Edward Bousfield Portfolio

portfolio

Manifesto for Housing Edward Bousfield 180276747 stage 3

4-5

REflective Diary

6-33

Framing

34-83

Testing

84-155

Synthesis

156-173

Sargfabrik

Illustrated Reflective Diary The aim of this studio was to explore and analyse social housing in the UK, forming comparative studies with Cruddas Park house, helping to uncovering the issues that have led to its negative image and as part of the process, to explore tower block living. Following this, create a manifesto that would become the foundation of our design projects, outlining specific challenges and concepts to be further researched and tested.

Cruddas Park house is a podium and slab style housing block west of Newcastle city centre, featuring 168 units stacked 20 stories high. The main access to the apartments is through the shopping centre which occupies the podium, or through an external door that leads directly to the lift shaft. The connecting spaces between lift and flat are dark internalised corridors with little to no natural light. This appears to be a common issue in many housing blocks, one that contributes to the lack of sense of community between residents. I discovered during the framing phase of the project that there is a community funded pool to the north of the site which can only remain open 6 months a year due to financial strain. It was therefore a goal of mine to ensure there was a pool in my sports centre and the cost of its operation would be offset by some factor to allow it to remain open year-round.

This design project explores how stereotypical social housing can be adapted to better fulfil the needs of people in the 21st century. Community spaces are now more vital than ever as has been highlighted by the pandemic. The lack of connection between neighbours has accentuated the isolation of living in a tower block, with little opportunity to interact with people. Furthermore, it examines how to break the juxtaposition between tower blocks and their surrounding neighbourhoods, something which is prevalent in the case of Cruddas Park House.

Due to the challenges of remote learning, I have been challenged with expanding my digital skillset. In particular, I have greatly developed my skills in photoshop and SketchUp, also beginning to utilise adobe illustrator in cases where vector format files are more appropriate. After spending an extended period of time on one building I have gained an appreciation of what makes a building work on a deeper level, for example how services are integrated within the design and how compliance with building regulations can be done so in a creative manner. Moreover, how the unity of all elements of the building, from very small scale like surface texture to very large scale like massing, are intrinsically linked.

4

The scale of this project has allowed me to explore a variety of techniques and philosophies, for the technology assignment I was able to explore tectonic connections between concrete and steel, concrete and timber, CLT and Glu-Lam. Moreover, with regards to sustainability I discovered how building regulations often impact material choices and thus directly influence the environmental impact of the building.

The theory into practice assignment allowed me to compare Cruddas Park and community-rich environments such as terraced streets, examining the reasons for different spatial experiences. These tasks helped me to refine a programme of spaces and determine the spatial qualities I required. My development proposal integrated well with the professional practice management assignment as it allowed me to understand the process of environmentally sustainable design.

The selection of an appropriate procurement strategy and utilising local tenders helped to reduce transport time and footprint. In addition, as is the case with many Council-funded schemes, time is in short supply so developing an efficient construction plan also reduced environmental impact.

Cultural Bibliography Alongside studying architecture, I also own and run a clothing brand called Eleven Isles. As the sole owner I am responsible for all areas of the business which includes logo design, running multiple social media accounts, coercing with clothing suppliers, communicating with other brands I collaborate with, creating a website and ecommerce store (www.elevenisles.co.uk), product photography, distributing, and producing hand-made goods. Running this business has assisted my architectural ability as it has created a secondary creative outlet where I can improve my drawing and graphic design skills, communication, knowledge base on fabrics and their possible applications.

5

Framing

Demographics - Political, Social and Economic factors

This chapter shows how I explored the site and its context in depth, ranging from the environmental opportunities present on the site to the political and social issues it faces. The main challenges of the site were exploring how the diversity of occupants could be widened, the sense of community between resident enhanced and how the disused shopping centre could be renovated to better serve the community.

I documented the issues and opportunities I discovered through site drawings, concept sketches and mapping. The initial concept drawings explore how the structure could be adapted to maximise the environmental opportunities on site. The scale of the building made spatial organisation a difficult task to begin with, testing the layouts in 3D helped to understand how the double height spaces impacted each floor level. One of the main opportunities for change was exploring how the access and journey into the tower could be made more interesting. The current route felt clinical and created a disconnect between the podium and the tower.

Cruddas park house was constructed in 1969 and was originally accompanied by 10 other tower blocks of flats called cruddas park. Later however, 5 of them were demolished and the development renamed riverside dene apartments. Our investigation into the social, politicsl and economic history of the site led to come interesting conclusions. The block was constructed and owned by the council, and still to this day they own the majority of the properties. however the demographic that lives in the tower has become very rigid. 75% of the inhabitants are unemployed and only 5% are under 44 years old. Following the tragedy of Grenfell tower, cruddas park underwent renovation to remove the same exterior cladding and replace it with a more modern and energy efficient alternative. However the renovation did not improve the fire safety of the building as all the fire doors installed do not comply with current safety standards. this was proved when one resident reported smoke seeping underneath his front door after a fire had started at the base of the bin chute.

This neglect in the area is sadly is unfortunately connected with the economic status of the postcode as one of the poorer areas within newcastle. Whilst there is a sense of community amongst the residents there are no spaces for them to socialise and interact.

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8

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Site map showing the location of Cruddas Park House in relation to Newcastle City Centre

Site analysis highlighting the points of interest in the surrounding area

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10

The best views of the site, the southern boarder

The sunpath shows irradiance throughout the day

Large public park to the south of the site

Good access to main roads

Basic initial site analysis of Cruddas Park House

Photomontage of the exisiting building, capturing the strict linear nature and closed off atmosphere

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The group site overview poster which I formatted for the presentation

The group poster showing all the sub groups research areas. My group was focusing on the demographics of Cruddas Park and surrounding area.

