sarah lawson elise rasmussen mark scott
01. Urban Strategy 02. Affordance Studies
michael sim
Active Ageing
an urban strategy
Contents
3-6
10-11
Hypotheses
City Affordances
12-17
Neighbourhood Affordances
This strategy document introduces and explains the group urban level strategy for the Castlefield Site in Manchester. Using the hypotheses developed in response to the research with older participants in Manchester and Edinburgh as a basis, in addition to extensive site research, a series of affordances have been designed in order to improve the way in which older people engage with the city. These affordances combined with the urban strategy make up the group enquiry into the theme of: Active Ageing in the Modern City. This document explains the strategy behind the urban interventions and the interlinking of the research process.
18-20
Affordance Details
Hypotheses
Age friendly social spaces afford older people integration into a multi generational community.
01
‘The ‘buzz’ of Manchester is appealing’ (Manchester PCT research) Participants enjoyed feeling part of a city and interacting with younger people, there was no suggestion that older people desired to only be around people their own age. In fact quite the opposite was true. Things that were most appealing about Manchester were the array of ‘communal and inclusive places’ and ‘the ‘mix’ of people that events and activities in the city attract’ (Manchester PCT research) Places to congregate and to interact with other people help to alleviate some of the feeling of loneliness experienced by older p eople. Older people often feel isolated from what is going on in the city and from other generations. By having facilities that foster cross-generational contact communities will be enriched. Providing places that ‘Recognition of the importance of community centres’ (What makes a city agefriendly? 2007) The research finds that engagement in social activities is absolutely vital for older people’s well-being, and community centres emerge as the single most important factor for enabling this. Community centres in the area provide an excellent range of social activities, as well as access to health and other services. According to the Edinburgh based ‘Healthy living research’ participants preferred to live in, or like living in, places where they know their neighbours, can chat to their neighbours. Empty places that lack people were disliked one of the favoured aspects was the presence of people and the interaction occurring between these people. The Edinburgh based research conducted with Stoke participants suggested there were concerns about becoming socially isolated as you get older and a view that certain environments might exacerbate this. The Dementia focus group conducted in Edinburgh said that there were lots of advantages to living in a city in terms of facilities and amenities and things going on.
02 Research conducted by the World Health organisation and investigated in London and other participating cities highlighted many of the key concerns related to ageing something mentioned in the Dementia focus group as something that was considered to important particularly as we get older. ‘Fear of crime’ - This is widespread among older people and has a significant impact on many people’s lives. As a result, most older people in the groups re less likely to go out and stay active. Designing active urban space that can be selfpoliced as well as having an a more visible police presence by local constabulary on the street as well as providing adequately lighting on an urban level go some way to alleviating some of these fears. ‘Active and populated places’ was highlighted by participants who felt ‘vulnerable’ or ‘wary’ in empty environments and they were considered ‘threatening’ places. Streets that have pavements need to have a way of separating pedestrians from the traffic was a point raised in the Edinburgh based Dementia focus group; having pavements that separate pedestrians from cyclists and vehicles is greatly preferred.
An inclusive design approach to journeying affords older people independent mobility.
03
Having a reliable and well organised public transport network is key for the success of any city. This is a fundamental infrastructural element and this document touches on it’s importance and relevance for older people living in a city. It affords older people the same access as everyone else and contributes to continued independence. As outlined in the World Health Organisation’s document, ‘Global brief for World Health Day 2012’ Some of key findings that relate to a successful transport system include; ‘Involving older people in the design of services which affect them and in local decision-making’, ‘Affordable and well-run public transport’, ‘Accessible transport for those with mobility problems e.g. dial-a-ride schemes or doorto-door community bus services’. All of these points were subsequently mentioned in the focus groups undertaken in Manchester and Edinburgh. Good public transport is considered to be key to having an age-friendly environment because it enables older people to get out and socialise, and to access vital services. The attributes of age-friendly public transport that were mentioned are that it is free for over-60s (or very affordable, so that expense does not prevent people from using it); it is accessible for wheelchairs; buses are regular, reliable and well run; and there is a good dial-aride scheme (an affordable door-to-door taxi service for disabled people) for those with more restricted mobility who cannot access buses.
