KRONANDER.F_180387401_ARC3001Portfolio_1of3_20210816

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PORTFOLIO Fanny Kronander 180387401 Manifesto for Housing Stage 3 Academic Portfolio Ba(Hons) Architecture


ILLUSTRATED REFLECTIVE REPORT 4

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FRAMING PART ONE

CASE STUDY

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FRAMING PART T WO

TESTING

SYNTHESIS

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C U LT U R A L BIBLIOGRAPHY

I L L U S T R AT I O N LIST

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX

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Improved work

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ILLUSTR ATED REFLEC TIVE REPORT

Being part of a studio that is centered on housing has been a great learning experience about what goes into designing homes for people and the various way to do it. In addition, developing the project over a year also gives the necessary time to dig further into the site, research and iterations to come up with a thoughtful, well planned and considerate design scheme. During framing where the studio collectively did the site analysis, several issues with the Cruddas Park area were established which were then collated into a shared manifesto. The aims influenced the design in many aspects. The ongoing pandemic has shed a light

on the shortcomings of British social housing. Cruddas Park House is disconnected from the surroundings and its residents lack a connection to their neighbours. This has played a big role in the designing of the brief - to incorporate shared spaces at many levels, small and big, natural and orchestrated.

flats in a similar but adapted way. Understanding the symbolic journey from public to private and the thresholds within has given a very important perspective on housing and home identity.

During the testing phase the design was developed to make it more open and connected with its surroundings. Circulation became an important tool which informed placements of dwellings and where to break through the solid volumes to create natural routes.

need for more and better social housing that encourages long-term living for different kinds of residents and family constellations. 40m2

40m2 34m2

59m2

54m2

54m2

54m2 54m2 54m2 67m2

84m2

54m2 90m2

90m2

2 YEARS AFTER GRENFELL AND THE FIRE DOORS IN THIS BUILDING STILL AREN’T FIT FOR PURPOSE

Historical timeline

Collage showing terraced housing, frontdoors, the street and therfore the strong connection between neighbours

Additionally, the Theory into Practice essay greatly inspired the direction of the project as it discussed the idea of front doors and how important it can be for the resident’s sense of identity and individualism. The entrance to Cruddas Tower is currently almost invisible and there is no clear distinction between the private entrance and the shopping mall. By introducing the concept of front doors together with shared courtyards a greater sense of community can be achieved.

A MANIFESTO FOR HOUSING

The design was very influenced by the history research. Up until the 60s the area where Cruddas Park Tower is now located used to be covered in rows of terraces. During this time, even though the area was quite run down the sense of community was very strong, but once eveyone was moved into the highrise this disappeared. By reintroducing the lowrises and shared courtyards and breaking up the dominant massing there will be more meeting places and natural forms of daily interaction between neighbours.

84m2

84m2 54m2 40m2

90m2 87m2 90m2 90m2 87m2 54m2

54m2 67m2

Diagram of the new types of units

Diagram showing the testing of stairs affecting locations of apartments to make a more dynamic project

Another crucial part of the testing phase was the explorationg of the Thinking Through Making piece. It led to the creation of a timber ribbon that appears in various places across the site as overhangs, floor details, plant walls, benches etc. Additionally, it also influenced the site’s connection with the park and the attempt to make the transition between the park and the project more gradual.

The Integrated Technology booklet gave me better insight into the sustainability aspect of the project. I developed passive strategies for environmental control and researched off-site construction of CLT which is a very efficent method for low-rise modular terrace housing. In addition, by creating a modular facade up until the cladding, a variation in facade materials could be achieved whilst keepting the construction modular and efficient. The precedent Marmalade Lane was very inspirational during this phase as it has a smiliar concept of modular housing, but with different claddings.

Very flat and impersonal hallway. By pushing the entrance in slightly a private nook is created which residents can decorate

PANDEMIC and current CLIMATE and HOUSING CRISIS’ the call to “STAY AT HOME” has placed UK housing under a In the light of a global

Shared courtyard

Private road

Semi-private road

Semi-public road

current housing and indeed HOUSING STANDARDS which are far from the world leading innovation found in 20th century British SOCIAL HOUSING and modernism.

of

Public road

spotlight.

This spotlight has further highlighted the short comings

The Synthesis stage aspires to show the improved site as a more welcoming, community focused and diverse area which encourages social interaction on multiple levels between from the formal meeting of visitor and local and the close relationship of resident and neighbour. Every drawing aims to show the carefully considered choices that have been made during this design project.

Exploded axonometric of the entire project

It is evident how all the modules have influenced the direction of the project and have informed different, but equally vital parts of the design. In the end they have assisted in the creation of a proposal that aims to improve the site for the inhabitant, the neighbourhood and the wider area. It questions the idea and quality of social housing and advocates a sustainable and long-lasting redevelopment.

Exploring hierarchy of spaces by introducing private roads and shared courtyards

General site massing proposal from framing

Housing must become more SUSTAINABLE, both socially and environmentally. It must encourage

COMMUNITY

through spaces and design which

CULTURE and CONTEXT. AFFORDABILITY and FLEXIBILITY will promote DIVERSITY and in turn OWNERSHIP of housing weave into the existing

projects for its inhabitants.

This sense of a housing type which not only allows but promotes COMMUNITY,

BEING

CULTURE and WELL-

will create architecture which is animated and activated by its occupants; thus, restoring British Housing to its former optimistic and progressive role.

Studio manifesto

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Symbolism of the front door and testing of entrances within the tower

These ideas that were focused around terraced housing were then also applied and tested inside the apartment tower. It was very useful to understand the concepts explored in the essay and how they could improve the

With the site’s naturally declining landscape there is an opportunity to celebrate the hill and taking advantage of it. This resulted in the concept of the repeated groundfloor which also ties in with the idea of frontdoors and shared courtyards. The site will benefit from a scheme like this as it will connect better with the context and create natural routes and meeting places.

Greenery threshold diagram and thinking through making piece

The Professional Practice essay shed a new perspective on the design and situated it within its realistic context. By researching the planned considerations for the neighbourhood it became apparent that the area is in great

Perspective view of the project showing the variation in materials that make it a richer neighbourhood

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FRAMING Part One

The studio ”A manifesto for housing” aims to celebrate social housing whilst also challenging the norms of domestic architecture that follow it

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Cruddas Park House

Cruddas Park House

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The site is located at Cruddas Park in Elswick in the west part of Newcastle. With close proximity to the city centre and public transport its potential as a residential area is great.

