Newcastle University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Studio 8: Curating the City Tutors: Neil Burford, Jianfei Zhu and Andrew Ballantyne
Contents ARC3001 Illustrated Reflective Report
1
Framing
4
Testing
21
Synthesis
35
Illustrated Cultural Bibliography
61
Bibliography
64
List of Figures
65
Thematic Case Study
66
Appendix
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Illustrated Reflective Report Introduction My third-year design project, the Saltaire Centre for Food and the Environment, is an ecoeducation hub, celebrating the nature and ecology of Saltaire, with a focus on food production and consumption. The programme features an educational exhibit space as well as allotments, a restaurant and a lab, which converts food waste into organic fertiliser in a circular economy process.
A plan of my building indicating the spatial arrangement of the circular economy model
The form aims to connect the allotments to the building, with walls that extend into the landscaping to blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor. Natural materials and passive HVAC strategies reduce the carbon footprint of the design.
Development and Learning Reflecting on my development and learning this year, this project has helped me to refine and hone skills learnt in previous years, such as technical integration, graphic representation and critical thinking. One of the most important learning points of this year was understanding site context and how this informs the design. Appreciating context was particularly important in this project given the site’s World Heritage Site status. One of the Curating the City studio’s specific criteria was to develop spatial and visual connections to Saltaire, through an embodied reading of its history, landscape and urban form. This studio specific focus encouraged consideration of historical and modern Saltaire at the outset of the design process and throughout. My improvement in understanding site context can be seen in my drawings this year, where I have represented a greater deal of the surrounding site than in previous years.
Mapping Saltaire
On reflection, one of the pieces I am most pleased with is the site plan. This 1:500 drawing develops the theme of the studio, Curating the City, into a curated site plan, with the proposed landscaping building a connection between my building and the existing nature of the site. Curated landscaping on the site plan
ARC3001 Illustrated Reflective Report
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Wider Professional Context However the wider context of the project is not just physical but also refers to the architecture profession in general. This was carefully considered in the ARC3014 professional practice module, which encouraged consideration of the practical management of the design process, an area which I had not explored prior to this year. In one of the sections of the report, I determined how the reputation of the architecture profession is affected by the industry’s obligation to tackle climate change. In the report I established that the profession should place great emphasis on sustainability given the built environment’s contribution of nearly half of global greenhouse gas emissions (UK Green Building Council, 2020). Based on the analysis from my report, I placed greater emphasis on sustainable strategies in my design, including the incorporation of renewable energy.
One of the sustainable strategies mentioned is using solar panels
Technical Integration These sustainable strategies, along with structural, fire and other technical considerations, were refined in my ARC3013 technical study. One of the key technical integrations in the design were the trombe walls. These passive-heating and ventilating walls were introduced in the testing phase, and discussed in my Theory into Practice essay, so were not applied as an afterthought but were a part of the design’s development. Specifically, trombe walls informed the design’s planar language, with thick stone walls running east-west and contrasting timber walls running perpendicular.
Trombe walls helped define the building’s plan
ARC3001 Illustrated Reflective Report
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Theoretical Integration Researched and analysed at an early stage, the Theory into Practice essay influenced the more conceptual aspects that underpinned my design. On reflection, the most important part of the essay was my analysis of Patrick Geddes, a biologist and sociologist whose theories went on to influence my building’s educational programme as well as the design’s interaction with its local environment.
Case Studies My design was also inspired by precedents including the Beyeler Foundation in Switzerland, from which I developed the idea of extending walls to connect the building to its landscape. The building I analysed as my group’s thematic case study was also relevant to my project, as it had a similar educational programme. Think Corner, a scientifically-focused research centre and study space in Helsinki, encourages collaborative practice and a shared learning experience. The building’s open plan study spaces drew on Patrick Geddes’s theory of transdisciplinary education and holistic learning.
The Beyeler Foundations extending walls connect the building to its landscaping
Walls extend similarly in my design
One of Think Corner’s collaborative study spaces
Conclusion This year was the first time I have had technology, theory and professional practice modules centered on my building for the ARC3001 design module. Integrating all of these disciplines turned out to be a critical learning experience for me, as it encouraged me to develop my design further than I ever have and allowed me to apply technical, theoretical and professional considerations to my practice and design approach. ARC3001 Illustrated Reflective Report
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Framing 4
Framing
Reflective Summary
Since the studio theme ‘Curating the City’ placed a lot of significance on the heritage and visuality of Saltaire, I began the framing of the project by analysing the World Heritage site. I decided to conduct this research through the lens of eco-assemblage, which involved exploring the curation of green space in the village and surrounding area. Using mapping and diagramming, I explored how nature is composed within the site and how this interacts with the built form of Saltaire.
