Woolworks - Vol I by marcus.

“WoolWorks”

Marcus Myles AR41001: Urban Theory, Analysis and Strategy Volume 1

Studio D lead: Helen O’Connor AR41001

Preface

The overarching year interest and key theme within this project is to design with a proposition that things could be “otherwise”. 2020 has been a difficult year for many. This global pandemic, which has put limitations on how we live, reiterates the importance of our individual connections to significant spaces & places. It has prompted us to change and shed light on areas of our life where we all must adapt. Coronavirus could provide the right environment and opportunity for change. To reform how our cities function, how we might live & work, to apply a life first approach. “Young architects need to realise that this is a profession that has long contained untapped potential to promote radical forms of social change. Surely architects and designers can and must contribute to envisioning a very different form of the built environment, at every spatial scale, based on social needs, democratic empowerment and social justice rather than the unfettered rule of the commodity form.” (Brenner, 2019)

Studio D - Streetwork Themes & Interests

1.1

2020

“Studio D” Led by Helen O’Conor is a group of 11 4th

This approach is a sustainable practice by work-

Year MArch Students which are studying the urban

ing with the existing fabric. The studio believes

context of Perth, Scotland. The Group is comprised

that buildings should not be considered dispos-

of students studying in both Dundee and China

able and future proposals should offer flexibility in

which provides two different perspectives when

design. Buildings shouldn’t be demolished after 20

analysing Perth’s context.

years to make way for a new programme.

We are interested in understanding the key ques-

Dwelling within the City, is another focus for the

tions and challenges facing Perth and applying

studio. Creating spaces for living within the city is

an “urban acupuncture” approach to improve the

integral to a sustainable future.

existing fabric of the city. One Key theme is post-covid city. Issues raised for cities by covid 19, are often ones which were already present but have been highlighted and in some cases accelerated, reiterating their importance and increasing their urgency. Another and perhaps the most prevalent theme is the application of “urban Acupuncture”. Which follows the ideology that a series of small scale interventions in the city, can impact its potentially unseen networks (physical, social, economic) and have the potential to make significant change in Perth, forming a ‘place of exchange’.

“A more radical formal strategy is one that considers and re-presents the existing and the known. In this way artistic production can critically engage with an existing situation and contribute to an ongoing and progressive cultural discourse, allowing for alternative meanings” (Caruso & St John 1996)

Fragments:

Project Introduction

1.1

Urban Theory & Case Studies

1.2

Page 28-47

Building Case Studies

1.3

Page 48-63

City Study

2.1

Character

2.2

Urban & Site Strategy

3.0

Appendix

4.0

Acknowledgements & Bibliography

Page 6

Page 64-103 Page 104-117

Page 118 - 149

Page 150-157 Page 158-165

Introduction & field Figure Ground

1.1

2020

Perth is a small rural City located in the centre of Scotland, but it hasn’t always been deemed a “City” as it infarct lost its City status in 1975 but managed to regain this in 2012. It is now known as the gateway city with strong connections to Scotland’s largest cities therefore being coined the “heart of Scotland” sitting just 20 miles west of Dundee and 40 miles north of Edinburgh, the

Perthshire has a population of around 150,000, whilst only 18,000 of which reside within Perth’s City centre. However, Perth is one of Scotland’s fastest growing cities and is forecast to grow by 25% by 2030. Employment levels exceed the national average but this is typically out-with the City centre. The

Capital of Scotland.

centre hosts predominantly low paid jobs in

It is regarded as one of Scotland’s oldest cities

Kinross Community plan, 2017). The pandemic has

and once was considered to be Scotland’s capital between 800-1437, therefore much of Perth has deep historical roots with some being preserved

sectors such as retail and tourism (Perth and accelerated the deterioration on these industries, calling for the need to change.

until today, such as the town lade. The lade played

This Journal and urban strategy is ultimately

a vital role within the city’s historical background

interested in “How can we apply urban

with portions of the lade still visable today.

acupuncture as a method for reclaiming the city for the homosapien, re-inhabiting the dying high

Perth sits within the wider context of Perthshire, which is an area of Scotland best known for its natural surroundings, some of these being the Scottish Cairngorms, Kinnoul Hill and the River Tay. However, the city centre currently faces a disconnect with it’s waterfront (River Tay) and is similarly detached from it’s green surroundings.

street and re-industrialising Perth’s mill street.” The conception of the strategy is a response to several challenges identified, aligned with Perth’s relevant planning ambitions.

Perth’s Waterfront Fig 01 7

The Most sustainable small city in Europe Sustainability

Perth has an ambitious vision to become the most sustainable small city in Europe. The city began the project with a two-day conference which took place online, generating ideas, encouraging ambition, developing practical solutions, and creating a fairer society. Perth aims to use its small scale to its advantage by when discussing sustainable solutions but one of the overarching goals is to become Scotland’s first carbon neutral city by 2040. Some of the initial plans are to; increase or re-establish the connection to its high quality surrounding natural landscape realm. Celebrate the connection to the Tay and encourage engagement and promote the city’s rich history and heritage. Another notable objective was to encourage the use of “green transport” with a focus on cycling and walking throughout the city opposed to driving.

1.1

Perth Sustainability Vision Fig 02

The Walkable City

1.1

To further Perth’s sustainability goals, Perth has the

The 15 Minute City is a set of conditions which if

opportunity to become a “15 minute City”. The 15

met, means that a resident is connected to people

minute city is “an attempt to reconcile the city for

and the city with immediate access to everything

the people who live there and give them a positive

they need - local shops, cafe, restaurants, green

place to live”. (Moreno, 2020).

space, parks, activities all a short walk from

Perth - 15 Minute City

where they live and work, ultimately forming a Perth follows a grid pattern and is very flat, making it perfect for cycling through the city, The city is small in scale and travelling from edge to edge of the city only roughly takes a 10-15 minute walk. A 15 Minute City can be achieve when considering four key principles; Participation – how do we create positive neighbourhoods? Solidarity – how can we create links between people? Proximity – can I access everything I need? Ecology – can we bring greenery back into the city?

neighbourhood city. Perth matches these conditions perfectly and with a series of some small scale urban interventions improving the existing fabric of Perth, the “15 minute City” can be achieved.

5 Minutes 10 Minutes

15 Minutes

Walkable City Diagram Fig 03 11

Planning Context

1.1

“By 2035, the TAY plan area will be sustainable,

• Focus on retail and commercial development in

Local Development Plan Ambitions

more attractive, competitive and vibrant without creating an unacceptable burden on our planet. The quality of life will make it a place of first choice where more people choose to live, work, study and visit and where businesses choose to invest and

services to residents and visitors. • Ensure provision of housing that is socially inclusive and meets a wide range of needs. • Promotion of a strong cultural character through

create jobs.” (The Perth City Council, 2015)

arts, cultural, community sport and recreational

“By 2035 Perth will have a population of around

interaction and local identity.

60,000 and will be the centre of a successful city-region of 160,000 people. It will have an international reputation for enterprise, learning, culture and an exceptional quality of

facilities offering opportunities for social • Maintain the distinctiveness and diversity of the area through the protection This projects seeks to respond to these outlined

life.” (The Perth City Council, 2015)

objectives set out in the local development plan

Some key objective include;

public realm and city fabric.

