Zarin Tasneem Portfolio

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PORTFOLIO Zarin Tasneem Mir Stage 3, 2020 - 2021 School of Architecture, Landscape and Planning Newcastle University 180650822

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Contents 1 Illustrated Reflective Diary

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2 Project Framing Introduction to studio and it’s themes Site Declaration Functional Brief Summary on studio readings and texts Initial Massing Concept of proposal

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3 Project Testing Technical/Material Influence: Modularity Thinking through making Declaration to response of climate crisis Propsal Iteration

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4 Synthesis Design theory: Field, Capital and Habitus Refined propsal

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Thematic Case Study Cultural Bibliography Bibliography, Reference, Illustration List Appendix

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Notes: Group work Updated/Added new after Final review Used in other modules Own work from previous years

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Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental Resposibility. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental Resposibility.

Taste. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental Resposibility.

Domesticity. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Taste. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Taste. Community

and Civic Space. Community and

Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental Resposibility. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental Resposibility. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental Resposibility. Domesticity. Taste. ommunity and Civic Space. Housing in its political context. ommunity and Civic Space. Housing in its political context. ommunity and Civic Space. Housing in its political context. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Domesticity. Taste. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Feminisms.

Modularity

and Environmental Resposibility.

Domesticity. Taste. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental Resposibility. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental Resposibility. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Housing

in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental

Resposibility. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. Modularity and Environmental Resposibility. Domesticity. Taste. Feminisms. Housing in its political context. Community and Civic Space. Intersectionality and Inclusion. M 4

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Illustrated Reflective Diary Contents of the chapter: Summary of design development Influence of other modules on Design Critical reflection as a designer on project proposal 5


Stage 3 of my architecture degree at Newcastle University has been equally enlightening and enjoyable. We were working on one main project throughout the academic year with the freedom to find our line of enquiry. This allowed us, as design students, to explore fields of our interests and address our own social and ethical beliefs. Additionally, all other modules being integrated with design empowered me to understand the project holistically with my best theory, management, and technical skills.

I feel very privileged and honoured to be in the ‘Manifesto for Housing’ studio. Apart from exploring themes that revolve around the housing crisis, other practical issues based on site context, society and environment were also encouraged. Decent, safe and affordable homes in a social neighbourhood had only been a vision for many ages. A recent article by Guardian, published on 30 March, addresses the housing crisis in great depth. In the framing stage of the project, we as a group considered the current events and the stigma that follows to declare our manifesto.

On a personal note, apart from the academic improvement, the studio helped shape my thinking to make me more responsive to the broader setting of the architectural profession. In the last two decades, only 16 per cent of current UK accommodation was built, most of which were English post-war housing towers. They derived from the pre-war German, Scandinavian housing and Le Corbusier’s vision. Repeated monotonous piled slabs to form a tower block was a quick and cheap fix for the given time, but now they fail to serve different crucial aspects of today’s life. The project site Cruddas Park House located in the West end area of Newcastle, a tower block on the podium, is likewise.

The recent climate crisis, pandemic, and time spent indoors are another call to having sustainable, healthier, and better homes. Therefore, I have explored ways to allow natural factors like the sun, wind, topography, solidvoid and circulation to shape massing in the framing stage. Diagrammatic summaries of the influence of precedent studies and studio readings on my design also helped me better grip my findings. Thematic Case Study was another crucial aspect of the project progress. Working in groups to explore different parts of the same building allowed us to get fresh perspectives. Making a video helped us sum up our thoughts with the distant study mode. Moreover, the choice of Lacaton & Vassal Architects and their specific social housing project supported our proposal narrative in reusing concrete for a sustainable approach. 6

The Technology and management module being entirely on our proposed project allowed me to test different ideas regarding design decisions, material choices, and sustainability strategies in the testing phase. Additionally, the ‘Theory Into Practice’ essay helped develop the brief’s narrative further in this stage. I explored Pierre Bourdieu’s complex philosophical theory of Field, Habitus and Capital to understand human behaviour. Integrating this theory into housing was an exciting journey.

Further, for my ‘Dissertation’, I examined a building that uses concrete to represent the power and status of a country. The environmental impact of demolishing a massive amount of concrete would not support my motto of a sustainable approach. Thus, additions and demolition were allowed based on the existing concrete frame structure of the podium. Modular additions of timber panels and other prefabricated units between concrete columns influenced the design proposal. These were critically examined and diagrammed with the help of the ‘Integrated Construction’ module.

Field explores the individuality of a person. Designing for individuals in Cruddas involved different requirements and privacy to sustain personhood and enhance the domestic experience. The proposal allows more generous living, encouraging the multiplicity of how the residents occupy each space.

an identity for Cruddas, it was crucial to open up the podium, making it more welcoming and creating a cohesive street society. Additionally, greenhouse and group gardening start a cycle of buy, grow, and sell and encourage the engagements of residents with the broader community.

Capital can be specifically referred to as the taste preference that varies depending on the social and economic position held in the society. The greenhouse, gardens and marketplaces work as a medium to provide economic opportunities to the residents living in the neighbourhood.

In synthesis, I used colour codes to represent the three aspects and inhabit spaces accordingly. Combining my pen and ink style with colour coded theory helped me demonstrate and narrate my story better. After refinement, a poem is written to state my own manifesto and express the quality of spaces to be achieved along with the celebration piece.

When a house becomes part of a neighbourhood, Habitus comes into play. Social and cultural context is highly considered in creating communal spaces across the project. To create 7


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Project Framing This chapter sets out the site topographical, social, economic and cultural issues. Following that, summaries of precedent study and readings are set out. Next, a combined study of the findings, readings and case study influences the initial massing and concept for the project proposal. Contents of the chapter: Introduction to studio and it’s themes Site Declaration: topography, history, demographics, materiality, environment and ecology Functional Brief Reflection on studio readings and texts Initial Massing Concept proposal summarising framing 8

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Introduction to the Studio and its Themes

In response to the group studio manifesto exploration, I have created this collage to initiate a study for my own brief. Along with general studio themes, social, economic and cultural issues are explored in context. 10

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Diagrammatic analysis of the interrelation between issues, thoughts, and possible solution is shown on the right. Later, these ideas are used to inform the final manifesto and give Cruddas its own identity. 12

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Site Declaration

Council housing

Single Occupancy

Other

Others

Demographics: Current demographics is very monotonic with the quality of housing the tower has to offer.

45 -59 Male Female

65 - 74 Other Age

History: For workers in the 1890s, terraced houses were built. Eventually, they started to be replaced by low cost tower blocks with the great depression in 1930, massive unemployment and decline of coal mining in 1956. With the same intention, Cruddas Park House was built in 1969 although today it fails to provide a good quality of house.

In Site declaration, various group and individual site analytical study is summarised to narrate the site’s story. Our site Cruddas Park is located in a prime location of Newcastle, and a development project would positively impact the whole city. These studies are further analysed and studied later in massing and framing concepts. 14

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Concrete facade Lightweight adhesive render coat Rigid insulation board Lightweight adhesive render coat Meshcloth Lightweight adhesive render coat Primer

Materiality: The materiality around the site is dominated by the Redbrick facade terraced houses. Therefore the blue white acrylic finish of the building makes it unwelcoming and separates it from its context. The colour pallet and college shows the materiality and colours of the site. In a response to the materialty further studies (matching context, modular additions) are carried out in Testing and Sythesis. 16

Blue and white acrylic render finish

Recent Refurbishment: In 2014, Cruddas Park House went through a regeneration with a community park and cladding. However, the facade still remains very monotonous, and the podium’s colours still do not blend into the context. 17


Existing sustainable measure: One great advantage of the site is its existing biomass plant that contributes energy to district heating as a step towards sustainability. Further actions to the climate crisis are studies in Testing and Synthesis. 18

Existing environment and ecological conditions Pictures of different plant species and bird boxes were clicked from the site and the map shows a wide range of scopes of green area development and wildlife enhancement. Initial massing and further studies were carried out, taking full advantage of the green park in the south of the building. 19


Photographs to show the ambience Monotonous cold coloured building exteriors, small regular windows and doors of compact internal flats,closed shutters of run-down shops in the podium. Image 1: On site photographs taken as a group

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Existing site plans and elevation: From top left: Elevations of building east, north, south and west. Middle row: Elevation of a shop front on North, Plan of flats in the tower block, plan of the shopping centre in podium 21


Summarising overall site findings: As the building is a high rise, its shadow and the wind load on the building plays a vital role on the surrounding. However, the landscape and river Tyne on South provides impressive views and opportunity. The podium is a run-down shopping centre, and the difference in materiality from the context alienates it from the rest of the neighbourhood. Creating opportunities and a welcoming ambience attract positive attention to the site.

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Year built: 1969 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Year built: 1969

CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE Materiality Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Cruddas Park House Year built: 1969

Functional Brief

Architect: White Leeds, Design UK Location: Bramley, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Year built: 2013 Year built: 1969 Architect: White Design Year built: 2013 Materiality Location: Bramley, Leeds,Materiality UK CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE Architect: White-‘ModCell’ Design-Mass System amount of concrete Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Materiality -Pre-fabricated wall panels Year built: 1969 Year built: 2013 Study 1, London, 1950 -Cladding (external system -Timber frame + straw baleinsulation + lime render render

LILAC (CO-HOUSING) Alton Estate

-Mass amount of concrete

Materiality Project Site, Newcastle, 1969 -Cladding (external insulation render system -Mass amount of concrete

Case

incorporating 100 mm of HD mineral wool insulation (nominal density 140 kg m-3) A -Cladding (external insulation render system base coat (7 mm) and reinforcing mesh incorporating 100 mm of HD mineral wool were also applied along with a topcoat of insulation (nominal density 140 kg m-3) A -Mass amount of concrete silicon-resin of 1.5 mm.)