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Cruddas Park

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The Site

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The surrounding buildings all have their own designated and sometimes fenced area and interact very little with each other. Disconnection permeates the entire site and the vast green park in the middle, although a beautiful place, does little to improve the sense of community since it is barely used.

4 Riverside Dene Towers Riverside Dene Towers

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Terrace Housing

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Site photos courtesy of Marcelina Debska, Sam Hare and Alex McCall

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Site Sec tion The site is surprisingly hilly with large changes in levels from the terraced housing above Cruddas Park House down to the River Tyne. The open landscapes between the buildings allow for natural sunlight to flow freely during both summer and winter.

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Experiential Route s The atmospheric site exploration revealed how imposing Cruddas Park House is. The massive tower can be seen in all directions and contrasts greatly with the lowrise buildings that mostly surround the site. It appears slightly run down and lacks connection wiith the nearby context.

North route

South route

East route

1 2 Collages courtesy of Marcelina Debska, Sam Hare and Aysen Neslisah Cakmakkaya

Map of the routes and location of photograph

Access is partially blocked

Photograph courtesy of Aysen Neslisah Cakmakkaya

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Demog raphics There is a clear lack of diversity in the demographics with most of the occupants being single and there being very few children and families. The apartments offer little variety in terms of size to suit different family constellations of inhabitants.

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Terrace Type A

Flat Type D

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Flat Type E

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

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Floorplan of Cruddas Park House

1 4 Image to the right courtesy of Group B

Cycle diagram showing the lack of diversity within the demographics of Cruddas Park House

Diagrams showing occupancy analysis

Diagrams showing occupancy analysis

Images courtesy of Group B

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Histor y Timeline Cruddas Park has been through several attempts of regeneration in a bid to make the area more attractive. Even though there have been hardships the community thrived when the site had terraced housing and this aspect influenced the design brief largely.

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Archite c tural Inf luence s Cruddas Park House was influenced by many architects and architectural movements, both local, national and international. T. Dan Smith was the leader of Newcastle City Council during the time it was built and he expressed a desire to make Newcastle a ”great city” by borrowing ideas of successful cities like Vienna and Rome. Cruddas Tower was also inspired greatly by the architecture of Le Corbusier and Swedish Functionalism.

Timeline showing the local and national architectural movements

1 8 Groupwork

Collage showing national and international influences

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Pre cedent Studie s In order to understand the site several precedent studies were undertaken and compared to Cruddas Park House.

Cruddas Park House & Marmalade Lane Site Plan and Massing Cruddas Park House (orange) is located in Newcastle. Looking at the site plan there is one volume and it has a dense form. The massing gives an impression of a tall slender tower and a low, wide podium.

Marmalade Lane and the text ”I’ve Always Fancied Owning Me Own Lion” greatly influenced the design brief. The concept of individuality in an area with modular and repetitive housing and the importance a front door can have for its user. Site Plan

Marmalade Lane (blue) is located in Cambridge and was designed by Mole Architects. In contrast, this siteplans has several volumes scattered on the area and the massing shows low rises with maximum three storeys and slanted roofs.

Massing

South Elevation and Floor Plan 1

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Terrace Type A

Terrace Type A

Flat Type D

Flat Type D

Flat Type E

Flat Type E

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South Elevation

As seen in the elevations there is a very distinct difference in height.

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Ground Floor

Where Cruddas floorplan is symmetrical with four different room sizes on each floor Marmalade Lane has various types of modular terraces and flats. There are more homes on each floor with all terraces having access to their own front door.

I’ve Always Fancied Owning Me Own Lion The text explains how tenants turned homeowners often express a desire to differentiate themselves from the rest of the neighbourhood. The change of exterior decorations such as materials and style could ”communicate substantial symbolic information about themselves as social agents.” John A. Dolan describes three different kinds of new homeowners: - The Transformer: wants to be different from the rest of the street - The Privatizer: seeks to make the exterior their own by adding an enclosed glazed porch and a fence/wall. - The Market Trader: aims to increase the value of the property for future profit by adding e.g. a garage

The terraces of Marmalade Lane already have differently coloured brick facades which contrast with the otherwise repetitive modular design. It adds a sense of indivdualism. Below is an image of Cruddas Park House and it can be understood that a homeowner might feel challenged to personalize the exterior of their apartment as changes cannot be made and a lot of apartment blocks prohibit items in hallways.

Floor plan

Greenery and Private vs public There is a huge green space outside Cruddas Park House which is accessible to the public. Comparatively, Marmalade Lane has a lane and a communal green garden which is only open for the residents.

Greenery

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Private vs public

Cruddas Park House includes one private tower with flats and the low rise block which is open to the public and has commercial stores. There is mostly private housing on Marmalade Lane with one communal space only for the residents.

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Pre cedents Site Exploration The precedents were overlaid with the Cruddas Park site in a propositional study and this revealed that how big the site really is and how many people it can give homes to whilst still keeping a lowrise profile. This scheme would house about 1200 residents which further proved that by returning to the terraced lowrise scheme one can easily achieve a dense neighbourhood.

Maiden Lane collage (left on site plan)

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Maiden Lane and the Barbican collage (bottom on site plan)

Marmalade Lane collage (top right on site plan)

Site plan

Siteplan is groupwork

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Manife sto The group work and studio research developed towards a shared brief highlighting the issues and the aims of the project. A brief which was incorporated into the individual brief as well and influenced many different aspects. It keeps the design logical and rooted into strong arguments for the relevant architectural choices.

A MANIFESTO FOR HOUSING PANDEMIC and current CLIMATE and HOUSING CRISIS’ the call to “STAY AT HOME” has placed UK housing under a In the light of a global

spotlight.

This spotlight has further highlighted the short comings of

current

housing

and

indeed

HOUSING

STANDARDS which are far from the world leading innovation found in 20th century British SOCIAL HOUSING and modernism. Housing must become more SUSTAINABLE, both socially and environmentally. It must encourage

COMMUNITY

through spaces and design which

CULTURE and CONTEXT. AFFORDABILITY and FLEXIBILITY will promote DIVERSITY and in turn OWNERSHIP of housing weave into the existing

projects for its inhabitants.

This sense of a housing type which not only allows but promotes COMMUNITY,

BEING

CULTURE and WELL-

will create architecture which is animated and activated by its occupants; thus, restoring British Housing to its former optimistic and progressive role.

