Eloise Littler Portfolio by PDF Uploads

newcastle university

eloise littler

2020 / 2021

p o r t f o l i o

contents

00 / illustrated reflective diary 004 01 / framing 008 02 / testing 054 03 / synthesis 070 eloise littler 180160402 newcastle university school of architecture and planning

04 / cultural bibliography 092 05 / list of figures 098

2020 / 2021 06 / bibliography 099 07 / appendix 100

pages with work added / improved after the review will be marked with an orange tab

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illustrated reflective diary The Weaving in Wallsend studio encouraged a development and refinement of an urban common scheme for the existing context of the Forum shopping centre in Wallsend. Throughout the year, my project has developed in parallel with my increasing understanding of the functions and characteristics of an urban common. The integrated tasks involved across all the Stage 3 modules have helped inform the framework of my proposal, and clarify what it means to be an architect and designer. To initiate the Framing phase of the project, each studio member created a drawing representation of an urban common of their choice. We collated these outputs to form an ‘atlas of commons’, which exhibited a wide breadth of varying schemes and visual representation methods. Similarly, we conducted the same task for a ‘ritual of civic life’ drawing, which interpreted the various social interactions which occur in public space. The assignments introduced me to the opportunity of urban commons at hosting a range of activities, and it was equally interesting to see the differing creative methods that my peers chose to represent this. Upon reflection, this broad introduction to urban commons and civic life interaction formed a foundation of my understanding of urban commons, and allowed me to decipher my own area of interest in the topic.

The concept for my urban common arose from an initial interest in green space amongst architecture. Through this I wanted to consider two key questions in my proposal; how can I design a scheme which promotes the formation of communities? And, how can I design a scheme which reflects the existing context of Wallsend? Research conducted in design and other modules allowed me to put theory behind my questions. The Thematic Case Study first introduced me to Agrocité, an urban farming scheme in Paris, which became a fundamental precedent for my project. My role in the Thematic Case Study group was to research and present the architect’s theoretical position. I found that the cofounders, Constantine Petcou and Doina Petrescu, have an alternative approach to architecture in which they develop schemes through a process of collaboration with the user community. They strive for building resilience in cities, and create malleable frameworks which can adapt over time to suit a changing context. This attitude towards architecture is not something I had come across before, and inspired me to consider how my proposal could influence and change along with the context and community of Wallsend.

activities on green space drawing created as part of the theory into pracrice illustrated essay

When writing my Theory into Practice essay I researched green urban commons, discovering the benefits green space can have on a person’s mental health and wellbeing. An article by Viniece Jennings and Omoshalewa Bamkole argues that by introducing green space to urban areas there is increased social interaction, which then promotes social cohesion within a community. This theory caused me to greatly consider how I designed the green space and implemented outdoor activities in my proposal. I decided to design community gardens and allotments as they are a space where people can connect and collectively grow produce, encouraging a sense of belonging through a shared common interest.

atlas of commons & rituals of civic life screenshots of the miro boards containing each studio members represenation drawing

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Similarly, using my proposal as a case study in the Professional Practice report informed me of the construction process via the RIBA Plan of Work. I was made aware of the varying consultants that would need to be involved, in particular the use of a landscape architect, necessary for this project brief. Analysing the qualities of my scheme in relation to client, budget and procurement strategy causes me to develop a deeper understanding about the role of my scheme and how it would function in the context of Wallsend. Overall, I have enjoyed the structure of the Stage 3 course, particularly how all the modules have been integrated to allowed for further development and refinement of my personal brief. The support and guidance from my tutors has allowed me explore, experiment, and most importantly, produce a project I am proud of. Reflecting on my final year, I believe I have grown in skill and confidence, and am excited to progress on to the next stage of my architectural career. Part of my development during the Testing phase of the project was deciphering a spatial arrangement which best reflects the aims and intentions of my scheme. I had proposed a circular economy, consisting of a gardening school, cookery school and a cafe. Through the building programme I wanted to create an exhibition of this circular economy. This was a process of trial and error, which became apparent during the Testing review. I received feedback that I needed to be more ‘brave’ in my approach, making more bold design moves which celebrate each activity. Reflecting on this feedback, I began to be more experimental, for example, designing a ‘half-open’ cafe kitchen so visitors can view their food being prepared. It was only though receiving more critical feedback in the review that I was able to evaluate and improve my design proposal.

rainwater harvesting via green roof diagram showcases an integration between design and technolgy

The integration of the technology report with the design proposal allowed me to explore technical strategies which could directly relate to the concept of my scheme. For example, I researched the construction of green roofs, as they relate to the green space aspect of my brief. However, I was intrigued to find out that they hold further benefits than just aesthetics. I proposed a method of rainwater harvesting via the green roofs, in which water could be collected, stored and re-used on site. Green roofs also provide extra insulation which improves energy efficiency. Exploring technical elements such as these highlighted the correlation between design and technology, and how sound architecture must be efficient and sustainable.

testing iterations exploring spatial arrangements of proposed services - completed during thre testing phase

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framing determining qualities of site ethical framework

reflection

The Framing phase of the project began with forming an understanding of the Weaving in Wallsend studio themes. Through an introduction into urban commons, I was prompted to consider the aims of critical designing to reflect a specific context, and taking the role as an advocate to spur social change. Group site analysis provided an overview of the wider context of Wallsend, highlighting the characteristics of the existing community, and in particular the qualities of our broader site of the Forum shopping centre. Forming an in-depth understanding of the site was necessary to allow me to distinguish areas in need of intervention. I developed a site strategy which involved specific improvements at a micro scale, aiming to connect in a larger framework to benefit Wallsend at a macro scale. Upon reflection, I recognise that setting this initial framework for my proposal caused me to have direction when I came to designing. I was able to move into the Testing phase with specific aims I would like my building to achieve.

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studio themes

demonstrating critical spatial practice advocacy

exploring ideas in the the use and development of public space through the creation of urban commons

defining urban commons

extract from ‘theory into practice’ essay...

Distinct frameworks of social organisation provide opportunity for the creation of worlds which run on a system of shared beliefs and habits. Additionally, these social worlds enable a sense of belonging, which develops as a result of active participation.1 Urban commons are a versatile platform which encourage participation from members of the civic community. They function through a process of deliberation and co-operation, and unlike schemes managed by a team in a hierarchal position, the collective process enables an agile and flexible structure, which can be altered and adapted to suit its users.2 Urban commons operate on the basis of use value, rather than exchange value, meaning they focus on the current, practical value of the resource for its users, rather than treating it as a profitable commodity.3 They are seen to have more sustainable benefits than other managerial schemes, due to this flexible and evolutionary nature. It could be inferred that acts of commoning are prosperous, and reflect contemporary modes of social progress and democratic culture.4 Equally, the benefits like inclusivity and accessibility make commons an attractive addition to any area of a city.

Stavros Stavrides. Common Space: The City as Commons. 2016. Zed Books Ltd, London. (pp.1-7) pg.2 Mary Dellenbaugh-Losse and Nils-Eyk Zimmermann, Nicole de Vries. The Urban Commons Cookbook: Strategies and Insights for Creating and Maintaining Urban Commons. 2020. Mary Dellenbaugh-Losse. (pp.5-60) pg.5 3 Mary Dellenbaugh-Losse, Nils-Eyk Zimmermann, Nicole de Vries. pg.7 4 Mary Dellenbaugh-Losse, Nils-Eyk Zimmermann, Nicole de Vries. pg.5 1

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atlas of commons To initiate the framing phase of the project, we were asked to research an urban common of our choice and create a drawing representation of it. I chose Nightingale 1, in Melbourne Australia, a multipurpose building with apartments, a cafe, offices (including an architecture practice) and a rooftop garden. The main aim of the project was to achieve social, economic and environmental sustainability. The planning was kept simple, with materiality taking priority over form. The building’s arrangement was formulated to promote resident engagement and to form a community, such as seating nooks placed along the corridor of the internal winter gardens.

reflection All the drawings created by members of the studio were collated to form an ‘atlas of commons’. This provided a creative insight to numerous commoning approaching from schemes all over the world. It was interesting to see the different styles others decided to represent the qualities of their chosen common, as well as the wide variety of activities which occur in the spaces. This task was beneficial as it stimulated ideas for my own urban common scheme.

nightingale 1 melbourne, australia breathe architecture 2017

a selection of other studio members interpretation of an urban common...