Materiality

Lilac Co Housing Alton Estate

Bosco Verticale

base coat (7 mm) and reinforcing mesh were also applied along with a topcoat of -Cladding (external insulation render system -Production of concrete highly instensive silicon-resin of 100 1.5 mm.) and producing CO2. environmentally incorporating mmNot of HD mineral wool friendly to(nominal make, todensity use, or 140 dispose of. A insulation kg m-3) -Production concrete highly instensive base coat (7ofmm) and reinforcing mesh and producing CO2. Notwith environmentally were also applied along a topcoat of friendly to make, use, or dispose of. silicon-resin of 1.5 to mm.) -Production of concrete highly instensive and producing CO2. Not environmentally friendly to make, to use, or dispose of. Food Sufficiency/Facilities

Alton Estate

-‘ModCell’ incorporating System 100 mm of HDproducts mineral wool -Naturally carbon sequestering -Pre-fabricated wall panels insulation (nominal density 140 kg m-3) A -PassivHausbase Standard (7 mm) and mesh -Timber frame +coat straw bale +reinforcing lime render Materiality -Straw readily avaibable in UK Materiality were also applied along with a topcoat of -Naturally carbon sequestering products -Mass amount of concrete silicon-resin ofreduced 1.5 mm.) -Method + materials CO2 emitted -PassivHaus Standard -‘ModCell’ System -during construction -Cladding (external insulation render system -Production of concrete instensive -Straw readily avaibable in UKhighly -Pre-fabricated wall panels -Naturally and locally sourced incorporating of HD mineral wool and producing CO2. 100 Notmm environmentally -Method + materials reduced CO2 emitted insulation (nominal density 140 kg m-3) A -Timber100sqm frame + straw bale + lime -Each house sequesters 46render tonnes friendly to make, to use, or dispose of. base coat (7 mm) and reinforcing mesh -during of CO2 construction -Naturally carbonwere sequestering products also applied along with a topcoat of silicon-resin of 1.5 mm.) -Naturally and locally sourced -PassivHaus Standard -Each 100sqm house sequesters tonnes -Straw readily avaibable UK 46highly -Productionin of concrete instensive and producing CO2. Not environmentally of CO2 + materials -Method reduced CO2 emitted friendly to make, to use, or dispose of. -during construction -Naturally and locally sourced Food Sufficiency/Facilities -Each 100sqm house sequesters 46 tonnes -On inspection, there don’t seem to be al(Roehampton, London)of CO2 lotments or facilites where people have the

CONNECTIONS

Food Sufficiency/Facilities

DEMOGRAPHICS

‘Green Spaces’

Energy souces + Efficiency A question of bio-diversity? What plants are Both buildings have same gas tariffs, each at being grown here? Who is maintaining this has a gas meter for hot water and a gas meland, ter forgrass? space heating consumption.

Energy souces + Efficiency A question of bio-diversity? What plants are Retro fit - They suggested that pre-intervention variables were not necessarily taken into conbeing grown here? Who is maintaining this Both buildings gas tariffs, at sideration, thesesame would need to each be taken land, grass?andhave into consideration suggest energy has a gas meter fortohot waterthe andbest a gas meefficiency measure. Energy souces + Efficiency ter for space heating consumption.

being grown here? Who is maintaining this Energy souces + Efficiency land, grass?

CRUDDAS PARK, SUN PATH

Both buildings have same gas tariffs, each at Energy souces + Efficiency has a gas meter for hot water and a gas meter for space heating consumption. Both buildings have same gas tariffs, each at has a gas meter for hot water and a gas meRetro fit space - They suggested that pre-intervention ter for heating consumption. variables were not necessarily taken into consideration, and these would need to be taken Retro fit - They suggested that pre-intervention into consideration tonecessarily suggest the best into energy variables were not taken conefficiency measure. sideration, and these would need to be taken

SUMMER SUN PATH 01/06/20 9:00

SUMMER SUN PATH

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SUMMER SUN PATH

01/06/20 12:00

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SUMMER SUN PATH 01/06/20 9:00

SUMMER SUN PATH 01/06/20 12:00

Site layout/topography NEWCASTLE SUN PATH

Materiality of Surrounding Area WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 12:00

CRUDDAS PARK TOWER BLOCK

3. https://www.altonestateregen.co.uk/masterplan

CRUDDAS PARK,

WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 12:00

SUMMER SUN PATH 01/06/20 9:00

WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 16:00

SITE

WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 16:00

Materiality of Surrounding Area

CRUDDAS PARK TOWER BLOCK

4. Regeneration of Alton Estate: https://www.apollo-magazine.com/britains-most-important-20th-century-housingMateriality of Surrounding Area

SUMMER SUN PATH 01/06/20 9:00

SUMMER SUN PATH

01/06/20 12:00

SUMMER SUN PATH

01/06/20 12:00

SUMMER SUN PATH

01/06/20 16:00

SUMMER SUN PATH

01/06/20 16:00

Materiality of Surrounding Area WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 12:00

WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 16:00

Materiality of Surrounding Area

Site layout/topography

CRUDDAS PARK TOWER BLOCK

Housing Design SUMMER SUN PATH 01/06/20 16:00

Site layout/topography

WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 12:00

Materiality of Surrounding Area

Housing Design

Site layout/topography

Housing Design

WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 16:00

5. Plans for dwelling typologies: http://modernarchitecturelondon.com/buildings/altoneast-house.php

6. 2018 Development plans: https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/media/1133/update_information_booklet.pdf Housing Design

Housing Design

WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 16:00

Materiality of Surrounding Area Affordability Site layout/topography

Site layout/topography SITE

CRUDDAS PARK,

SUMMER SUN PATH 01/06/20 9:00

SUMMER SUN PATH 01/06/20 12:00

Affordability SUMMER SUN PATH

SUMMER SUN PATH WINTER SUN PATH 01/06/20 12:00 01/12/20 12:00

SUMMER SUNPATH PATH WINTER SUN 01/06/20 16:00 01/12/20 16:00

Materiality of Surrounding Area

Materiality of Surrounding Area

Housing Design

Housing Design CRUDDAS PARK TOWER BLOCK

WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 12:00

Materiality of Surrounding Area

Located within the city of Milan.

Materiality of Surrounding Area -Metro underneath site

Materiality of Surrounding Area

-Other towers surrounding -Metro underneath site -Residential houses -Other towers surrounding -Residential houses

Housing Design

Affordability

-Central circualtion with flats circled around

01/06/20 16:00

SUN PATH

01/06/20 9:00

Site layout/topography

Three of the buildings have been designed with a base-isolation system to mitigate ground-borne vibration from the metro Height of towers: 80 and 112 m high trains. The system has also been designed to provide additional seismic protection the buildings. Three of the buildingstohave been designed with a base-isolation system to mitigate ground-borne vibration from the metro Located within the Milan. trains. The system hascity alsoofbeen designed to provide additional seismic protection to the buildings.

SUMMER SUN PATH

NEWCASTLE

SITE CRUDDAS PARK TOWER BLOCK

Site layout/topography

Housing Design

SUN PATH WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 12:00

Total length of perimeter basins: 1,7 Km Depth of perimeter planting basins: 1 m

-Each tower is equivalent to about 50,000 square metres of single-family houses -Each flat has access to a balcony with external space and vegetation -Each tower is equivalent to about 50,000 square metres of single-family houses -Central circualtion circled -Each flat has access with to a flats balcony witharound external space and vegetation

CRUDDAS PARK,

Materiality of Surrounding Area

Total lengthto ofthe perimeter basins: 1,7 loss Km due to the micro-cliContribution reduction of heat Depth of perimeter basins:21degrees m mate created by the planting plants: approx.

Housing Design

NEWCASTLE

CRUDDAS PARK TOWER BLOCK

The increased energy use required to produces pump theoxygen water isand offset the green curtain “regulates” humidity, by a solar powered pump system and the extra water supply absorbs CO2and microparticles needed is taken from a groundwater source, therefore not negatively impacting any potable The increased energy use required tosource. pump the water is offset by a solar powered pump system and the extra water supply Gold LEED certified needed is taken from a groundwater source, therefore not Geothermic heat pumps: 4 negatively impacting any potable source. Energetic power of solar panels covering the building: 26kWp Gold LEED certified Contribution to the reduction of heat loss due to the micro-cliGeothermic heat pumps: 4 mate created 2 degrees Energetic powerby of the solarplants: panelsapprox. covering the building: 26kWp

Height of towers: 80 and 112 m high

01/06/20 16:00

CRUDDAS PARK,

SITE

References

NEWCASTLE

SUMMER SUN PATH

01/06/20 12:00

ALTON EAST

SUN PATH

Energy souces + Efficiency

CRUDDAS PARK,

SUMMER SUN PATH

CRUDDAS PARK TOWER BLOCK

NEWCASTLE

Energy souces + Efficiency the green curtain “regulates” humidity, produces oxygen and absorbs CO2and microparticles

2. https://www.courtauldprints.com/image/185838/lcc-architects-department-alton-west-estate

Site layout/topography SUMMER SUN PATH 01/06/20 9:00

SITE

Three very contrasting and exciting case studies were analysed and later compared with Cruddas Park House. Alton Estate, Lilac, Bosco Verticale each hold out different points that were considered informing our briefs. Alton state is very similar to Cruddas in terms of being a post-war housing. However, they are different in terms of zoning and circulation. Lilac CoHousing introduces a new form of housing and building materiality where community empowers the project. Furthermore, at the very end, Bosco was another concrete structure. Although it is very green from the look, it raises questions about sustainability.

Building colours change depending on season

SUN PATH

SITE

Section exploring vertical positional variation (West)

CO2 Absorption: 19.000 kg/year O2 Production: 18.980 kg/year Volume of water for irrigation: 3.500 m3/year. CO2 Absorption: 19.000 kg/year O2 Production: 18.980 kg/year Volume of water for irrigation: 3.500 m3/year.

Sitelayout/topography layout/topography Site

SUN PATH

30,000sqm of woodland and undergrowth concentrated onto 3,000sqm of urban surface. Prior to construction, plants cultivated in nursery 30,000sqm of woodland and undergrowth concentrated Number of trees: 800 surface. Prior to construction, onto 3,000sqm of urban Number of shrubs: 5.000 plants cultivated in nursery Number of climbers and perennial plants: 15.000 Numberofoftrees: tree 800 species: 23 Number Numberofofshrubs: plant 5.000 and herbs species: 94 Number Average for each person living15.000 in the towers Number of greenery climbers and perennial plants: (X2 trees, X8 shrubs, X4023plants) Number of tree species: Numberofofplant inhabitants planned in both Number and herbs species: 94 towers: 480 Numbergreenery of bird species with nestsliving in theintowers: 20 Average for each person the towers (X2 trees, X8 shrubs, X40 plants) Maintenance of vegetation: Number of inhabitants planned in both towers: 480 Numberofofbird centralised monitoring stations: 2 20 Number species with nests in the towers: 280 water control systems (one for each terrace) Yearly maintenance check (pruning, inside and out checks) Maintenance of vegetation: Number centralised monitoring stations: 2 Buildingofcolours change depending on season 280 water control systems (one for each terrace) Yearly maintenance check (pruning, inside and out checks)

‘Green Spaces’

1. https://www.altonestateregen.co.uk/assets/regeneration/documents/june-2019-

NEWCASTLE

Energy souces + Efficiency EAST

DISTRICT DISTRICT HEATING HEATING

CRUDDAS PARK,

SITE

Retro fit - They have suggested Both buildings samethat gas pre-intervention tariffs, each at variables taken conhas a gaswere meternot fornecessarily hot water and a into gas mesideration, and these would need to be taken ter for space heating consumption. into consideration to suggest the best energy efficiency measure. Retro fit - They suggested that pre-intervention variables were not necessarily taken into conSite layout/topography sideration, and these would need to be taken into consideration to suggest the best energy efficiency measure.

ronmental benefits, such as biodiversity and ‘Green Spaces’ reducing acousitc pollution.

into consideration to suggest the best energy efficiency measure.