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SELF-MANGAGMENT The house is built over time as it is used.

£

COLLECTIVE PROPERTY & INDIVIDUAL USE

CESSION OF USE

YOUR HOMES NEWCASTLE

New resident pays a fee to the Housing Cooperative and receives it back when leaves .

Housing Cooperative is responsible for the managment of the house.

LA BORDA

HOUSING COOPERATIVE

COMMUNITY LIFE Cooperation links are established in domestic settings.

Tenants collectively write a petition to the managing body.

CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE TENANTS GROUP

SUSTAINABILITY Central courtyard that concentrates all circulation.

COMMUNAL LIVING

‘YOUR HOMES NEWCASTLE’ manages the CRUDDAS HOUSE on behalf of city council

Tenants are individually resposible for their flats.

The design maximizes energy efficiency

saves 10% of space with shared storage rooms and laundry rooms

ACCESSIBILITY Affordable Housing.

Using the affordable materials.

Funded by residents and contributors.

BUILDONG COSTS: 850 EUR/M2

CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE

Has this global pandemic highlighted the epidemic of loniless?

With the majority of the residents of Cruddas Park living on their own, loniless can be very common especially during COVID-19.

R50 Co-Housing , Berlin , Germany This co- housing block in berlin isnpired my proposals for Cruddas House Park. With exterior circulation all the way around each floor of the building this encouarges interaction between

PUBLIC

PPRIVATE

PUBLIC

PPRIVATE

The number of residents living on their own becomes even more significant due to the lack of social interaction spots within the site. Therefore i propese with Cruddas House Park that each apartment has a balconly which connects with the other residents of that floor. Not only will the balcony encourage people to spend time outside which is important in these times but also encourages interaction between the residents which will help prevent people becoming lonely.

ELSWICK PARK

PUBLIC

PPRIVATE

CRUDDAS PARK

ELSWICK PARK

CRUDDAS PARK ELSWICK PARK

POLITICS

In 2018/2019 Newcastle Eagles basketball arena was built on the site of the previous tower blocks. the building host important events for the Cruda Park House residents and other commu nity members.

13/06/2019

CRUDDAS PARK

HOUSING TENURE FOR THE TRELLICK TOWER After Grenfell

2019 In 2015 Audi Newcastle building was built on a near vacant land.

The Cruddas Park House Plans were passed in February 2014 to fit replacement aluminium double-glazed windows and fix new external wall insulation and most of this work took place in 2015. [https:// newcastleareas.wordpress.com/ cruddas-park/]

9/10/2017

22/09/2017

HOUSING OCCUPANCY IN CRUDDAS PARK

2015 In 2013 5 out of 10 towerblocks were demolished as part of a £90 mil regeneration project of the area. With private investors pulling out the council was left with no money pull the plan through. The buildings were demolished at a cost of £ 2.98 mil and the site was left to sell to private firms [https:// www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/ north-east-news/cruddas-parkflats-now-demolished-1421916].

26/02/2013 25/02/2013 23/02/2013

2012

Community Politics

There is a Crudas Park House Tennants Group (CPH) that is promoting and proteting the intrests of the house tennants. They have a facbook page ‘Cruddas Park House The People The Stories’ for community announcments and communication/community building between the residents.

The group collectively presents petitions to organisations like Your House Newcastle (YHN) under which menigment is the Cruddas Park House. Recently they have put forth a request for reopening of the Community Room.

CONNECTION TO THE CITY

Investing in People & Culture (IPCC) is a charity organisation working in the North East that promotes social inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers and other minority communities. One of their centres is located in the Cruddas Park Shopping Centre. [https://i-p-c.org/] At some point there have been asylum seekers housed in the Cruddas Park House.

After Grenfell

CONNECTION TO THE CITY

Community Politics

The Cruddas Park House suffered multiple

‘Cruddas Park House don’t have seals on the fire doors and gaps under the doors. It’s not acceptable.’’

B

LEGEND: ES

C

D

EDUC

‘Cruddas Park House don’t have seals on the fire doors and gaps under the doors. It’s not acceptable.’’[https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-

AL CI SO

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS

east-news/newcastles-cruddas-park-lit-up-16426031]

B

B

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

S CE

IC

C

RV

LOCAL INSTITUTIONS

LIC SE

Cruddas Park House was one of the objects that was lit up during the campaign commemorating 2 years since the Grenfell fire. The messege projected on the side of the building raised concerns about unfit conditions in case of fire.

CONNECTION TO THE CITY COMMUNITY MAPPING OF CRUDDAS PARK

PUB

Investing in People & Culture (IPCC) is a charity organisation working in the North East that promotes social inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers and other minority communities. One of their centres is located in the Cruddas Park Shopping Centre. [https://i-p-c.org/] At some point there have been asylum seekers housed in the Cruddas Park House.

A. ST MICHAEL’S RC PRIMARY SCHOOL; B. NEWCASTLE COLLEGE; C. RAZZMATAZ THEATRE SCHOOL; D. HAWRON PRIMARY SCHOOL

VI SE

A. CRUDDAS PARK EARLY YEARS CENTRE; B. ASHFIELD NURSERY SCHOOL; C. RYE HILL CASTLE NURSERY

PS OU GR

CU LTUR AL

2009

ION S

24/03/2011

In 2009 and a revamp of the became fearful arson attacks the residents highrises was underway.