Mapping Saltaire
My next step was to research the theme of eco-assemblage on a wider scale, which involved researching the theories of Sir Patrick Geddes. He emphasised the interdependence of culture and nature (Wahl, 2017), a concept which inspired my brief and shaped my position on how my building must integrate and interact with the nature and ecology of Saltaire. From this contextual analysis and theoretical research, I developed a brief for an environmental education centre focusing on the relationship of food to the land. As a precedent of this, I looked at an eco-education centre in the Netherlands which uses the form and materiality of its building to engage with both users and its landscape. With a more detailed brief and programme outlined, I returned to the site, selecting an area 500 metres outside of the centre of the village. Using a GIS-style technique -a software that was established by Ian McHarg who was himself inspired by Patrick Geddes (Turner, 2020)- I mapped the natural and man-made features of the site to gain a well-rounded understanding of the context within which my design will sit.
Assen Eco-education Centre, Netherlands
Mapping the site in GIS style
ARC3001 Framing
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The site is located in Saltaire, a Victorian industrial village and World Heritage Site 3 miles north of Bradford, West Yorkshire. Understanding and appreciating the village’s heritage is key to this project as the site has such a rich historical and visual identity. The original core of the village protected by UNESCO, but it is also important to respect the surrounding buffer zone and green belt. Consideration of the site context was one of two studio specific criteria, and therefore analysis of Saltaire became a starting point for the framing of this project.
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Figure 1: Saltaire residential properties
Figure 2: Salt’s Mill
Saltaire’s original gritstone buildings were designed in an Italianate style (Dyckhoff, 2016) and arranged in a grid pattern.
The core of the village was Salt’s Mill, a textile factory where all residents worked. It operates now as an art gallery.
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The Bradford textile trade began in the mid 1700s, bringing in workers from the countryside who worked in appalling conditions for low wages
Titus Salt is born into better circumstances in 1803
In 1833 he discovers that alpaca wool can be woven into fine cloth, an innovation that makes him rich
Saltaire was built by Victorian textile magnate Titus Salt in 1853. His paternalistic approach to workers’ rights and industry saw him construct a village outside of the polluted city of Bradford. Workers at the mill had housing and recreational facilities provided for them, and therefore had a higher standard of living (Reynolds, 2005). Figure 3: Robert’s Park circa 1900
Robert’s Park was designed to bring nature and recreational space into the village.
Salt’s successful trade uses alpaca wool from Peru
With business booming, Salt selects a site in the countryside for a new mill
Salt’s Mill opens in September 1853
Over the next 20 years, housing is constructed for workers, alongside shops, a hospital, a school, a library, a park and a church
ARC3001 Framing
Figure 4: Historical map of Saltaire from the 1890s
Recognising the health benefits of cleaner air and green space for his workers, Salt selected a more rural site for his factory.
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Modern Saltaire remains aesthetically very similar to the original village. In 2001 it was granted World Heritage status, meaning it is protected by strict planning measures. Its attractive residential architecture and green spaces have made the village a highly desirable place to live.
The original village
Figure 5: Modern Robert’s Park
Roberts Park remains a popular recreational space. 170
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Although much of the green space around the original village Scale 1:20000 0 2000 m has since been built up, Saltaire is still surrounded by green Projection: British National Grid belts to the north and south, which should be undisturbed by my design. 200
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Figure 6: Aerial view of modern Saltaire Cottingley © Getmapping Plc. Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database rights 2021 Beck
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May 29, 2021 17:03 Jessica Helena Eve Male University of Newcastle
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As well as appreciating the heritage and cultural context of Saltaire, the Curating the City studio aims to achieve environmentally conscious solutions. Within this, my specific area of research focused on eco-assemblage. This involved examining Saltaire through an environmental perspective, focusing on green space and its curation in the village.