ALTON WEST

WEST

Massing + Site analysis

souces + Efficiency

Energy souces + Efficiency

Energy + Efficiency Site layout/topography Site souces layout/topography NEWCASTLE

into place by crane) significantly offsets Food sustainability gains.Sufficiency/Facilities Bosco Verticale does not provide any specific growingFood spacesSufficiency/Facilities for food production within site orVerticale on the building, does use Bosco does notbut provide any green specific space more productively in terms of envigrowing spaces for food production within ronmental as biodiversity site or on thebenefits, building,such but does use greenand reducing acousitc pollution. space more productively in terms of envi-

LILAC uses a productive way of managing

A question of bio-diversity? What plants are Energy being grown here? Who is maintaining this land, grass? of bio-diversity? What plants are A question

HEIGHT MAP

-Responsibility/ownership of green space -Care for this space

-plant weights The embedded involved in structurally -central system forenergy irrigation supporting the trees (and hoisting them into place by crane) significantly The embedded energy involved in offsets structurally sustainability supporting thegains. trees (and hoisting them

-Responsibility/ownership of green space -Care for this space

Retro fit - They suggested that pre-intervention variables were necessarily taken into conRetro fit -not They suggested that pre-intervention -Responsibility/ownership ofwould green space sideration, and these need to taken be taken variables were not necessarily into conLILAC uses a productive way of managing intospace consideration to suggest the best energy sideration, and these would need to be taken -Care for this and creating green spaces through growintomeasure. consideration to suggest the best energy efficiency efficiency measure. ing food in allotments. Energy souces + Efficiency

a composition of soil for the planters. Added Structural specifications tointo account for wind load also had to be had taken account. -root systems -plant weights Structural specifications had to account for -central system for irrigation -root systems

-Responsibility/ownership of green space and creating green spaces through growing food in space allotments. -Care for this

‘Green Spaces’

‘Green Spaces’

The Eastern tower blocks were designed in an attempt to formulate a British verison of modernism, one that was more sensitive to context and referrenced a traditional vernacular. Organised in a dotted formation of tall, slender towers among housing terraces and low blocks of two-story apartments, as well as retaining trees from the Victorian gardens of the site. The accomodations are connected by a network of footpaths that expand into the rest of the park, making use of the sloped gradient of the site. The Western tower blocks, instead influenced by Le Corbusier, are an example of using organisation and geometry to define spaces, while simultaneously maximising sunlight and views. They could inform us on how to analyse the spatial organisation of Cruddas Park original development and explain the positioning of the Cruddas Park House. They also offer a good example of a development that is cultivated to its site and is “sown” together by the picturesque landscape and exciting variety of housing.

(Columns = reinforced concrete) Amount of concrete needed wasconcrete) reduced by (Floors = post-tensioned reinforced allowing reduction of balcony weight using a composition of soilneeded for the planters. Added Amount of concrete was reduced by wind load also had be taken into account. allowing reduction ofto balcony weight using

and creating green spaces through growing food in allotments. ‘Green Spaces’

‘Green Spaces’

Materiality

Structure = Concrete Materiality (Columns = reinforced concrete) (Floors = =post-tensioned reinforced concrete) Structure Concrete

actually for? There is a large open green -Productive way of using green space LILAC uses a productive way of managing space, but what is the purpose of this?

‘Green Spaces’ as possible. -Share meals twice a week in the common -Productive way ofshare usingworkshops green space -We organise skills around house (work together to cook, to talk and food and learn new ways to source and share ideas) ‘Green prepare food. -Grow food on(Education) allotments to eatSpaces’ as locally A question of bio-diversity? What plants are as possible. LILAC uses a productive way of managing being grown here? Who is maintaining this -Productive way ofshare using green space -We organise skills workshops around and creating green spaces through growland, grass? A question of bio-diversity? What plants are ing food allotments. food andinlearn new to source and beingways grown here? Who is maintaining this Energy souces + Efficiency land, grass? prepare food. (Education) ‘Green Spaces’ -Responsibility/ownership of green space Energy souces Efficiency Both buildings have same gas+tariffs, each at LILAC uses a productive way of space managing -Care for this space -Productive way ofmeter using has a gas forgreen hot water and a gas meBoth buildings have same gas and creating green spaces through growter for space heating consumption. tariffs, each at has a gas meter for hot water and a gas meing food in allotments. ter for space heating consumption.

A question of bio-diversity? What plants are being grown here? Who is maintaining this land, grass?

Year built: 2014

option to produce their own food. When as possible. visiting the site we did not find any producwayskills of using space sharegreen workshops around -Ative question the green space - what-Productive is-We it organise green of space, such as allotments. actually for? There is a large open greenfood and learn new ways to source and prepare food. (Education) space, but what is the purpose this? is it ‘Green Spaces’ -A question of the green spaceof- what

Food Sufficiency/Facilities

-A question of the green space - what is it actually for? There is a large open green space, but Spaces’ what is the purpose of this? ‘Green

Architect: Stefano Boeri

Location: Milan, Italy built: 2014 Case StudyArchitect: 3,YearMulan, 2014 Stefano Boeri

-Shared kitchen -Share meals twice a week in the common house (work together to cook, to talk and Food Sufficiency/Facilitiesshare ideas) Food Sufficiency/Facilities -Grow food on allotments to eat as locally -On inspection, there don’t seem to be -Shared asalpossible.kitchen Food Sufficiency/Facilities lotments or facilites where people have -Share the meals twice a week in the common -We organise skills share workshops around option to produce theirdon’t own seem food. to When house together to cook, to talk and -On inspection, there be al-and(work food learn new ways to source and share ideas) visiting the site we did not find any produclotments or facilites where people have the food. (Education) prepare tive green space, such as allotments. -Grow food on allotments to eat as locally

-Share meals twice a week in the common as possible. actually for? There is a large open green space, but what is the of this? -We organise skills share around house (work together to workshops cook, topurpose talk and ‘Green Spaces’ food and learn new ways to source and share ideas) prepare food. -Grow food on(Education) allotments to eat as locally -Shared kitchen

Alton East Tower Block

-Pre-fabricated wall panels -Timber frame + straw bale + lime render -Naturally carbon sequestering products -PassivHaus Standard Materiality -Straw readily avaibable in UK Materiality -Mass amount of concrete -Method + materials reduced CO2 emitted Materiality -‘ModCell’ System -during construction -Cladding (external insulation render system -Mass amount of concrete -Pre-fabricated wallsourced panels -Naturally and locally incorporating 100 mm of HD mineral wool -Timber frame + straw bale + lime render -Each 100sqm house sequesters 46 tonnes insulation (nominal density 140 kg m-3) A-Naturally -Cladding (external insulation render system carbon sequestering products of CO2 base coat (7 mm) and reinforcing mesh

Food Sufficiency/Facilities

Food Sufficiency/Facilities

Alton West Tower Block

-‘ModCell’ System Location: Bramley, Leeds, UK

and producing CO2. Not environmentally friendly to make, to use, or dispose of.

option to produce their own food. When Like Cruddas Park, Alton Estate is built up on grass inside Richmond Park in West London. A mixed development scheme visiting Food the site we did not find any producSufficiency/Facilities buit in response to the housing shortage in London after the Second World War (1955), including Terraced Housing, tive green space, such as allotments. Maisonettes and two collectives of ‘modern’ tower blocks (West & East). Designed as a modern solution-Shared to a contempo- kitchen -On inspection, there don’t seem to be alrary issue and was praised as the “new world” due to the variation of modern influences expressed in -Share the West and Eastmeals twice lotments or facilites where a in space the common -A question of week the green - people what is ithave the tower blocks. The large-scale buildings embrace a sensitive relationship with both one another and the sloping landscape, option to produce their own food. When actually for? There is awe large open green house (work together to cook, to talk and visiting the site did not find any producenhanced in the Western Estate tower blocks that “float” above the ground. space, tive but green what isspace, the purpose this? such asofallotments. share ideas)

spatial organisation within a collective of towers impacts behaviour and interactions.

Year built: 1969

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK WhiteYear Design Case StudyArchitect: 2,Year Leeds, 2013 built: 1969 built: 2013

BOSCO VERTICALE BOSCO VERTICALE Location: Milan, Italy Bosco Verticale

construction were also applied along with a topcoat-during of -Production silicon-resinof ofconcrete 1.5 mm.) highly instensive-Naturally and locally sourced -Each 100sqm house sequesters 46 tonnes and producing CO2. Not environmentally friendly to make, to use, orhighly dispose of. of CO2 -Production of concrete instensive

This study can help inform us on how to investigate Cruddas Park, its sensitive relationship to both the -Grow built and naturalfood -Shared kitchen on allotments to eat as locally -A question of the green space - what is it environment and how tower blocks respond as part of a mixed collective development scheme. Also an example of how

lotments or facilites where people have the -A question of the green space - what is it option toSufficiency/Facilities produce their own food. When Food actually for? There is anot large open visiting the site we did find any green producspace, butspace, whatthere issuch thedon’t purpose of to this? tive green as allotments. -On inspection, seem be allotments or facilites where people have the -A question of the green space - what is it option to produce their own food. When actuallythe for? There is anot large open visiting site we did find any green produc‘Green Spaces’ space, butspace, what issuch the purpose of this? tive green as allotments.

CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE

(CO-HOUSING) CRUDDAS PARK HOUSE Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK LilacLILAC (CoHousing) Materiality

-PassivHaus Standard incorporating 100 mm of HD mineral wool were also applied along with a topcoat readily avaibable in UK insulation (nominal density 140 kg m-3) -Straw Aof silicon-resin of 1.5 mm.) base coat (7 mm) and reinforcing mesh-Method + materials reduced CO2 emitted

Food Sufficiency/Facilities

-On inspection, there don’t seem to be allotments or facilites where people have the option to produce their own food. When visiting the site we did not find any produc-On inspection, there don’t seem to be altive green space, such as allotments.

Location: Bramley, Leeds, UK Architect: White Design Year built: 2013

WINTER SUN PATH 01/12/20 16:00

Materiality of Surrounding Area

Affordability Affordability

Affordability

Affordability Average construction cost for sqm: 1.950 euro/sqm Average sell price for sqm: 9.500/10.000 euro/sqm Average expenses for maintenance: 63 euro/sqm/year, including construction heating, water irrigation, Average cost for sqm: 24/7 1.950reception, euro/sqm 24/7 security, green area maintenance, cleaning ofeuro/sqm facades, CCTV system, Average sell price for sqm: 9.500/10.000 and air expenses conditioning Average for maintenance: 63 euro/sqm/year, inGreening operations at condominium level cluding heating, water managed irrigation, 24/7 reception, 24/7 security, Price area : ‘Luxury Real Estate’, 14th floor, 3 bedrooms – system, green maintenance, cleaning of facades, CCTV and air conditioning 2.500.000EUROS Greening operations managed at condominium level Price : ‘Luxury Real Estate’, 14th floor, 3 bedrooms –

Affordability

2.500.000EUROS

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Summary of studio readings and texts Case Study of the three buildings and seminar readings influences the later exploration of massing and concepts. Additionally, also helps in collecting idea for the Theory into practice Essay. The various readings cover a wide field of architectural knowledge, ranging from housing, housing crisis, community formation, streets or zoning of houses in general.