Five of the about fire alarms, the lack of sprinkler towerblocks werefire renovated andsafety in general. systems, unfit doors and Cruddas Park wasPark one of the ThereHouse is a Crudas House Tennants Group (CPH) that made 80% more energy efficient. promoting proteting intrests of the house tennants. They objects thatiswas lit up and during thethe campaign The project cost £ 36 mil. have a facbook page ‘Cruddas Park House The People The Stories’ for The revamped tower commemorating 2 years since the Grenfell community announcments communication/community building blocks were renamed ‘Riverside fire. The messege on theand side of the betweenprojected the residents.

Dene’. [https://www.chroniThe group collectively presents petitions to organisations like building raised concerns about unfit condiclelive.co.uk/news/north-eastYour House Newcastle (YHN) under which menigment is the Crudtions in casedas ofPark fire. news/joy-old-cruddas-park-towHouse. Recently they have put forth a request for reopening ers-1401206] of the Community Room.

Newcastle City Council agreed to provide access to mortgages to promote influx of owener-occupiers to the area. [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north[https://newcastleareas.wordeast-news/newcastles-cruddas-park-lit-up-16426031] press.com/cruddas-park/]

TITUT

14/11/2011

ATION AL INS

HOUSING OCCUPANCY IN THE TRELLICK TOWER

CRUDDAS PARK COMPARRISON WITH THE TRELLICK TOWER

The Cruddas Park House suffered multiple arson attacks and the residents became fearful of the about fire alarms, the lack of sprinkler systems, unfit fire doors and safety in general.

SOCIAL SERVICES: ST STEVENS COURT NURSING HOME

CULTURAL: VIVA LAS CRUDDAS A. PAKISTAN ISLAMIC CENTRE; B. POLISH CENTRE

GROUPS: CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE TENANTS GROUP

CHARITIES: A. IPCC CHARITY; B. WEST END WOMEN AND GIRLS CENTRE

A

CR UD DA S

TH HEAL

B PA RK

SER

CH

CHURCHES: A. ST MICHAEL’S RC CHURCH; B. NEWCASTLE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH; C. ST STEVENS AND ST PAULS; D. ELSWICK PARISH CHURCH

IRIANA CONVENIENCE STORE

A

E

RECREATION, LEISURE AND SPORTS:

B

NEWCASTLE EAGLES COMMUNITY ARENA

C

ELSWICH POOL

CHURCHES

CYCLE SHOWING THE LACK OF DIVERSITY WITHIN THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE

CRUDDAS PARK SURGERY

BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIES:

ROYAL SOCIETY OR PROTECTION OF BIRDS

OASIS CAFE

D

A

The demographics show that Cruddas Park House is heavily made up of males who are out of work. With no provisions or community for children it is not suprising no children live in the block. With only 25% of the m residents employed it means the rest of the residents will be spending a lot of time meaning provisions of adequete housing size and community facilities should be a priority.

PHARMACY

S VICE

ES

ARITI

H

ENTRE NG C PPI HO DS AN SE OU

CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE TENANTS GROUP A

HEALTH SERVICES:

LK WA IN 5M

A

IES

NESS BUSI

AND

STR INDU

PUBLIC SERVICES: CRUDDAS PARK LIBRARY ELSWICK PARK POST SERVICE

The map above hughlights the surrounding facilities which encourage women’s participation in society.With a predominately male demographic in Cruddas Park it is important to make women feel welcome safe, with facilities specifically for them. The Cruddas Early Years Centre will encourage familes to reside in the area. The West End Womens and Girls Centre is a group where women have the opportunity to meet, have fun, learn skills, look at issues relevant their lives and generally build confidence in a safe and supportive environment. The Childrens Services, which is located in Cruddas Park House podium is currently closed, however it is interesting th there was one a service in place to support children. Therefore there is a platform to build upon with to se that regards to diversifying the demographic.

RECREATION, LEISURE AND SPORTS

The poster my group produced about the demographics of Cruddas Park house in comparison to Trellick tower in London

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The manifesto our studio created following our research and analysis of Cruddas Park, which I designed.

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mortgages to promote influx of owener-occupiers to the area. [https://newcastleareas.wordpress.com/cruddas-park/]

2009

under the doors. It’s not acceptable.’’[https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/northInvesting in People & Culture (IPCC) is a charity organisation working in the North East that promotes social inclusion of refugees, asylum seekers and other minority communities. One of their centres is located in the Cruddas Park Shopping Centre. [https://i-p-c.org/] At some point there have been asylum seekers housed in the Cruddas Park House.

‘Cruddas Park House don’t have seals on the fire doors and gaps under the doors. It’s not acceptable.’’[https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/northeast-news/newcastles-cruddas-park-lit-up-16426031]

PUBLIC

PPRIVATE

PUBLIC

26/02/2013 25/02/2013

PPRIVATE

CRUDDAS PARK

‘Cruddas P seals on th under the d able.’’

24/03/2011

2009 The demographics show that Cruddas Park House is heavily made up of males who are out of work. With no provisions or community for children it is not suprising no children live in the block. With only 25% of the residents employed it means m the rest of the residents will be spending a lot of time meaning provisions of adequete housing size and community facilities should be a priority.

ELSWICK PARK

DIVERSITY WITHIN THE

In 2009 and a revamp of the became fearful arson attacks the residents highrises was underway.

Five of the about fire alarms, the lack of sprinkler towerblocks were renovated andsafety in general. systems, unfit fire doors and Crudda made 80% more energy efficient. objects thatiswp The project cost £ 36 mil. hav The revamped tower commemorat com blocks were renamed ‘Riverside fire.