Ecologically, Saltaire is situated at the bottom of a valley, with both the river Aire and Leeds-Liverpool canal running through the valley floor
Saltaire Planning Policy
For my ARC3014 Professional Practice report, I researched Bradford council’s planning policy for the area including my site. One of the priorities outlined by the council’s Core Strategy Development Plan is the protection of existing trees. This is critical for the district due to its lack of woodland (just 5% of its total area) compared to the national average of 10% (City of Bradford MDC, 2017). ARC3001 Framing
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Figure 7: Saltaire residential street
The scenic valley views at the end of each street are an important characteristic of the village
ARC3001 Framing
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Within the eco-assemblage theme, I researched Patrick Geddes, a Scottish biologist and sociologist who applied his theories in these fields to urban planning (Wahl, 2017). Two theories particularly relevant to my research were: • Bioregionalism- the theory that regions should be determined ecologically and not by political boundaries. Production and consumption of resources should be localised to each region • Transdisciplinary education- the theory that disciplines should be taught and studied holistically, to gain a more rounded understanding
Figure 8: Sir Patrick Geddes
Bioregionalism
ARC3001 Framing
The above diagram demonstrates Britain divided geologically by rock type, as an example of bioregional division
Transdisciplinary education
The venn diagram indicates the variety of disciplines covered by Geddes and also in my research of this theme
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In my research I found that the nature and ecology of Saltaire is key to the village both today and historically. I decided this should be celebrated with an eco-education hub, based on educating visitors and locals and promoting ecological awareness of Saltaire. There will be a specific focus on food production and consumption with a restaurant serving fresh produce grown in on-site allotments. Food waste generated by the restaurant will be converted into organic fertiliser in a bio-soil lab. This lab will not focus on cuttingedge research but will instead be a teaching facility for students at Leeds University. This educational theme will be continued by an interactive exhibit space designed to engage visitors, families and school groups in environmentally-based exhibits. This varied programme, which is connected by the common themes of sustainability and education, will attract a wide user-base. Users will include locals visiting the restaurant and (community) allotments, tourists visiting the exhibition space, and university students and staff visiting the labs. With the circular economy model, the building will apply the Geddesian principles of bioregionalism (localised production and consumption) and transdisciplinary education, with the labs and interactive exhibits.
ARC3001 Framing
A diagram showing how the circular economy model will operate in the building’s programme
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750m2
500m2
ARC3001 Framing
500m2
500m2
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Allotments
Labs
Interactive exhibit space
Restaurant
Sketches indicating how I imagine each main space will be used ARC3001 Framing
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Precedent
Figure 10: Interior columns
Figure 13: Unprocessed timber stair detail
Figure 9: Ground floor plan
Figure 11: Exterior view
(Eve, 2015)
Figure 14: Observation tower
Figure 12: West elevation
ARC3001 Framing
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Map of Saltaire indicating the location of my chosen site, 400m to the west of the World Heritage Site area ARC3001 Framing
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Features of the Site
GIS- I decided to map my site in the style of GIS not only because it shows a break down of the site’s components, but also because this mapping technique was developed by Ian McHarg, who was inspired by Patrick Geddes (Turner, 2020). ARC3001 Framing
The diagram above indicates the state of the site at present
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Climate
The above diagram shows the solar path around the site
ARC3001 Framing
Access
The dotted lines indicate pedestrian routes from Saltaire, whilst the solid line marks the only vehicular access to the site
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Figure 15: View of the site from the south west corner
ARC3001 Framing
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Testing 21
Testing
Reflective Summary
The next stage of the design process was to develop the theoretical research and contextual analysis from the previous section into built form. I began with massings and basic floor plans which tested my ideas on site The following section documents how I tested each iteration on site and shows the idea or concept I explored at the same time, to show how the proposed design was influenced. For example, the first iteration explored the concept of the walled garden, or hortus conclusus, and tested the idea of using the building itself to create a wall around a central allotment space. Ultimately, I decided this would not work, but testing the idea allowed me to explore other options for creating a more effective walled garden in the design. It was during this phase that I developed the idea of coupling the foyer and core circulation space with a winter garden, bringing plants and greenery into the building itself and creating a connection between nature in and outside of the building.
Walled garden research
Testing the walled garden idea on site
Reflecting on this stage of the project, I am pleased with the decisions I made regarding the extended, inhabited walls and how these integrate with the exterior of the building. During this stage, I tested mostly using massings and plans, so if I were to repeat the process, I would consider the sectional development of my building in far greater depth. The extended, inhabited walls
ARC3001 Testing
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I started by arranging all spaces around a central garden with the intention of using the buildings as garden walls. The south buildings were designed to fit around the trees at the bottom of the site but otherwise this design did not engage with the site nearly enough.
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Types of Walled Garden
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I then decided to open the building up to the rest of the site area, and use the larger space behind as the allotments. As well as this large external garden, I added an internal winter garden as the central circulation space, doubling up as a foyer. However this design still felt too square and boxed-off on such a natural site.
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Design Approach: fitting around the trees
I decided to work with the site rather than contrast against it, aiming to minimise the impact of my building on the nature of the site. With this in mind, I developed the idea of fitting the form around existing trees, and using these to determine the south façade’s footprint. ARC3001 Testing
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Developing the previous iteration, I began to extend the walls beyond the building’s boundary, aiming to blur the boundary between the building and nature around it, as well as between indoor and outdoor space. This, coupled with the walled garden concept made walls a key theme of the project.