Alton Estates

Building Sights, Series 4, BBC iPlayer Architect Richard Rogers talks about the Alton Housing Estate, in south London. It was built in the 1950 by London County Council as a modern utopia and the video was first transmitted in 1996. According to the architect it as one of the best estates of its kind in the world, allowing free circulation under the building and keeping the landscape intact. A resident living in there also adds about how much she likes the wide green open space and views from the block. However, with time the views of people drastically changed. How much is high rise building appreciated in today’s time?

26

The Joy of Less, Wendy Steiner

Iatrogenic Architecture: Unreliable Narratives of Sustainability,

The Smithsons on Housing,

Iatrogenic in literal term is ‘relating to illness caused by medical examination or treatment’ which more like a side effect caused while curing a disease. In terms of the essay the term is used to consider how architects have generally adopted a recidivist, positivist model of addressing the environments of architecture that does not suit the non linear complexities that make any ecology, and life itself, so vital.

Alison and Peter Smithson are British architects demonstrate their belief in a practical alternative to tower blocks; a substitute, in their opinion, as new and relevant for London as the first Georgian square. The re imagination of the tower block to enhance the use of the building by integrating it with communal spaces and corridors and by careful consideration of landscape and motorways at an urban scale.

BBC (1970)

The Form of Housing, Naeve Brown

Architecture and Suburbia John Archer

Jane Rendell

Kiel Moe The text briefly discusses the relation between ‘sustainability’ and ‘pleasure’. The contemporary issue of unlimited choices means that a negative stigma has formed around sustainable design. It talks about how choosing ‘sustainable’ architecture at times makes us sacrifice ‘pleasure’. By referencing Baverman’s Chelsea Court the writer suggests that contextualisation is the most effective way of integrating both sustainability and pleasure into architecture, and is one of ecology’s most powerful rhetoric sources. If we accept that everything, we do impact our community and ultimately the earth, the isolation and alienation of the individual becomes un-tenable as a notion, and so does their attendant malaise’

Additionally, the ‘shallow’ sustainable architecture and how systems are actually inefficient in the bigger picture when in contemporary world maximum energy consumption is associated with its material production, extraction, manufacture, construction, maintenance, and demolition leaving a destructive impact on ecology and biodiversity, leaving an iatrogenic effect.

Condensing and Displacing: A Stratford Dream-Work

This text critically considers the changing attitudes towards housing, which is considered the “most extensive single element of the city”. New approaches to housing that tried to revolutionise and break the existing patterns were not successful (mixed developments, tower blocks). The terraced housing and ‘continuous fabric’ from 19th century was successful as it could cater for all types with minor adjustments - maisonettes, full houses, flats etc. Each dwelling shared a similar “desirable” relationship to its environment to hold housing concepts togather.

It is about the dual-mediating role of a house designed to suit its inhabitant and play a functional role in shaping identity. However, it also is adapted by the inhabitant, evolving as the person grows and develops throughout their lives making it an own personalised museum for that person. Built space is a critical element of the reference system within which knowledge is produced and applied, and the physical forms according to which people establish and discipline their lives as ‘Because built spaces shape what people do, they shape who people are.’ But in terms of tower blocks the aspect of individuality becomes one’s relative position within the social matrix.

It comes with a series of songs talking about the issues of investment and loss from East London as a critical intervention in the fields of gentrification and urban studies. The text is a collection of essays, artistic interventions, interludes, poems, interviews and black-and-white pictures to portray the connections between place, people and music in radical memory that opposes the violence of urban renewal and the forces of global capital and investment are threatening to tear them apart and how displacement results in traumatic life stories.

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Visual Reflection of Funtional Brief & Readings

Bliss of time when built Negative connotation with high rise building Wide green open space How people changes thoughts with time

Two people can pass Owning entrance Shared space Blocking external sounds

Sustainable architecture Energy consumption Inadequate awareness Air tight buildings

Sustainabilty VS Pleasure Impact on community & Earth For sustainabilty sacrifice pleasure

Diff. Housing types

Grand entrance

Communal spaces

Integrate green

Balconies

Circulation opp

MVHR

Environment

Owning space?

This diagrammatic summary is used to blend the elements found in Alton Estate, Lilac, Bosco Verticale and the reading into Cruddas Park House. In small boxes architectural element that stands out the most from each project is stated and inspires my proposal. With my particular focus on environment and ecology, I have studied ways to boost diversity and have a sustainable approach in building design. 28

Glazed circulation

Diff. housing typology

Diff. balcony

Private porch

Solar Panels

Communal opp.

Tenure forms

Bike storage

MVHR

Pro green space

GF open circulation

Biodiversity boost

External trees

Solar energy use

Greenwashing

Outdoor access

Balconies

GF open circulation

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Massing Study After a thorough investigation of the site and analysing case studies I started considering the site opportunities and constraints to start my massing. These very general study helped me visualise my concept for Cruddas.

Topography/Landscape/Circulation The connection of the building to the surroundings and level changes plays an important role. Studying the topographic contours allowed to initiate the addition of a waterbody and blend the building into the landscape park keeping the existing trees as they are. 30

As discussed earlier, the site tends to be very unwelcoming; therefore, increasing circulation, adding attraction points, and designating entrances to the tower block help gain positive attention. 31


Site natural opportunities and constraints To integrate the podium into the landscape, it was essential to understand the effect of shadow and wind caused by the high rise after analysing the topography.

Summer sun path 1 June 2020 at 0900

1 June 2020 at 1200

1 June 2020 at 1600

The wind load calculations concluded that massing on the East wing is more prefered than the West as the building acts as a barrier to the strong prevailing wind. Additionally, the East wing catches the immediate attention of the pedestrians approaching from the city centre or metro station. 32

Winter sun path 1 Dec 2020 at 0900

1 Dec 2020 at 1200

1 Dec 2020 at 1600

Existing stores and facilities, including the Newcastle Library, Boots pharmacy, and Mc Coll’s grocery store, were kept in the podium but made more spacious. 33


Image 2: Flowers in supermarket

Attempts of layering the plans to distinguish the structural elements were made to open the podium in places for complete circulation. Minimum demolition of concrete was considered at all times. 34

The podium’s massing was carefully considered to go with the slope. An example of how flresh flowers attract buyers into a store was used here. To attract approaching pedestrians flower garden was thought of as the point of attraction. 35


Study of existing flat spaces needing more light to integrate corridors, Whole length corridor acessed from living room. From the precedent studied, balconies are an essential element to connect to the external and allow lights in. 36

Having elements extruding outwards also breaks the monotonousness of the tower block and chances of possible visual connection. Also creates oppotunity of sustaining personhood. 37


Summerising framing: Initial Conceptualisation

Brief understanding To understand my position, in brief, I made this illustration. Taking the literal meaning of houses to be machines would mean that every person living in it is a product of the dominant space production system, expected to behave and inhabit a specific way. While designing for individuals in Cruddas, my proposal understands various requirements, appreciating the joy in individuality, identity, self-realisation, pleasure, freedom, and fulfilment. These individuals coming together in habitat also impacts the neighbourhood in various ways. What drives them, their taste and freedom is their economic income. To understand these human actions better, Pierre Bourdieu set out a theoretical sense based on three concepts: Field, Habitus and Capital that I have explored in Testing and Synthesis. 38

Project Objectives I am revisiting the regeneration of Cruddas Park House in response to the climate crisis. Additions, transformations, or reuse of any minor to masterplan level space are considered most sustainably: starting with the least possible demolition on-site to modular additions in timber. In this diagram, the main mottos are laid out, refined further in testing and synthesis. 39


Visualisation of the inital ideas: With the freedom to be used as wanted, the new additions to the tower blocks become space for exploration of individuality. Some activities are represented by different colour marks against the tower block additions. Podium becomes a medium for all sorts of communal work and retreat for the residents in the tower block and the new residential units. A dead functioning shopping centre physically opens up to embrace diverse society and culture. Further development of these ideas happens in the testing phase, introducing complexity while allowing freedom and testing out themes explored in framing. 40

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3

Project Testing This chapter was used to try and test ideas briefed in framing. Along with the brief development, the project was explored on different scales to get a holistic understanding. My particular focus was to understand how, apart from theory, technical and sustainable approaches inform my design. In this transition phase, the outputs of some trials were not successful, but they did influence the narrative and overall outcome. Contents of the chapter: Reflection on design theory and development Tower block and podium massing Zoning of spaces, Plan Iteration Influence of modularity in design decisions Thinking through Making Action against Climate crisis Site access and Fire strategy Summarising Testing 42

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Brief development Setting up different areas of the project allowed me to start exploring the project at different scales. They were distributed as follows: 1. Field: Extension of the tower block, Terraced houses, Sauna room. 2. Habitus: Library, Sauna rooms, Coffee shop, Beauty salon, Yoga Studio, Terraces, South park, Communal kitchen and dining. 3. Capital: Market Places, Greenhouse, Communal gardens. It was clearly understood that the elements overlap each other. However, the design was highly influenced by the re-use of the existing structure and modular construction. 44

45


Towere block winter garden extension I initiated my study on the tower block by testing different options, explicitly adding different scales to the existing tower block from the case study in framing.

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Award-winning transformation of social housing by Lacaton and Vassal was studied to understand the winter garden addition. These buildings are explored in detail in the thematic case study chapter. To provide privacy, individual units were preferred over a shared corridor.

Image 3 & 4: Lacaton and Vassal Architects Social House

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Technical influence on extension deign. Prefabricated modular units, along with drainage, opening and ventilation, were considered for the winter gardens.

Still frame with cross bracing, glazing pannel addition, plantation. 50

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Podium Massing The massing of the podium was initiated with the idea of minimum possible destruction to the existing concrete.

52

Increasing circulation, integrating it into the landscape, separating public and private zones, placement of massing depending on natural factors also played an important role.

53


Technical/ Material influence on podium deign: Careful considerations were made in choosing the pasrts to be demolished and then the exitinng concrete frame worked as a grid to rmbrace the new design. 54

Retrofitting: Re use of concrete Modularity is considered. Not just the SIPs pannel thant sits on top of the concrete slab but also the timber between the concrete frame. 55


Thinking through making Considering concrete can not be cut out clean. There will be ruins left over to be embraced by timber. The piece created is inspired by bamboo scaffolding in the East. Knitting bamboos together to make the structure stronger. In a similar way, Cruddas will tie the new and old to create a sustainable structure.

Image 5: Bamboo study 56

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Programme and Zoning of spaces With the concrete frame structure working as grid spaces were laid out, ovelapped and merged to give a sense of plan.