Accessible transport hubs afford and maintain older people’s connection to the city.
Access to cultural memories and the history of place affords older people the ability to root themselves in the urban fabric
04 To understand the site in detail various methods of research were undertaken; surveying and recording existing typologies, buildings and structures helped construct a picture of a vibrant historical area within the wider context of Manchester’s urban growth. These investigations in conjunction with the PCT research undertaken on site lead to investigative drawings that elucidated some of the specific findings. ‘A good place to live is a pre-requisite of a dementia friendly community’ The study does not fully define ‘a good place to live’ but suggests that the quality of cultural and physical activities in York as being an important factor; access to museums and galleries as well as sporting activities help to support someone living with dementia. Key supporting findings in the document which allude to ‘a good place to live’ are as follows; ‘a community that does not put obstacles in the way or make more difficult the attempts of people with dementia to maintain their usual activities and normal networks.’ ‘The Historic Resonance of York was found to be a positive factor for people living with dementia.’ We can assume from some of the primary research we have undertaken that this is due to the fact that ‘memory’ – the creation of new memories as well as remembering is an important consideration for people living with Dementia. So an environment that has changed little over time could be described as being beneficial for someone living with dementia.
Urban Strategy: Outline Following the extensive site analysis and research with older participants in Edinburgh and Manchester, several urban level moves were made in order to relate to the hypotheses developed from the group research. At the city wide scale a series of interventions are proposed as improving the age friendly nature of Manchester. Although each individual design proposal operates at the city wide scale, these interventions provide adaptable community space with a specific focus on brownfield sites identified within the research. At the scale of the neighbourhood, an urban strategy was developed incorporating four key design decisions. 1. The opening up of closed archways within the viaduct to improve permeability 2. the relocation of the station to create a ‘transport hub’ 3. the redevelopment of the disused railway as a ‘high line’ route and 4. the individual design programmes which plug into this armature. The next section explores the affordances derived from the urban strategy and the associated details, including relationship to statutory requirements and local planning guidance.
Corten
Textured concrete
Concrete
Timber
Timber salvage
Metal salvage
The Castlefield area is subject to a conservation plan which recognises the significant cultural and historic importance of the existing urban fabric, and outlines design considerations for any new proposal. The documentation identifies that sensitivity towards the dimensions and scale of existing buildings be taken into consideration in order to maintain street rhythm.The plan is not prescriptive and acknowledges the diversity of built form on the site, it states that that very fact ‘makes it permissible for designers to use their imaginations freely.’ Our proposals utilise existing brown-field sites in the area and we have attempted to re-establish urban coherence. In each of our proposals we have aimed to reflect some of the existing materiality of Castlefield. The use of brick and steel are prevalent on the site and we have continued that palette in our own designs. We have also selected materials that express the concerns of the age friendly city, by creating places that are welcoming and joyful; green landscaping is an important part of that strategy. The planting of new trees is something that is mentioned specifically in the documentation and states; ‘In general, trees are an inappropriate addition to the area and must be introduced with discretion.’ this is something that we have challenged in our designs as the inclusion of trees in the urban realm is important to ensuring that people (particularly older people) feel connected to their surroundings and help those with dementia keep track of seasonal changes. (http://www. manchester.gov.uk/info/511/conservation_areas/972/ castlefield_conservation_area/5)
“The Manchester Way is our Sustainable Community Strategy. It is delivered through actions that will benefit everyone who lives, studies, works in, or enjoys our original modern city. It will improve Manchester’s economic, social and environmental fabric.”
Move 1: Diagram one represents the linking of green zones through the green line to reduce fragmented spaces and relink the area of Castlefied with its green space. The linking of these spaces create multigenerational social spaces with a connection to nature.