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Photo courtesy of Aysen Neslisah Cakmakkaya

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BKK-2 Architects Co-Housing Vienna, Austria

CASE STUDY Sarg fabrik by BKK-2

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Initial Concept With reference to the readings and the historical research the concept of everyone having a frontdoor and keeping the design relatively lowrise formed. Incorporating green spaces and places for natural conversation was also very important.

FRAMING P a r t Tw o

This stage proved crucial as it shaped my ethics, priorities and beliefs as an architect. With thorough research into social housing and what it means to live in a home a brief was declared that focuses on social interaction, community, integration, connection and individual identity.

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The Frontdoor Upon closer examination of the site it was discovered that the entrances to the shopping mall and the apartment tower are nearly identical which makes it difficult to separate the two. They do not stand out from the facade and are easy to miss. Access to the site is also unnatural and routes within the podium are merely used as empty passageways. Together with the historical aspect of the terraced housing that used to cover the site and created a fantastic sense of community a concept formed. The concept of the repeated groundfloor and shared community courtyards.

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Initial Massing Studie s The first massing iterations explored how the big podium could be cut into to make it less imposing and more open. By opening up the ceiling over the passageway in the shopping mall and also widening the width of it, access to the site becomes more visible and attractive. The introduction of more commercials stores, galleries, cafes and restaurants will help to make the area more diverse. With the various levels that are on site the residential quarters can be zoned off and be slightly more private whilst still keeping a connection to the nearby facilities.

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Massing studie s

Pre cedent

By bringing the idea of the courtyards, street and frontdoor into Crudddas House there can be changes made to accommodate for a more welcoming and community driven atmosphere. Several explorations of introducing this to the podium have also been made. Thinking about access, light, views and irregular heights have been the main focus.

A very influential precedent during this process was Copper Lane by Henley Halebrown, a six-home co-housing project located in London. The careful consideration of the journey from public to private.

Shared courtyard

Private road

Semi-private road

Semi-public road

Public road

Very flat and impersonal hallway. By pushing the entrance in slightly a private nook is created which residents can decorate

Exploring hierarchy of spaces by introducing private roads and shared courtyards

Dynamic Dynamic massing massing and section. and section. Residential Residential buildings buildings rising rising up to up create to create an enclosed an enclosed courtyard. courtyard. QuiteQuite intimate intimate shared shared space,space, but also butopen. also open.

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BoxesBoxes located located around around the courtyard. the courtyard. It almost It almost becomes becomes their own their little own square. little square. A town A town withinwithin a Copper a town.town. The road The leading road leading to thetoneighbourhood the neighbourhood is is semi-private, semi-private, effectively effectively discouraging discouraging outsiders outsiders from from wandering wandering in. in. Boxes located around the courtyard. It almost becomes their own little square. A town within a

Lane,

Dynamic massing and section. Residential buildings rising up to create an enclosed Henley Halebrown, 2009-2014 courtyard. Quite intimate shared space, but also open.

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Pre cedent Another precedent is Peter Barber’s Donnybrook Quarter. Barber focuses on the hierarchy from the public road to the private courtyard. There is also a simple design regarding modularity and repetition but because it is placed in curving lines the repetition is not like terraced houses so commonly found in the UK.

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Donnybrook Quarter by Peter Barber, 2006

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Site Map The proposed massing strategy involves making the flat podium into a residential area with repeated groundfloors, adding a pond to make the park more attractive and inserting a playground area which can be used by families. The massing is intentionally quite general at the moment as more exploration is needed to break it up more and make it less repetitive. Cruddas Park House will have its interior layout changed to make room for shared common rooms and private nooks for their entrances.

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A xonometric The proposed strategy succeeds in connecting the podium with the surrounding context and making the environment more dynamic. With the addition of ramps and staircases access is allowed to the roof of the podium again. The ramps also provide access to the various repeated groundfloors. Newcastle Collage and the library are moved to the left side of the podium as it will be the quieter side and a roof garden will be added on top which can be accessed by the public. The passageway continues through under the tower and a new proper entrance with an accompanying lobby for the tower will be introduced here.

Apartments Roof garden Newcastle college Library Commercial Underground parking New entrance to Cruddas tower and open passageway

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Se c tion The strategy is best explained in the section as it portrays the height differences and spots were community courtyards can be placed. With the level changes everyone has access to their own front door. The different floor levels help to make the area come alive and the integration of different building uses connect people with each other and their surroundings.

Re sid e ntial

Pub lic /co mm e rcial/ multi-u se

Un d e rg ro un d c ar park

Fro nt d o o r to f lat Ba ck d o o r to f lat

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Line of Enquir y

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Be tter use of public space + improved circu lation

Re trofit and limiting demolition

Multiple groundfloors allowing access for all

Addition of greenery and a pond

Giving identity through the frontdoor

Creating shared spaces to encourage interac tion

Be tter range of housing options

Low-rise to connec t back with the historical context and the surrounding terraced housing

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Shape The first decision made was to alter the roofscape to create a more interesting and dynamic project in addition to being environmentally strategic.

TESTING During this stage the design was tested against the brief formed in the previous phase. The exploration of architectural language was very important and the dwellings were developed on multople scales to achieve a balanced threshold of private and public. In addition, materials and modular construction was explored with the help of technial research to further represent the line of enquiry. Individuality and diversity as a community were two aspects greatly tested to make a better community.

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Fir st Iteration

Pre cedent Unit Size s

Alexandra Road, Neave Brown

The first exploration of the plans focused on understanding the grid of the existing concrete structure in order to place the housing units. By comparing similar precedent types a notion of unit size can be developed. One crucial concept was to mimic the flat size in Cruddas tower to provide the same level of comfort and quality in the dwellings.

Halen Estate, Atelier 5

Cruddas Park, Tower Floor

Plan testing with Alexandra Road sized terraced housing

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Top: Alexandra Road Plans, Neave Brown, 1978. Bottom left: Halen Estate, Atelier 5, 1960. Bottom right: Cruddas Park

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Providing Light Due to the placement of the dwellings, natural daylight would not be able to reach all rooms. By introducing skylights and by removing parts of the massing, light will be able to reach down into the furthest rooms.

These light voids opened up multiple opportunities such as having them as tiny courtyards that are shared between neighbours, an essential tool to actively encourage social interaction. Living in a pandemic, having a bit of outdoor area can also be mentally relieving and good for spirits.