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Iteration On the given grid and modular approach different iterations of plan took place. This also involved testing precedent plans on Cruddas.

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Alongside plans, the project was also explored in volumes to understand spaces in three dimensions. This allowed to make an important design decision of shfting the greenhouse to the south. and providing a smaller floral garden in its place.

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Programming of indivitual housing unit Spaces are visually connected, they are tight in nature but allows freedom in use of spaces. Every flat has their personal sauna. and studio space.

Field

Houses Moving down in scale I started expoloring two different types of housing fasilities: South Wing Houses and North wing houses. To fit with the massing and allow light for the north houses. South wing is kept two storied.

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Modular units of sauna Along with the constructional modularity of timber panels and SIPS, every house has a prefabricated sauna unit. Steams from the sauna is to be recycled and used in the greenhouse to maintain humidity.

Material Tectonics Highly inspired by Peter Barbar Architects and the brickwork in the surrounding context studies, brick bonds were studied to inform the elevations later in Synthesis.

‘’Even A Brick Wants To Be Something’’ - Louis Kahn Stretcher bond

Common bond (Full headers 6 course)

Common bond (Flemish every 6 course)

Flemish bond

Garden Wall bond

English cross bond

Stack bond

Soldier Course (With stretcher bond)

Concave

Image 6: Modular sauna unit 66

Weather

Raked

Vee

Flush

Image 7: Peter Barber Architects

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Habitus

Library Next, I explored a few library to understand the ambience needed to be created and then used Exeter Library by Louis Kahn as a precedent. His use of concrete and timber plays significant role.

68

Image8: Exeter Library, Louis Kahn

Using a similar concept in cruddas Book is to brought to light. Along with acting as lightwell the void space also increases visual interation within the silent space. 69


Image 9 : City Council

Material Tectonics

Exaggerating the logo of the Newcastle City Library, coloured timber elements were added to the facade. On the southern face, this help avoids glazing and overheating of the building. 70

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Greenhouse

Capital

Cafe from the library extudes into the greenhous. Thorough study of the elements needed for a greenhouse was studied and then designed to form part of the slopy landscape.

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Along with the greenhouse other green spaces including the winter gaden, communal garden and the garden in the land scape park all elivated the envronmental value of the site. They also become means of earning for many. More privatised garden is represented with a darker colour. 74

Declaration to response of climate crisis 1. Winter gardens 2. Communal gardens 3. Greenhouse (Hothouse) 4. Rain water Harvesting 5. Biodiversity by pond integration 6. Present Biomass plant 7. Modular construstion tecnique 8. Maximised use of timber 9. Least demolition of concrete 10.Use of renewable resources, making site self sufficient. 75


Fire strategy After the Grenfell tower fire break out, safety had been a big concern. The fire escape routes, protected cores and refugee gather points for Cruddas proposal were carefully considered.

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Site accessibility Alongside stairs, ramps are located at all four sides of the building to make it accessible for all. Opening up the podium to make it more accessible creates a complete circle route. Distinguishable entrances are also allocated for the tower block and new residents.

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Summerising Testing Most of the areas explored here were fully represented in Synthesis. To sum up, the 1:500 scaled plans introduces the threshold between public and private in the final proposal. 78

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4

Project Synthesis All the concepts discussed and studied in framing and testing are summarised in this chapter. I have set out the ideology of Field, Capital and Habitus and how humann behaviour in these areas relate to housing and creation of a economically-socially sustainable society. The full chapter is colour coded according to the themes to narrate the story of space. Contents of the chapter: Brief summary: Field, Habitus and Capital Unit Study: House, Library and Greenhouse Proposed Plans, Sections, Elevations Perspectives (Denoted with arrow on plans) 80

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A house, flat, or other places of residence in a neighbourhood: - a machine that we live in (Le Corbusier) - an apparatus that can define and realise the characteristics of a given individual, where the self is the presence of consciousness. (John Locke) - an element to communicate one’s identity and contents of the house symbolically signifies the status, social class, aesthetic preferences, personality, and personal story of the inhabitant. - psychologically functioning element to symbolically represent a conflict with self, create bonds between people, encourage socialisation or even help construct one by creating behavioural opportunities.

In this phase of the project, the outline of Field, Habitus and Capital comes into complete realisation. Throughout the chapter, the three elements are colour coded. Their connection narrates the development of a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable architecture. To highlight the design experience of the architectural elements, the chapter starts with poems written in context to the theory.

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Field

Habitus

Capital

Oh, where do I belong? A safe house to call my own home.

Oh, and where do We belong? My house becomes part of a neighbourhood. And I, part of a community.

Oh, then how do we sustain us? When we become part of our community, We empower ourselves.

Cruddas screams for its own identity, and we allow ourselves to embrace it, along with the ‘old concrete skeletal’, accepting it for its size, counting on the opportunities to come, and believing in the power of unity. We reside in the giggles of children playing in the South Park, Bargaining at the marketplace to get a better deal, Lanes that run through the podium, to form a cohesive street society.

Grow-Buy-Sell attracts the neighbourhood. Moneys are made from all the facilities. Ttropical fruits are flourished in the greenhouse, communal garden blooms with heaven’s colour, Fishes harvested in the pond, All brought to the markets. Other sorts of amenities, spa, sauna and even every day’s morning coffee. Everything right next door to us, providing job opportunities.

In that journey, I explore my individuality. Self-love, I start within the spaces in my house. Spaces for retreat, to escape the world, indulging myself in selfhood. Be it in the steams from my sauna, Dew droplets in my winter garden extension, Rain that I am dancing to on my terrace, or, In the pigment of paint laidy on canvas to drive away heavy moods in my studio. Home is where I am me.

The podium and surroundings cater for us.

Opened up we are and welcoming to all

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Implementation of theory on design Zoning of spaces and layering tried in testing developed here to merge the three elements togather in order to create plans. 84

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Diagrams illustrate the area and volume study of each spaces in the programme and the overal building form. 86

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Residential Unit

North wing, Cruddas Park

A

B

A. Studio Studio spaces in the north wing houses appreciate individuality, selfhood and freedom. For sure, we find happiness doing an activity we love. 88

B. Sauna An element of warmth taking us back to the hearth. Within every housing unit, a personal space for reflection, introspection and healing. 89


Second Floor_1:50

First Floor_1:50

Ground Floor_1:50 90

Unit house plan and perspective showing individuals of field within their home. Children’s bedroom visually connected to the double-height living room overlooking father reading a book sitting on the window bench seat. 91


Cruddas Park Library

Bring books to light, Turn a new page

Strip facade elevation comparing library and a residential unit, resembling brick from the surrounding context. 92

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Library GA Groundfloor Plan_1:100 94

First Floor_1:100

Second Floor_1:100

Library plans and perspective view showing individuals from residential houses and broader neighbourhood coming together in a habitat. The second floor looks down to the study rooms and communal study spaces where people come to learn and gain knowledge. Exaggerating this idea, bookshelves are kept in darker areas and books brought to natural light to read them. 95


Greenhouse (Hot-house)

Greenhouse plans and perspective view show people from the community working together to earn capital. Stepped garden merges into the landscape park, and different levels are used as a threshold to separate plant species.Volume of library’s cafe extrudes into the greenhouse creating an ambience of warm tropical climate for the users. 96

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Section showing the arrangement of north and south wing houses, greenhouse and other services. 98

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Repeated Floor Slab Plans_1:200 Starting with the existing tower block, plan shows the mere winter garden extension added. The glass block extension enhances the domestic experience by allowing individuals to live more generously, increasing visual connections and encouraging the multiplicity of how the residents occupy them. 102

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Second Floor Plan_1:200 One flat from this level is used as an opening for privatised gardens and playground with the volume of extruded coffee shop in the south corner. From the section, with the etended additions the current monotonous façade will have volumes added, which sets a contrast. 104

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First Floor Plan_1:200 The very ambitious goal was to create spaces where the three aspects of the theory come together. A floor from the tower block is solely dedicated to social and leisure purposes for the residents. Terraces, along with other spaces, allow freedom in inhabitting the area while physically joining different elements. 106

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Ground Floor Plan_1:200 Terraces are more privatised; however, the knitting of the three elements are at full display in the market street that cuts through the podium. Podium, therefore, becomes an element of joy for the individuals living in the tower block and new house additions by making them part of a positive society. 108

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Basement Floor Plan_1:200 Keeping most of the services as they are, the project development extends to the south, enhancing social, economic and environmental opportunities. 110

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Manifesto for housing: Improvement in housing standards: - Extention to the existing flats, avoiding displacement of existing tower block residents - Providing flexibility in function of space understanding multiplicity across demographics - Entirely celebrating individuality allowing residents to inhabit with freedom - Wellbeing highly prioritised providing personal, retreat and social spaces throughout Response to the climate crisis: - Most minor possible demolition and reuse of the previous concrete - Modular construction considerations - Efficient building fabric and material choices - Opportunities to boost ecology and biodiversity with greenspaces, greenhouse and waterbody Social Sustainability Considerations: - Community set up studying and introducing diversity to broader neighbourhood. - Affordability considered by providing grow-buy-sell opportunities to communities 112

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5

Thematic Case Study Report In this chapter, as a group, we have analysed the Cite Manifesti building by Lacaton & Vassal Architects. The project is part of a more significant social housing project, and my approach was to compare it with others in terms of their type and typology. The buildings having very similar motto helped me visualise my proposal. Contents of the chapter: Summerising Analysis to fit my narrative Group report Indivitual point of research 114

115


Reflecting on elements from this project that were used in my own proposal

Project Manifesto:

“The goal is not just to keep the soul and history of the building, but also to add another. We want to bring it into the present and the future.” “Do the maximum with the minimum.” The very ambitious architects in every project respond creatively in working with the old. In this project, they created a lively social house using the primary structure of an old factory. 116

Programming: The language of modularity and efficient construction was explored to the fullest. Spaces of the two-level multipurpose interlocks into each other to create an individual winter garden, open living and bedrooms, bathroom and garage.

Interior zoning: Most internal spaces are kept in an open plan, and furniture is used to define thresholds within each unique apartment. Strict physical boundary to the exterior isn’t kept allowing spaces to flow in along with abundant light and fresh air.

Material efficiency: The ground floor is the concrete frame structure from the previous structure, and the second floor is made of aluminium frames, plastic sheets, and tension roads. Apart from giving it an industrial character, the materials are very cost-efficient. 117


Group Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS CASE STUDY

HOUSING IN MULHOUSE BY LACATON &VASSAL

CONTEXT

03

RE-USE, RE-ADAPTATION, APPROACH TO SITE TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY HOUSING AT A LOW COST TOWNSCAPE NEIGHBOURHOOD CREATIVE RESPONSE DESIGN AND STRATEGY

04

Tabitha Edwards Tabitha Edwards Louis Hermawan Louis Hermawan Marcelina Debska 11 Design and strategy

MODULARITY UNIT DETAIL MATERIAL EFFICIENCY ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY CLIMATE CRISIS OTHER BUILDINGS OF ITS TYPE RELEVANCE TO THE STUDIO THEME

118

Context

08

Marcelina Debska Louis Hermawan Louis Hermawan Marcelina Debska Liene Greitane Liene Greitane Zarin Tasneem Mir Marcelina Debska

Bibliography

25

Bibliography

20

List of figures

26

List of figures

21

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RE-USE, RE-ADAPTATION, APPROACH TO SITE They believe the view of the architect is as extending far beyond just building, but creatively engaging with the regulatory aspects of each project. This approach to their projects brings an element of individualism, where the changes are independent of the building.