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rituals of civic life

Our studio themes encourage us to consider the type of social interactions which occur in public space. In an urban common, daily exchanges occur which are specific to that civic location. I chose to represent a view of corner shop showing the interaction between shoppers with each other and with the shopkeeper.

reflection Similarly to the ‘atlas of commons’, each studio member created a representation of interactions in civic space. Viewing others’ work caused me to consider the atmosphere each space promoted and how this affected the type of interaction. For example, social interactions which occur in a pub will be different to those which occur in a GP surgery. This benefited my design strategy as it caused me to consider the effect materiality, activity and environment can have on daily exchanges.

a selection of other studio members interpretation of daily civic exchanges...

corner shop my representation of daily exchanges which occur in a cornershop

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introducing wallsend 4.8 miles east from newcastle-upon-tyne 18 minute metro ride from monument population 43,826 (2011)

figure 1 images sourced from google earth

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a journey through wallsend

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figure 2 image sourced from google earth

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A186 - central access road of wallsend

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dock yards

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wallsend metro station

local primary school

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residential area

high street

journey photos my own photos taken on a route around wallsend

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historical context

the social and economic history of wallsend completed by other studio members... 1860s

1920s

1950s 23

figure 3 historical maps showing the developement of wallsend sourced from digimaps

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ship building history

landmarks Wallsend is renowned for its ship building history, which includes the famous RMS Mauretania (1906) - the biggest and fastest ship of its time.

Wallsend originates from a Roman fort called Segedunum, meaning ‘strong fort’, which was built to mark the end of Hadrian’s Wall. The modern name, Wallsend, was first recorded in 1085.

group work drawing of wallsend ship building

figure 5 image of the RMS Mauretania being towed down the river tyne

figure 6 image of part of hadiran’s wall in wallsend

figure 4 famous image of a view of wallsend ship yard

group work three historical landmarks of wallsend

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wallsend ecology The surrounding areas of Wallsend centre contain a few large green spaces, the majority of which are private such as a golf course and football pitches. The nearest public park is Richardson Dees park, and is an approximate 10 minute walk from the town centre. The park is home to many wildlife habitats, and incorporates formal planting with public facilities like a kids play area, cafe and tennis courts. Richardson Dees park displays attributes of a green urban common. Introducing a similar scheme to the centre of Wallsend would provide further benefits for the community.

figure 7 map sourced from google earth

maps of green spaces in wallsend completed by other studio members...

newcastle east end football club

centurion park golf club

sir charles parson school grounds

millers dene football ground Foreground of Hawthorn Villas & Park Villas, and to the Hallís foreground 1:1000 Nature

Leisure

hadrian leisure centre

Richardson Dees Park 1:1000 Nature

Leisure

richardson dees park

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01 / artist’s impression of the newly designed shopping centre

throughout history...

1960

original dark cladding

1970

public social space benches and planting

01.8 / 1981

the forum shopping centre

greenery added to internal walkways to improve visual environment

1996

The Forum Shopping Centre (the broader site of my scheme), sets a challenging context. Located in the town-centre, the Forum has the potential to become the hub of the town, but lack of social space such as seating areas, and a poor visual environment currently negatively affect the experience. Since its opening in 1966, the Forum has undergone numerous refurbishments, many of which at the time aimed to tackle these issues. However today, many of the shops have closed down, and the architectural style is deemed outdated. The Forum is is need of regeneration.

architecture begins to look outdated - prior to Library building renovation

2000

site model image taken from shared group work

the Forum that we see today

2016

figure 8 images the development of wallsend

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site uses map shows the site’s exsiting land use

library car park pub the forum

car park restaurant aldi group work elevations labelled with building uses - sourced from group work

north

east

south

west

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shops for ‘essential items’ or affordable services

central atrium of forum high glasss ceiling light walkways naturally circulate to this area

large open space

potential to become the ‘hub’ of the forum addition of benches could increase social interaction

independant shops selling local produce, run by local people

smaller buisnesses running from stands in the wide walkways alternative proposed shopping area could provide a permanent location

overall structure shows aesthetic potential small interventions such as plants in the walkways could improve the environment

indoor market lack of atmosphere attempt at improving the environment through plants and lights seems unsuccessful

area for socialising some local residents come to the forum to socialise improving the environment will positively impact their experience

main entrance into atrium small - more opportunity for celebration of space

activity area empty and un-used

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daily life at the forum

the forum as an urban common

It could be seen that the Forum already displays attributes of an urban common. Through observation, I concluded that for many locals the Forum is a place where they can come daily, to meet friends, socialise, and shop. The Forum is part of so many people’s daily rhythms, and provides a purpose.

Many of the shops in the Forum are run by local people, and rely on local people to buy their items.

sketches views of/in the forum

It is necessary to consider the impact a new urban common could have on the Forum. Ideally, a new scheme would encourage more people to visit the Forum, using the existing services as well as new ones.

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user profiles typical visitors of the forum

tom & sam

irene

age

9 & 11

ethnicity

white british

ethnicity

white british

religion

christian

religion

christian

housing

owned 2 bed bungalow

housing

owned 2 bed house

employment

retired

employment

n/a

notes

lived in the area all her life

notes

live with their single mum

irene’s house

route from irene’s house to the forum

tom & sam’s primary school

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height = 2900mm

300mm barrier

extremely dark under car park

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regular grid of supporting columns

the site large area of disused green space

ground floor of car park upper deck of car park approximately : 60m x 50m

library

approach to the site

car park often empty due to a surplus of parking spaces on site

main access to route to forum opportunity to for activity in adjacent green space main entrance to forum directly next to site

residential area overlooks site

exisiting access route to car park deck

main access to forum from northen road

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panoramic view of site

close proximity to existing services

area of disused green space

located in the town’s buisness distict

opportunity for new activity

existing large capacity car park

surrounding residential area

sutible size to accomodate visitors and to allow for a redevelopment of second car park

close proximity to new services - able to view activity from home

upper car park deck location of new proposal

multiple views of scheme

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concept

the importance of green space in urban areas

extract from ‘theory into practice’ essay...

“...introducing green spaces to urban areas encourages positive social interaction and in turn, creates social cohesion which improves health and well-being.”7

“Finding place and refuge in nature, sharing the space with others, strengthens relationships and brings unique interactions that could not occur in any other setting.”8

Reflecting on the characteristics of the site, I recognised there was a lack of green open space. Noting the positive aspects of urban common schemes, I explored attributes of green urban commons, which incorporate green open social space, with carefully planned landscaping to encourage interaction. Attwell (2002) poses three useful benefits of plants: environmentally, aesthetically and recreationally.5 Adding planting to urban areas is seen to help neutralise pollution effects, with many arguing that to achieve sustainability in cities, planted landscapes and urban areas must be merged.6 The sustainable benefits of green urban commons definitely appealed to me as a valuable quality, and it is a live issue in the contemporary field of architecture. I was also fascinated by the effects greenery can have on a community’s health and well-being. In the article, The Relationship between Social Cohesion and Urban Green Space: An Avenue for Health Promotion, Viniece Jennings and Omoshalewa Bamkole highlight how urban dwellers can often feel isolated due to environmental and social stressors. They pose that introducing green spaces to urban areas encourages positive social interaction and in turn, creates social cohesion which improves health and well-being. Social cohesion is a necessary characteristic to construct a social world. Defined as the interpersonal dynamics and collective efforts used to assess quality of life, it also represents feelings of acceptance, trust and belonging, which result from positive social interaction.7 This concept of belonging in particular, is a powerful tool to sustaining good mental health. Finding place and refuge in nature, sharing the space with others, strengthens relationships and brings unique interactions that could not occur in any other setting.8 Community gardens are a space where people can connect and collectively grow produce. Gardens encourage a sense of belonging through a shared common interest, the communities formed arguably have social capital which brings empowerment and satisfaction.9

activities in green space shows the different ways people can experience green space