The mess bet Dene’. [https://www.chronibuilding raise clelive.co.uk/news/north-easttions in caseYo o news/joy-old-cruddas-park-towdas ers-1401206] of Newcastle City Council agreed to provide access to mortgages to promote influx of owener-occupiers to the area. [https:// [https://newcastleareas.wordeast-news/newc press.com/cruddas-park/]

14/11/2011

ELSWICK PARK

The map above hughlights the surrounding facilities which encourage women’s participation in society.With a CRUDDAS predominately male demographic in Cruddas Park it is important to make women feel welcome safe, with PARK facilities specifically for them. The Cruddas Early Years Centre will encourage familes to reside in the area. The West End Womens and Girls Centre is a group where women have the opportunity to meet, have fun, learn skills, look at issues relevant their lives and generally build confidence in a safe and supportive environment. The Childrens Services, which is located in Cruddas Park House podium is currently closed, however it is interesting DEMOGRAPHICS OF PARK HOUSE th there was to se that oneCRUDDAS a service in place to support children. Therefore there is a platform to build upon with regards to diversifying the demographic.

Co

The Cruddas Park House suffered multiple

HOUSING OCCUPANCY IN THE TRELLICK TOWER

CRUDDAS PARK

CYCLE

After Grenfell

23/02/2013

Age of current residents

The demographics show that Cruddas Park House is heavily made up of males who are out of work. With no provisions or community for children it is not suprising no children live in the block. With only 25% of the m residents employed it means the rest of the residents will be spending a lot of time meaning provisions of adequete housing size and community SHOWING THE facilities LACK OF should be a priority.

In 2013 5 out of 10 towerblocks were demolished as part of a £90 mil regeneration Cruddas one of the project of the Park area.House With was private objects thatpulling was lit up the campaign investors outduring the council commemorating 2 years since the Grenfell wasThe leftmessege with noprojected money pull theside of the fire. on the building raised concerns about unfit condiplan through.

The buildings tions in case of fire. were demolished at a cost of £ 2.98 mil and the site was don’t left have ‘Cruddas Park House to sellon to private [https:// seals the firefirms doors and gaps under the doors. It’s not acceptwww.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/ [https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/northable. ’ ’ north-east-news/cruddas-parkeast-news/newcastles-cruddas-park-lit-up-16426031] flats-now-demolished-1421916].

2012

ELSWICK PARK

Investing working in the asylum seekers is located in the At some point Park House.

2015

PPRIVATE Cruddas Park House was one of the objects that was lit up during the campaign commemorating 2 years since the Grenfell fire. The messege projected on the side of the building raised concerns about unfit conditions in case of fire.

MPARRISON WITH THE TRELLICK TOWER

cruddas-park/]

east-news/newcastles-cruddas-park-lit-up-16426031]

HOUSING OCCUPANCY IN CRUDDAS PARK PUBLIC

2009

wo asy is l At Par

The map above hughlights the surrounding facilities which encourage women’s participation in society.With a predominately male demographic in Cruddas Park it is important to make women feel welcome safe, with facilities specifically for them. The Cruddas Early Years Centre will encourage familes to reside in the area. The West End Womens and Girls Centre is a group where women have the opportunity to meet, have fun, learn skills, look at issues relevant their lives and generally build confidence in a safe and supportive environment. The Childrens Services, which is located in Cruddas Park House podium is currently closed, however it is interesting to se that th there was one a service in place to support children. Therefore there is a platform to build upon with regards to diversifying the demographic.

Cruddas Park House was one of the objects that was lit up during the campaign commemorating 2 years since the Grenfell fire. The messege projected on the side of the building raised concerns about unfit conditions in case of fire.

‘Cruddas Park House don’t have seals on the fire doors and gaps under the doors. It’s not acceptable.’’[https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/northeast-news/newcastles-cruddas-park-lit-up-16426031]

CONNECTION TO THE CITY

Current Residents of Cruddas Park

My personal contricution to the groups work was to look at the economics of the area and the wider context. I began by looking at the real estate prices of the postcode where the site is situated, then the surrounding postcodes. i initially thought that there would be a correlation between thePUBLIC number of high rise buildings and the PPRIVATE average price of the postcode. The results however contradicted this because there was an even split of tower blocks amongst the richer and the poorer postcodes, with there being same amount in NE4 as in NE2. Moreover, i inspected the more local context to the site where i was surprised to find how expensive the new real estate being constructed nearby was, up to £600,000 for a flat in a postcode where the average PUBLIC PPRIVATE price is £92,144. In comparison with Trellick Tower, whilst the prices of the real estate are very different it appears the area in which both towers wereELSWICK builtPARK in very similar economic regions, in relation to the city.

CONNECTION TO THE CITY

CONNECTION TO THE CITY

COMMUNITY MAPPING OF CRUDDAS PARK

D

ELSWICK PARK

LEGEND: CE S VI

CRUDDAS PARK

I EV LS

IC SE R

C

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS B

B

S CE

A CI SO

PU BL

B

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

A. ST MICHAEL’S RC PRIMARY SCHOOL; B. NEWCASTLE COLLEGE; C. RAZZMATAZ THEATRE SCHOOL; D. HAWRON PRIMARY SCHOOL

CULTURAL: VIVA LAS CRUDDAS

The demographics show that Cruddas Park GROUPS: House is heavily made up of males who are out SOCIAL SERVICES: of work. With no provisions or CHARITIES: community for children it is not HEALTH SERVICES: suprising no children live in the block. With only 25% of the CHURCHES: m residents employed it means BUSINESS INDUSTRIES: theANDrest of the residents will be A. CRUDDAS PARK EARLY YEARS CENTRE; B. ASHFIELD NURSERY SCHOOL; C. RYE HILL CASTLE NURSERY