Testing light access both in section and plan

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Neighbourly Interac tion

Public Realm In addition to looking at the small moments, a holistic approach was taken to the rest of the podium. The arrangment of services, shops and necessities was explored. One aspect of the proposal concerns making the area attractive again. Most of the spaces are empty and this design aims to fill them again with places people from both the local and wider area can visit.

These quick sketches explore the intimate part of a community and the moments in which social interaction can take place. Alexandra Road was very inspirational during this phase as it is a scheme which encourages passive interaction.

Overlooking balconies allow for passive interaction and visual connection between residents Introduce the shared entrances to give each resident more identity and sense of ownership. Add balconies to increase views and easy “out access to the “outdoors”?

Whilst there will be space to hang out, the addition will make the tower even more imposing

Make the first floor for the residents to use. Also possible entrance and exit to the roof garden. Change walls to let more natural light in

Shared courtyard between two neighbours allow for plenty of interaction as the place is cared for by both of them. Passive interaction also happens from the pathway above

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Image to the left: Alexandra Road, Neave Brown, 1978

Better access

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Se cond Iteration The lowest level of the proposal directly connects with the park and has stairs leading up to the next floor. One dwelling is slightly different to break the pattern and make it more dynamic. The issue with this layout is the lack of privacy from the public park. The dynamic layout can also be pushed even more and have the greenery which connects with the park start to wrap around the design.

The tiny courtyards offer places of privacy and interaction. Indivdual decoration can take place as it would on a regular outdoor place. As is visible in the two images to the right the dynamic massing seen in th section/elevation does not translate into the plan. This is due to the fact that there is little variation. In addition, circulation would work even better if the podium was perforated in more places which would create natural routes. The passage from west to east works to connect both ends, but there is more to develop in the other direction as well.

Neighbours whose entrance doors are located opposite each other greeting one another

In order to retain as much of the concrete structure as possible, the parking spot was originally planned to be kept as it is. However with some reconsideration it will be altered to give room for a bike shop to encourage sustainable transport. The layout of the dwellings sees entrances being placed opposite each other so neighbours can interact on a daily basis. It also makes the entry private. Two sets of stairs lead to the next level in an attempt to make a route from the south to the north and improve circulation on site. However, this is something that can be explored deeper. Currently, this proposal feels a bit rigid and not very dynamic. The strict pattern needs to be broken a bit more.

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Se cond Iteration By breaking up the rows of dwellings a different skyline appeared. One which follows the shape of the hill and connects with the site. However, the dynamic aspect could be pushed even more by for example relocating stairs as they appear very intimidating and using circulation and routes as a tool to aid with this. The park could also be better integrated with the design by having green areas scattered in varoius places. The elevation lloked flat due to the fact that all units have the same facade. There needed to be more careful consideration of materiality and experience.

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Variation in Se c tion The proposed shared outdoor spaces created a richer variation in the section. With these, light can bounce off the walls and enter the rooms located in the back and cross ventilation is made possible. They also offer a space for neighbours to interact and live alongside each other. The red demonstrates the existing structure and shows demolition plans. The project aims to adapt the current structure and demolish as little as possible to contain the carbon stored within the concrete.

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Thinking through making Exploring tectonics at a much smaller scale helped to understand the experience desired from the project. Acting as both a 1:10 scale model and a much more abstract concept model, the idea of the timber ribbon weaving its way across the scheme to tie everything together was born. It adds an element of fragility to the robust concrete structure. These hard objects are then softened by the addition of scattered spots of greenery. The opposite page displays a number of sketches of how this timber ribbon could be used and integrated in different details.

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Images of Thinking Through Making model have appeared in ARC3013 Report

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Creating Variaton With Circulation

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By using circulation to connect the west with the east and the north with the south, the site becomes more accessible and pleasant to walk through. The programme is informed by the routes and the shape of the dwellings have been explored to relate to the passageways. The units have been pushed and pulled to create a comfortable transition between public and private.

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Plan view

Elevational view

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In order to distinguish private units from shared ones, the shape and material of the communal places are different from the apartments. By analyzing paths people would naturally walk it becomes apparent that the ideal place for the communal houses to be located is next to these routes. To encourage social interaction, theses have been located next to natural moments where visitors pause like before ascending stairs or when coming out of a sidepath.

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Third Iteration A part of the basement has been reworked as a basaement storey for the bike store which reduces the number of available parking spots. Instead people are now encouraged to travel more sustainably by using a bike or by carpools. The dwellings have been modified to create a more dynamic layout with greenery wrapped around them. The units now connect with the park and the park connects with the site. Additionally, instead of having stairs leading straight down to the park they turn and are located in different places to appear less intimidating.

Basement

The first floor of the tower has been opened up to create a community shared space and a three storey building has been added in the north-east corner of the podium. This tower can be booked by the residents to have seminars, workshops, meetings or gatherings where they can exchange knowledge, interests and experiences.

First floor

Greenery is added on top of the podium roof to enhance the envirnoment both visually and sustainably. The pathways that spanned over the main shopping street closest to the edges of the podium have been removed to create a more welcoming and spacious entrance. The north-east connection with the rest of the site is altered and has seating areas scattered in various places to reduce the previously stark threshold between the site and its surroundings.

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Circulation on site has been improved by opening the podium even more. These new pathways now encourage circulation between the north and the south as well and creates a stronger visual connection with the surroundings. With the addition of more greenery and natural places for the community to meet, chances of passive interaction is increased.

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Ground floor

The line of enquiry was tested inside the tower as well to improve the existing apartments. By introducing a spacious and light shared room on each floor social interaction is encouraged between neighbours, which helps to fulfill the lack of community spirit perceived by the current residents. Some levels will also have more shared spaces ranging from reading nooks, game rooms, a laundry, playrooms or a wintergarden (lower level). Some of the spaces are double height which connects the floors with each other.

Tower floor

The flats are given their own entrance nook to strengthen their sense of identity and ownership. Furthermore, there are now three types of units: 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms. The types are mixed on every floor to create a better diversity of occupants.

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Developing the dwelling The unit study at 1:50 was further explored. CLT was chosen as structure material as it is lightweight, sustainable and efficient in modular construction. The Rye Apartments (image below) by Tikari Works was influential when developing details on the interior and how to make use of the exposed CLT structure. By having it exposed, there can be window seating directly on the CLT. Additionally, the ceiling in the kitchen has been lowered to make room for services as developed in the ARC3013 essay.