Boon Lay Ong. Green Plot Ratio: an ecological measure for architecture and urban planning. 2003. DOI: 10.1016/S0169-2046(02)00191-3 (pp.198-210) pg.198 6 Boon Lay Ong. pg.200 7 Viniece Jennings and Omoshalewa Bamkole. The Relationship between Social Cohesion and Urban Green Space: An Avenue for Health Promotion. 2019. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030452 (pp.1-5) pg.1 8 Viniece Jennings and Omoshalewa Bamkole. pg.2 9 Viniece Jennings and Omoshalewa Bamkole. pg.5

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a sustainable circular economy The three main activities of my proposed urban common; cookery school, gardening school and cafe, will all connect to form a larger framework, creating a sustainable circular economy.

grow

produce / vegetables grown in gardens and allotments

make

produce made into meals in cafe kitchen and cookery school

eat

meals sold in the cafe and market

visual brief represents the circular economy of my proposal

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precedent study extract from thematic case study see appendix for full report

figures 9 - 13 images of agrocité

agrocité paris Agrocite is an urban agricultural project based in Colombes, Paris. It was created by Atelier D’Architecture Autogérée (the aaa) in 2001. The aaa was co-founded by Constantin Petcou and Doina Petrescu, who both strive to promote resilience in cities via civic participation. Unlike other similar farming schemes, Agrocite is not run by a team in a hierarchal position. Instead all members of the community take an active role, and the scheme functions as a collective, collaborative practice.10

The Agrocité hub consists of an experimental microfarm, collective gardens, education and cultural facilities, a community cafe and a market.11 It aims to be ecologically and environmentally sustainable, with garden grown vegetables and animal produce being sold locally in the market and cafe. It is part of a larger network system known as R-Urban, which has two other hubs; Recyclab - a social enterprise based on recycling and reusing materials, and Ecohab community housing. I have drawn inspiration from Agrocité for my own design proposal. In particular, the concept that it functions as part of the larger framework of R-Urban, as well as containing its own smaller network of services, acknowledging the potential of urban commons functioning at both a macro and micro scale in a city. word map key words which relate to the agrocité scheme

11 Doina Petrescu et al. “Co-Producing Commons-Based Resilience: Lessons from R-Urban.” Building Research & Information, vol. 44, no. 7, Oct. 2016, pp. 717–36, doi:10.1080/09613218.2016.1214891. (pp.720-725) pg.720

10 Constantin Petcou and Doina Petrescu. “Co-Produced Urban Resilience: A Framework for Bottom-Up Regeneration.” Architectural Design, vol. 88, no. 5, 2018, pp. 58–65, doi:https://doi. org/10.1002/ad.2343. (pp.60-65) pg.60

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building resilience in cities

The Agrocité scheme demonstrates resilience as it can adapt to any context, and adjusts to rapidly changing circumstances. This represents an urban common which can change to suit the diverse needs of its inhabitants. I have been inspired by the sustainable process, in which the use and production of materials is community conscious.

demonstrating critical spatial practice

Critical Spatial Practice

“Resilience, when referring to organisation systems and the natural environment, can be defined by three characteristics: “(1) the amount of change the system can undergo and still retain the same controls on function and structure; (2) the degree to which the system is capable of self-organisation; and (3) the ability to build and increase the capacity for learning and adaptation.”12

from thematic case study drawing representing the framework of the agrocité scheme

from thematic case study images relating to the qualities of the agrocité scheme

12 John Colding and Stephan Barthel. The potential of ‘Urban Green Commons’ in the resilience building of cities. 2012. https://www.eukn.eu/fileadmin/Files/News/2015/Urban-green-commons.pdf (pp.156-161) pg.156

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potential client

The Comfrey Project is a charity loacted in Gateshead, Newcastle, which helps refugees and vulnerable people by encouraging social interaction through community activities such as gardening, cooking and crafts. Their aims include:

- Improve quality of life and wellbeing - Teach building/transferable skills - Create a sense of place and belonging Similarly to how Agrocite is part of the wider community of R-Urban, my proposed scheme and The Comfrey Project could link together to create a larger network, encouraging more people from surrounding areas to get involved. map shows the placement of the comfrey project’s site in relation to my wallsend site

figure 14 images ofthe comfrey project

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intial site strategy

includes multiple areas of intervention accross the broader site of the forum shopping centre

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testing exploring design ideas spatial arrangements

reflection

Through the Testing phase I explored and experimented with differing spatial arrangements to find the most efficient layout which represented the concept of my personal brief and ethical framework. This was a trial and error process, deciphering a format for the proposed services which fit in with the existing context of the Forum shopping centre. I found it useful producing multiple iterations, and then through evaluation with the help of my tutors, working out an efficient programme solution. Upon reflection, I also recognise the benefit creating formal outputs for the Testing review had on my project and confidence. I was able to experiment with representation methods and format a presentation, both of which prepared me for the final review.

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thinking through making

process For my next attempt I made a mould by pressing and rolling the plants into clay. I then poured the plaster on top and allowed too set.

For my thinking through making I wanted to represent the existing qualities of the site, with the new addition of greenery. I chose to create this casting which aims to juxtapose the heavy, solid, concrete of the existing car park with the light, malleable planting. All the plants used in the casting are taken from the site in Wallsend.

intial attempt For my first attempt I simply poured the plaster in the mould on top of the plants, hoping once it had dried I could remove the plants and they wicked leave an in-dent. This did not work as the plants just got solidified within the plaster and were not able to be removed.

200mm x 200mm

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final output

reflection

Thinking through making encouraged me to think creatively about how I could represent the qualities of my personal brief. I had to test and evaluate methods, deciphering what would be the best process to achieve my aims. I enjoyed exploring an artistic process which I had never tried before, and creating a physical output. I am pleased with the final output of this project as the clay mould was particularly effective in creating a significant amount of detail.

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testing new service distribution on site

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testing iterations allotments on existing disused green space

social interaction an exhibition of circular economy use of outside space regeneration of existing facilities

exploring service arrangements which encourage...

services for circular economy

central hub surrounded by gardens

intial process

distinguishing new builds / outdoor spaces needed for circular economy activities

utlising existing routes of circulation

connection of spaces

thinking about how the proposed services will connect and circulate around the existing forum

collection of services - ‘activity area’

utlising existing car park

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GF circulation

specific location of scheme determined (existing car park)

testing access from forum arrangement of proposed retail space west facade elevation

testing new build arrangement methods of bringing light to underneath deck landscaping & planting

large greenhouse with planting large staircase which provides direct access from the forum to the upper deck of the car park

multiply lightwells with planting - light to GF new retail spaces on GF

west facade elevation and section considering approaching views and levels considered a large area of demolition to car park deck

perspective sketch of greenhouse with staircase direct access from forum

GF of building on ground level, cuts through car park deck

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massing strategy

recreational building

situated on ground level and spans two storeys allows for a connection to the covered market on the ground floor uses upper car park deck as first floor level

an interconnection of the three aspects of the circular economy reflected in the massing strategy

educational building

sits on top of the car park deck GF gardening school, FF cookery school

recreational building

educational building

connection

both buildings connected via a glass walkway still allows for interaction even though the activities are contained

building for ‘profit’ aspect of the circular economy

building for ‘learning’ aspect of the circular economy

contains cafe and dining areas

contains cookery and gardening school

views

massing forms cut away to allow space for viewing points outdoor cafe seating balcony on the recreational building, space for planting deck on the outside of educational building allows for views of activties occuring simultaneously

although each activity is based in seperate buildings, the spatial arrangement will encourage interation and allow connection

