing the three borough of Thamesmead. In essence, the public space, the infrastructure, the residence will be connected through the canal, making thamesmead more socially viable, and connected through open and porous space. Thamesmead and projected site
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Site plan - Thamesmead old and new
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Stage three housing blocks. An example of a high rise hosing block designed to accommodate a large amount of people, stage 3 was build at the end of the development, although it accommodated a large a mount of people, how-
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
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ever, it didn’t taken into account the maneuverability of the vast amount of people. The investiture that is linked immediately for these people are imminently missing. The ground floor is occupied by garages which are open to vandalism, arson, misuse as well as isolation from one another.
“At the exact moment that our culture has abandoned repetition and regularity as repressive, building materials have become more and more modular, unitary and standardized; substance now comes per-digitized... As the module becomes smaller and smaller, its status become that of a crypto-pixel. With enormous difficulty - budget, argument, negotiation, deformation - ir-
regularity and uniqueness are constructed from identical elements. Instead of trying to wrest order from chaos, the picturesque now is wrested from the homogenized, the singular liberated from the standardized.� Junkspace, 2001, Rem Koolhaas.
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Above Top: Town center Above Below: The link Above top- Crest of H M P Belmarsh. Above Below - view of the guard hall.
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Above Top - Kintergarden in Thamesmead. Above Below- Woolwich polytechnic school. Above top- William Temple Church, Abbey Wood. Above below - Greenwich Islamic center Woolwich Mosque
FACILITATES AND INSTITUTIONS
Facilities contain buildings such as shops, clinics, hospitals, sports grounds, hotels, communications, etc. Shops: Morrisons/Thamesmead express/Aldi/Argos/Peacocks Thamesmead/ Wilko/Screwfix/Costcutters Clinics: Thamesmead NHS Health Centre/Gallions Reach Health Centre/ Thamesmead Health Centre/Gallions Reach Dental Anaesthetic Clinic/Vijay Vithani Dental Practice Sports grounds: Thamesview Golf Centre /Football club/Thamesmead Leisure Centre/Southmere Boat Club/Sporting Club Thamesmead Communication: Claude Ramsey Library/Thamesmead Library/The Link
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
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Schools Thamesmead houses a large number of schools across, each varying in the age groups of children they educate. There is everything from nursery schools, to a collection of private schools such as the Woolwich Polytechnic (which is also an only boys school) and public schools such as St. Margaret Clitherow Roman Catholic school. The standard of schools are high in the Thamesmead area, ranging from outstanding to excellent. In 2013, the number of children in the area reached over 40000, thus schools are an important part of the community. 16 out of the 63 Primary schools are voluntary aided, while the rest are community based. With 15 secondary schools as well as special schools, polytechnics and others making Greenwich a large schooling community.
Prison and courts Established in 1991 - as a part of the former Woolwich Arsenal in Woolwich, it is adjustment and adjoined by the Woolwich crown court. Therefore the prison is used for class A, B and C category imprisonment as it is capable in trailing more high profile cases. As such the Belmarsh prison was branded the “British version of Guantanamo bay.�. Accommodation at the prison is a mixture of approximately 60% multi-occupancy cells and 40% single cells, distributed mainly across 4 residential units. Inmates at Belmarsh are offered access to education, workshops, two gyms, one focusing on Physical Education courses and one recreational, with use of a sports hall and a fitness room. The Link The Link Thamesmead opened its doors on Monday 1 October 2012 and offers the local community a wide range of fun and inspiring activities and opportunities, as well as spaces for hire. Based under the elevated roundabout in Harrow Manor Way, The Link Thamesmead is a stunning, state-of-the-art community hub aimed at young people but offering something for everyone. Above Top: Map of institutions Above Below: Map of Facilities 13
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Thamesmead
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Linton Mead Primary School pupil population - 164
Hawksmoor school pupil population - 194
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Woolwich Polytechnic School pupil population - 1152
Thamesmead Original Stage 3 housing. Population ~ 3000 per 0.04km2.
Former Willow Bank Primary school - apartments population ~ 700
“town center”, Morrisons community center, parking lots for super market. within 0.04km2.
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Thamesmead original tower blocks - population ~ 200 each
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Thamesmead Original Stage 3 housing. Population ~ 3000 per 0.04km2.
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Thamesmead Original Stage 3 housing. Population ~ 3000 per 0.04km2.
Windrush primary school. pupil population - 346
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LIDL Supermarket.
Warehouses, industrial sites, 14 per 0.04km2
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PDSA Pet Aid Hospital.
Terrace housing. Population ~ 400 per 0.04km2.
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Building typology vs ground condition.
The proportion of each ground scape largely depends on the type of occupation, in which some needs more space than building but others, building are more dominante.
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Clinic.