• Creation and continuation of high-quality places

Perth has a series of industrial buildings which

that meet the needs of the existing and future communities. • Support for local businesses to ensure economic growth in the region. • Provide an ongoing supply of readily available commercial/ industrial land of 25ha across Perth and Kinross.

accessible centres that provide employment and

with a focus on developing the existing amenities,

are in now dilapidated or vacant, this project is particularly interested in this typology as regeneration intervention using an urban acupuncture methodology.

Old Industrial Perth Fig 04

Planning Context

1.1

Any proposals developed within the city should

(e) All buildings, streets, and spaces (including

follow the place making criteria outlined within

green spaces) should create safe, accessible,

the Perth city plan documents (Perth and Kinross

inclusive places for people, which are easily

Local Development Plan, 2019), Policy 1B discusses

navigable, particularly on foot, bicycle and public

which criteria proposals should meet to adhere

transport.

Local Development Plan Ambitions

to place making. Highlighted, are the points of particular interest to this projects urban strategy &

(f) Buildings and spaces should be designed with

intervention project;

future adaptability, climate change and resource efficiency in mind wherever possible.

(a) Create a sense of identity by developing a coherent structure of streets, spaces, and

(g) Existing buildings, structures and natural

buildings, safely accessible from its surroundings.

features that contribute to the local townscape should be retained and sensitively integrated into

(b) Consider and respect site topography and

proposals. (continued) Local Development Plan 2:

any surrounding important landmarks, views or

2019

skylines, as well as the wider landscape character of the area.

(h) Incorporate green infrastructure into new developments to promote active travel and make

connections where possible to blue and green

its surroundings in terms of appearance, height,

networks.

scale, massing, materials, finishes and colours. (i) Provision of satisfactory arrangements for the (d) Respect an existing building line where

storage and collection of refuse and recyclable

appropriate, or establish one where none

materials (with consideration of communal

exists. Access, uses, and orientation of principal

facilities for major developments).

elevations should reinforce the street or open space. 14

(j) Sustainable design and construction.

Identifying Challenges Selected Urban Challenges 2020

The conception of this projects strategy is a direct response to the existing conditions within Perth. Gaining an understanding of the historical and existing urban fabric within the city is integral to the development of a successful urban strategy Intervention. As well as understanding the fabric of the city, knowledge of Perth’s objectives and challenges is a requirement. This project seeks to respond to 5 key identified challenges within Perth; The Dying High Street Housing Cars & Car parks Skilled Workers Aging Population

1.1

The “Dying Highstreet” Outlined challenge 1

One of the primary challenges noted within Perth was it’s dying High Street. Although not unique to Perth, it is a challenge which is being accelerated by the online shopping trend and coronavirus pandemic. Perth’s High Street is iconic, It has been a well known retail area for a long time with people from surrounding towns & Cities traveling to Perth to shop, but that has degraded over the last 20 years. There has been a trend with major retailers and high-street icons going bankrupt or being forced to leave the High Street in favour for online shopping. This results in dilapidated shopping centres and increasingly vacant buildings on the street. The shops which do survive are ones which offer low cost affordable goods. The High Street will never return to a complete commerce/retail centre and thus when developing an urban strategy for Perth’s Future, a hybrid approach with mixed use programmes integrated throughout could be a more sustainable approach to a revitalised street.

(Perth’s High Street 2016 - Pre Covid-19) Fig 05

Skilled Workers

Outlined challenge 2

1.1

The employment percentage in the creative, professional and technical service sectors is only about half the Scottish average, this illustrates the lack of skilled workers within Perth’s City. Most of the workforce within Perth travels out with to work, which clearly demonstrates the lack of encouragement to live & work within the City. This may be down to an absence of opportunity/ activity within the city centre with limited space on offer for creatives.

Skilled Worker - Poplar Fig 06

Cars & Carparks

Outlined challenge 3

Perth currently prioritises vehicle movement throughout the city with grid-like street patterns which are long and wide, carving through urban blocks and destroying neighbourhoods as this limits human scale engagement & interactions. There is an over-abundance of car parking spaces within the city centre which accommodates roughly 2500 cars, should some of these areas be developed it would open up opportunities to bring green space into the city and space for public engagement, enhancing the well-being of the people residing within Perth. Car Parks Diagram Fig 07

Housing

Outlined challenge 4

1.1

Perth’s population is set to rise by a predicted 24% by 2030 (Perth and Kinross Local Development Plan, 2019), which entails a high demand for the development of new homes. The 2019 Local development plan suggests the need for 7000 new homes which need to be designed in-keeping with the existing character of Perth. They also must align with sustainability practices while being affordable and have potential for future adaptability to prevent the remove & rebuild cycle.

Igloo Housing Vision Fig 08

Aging Population

Outlined challenge 5

It is noted that Perth has an aging population above the Scottish average, this challenge is also projected to increase by 2030 causing concern for the sustainability of Perth’s future both socially and economically. The city now faces a challenge in attracting younger generations to the city to live & work, increasing diversity & economic vitality.

Elderly Resident Fig 09

Intervention

Old Woolworths, Perth High Street 1925-2020

This project has identified a suitable site to respond to the challenges identified within Perth by applying the urban acupuncture intervention to an old Woolworth’s building, once an icon of the retail centre is now a story of preserving the past. Sharing a boundary with both the High Street & Mill St, working with this existing fabric provides the opportunity for a sustainable intervention to retain the dialogue of the past, while establishing a new programme on the high-street.

The existing building fabric on site is an Old Woolworths, built in 1925. The High Street was healthy and was a retail hot spot. Woolworths, an icon on the street.

Woolworths in Perth Fig 10 25

Towards the ‘Perthect City’ 60 Minute Concept

1.1

2020

This task was a 60 minute exercise completed in

To tackle the ageing population we wanted to

pairs and involved a series of discussions with

en-courage art and exhibition. Not only in public

‘brainstorming’ strategic moves that could reinvi-

spaces but through Vennels, giving them char-

sion Perth as an attractive place to both live and

acter and making them less intimidating and

work in 2050, by addressing some of the outlined

neglected. This move not only allows the city to

challenges the city faces.

display the character of it’s occupants but creates

Key themes include; Increased public green spaces and landscaping with-in the city centre would

Increasing density particularly with mixed pro-

provide relief from the dense urban environment.

gramme interventions such as live/work units,

Perth is detached from it’s natural surroundings.

the activation of the ground level which engages

Prioritizing the pedestrian. Creating engaging pedestrian route’s through the city centre, A radical move in the pedestrianisation of a bridge currently only accessible by vehicles. This encourages not only pedestrian footfall from out-with Perth into the centre, it also encourages health and well-being activities such as cycling, running and walking. This is targets a mixture of demographics and provides further opportunities for interaction.

an exciting public realm.

with the street. Providing affordable and attractive places to live, inevitably increasing the activity and encouraging the formation of a neighbourhood..