In the early years of his career, Philippe Lacaton spent five years in Niger, which he describes as a formative experience. Witnessing first-hand what could be achieved with very little, through innovation and creativity of those living in scarcity. This personal experience brought lessons of scarcity and economy of resource into Lacaton and Vassal’s practice; do the maximum with the minimum.

These ideas also drove their opposition to demolition. Both Vassal and Lacaton feel there are always transformative opportunities that can be achieved through the adaption of space and that demolition should not be an option. Re-using and adapting space, create more environmental, economic and social benefits. Relocation and displacement of people when a building is demolished is a social issue. Their methods work against pernicious form of gentrification that targets the poor by tearing down existing affordable housing, replacing it with market rate units, which forces lower income citizens to relocate where land and rents are cheaper.

CONTEXT

Figure 1: Images of Niger from Jean-Philippe Vassal’s five year trip.

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In 2004, a year before the cite manifest project, Lacaton and Vassal published a manifesto, PLUS. A response to the French Government’s proposal to demolish urban, post-war social housing and replace it with smaller, more expensive new units. This introduced their position of “never demolish, never remove or replace, always add, transform, and re-use” through the idea of reusing the space and re-adapting it. (Shown through images), described as “Walls and facades are removed, balconies are added, communal spaces created.”

Lacaton and Vassal believe having a decent and generous space could improve the standards of social housing along with more light and freedom. More space allows people to share and invite, which creates more social living space. Lacaton and Vassal follow a design process of the “scale of life”, starting with the dweller and working outwards from private to public space and not to consider them as blocks. When looking at the cite manifest, they brought in these ideas of more space, freedom, light and air. A mix of spaces was formed, all open plan with two floors, all with open space, light and air.

Figure 4: Adaption of previous structure on site.

Figure 7: First floor plan : examples of mixed dwelling spaces

Figure 10: Design concepts applied to City Manifeste.

Figure 5: Adaption of the site and previous structure. Figure 8: Ground Floor plan : examples of mixed dwelling spaces

Figure 2: PLUS Manifesto with images of Lacaton and Vassal’s concept example.

“The goal isn’t just to keep the soul and history of the building, but also to add another. We want to bring it into the present and into the future.” These ideas are explored in the Mulhouse site as the history of the factory, social housing and workers in the area were implemented into the design. In the middle of the 19th century, the area representing a better condition for the workers, driving Lacaton and Vassal’s ideas of improving the site through re-adaptation. In Mulhouse, the old factory was stripped back to its primary structure, which Lacaton used as a base for their design.

Figure 6: Concept image of Lacaton and Vassal’s vision for the dwelling spaces.

Figure 9: Examples of mixed types of dwelling spaces within project.

Figure 11: Images of spaces in completed project.

Figure 3: History of Mulhouse site

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TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY HOUSING AT A LOW COST

COST

SPACE Figure 12: Idea of more, higher quality dwelling space for less money.

For this project, Lacaton and Vassal wanted to re-think the idea of social housing, what social housing could be, what it should be and the possibilities. They wanted to create more space and a higher quality of space for less money and question the relationship of cost and space. They explored this in the cite manifest by selection of materials, the construction programme and methods. The inexpensive industrial materials were used to a minimum, simply, avoiding sophistication of use. Their approach to the site and using part of the previous structure also reduced the costs further. The selection of materials also needed to benefit the quality of space to achieve their ideas of light, space and air. An open structure was also adopted with columns, beams and floors, without trying to make walls.

TOWNSCAPE

This study analyses the design by Lacaton and Vassal in 2005, the practice famous for designing experimental low-budget housing. The architects aim was to develop an efficient project economy that created the largest possible services for housing, aiming to ease the pressure on the dense neighbourhood of Mulhouse by proposing an attractive, mixed-apartment scheme that offered twice as much surface area as the standard. The terrace is made up of 14 apartments that offer flexibility and control to the residents through their open plan and sliding doors that allow climate to be controlled through a winter garden feature.

figure 1 SOMCO1 (Previous development)

figure 2 New Development

The design was embedded into its site through historic references to the previous housing estate, SOMCO1, following the same rigid, geometric grid that existed and constructing their housing on top of the existing concrete slab on site. Lacaton and Vassal used the slab to define the plan form of the building, before applying their unique and creative approach to social housing.

Figure 13: Image of space within dwelling with material selection, use and construction programme. figure 3 Housing scheme arranged following existing historic geometric plan

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NEIGHBOURHOOD

figure 5

The spatial organisation of the apartments responds to the existing issue within the surrounding dense neighbourhood. The plan reveals the architects desire to prioritise maximum surface area over the number of units. The architects aimed to appeal to their average-income residents by creating a more widely spaced, open, bright and affordable apartment. The ground floor is built as a ferro-concrete structure with a height of three metres and generous glazing which can be opened to maximise the volumetric feeling within. The upper floor is a greenhouse-type construction frame that sits on top of the concrete structure.

CREATIVE RESPONSE

In terms of sustainability and usage of space, the idea of reusing previous building and preserving it in 90% helps a lot with sustainable approach towards architecture, minimising new building through innovative design, and through an appreciation of the transformative possibilities in each situation.11As architects maintain that the refurbishment is the best way to achieve sustainable design, it greatly corresponds with the creative response towards new housing practice. Another aspect is economy factors that greatly influenced the design concept. The average cost of the property in terms of building cost and renting property per meter square is the lowest of the whole City Manifeste project.

Tertiary Construction Secondary Construction Tertiary Construction

Primary Construction (Original construction)

Secondary Construction Primary Construction (Original construction)

figure 2 figure 1

The success of the design is made evident in the fact that almost twice as much volume is created than the social housing standard. This is also achieved through the introduction of the ‘winter garden’ on the upper floor, which provides a flexible space creating the opportunity for extra indoor/outdoor space dependent on the residents choice.

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Figures 5 & 6: Images the external view of the terraced housing design. Photos by Lacaton & Vassal.

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Accessed on 12/12/20 at https://www.lacatonvassal.com/index.php?idp=19

figure 4 Diagram highlighting the arrangement of apartments

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1 “Spatial Agency: Lacaton & Vassal”, Spatialagency.Net, 2020 <https://www.spatialagency.net/database/lacaton.vassal> [Accessed 14 December 2020]

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MODULARITY

The modularity of the housing scheme relies on two levels of multipurpose, open living space in both areas. Where the ground level is mostly occupied by large modular space that incorporates living, dining, and cooking functions with a garage space. Every house has an individual greenhouse structure that is considered as top floor and is varying from 19 to 50 m2 in its size providing large, flexible, bright interiors that are permeable.

DESIGN AND STRATEGY

‘Only the bathroom and the garage, which at the same time serves as an entrance zone, are separated from the layout and divide the house into functional areas, but with uninterrupted, open transitions. However, this one-room-house principle only works because of the unequal division of floor space between ground floor and upper floor. Varying the widths of the houses results in different room sizes to suit the different internal functions. In addition, positioning the party walls at an angle on plan explores the possibilities between the prescribed minimum room size and the desirable maximum room size.’ 1

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Jeska, Simone, Transparent Plastics (Basel: Birkhäuser, 2008)

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UNIT

figure 7 Diagram showing the performance of ventilation features within a unit.

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The architects consideration for the context of the social housing building type is revealed through the large amount of control that is provided to the resident. Often social housing is inflexible in its personal adaptation due to the residents lack of ownership, the architect responds to this by creating the opportunity for this through the buildings structure. The decision to maximise apartment space in a wide, open plan manner gives the resident the power to adapt their space and express their individuality. The creation of identity celebrates the communal aspect of dense neighbourhoods.

At the scope of a detail level consideration, it is the aluminium mobile screens that allow the winter garden to become a flexible space. The use of this technology needs to be easily accessible for all residents and is achieved through sliding screens.The success of the opportunity of control for the residents is dependent on this feature, and is also relevant considering the sensitive economic state that most residents may be in. By providing a heating system that uses natural ventilation and is easily maintained, living costs are reduced due to less need for electric heating/lighting.

This desire for control is further exerted through the resident’s ability to control the climate of their aparment through the winter garden and mobile screens. This flexibility provides the opportunity to either ventilate the apartment in warmer conditions or retain heat when colder while also providing the choice for additional interior/exterior space. The design respects its environment in a flexible manner that provides control to the resident and offers them further flexibility in designing the aesthetic of their space.

The screens are designed to be effective in both providing shade and also retaining heat, the detail diagram highlights how this is done through a combination of opaque/clear materials and insulated panels.

figure 11 Image showing a winter garden with a mobile screen slid back. Photo by Lacaton & Vassal.

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figure 9 Figures 8, 9 & 10: Images showing how furniture is used to define thresholds within each unique apartment.

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DETAIL

figure 12 Detail diagram showing the properties of the aluminium sliding door that defines the winter graden.

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MATERIAL EFFICIENCY

The ground floor of the housing is constructed out of concrete elements that were precasted and the previous construction was preserved and reused, which makes the material efficient and sustainable. The concrete structure is supported by beams and columns on the top and acts as a foundation for the greenhouse structure at the top. The first floor structure is mainly constructed out of aluminum frames, plastic sheets, and tension roads. That sequence takes inspiration mainly from the architect’s experience from Africa but put in European climate and standards. Choice of materials rely on the character of the site that was mainly industrial in its character and the cost efficiency.1

figure 10

The materials are combined in layers to provide proper insulation and sustainable environment within the flat. The previous construction was reused as the main structure and the new additions are creating secondary and tertiary structures that could be partially moved or uncovered.

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This technique relates to the architect’s previous experiences from African practice back in the days, but it was iterated to adjust it to the European climate. The layers could be uncovered to provide appropriate insulation and airflow. The materials themselves (mainly plastics) provide appropriate barrier and insulation, while they seem to be a good choice.