Degeneration of local businesses
While major shops are dominated by cooperations, these are still in degeneration especially the so call town center where the only shops are super markets and chain fast food restaurants. Along with the lack of infrastructure, there is also a lack of businesses and amenities that supports the community. In which could be embedded within the residences. Linton Mead Primary School Pupil population - 164 1:1250 @ 700x594
Woolwich Polytechnic School Pupil population - 1152 Thamesmead Original Stage 3 housing. Population ~ 3000 per 0.04km2. Thamesmead Original Stage 3 housing. Population ~ 3000 per 0.04km2. Hawksmoor school Pupil population - 194
Collapse of local businesses.
Former Willow Bank Primary school - apartments - population ~ 700 Thamesmead original tower blocks - population ~ 200 each
“Town center”, Morrisons Community center, parking lots for super market. Within 0.04km2. Thamesmead Original Stage 3 housing. Population ~ 3000 per 0.04km2. Windrush primary school. Pupil population - 346 LIDL Supermarket. PDSA Pet Aid Hospital. Warehouses, industrial sites, 14 per 0.04km2 Terrace housing. Population ~ 400 per 0.04km2.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
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Neglect of conditions
Separation between elevated housing
In this simple series of photograph, shows 3 condition in which housing is separated by a “social buffer�, green plateau, elevated housing, as well as vernacular gardening in which occupies the buffer zone that is not in use.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
Greenery and buffer areas
The Plateau of thamesmead as social buffer
Simple plateau in Thamesmead became the most central locations of Thamesmead, while it is acting a bit like a plinth in which supports the community in a purely social place. In fact the buffer could be integrated with infrastructure as well as living. Which at the moment all of these things are separated within the entire compound of Thamesmead
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects. Volume 2.
Sketches of accesses and ramps
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
Ramp towards nowhere.
Level between ramps and steps
Ramp and access
Existing ramp and access within thamesmead stands as inspiration for access for new thamesmead, in which the original fails in actually accessing the space. While it leads to an abundance of obsolete and empty spaces rather than public spaces.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects. Volume 2.
Sketches of accesses and ramps
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Dead space of garages.
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
Dead space of garages.
Ground spaces
Desolate and killed by garages, under-crofts as well as a dark degenerated spaces. Proves that elevated living isn’t the failure but also not the solution in which to barricaded the ground space which would otherwise represent freedom and interaction.
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Phase 1 housing
Phase 2 tower housing
Aerial of housing
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
Stage one housing typology. First part of the Thamesmead that were build, along with the icon tower blocks which featured in Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange”. these housing were build with a much privacy as well as attention to detailing. The staggered housing gave the plan non-linearity. As well as unique characteristics. Although the scheme later changed towards standardization, these were the icon of Southmere along with the tower blocks.
Problem came with age, and when these housing were left without care, cold bridging became a problem, as well as directory. Even then, this typologies still fascinates the inhabitant as well as artists and architects.
Stage two tower block typology- Hartslock Drive The tower blocks are indeed one the most well known landmarks within the original Thamesmead scheme. Built with a central circulation core, with four apartments surrounding the core. A total of twelve tower stand within the confine complex below South Mere lake. Each tower block has a total twelve stories which include balconies for each of the apartments on each story. The towers used to have central heating before the installations of individual boilers. However, as they were always on, it created too much heat within the flats, and resulting a waste of energy when household decided to open the windows permanently. When the heating was switched off, cold bridging became a major problem as different household had different temperature. Creating heat pockets as well as condensation problems. In which the building structure would be damage due to different heat and cold temperature in different locations.
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Phase 2 housing
Typical council housing
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
Aerial of housing
Stage two terraced housing typology - Seacourt Road Unlike the previous examples in having ground floor level gardens on the back side of the design. They typically seen to have three stories and are designed as three different building blocks that are interconnected to each other to form one module, which are copied and rotated against each other to form a cohesive and compact set of living accommodations. Located south of the tower blocks, they are the opposite of the high rise design neighbors. Originally, the main entrance to the house were located on the elevated walkway, however, to create more space and privacy, local residence have blocked it off with panels, creating an extension. Therefore the doors have been moved to the ground floor as it would have also been easier to access.
Council housing - Sewell Road. An example of council housing in the terrace form could be located by the Eastern way, alongside the Ridgeway. These are typically two to three stories hight with front and back garden for the ground floor residences.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects. Volume 2.
Stage three housing blocks.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
Aerial of housing
Stage three ribbon block typology - Seacourt Road Unlike the tower block typology, the ribbon block has interconnected sky bridges that connect them linearly, as well as a first floor podium. Housing are centralized with a walk way on the outside, creating a very straight repetition. In a way, the block formed an inverse cul de sac with the ribbon blocks. Surrounding and surrounded by 3 floor terrace housings. The blocks, alike the phase 1 and 2 is owned by the council, and the majority of population are too concentrated in the African communities. Also similar in comparison across the whole of Thamesmead, is that the ground floor are primarily access and garages, and under the first floor podium, are mainly populated by abandoned garages, as they were poorly maintained. Arson, sublunary as well as vandalism often occurred. So during the late 90s, the council had decided to weld them shut behind metal gates.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects. Volume 2.