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(Bottom left image) The Rye Apartments, Tikari Works, 2020

N Upon making a 1:50 model it became evident how tight the unit actually was. The south wall on the first floor was compromised as it had to be partially pushed to make room for the stairs. This was solved by making the entire dwelling bigger making the shape cohesive and efficient again.

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Spatialit y and Privac y Due to the nature of the design, inhabitants and visitors will frequently walk past the residencies and to make the openings more private greeneries are placed in front of them to hinder people from coming too close. This is further demonstrated in the iteration on the oppposite side.

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By pushing the south wall 1m the dwelling becomes comfortably spacious as opposed to how cramped and awkward it was previously. The room is optimized in its arrangment of furniture. The entry hallway is placed in a nook that would otherwise be too tight and seating areas are introduced in the windows, both inside and outside.

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Timber Ribbon and Lig ht The terrace has been explored and developed in more detail. The timber ribbon now snakes its way across the balcony and acts both as a corner bench and as an overhang over the window to provide shadow which could be needed for the working place.

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When making the 1:50 physical model it became apparent that the dwelling was not provided with enough natural daylight and views. The addition of more space allows for a better arrangement. By placing the glazed terrace door to the west it becomes more private and a customized desk can be fitted to the south with a wider window. Additionally, windows in the staircase provides plenty useful light.

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Te sting Shadows and Space s When exploring the project in a perspective section the dimensions of the project were tested. As can be seen, shadows will always been present on some sides of the buildings, but overshadowing will not be problematic due to the units being low-rise. The size of the dwellings was not big enough however and even though it was quite late in the project, it was deemed necessary to push them out and make them more spacious.

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Better range of flats with light and airy shared spaces on every floor which encourages social interaction

SYNTHESIS

Podium is permeable in all directions which draws activity inside. Entrances are now easier identified

The synthesis stage showcases how all modules during the year have contributed to a new housing proposal at Cruddas Park. The main points consider social interaction, connection, sustainability and individual identity. This phase displays multiple images showing the response to the brief created during the framing stage. It shows an improved and enhanced site which aims to answer the need for good quality social housing and a much more integrated and welcoming public area.

Reintroduction of low-rise buildings which existed previously on the site

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Timber ribbon detail ties the overall project together

Now there is a pond and playground to make better use of the park and make it more welcoming

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Approaching the Site The proposal at Cruddas Park connects better with the surroundings and actively encourages visitors to come closer due its newfound permeability and visual openness.

84

85


Main Fo cus: The Podium This design project focuses mainly on the podium part of the site which the line of enquiry is formed around. However, the concept and ideas have been partially applied to the apartments in the tower as well to try and resolve the issues found within and to think about the entire site from a holistic approach.

N

N

Building Programme The project is arranged in a way where the public and commercial spaces are centered around an outdoor street. The educational spaces have been placed on the opposite side of the tower to provide a quiet environment and easy access between them. The residential units are scattered across the site with community shared spaces available on multiple floors. Residential

Commercial

Community space

Educational/ business

Parking, services

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87


Unit t ype s The scheme offers a range of apartments that can suit different people of various ages, relationships and family constellations. One-storey dwellings have been provided that are accessible as well. The tower now has three types of units that are mixed on every floor. All aiming to fill the needs of the exisiting housing crisis in Elswick.

N 40m2

40m2 34m2

54m2

54m2

54m2 54m2 54m2 67m2

N

54m2

=7 59m2

84m2

N

90m2

= 73

= 49

90m2

71m2

94m2

39m2

71m2

71m2

84m2

84m2 54m2 40m2

88

39m2

90m2 87m2 90m2 90m2 87m2 54m2

54m2 67m2

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Se c tion

N

Connection with the surrounding area

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I

Eight parking spots for the disabled

Communit y

Six parking spots for rental cars/carpools managed by the bike shop A

N B

Fire curtain to enclose core in event of fire View 1: Corner of daycare. Mixture of materials to highlight the different building uses

The basement of the podium block now has a reduced parking area to encourage more sustainable transport such as carpools and cycling. The south part of the site has been transformed into a residential area with a semi-public pathway running through the middle. Stairs and ramps have been placed in locations that make circulation dynamic and natural and accessible for all. There are both two storey and one storey dwellings which invites different kinds of residents to live in the same neighbourhood.

View 3

N

B

View 2: Community space. Can be used for gatherings, meetings, hang out space to encourage interaction and interest for the neighbourhood

N

A

Concrete pieces from the demolished podium are reused in these paths as decoration

Playground in close proximity to the daycare

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Pond to enhance area and increase biodiversity The naturally rising road provides a route to give access for all

Educational/Business Retail

View 2

View 1

1. Biomass plant 2. Bin room 3. Car parking 4. Supermarket inbound area 5. Bike/car rental + bike and repair shop 6. Daycare 7. Entrance to the tower ground floor 8. Residential, 2 bedroom apartments 9. Residential, 1 bedroom apartments, accessible 10. Residential, 3 bedroom apartments 11. Community space 12. Bike storage 13. Playground 14. Water feature

Services/maintenance Shared communal space View 3: Facade of bike shop. Large windows to give visitors a good insight into the building use.

Residential

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Passive Interac tion The scheme greatly encourages social interaction on multiple levels as a tool to strengthen the community spirit. Therefore passive interaction as been made possible by playing with levels on site that allow visual connection between residents.

N

94

The two bottom images represent changes since the drawing was made

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I Ribbon detail wraps around the design

Transition from street to the scheme with timber ribbon details and greenery slowly fading out

A

Permeabilit y

B

Protected fire escape staircase

N

View 1

View 2

View 1: Entrance to the tower

B Fire curtain to enclose core in event of fire

N

Elevator only available for residents

Entrance to tower. Staircase also acts as emergency escape

1. Office/study space 2. Library 3. Tower ground floor, circulation space 4. Public toilets 5. Clothes shop 6. Creative workshop 7. Exhibition space/shop for creative workshop 8. Restaurant 9. Hairdresser 10. Boots 11. Cafe 12. Bike store/rental/repair shop 13. Appliances shop 14. Stationery shop 15. Supermarket 16. Newcastle college 17. Residential, 3 bedroom apartment 18. Residential, 1 bedroom apartment 19. Residential, 1 bedroom apartment, accessible Educational/Business

A Foldable doors to make a bigger space and lessen the threshhold between the outside and inside

The main public floor of the podium is a carefully considered area for activity and circulation. By enlarging and opening up the eastern entrance a natural passageway is formed. Various stores, restaurants and service centers are clustered around the main route. The public is encouraged visually and spatially to make their way down to the park with the new medium-sized openings. This makes the journey there intimate and is also fitting seeing as the residential realm is located to the south.