Green Zones
Roman Fort
St. Johns Gardens
Art Centre
Culinary School
Pomona Docks
Memory Museum
Green Line
Transport Hub
Green Zones
City
Moves 2 + 3: These diagrams explain the purpose of the new transport hub and the reimagined disused railway line (the ‘green line’). The existing station and metro stop are proposed as a combined transport hub connecting older people with the neighbourhood and wider city context. The green line relates to existing disconnected green space and knits together these fragments of the city to create a safe mobility route for older people. This diagram also highlights the individual design propositions which ‘plug into’ the green line urban strategy design.
“We will empower old with the creative design visions for environments living, self-developmen and delight�- MMP EPS
der people to engage process, articulate their s that help nurture active nt, community, curiosity SRC Proposal.
Urban Strategy: City Affordance
City Interventions The main city wide affordance is the propositionfor modular social and activity space for older people throughout Manchester. Using a mapping drawing, a series of locations for such interventions were linked back to the Castlefield area. Key areas focused on were linked to the research with older participants, primarily in brownfield or gap sites across the area. The interventions are proposed as linking the strategy for the green line to the wider urban context by making the produce available for sale in these locations for example, or as outreach locations for dementia or stroke support. The spaces also relate back to the memory museum as providing memory boxes for older people with dementia to spark conversation and trigger memories. Derived from the research carried out with older participants, the concept provides flexible and moveable spaces which may become markets, book clubs or performance spacesencouraging communities to interact with their older members. These city scale affordances invite older people to take an active role in the communtiy and provide some of the other social affordances that the green line strategy seeks to invite.
City wide affordance visual
Urban Strategy: Neighbourhood Affordances Sustainable Strategy [neighbourhood] Through looking at precedents, such as the New York highline, a sustainable strategy has been applied to the urban scheme, which strives to meet similar sustainable aims and fulfil the Manchester Community Strategy 200615, published by the Manchester Partnership. Materials: The material palette for the green line are materials with a long life span which would aim to reduce the carbon footprint. Lighting: Energy Efficient lighting is used at night to create environmental ques for way finding, which safely illuminates pathways and objects without energy waste. The detail drawings in this document highlight some of the lighting methods, primarily at low level. Secondly, the lighting creates a safe environment at night responding to the research with older participants. Social Sustainability: By reinvigorating the Castelfield area, footfall would increase and a new sense of community would be developed. This is sustainable in the long term for the community as it secures the future use of the area. Reusing an existing derelict part of the city also reduces the likelihood of vandalism or anti-social behaviour. Social sustainability is good for all members of the community, and fosters a better connection with older people who may live in the area as they are more likely to socialise and less likely to be fearful to use the
Drainage: •Pathway systems designed to reduce flooding through poor weather conditions and water brought in from planting. •Anti-slip, o pen jointed timber slats to allow run off water to drain between planks and into adjacent plant beds. •Drainage placed strategic low points in plant beds to reduce water run off and increase water flow.
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Healthy Living [stair core] A stair should not act as a mere thoroughfare between floors, but afford the possibility of socialising and invite the user to experience the event of transition between architectural spaces. This stair core design invites the user to ascend or descend slowly with the opportunity to pause for reflection or opportune conversation in ‘lay bys’ located on each landing. This is specifically important for older people with reduced mobility, in order to rest. The materiality of the stair- precast concrete and plywood- invite the user to run a hand along the smooth surface or lean against the wooden cladding (See detail 01).In addition, textured flooring panels before each flight of stairs creates a physical indication of the change of condition. Exceeding the requirements of Part K, and specifically looking at points 1.35 and 1.36 regarding handrails, the stair is specifically designed for ambulant disabled users with low riser heights and frequent rest stops. Associated detail: 01.