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plan development

intial though process

ground floor working around the existing supporting columns building facade looks onto residential area to the north provide route of access from scheme to Forum greenhouse with staircase inside as route of access to upper level of car park lightwells to bring light to underneath the car park deck large staircase in north-west corner as access to upper level

first floor seperate buildings for recreational and educational activities glass walkway connecting them limited disruption of exisiting route to Forum service area designated planting area

plan issues to develop location of planting area - too dark fire escape core needed in buildings

design for an exhibition of circular economy

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designing sustainably...

design and technology integration diagrams taken from ARC3013 architectural technology 3: integrated construction

daylight study

shows the shadow paths on site on winter equinox - shortest day of the year

9am

12pm

3pm

n e

w s

area on site with the maximum exposure to sunlight

daylight study informs programme... Through this daylight study I determined north west corner of the car park deck receives the most daylight all year round. This influenced the programme of spaces on site. For example, I chose for north west corner to be the location of the main gardens and the outdoor cafe seating balcony.

I have proposed green roofs on each of the buildings. Not only do these hold aesthetic benefits which satisfy my personal brief, they can also be used as a sustainable technical strategy. Rainwater can be collected and stored in a tank underground, being re-used in the irrigation system in the gardens and in the toilets on site. This collection of natural resources is also economically sustainable as it reduces water costs.

greenery diagram shows the location of proposed greenery on site in relation to sunlight

rainwater harvesting via green roof

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synthesis exhibiting final outputs

reflection

During Synthesis, I worked on refining the outputs of my scheme. It was essential to demonstrate my consideration to the wider context, as well as how my circular economy has informed my design. My elevation and long section aim to display the interaction between my new proposal and the existing Forum shopping centre, whilst I chose to create smaller ‘moment’ drawings to capture the essence of the activities. Part of Synthesis involved distinguishing the key aspects of my project I wanted to show, and deciphering the best method of representation. I aimed to translate multiple characteristics into each drawing, such as materiality, programme and inhabitation. Reflecting on my final outputs, I am pleased with development of my representation techniques throughout the year. I believe I found my ‘style’, which I felt I had been lacking in previous projects.

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overall proposal in context

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site plan with urban common strategy new urban common creates new ‘hub’ for community as well as new services and facilities

benefits existing businesses draws more people to wallsend town centre

allotments new community garden space on disused green space

improvement to existing forum greenery added to improve visual environment

boosts social and financial capital new facilities and services attract more visitors from further afieldv

increased social interaction through new activities like cooking and gardening

formation of communities

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floor plans

3 2

ground floor plan

1 covered market 2 reception 3 dining area 4 book/reading corner 5 lightwells 6 greenhouse 7 greenhouse storage 8 9 10

existing shops the forum residential area

On ground level, underneath the existing car park deck, there is a market which is a space for local artists, craftsmen, gardeners, chefs and business owners to sell their products. Shops within the Forum are also open to having an additional stall. Members of the public are free to circulate through the greenhouse from the Forum, and journey around the market, arranged in relation to the car park’s supporting columns. A communal dining area is located on the ground floor or the recreational building, for visitors to sit and eat any food bought in the market.

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12 13

first floor plan

14 11 garden (raised flowerbeds) 12 cafe kitchen 13 cafe 14 glass walkway 15 gardening school 16 staff room 17 storage room 18 changing room 19 gardening deck

The first floor, on the upper car park deck, is the main centre of activity for the urban common. Members of the gardening school will take classes inside, before practicing their skills in the raised flowerbed garden. The two light wells act as a centre piece, filled with trees and planting growing up from the ground floor. Visitors can sit on the barstools in the cafe, watching chefs in the kitchen preparing their meals. The space is lively and full of activity.

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second floor plan 20 21 22 23 24

outdoor cafe seating indoor cafe seating cookery school storage room washing room

23 24

On the top floor on the cafe, people can sit on the balcony, eating their lunch, whilst watching others gardening down below. There is opportunity for members of the community to learn to cook, using vegetables grown in the gardens and allotments. The cookery school runs daily classes for different age groups, including a dedicated kids class.

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moments

an exhibition of the circular economy cookery school These three perspective drawings show the activity taking place in each aspect of the circular economy - the gardens, cookery school and cafe. Within this circular economy, there are smaller communities of people, who come together though interaction involving shared common interests.

garden

cafe & kitchen

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west elevation 5

1:200

The west elevation of my proposal has been in consideration throughout my project. It is a pinnacle view of the site, and shows the location of the main entrance to the Forum. In this drawing, I have exhibited the changes to the existing entrance - re-clad in brick to reflect the surrounding typology, and widened to make it more of a focal point. The elevation shows the materiality of the new builds, red Viroc Fibre Wood Panelling, for which I was inspired by Jonathan Tuckey’s David Brownlow theatre (see appendix for precedent images).

0 metres

celebration pieces

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section aa

1:100

This short section exhibits the connection between each activity located on varying levels - the market on the ground floor, with the gardens above it, overlooked by those of the cafe balcony.

0 metres

section bb 0 metres

1:200 5

Through this long section I aimed to show how my proposal connects with the existing Forum. Although it is its own separate hub to the left of the main shopping centre building, the greenhouse with the large staircase inside provides a direct circulation route, allowing for a constant flow of people across the boundary.

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a vision

This drawing shows perspective view into the upstairs seating area of the cafe from out on the balcony. I have taken care to design particular details which interpret greenery into the architecture, such as the large pergola which runs over the bifold doors. The interior walls are crosslaminated timber, complemented by the polished concrete floor. This location acts as a view point for the activity occurring across the site. People are able to relax and enjoy the environment, chatting on the balcony tables & chairs, or perhaps sitting in the window seat.

perspective view cafe upstairs deating and balcony, second floor

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cultural bibliography Extra resources I have watched to broaden my understanding of urban commons and designing for a community.

7 principles for building better cities - peter calthorpe tedtalk A Ted Talk discussing the measure which need to be considered to create sustainable and efficient cities, which are an enjoyable place to live. 1 Preserve - Preserve natural ecologies, agrarian landscapes and cultural heritage sites 2 Mix - Create mixed-use and mixed-income neighbourhoods 3 Walk - Design walkable streets and human scale neighbourhoods 4 Bike - Prioritise bicycle networks and auto-free streets 5 Connect - Increase density of road network, limit block size 6 Ride - Develop high quality and affordable transit 7 Focus - Match density and mix to transit capacity

the city as a commons - david bollier smart city expo world congress In this talk David Bollier discusses the characteristics of urban commons, and why they are needed in cities globally. Some of his points which stood out to me are: “Urban commons are a sustainable model for managing shared wealth” Relationships are influential in economic activity. Cities are over-built, over-marketise, unfair and unequal. Urban commons are needed to make cities more open, social and participatory. Cities see an “enclosure of resources” - the privatisation and monetisation of shared wealth Commons exhibit a different universe of value - more resilient, more innovative. They start with the relations between people, rather than economic transactions (money based). They operate through long term stewardship, not short term gain. They honour the needs of the community first. Urban agricultural and community gardens - immensely important. Locally sourced, higher quality food, which reduces carbon footprint. Urban commons empowers people and gives them a sense of fairness, as they have role in deciding how the scheme is governed.

breathe architecture

- discussing nightingale 1

Nightingale 1 is a multi-purpose apartment and office building in Melbourne, Australia. I initially came across this scheme during the Framing phase of the project, and was intrigued to find out more about the architect’s aims and intentions. This video contains member of the Breathe Architecture practice explaining their theories behind the project. - - - - - - - -