PS OU GR

CU LTU RA L

C

NS

LOCAL INSTITUTIONS

PPRIVATE

EDU CAT ION AL IN STIT UTIO

PUBLIC

A. PAKISTAN ISLAMIC CENTRE; B. POLISH CENTRE

CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE TENANTS GROUP

ST STEVENS COURT NURSING HOME

Average flat price by Postcode in Newcastle

Average flat price by area in postcode NE4

A. IPCC CHARITY; B. WEST END WOMEN AND GIRLS CENTRE

LK WA IN 5M

A

16

A

DA SP AR K

H A SE OU

ELSWICK PARK

CRUDDAS PARK CR UD

S LTH HEA

B

CH

A

IES RIT

ERV

S ICE

PHARMACY

ROYAL SOCIETY OR PROTECTION OF BIRDS

CRUDDAS PARK SURGERY

A. ST MICHAEL’S RC CHURCH; B. NEWCASTLE SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH; C. ST STEVENS AND ST PAULS; D. ELSWICK PARISH CHURCH

OASIS CAFE

The map above hughlights the surrounding facilities which encourage women’s participation in society.With a Analysis of property prices (flats) in Newcastle upon Tyne predominately male demographic in Cruddas Park it is important to make women feel welcome safe, with facilities specifically for them. The Cruddas Early Years Centre will encourage familes to reside in the area. The West End Womens and Girls Centre is a group where women have the opportunity to meet, have fun, learn

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Initial thoughts, opportunities and restrictions Upon reading the site, the first thing i noticed was the large area on top of the podium that appeared to be wasted, hosting only the HVAC system to the shopping centre. Second was the large park with lots of greenery just south of the site. The topography appears to slope down the site away from the building, opening up the views into the tyne valley. I was aware of recent developments to the flats, improving the energy efficiency with regards to heating, however they only cater for a fixed demographic of elderly retirees. So in order to change this to incorperate homogenous lifestyles and families, further renovation will be needed. The solar irradiance on the site is very good, with little shielding the suns path. The first hurdle i suspect will be conciously designing something that doesnt impose on the privacy of the flats, yet opens up the podium to increase the sense of community within the development.

The first sketch exploring the posibilities of the site

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An exploration of how the podium could be better utilised for the community.

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Initial perceptions of what could be incorperated into the podium.

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After investigating the surrounding area, it was clear that a shopping centre wasnt what the residents needed. The city centre is only 25 minutes walk away and their are a multitude of supermarkets close by, so whilst the element of convenience is there people would rather go further for more variety. Just north of the site is elswick park, which hosts a community run pool, bowls arena, tennis courts and a basketball court. However because it is community funded the facilities cant open all year round, highlighting that the local economy needs an intervention. In addition there are few places to eat in the immediate context. Not only would these be useful for the community, as a place to socialise and meet new people but Im sure they would get good business considering the great number of homes in the area. Therfore i considered combining a place where the community could meet and eat but also a place where they could exercise too. Not only would this be good for the children of the community, Newcastle college is very close by and already have an IT suite in the complex so they would make use of the facilties too im sure. Finally, these facilities would provide jobs for a number of people, boosting the local economy as well as the local people.

Considering the accomodation for cruddas park by investigating the community spaces within the Sargfabrik precedent

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It was at this point where i visited the site, after struggling to comprehend the size of the development and the spaces that would need to fit inside it. After arriving it was much smaller than i predicted it would be and i noticed the topography was much heavier than i had assumed. Moreover, despite its location close to a main road, my first observation was how quiet the park was. The large open green space had a sense of tranquility about it, yet it was empty and there are no spaces for people to sit and dwell. Rubbish had begun to accumulate, showing its disuse.

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The other main observation i made was how confusing the entry points were. Without any distinguished features hinting their location it was hard to find them, the recatangular form had little architectural language other than the occasional window. The residents entered the tower through one of two points, either a door from the outside stright to the lift. Or they have to walk through the podium, through a series of doors to reach the same spot. The glass and tiled interior was dated and intially i mistook the tower entrance for a hospital reception due to its characteristic features.

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Began with layout out rough room dimentions on a 1:500 plan, organising them into a layout that appeared to flow. It became difficult to visualise, however, due to the number of double height spaces.

Started using foam to lay the spaces out, once again over a 1:500 plan. organising them so that there were ample transition spaces and also taking into consideration the spaces above and how they need to function as well.

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Many different layouts...

Found a layout that appeared to work so i cut the upper floor and began to lay out more spaces.

3D spatial arrangement investigation

Altered the layout so the spaces worked better, began experimenting with curves in the spaces.

Happy with the interior organisation and accomodation spaces.

Now trying different roof volumes. Ran into the problem of having to decide whether to design a roof that allowed people to walk on top, one that would be beneficial for solar panels or one that created the most interesting interior volume.

Comparing more organic curved volumes or more rigid straight lines.

3D spatial arrangement investigation

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The structure of the podium, a rigid grid of concrete columns

Envisioning floorplans whilst using double height spaces became difficult so i began to model the organisation of the space using volumetric cuboids to represent the allocated accomodation. Trying out various different patterns and organisation, considering the solar orientation, the best views and the transition spaces between. Finding a layout that had a strong flow between spaces was very important because i want people to be able to walk through the podium and back out onto the street with ease. Especially on the upper floor where the street food court will be, encouraging passers by to explore the space rather than just walk by it.

Progressive designs for the roof of the podium - the most complex task yet.

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Some early analysis and design decisions including a very rough massing.

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A rough atmospheric, capturing the key features of the dining space.

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solar panels

food court Basketball court

physio

A site illustration showing the inital proposed massing.

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transition

A section to consider how sunlight will enter into the spaces.

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Testing

How does the roof meet the tower?