View 2: Corner view of the bike shop

Retail Services/maintenance Shared communal space Residential

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Dissolving the Boundarie s

Timber ribbon detail bleeds into the outside path

Timber lattice work softens the path from outside to inside

Foldable doors create a flow of space

Making use of the narrow passageway to create intimate seating. Improves transitional threshold between the main route and the residential area

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Route decreases in size as it becomes less public

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I

N

Timber lattice work to demonstrate entrance to the tower

A

Interac tion The design heavily focuses on creating a scheme that promotes social activities. The roof level of the podium has been made accessible again and has rooftop gardens which helps it blend in with the paark. It also promotes biodiversity and paths will be clad with recycled concrete from the demolished pars of the podium to preserve the carbon it contains.

B

View 1: Rooftop access to the tower

Skylights provide natural daylight into the buildings

View 1 B

1. Social hangout space 2. Residential, 2 bedroom apartments 3. Residential, 1 bedroom apartment 4. Residential, 3 bedroom apartments 5. Shared space 6. Rooftop garden

Rooftop garden to enhance area and bring more biodiversity into the area

A

Educational/Business Retail Services/maintenance Shared communal space Residential

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Atmosphere The roofscape view displays a project with variation. Apart from having irregular roofs which resembles the twists and turns of a natural landscape, the facade materials are different. With a modular construction that is quick and easy to assemble, only the final cladding varies between scottish larch, equitone slates and reclaimed brick slips. All materials have been chosen for their characteristics as a reponse to the climate crisis, but they add important experiental qualities as they look natural.

Diagrams showing recycled materials

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Diagrams on the left have appeared in ARC3013 Report

Diagrams of modular construction of the cladding

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I

Social Space and a Range of Flats

A B

This example of a typical floor layout in the tower displays the three types of units available. Spacious apartments range from 1-3 bedrooms and have the option of having two beds in one bedroom if desired. Every storey has a big shared space that let in plenty of light and allow for social activites. Most floors also have additional shared spaces meant for more specific activities. This is a direct response to the existing residents who complain about not knowing their neighbours and feeling trapped inside their apartments during the pandemic.

View 1

B

N

1. Social hangout space 2. Game room (example of shared space) 3. Reading nook (example of shared space) 4. Residential, 2 bedroom apartments 5. Residential, 3 bedroom apartments 6. Residential, 1 bedroom apartment Educational/Business

A View 1: The shared space can be opened up to create one big open area. The pull-downs are brought down in the evening as a protocol and have some residents have responsibility of this which can give them a sense of purpose.

Retail Services/maintenance Shared communal space Residential

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Opening Space s

N

Some shared spaces have double height to make them even more spacious and such as the library and the wintergarden. These are locations for people to meet and they are maintained by the inhabitants themselves. The library for example, is based on a system of trust where people can donate and borrow books without keeping records.

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Dwelling

N

The units located on the podium have access to a shared courtyard and are comfortably provided with light, natural ventilation and space. The large window sills are taken advantage of as seating areas or as custom built desks which provide maximum use of the space with good quality rooms. Living in relatively small places can be equally as comfortable and detailed as in larger ones which is how this scheme challenges typical social housing.

N

N

Unit study example

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109


Comfor table Living

N

The entrance is recessed to make it more private together with the timber ribbon and the slightly raised timber platform marking the doorway. Greenery is located right outside windows to to create a threshold from the public paths. There is also a cupboard right outside which further increases the distance from the public to the private as well as providing useful storage for various items like bikes, equipment etc.

N

The outdoor shared terrace provides opportunities for social activites. The timber ribbon bench curves around the wall as a nice place to sit and have sun from morning till afternoon. Greenery located on the balcony promotes biodiversity and visual enhancement.

The shared courtyard has built-in seating areas to make full use of the small space. MVHR is efficiently placed underneath the stairs and can easily be accessed for maintenance.

N

110

N

111


List of Components

1:20 Study 1:20 0

(mm) 400

100

2000 1000

1. Roof 20mm reclaimed brick slips Carrier sheet with adhesive 25mm phenolic insulation board 50x50 support battens (vertically) 50x50 support battens (horizontally) Breather membrane 250mm insulation VCL 200mm exposed CLT 2. Window Flashing Sealant 20mm rigid insulation Hidden roller blind Triple glazed window 3. Intermediate floor Timber floor finish 170mm service void 50mm screed with underfloor heating 150mm insulation 50mm acoustic insulation 200mm CLT 100mm service void Exposed CLT plane 4. Balcony Larch timber floor 100mm void with concealed fall Breather membrane 250mm rigid insulation VCL 200mm exposed CLT 5. Wall 20mm reclaimed brick slips Carrier sheet with adhesive 25mm phenolic insulation board 50x50 support battens, cavity 20mm sheathing board Breather membrane, lapped underneath gutter 250mm insulation VCL 200mm exposed CLT 6. Floor Timber floor finish 100mm service void 50mm screed with underfloor heating 250mm insulation 100mm concrete screed 500mm existing concrete structure 150mm service void

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Work from ARC3013, Architectural Technology 3

20mm plasterboard 7. Outdoor insulated walkway 20mm stone tiles 300mm support stilts, service void and built in drainage Water-resistant layer 200mm insulation 100mm concrete screed 500mm existing concrete structure 150mm service void 20mm plasterboard 8. Wall 12mm Equitone [materia] panels 50x50 support battens, cavity 20mm sheathing board Breather membrane 250mm insulation VCL 200mm exposed CLT 9. Mini rooftop garden Vegetation 100mm soil Geotextile sheet Drainage layer 15mm root barrier sheet (secondary waterproof layer) 15mm plywood board 50x50 metal battens, service void Breather membrane 10. Partition wall 20mm larch timber cladding 50x50 support timber battens 250mm steel column 250mm insulation Breather membrande 100mm extension joints, service void Breather membrane 250mm insulation VCL 200mm exposed CLT 11. Foundation junction 20mm mortar 150mm insulated starter block (eliminates thermal bridge) DPC lapped with DPM CLT wall attached to existing concrete structure with L-shaped metal plate 12. Foundation Existing concrete foundation

Work from ARC3013, Architectural Technology 3

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N

Energ y Provision The proposal will tap into the existing energy source, the biomass plant. Seeing as it was installed recently it does not appear reasonable to remove it so soon as it is very energy demanding and is a sustainable energy source. However, the scheme has solar panels placed on the roofs to produce environmentally friendly enrgy. Eventually, this will develop and in the future will provide all necessary energy.