Aimed to solve the housing issues in Australia through design and architecture. They discovered it involved designing a whole new system. Designing affordable, sustainable housing which builds communities. Breathe architects mantra - “build less, give more Sustainability through the lense of simplicity, build was people need rather than what you think they might want. The process taught the architects a lot about sustainability and public interactions, not about profit maximisation, about getting the best outcome. Deliberately responding to its context Taking a step back to nature and simplicity Building is carbon neutral

- - - - - - -

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dissertation project photographic study

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For my dissertation I completed a photographic study titled: : “exploring the dematerialisation of architecture through photography” This experiment consisted of testing and exploring varying photographic techniques to make Brutalist architecture seem ‘immaterial’ or ‘deprived of physical substance’. I conducted supporting research of multiple art-photographers, including Helene Binet and Hiroshi Sugimoto, to gather an understanding of the varying approaches artists use to capture architecture.

images exploring the line and shape of building forms

reflection This project cause me to view architecture in a differently. I had to think abstractly, distorting the solid forms and toying with physical shapes. I had to strip the architecture away from function, and think of each subject as a sculpture. Reflecting on this, it has lead me to question the relationship architecture has between form and function. Of course, buildings are constructed to serve a purpose, the minimum of that being shelter. However, I often believe that it is forgotten that buildings are ‘art-forms’, which shape and mould the physical environment around us. As a designer, it has caused me to contemplate the ideas of form and function, and how successful architecture can encompass both. map the locations of the architecture I captured

own images taken from my disseration project photographic study

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thematic case studies

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The 8 thematic case study presentations I have viewed

GMIT Furniture College O’Donnell + Tuomey An educational institute for furniture and technology

Joanneumsviertel Nieto Soberano An extension to a museum in Austria

The Rietveld Academie and Sandberg Instituut FedLev, Studio Paulien Bremmer and Hootsman Architects An academic and educational multifunctional sauce in The Netherlands

Nantes School of Architecture Lacaton & Vassal An architecture school in France

The Paul Marshall Building, LSE Grafton Architects Granby Project Assemble

A multipurpose academic and research building part of LSE university

A housing renovation project in Liverpool

Port House Zaha Hadid

Bauhaus Dessau Walter Gropius An art and craft school in Germany

Headquarters for the Port in Antwerp

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list of figures

figure 1 Ariel view of Wallsend and Newcastle location GoogleEarth figure 2 Ariel view of Wallsend GoogleEarth figure 3 Historical maps of Wallsend Digimap. https://digimap.edina.ac.uk figure 4 Image of Wallsend ship yard Quille, M. “The Last Ships”. CultureMatters. 2019. https://www.culturematters.org.uk/index.php/arts/visual-art/item/2975the-last-ships figure 5 Image of RMS Mauretania on the Tyne river Morton, D. “Mauretania was launched at Wallsend’s Swan Hunter - on this day 110 years ago”. The ChronicleLive. 2016. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/history/day-110-years-ago-mauretania-11905765

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bibliography Colding, John and Stephen Barthel. The potential of ‘Urban Green Commons’ in the resilience building of cities. 2012. https://www.eukn.eu/fileadmin/Files/News/2015/Urban-green-commons.pdf (pp.156-161) Dellenbaugh-Losse, Mary and Nils-Eyk Zimmermann and Nicole de Vries, N. The Urban Commons Cookbook: Strategies and Insights for Creating and Maintaining Urban Commons. 2020. Mary Dellenbaugh-Losse. (pp.5-60) Jennings, Viniece and Omoshalewa Bamkole. The Relationship between Social Cohesion and Urban Green Space: An Avenue for Health Promotion. 2019. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030452 (pp.1-5) Lay Ong, Boon. Green Plot Ratio: an ecological measure for architecture and urban planning. 2003. DOI: 10.1016/S01692046(02)00191-3 (pp.198-210) Morton, T. Being Ecological. 2018. London: Pelican Stavrides, Stavros. Common Space: The City as Commons. 2016. Zed Books Ltd, London. (pp.1-7) Petcou, Constantin and Doina Petrescu. “Co-Produced Urban Resilience: A Framework for Bottom-Up Regeneration.” Architectural Design, vol. 88, no. 5, 2018, pp. 58–65, doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ad.2343. (pp.60-65) Petrescu, D. Altering Practices: Feminist Politics and Poetics of Space. 2007. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge

figure 6 Image of Hadrian’s wall in Wallsend Simpson, D. “WALLSEND, HOWDON AND WILLINGTON QUAY”. England’s North East. 2018. https://englandsnortheast. co.uk/wallsend/ figure 7 Map of green space in Wallsend GoogleEarth

Petrescu, Doina et al. “Co-Producing Commons-Based Resilience: Lessons from R-Urban.” Building Research & Information, vol. 44, no. 7, Oct. 2016, pp. 717–36, doi:10.1080/09613218.2016.1214891. (pp.720-725 “Réseau Éco-Ville Solidaire – Bagneux.” AAA, 19 Sept. 2017, http://www.urbantactics.org/projets/reseau-eco-ville-solidaire/.

figure 8 Images of the development of the Forum Morton, D. “Wallsend Forum shopping centre at fifty: 19 photographs from 1966-2016”. The ChronicleLiveI. 2016. https:// www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/history/wallsend-forum-shopping-centre-fifty-12246780 figure 9 Image of Agrocité scheme Atelier d’Architecture Autogérée. https://www.urbantactics.org/projets/agrocite/ figure 10 Image of Agrocité scheme Atelier d’Architecture Autogérée. https://www.urbantactics.org/projets/agrocite/v figure 11 Image of Agrocité scheme Agile city. https://agile-city.com/agile-city-research/r-urban-colombes-a-sustainable-network-of-agriculture-and-building-processes/ figure 12 Image of Agrocité scheme PublicSpace. ““R-Urban”: Network of Urban Commons”. https://www.publicspace.org/works/-/project/j281-r-urban-network-of-urban-commons figure 13 Image of Agrocité scheme Domus. “Paris. The Agrocité is back” https://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/2018/05/04/paris-the-agrocit-is-back.html figure 14 Image of Agrocité scheme The Comfrey Project. http://thecomfreyproject.org.uk

figure 15 Jonathan Tuckey’s David Brownlow theatre archdaily. https://www.archdaily.com/955879/david-brownlow-theatre-jonathan-tuckey-design

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my pages how does the case study relate to the architect’s theoretical position?

appendix ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

ELOISE LITTLER

THEORETICAL POSITION 4. How does the case study relate to the Architect’s theoretical position / how does it explore their ideas / preoccupations?

thematic case study

The Atelier D’Architecture Autogérée (aaa) is a collective practice, based in Bagneux, in the South of Paris. It was co-founded in 2001 by Constantin Petcou and Doina Petrescu. The practice is made up of architects, artists, urban planners, landscape designers, sociologists and students - however, most importantly they stress the need for resident participation at every stage of the design process. The aaa aims to promote resilience, through schemes which function through civic participation. Based on citizen’s dynamics and local networks, projects offer local residents new opportunities, providing education and transferable skills. The aaa works through ‘urban tactics’, encouraging local resident participation and the self-management of disused urban space. ‘Micro-political acting’ is enforced, to make the space more accessible, and less dependant on a top-down approach. The methods by the practice contrast to other regeneration proposals, as they are usually run by specialist teams and facilitated by managerial structures. The aaa allows the architects, designers and planners to all take an active role as initiators, facilitators, mediators and work in civic partnership.