The chapter follows the conception of the design philosophy, exploration different massing ideas and diverging the ideas into orthographic outputs. I used abstract mapping methods to consider traversing the building as a journey through a sequence of spaces, with transitions between them. This helped me to establish a floorplan as I could create an order for which I wanted the spaces to appear.

This was a key turning point in my design process, following a tutorial i was asked to consider how the roof meets the tower. Intially i thought about how physically the two surfaces met, but realistically it ties back to the issue of how do the podium and the tower connect. There is a definite feeling of separation between the two currently, so how can it be improved? All the designs so far had been about the podium and improving that, proposing that any improvements to the tower could be done so internally. A difficult feature to design around was the tower because of its size and shape - a 21 story high block that elevates from a 4m high podium. The contrast was very stark and change in height very sudden. This led me to consider how could the incline be softened...

Diffusing the mass of the tower became a foundation for the massing study, I explored different shapes and volumes to soften the juxtaposition between the tower and podium. Difficulties regarding daylight penetration arose due to the depth of the new structure. This is something I explored deeply without success. Completing the Theory into Practice module, specifically reading ‘the drama of space’ by Holger Kleine, lead me to establish a design philosophy. Comparing the community-rich terraced streets with the isolated tower is how the ‘streets in the sky’ concept originated.

Following this I began to create a set of floorplans that would become refined to work better on a spatial and atmospheric level, embodying the ideology of creating visual connections between neighbours whilst maintaining privacy. Thinking through making forced me to consider how materiality would impact the atmospheric qualities of the spaces.

This turning point sketch, shows the importance of small sketches to spatialise thoughts.

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design decisions At this point there were many factors to be considered simultaneously, so i layout them out on a large spread and began to consider how one feature would contrast with another. This led me to make a series of key design decisions that would allow me to progress. I established that i needed to have clearly defined entrance points as they were currently too confusing, i decided to break the facade with additional forms rather than subtraction into the current. Breaking the formwork was something i had only breiefly considered, so the plans i had drafted would need updating. In addition, following the access analysis the residents were going to need an improved entrance, better worded as a ‘journey’. One of the residents of the sargfabrik precedent said he felt he was home when he reached the front gates, so as a philosophy i want to investigate extending the boundaries of ones sense of home. In this particular case through community/resident spaces.

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Considering the new concept for the tower, enlargening the lower floors to create bigger flats and keep the families grouped together. This issue of natural light has become apparent, so an alteration to the genral form is likely.

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New proposed layout, established through the massing model

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Considering the sports complex as a journey of spaces and how that may be mapped.

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Exploring the journey from the road to the flats through mapping, then in section. Considering the atmosphere to be created within the spaces.

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Iterations of the sport complex floor plan. still many things to consider and incorperate

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The street food court, flow between the spaces is good and general organisation is strong however the size of some of the spaces could be more carefully considered

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Communal balconies Staggered flats Curved roofs over sports halls Resident access Solar array ~70GW

Beginning to compose a plan for the communal spaces on the lower floor of the tower and on top of the podium. The roof above the swimming pool is now perfectly orientated for a large scale solar array that may cover the sports complex electricity usage.

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Current rough massing, showing the general form of the proposal.

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Site massing showing the latest form in relation to the context. However, issues arose with the design in terms of daylight, so a new massing study was needed.

Progressive massing showing different considerations

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The final iteration in the massing study

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Modelling the concept with correct dimentions to analyse its viability

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Working towards converting the new massing into a series of floor plans

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The initial proposed layout for the roof terrace which is to become the new main point of access to the tower.

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These drawings show the initial considerations for how to arrange the individual flats in relation to the massing. The depth of the units made sunlight an issue so to combat this i used light well to bring light deeper into the spaces. The light wells began as circular tubes, after being inspired by the one in Glasgow School of Art.

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I experimented with where windows could be placed to maximise daylight without sacrificing privacy, however it became clear that the strict linear nature of the current structure was too heavily juxtaposed by the circular intervention.

Modelling the concept sketch from the page opposite, the light well was successful in bringing light deeper into the spaces. However, it creates an awkward entryway and a heavy disconnect between the front and back of the apartments. In addition the apartments are now likely too large and expensive for the current residents.

They will also require the construction of a large extension to the eastern facade of the building.

Therefore the sizing needs to be evaluated.

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Sports Centre

Terrace level

Street food / Restaurant level

The size of the shopping centre was difficult to grasp in terms of comparing it to specific room sizes. Creating these spider diagrams to compile a list of accomodation needed for each level helped to put the scale into perspective.

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Analysis of the current layout of the tower and how a smart intervention could increase the size 0f the apartments, whilst tackling issues such as daylight and large scale new construction.

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Experimenting with how the physical layout of terraced streets could be adapted for the tower. Initially the idea was to build a second structure to create an opposing street for every level.

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Hence the concept of STREETS IN THE SKY was born.

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Creating diagrams to compare the difference in spatial layout of Cruddas Park vs a typical terraced street.

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* Module

Terraced Streets

Cruddas Park

Proposal

One of the main criteria for the studio was to explore modularity, which i am doing on a large scale here. One dwelling represents one module, the diagram simply shows the general idea of my intervention.

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Here are the concept sketches for what became the proposal for the scheme, rerouting the access for the flats to create visual connections between neighbours. Opposite is an exploded axonometric mockup of the current proposal on site.

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Proposed conversion of the lower level car park into a sports centre.

Proposed conversion of the Shopping centre in a food and drink venue.

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Basement level Floor plan

Ground level Floor plan

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Terrace level Floor plan

Spatial layout of terrace level, providing renewed access to the tower and new community facilities

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Floorplan of a typical level in the tower

Floorplan showing new enhanced visual connection between neightbours.