Dementia [Planters + Benches] The proposed reconditioning of the disused railway or ‘high line’ involves the use of planters and raised access routes to create interesting and intriguing journeying for older people. Specifically related to the dementia research cohort, the use of raised planters (see detail 03) is in relation to the research carried out in MMP1 and 2. Older people with dementia may still enjoy walking but a safe and even surface to walk on is lacking- the highline provides this in addition to sensorial stimulation in the form of planting. The raised beds afford and invite older people to touch and smell plants and become involved in upkeep- this would not be possible with traditional low level planting. Secondly, the raised levels throughout the route adjacent to the bicycle track provide resting space and afford socialising between users of the high line. The design specifically addresses how users catch glimpses of each other and how the varying levels invite socialising. The diagram on this page depicts how some of the sight lines influenced the heights of features along the high line. In relation to stautory requirements, Part M was analysed. Specifically looking at 1.13 in Part M1, regarding level access, an investigation of tactile paving was undertaken in order to develop a range of surface conditions for the high line.
Stroke [High line interventions] We have proposed that the elevated green route include a series of pavilions that afford the user shelter as well as prospect. Envisioned as a basic skeletons that can be added to and adapted by the user, the intention is that the pavilions may be easily assembled on site and create spaces for people to congregate together. The pavilions will facilitate activities and events that are socially inclusive and cross generational. Designed with the programmatic concerns of the proposed Memory Museum, Cookery School and Arts Venue in mind, they will be places to view and enjoy art or participate in workshops or to rest. We have also considered what these interventions might afford someone recovering from a stroke; the pavilions are placed strategically along the green-line with a view to assisting goal setting and providing a safe refuge in which to move.Associated detail: 02.
40m 20m 60m
Plywood cladding
Precast concrete
[Affordance detail 01: Handrail] 1:5 This detail from the balustrade of the stair cores illustrates the architectural practicalities of the proposal. A series of concrete precast panels create the stair and balustrade in an economic and time efficient manner. A plywood lined recess within the balustrade houses the stainless steel handrail. An oval shaped rail is specified as being easier to grip for older people who may have limited hand mobility. The recess is generously proportioned to enable ease of use. Located at 950mm FFL to handrail, this adheres to Part K, Section 2 of the Building Regulations. The solid balustrade also acts as a secondary, higher, support plane for older people that may need to rest at certain points on the stair or for those who may not be able to effectively grip the rail and need further support. Section 1.35 and 1.36 are adhered to in handrail design and exceeded in providing a visual and physical contrast between handrail and stair.
01 [Affordance detail 02: Surface] 1:10 The surface treatment of the green-line has been designed specifically with movement and journey of older people in mind. To this end it is important that surface changes are even. This detail shows where insitu 500mm textured-surface concrete ground meets the flooring of one of the proposed pavilions, constructed from locally sourced reclaimed railway sleepers 300 mm x 110 mm. This detail has been designed with reference to the building regulations Part M, specifically point 1.13 in M1 regarding level access for disabled users. The difference in texture also assists those living with the effects of stroke or dementia to distinguish programmatic differences i.e. when crossing the threshold from circulation to activity.
02
Urban Strategy: Body Affordances [detail design]
planting
top soil
premium grade mix
river sand
03
[Affordance detail 03: Planter] 1:10 Illustrating a section through one of the planter/bench interventions along the green line, this detail expands on the affordance in construction terms. In situ cast concrete planters inserted on the green line afford older people the enjoyment of planting whilst also providing a place to sit and rest along the route. The precast panels feature a timber cladding to the top allowing for more comfortable leaning or sitting. The make up of the planting is: 50mm gravel/mulch, 300mm premium grade mix, non organic free draining material, 150mm river sand and a drainage cell. The planter is lined with geotextile cloth and a waterproof membrane. Lastly, a 150mm diameter PVC drainage pipe is located within the planter leading to a drainage pipe located below the finished floor level of the high line. A mesh cover prevents blockage, and an inspection portal is located at the top gravel level.
Mobility Mood Place, Co-Created Environments 01 MArch II 2013-14
Michael Sim Sarah Lawson Mark Scott Elise Rasmussen