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As an overall visual position - it becomes a new interpretation of European housing in terms of materiality. While in Europe most housing takes an approach to screen-off (multiple layers of insulation, glazing, membranes etc.) the outside world, Mulhouse is doing the opposite thing - partially exposes the interior without losing the insulating properties and allows to unfold the layers.

figure 9

1 2 “Ilot Schoettlé”, Architectuul.Com, 2020 <http://architectuul.com/architecture/ ilot-schoettle> [Accessed 14 December 2020]

The main idea behind this was to recreate in some way the greenhouse structure and all the features of it, but the choice of materials was being made based on the character of the area. It also created quite sustainable construction from the point of view of the construction realm, although the structure is mainly plastic and its variation to provide the continuity of insulation, which turns out not to be environment friendly. The architects took as their role models the intelligent systems of glasshouses, which guarantee an optimum environment for plants at all times - an obvious transfer of technology and typology.1

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Jeska, Simone, Transparent Plastics (Basel: Birkhäuser, 2008)

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non renewable materials

renewable materials

Sunlight Solar energy is a constant resource that people have learned to harness in various ways. The Lacaton & Vassal’s building in Mulhouse explores bioclimatic design solutions, especially relating to sunlight, to provide comfort and cut energy costs for the residents. The ‘greenhouse’ on the upper floor is turned toward the south to illuminate the interior of the building. The clear polycarbonate roof and walls of the ‘greenhouse’, as well the large windows, allow most of the house to be illuminated by the sunlight.1

The scheme (figure 9) portrays the cycle of building materials. To avoid materials being thrown into the ecosystem they are being recycled or decomposed, another way to avoid material waste is renovation. Lacaton & Vassal’s project focused on cutting the construction costs, the most common materials were polycarbonate sheets and concrete. 1

Shadowy Spaces Semi-Sunlit Space figure 2

Sunlit Space

Polycarbonate is a plastic product. Plastic waste causes immense pollution as 80%2 of it gets discarded into wildlife. However, polycarbonate is durable against impact and a tough material, clear polycarbonate sheets, as the ones used in the ‘greenhouse’ part of the building, lets in the sunlight almost as well as glass. It has insulation qualities that minimise the heat loss3.

Reflective curtain allows the residents to manually control the amount of sunlight that enters stheir living unit. The building also collects the radiated heat from the sunlight, the walls and the roof are insulated with glass wool2, that and the triple glazed windows and the triple sliding door on the upper floor minimise the heat loss of the building. Polycarbonate sheets used in the walls of the ‘greenhouse’ and the roof also has some insulative qualities. Wind The vaults of the roof serve as air vents, where the stale air rises and travels to the ‘greenhouse’. The ‘greenhouse’ is equipped with a manually openable roof window, that allows the inhabitants to control the airflow of the building.

1 Ilot Schoettlé, Mulhouse, France by Lacaton & Vassal <http://architectuul.com/architecture/ilot-schoettle> [accessed 14 December 2020] 2 David Mimbreroz, ‘Viviendas en Mulhouse Anne Lacaton&Jean Philippe Vassal’, Tectonica 19, plásticos, p.75

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The building was constructed on the grounds of a factory and the concrete base of the ground floor remains the same.

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Concrete manufacturing is responsible for up to 8% of emitted greenhouse gases. While it is a concerning factor, concrete is also long-lasting and durable, the affordability and little maintenance that concrete demands makes it appealing material to use in construction. Concrete is also recyclable, so the demolition of concrete buildings may not produce a lot of waste4.

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1 David Bergman, Sustainable Design (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2012), p. 19-27. 2 Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser, Plastic Pollution <https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution> [accessed 14 December 2020]. 3 Omnexus The Material Selection Platform, A Complete Guide to Polycarbonate (PC) <https://omnexus.specialchem.com/selection-guide/polycarbonate-pc-plastic> [accessed 14 December 2020]. 4 Civil Engeneering , Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete () <https://civiltoday. com/civil-engineering-materials/concrete/15-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-concrete> [accessed 14 December 2020].

manufacturing

waste

construction

waste

occupancy

waste

Plastic waste after demolition Recycled Plastic

renovate

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decompose

CLIMATE CRISIS

recycle

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY

demolition

waste

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CO2 emitions from manifacturing Decomposing Concrete after demolition Using Concrete structures of previous buildings

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The relation of the case study to other buildings of its type and tupology ECONOMIC

OTHER BUILDINGS OF ITS TYPE

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To furthermore relate the project to the climate crisis it is important to look at sustainability of living within the housing unit. What is important is the practice and ideas behind the project. The sustainability depends on three intersecting considerations. The diagram (figure 12) on this page describes, how societal, economic, and environmental practices overlay each other and three-dimensionally presents sustainability1.

figure 12

The Lacaton & Vassal’s project in Mulhouse is an interesting case study, it was built specifically to reduce the cost of space, giving the residents an area about twice as big compared to average housing unit without increasing the price. To achieve that, it had to use building materials not often found in housing. Inspired by the local greenhouses, the architects used polycarbonate sheets and metal frame to build the upper floor of the project. The cost of material significantly decreased the construction price. The residents get to have an extra room, where to spend their time and expand their living space. The ‘greenhouse’ allows the sunlight to enter the space giving light and warmth, as showed before, manual ventilation and curtains to reflect the sun were implemented to help to regulate the inner climate. These aspects of the project present the multi-dimensional approach that architects take to build a well serving and sustainable house.

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1 David Bergman, Sustainable Design (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2012), p. 19-27.

Lacton and Vassal’s Building (in red) is part of a bigger experimental housing project, ‘Cité Manifeste’ consisting of 61 housing units designed by five different architects. All of them have different materials and form but the same design theology of responding to the climate crisis, giving flexibility to residents regarding use and making low cost 2 storey social house. The project pursued the objective of crisis aspects of regulations and construction processes with solutions that were feasible for all stakeholders in the promotion and construction process.

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Case study building as a building type essentially focuses on collective housing. Most of the spaces within home and connection to the streets are kept free. Living around community and allowing visual connections within homes makes it very successful. (Collage on left) Building programme: No fixed threshold for use Every tenant gets space on both ground and first floor

figure 2

Comparing all the buildings by different architects that are part of the same experimental collective housing project

Logements, Shigeru Ban

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-Use of local housing plan (carré mulhousien) -Rain water harvesting -Private gardens and terrace -External stairs for social interaction -Stepped back for communal space Although they are all co houses, it differs from the case study building by having unsheltered and outdoor stairs.

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Environmental Approach: Inducing winter gardens and vegetation Making maximum use of day light Greenhouse structure for heating Sliding doors for natural ventilation Bioclimatic building design

Manifesto of the architect and approach towards collective housing. History plays an important role in the typology in the neighbourhood. Although all are mostly residential houses. Height stays same around the neighbourhood but in terms of use, freedom of space, flexibility in use and communal spaces around for gardening and vegetation helps grow community within the neighbourhood. Additionally, resources and worked within the community is also shared as tenants come from various backgrounds.

Communal Approach: Pedestrianised communal space alongside building

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Caratere Special, Matthieu Poitevin

Colored Mutation, Jean Nouvel

-Alternating between car park and entrance. -Public and private threshold -Winter garden -Metal barrier with plantation as secondary structure as curtain. -Natural ventilation -Threaded boundary wall to encourage social interaction.

-Minimalism by using reusing materials from local construction site -Rain water harvesting -External balcony -Flexible use of internal spaces

-Keeping roadways intact underneath -Internal use of bright colours to reduce industrial material affect -Rain water harvesting -Light through translucent peripheral walls -Backyards for garden space -Shaded alleyway for pedestrians

The main is door is directly on road lacking a continuous communal space.

Logements, Shigeru Ban Colored Mutation, Jean Nouvel

Too small opaque and small windows compare to the case study building and lack of open garden at the front. 2

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Logements, Shigeru Ban

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Micro Green, Ducan Lewis

Open and transparent like the case study building.

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Comparison with similar type and typology Boreal/Tetrarc Architectes Social Houses Nantes, France Year: 2011

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figure 11 Communal walkway (Tertiary) Greenhouse (Secondary) Concrete frame (Primary)

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Communal vegetation

Built as 39 duplex apartments to explore individuality within social housing by distributing them within 11 housing blocks (6 rental, 5 sold). Programme as a nucleus made of a kitchen, a bathroom, toilets, and a staircase leaving the rest as a open plan (alike Case Study building) with glazed greenhouse winter garden windows viewing gardens that promote neighbourhood relationships.

RELEVENCE TO THE STUDIO THEME

The whole scheme as a City manifesto is a creative response towards the new housing practise and is tightly bonded with the studio theme which is a creative response towards new housing. The case study is a manifesto for new, better housing within the existing structures. It is a representative for a sustainable design that considers people not only as inhabitants but as owners and contributors to the wider community aspect. It encourages the community through spaces and design to form relationships. By the cultural and historical relevance crates diverse and flexible ownership promoting community and wellbeing.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY 1 23 Semi-collective Housing Units / Lacaton & Vassal, ArchDaily(2012) <https://www.archdaily. 15 com/254147/23-semi-collective-housing-units-lacaton-vassal?ad_medium=gallery> [Accessed 14 December 2020] 16 2 A.Lacaton (November Conferences), (2014) <https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=EetqDufVrJU&t=1397s> [Accessed 12 December 2020] 3 Abalos, Iänaki, Karine. Dana, Anne Lacaton, and Jean-Philippe Vassal. Lacaton & Vassal : Obra Reciente = Re-cent Work. 2G (Barcelona, Spain) N. 60. Barcelona: G. Gili, 2011.

David Bergman, Sustainable Design (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2012), p. 19-27. Márquez Cecilia, Fernando, and Richard C. Levene. Lacation & Vassal 1993/2017. 2017.