Solar Panels which is a start to replacing the site’s energy source with a more sustainable alternative

114

115 Recently installed biomass plant will provide energy to the added scheme


Modular Con struc tion

Re sponse to Climate Crisis N

Pre-fabricating the CLT panes offsite allows for an easy and quick assemblage on site. It is a sustainable choice and cost-efficient. These diagrams show the construction sequencing.

116

Images have appeared in ARC3013 Report

Reduced car parking promotes sustainable transport

Increased biodiversity with green spaces + all existing trees are kept

Pond contributes to improved biodiversity

Passive lighting strategy

Rainwater harvestation used to water plants

Repurposed material from demolished concrete

Solar panels on top of tower for sustainable energy

Tapping into existing biomass heating as it is sustainable and available

Minimized demolition. Focus is on refurbishment

Offsite modular construction

CLT structure stores carbon dioxide

Passive strategy

cross-ventilation

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Projec t Ref le c tion This project is a manifesto for what social housing can be if one takes the time and effort to think about the quality, atmosphere and experience. I has been a journey full of trials and error and I have learnt more than I could ever imagine. By looking at the proposal from different aspects from all modules this year the project has become a cohesive and tentative response to the site which reconnects it with the surrounding contexts and celebrates the community as a whole.

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Thematic Case Studie s Case Study: St. Peter’s Seminary Studio: Ghost in the Machine Reflection: What embodies this design is the attention to detail and another interesting part is the focus on circulation. Or perhaps the experience provided by the journey from point A to B.

Text

Case Study: Apartment along a party wall Studio: City Ruins Reflection: The design uses subtle details in the facade, material choices and tectonics to connect with its medieval surroundings in a simple, natural and elegant way.

11 Hebelstrasse Apartment Along A Party Wall Herzog & de Meuron Thematic Housing Typology Isobel Prosser, Benoit Rawlings, Jiwoo Kim Philip Russell, Hana Baraka

ST. PETER’S SEMINARY GILLESPIE, KIDD & COIA

CULTURAL BIBLIOGRAPHY

D

a

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H

e

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s

Thematic Case Study Kate Macintosh East Dulwich London

Case Study: Dawson’s Heights Studio: Manifesto for Housing Reflection: Dawson’s Heights intricately pays homage to the surrounding hills by having a massing that resembles a hill itself. Modules are stacked on top of each other, put are pushed in or out to create a dynamic facade.

Case Study: Terrassenhaus Studio: City Ruins Reflection: The project is a mix-use building with staggered levels which thus provide a lovely set of terraces. It seeks to create a social and financially accessible residential area.

Terrassenhaus

Brandlhuber+ Edme, Burlon and Muck Petzet Architekten Berlin 2018

City Ruins ARC 3001 2020-21

SERGISON BATES ARCHITECTS SUBURBAN HOUSING ZURICH 2019 ARCHITECTURAL THEORETICAL POSITION

Case Study: Suburban Housing Studio: Manifesto for Housing Reflection: In contrast to the surrounding buildings this project was designed to last for a much longer time. The architect also considered how to make the design low-cost efficient so it could be inhabited by people with a low socio-economic background.

Case Study: Housing in MulHouse Studio: Manifesto for Housing Reflection: Lacaton and Vassal explored a new type of social housing that is more spacious, light and modular yet not identically repetitive.

CASE STUDY

HOUSING IN MULHOUSE BY LACATON &VASSAL

SERGISON BATES ARCHITECTS SUBURBAN HOUSING ZURICH 2019 ARCHITECTURAL THEORETICAL POSITION

Case Study: Walmer Yard Studio: Ghost in the Machine Reflection: The attention to every detail in this project is meticulous. For example, the shape of the windows are determined by their function. If light is needed then the window is narrow, but if it is all about views then it is big.

Case Study: Frac Dunkirk Studio: Ghost in the Machine Reflection: Using verticality and double height spaces as a tool, the design aims to encourage visitors to interact with the space. Layers intersect and the transparent fabric draws the guest inisde towards the artwork.

FRAC DUNKIRK LACATON AND VASSAL DUNKIRK, FRANCE GROUP 1 SHUJAAT AFZAL EMILY DUCKER ADA DING NATALIA STASIK JACOB BOWELL

1

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Images retrieved from Miro Board ”Thematic Case Study A”

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Reading s

Seminar s and Talk s

These two extra curricular readings have been influential in my design this year.

This year I have attended events and lectures on various themes such as housing, sustainability and timber. I was most interested in Ingrid Petit and Paul Karakusevic and their take on residential architecture. Additionally, Karakusevic’s drawings were very inspirational to me and my style of representation.

Being one of the leading examples of successful social housing this book gave me great insight into this type of housing where we as architects must consider affordability in relationship with quality of life.

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This magazine had a very thought provoking article called ”Ett hus är inte bara ett hus” (trans: A house is not just a house) about the Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao. She discusses the importance of houses and how the design of social housing or low cost housing must have a certain level of quality. There should be a creative modular solution that strays away from an obsessive repetition of dwellings.

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Illustration

Peer Review

These images began as a fun non-academic project where I explored watercolour illustration. They later on ended up becoming a huge part of my dissertation.

We were four collegues from the same studio who decided to meet up over zoom and miro to give feedback on each other’s projects. It provided valuable information and helped when inspiration was running low.