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Rough model to communicate the proposed double height space on the western facade.

Model representation of the renewed deck access to the flats.

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Graphic style section of the tower to demonstrate how the intervention adds to the exisiting structure

Section of the new structure housing the people displaced from the tower as part of the new development.

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site section displaying all three levels of the structure now in use.

Site map showing the new massing in the context

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Section of the tower showing environmental strategies

Displaying the proposed new development in its immediate context

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Thinking Through Making, Western Facade Sunroom investigation to understand the spatial atmosphere being created.

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Thinking through making material investigation exploring different surfaces textures

The two most effective textures, one of which is likely to be chosen for the final design.

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Precedent Study 1 - Falconhoven Apartment Building, Caruso St John

Precedent Study 2 - Cambridge Mosque, Marks Barfield

I chose to study this building as I saw similarities in my building proposal, specifically the long communal balconies and the choice of materials. Investigating how, techtonically, they merged the exterior concrete balconies with the brick exterior envelope informed my technology assignment and thus also my design. Whilst the main structural elements differ, the application of materials and the execution are two things I aimed to adapt to suit my building.

The unusual and organic use of timber by Marks Barfield inspired (alongside other factors) my application of timber for the western facade construction. The combination of natural materials and strong daylight creates an ephereal atmosphere inside. The timber enhances the feeling of warmth and homeliness, something i wanted to replicate.

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Synthesis 84

Defining the border between public/private space and exploring how they interact with each other is a large part of this chapter. As the design progressed, consideration of finer details and material impact became more integral to design decisions. These adjustments were impacted by the technology assignment, as that challenged the safety of the building and the physical tectonic connections between elements of the structure. In addition, revisions were made to the floorplans following the calculation of escape distances and how one would exit the building in the event of a fire. Moreover, the evaluation of deeper internal finishes such as how services are navigated in individual units as well as the entire building, required a very thorough understanding of the structure. Awareness of how a design is converted into a building that would work successfully in reality, was a very valuable skill I learned.

Establishing the process of construction was influenced by the technology assignment and the professional practice management report. Discovering the Antwerp tower precedent was valuable because it allowed me to compare the scheme I had developed with an existing building.

This led me to revise sections of my massing, allowing it to respond to the site more successfully.

Deciding on a set of illustrations that effectively communicates my design was a prudent task, a skill that I believe will only improve with time.

I feel I understand the building entirely, but communicating that level of knowledge is a task that requires careful consideration.

Exploded View inside a typical floor

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Progression drawings ahowing how i solved the techtonic connection between the steel and concrete

Drawings exploring additional technical connections between timber and concrete/ timber and steel

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New Design Decisions

Following a review it was highlighted there was an issue of safety on the upper levels of the tower, having open balcony access to the flats at a height of up to 60m+. Therefore, a solution was required that would not restrict the amount of daylight entering though the facade, but would convey a sense of safety on the upper floors. Initially, windows were the natural solution but further investigation was needed.

In addition, a ‘defensable space’ was missing from the apartments, meaning an allocated space that would only be used if someone was visiting the particular unit. Having this space created a better sense of security for the inhabitants as they would have a border between the public and the private, that wasn’t thier front door.

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Technical considerations for the timber frame following a meeting with a structural engineer

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Sketches considering alterations to the floorplans in order to create a ‘defensable space’

Diagram showing how the new floorplan effects the visual connection between residents

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Another possible solution to creating a sense of security on the decks higher up in the tower, would be to partially clad the exterior facade in intermittent timber slats. These would enclose the walkway without restricting the level of light coming through. The slats could compress where the front doors are and spread out where the windows are to maximise effectivness. Chemical treatment of the timber would ensure the safety of the structure in the event of a fire.

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Material consideration/analysis To better integrate Cruddas Park house within its context a more refined material choice needs to be made, the most commonly used materials in the surrounding structures are brick and render. The familiarity of brick should enhance the integration of a new structure and its context, in addition it adds to the sense of creating ‘streets in the sky’ as all the local streets use brick. The current building already uses white render on the exterior, so i plan to use this in the sunroom as a reminder of the original structure that still lies beneath the volumetric additions.

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Following the material analysis I considered the finish of the new building exterior and decided to continue with the same material choice as most of the surrounding streets. The familiarity of the brick will create a more connected atmosphere between Cruddas park and its context. Moreover, it will be some what reminiscent of terraced street culture.

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Steel Frame

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Exploring construction methods for the steel frame on the Eastern facade

Timber Structure

Exploring construction methods for the Timber structure on the Western facade

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Considering how the ground floor spatial layout stages an entry point

Illustration showing the concieved process of demolition followed by construction of the new elements

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Main Intervention principles

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Eastern Facade - transformed into renewed access routes

A progressive Structural diagram from my ARC3013 assignment showing the process of demolishing the original facade and constructing the new eastern walkways.

Western Facade - transformed into double height sunroom space

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Spatial layout diagrams for a typical 2 bed-bedroom unit

Diagrams highlighting fire escape routes and piping layouts for the individual MVHR systems

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Sprinkler systems needed to fulfill fire regulations

3D Axonometric showing the services distribution in the tower, leading down to the central plant room

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Precedent Study 3 - Antwerp Tower, C.F. Møller There are strong similarities between this precedent and the scheme have developed for Cruddas Park, both embody the concept of creating multi-level shared spaces on the exterior facades. In addition, the material choices are very similar. Both appear to utilise a concrete structure with a brick exterior finish. Whilst this building has up to 4 floors sharing the same space, i deemed that to be too far to be able to verbally communicate with ones neighbours. What i admire about this project is how the buildings on the site relate to one another, they create natural transition spaces and plazas. The rigid rectangular structure of Cruddas is optimal for partial demolition as the concrete gridwork will not lose any structural integrity if some of it is eroded away. The development also takes advantage of using solar panels on used roof areas and uses vegetation to cover more exposed roofing.