The ‘Perthect City 2050’ Fig 11 27

Urban Theory & Case Studies

1.2

Sustainability; Architects Declare Video Conference, Scotland

1.2

November, 2020

In order for Perth to move towards its goal of

These principles have contributed to the “urban

achieving “the most sustainable small city in Eu-

Acupuncture” approach ensuring a series of sus-

rope”, we must explore sustainable solutions. Some

tainable interventions within the city.

may be drawn from the “Architects Declare Climate and Biodiversity Emergency”. (UK Architects Declare Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, 2019) One of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions is the construction industry, amounting to nearly 40% of energy related carbon dioxide. “The research and technology exist for us to begin that transformation now, but what has been lacking is collective will.” (UK Architects Declare Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, 2019) One of the selected solutions which is applicable to Perth is the ability to upgrade the existing buildings for extended use as a more carbon efficient alternative to demolition and only new build whenever it is a viable choice. Additionally, the minimise of wasteful resources in architecture and urban planning both in quantum and in detail by applying some remove, retain, re-use, re-establish principles. Building off-site with prefabrication could also provide a good solution to the build up of wasteful material.

Architects Declare Climate Emergency Fig 12 31

“ The physical thing, bu intention, has all of th It’s like magic, like alc ...The beauty of historic buildings is their flexibility, the way they can seamlessly change form warehouse to flats, from public schools to art galleries.

uilt with a particular his other potential in it. chemy.”

(Adam Caruso, Novelty is Nonsense, 2017) 33

The Emotional City Adam Caruso, London

1.2

January, 2001

One of the prerequisites to developing an urban

“Architecture should be sensitive to those emo-

strategy within a urban context, is to manifest

tional qualities that define the city, melancholy,

a critical position to working with existing fabric

expectancy, pathos, hope. If one accepts that

of the city. There are varying attitudes, such as

architecture is about altering and extending what

Tuomey’s belief that sometimes its best to remove

is already there, one can engage the powerful

the existing in order to revitalise.

presence of the real so that the aura of urbanity

“Demolition is death. Like any extinction, it is sometimes necessary to clear a path for renewal. If we want our work to live in time, we do not want to design for preservation or obliteration. We would

working. The complexity and interconnectedness of the city is sustained by such instances of profound invention.” (Caruso, 2001)

try to steer between these morbid extremes and

The principles of altering and extending the exist-

aim for a changing kind of endurance” (Tuomey,

ing is both retaining the historical dialogue but is

2008)

also a sustainable practice and is why this belief

However, this project follows the principles outlined in Caruso’s “Emotional City”, which dispels the modernist ideology of “the deadening unity of an ideal city which will always be insufficient” where there is a vicious cycle of buildings being built and removed after only a couple of years. Caruso argues that cities have become “important physical repositories of a place’s history, but even more powerfully the city is a manifestation of a particular living culture” (Caruso, 2001). As outlined within Perth’s planning documents, the retention of the historical character within Perth is integral to future development. 34

is amplified and extended in the place that one is

will be transcended into this projects urban strategy.

London 1978 Fig 13

Designing for Homo-Sapiens Jan Gehl

1.2

2001

As mentioned in the preface of this booklet, we

As Perth sets out ambitions to become more

now have the opportunity to reform and adapt our

sustainable, pedestrianising areas of the city and

cities to better accommodate life. The Post Covid

reclaiming roads & car parks could be a way to

city should prioritise the Homosapien and advice

re-establish the human scale, contributing with

should be drawn from Jan Gehl, a Danish Architect

the objectives to turn Perth into a “15 minute City”.

who has denoted his life to understanding life in cities.

“Architecture is the interplay between life

Ghel’s most important argument is that cities

enormously. (Gehl, 1987)

should be designed for the human scale. “its amazing that we know so much about good habitat for mountain gorillas, we know so much about good habitat for Siberian tigers, but we hardly know anything about good habitat for homo sapiens” (Gehl, 2015) The recipe for building “good” Architecture within a city is to focus on the Human scale, People scale. The human scale is deepened what the eye can digest, most interactions within a “human scale city” occur at eye-level. Movement also being a factor, the humans typically walk at a speed of 5 km/h. So, this paired with eye-level, is deemed the human scale.

and form.” forms influence our way of living

“ first Life, then spaces, then buildings” (Jan Gehl 1987)

Learning from Brasilia Jan Gehl

Jan Gehl studied architecture in the 1950’s, where he was taught Modernist Architecture. He reflects on his teaching as being taught how to “build completely new cities”. Rejecting the knowledge and history of the “European City” for this new modernist vision. “Cities were bad, but what was good was free standing buildings” (Gehl, 2015). The modern paradigm threw out the human scale, the modern city is not conditioned for human life, with mega-structures and priorities laying with vehicle movement and parking. Brasilia is a great example of a the modern city principles which was designed at a master plan scale, from above. The overall design was to build a new city in the shape of a eagle when seen from above, in an airplane or helicopter. The human scale was completely neglected. The result is residents trekking long distances to travel through the city forcing residents to drive creating an anti-social community. It is too big, too cold and too uninteresting at the human scale, it feels uneasy as everything dwarfs you in scale. It is a great example of when urban planning has gone too far, forgetting who they are designing for - homosapiens. 38

1.2

Brasilia Masterplan Fig 14

Brasilia Scale Fig 15 39

Learning from Copenhagen Jan Gehl

1.2

Copenhagen is an example of a city which has made positive steps to re-establish a human scale within the city with focuses on a high quality urban realm and well-being. An example of this can be seen within the reclamation of car parks with serious moves to encourage cycling as the cities primary transport, such as the implementation of cycle routes, cycle bridges, even bins which are angled at 45 degrees making it easier for people to recycle - small sustainable interventions make big improvements to the well-being of the residents. These moves have paid off and now Copenhagen has a world famous bicycle infrastructure with 62% of residents cycling as their daily mode of transport (Sim, 2019). Encouraging pedestrianisation and cycling is beneficial for creating connectivity between people and city commerce, as someone on a bike is more likely to stop for a coffee than someone in a car. Contributing to the formation of a circular city economy. “Who buys more beers, 60 parked cars or 600 people?” (Sim, 2019)

Life Space Buildings Fig 16

Copenhagen Fig 17

The “Soft City” David Sim

1.2

2019

The soft city by David Sim outlines a set of principles rather than a case study, demonstrating the possibility of designing a dense built urban environment at human scale. The focus is to improve the quality of life within the modern city - the human city. The argument within follows a “living locally” ideology, this principle is achieved by a rule; Density x Diversity = Proximity. The concept is that the fusion of these principles increases the likelihood of useful things, places and people being closer to you. The small scale of Perth lends itself well to forming a sense of community. This provision of opportunity and interaction through public facilities integrated within our intervention projects, can provide circumstances that have the ability to change lives within the community. There is great social benefits, skills can be shared Another key principle which could be applied to an intervention project is “Walk able buildings”, “walk straight in” “walk straight through” or “walk straight up”. When buildings are easily accessible, the social interaction easier contributing to the over-arching sense of community life. 42