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Precedent
The Beyeler Foundation, Basel
Figure 17: Floor plan of the Beyeler Foundation
Figure 16: Exterior of the Beyeler Foundation
In a similar fashion, my design’s walls are extended to make the space less box-like and create nodes.
The Beyeler Foundation is an art gallery in Basel, Switzerland. I took inspiration from its strong, planar language, with parallel walls running through the length of the building and beyond its perimeter, creating external nodes. This also created a connection between the building and the gardens surrounding it.
ARC3001 Testing
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The final major change I tested in this phase was reorientating the building so the parallel walls faced south. Aesthetically, I felt this fitted more naturally on the site, and it also allowed me to introduce trombe walls. These walls solved a conflict I had faced between wanting the building open to the allotments to the north whilst also wanting to take advantage of direct sunlight from the south.
ARC3001 Testing
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Technical Research Trombe Walls
Figure 18: Trombe wall diagram (ARC3013)
The above diagram (taken from my ARC3013 technical study), shows how trombe walls passively heat a space by trapping solar energy between a layer of glazing and thick, masonry wall
ARC3001 Testing
Trombe walls in my building will be located on the south facade.
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Key Design Features
Thick walls on the north façade balance the trombe walls on the south. These are inhabited with spaces like toilets, integrating the walls itself into the spaces.
Walls extend into the garden, connecting the indoor and outdoor space.
Continuing the wall theme, horizontal stone walls contrast with lighter, timber vertical walls.
From the beginning, the design has intended to fit around existing site trees.
ARC3001 Testing
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ARC3001 Testing
1. Originally the allotments were at the centre, and used the buildings as walls.
2. The existing trees also organically enclosed the garden, offering some protection from the elements.
3. I then developed walls which enclosed the space without being too rigid and cutting off the surrounding nature. Opening up the walls allowed for better site integration.
4. I refined this and created a deck which takes users from the building and around the garden. 32
Thinking through Making allowed me to physically explore the materiality of my design in model-form. For the piece I decided to experiment with the two major materials of my design- stone and timber. I established how these could work together, with thick stone running in one direction and contrasting, light timber running perpendicular in contrast.
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Representing the two key materials, stone and timber, in clay and balsa. The collage below shows the contrast between horizontal stone and perpendicular timber.
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Synthesis 35
Synthesis
Reflective Summary
Having tested my ideas and design proposals in the testing phase, I arrived at my final design and began to synthesise concepts I had developed for the form, materiality, site integration and atmosphere into a series of drawings. Within this section, there are a few pieces that I feel really celebrate my design, including the site plan, which summarises the buildings relationship to its adjacent garden and wider landscape. I am also pleased with the section, as I feel this captures the idea of blurring the boundary between indoor and outdoor space, by illustrating how the restaurant connects spatially to the allotments. This section of the portfolio also indicates how my ARC3013 technical study has been synthesised into my design. Technical considerations such as the trombe walls informed my building’s planar language, and this can be clearly seen in the floor and site plans. I consider technology to be one of my weaker modules on the course, and so moving forward I aim to advance my integration of structural and environmental strategies into my design work.
The site plan
Overall I am pleased with the final realisation of my project, and I feel that the following Synthesis section effectively depicts the design theories and concepts that I researched and tested in the previous sections. The section showing the relationship between restaurant and allotments
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Site Plan
Celebration Piece
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Site Development
Integrating the building into its site
The Site Before
Minimising Site Impact
(diagrams taken from ARC3013 Technical Study)
The design before I developed the site plan
Using ground screws (above), rather than concrete slab foundations to support the timber frame portions of the structure means that tree roots are not disturbed and reduces the need for site excavation. I then designed a more structured, formal garden that connected directly to the building.
ARC3001 Synthesis
To integrate this further, I fused the formal gardens to the surrounding nature by developing a more organic garden in-between.
Figure 19: Foundation details (ARC3013)
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Future Development of the Site Desire Paths
The landscaping between the decking area and existing trees at the edge of the site is relatively informal and organic. This will allow visitors to roam freely from the decking into the rest of the site, helping to naturally integrate the building into the area. Given the lack of formal structure in this area, visitors can forge their own ‘desire’ paths. In the future, these paths can be properly established as gravel paths, allowing users of the space to shape the landscape organically.
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Site Section 1:500
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Ground Floor Plan 1:200
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First Floor Plan 1:200
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Programme
The Circular Economy Model
The circular economy is represented physically by the spatial arrangement of the key spaces involved. The restaurant offers views into the garden so diners can see the fresh ingredients they are eating and the labs, despite being restricted to the public, are on the ground floor to garner a connection to the other spaces.