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Updated design decisions following research

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Below is a diagram illustrating how i updated the massing of the building. The intial intent was to create a throughfare from Westmorland road to the park at the South of the site. Following this, part of the Northern facade was indented to create a clear main entrance point into the development. This facade is the most travelled by and is directly opposite where the bus stop is located. On the southern side, the upper floor level was very deep, so daylight penetration was a cause for concern. Stepping back the upper floor creates a shallower interior but allows for an outdoor seating area to be created, in addition the stepped back nature follows the natural topography of the site, blending it into the earth more smoothly.

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New site view from a North-East perspective

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New Site view from an East perspective

New site view from a North perspective

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Updated site map - 1:1000

Exploded Programmatic Grpahic of the whole scheme

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Sketch of the new main entry to the development

Sketch of approach from Westmorland road (west)

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Approaching the Eastern entry point

Exploded view inside the tower, showing new structural layout of apartment

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Devising a solution to sectioning off the sun room into clusters to improve privacy

Considering internal views and material choices

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Process of deciding how to divide the spaces

Views of the fixed planters in the sun room and how they divide up the space with creating a disconnect between neighbours

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Minimal overshadowing and light blocking

Long shadows cast by the walls create dark spots and they also restrict the view towards the Tyne

Shadow study using the fixed planters inside the sun room

Shadow study using fixed walls inside the sun room

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Very low window height ~200mm

Low window height ~400mm

Medium window height ~600mm (Most appropriate)

High window height ~800mm

Comparing window heights to decide the best for retaining privacy whilst maximising daylight

Exisiting structure of Cruddas Park Tower

Removal of internal corridor and extension of load bearing walls

Addition of steel frame and timber structure on opposing facades

Installation of concrete floor to complete main structural strategy

Progressive Diagrams showing main structural intervention

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Sport Centre floor plan - 1:1000

Ground floor plan - 1:1000

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Terrace floor plan - 1:1000

Tower floor plan - 1:1000

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Shadow study + Sunroom Section

2-Bedroom Unit Perspective + Section

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Day in the life - New walkways in the morning

Day in the life - Laundrette

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Day in the life - Central walkway in the mid morning

Day in the life - Terrace in the late afternoon

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Day in the life - Gym and transition space in the evening

Day in the life - Restaurants and central walkway at night

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Eastern Elevation showing new facade and access

Western Elevation showing double height sun rooms

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3D Section showing natural ventilation across the structure

3D Section showing natural ventilation across the structure

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Tower section

Tower section showing environmental factors

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Tower floorplans showing fire escape strategy and distances

Tower floorplan showing sprinkler systems and plain one for reference

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3D axonometric showing vertical escape routes in the tower

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SARGFABRIK

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Thematic Case Study Sargfabrik is a social housing scheme developed by the workers of a coffin factory in response to a housing market that only catered for individuals and couples, providing little for families.

They aimed to create a social development that provided suitable facilities for heterogenous lifestyles. Located in Vienna, it hides behind the main street, occupying two spots on the road as entry points. The structure features large rooftop gardens, adaptable living spaces and sustainable energy production equipment such as solar photovoltaic and solar thermal panels.

Examining how this precedent explored our studio specific criteria of modularity formed the foundation from which i worked.

Here i understoood the possibilities of exploring modularity at different scales. Ranging from the entire unit down to elements of fixed furniture, modularity simply meant a system of components that when combined form a whole.

Central walkway inside Sargfarik housing development

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Wohnheim Sargfabrik BKK-2 Architects Co-Housing Vienna, Austria

Aggie Barber

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Edward Bousfield

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Olivia Ewing

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Bibliography // List of Figures

Chapter 1 pter 11 Chapter Cha

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

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Chapter 5

Chapter 3

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Chapter 4

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Bibliography Baden-Powell, Charlotte. Architect's Pocket Book. New York : Routledge, 2017.

Batchelor, Abigail and Paul Karakusevic. Social housing : definitions & design exemplars. RIBA, 2017.

Brauneck, Per and Günter Pfeifer. Residential Buildings: A typology. Birkhäuser, 2015.

Katz, Peter, et al. The New Urbanism : toward an Architecture of Community. New York : McGraw-Hill, 1994.

Kleine, Holger. Drama of Space. Basel : Birkhäuser, 2017.

Löschke, Sandra. Non-Standard Architectural Productions : Between Aesthetic Experience and Social Action. Milton : Routledge, 2019.

Plummer, Henry. The experience of architecture. London: Thames and Hudson, 2016.

Samuels, Alec. "Grenfell & the Cladding Problem: The Lessons from Grenfell Tower Must Be Learned & the Hardship Suffered by Those Living in Cladded Blocks Must Be Alleviated." New Law Journal 170.7887 (2020): 22.

Smets, Peer and Paul Watt. Social Housing and Urban Renewal : a Cross-National Perspective. Bingley, U.K. : Emerald Publishing Limited, 017.

Wates, Nick and Charles Knevitt. Community Architecture : How People Are Creating Their Own Environment. Abingdon : Routledge, 2013.

Webb, Michael. Building Community : New Apartment Architecture. London : Thames & Hudson, 2017.

White, Joy. Terraformed : Young Black Lives in the Inner City. London : Repeater Books, 2020.

Edward Bousfield edwardbousfield@icloud.com 07714744427