Soft City Principles Fig 18

What is a “Soft City” The following set descriptors are great when outlining a brief for an urban strategy proposal, these are the desired qualities of a city/neighbourhood which is sustainability focused and prioritises people first. (Sim, 2019)

Soft is something to do with ease simple, straightforward, easy-going, effortless, smooth, intuitive, understandable. Soft is something to do with sharing sociable, common, mutual, reciprocal participatory, public. Soft is something to do with calm peaceful, quiet, cool, low-key, serene, tranquil, mild. Soft is something to do with invitation welcoming, accessible, permeable, open. Soft is something to do with smallness sensory, delightful, charming, seductive intriguing. Soft is something to do with responsivenes accommodating, absorbing, supple, pliable, excusing, tolerant, flexible, elastic, extendible, adaptable. 43

Re-enabling the High Street Gort Scott 2020

Gort Scott have come up with a vision of a post-covid High Street, which predicts a digital vision of the urban realm - “smart City”. It discusses how our digital footprint can be mapped to provide more detailed information on understand local spending and reducing our waste and pollution. We already need to “track & trace” when we engage with a business so it isnt a big leap. The benefit of an approach like this could lead to stronger local connections encouraging the formation of neighbourhoods. The proposal outlines the support for a Supporting circular town centre economy, Food-sharing and waste-reduction schemes, Locating sites to test temporary interventions, Deals and promotions to buy locally, Coordinate stock and delivery logistics and Improved public transport connections with data. Elements such as the circular town economy, food sharing & waste reduction scheme and sites for temporary interventions should be implemented within Perth to aid its goal of sustainability, improved public realm and human well-being. The dying high-street is one of Perth’s biggest challenges and perhaps small scale temporary interventions are a good solution? 44

1.2

Re-enabling the High Street Fig 19

people + Urban

Place, Work, Folk Pattrick Geddes

“Town planning is not mere place planning, nor even work-planning, if it is to be successful, it must be folk planning” (Geddes, 1892) Place, Work and Folk; Geddes identified a range of underlying principles essential for the successful planning of a collective human environment. Planning the physical environment should take into account the key factors of how we acknowledge Place, Work and Folk. Place is the need to achieve complementary and mutually beneficial relationships between the built and the natural environment. Work is the process and purposes of employment within a city forming a circular economy. Folk is the social need to form communities within the urban realm, to form connections and networks within.

1.2

Patrick Geddes Diagram Fig 20

Building Case Studies

1.3

West Ward Works McGinlay Bell, Dundee 2021

West ward Works is an example of an adaptive reuse project which works with the existing fabric of Dundee’s first fireproof mill, built in 1806. The building was then home to DC Thomson, a printing Powerhouse. The project sees the reuse of the 200,000 sq ft historical building, transforming it into ‘One of the largest creative spaces in the UK’ defining vibrant multifaceted spaces for creativity across the Tay cities region. The site sits on Guthrie Street, which is in close proximity to the city’s university and architecture school with ambitions to be an incubator for design. “West Ward played a key role in delivering the UNESCO City of Design programme when it was used to host Dundee’s first design festival,” (Treggiden, n.d.) West ward works saw the temporary implementation of three galleries, a cinema, a cafe, and a 400 seat auditorium for design festival, highlighting the ultimate flexibility of these old industrial buildings.

1.3

West Ward Works in Context Fig 21 51

West Ward Works McGinlay Bell, Dundee 2021

The programme for West Ward is principally organised within the footprint and across the volume of the former factory structures. The projects architectural interventions intention is to provide for a balance for both temporary and permanent adaptable configurations aiding in a sustainable design approach. Infrastructure is a focus and will support the needs for continuing “generative cultural and creative activities whilst retaining degrees of flexibility for change.” (McGinlay Bell, 2020) The over-arching ambition is to invigorate west ward works’ existing buildings connecting the public to a mix of programmed and creative industry activities by process of consolidation, repair and re-use. Images across demonstrate the mix-use and adaptability of a post industrial building by incorporating construction areas “Makers Campus” and lightweight live work studios.

1.3

West Ward Works in Makers Campus

West Ward Works unit

Fig 22

Fig 23

Poplar Works

Adams Sutherland, London 2018

“From wrecked cars to catwalk: the fashion hothouse born in a row of lock-ups” (Wainwright, 2020) Poplar works it is a part of a wider strategy which aims to regenerate and revive the fashion industry in the Lower Lea Valley, London. The project is a “low budget beacon” constructed from existing resources to form a sustainable intervention to a dilapidated area within Lea Valley. It aims to create an exciting new fashion centre bringing work, commerce and encouraging creativity to East London. The building’s character is a morphology of the pre-existing garages, It acts as a beacon or landmark as its situated on the corner with a striking kinked form encouraging engagement and interaction. It is a strong argument for how small scale architectural interventions may contribute to a wider agenda, compiling to for massive change within a city. The sustainable approach and retaining existing character aligns with Perth’s ambitions and a similar design concept could be applied to Perth.

1.3

Poplar Works Exterior Fig 24

Poplar Works

Adams Sutherland, London 2018

Much like the West ward project, this building retains the existing construction of the garages and sees the regeneration of 90 multifaceted spaces which incorporate studios and micro businesses all along what was previously an faceless and underused backstreet. The intervention adds a constructed new first floor to the garages and is supported by cross laminated timber. The building is then wrapped with sustainable, simple and low cost materials such as rubber, translucent polycarbonate and painted timber to create a create a lively street and micro community. The project also incorporates multiple programmes such as a double height café and hub space open to the public which acts as a space to showcase the works of the residents and creative activity Drawing influence from this project lends itself well to the solution of the identified challenges at the outset of this document, Particularly the sustainable material used to regenerate a site and work towards an wider urban scale intervention.

1.3

Poplar Works Garages Fig 25

Newport Street Gallery Caruso St John, London 2004-2015

This strategy seeks to draw influence from projects which have worked with similar conditions. This private gallery in Vauxhall South London was designed for the artist Damien Hirst, involved the conversion of an extraordinary terrace of listed industrial buildings that were formerly theatre carpentry and scenery painting workshops. The project incorporates three listed Victorian workshops paired with two new buildings at each end of the street, displaying a stunning dialogue between the past and present fabric. The insides of the buildings have been fused to form a small urban block which retains the historic DNA but restores the site for a fresh new programme - the installation of Damien Hirsts Work. Caruso St John’s approach to the conservation of the existing workshops is “irreverent yet sensitive and achieves a clever solution”. The building finds its beuty in working with the roots of the site which is exactly the approach this urban strategy hopes to achieve.

1.2

Newport Street in Context Fig 26

Newport Street Gallery Caruso St John, London 2004-2015

Winning the RIBA Stirling Prize of 2016, it is evident there is a particular important to the detailing of the fabric within this project, blending the old and the new, the existing and the intervention. The result feels like a new building which has been here for decades. The delicate balance is striking and is again a sustainable practice which retains the old in favour of destroying and rebuilding - the modern practice of building cities. The project sits perfectly in its context by retaining the sites DNA but punching large exciting windows into the fabric displaying a hint of artwork and create public interaction at human eye level.