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Designing for Disassembly The Circular Economy Model
The circular economy principle will also be applied to the building itself. The following 2 pages outline techniques for designing a building that can be disassembled more easily at the end of life stage, rather than demolished.
Figure 20: Disassembly diagram (ARC3013)
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Figure 23: Adaptability plan (ARC3013)
Figure 22: Mortise and tenon joint (ARC3013)
Figure 24: Adaptability diagram (ARC3013)
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Site Access
Transport in and around Saltaire
Vehicular access
Saltaire has its own station, with rail links from Leeds and Bradford. This reduces the need to travel by car, reducing traffic and air pollution in the village.
Although the site offers multiple transport options, there will inevitably still be visitors arriving by car. There is already a decent-sized car park just south of the site, allowing for convenient vehicular access. Saltaire also has good bus connections ARC3001 Synthesis
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This view of the front of the building indicates how the building will appear to visitors arriving from the car park to the south of the site.
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It is important to consider how users will travel to and access the site, as their method of transport can have a serious environmental impact. This is especially critical in my project as sustainability is a key driving point. Therefore, users will be encouraged to walk and cycle to the site from Saltaire. There is an ideal path for both pedestrians and cyclists (marked in pink below) which runs along the canal. This path is part of a Sustrans cycle route, running from Leeds and through Saltaire at a distance of about 13 miles. This path creates an ideal opportunity for visitors to cycle rather than drive, reducing traffic and air pollution around the site.
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This viewpoint shows how the building will look when approaching on the canal path from Saltaire, as marked on the previous page. Biycle racks along the canal side will encourage visitors to cycle to the building.
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Section
Celebration Piece
This sectional perspective cuts through the restaurant, intending to convey how this space interacts with the rest of the building and its exterior. It also shows where the trombe walls fit into the building.
ARC3001 Synthesis
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Sustainable Strategies
Trombe Walls (adapted from ARC3013 Technical Study)
Day
Trombe walls passively heat a space by absorbing solar energy during the day and releasing this at night. The thick masonry creates a large thermal mass.
By punching holes in the top and bottom of the wall, trombe walls also offer passive ventilation.
Summer
Night
Winter
Figure 25: Trombe wall strategy diagrams (ARC3013)
ARC3001 Synthesis
The building also has overhanging eaves which allow winter sun in but block the higher, stronger summer sun to prevent overheating. 51
Exterior view showing the relationship of the building to its context
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Sustainable Strategies
Solar Panels (adapted from ARC3013 Technical Study)
The solar panels will heat water used in the building’s heating system. A secondary boiler will be used where higher temperatures are required.
The exterior view on the previous page indicated the location of solar panels on the roof of the two-story portion of the building. Using renewable energy is key to reducing the carbon footprint of this building. *note since the ARC3013 report that the above services diagram was drawn for, I have moved the plant room to the space marked as 8 on the ground floor plan. Figure 26: Services distribution diagrams (ARC3013)
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Education
Community and Wider Engagement
Engaging visitors at different levels of education (from university-level to children) all within the same building links back to my research into Patrick Geddes and his theory of transdisciplinary education. Within this educational facility, a mixed-user base will come together to learn about different aspects of the same, environmentally-focused theme.
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Illustrating the theme of transdisciplinary education, this sectional perspective (developed from the 1:20 detail section on the next page), shows different educational elements of the programme in use. University students conduct practicals based on soil and organic fertiliser on the ground floor whilst visiting public engage in interactive exhibits focusing on the ecology and nature of Saltaire. ARC3001 Synthesis
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1:20 Detail Section
Submitted as part of the ARC3013 Technical Study
Figure 27: Detail section (ARC3013)
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Structural Strategy
Submitted as part of the ARC3013 Technical Study
Structure Axonometric
The main structure is arranged on a regular grid
Primary Structure- stone walls act as anchor points for a lightweight timber frame.
ARC3001 Synthesis
The primary structure is supported by timber floors, timber cladding and aluminium roofing.
Figure 28: Structural strategy diagrams (ARC3013)
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Fire Strategy
Submitted as part of the ARC3013 Technical Study Primary escape route Secondary escape route
Exit points
Assembly areas
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The Winter Garden
Rainwater Harvesting
(diagrams submitted as part of the ARC3013 Technical Study)
Harvesting rainwater to water the plants in the winter garden was a logical decision. Rainwater landing on the glazed roof will be collected by pipes within the timber frame. This will pass into a tank below ground-level for storage, before being pumped into the plant beds.
Here I have mapped out routes through the winter garden space. This was important to consider as this space acts as the core of circulation within the building.