Zarin

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Images have previously appeared in ARC3060 Dissertation ”A Healthy Glass Hut in the Forest” by the author

Drawings shown on images are courtesy of Zarin Tasneem Mir and Marcelina Debska

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Page 43, top left: Image 3 Available at: <https://henleyhalebrown.com/ works/copper-lane/> [accessed: 14th Aug 2021] Page 43, top right: Image 17. Available at: <https://henleyhalebrown.com/ works/copper-lane/> [accessed: 14th Aug 2021] Page 43, bottom left: Image 5 Available at: <https://henleyhalebrown.com/ works/copper-lane/> [accessed: 14th Aug 2021] Page 44: Donnybrook Quarter Photographs (2019) Available at: < http:// www.peterbarberarchitects.com/donnybrook-quarter> [accessed: 14th Aug 2021] Page 57, top: Unit Plans Available at: <https://www.ajbuildingslibrary.co.uk/ projects/display/id/1834> [accessed: 15th Aug 2021] Page 57, bottom left: Siedlung Halen Available at: <https://www.academia. edu/9728354/SIEDLUNG_HALEN> [accessed: 15th Aug 2021]

LIST OF FIGURES

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Page 57, bottom right: Proposed Upper Floor Plans. Provided by studio leaders. Page 60: Photo, Front of unit. Available at: < http://www.greatbuildings. com/cgi-bin/gbi.cgi/Alexandra_Road_Housing.html/cid_2150070.gbi> [accessed: 14th Aug 2021] Page 74, bottom left image: Hobhouse, Jack, The Rye Apartments. Available at: <https://www.trada.co.uk/case-studies/the-rye-apartments-peckhamrye-south-london/> [accessed: 15th Aug 2021]

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Archer, John, ’Introduction: Built Spaces and Identity’ in Architecture and Suburbia (University of Minnesota Press, 2005) Archiveforchange, The Road to Blaydon – Part2, online video recording, 2011, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44UISr03Tqo&ab_channel=archiveforchange> [accessed: 22 February 2021] BFI Player Dan Smith, online video recording (1970). Available at: <https:// player.bfi.org.uk/free/film/watch-dan-smith-1970-online> [accessed: 12 December 2021]

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Poologanathan, Keerthan, (2021) How can modular construction address issues in the UK? Available at:https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/mmc-news/modular-construction-uk/92036/ [accessed: 3 May 2021] Prefabrication and Modular Construction (2019) Available at: https://www. technologycards.net/thetechnologies/ prefabrication-and-modular-construction [accessed: 3 May 2021]

BM Trada Cross-laminated timber: design and performance. (Apple books 2019)

Rye Apartments by Tikari Works (2020) Available at: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/buildings/rye-apartments-by-tikari-works [accessed: 22 April 2021]

BM Trada Structural timber elements: A pre-scheme design guide. (Apple books 2018)

Sommar, Ingrid, ’Ett hus är inte bara ett hus’ in Arkitektur Nr 8 (Göteborstryckeriet, 2019)

Brown, Neave, ‘The Form of Housing’, Architectural Design, vol. 37, no. 9 (1967), pp.432-3

Unwin, Simon, Doorway (Oxon: Routledge, 2007)

Burroughs, Jeffrey & Sadalla, Edward K. &Vershure, Beth, ‘Identity symbolism in housing’,Environment and Behaviour, vol. 19, no. 5 (1987), pp. 569-87 Dolan, John A., ’I’ve Always Fancied Owning MeOwn Lion: Ideological Motivations in External House Decoration by Recent Homeowners’ in At Home: An Anthropology of Domestic Space, ed. By Irene Cieraad (New York: Syracuse University Press, 1999) pp.60-73 Förster, Wolfgang and Menking, William (editors) The Vienna Model 2, (Jovis Verlag, 2018) Jubany, Helena L., The Social Responsibility of Architects, (2011) <https:// www.di.net/articles/ the_social_responsibility_architects/> [accessed: 22 February 2021] Karakusevic, Paul, The architect who reminds us council housing can be beautiful, (2017) <https://www.theguardian.com/housingnetwork/2017/ oct/20/neave-brown-architectcouncil-housing-beautiful-riba-gold-medal> [accessed: 22 February 2021] Lerup, Lars, ’Planned Assaults: Reflections on the Detached House’ in Planned Assaults: The Nofamily House, Love/House, Texas Zero, (1987) Nichol, Rachael, ‘I’ve had tears running down my cheeks’: Newcastle high-rise residents speak of lockdown struggles, (2020) <https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-eastnews/coronavirus-newcastle-north-eastelswick-18131493> [accessed: 22 February 2021]

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Cruddas Park House & Barbican Centre Site Plan and Massing

Pre cedent Studie s

Cruddas Park House (orange) is located in Newcastle. Looking at the site plan there is one dense volume. The massing depicts a tall slender tower for housing and a low, wide podium with stores.

Site Plan

Barbican Centre (green), London, is designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon. The complex includes residential towers, lowrises with most ground floors occupied by stores or educational services. Everything is raised on a podium with roads going under the complex. There are gardens and water elements scattered on site as well and the idea of the residential safe zone has similarities with Le Corbusier’s Radiant City.

Massing

The Barbican compared with Cruddas Park House and the reading ”Planned Assaults”.

Elevation/Section and Floor Plan 1

As seen in the elevation/section Barbican Centre has towers of the same height as Cruddas, but also some lower buildings. It also extend beneath the surface unlike Cruddas.

1 Terrace Type A

Flat Type D

2

2 Ground Floor

3

1

2

3

Flat Type E

1

2

3

4

4 3

Elevation/Section

Floor plan

4

Cruddas floorplan is symmetrical with four different room sizes on each floor and Barbican Centre also has some flats and mews with symmetrical floor plans (2 lower plans). The floor plans of the towers (top) differ however. Each storey has 3 flats and they work together in a more dynamic programme.

Levels and Exterior There is a stark difference in how the sites have designed with level changes. Cruddas is simpler and every resident lives on one floor. Barbican Centre has a continuous presence of level changes both outside and inside. It is almost a celebration of staircases.

Levels

APPENDIX

Exterior

Both buildings have modular exteriors and there is usually only one colour addition to contrast with the white and grey concrete. There is however a lot of greenery on the exterior of Barbican Centre. Flowers and vine can be seen hanging from almost every balcony.

Planned Assaults In his essay Lars Lerup questions architecture in relation to family narrative, everyday life and the single family home. His descriptions border dream machines and the reader is invited to put their daily life aside for a short time and enter his imaginative space of architecture. There are traps, distractions and disruptions to the normal pattern and it becomes playful and philosophical. The first impression of Barbican Centre was an experience not too different from Lerup’s imaginative world. With podiums, stairs and everchanging levels the building complex welcomes visitors to a unique spatial experience. Similar to M. C. Escher’s ”Relativity” one can easily lose oneself’s orientation and sense of place, but it is with excitement that continued exploration is ecouraged.

Stairs and pedestrian routes are celebrated at Barbican Centre and commercial, educational, pedestrian and residential space intertwine. Cruddas Park House is the complete opposite, functionality is in focus.

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