1.2

Newport Street fabric Fig 27 61

Dunning

Fergus Purdie Architects, Stirling 2020

Dunning is a Self Build Community which i worked on with Fergus Purdie Architects. The project aims to offer 28 self build plots of land which come with a “passport” for designs, offering flexibility and innovative ways to live while also setting parameters for a cohesive street/ community. The level of flexibility was particularly interesting for the first time buyer with affordability a primary focus. It is my belief that if we could scale this model then we have an affordable solution to the housing crisis, removing the contractor and encouraging communities to work together in the construction of a “neighbourhood”. The proposal also incorporates other elements like the encouraged “work” and “play” on the site. Work being the opportunity for locals to set up a micro business within the shared community barn and play being designed for seasonal events and exercise/well-being. Although a different type of context to the urban fabric of Perth, these principles should be applied when responding to the challenges facing the city. Implementing housing which offers real living & working possibilities within the city, coupled with other factors this could be a solution to Perth’s Challenges. 62

1.3

Dunning Drawings Fig 28

City Study

2.1

Understanding the Formation Historical Growth of Perth

1.3

2020

Perth’s early formation started through people (life) who found land (space) and decided to form burgage plots (buildings) along from the Tay River

apparent over time with the priority shift from people to commerce, cars and car parks. Public

to live and work.

space adapted to facilitate an excess of car

The city structure was formed by the town lade

1915 map. This was progressively becoming the

which carved east to west streets to the river Tay, these are now largely culverted under Mill Street and Canal street. The two medieval streets within the early formation of the city was the High Street & South Street, forming two key routes which long plots of land were formed between and known as Burgage plots. Over a series of Historical maps, We can see how Perth’s central landmark St John’s Kirk, has stood the test of time. The maps demonstrate the cities growth around the landmark with the largest seen between 1715-1894. Also, connection to the Tay diminishes. In 1715 the Tay was used for trade and was an integral piece to the city but in modern society vehicle transport is the established median and therefore the connection to the Tay is lost through change in function.

The break down of the urban block structure is

parking, this can be demonstrated in the 1890most popular mode of travel meaning Perth had to adapt to modern day living and travelling. The cities density largely decreases with big buildings becoming the standard in the core, the burgage plots remain apparent and vennel use a necessity.

PERTH, SCOTLAND

Perth Scotland Fig 29

The figure ground of this study is focused within Perth, Scotland. Perth is a small rural city located in the centre of Scotland. However it hasnt always been deemed a “City”, it infact lost its City status in 1975 but managed to regain this in 2012. It is now known as the gateway city with strong connections to Scotlands largest cities therefore being coined the “heart of Scotland”. It sits 20 miles west of Dundee and 40 miles north of Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland. Perth sits within the wider context of perthshire, which is an area of scotland best know for its natural surroundings, some of these being the Scottish Cairngorms, Kinnoul Hill and the Tay River. Perthshire has a population of around 150,000, whilst only 47,000 of which reside within Perth’s City centre. However, Perth is one of Scotland’s fastest growing cities and is forecasted to grow by 25% by 2030. Perth is also regarded as one of Scotlands oldest cities and once was condsidered to be Scotlands capital (800-1437), therefore much of Perth has deep historical roots, with some being preserved till today.

Perth City Plan 1715

Perth City Plan 1894-1915

Perth City Plan 1924-1951

Perth City Plan 1950

Perth City Plan 1960

Perth City Plan 1970

Perth City Plan 1980

Perth City Plan 2020

Maps of Perth Fig 29 69

Old Perth - Housing Understanding the past 2020

Understanding the Historical character of Perth gives us insight into what Perth was and can be, photos tell a story of a much more “people rich” city which is built for the Human Scale. In this photo we can see high density housing and a strong neighbourhood, The streets/roads are tight because not many people could buy or own a car - before Fordism. Little of this medieval street structure remains within Perth.

1.3

Perth Old Housing Fig 30

(Old Perth) 71

Old Perth - Industry Understanding the past 2020

Perth has an industrial past, like a lot of Scotland’s cities, Perth Industrialised in the last 1700’s. One notable sign of this industrialisation was the addition of Perth’s Railway. This picture is of old mill St which was home to many of Perth’s industrial mills.

1.3

Industial Perth Fig 31

Old Perth - People Understanding the past 2020

Understanding the Historical character of Perth gives us insight into what Perth was and can be, photos tell a story of a much more “people rich” city which is built for the Human Scale. We see interaction in the streets and individuals owning stores/markets on the high street, we see little cars, we see high density, we see a neighbourhood.

1.3

People of Perth Fig 32 75

Skilled Workers in Perth Perth’s Old Foundry 1970

1.3

Perth’s Foundry Fig 33 77

The Vennel

Medieval Movement 1511-Present

The two medieval streets within the early formation of the city was the High Street & South Street, forming two key routes which long plots of land were formed between and known as Burgage plots. The vennel is a key component to the functioning of the Burgage Plots, they stretched the length of the plots and provided pathways to move through, tying areas of the city together. They are one of the lasting examples of the human scale remnants still visible within Perth. The vennels have formed human roads which are integral to moving through modern Perth by foot and also is daily dialogue with a rich part of the cities urban heritage. Many vennels have suffered in recent years to misuse and are no longer pleasant routes through the city, some being actively avoided. However, a successful urban strategy sees the city to embrace & restore the historic urban fabric. It can be through the development of urban spaces which bring back life to the streets which will restore the original use and character of the vennel within the city. 78

2.1

Old Bridge High Street River Tay South Street

Fig 34

Vennel Drawing Fig 35 79

Connectivity

Perth - Gateway City 2020

Perth’s central location within Scotland gives an advantage of a less than a 2 hour commute to Scotland’s other larger cities such as Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It has strong accessibility with both road and railway connections. As a city, it has the potential to serve as an active retail centre for many of the smaller towns on the outskirts, within a 30 minute commute. A contemporary issue cities face is the increasing convenience of online retail. The implementation of an urban strategy will provide a greater incentive to visit Perth’s city centre for more than a retail aspect. Rather a cultural destination with a collective of public activity. Retail and many local businesses would be of great benefit or an urban intervention.

1.3

Connections Drawing Fig 36

Traffic Network

Moving through Perth 2020

The city centre has strong road connections throughout and a central railway station. The Walk from the station to the high street is roughly 6 minutes demonstrating the small scale of the city and strong accessibility. However, upon arrival to Perth via rail there is a lack of legibility. There is little bias given to the pedestrian within the city away from the primary high street. This will be considered when developing a strategy that improves the public realm. With a city of this scale there is opportunity to bring back the ‘street’ element of many of the existing roads. Often much of the traffic in Perth is people commuting through the city core.