Figure 29: Rainwater harvesting diagrams (ARC3013)
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Interior Perspective Celebration Piece
This interior perspective shows a view of the winter garden foyer area, the first space visitors will arrive at upon entering the building. The structural elements and materials shown in the structural strategy can be seen here. ARC3001 Synthesis
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Illustrated Cultural Bibliography
This was a quick acrylic piece I painted as a mother’s day gift.
Painting
I painted this acrylic on canvas piece whenever I found time during this year. Although I find painting too time-consuming to use in my project work, I enjoy painting buildings as a hobby and feel that by examining architecture so closely, it helps me to appreciate form, space and materiality.
Books
The Classical Language of Architecture by John Summerson
Architectural history has always been one of my favourite parts of the course, so I have enjoyed reading about classical architecture in my free time and would love to visit both Rome and Greece at some point
Architectural Philip Crowe
Rendering
by
I bought this book from a charity shop and although its rendering techniques are outdated it was interesting to look at and take inspiration from different styles of architectural representation.
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Mentoring Workshops
Spotting Bauhaus furniture in film Whilst culture and media has influenced my architectural studying, my architectural study has also influenced the way I view film and TV. I recently watched the academy award winning film Promising Young Woman (2020), and couldn’t help but notice Bauhaus furniture (that I studied for my dissertation) in one of the scenes.
In May I had a 1-2-1 careers advice session with an associate architect at Faulknerbrowns. This zoom call was both interesting and helpful, as it gave me the opportunity to ask any questions about my future career as well as practising architecture in the professional sphere.
Television
I have recently been enjoying the new series of The Art of Architecture (2021) on Sky Arts. The programme celebrates a piece of architecture per episode and explores the history and theory underpinning its design in a way I find engaging and inspiring.
Red and Blue Chair, Gerrit Rietveld
Wassily Chair, Marcel Breuer
Barcelona Chair, Mies van der Rohe
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Case Studies
On this page I have documented case studies I have read from other studios, highlighting their most interesting (and relevant to my project) parts.
The Rietveld Academie
Netherlands Fedlev Multi-purpose education space Like my building aims to, this case study encourages collaborative practice and educational engagement
The Hill House Box, Scotland Bauhaus Dessau, Germany
Charles Rennie Mackintosh Experimental preservation
GMIT Furniture College
Walter Gropius Art and crafts school
Ireland O’Donnell and Tuomey Educational institution
Since my dissertation focused on Gropius and the founding of the Bauhaus, it was interesting to read other students’ interpretation of the school’s most famous architectural output. The section on contextual response to the city was of particular interest as this links to my project’s contextual response to Saltaire.
One of the themes explored by this group was timber expression, particularly in the interior of the case study. Exposed timber framework was a key feature of my design.
Fondacho dei Tedeschi, Venice
OMA Shopping centre in historic building
They also explored the building’s response to its landscape and environment, which is relevant to my project.
Nantes School of Architecture, France Lacaton and Vassal University building
My building is also aimed at university-based users
Paul Marshall building, LSE London Grafton Architects Multi-purpose academic
Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts, Hong Kong
Herzog and de Meuron Culture and Arts centre- similar programme to my project but in a completely different context 63
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List of Figures All figures marked as ARC3013 are by the author Figure 1: Saltaire residential properties Source: https://saltairevillage.info/Saltaire_WHS_Housing.html [Accessed 18/11/20].
Figure 15: View of the site from the south west corner Source: Google Street view [Accessed 8/12/20].
Figure 2: Salt’s Mill Source: https://saltairefestival.co.uk/events/ian-beesley-work/ [Accessed 18/11/20].
Figure 16: Exterior of the Beyeler Foundation Source: http://www.antiquesandfineart.com/articles/article.cfm?request=960 [Accessed 19/3/21].
Figure 3: Robert’s Park circa 1900 Source: https://saltairevillage.info/Saltaire_WHS_The_Park.html [Accessed 21/11/20]. Figure 4: Historical map of Saltaire from the 1890s Source: Digimap [Accessed 25/11/20]. Figure 5: Modern Robert’s Park Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/86431447@N00/50101472651 [Accessed 2/2/21]. Figure 6: Aerial view of modern Saltaire Source: Digimap [Accessed 25/11/20]. Figure 7: Saltaire residential street Source: https://www.flickriver.com/photos/86431447@N00/50101478276/ [Accessed 18/11/20].