The ground of stage 3.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
Ground level at thamesmead garages.
Ground condition.
In the early days of the GLC Thamesmead development, it was the post war period where the street in the sky became the trend. Due to increase flood risk, and marshland reclamation, the ground floor were restricted in becoming residential, instead of providing suitable public programs and integral spaces, the ground plane were occupied by garaged which created segregation as well as darkness. Which was the basic and the fundamental mistake of the thamesmead development after it’s non existence infrastructure. In which looking at ground plane itself, it was logical to remove the building and revert back to it’s most basic and fundamental element and look at how does the ground plane offer opportunity as purely topological.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
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Garage and potential discourse Underside of thamesmead.
Garages.
Represented ownership as well as segregation between the ground and the structure above. Separating public activities from the ground. In each and every garages presented their own hidden stories, either it was filled with mattresses or motorcycle or a pathway to a different world. The garages are mostly forgotten and abandoned spaces as far as we know/ For Thamesmead, the garages are no more than desolation and a ruin beneath the stage 3 modernist construction, adding to nothing more than the already failed vision. The garages here represents the ground floor, and a desire of a freer space. The garages are the congestion of Thamesmead, especially in the stage 3 development. The automisation of the ground had been so restricted it had became desolate and forgotten. Could this space become a temporary and contemporary space for the existing and future inhabitants?
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Aphex twin, music video.
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
A clockwork orange, Kubrick gallery.
Negative reputation.
Thamesmead garages, Kubrick gallery.
Through media, Thamesmead had been portrait as a dystopia, especially by Kubrick, Aphex twins and the Channel Four Misfit drama series. These images are typical on the ground floor where the actives were purposed, but instead, with the blocked up garages, the abandoned lake side terraces, as well as the underside of connection bridges, Thamesmead had become the icon of ground level desolation.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
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The Clockwork Orange Clockwork’ derives from A Clockwork Orange, a famous dystopian film by Stanley Kubrick that used the [then] brand new Thamesmead development in London as a backdrop. ‘Jerusalem’ – a new Jerusalem as featured in the poem by William Blake, introduces the source code of modernity in England due to the moral outrage with the industrial city, out of which came the plea and ambition to build a ‘new Jerusalem’ on “England’s green and pleasant land.” The 2014 Venice biennale based upon the clockwork orange in which also follows William Blake’s vision for England as the green pasture, and which the mount represents the very ground and preciousness of said ground.
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Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
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Thamesmead. 1967- Thamesmead was set to be the most successful and the biggest modernist estate. Due to it’s floor risk, the ground floor was elevated to become walk ways, and a rule stated that the ground could not be used for living. Therefore most spaces were build to be public spaces, or garages. In essence they have abandoned the street, made it desolate and along with the housing failure, the ground spaces only further illustrates that. The ground space had always been associated with preciousness fertility and opportunity, however, it is clear that in Thamesmead, these factor does not exist today, but the opportunity of once more cultivating the land is possible. Thamesmead’s garages.
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Internal travel through building
Garage in connection
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
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Diagram of transforming typology.
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Ground clearance for public use
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Concept of clearing the ground floor
Conceptual visual of removing the garages
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Sequences section
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
Transformation in section
Stages of excavation and rebuilding
1.demolition 2. Define new boundary 3. Sheet pile 4,excavation 5. Lay new concrete basement raft 6. Place gravity walls 7. Construct detachable architecture 8. Remove sheet pile and relocate when soil settled
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This booklet looks at Thamesmead as a place. A place without ground but with street in the sky. Which obviously does not work.
Subterranean Terroir Architecture as tiled objects.
Thamesmead
The ground spaces are now killed by the garages in which were in place because of the flood risk in the 1970. It was apparently the most logical solution to solve the parking problem, as well as the inhabitable due to the flood risk. In stead of solving the problems, the garages became abandoned, and the spaces and proximity in which the garages are actually producing dead, desolate as well as space that encourages unlawful and shameful activities that are hidden from the general public. Adding to the negative reputation, the dead space of thamesmead drives the city further in decay. By removing the ground space, we could assume the ground is free, where the myth of Ariadne portrait, the reclaiming of a lost land from the labyrinth. If the ground is then raised onto a plinth which acts as the foundation of the architecture above. Embedding the infrastructure as well as amenities that are lacking. At the same time using this basement tank to avoid the flooding problems. This plinth, as metaphorically raised the statues of the ground itself, as well as the very foundation of which the ground is activated.
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