1.3

Traffic Drawing Fig 37

Existing Cycle Network Moving through Perth 2020

Perth’s flat topography lends itself to a location that should encourage cycling as an alternative transport mode. Cycle routes do not take priority within the city centre. Similar to the green spaces, the cycle routes can be found around the boundary edges of Perth’s centre, where the city is not as dense. Many of these cycle routes are shared routes, either with vehicles or pedestrians with no singular priority given to cyclists. Cycling has an opportunity to further connect the centre of Perth with it’s surroundings. Moving towards a more sustainable city the encouragement of cycling optimises many of the factors contributing to this. This coincides with the health, well-being and social impacts of a strong cycle network. Bikes do not require fuel and therefore do not con-tribute to any further pollution. This aligns with the addition of green space as part of an urban strategy, increasing the overall air quality. They create very little noise and require considerably less space than motor vehicles. When prioritising the pedestrian in the public realm the use of bike lanes instead of roads for cars in specific zones, increasing pedestrian space and creates an overall safer environment. 84

1.3

Cycle Drawing Fig 38

Urban Block

Understanding the Existing 2020

Perth’s city core is easily broken down into a series of urban blocks which have been carved out by streets for the movement of cars throughout the city. The urban blocks are clearly identifiable, organised in a grid like fashion. These blocks have evolved over the cities history and are typically very porous with historic vennels puncturing through routes for short-cuts.

1.3

Urban Blocks Drawing Fig 39

Car Parks

Understanding the Existing 2020

Perth has an over-abundance of car parking availability, the drawing on the right demonstrates just how much of the city is occupied by cars which sit idle. It also demonstrates the vehicular movement priority within the city which is one of the outlined challenges. In order to re-instate the human scale within the city core, a selection of these car parks must be developed for an intervention, bringing more public & green space to Perth.

1.3

Car Parking Drawing Fig 40

Green Space

Understanding the Existing 2020

Perth is located within a vast natural setting, evident through a green space study. Notably North and South Inch parks border the city as well as Moncreiffe Island visible from waterfront. The city centre struggles to connect to the green space surrounding it, through orchestrated public routes and provision of smaller natural settings within the core. The flat topography further distances the centre from it’s surroundings. These observations will in-form key strategic moves for an urban proposal that integrates ecological elements and landscaping throughout the street scape. Green space can provide avenues for social engagement, community projects and a range of positive sustainability and environmental outcomes and therefore a successful urban strategy will encourage greater connectivity to the wider context.

1.3

Green Space Drawing Fig 41

Green Space - Long Section Connection to wider Context 2020

This long section demonstrates the cities core proximity to the rich landscape and vast natural setting - Kinnoull Hill.

1.3

Long Section through Perth Fig 42 93

Listed Buildings

Understanding the Existing 2020

Perth’s historical heritage is demonstrated with the 195 Category A listed buildings. St John’s Kirk is the most notable, dating back to the 1700’s, the city grew around this central landmark. St John’s Kirk’s central role as the parish church, serving the settlement that grew around it meant that for many centuries Perth was often called “St John’s Town”. This was in recognition of the dedication of the parish church which lay at its core. The central core surrounding the Kirk, St John and Tay street features many listed buildings. The appreciation of the most significant buildings with great character and strong materiality, is lacking due to the dis-connect from the waterfront. A Listed - Buildings of national and architectural importance. Secondly buildings retaining a particular style relative to a historical era. B Listed - Buildings of regional importance or historic buildings that have been altered while still retaining original character. C Listed - Buildings of local importance or less significant example of a particular era which has undergone alterations.

1.3

Listed Buildings Drawing Fig 43

Mapping Public Buildings Understanding the Existing 2020

Museum and Galleries: 8 City Halls: 6 Churches: 18 Theatre/Cinema: 3

Public Buildings Drawing Fig 44

Public Realm

Moving through Perth 2020

This highlights the amount of vehicle to pedestrian space available within the streets. We can see the priority given to cars, with Just a handful of pedestrian only streets, and a small amount of shared space. The rest of the diagram overshadowed by vehicle bias lanes.

1.3

Public Realm Drawing Fig 45

Proposed Public Realm The Perth City Plan 2015-2035 2020

This plan is the extracted Perth City Plan for public realm transformation, highlighting the big moves the city is making over the next 15 years to improve the cities public realm. Areas of interest are the new public space along Tay street which will improve the well-being of residents within the city. Another notable opportunity is the development areas on mill street. This area neighbours the high-street and an intervention project situated here could tap into this development opportunity area.

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1.3

Perth City Plan Drawing Fig 46

101

Proposed Public Realm (combined) The Perth City Plan 2015-2035 2020

This drawing situated the studio D group work within the Perth City Plan for 2035, demonstrating the overlap in urban development between the studio and proposed city plans.

102

2.1

Combined Plan Drawing Fig 47

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Character Study

104

2.2

105

Study Parameters

Group Work, Mapping Character & Activity 2020

Our St. John’s group drawing sets out to communi-

cate the character perceived when taking a route through 4 central blocks in the heart of Perth city centre. The drawing is broken down into 2 sections, the first half of the route was analysed from a first hand perspective of the city, primarily focusing on the character and activity in close proximity to St Johns Kirk. We analysed Perth through a mixture of media such as serial vision exercises, 3D scanning and area analysis. This information was collated and abstracted to create a series of character studies in the form of an axonometric drawing paired with a plan and elevations of particular areas of focus. The first drawing focuses on the route from Watergate car park past St. John’s place and to St. John’s shopping centre, highlighting the character and activity if this central block. The second drawing is from students working remotely in China, with a stronger emphasis on the historical growth of the blocks and an external perspective of the character.

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2.2

Mapping Route Fig 48 107

Serial Vision Work

Group Work - Understanding Character 2020 Series of selected serial visions from the group analysis work which is a great means of studying the city at the “Human Scale”.

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Serial Visions Fig 49 109

Scanning, a method for Mapping 3D Lidar Scanning Activity 2020

3D Lidar scanning technology was applied to aid the mapping of the existing fabric within the city, the area mapped is Perth’s Core. The scan was used to form models, drawings and can be adapt to extract specific information on a area within the core. The technology also provided the opportunity to record human activity and the materiality of the context giving an understanding of Perth’s Street work.

110

Lidar Scan Fig 50 111

ODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AU

112

UTODESK STUDENT VERSION

1.3

Lidar Scan Fig 51

Lidar Scan Fig 52 113

Heart Scan Fig 53 114

Character Drawing Fig 54 115

116

Final Character Study Fig 55 117

Urban Strategy “How can we apply urban acupuncture as a method for reclaiming the city for the homosapien, re-inhabiting the dying high street and re-industrialising Perth’s mill street.”

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2.3

119

Neighbourhood Skilled Workers

Greenspace

Connectivity

Live/Work

Socio-Politic Urban Accupuncture

Dying Highstreet

Housing Covid

120

Soft City

Aging Population

Adaptability Human Scale

al-Tectonic Sustainability

Existing

Re-programme

Re-Use

121

Responding to Challenges Urban Response

3.1

2020

This project works towards applying a post covid

The aim is to situate this intervention within the

response to Perth, Integrating working & living to

existing fabric tapping into the opportunities,

the dying High Street.

developing a higher quality public realm with activity space, encouraging engagement and the

The strategy has been developed based on a

formation of a “4 minute” neighbourhood within

response to 5 urban challenges identified in Perth.

Perth’s core.