KEY WORDS USED TO DESCRIBE THE AAA’S DESIGN AIMS AND INTENTIONS

AgroCité atelier d’architecture autogérée Agrocité Introduction ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

Agrocité was initiated in 2008 by Constantin Percou and Doina Petrescu from Atelier d’Archiecture Autogéreé (AAA). Originally located in Colombes, the project moved to a new site in 2018 at Gennevilliers to make space for a car park proposed by the local council. The scheme is part of the R-Urban citizen ecological transition strategy, which has been developing a series of local, ecological and civic facilities around urban agriculture, shared use and social solidarity since 2008. The Agrocité consists of a building made from partly recycled materials which is surrounded by plots dedicated to market gardening, individual plots, collective plots for the Agrocité kitchen and educational plots. It is a civic place open to all residents and associations dedicated to enivronmental and collective practices.

ELOISE LITTLER

CONSTANTIN PETCOU AND DOINA PETRESCU Constantin Petcou is a Paris based architect, who states that his work stresses the intersection between architecture, urbanism, service design and semiotics. Doina Petrescu is a professor at the University of Sheffield, as well as an architecture and design activist. Both described their role as activators - reinventing urban commons by focusing on political agendas as well as social and economic. Awards: Zumtobel Prize for Sustainability and Humanity 2012, the Curry Stone Design Prize 2011, the European Prize for Urban Public Space 2010, the Prix Grand Public des Architectures contemporaines en Métropole Parisienne 2010, and has been a finalist at the EIB Social Innovation Tournement 2014.

Contents

Doina Petrescu’s book Altering Practices was formed after a conference in which architects were talking about the recent production of the diversity and difference of feminism within spatial practices. The book aims to identify the politics and poetics of the relationship between art and architecture, through pieces written by feminist architects.

Eloise Littler Question 1: How does the case study relate to the Architect’s theoretical position / how does it explore their ideas / preoccupations?

Peng Yin Question 2: How does the case study demonstrate advocacy?

Charlie Kay Question 3: How does the case study demonstrate critical spatial practice?

Petrescu describes her work as ‘collective reconstructions’ - referring to the ways of doing and un-doing, making and re-making space, according to ‘altered’ rules and values. She sees these ways and both poetic and political. She also highlights that the methods of ‘curating’ and ‘care taking’ within architecture can be seen as processes of reconstruction and reproduction. She sees this as bearing ethical and emotional charge, and states that kind of work is always associated with women.

Luca Philo

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100

Question 4: How does the case study relate to its environmental / climate crisis context?

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ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

R-URBAN

ELOISE LITTLER

- a framework centred around ‘civic hubs’ which allow communities to enhance their resilience through a range of interconnected initiatives.

other group member’s pages how does the case study demonstrate advocacy?

NETWORKING R-URBAN NETWORK

• • •

Establishes resilience networks and initiatives in neighbourhoods through a variety of active individuals and local organisations, merged with civic support. Networks increase the value of resourcefulness, produc es a more even power distribution. Each hub is flexibly connected to small local networks as well as the larger R-Urban network - enables an open system.

Advocacy-Client Agrocite's clients are Columbus's 84,000 residents, but due to space constraints, they can only offer 60 venues for family use. The architects decided that 40 homes were appropriate because more land meant more difficult management. Their project is very popular. According to the director of R-Urban Studios, they said the waiting list for the project is long and rotating. While waiting for land allocation, residents need to regularly participate in collective life.

PARTICIPATION • • R-URBAN PARTICIPATION

•

Advocacy-Community Activities

Allows citizens who choose to be involved to participate fully in the implementation of the strategy. This includes everything from events and training activi ties, to running the hubs. Citizens become the key agents to innovation and change, generating alternative social and economic or ganisations, collaborative projects and shared spaces, producing new forms of commons.

• • R-URBAN LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS

•

In the shared garden, people can grow their favorite vegetables here. They can also breed poultry or bees in the backyard of the garden.

Catherine is busy baking cakes for the café. “It fills my free time, and you meet a lot of people. We learn from each other.”

FIG.3 Gardening

Architects said, "It's not just a matter of farming "They hope residents can regard this land as an investment in their lives. And hope they can fully pitch in it.

Community Space In community space, they usually hold group activities like market fairs. Residents can trade eggs and vegetables that they harvest at Agrocite.

Benoît is a local resident. He said:“You see, here my daughter and I can grow our own vegetables, and we don’t use any pesticides. Organic fruits and vegetables are really expensive, so getting an allotment here has been nice.”

LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS •

Experimental Micro-farm

Generates local ecosystems of existing and new servic es. Residents are encourages to buy local products, but also make their own products. The spatial design processes of commons facilitates the hands-on activities of citizens. Long term aim - development of socio-ecosystems at local, regional and international scales.

FIG.2 Residents' Feedback

FIG.1vv About 60 families can participate in the programt

FIG.4 Local Markting

Educational and Cultural Space

Agrocite is an agricultural centre built on a 3,000-square-metre plot in the heart of a social housing complex that includes an experimental micro-farm, community gardens, educational and cultural Spaces.Different areas have different social functions, and here the residents are the masters

In Educational and Cultural Space, they usually Organized workshops on gardening and cooking courses. Architects sometimes organized collective Governance sessions with residents to discuss development of Argrocite.

FIG.5 Project Meeting

Comments for Agrocite Architect's thought

ACROCITÉ - THE AAA

A RESILIENT COMMUNITY

R-urban studio found that the social relationship between residents and the city is gradually disappearing through research on Columbus. They thought As architects, they have the responsibility to restore this connection by rebuilding largescale communities. After investigation, a shared garden was established on the open space in the suburbrns of Columbus.

ELOISE LITTLER FIG.6 Constantin Petcou, Project Leader

FIG.7 Constantin Petcou, Project Leader

Agrocite Feature

In this drawing I have tried to visualise the community aspect of Agrocite. The practice cannot function with out each part - architects, urban planners, residents e.t.c. - all working together harmoniously. Through this shared collaborative process, they are able to create a scheme which revolves around participation and inclusivity. There is no hierarchy, everyone works together to create a resilient city.

Shared gardens have two features., First of all, the public space attributes of shared gardens can strengthen social bonds. Secondly, the unique ecological properties of shared gardens can change people’s lifestyles. For example, poultry farming, plant cultivation requires residents to spend more time in sharing gardens. In a sense, it encourage locals to focus on socializing.

FIG.8

Poultry farming

Relationship Between Architects and Agrocite The project has attracted the attention of some people from all trades and professions. Some of them founded workshop to teach useful agriculture skills to locals. Others help agrocite set up its own community committee and realized self-management. As r-urban studio said, they are invisible architects. They created and managed agrocite. Then, they attracted residents to join, and manage with them together. At the end, they pulled out, and let the residents manage agrocite themselves. FIG.10 Communal cooking session in the “Agrocité” pavilion

In the last collage, I dislocation the ground and the sky. And arranged Agrocite’s surrounding building irregularly. The aim is to show the relationship between Argocite and the surrounding context.

FIG.11 workshop

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102

FIG.9 Plant cultivation

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other group member’s pages how does the case study demonstrate critical spatial practice?

Political Resilience

R-Urban’s intentions with Agrocité are to initiate and support civic dynamics of urban agriculture and to support cultural and educational activities. Regarding this, all citizens are required to invest in local collective activities that mix conviviality with the resilience of everyday life. This includes composting of organic waste, shared gardens, recycling and soft mobility.

Aware of the urgency of concerted action, R-Urban’s political ambitions with the Agrocité are to facilitate citizen engagement in order to achieve an ecological transition strategy. The plan is to use emerging practices that will change urban lifestyles in order to combat the ongoing global crises of global warming, air pollution, resource depletion, the collapse of biodiversity and the energy crisis.

As a place for teaching, learning and researching, AAA have set up an architecture workshop on site which helps promote AAA’s ideas of ‘urban tactics’ where they encourage the participation of inhabitants in the self management of abandoned urban spaces and the initiation of intervening practices that explore potentialities in contemporary cities.

R-Urban are calling on political, institutional and media decision-makers to support them in their collective endeavour and the site in Gennevillers is often used as an example in presentations delivered by R-Urban of how various solutions such as reversible and organic architecture can be used to preserve a habitable planet and a democratic society.