Figure 17: Floor plan of the Beyeler Foundation Source: http://cargocollective.com/dancrawfordarchitecture/following/all/ dancrawfordarchitecture/Fondation-Beyeler-Museum-Basel [Accessed 19/3/21]. Figure 18: Trombe wall diagram (ARC3013) Figure 19: Foundation details (ARC3013) Figure 20: Disassembly diagram (ARC3013) ¡ §¦
Figure 8: Sir Patrick Geddes Source: https://medium.com/spaceengagers/space-engagers-bringing-patrick-geddes-ideas-oncivic-engagement-into-the-21st-century-bca520e39c89 [Accessed 1/11/20].
Figure 22: Mortise and tenon joint (ARC3013)
Figure 9: Ground floor plan Source: https://www.arch2o.com/duurzaamheidscentrum-assen-24h-architecture/ [Accessed 3/12/20].
Figure 24: Adaptability diagram (ARC3013)
Figure 10: Interior columns Source: https://www.archdaily.com/637511/duurzaamheidscentrum-assen-24h-architecture [Accessed 3/12/20].
Figure 26: Services distribution diagrams (ARC3013)
Figure 11: Exterior view Source: https://www.arch2o.com/duurzaamheidscentrum-assen-24h-architecture/ [Accessed 3/12/20].
Figure 28: Structural strategy diagrams (ARC3013)
Figure 23: Adaptability plan (ARC3013)
Figure 25: Trombe wall strategy diagrams (ARC3013)
Figure 27: Detail section (ARC3013)
Figure 29: Rainwater harvesting diagrams (ARC3013)
Figure 12: West elevation Source: https://www.arch2o.com/duurzaamheidscentrum-assen-24h-architecture/ [Accessed 3/12/20]. Figure 13: Unprocessed timber stair detail Source: https://www.archdaily.com/637511/duurzaamheidscentrum-assen-24h-architecture [Accessed 3/12/20]. Figure 14: Observation tower Source: https://inhabitat.com/environmental-center-by-24h-architecture-is-powered-by-the-localforest/assen-environmental-education-centre-24h-view-from-tower/ [Accessed 3/12/20]. 65
Thematic Case Study
The following section documents the research and analysis of a case study, Think Corner in Helsinki, undertaken as groupwork. The final 4 pages (marked as 4- By author) was the section I completed individually. Think Corner, a scientifically-focused research centre and study space in Helsinki, encourages and facilitates a collaborative student experience. I was particularly inspired by the building’s open plan study spaces which allowed for an interactive and shared learning environment.
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4- By Author
How does the case study relate to other buildings of its type? In order to compare the case study to similar buildings of its type, I began by establishing what type of building Think Corner is. The educational centre falls into the categories outlined below:
Figure 1: University of Helsinki
University campus building
Figure 4: Think Corner events space
Scientific focus
4- By Author
Figure 2: Think Corner exterior
Mixed-use education
Figure 5: Think Corner study space
Collaborative study
Figure 3: Campus map
Centrally-located
Figure 6: Think Corner entrance
Used by students, academics and public 61
All diagrams on the following pages were drawn by the author
Traditional University Study Space Bodleian Library • University of Oxford
The first building I compared to the case study was the Bodleian library at Oxford University. I chose this as an example of a traditional university study space.
In comparison, Think Corner is more open plan, to encourage interaction and collaborative study among students, academics and the general public.
Figure 7: The Bodleian library exterior
Figure 8: Bodleian library study space
Typically, work spaces for university students were exclusively libraries, and emphasised more independent, rather than collaborative and interactive, working. The Bodleian library indicates this through its clearly-defined rectilinear spaces for each subject area. 4- By Author
Figure 9: Think Corner atrium
Figure 10: Think Corner exterior
Multi-purpose education space
Dipoli building • Fyyri Library • Think Corner
Dipoli building • Aalto University Raili and Reima Pietilä The main building of Aalto University has a diverse programme including public venues, a cafe and study and social spaces. Figure 11: Dipoli Building
Fyyri Library • Kirkkonummi JKMM Architects
This public library, located in Kirkkonummi, FInland houses books as well as study spaces, reading rooms and a venue for events.
Figure 12: Fyyri Library exterior
Think Corner • Helsinki
JKMM Architects
In comparison Think Corner is more rectilinear in plan, owing to its city centre location.
Alongside similar programmes, these buildings have similar contexts as both universities are located in or near Helsinki, Finland. They were also both designed by Finnish architects, so have similar cultural backdrops. Figure 13: Think Corner facade
4- By Author
Multi-purpose education space
Dipoli building • Fyyri Library • Think Corner
Materiality The use of materials in all three of these buildings is very similar. Externally, Dipoli and Kirkkonummi use copper plating, whilst their clean, internal finishes use timber slats, giving a warm, natural feel.