The first challenge is Perth’s Aging population, coupled with the lack of skilled workers working within the city. There is also a high demand for new homes with character which align with sustainability, affordability, and future adaptability. Reclaiming streets & Car parking sites within perth from the car, re-instating pedestrian movement and the human scale. Finally, the dying high street. This is not unique to Perth but is an important challenge when looking at urban development. The site chosen for this project is an old Woolworth’s building which was built in 1925 and sits on Perth’s High street and Mill St. The approach is to re-inhabit the High street and re-industrialise Mill St. Therefore the brief and project looks to apply “urban acupuncture” intervention to design living & Working units with spaces for skilled workers on the Perth’s high street. 122

Site Plan Fig 56

123

Historic Site Formation Background 2020

The Site hasn’t changed in scale much over the last 130 years. The footprint of the site has principally remained the same but the build up of the site has varied, from 1894-1925 the site was built from smaller scale buildings which incorporated mixed uses, including a lumber yard. Woolworth’s then Built the iconic building in 1925 and has been retained since.

1894 - High Density, Human Scale. 124

1924 - Contextual Changes , Site remains Same.

Historical Formation Fig 57

1960 - Decreased Density, Woolworths Built

2020 - Modern condition, M&S Carpark Implemented 125

Proximity To Landmarks Site location & Urban Context 2020

Lidar scan stepped section through the centre of Perth’s core highlights the sites proximity to major landmarks. This strengthens the argument for a sensitive retention approach to the intervention of the existing fabric.

Site & Intervention 126

Perth City Hall

Diagram of Stepped Section

St John’s Kirk

Proximity Fig 58 127

Existing Conditions - Site Images Site Studies 2020

These site images demonstrate the character and condition of the existing fabric. The building has two different Architectural Languages, the front of the building (South) follows a formal and commercial character which responds to the context of the High Street. Where as the rear (north) of the building, responds to the industrial context of Mill St with a brutalist character.

1 128

Site Images Fig 59 129

Connecting Mill St & The High St Understanding Urban Context 2020

This site currently bridges Perth’s two Spines, The high street which is noted to be Perth’s retail spine and mill street which is regarded as Perth’s cultural spine. This strategy’s intention is to construct an intervention and programme which will better suit these relationship instead of having a “front” and “back”. The strategy hopes to respond to both contexts while retaining as much of the existing Woolworth skin & DNA as possible.

130

Perth Model Fig 60

Perth’s High Street

Site (bridge)

Mill Street

131

Existing Building & Structure Urban Response 2020

The building on site is similar to the built projects studied across the journal, it is a large industrial building with 5m floor to ceiling heights on the ground and first floor. There are plant rooms and services on the roof and good condition EPDM floor. The existing structure is constructed from concrete columns and concrete slabs wrapped in a largely red brick skin. The front volume which joins the high street is clad with stone panels and large glazed openings which engage with the high street. A portion of the building on the west wall also has white glazed bricks. The approach to the intervention is to principally organise the new programmes within the footprint and across the volume of the former woolworths structure. The projects architectural intention is to remove portions of existing building to tidy the fabric & forms and seeks to re-use this material for the intervention.

132

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION Existing Drawings Fig 61

133

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Forming a 4 Minute Neighbourhood Urban Strategy 2020

This first key to this urban strategy is the formation of a “4 minute neighbourhood” encouraging engagement within the city, as identified as integral to the success and sustainability of a city. The outlined yellow shape on the location plan indicates the principle abstracted from the soft City, the “living locally” ideology is achieved by Density x Diversity = Proximity. The first urban move to promote the formation of the neighbourhood is partially pedestrianising the city. The diagram to the right indicates with a dashed line the proposed pedestrianisation along Tay street. Tay street has been selected because as noted in the planning documents, the city suffers from a disconnect from the Tay river and removing vehicular access along this stretch would encourage the interaction from the city and the wider natural realm. This creates walking and cycling routes along Perth’s waterfront aiding to Perth’s goal of becoming the 15 minute city.

134

Pedestrianisation Plan Fig 62

Neighbourhood Plan Fig 62 135

Creating Micro Engagements

Temporary events, Activity Space & Micro Business 2020

The idea of Urban acupuncture follows the ideology that small scale interventions can make a massive impact on the city & Urban Realm. This strategy abstracts key fundamentals from Gort Scotts post covid high street and Dunning to propose temporary small scale spaces throughout the neighbourhood. These have a profound effect on interaction within the public realm promoting the engagement between people & People, People & space and People and buildings. Perth comes to life with its seasonal events but these should be a part of everyday life within the city. These spaces might vary from micro business stalls, aiding the formation of a circular economy. Outdoor Cinema spaces encouraging interaction or food-sharing areas moving towards wastereduction. The focus is to form light weight adaptable intervention throughout the city to improve the public realm. The image on the right is an example of how this can be achieved, every night at 7 o’clock an artist’s film is projected on to the wall of the site’s building.

136

Artist’s film displayed on wall of site - Public Interaction Fig 63

temporary structures creating activity Fig 64

137

The Workshop Urban Response 2020

The intervention outlines a workshop which will act as a tool for manufacturing the lightweight structures for the urban realm. The building becomes a device for constructed the neighbourhood. This approach is sustainable as they are temporary structures and can be assembled and taken apart offering urban flexibility, adaptability and waste reduction. The workshop is also intended to be used to construct the lightweight live and work units which will be installed within the building. Once the building is completed the workshop will also serve as a facility to the residents of Perth, offering weekly activities and classes allowing public engagement and contributing to the solution to the “skilled workers” challenge. The space will also act as a “performance space” for humans in the public realm, they will be able to walk by look-in and watch the workshops inner workings with people making.

138

Workshop Plan Fig 65

Workshop Plan Fig 66

Workshop

139

Urban Opportunity

Selected Urban Challenges 2020

This site sits within an outlined area of development opportunity which was identified within Perth’s city plan 2035 document (The Perth City Council, 2015). The area seeks to re develop the vacant site/parking areas along mill street. Myself and Kirsty, another student from Studio D have taken this opportunity to create an overarching intervention which see the regeneration of mill street - the cultural quarter of Perth - by incorporating bricoleur studios and facilities which

Abstract from City Plan Fig 67

will act as an incubator for creatives. This strategy combats the over abundant parking challenge noted with the regeneration of these spaces, reclaiming them for the public realm and bringing green space back into the city’s core and will provide potential respite spaces for residents.

Land Development Opportunity 140

Development Opportunity Fig 68

Kirsty’s Areas of Development This Projects Focused Urban Development Combined Site Plan Fig 69 141

Site Strategy Concept Selected Urban Challenges 2020

This intervention aims to create a “walk able building” which embed the building into the site and the wider urban realm, it will follow 3 principles. “walk in” - from the high street and mill street which will allow those programme to relate to their context. “walk through” - the building will be punctured to allow a passage through the form and will integrate Kirsty’s intervention & respite spaces to this strategies reclaimed car park activity space. “walk up” - the building will provide stairwell events for the live work residents which improve their well-being.