Agrocité Evironmental and Climate Crisis : Response LUCA PHILO

+20%

Agrocité Colombes was the first of three planned constructions within a housing estate in in Colombes, Paris. The East facing dismountable building functions “under the principles of economic and ecological circuits”. The construction, material choice, spatial and technical organisation are designed to fulfil the requirements of sustainable circular processes of production, consumption and reuse. These ‘urban tactics’ within Argocite embody the response of Atelier d’architecture autogérée (AAA) to the environmental and climate crisis’. By fostering an engaged, citizen-led ecological transition as part of circular economies, AAA provide the community the tools and architecture to combat urban pressures.

Shared Gardens Sixty individual plots and six large collective plots are available to all of the inhabitants in the district of Genevilliers to encourage sustainable food growth and social connection.

WIN

GRO

Material Response OSB

Screw Piles

CONSULTAT

CIR

CUL AR ECO NOM

FAMILIAR CONSTRUCTION

Fig.6

REDUCED CARBON FOOTPRINT

Stone Foundation and Retaining Walls

Straw Bale Insulation

AGO

Reintegration

Agrocité provides a platform for exploration, action and research around urban changes and emerging social and political practices in the contemporary city.

Events and talks are often held at the Agrocité where residents from all walks of life are invited to participate, encouraging the reintegration of the local society.

Growers, buyers, sellers, users and volunteers commit to “expand[ing] beyond a cursory participatory approach, as they invest their time exhaustively in the long-term trajectory of live projects”2. Promoting new, resilient ways of living within urban communities constitutes AAA’s primary response to the environmental and climate crisis’. Doina Petrescu describes the complexity of the social arrangement in Colombes. In an area of high

The construction and maintenance of the site relies on crowdfunding which comes from the support of the local residents.

Agrocité

Critical Spatial Practice

R-Urban’s ambitions are to promote an economy where residents work together to improve their collective lives and funds are used to finance necessary projects.

Food Growth

Soft Mobility

The plantations on the site are very bountiful and new plots and plants are constantly planted. Vegetables and local agricultural products are sold at the markets regularly held on site.

R-Urban encourage residents to use non-motorized transport where possible to combat global warming and air pollution.

IN G ILD

DRA

The devices are self-built with professional help, and sophisticated studies were carried out in response to the poor urban soil on site. barac, “Co-Producing Commons-Based Resilience: Lessons From R-Urban”, Building Research & Information, 44.7 (2016), 717-736 <https://doi.org/10.1080/09613218.2016.1214891>. 5 “AGROCITÉ”, R-Urban English, 2020 <http://r-urban.net/en/projects/agrocite/> [Accessed 11 December 2020]. 6 Hélène Frichot, Catharina Gabrielsson and Helen Runting, Architecture And Feminisms (London: Routledge, 2018).

ISIN

G -20%

Fig.2 unemployment and retirement, volunteers and self-employed workers make-up the majority stakeholders. Where profit comes after participation, 20% of all profits made must be returned to a collective pot. Doina explains, “[in this way] we produced a complex flow that was both ecological and economic, and circulated between the two units that were built, Agrocité and Recyclab”3. 3

Fig.10

Fig.9

Agrocité is constructed using a simple timber frame. Additional functional elements to enclose the building envelope are primarily recycled materials. Those that are not recycled are locally sourced to reduce economic and environmental costs associated with transport. Key elements of the material response also include low-impact technologies, materials with a reduced carbon footprint and the use of familiar construction techniques. The justification for materials chosen is described in Fig.11.

The shed-like vernacular, recognisable to many, is a subtle environmental design tactic by AAA. The choice of low-skill construction methods of timber frame and cladding affords a community the ability contribute to civic-led construction, maintenance and retrofit, utilsing the existing competence in the community. Similarly, the outwardly ‘dismountable’ architecture ensures emphasis on processes of building urban resilience, rather than explicit architecture related to locale.4 4

Doina Petrescu, Constantin Petcou and Corelia Bai-

TIMBER FRAME CONSTRUCTION

Fig.12

Ibid.

SOLAR

Fig.14

“promote innovation within the reach of citizens”

AgroLab, as part of Agrocité, houses key prototype technologies central to R-URBAN’s response to the environmental and climate crisis’. “These micro-devices [are utilised] for power generation and food, water management and organic waste” realised in the use of “local materials and with simple technology”5. This methodology substantiates a key ‘urban tactic’ deployed throughout the R-URBAN scheme, to “promote innovation within the reach of citizens”6. Devices to re-use energy and water and produce rich fertilizers for growing are devised and built alongside to community, to demonstrate simple and accessible methods of sustainable practice.

COOKING FUN

PO ANS

URBAN AGRICULTURE

Technical Devices LUCA PHILO

The timber platform base is elevated above ground level on steel screw piles (See Fig.9) . This elevated construction allows for sustainable services below. Equally, screw piles were chosen due to their low destructive impact in the ground beneath. This was particularly beneficial when the Colombes site was evicted and relocated to Generville. The re-use of architectural salvage reduced building complexitiy, allowing for a civic-led maintenance programme. In addition, a combination of found and upcycled architectural salvage reduced the buildings carbon footprint.

Fig.8

Fig.7

INHG

Fig.1 Another tenet of Agrocité, and all R- Urban projects alike, is to build ‘urban resilience’. Resilient social, economic and ecological networks are enabled by the architecture of Agrocité and the associated 1700m2 cultivated plot, including an “experimental farm, a community-garden and a pedagogical garden”1. Resilient practices fostered within the premises are sustained by a practicing community of engaged stakeholders.

1 “AID - R-Urban”, Architectureindevelopment.Org, 2020 <https://www.architectureindevelopment.org/project.php?id=463> [Accessed 11 December 2020]. 2 Hélène Frichot, Catharina Gabrielsson and Helen Runting, Architecture And Feminisms (London: Routledge, 2018).

Collaborative and Circular Economy

Fig.11

TEACH

IGN DES

CO -

Crowdfunding

-20%

ING

EAT

Research

ING

PED

FOUND MATERIAL

The results of the first year were very positive, the garden had developed particularly well, the collective organisation was well structured and the financial results were very encouraging. Enercoop provide 100% renewable electricity for Agrocité. They stand out from other suppliers because they are the only French supplier to go exclusively through over-the-counter agreements with small French producers of renewable energy. They also work together with renewable energy professionals and local communities to progress research in the field.

Roof mounted Solar Panels

LOW-IMPACT BUILDING

AgroCite Fig.5

IES

Part of the Agrocité scheme is to motivate all residents in the district to recycle in order to fight the ongoing crises of air pollution, resource depletion and global warming.

Several universities and schools have made visits to Agrocité in order to learn more about the sustainable city of tomorrow.

A meeting is held annually between members to discuss the project objectives, financing, accounting, possible economic models, the report of activities, the future collective manager and internal regulations. This allows them to take stock of the year and plan for the coming year. The idea each year is to “produce what we consume and consume what we produce”.

REUSED MATERIALS

Scaffold Boards

TOOLS

ORGANIC

Schools

Economic Resilience

Fig.4

Fig.3

Recycling

Corrugated Plastic

Charlie Kay

Part of R-Urban’s approach is to reduce and reuse household organic waste. Residents are therefore encouraged to use the compost bins located on the site.

The creation of Agrocité saw the collection of residents from all disciplines project leaders, activists, students and elected officials to discuss and reflect on the city of tomorrow. Residents have been a huge part of every stage of the Agrocité project from the construction and design of the buildings and planting of the gardens to the management of the café and the architecture workshop.

Reclaimed Windows and Doors

Composting of organic waste

AGRICULTURE

Social Resilience

Demonstrating Critical Spatial Practice

other group member’s pages how does the case study relate to its environmental / climate context?