Think Corner
Kirkkonummi Library
Copper cladding
Used in Dipoli and Kirkkonummi as a facade material. Despite being pre-oxidised the copper is Nordic Brown, meaning it still has the traditional
Polished concrete
Timber slats- Finnish pine
Locally-sourced timber creates a nordic feel to the internal finishes of all 3 buildings. It is warm, natural and clean.
Dipoli building
4- By Author
The concrete floor is left exposed, giving a raw finish.
Bibliography
List of Figures
3 951 studenter antogs till Helsingfors universitet | Helsingfors universitet (no date). Available at: https:// www.sttinfo.fi/tiedote/3-951-studenter-antogs-till-helsingfors-universitet? publisherId=1807754&releaseId=69861280 (Accessed: 14 December 2020).
Figure 1: University of Helsinki Source: https://www.studyopportunities.online/university-of-helsinki-scholarships-for-internationalstudents/
Thematic Case Study
Ateneumin taidemuseo (no date) Senaatti-kiinteistöt. Available at: https://www.senaatti.fi/ arvokiinteisto/ateneumin-taidemuseo/ (Accessed: 13 December 2020). Fönster | Think Corner | University of Helsinki (no date). Available at: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/thinkcorner/organise-an-event/fonster (Accessed: 14 December 2020). Helsinki University Porthania Building · Finnish Architecture Navigator (no date). Available at: https:// finnisharchitecture.fi/helsinki-university-porthania-building/ (Accessed: 14 December 2020). Quick guide: Architectural layers of Helsinki | My Helsinki (no date). Available at: https://www. myhelsinki.fi/en/see-and-do/sights/quick-guide-architectural-layers-of-helsinki (Accessed: 13 December 2020). Stage (2019) University of Helsinki. Available at: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/think-corner/organise-anevent/stage (Accessed: 14 December 2020). The story of Think Corner (2017) University of Helsinki. Available at: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/thinkcorner/what-is-think-corner/the-story-of-think-corner (Accessed: 14 December 2020). Think Corner Helsinki University (no date) JKMM. Available at: https://jkmm.fi/work/think-cornerhelsinki-university/ (Accessed: 14 December 2020). Think Corner Helsinki University / JKMM Architects (2020) ArchDaily. Available at: https://www. archdaily.com/ 940159/think-corner-helsinki-university-jkmm-architects (Accessed: 14 December 2020). Think Lounge (2019) University of Helsinki. Available at: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/think-corner/ organise-an-event/think-lounge (Accessed: 14 December 2020). Traveller, C. N. (no date) Made in Helsinki, CN Traveller. Available at: https://www.cntraveller.com/ gallery/things-to-see-and-do-in-helsinki (Accessed: 13 December 2020).
Thematic Case Study- Section 4
Figure 2: Think Corner exterior Source: https://www.archdaily.com/940159/think-corner-helsinki-university-jkmm-architects Figure 3: Campus map Source: https://www.archdaily.com/940159/think-corner-helsinki-university-jkmm-architects Figure 4: Think Corner events space Source: https://www.hel.fi/kanslia/helsinkilehti-en/uutiset/think-corner Figure 5: Think Corner study space Source: https://puuinfo.fi/arkkitehtuuri/public-buildings/think-corner-university-of-helsinki/?lang=en Figure 6: Think Corner entrance Source: https://finnisharchitecture.fi/think-corner/ Figure 7: The Bodleian library exterior Source: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/most-beautiful-libraries-trinity-collegemushashino-bodleian-sainte-genevieve-slideshow Figure 8: Bodleian library study space Source: https://www.ukbride.co.uk/blog/10-great-oxford-wedding-photo-ops Figure 9: Think Corner atrium Source: https://www.archdaily.com/940159/think-corner-helsinki-university-jkmm-architects/5ec737f0 b35765790d000034-think-corner-helsinki-university-jkmm-architects-photo Figure 10: Think Corner exterior Source: https://worldarchitecture.org/articles/cvmvm/jkmm_completes_new_academic_building_for_ the_university_of_helsinki.html Figure 11: Dipoli Building Source: https://www.archdaily.com/884666/dipoli-aalto-university-main-building-ala-architects Figure 12: Fyyri Library exterior Source: https://www.metropolismag.com/architecture/cultural-architecture/fyyri-library-kirkonummijkmm/ Figure 13: Think Corner facade Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Think_corner_Helsinki_University_2020.jpg
Appendix Group Research Booklet
Before undertaking the Framing stage individually, we conducted research into themes relating to Saltaire in groups. My group’s theme was ‘Eco-assemblage’ which focused on how green space and nature is integrated into the urban environment. We researched this theme in a wider theoretical sense, then linked our findings back to Saltaire.
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