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Walkable buildings Scan Fig 70

Sketch Concept Fig 71 143

Neighbours Site

2020

The project looks to incorporate the neighbouring buildings into the urban strategy and intervention. The intention is to retain & revive the building to the west of the site by integrating rent-able studios for local artists and residents. The intention to improve the public realm by turning the building’s roof on the east facade to a garden space which is accessible from the activity space below.

144

145

Intervention Concept Selected Urban Challenges 2020

This project works towards a new way of living, applying a post covid response to Perth. Integrating working with living. The Vertical Gallery responds to the high street and acts as a space to showcase the works of the residents and creative activity of residents within the city. The live/Work has followed a sustainable approach, units have been plotted between the existing structural grid and will be constructed out of simple low cost materials forming a sustainable approach. The implementation of the roof terrace offers respite space for residents and can act as a space for dialogue, interaction and events. The workshop joining Mill street will require a winch which lifts heavy loads, the approach is to celebrate this and use it as a landmark on mill st.

146

Vertical Gallery

Shared Workspace

Roof Terrace

Live/Work Unit

Winch

Workshop

Sketch Intervention Fig 72 147

Site Strategy - Moves Selected Urban Challenges 2020

1. The Site is located between Perth’s High St and

4. The front of the building becomes a vertical

Mill St with narrow vennels on both sides of the site.

gallery which engages with the High St. The rear is

2. On the site sits an old Woolworths building built in 1925. This building looks at retaining much of the existing building fabric, volume & structure. 3. The building has a void cut through the centre

recessed down to form a workshop which acts as a performance within the public realm. 5. Contained between the two volumes is the Live/ Work levels.

to join areas of development adjacent to the site, providing a through route. The footprint is then divided into thirds providing the opportunity for the front to respond to the High St and the rear to Mill St.

Location The Site is located between Perth’s High St and Mill St with narrow vennels on both sides of the site.

148

Volume On the site sits an old Woolworths building built in 1925. This building looks at retaining much of the existing building fabric and volume.

The building has a void cu areas of development adja a through route. The footp thirds providing the oppor respond to the High St and

oid

t through the centre to join acent to the site, providing print is then divided into tunity for the front to d the rear to Mill St.

Site Strategy Parti Fig 73

Depth The front of the building becomes a vertical gallery which engages with the High St. The rear is recessed down to form a workshop which acts as a preformance within the public realm.

Contain Contained between the two volumes is the Live/Work levels.

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Appendix

Selected Lectures 2020

Included within the Appendix is a series of selected lectures discussing infrastructure, mass scale & Housing which have been useful when considering a live/work intervention. I have included these lectures due to their relevance to the aims of this urban strategy. They explore the use of mass manufacture as a solution to the developing housing crisis. Fordism - Reclaiming Tectonics; Lecture #2 Housing - Reclaiming Tectonics; Lecture #2 Affordable & Adaptable Housing - Anabo Case

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151

Ford’s First Assembly Line Fig 74

152

FORDISM

Reclaiming Tectonics #2 Infrastructure

The concept of infrastructure is regarded as essential in

This Unfortunately impacted the implementation of

architecture, it could be applied to both the construction of

Fordism as role within Architecture and post depression &

a single dwelling, building or across a full city. This lecture

war housing. Many famous Architects however made an

was of relevance in particular because of key points and

effort such as Le Corbusier’s design for modular housing

ideologies which discuss the resolution of the housing

in the 1920’s which followed similar characteristics to the

crisis.

production of ford cars.

Infrastructure is defined as the basic, underlying framework or features of a system or organisation. It could be applied to architecture of a building through the manufacture of components such as prefabricated wall panels and off-site assembly. It was during the early-20th Century, Henry Ford introduced the first mass production line of motor vehicles. Aptly now referred to as “Fordism”, the introduction instilled a new sense of economic growth into society due to a combination of mass consumption and mass production. Andy discusses how architecture tried to enable the same ideology throughout the lecture, a socio-political mission undertaken as a result of infrastructure enabling mass production. However, due to the 1930 depression which arose in America and effected the world, the industry of mass manufacture went into decline.

153

Le Corbusier, Citrohan House Fig 75 154

HOUSING

Reclaiming Tectonic #2 Infrastructure

An example of Corbusier’s attempts could be demonstrated in the design of the Citrohan House. The ambitions were to provide better living conditions for families post World War 1 while equally applying the concept of mass manufacture as an efficient method for the construction of affordable housing. Another key concept for this housing model was the way a house could be repeated. Le Corbuiser tried to implement industrialisation and technology in a similar fashion to the way Henry Ford did. The housing concept was portrayed in a similar way to a product which was affordable and could be leased, rented or bought - similar to a Ford car. However good the ford mass manufacture model was, the Citrohan it never caught traction in society due to the failure to view a house as a product. Society viewed the house as something which had to be “homely” and crafted rather than something off of an assembly line. An example of a modern day approach to introducing mass manufacture as a means of solution to the housing crisis situation can be seen on the following page with Andy Stoane’s Anabo Project.

155

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Anabo Fig 76

ANABO

Affordable Housing on Mass Andy Stoane

Anabo is a Case study which aims to provide a solution to the housing Crisis, It follows similar principles from fords assembly line and corbusiers Citrohan House but takes a different form. The project offers affordable homes made from low cost materials which come in pre-fabricated parts, offering complete flexible and adaptable designs where people can design their own house from the use of a website. It is a sustainable approach when considering if someone was to move, they could pack up their house and pay for it to be transported to a new destination providing opportunities for people. The website offers community forums where people can discuss, trade panels or even full units. This helps form a sense of community and new buyers can access this website to find locations or streets which are formed of anabo housing. This approach seems like a viable solution to the housing crisis but hasn’t yet taken off due to no mass manufacturer taking the concept on board, it was noted that Virgin has shown interest and could take this housing model to the scale it would need to be in to become a viable solution.

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End of Volume 1

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Figures

References for images not directly credited in main body of text. Images not referenced are Author’s own. Fig 1 - 2018. Welcome to Perth, a city undergoing it biggest trans-

Fig 10 - Woolies Buildings - Then and Now. 2018. Perth Wool-

formation since World War Two. [image] Available at: <https://

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Figures

Fig 65 - Theconstructionindex.co.uk. 2018. CCG expands off-site manufacturing. [online] Available at: <https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/ccg-expands-off-site-manufacturing> Fig 67 - 2015, Perth City Council.The Perth City Plan 2015-2035. [ebook] Available at: <https://www.pkc.gov.uk/media/33105/ Perth-City-Plan-Part-1/pdf/Perth_City_Plan_v5_-_section_1.pdf?m=636098756310530000> Fig 70 - Scan from Sim, D., 2019. Soft City. Island Press. Fig 74 - Research-Methodology. 2016. Fordism and Neo-Fordism in the context of international political economy - Research-Methodology. [online] Available at: <https://research-methodology.net/ fordism-neo-fordism-context-international-political-economy/> Fig 75 - 1927. Maison Citrohan. [online] Available at: <https://images.lib.ncsu.edu/luna/servlet/detail/ NCSULIB~1~1~104723~176249:Maison-Citrohan> Fig 76 - 2016. anabo housing: innovative concept home. [online] Available at: <https://www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk/anabo>

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