Solar panels and Solar Water heater supply electricity and heated water during winter

GREEN

DRY COMPOSTING TOILET Recovery of human waste for natural fertilisation

Runoff water collected from Green roof

Runoff reused

Closed - cycle hydroponic system requires no drainage or top-up

Neutral and Inert substrate

for irrigation of crops

Vent Water collection tank

Solid and liquid seperated to generate two types of fertilizer, and rich compost and leachate - very effective solution.

HYDROPONIC GROWING Green roof and Green Green wallroof and Green wall runoff water collected runoff inwater collected in below-grade tank via below-grade ducts tank via ducts

Full of sawdust, low maintenance, long lasting, low-odour

GREY WATER FILTRATION

Additional water from City

Compost water heater recovers and reuses the thermal energy produced by the compost during the biological breakdown process

Grey water recovery, biologically filtered tank Grey water from building

HOT COLD

Two- types of highly enriched fertilisers are reintroduced to the allotments by volunteers

FERTILISER PRODUCTION

Tap for crop irrigation

COMPOST BIOMASS HEATER

Fig.13

Bibliography

Runoff to soil

List of Figures

Agile-city.com. 2020. R-Urban, Colombes | Agile City. [online] Available at: <https://agile-city.com/agile-city-research/r-urban-colombes-a-sustainable-network-of-agriculture-and-building-processes/> [Accessed 14 December 2020]. “AGROCITÉ”, R-Urban English, 2020 <http://r-urban.net/en/projects/agrocite/> [Accessed 11 December 2020] “AID - R-Urban”, Architectureindevelopment.Org, 2020 <https://www.architectureindevelopment.org/project.php?id=463> [Accessed 11 December 2020] “Anqi Liu”, Facilitating Resilience, 2020 <https://facilitatingresilience.wordpress.com/student-projects/anqi-liu/> [Accessed 11 December 2020] Constantin Petcou and Doina Petrescu. http://bit.ly/2wWWlcf. Accessed 13 Dec. 2020. “Facilitating Resilience: Image”, Facilitatingresilience.Files.Wordpress.Com, 2020 <https://facilitatingresilience.files.wordpress. com/2013/11/03.jpg> [Accessed 11 December 2020] “Flickr”, Flickr, 2020 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/r-urban/with/11306293386/> [Accessed 11 December 2020] Fr.wikipedia.org. 2020. Agrocité. [online] Available at: <https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrocit%C3%A9#Petcou_&_Mugnier-Viret_2015> [Accessed 14 December 2020]. Frichot, Hélène, Catharina Gabrielsson, and Helen Runting, Architecture And Feminisms (London: Routledge, 2018) “Gallery”, R-Urban English, 2020 <http://r-urban.net/en/gallery/> [Accessed 11 December 2020] Harvard GSD. GSD Talks: Doina Petrescu and Constantin Petcou, “Tactics for a Co-Produced City.” 2014, https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=4iREr7Xfam8. Petcou, Constantin, and Doina Petrescu. “Co-Produced Urban Resilience: A Framework for Bottom-Up Regeneration.” Architectural Design, vol. 88, no. 5, 2018, pp. 58–65, doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ad.2343. Petrescu, Doina. Altering Practices: Feminist Politics and Poetics of Space. Taylor & Francis Group, 2007, http://ebookcentral. proquest.com/lib/ncl/detail.action?docID=308692.

Question 4: Environmental and Climate Crisis

1. Diagram by author

1. Diagram by architect, Urbantactics.Org, 2020 <http://www.urbantactics.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/schema-general-agrocite.png> [Accessed 11 December 2020]

2. Diagram by author : Ibid 3. A-i-d.org. 2020. Architecture In Development - News - 10 Examples To Learn About The Next Generation Architecture. [online] Available at: <https://www.a-i-d.org/news.php?id=89> [Accessed 14 December 2020]. 4. Facebook.com. 2020. Atelier D’architecture Autogérée. [online] Available at: <https://www.facebook.com/atelierdarchitectureautogeree/photos/a.108289982843661/108290059510320/?type=1&theater> [Accessed 14 December 2020]. 5. Lesactivateurs.org. 2020. Maitre Composteur – Module MC5 | Les Activateurs. [online] Available at: <https:// lesactivateurs.org/formation/maitre-composteur-soutenance-mc5/> [Accessed 14 December 2020]. 6. Xximagazine.com. 2020. Constantin Petcou — XXI Magazine. [online] Available at: <https://xximagazine.com/ authors/constantin-petcou> [Accessed 14 December 2020]. 7. 2020. [online] Available at: <https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Doina_Petrescu3> [Accessed 14 December 2020].

Petrescu, Doina, et al. “Co-Producing Commons-Based Resilience: Lessons from R-Urban.” Building Research & Information, vol. 44, no. 7, Oct. 2016, pp. 717–36, doi:10.1080/09613218.2016.1214891.

8. AAA. 2020. Agrocité – Gennevilliers | R-Urban. [online] Available at: <http://www.urbantactics.org/projets/ agrocite-gennevilliers/> [Accessed 14 December 2020].

Publicspace.org. 2020. Works - Publicspace. [online] Available at: <https://www.publicspace.org/works/-/project/j281-r-urbannetwork-of-urban-commons> [Accessed 14 December 2020].

9. R-urban.net. 2020. AGROCITE NEWS | Activity Categories | R-Urban English. [online] Available at: <http://r-urban.net/en/activity_type/agrocite-news/> [Accessed 14 December 2020].

“Réseau Éco-Ville Solidaire – Bagneux.” AAA, 19 Sept. 2017, http://www.urbantactics.org/projets/reseau-eco-ville-solidaire/. The Guardian. 2020. Why Is A Paris Suburb Scrapping An Urban Farm To Build A Car Park?. [online] Available at: <https://www. theguardian.com/cities/2015/sep/11/paris-un-climate-conference-colombes-r-urban-urban-farm-car-park> [Accessed 14 December 2020]. Urbantactics.Org, 2020 <http://www.urbantactics.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/schema-general-agrocite.png> [Accessed 11 December 2020]

10. the Guardian. 2020. Why Is A Paris Suburb Scrapping An Urban Farm To Build A Car Park?. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/sep/11/paris-un-climate-conference-colombes-r-urban-urban-farm-carpark> [Accessed 14 December 2020]. 11. Publicspace.org. 2020. Works - Publicspace. [online] Available at: <https://www.publicspace.org/works/-/project/j281-r-urban-network-of-urban-commons> [Accessed 14 December 2020].

2. Diagram by author 3. Edited image by author, original photograph accessed from: Frichot, Hélène, Catharina Gabrielsson, and Helen Runting, Architecture And Feminisms (London: Routledge, 2018) 4. Edited image by author, original photograph accessed from: Ibid 5. Edited image by author, original photograph accessed from: Ibid 6. Edited image by author, original photograph accessed from: Ibid 7. Edited image by author, original photograph accessed from: Ibid 8. Edited image by author, original photograph accessed from: Ibid 9. Edited image by author, original photograph accessed from: Ibid 10. Edited image by author, original photograph accessed from: “International Village Shop: Shops: R-Urban Shops/ Boutique Locale: Agrocite Two Day Summer Shop”, Internationalvillageshop.Net, 2020 <https://www.internationalvillageshop.net/shops/agrocite-summer-shop/agrocite-three-day-summer-shop> [Accessed 11 December 2020] 11. Diagram by author 12. Edited image by author, original image accessed from: “Flickr”, Flickr, 2020 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/r-urban/with/11306293386/> [Accessed 11 December 2020] 13. Image accessed from: Ibid 14. Celebration piece by author

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Question 2: Demonstrating Advocacy

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testing review outputs

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materiality inspiration precedent

jonathan tuckey david brownlow theatre

figure 15 sourced from archdaily

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red viroc fibre wood panelling

eloise littler 180160402 20/21 architecture portfolio newcastle university