17 Neppert Gardens” 59 Dwellings At Mulhouse By Lacaton & Vassal - BMIAA”, BMIAA, 2015 <https://www.bmiaa.com/neppert-gardens-59-dwellings-at-mulhouse-by-lacaton-vassal/> [Accessed 14 De-cember 2020] 18 Never Demolish, Ruby Press <https://ruby-press.com/projects/never-demolish/> [Accessed 10 December 2020]

4 Architectuul, Mulhouse, France, by Lacaton and Vassal (2020) <http://architectuul.com/architecture/ilot-schoettle> [Accessed 15 December 2020] 19 Ruby, Ilka., Andreas. Steiner, Ruby, Andreas, and Steiner, Dietmar. Lacaton & Vassal. 2G (Barcelona, Spain) ; No. 21. Barcelona: G. Gili, 2002. 5 Eumiesaward”, Miesarch.Com, 2020 <https://miesarch.com/work/2181> [Accessed 14 December 2020] 20 Schittich, Christian., Andrea. Wiegelmann, and Institut Für Internationale Architektur-Dokumentation. Semi-detached and Terraced Houses. In Detail. München : Basel: Edition Detail ; 6 Fillion, Odile, Cité Manifeste de Mulhouse (2009) < https://imagesdelaculture.cnc.fr/-/citeBirkhäuser ;, 2006. manifeste-de-mulhouse-la-> [Accessed 13 December 2020] 21 Sinarquitectura, Niamey (Niger), Lacaton & Vassal, 1984, (23 September 2013)< http://arquitecturasinarquitectura.blogspot.com/2013/09/niamey-niger-lacaton-vassal-1984.html> [Accessed 7 Ilot Schoettlé, Architectuul.Com, 2020 <http://architectuul.com/architecture/ilot-schoettle> on 11 De-cember 2020] [Accessed 14 De-cember 2020] 8 Is the right to housing real? Curry stone foundation, (2018) <https://currystonefoundation. 22 Social Housing (14 dwellings in Cite Manifeste), (2020) <https://miesarch.com/work/2181> org/practice/lacaton-vassal/> [Accessed 11 December 2020] [Accessed 12 December 2020] 9

Jeska, Simone, Transparent Plastics (Basel: Birkhäuser, 2008)

23 Social Housing in Mulhouse, France 2005 <http://www.wohnmodelle.at/index. php?id=80,71,0,0,1,0> [Accessed 10 De-cember 2020] 10 Journal for architecture and urbanism, can design change society? (2016) <https://lacatonvassal.com/data/documents/20190910-123849ARCH_PLUS_PB_EN_DS.pdf> [Accessed 11 December 24 Social housing, Mulhouse, Lacaton and Vassal (2005) <https://www.lacatonvassal.com/index. 2020] php?idp=19> [Accessed 13 December 2020] 11 Lacaton & Vassal”, Lacatonvassal.Com, 2020 <https://www.lacatonvassal.com/index. php?idp=19> [Accessed 14 December 2020] 25 Spatial Agency, Lacaton and Vassal <https://www.spatialagency.net/database/lacaton.vassal> [Accessed 14 December 2020] 12 Lisa Schmidt-Colinet, The Challenge of Inhabitation (2008) <http://www.wohnmodelle.at/index.php?id=80,71,0,0,1,0> [accessed 14 December 2020]. 26 The manifest city – Mulhouse – 68 <https://caractere-special.fr/en/la-cite-manifeste/> [Accessed 10 December 2020] 13 Îlot Schoettlé, Social Housing in Mulhouse (2005) <http://www.wohnmodelle.at/index. php?id=80,71,0,0,1,0> [accessed 14 December 2020].

List of Figures RE-USE, RE-ADAPTATION, APPROACH TO SITE figure 1: Sinarquitectura, Niamey (Niger), Lacaton & Vassal, 1984, (23 September 2013)< http:// arquitecturasinarquitectura.blogspot.com/2013/09/niamey-niger-lacaton-vassal-1984. html> [Accessed on 11 December 2020] figure 2: Social housing, Mulhouse, Lacaton and Vassal (2005) <https://www.lacatonvassal. com/index.php?idp=46> [Accessed on 12 December 2020] figure 3:: Fillion, Odile, Cité Manifeste de Mulhouse (2009) < https://imagesdelaculture.cnc.fr/-/ cite-manifeste-de-mulhouse-la-> [Accessed 13 December 2020] Architectuul, Mulhouse, France, by Lacaton and Vassal (2020) <http://architectuul.com/architecture/ilot-schoettle> [Accessed 15 December 2020] A.Lacaton (November Conferences), (2014) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EetqDufVrJU&t=1397s> [Accessed 12 December 2020] figure 4: Authors own drawing figure 5: Authors own drawing figure 6: Authors own drawing figure 7: Social housing, Mulhouse, Lacaton and Vassal (2005) <https://www.lacatonvassal. com/index.php?idp=19> [Accessed 13 December 2020] figure 8: Social housing, Mulhouse, Lacaton and Vassal (2005) <https://www.lacatonvassal. com/index.php?idp=19> [Accessed 13 December 2020] figure 9: Authors own drawing figure 10: Authors own drawing figure 11: ASocial housing, Mulhouse, Lacaton and Vassal (2005) <https://www.lacatonvassal. com/index.php?idp=19> [Accessed 13 December 2020] TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY HOUSING AT A LOW COST figure 12: Authors own drawing figure 13:Social housing, Mulhouse, Lacaton and Vassal (2005) <https://www.lacatonvassal. com/index.php?idp=19> [Accessed 13 December 2020] TOWNSCAPE figure 1: SOMCO1 (Previous development) figure 2: New Development figure 3: Housing scheme arranged following existing historic geometric plan NEIGHBOURHOOD figure 4: Diagram highlighting the arrangement of apartments figure 5: The external view of the terraced housing design. Photos by Lacaton & Vassal. Accessed on 12/12/20 at https://www.lacatonvassal.com/index.php?idp=19 figure 6:The external view of the terraced housing design. Photos by Lacaton & Vassal. Accessed on 12/12/20 at https://www.lacatonvassal.com/index.php?idp=19 CREATIVE RESPONSE figure 1:Author’s own figure 2:Author’s own figure 3: Author’s own MODULARITY figure 4: Author’s own figure 5: Author’s own figure 6: Author’s own

UNIT figure 7: Diagram showing the performance of ventilation features within a unit. figure 8: Image showing how furniture is used to define thresholds within each unique apartment. figure 9: Image showing how furniture is used to define thresholds within each unique apartment figure 10: Image showing how furniture is used to define thresholds within each unique apartment DETAIL figure 11: Image showing a winter garden with a mobile screen slid back. Photo by Lacaton & Vassal. figure 12: Detail diagram showing the properties of the aluminium sliding door that defines the winter graden. MATERIAL EFFICIENCY figure 7: Author’s own figure 8: https://www.bmiaa.com/neppert-gardens-59-dwellings-at-mulhouse-by-lacaton-vassal/ figure 9: https://www.lemoniteur.fr/photo/les-projets-communs-de-lacaton-vassal-ettechnal.1912199/ensemble.1#galerie-anchor figure 10: https://www.amc-archi.com/photos/equerre-d-argent-2005-nomine-cite-manifeste-61-logements,3573/lacaton-vassal-cite-manif.10 figure 11: https://www.baunetz.de/meldungen/Meldungen-Ausstellung_in_Halle_ueber_Lacaton_Vassal_847347.html?bild=1 figure 12: https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/59-dwellings-lacaton-vassal figure 13: ttps://www.houzz.fr/photos/wohnungsbau-mulhouse-anne-lacaton-und-philippevassal-phvw-vp~20182060 figure 14: Author’s own figure 15: Author’s own figure 16: Author’s own ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY igure 1: Plan, Sun Path, authors own figure 2: Sun Illuminated Interior, authors own figure 3: Section diagram, Sun Curtain, authors own figure 4: Section diagram, Insulation, authors own figure 5: Section diagram, Wind Travel, authors own figure 6: Plan, Wind Travel, authors own figure 7: Photograph of the reflective curtain from BauNetz. {https://www.baunetz.de/ meldungen/Meldungen-Ausstellung_in_Halle_ueber_Lacaton_Vassal_847347.html] figure 8: Photograph of the roof vent from the Lacaton & Vassal webpage{https://www. lacatonvassal.com/data/documents/20190711-1603451917_The%20Architectural%20Review_compressed.pdf

OTHER BUILDINGS OF ITS TYPE figure 1: Curated screenshot from google maps: Snapshot from google earth. Google Earth 2020 <https://earth.google.com/web/search/Cit%c3%a9+Manifeste,+Rue+de+l%27Arbre,+Mulhouse,+France/@47.75445823,7.32389439,236.96208067a,722.05606389d,35y, 67.77700263h,45.00025198t,0r/data=CpwBGnISbAolMHg0NzkxOWJjZjQzNDhhYzFiOjB4YTVjNGYxNGMxMWU3M2ZkNBke2scKfuBHQCHfc7vytEcdQCoxQ2l0w6kgTWFuaWZlc3RlLCBSdWUgZGUgbCdBcmJyZSwgTXVsaG91c2UsIEZyYW5jZRgBIAEiJgokCZDKtZez4EdAEWoIcyxv30dAGQ_MHSYiZR1AIRRZANXySx1A> [Accessed 06 December 2020] figure 2: Collage of ambience of Lacaton and Vassel showing free spaces: Social housing, Mulhouse, Lacton and Vassal (2005) <https://www.lacatonvassal.com/index.php?idp=19#> [Accessed 02 December 2020] figure 3: Logements, Shegeru Ban photoshopped photograph of building: MULHOUSE, HAUT-RHIN <http://www.jdg-architectes.com/projet/mulhouse/?lang=en> [Accessed 02 December 2020] figure 4: Parti Diagram for Logements, Shegeru Ban filled trace of building plan. MULHOUSE, HAUT-RHIN <http://www.jdg-architectes.com/projet/mulhouse/?lang=en> [Accessed 02 December 2020] figure 5: Micro Green,Ducan Lewis photoshopped photograph of building: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/189784571775105621/ figure 6: Parti Diagram for Ducan lewis filled trace of building plan. figure 7: Caratere Special, Matthieu Poitevin photoshopped photograph of building http://caractere-special.fr/en/la-cite-manifeste/ figure 8: Parti Diagram for Caratere Special, Matthieu Poitevin filled trace of building plan. figure 9: Colored Mutation, Jean Nouvel photoshopped photograph of building figure 10: Parti Diagram for Colored Mutation, Jean Nouvel filled trace of building plan. http:// www.jeannouvel.com/projets/cite-manifeste/ figure 11:Collage of and diagramming with adding humans to show buildings of same type: Social housing, Mulhouse, Lacton and Vassal (2005) <https://www.lacatonvassal.com/ index.php?idp=19#> [Accessed 02 December 2020] figure 12: Plan analysis of the building figure 13: Axo of material form Boreal figure 14: Axo od Lacton and Vessel figure 15: Elevations of both compared figure 16: Plan analysis of both houses figure 17: Photographs of building: Boreal, Tetrarc Architectes, Nantes housing, Arch Daily, (02 April 2012) <https://www.archdaily.com/221771/habitat-44-tetrarc-architectes> [Accessed on 11 December 20] RELEVANCE TO THE STUDIO THEME figure 17: Author’s own

CLIMATE CRISIS figure 9: Diagram, Cycle of Construction, taken from the David Bergman, Sustainable Design (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2012) figure 10: Axonometric diagram, Materiality, authors own figure 11: Collage, Sustainibilty, authors own figure 12: Venn diagram of Sustainibility , taken from the David Bergman, Sustainable Design (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2012)

14 David Mimbreroz, ‘Viviendas en Mulhouse Anne Lacaton&Jean Philippe Vassal’, Tectonica 19, plásticos, 70-87. Simona Jeska, Transparent Plastics Design and Technology (Basel,Boston and Berlin: Birkhauser, 2008), p. 86-91.

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6. Cultural Bibliography

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With lockdown and pandemic, it was tough for me to get back to the studios. However, in times of leisure, I enjoyed trying out different media of painting to relax. One positive factor of attending many webinars was that they could be taking place anywhere, so video conferencing saved a lot of time. Besides the traditional sources, keeping up with architectural pages on social media also helped me gain a lot of inspiration.

Webinars and Talks

External readings

Art and Architecture Journal on Instagram

Painting and related media

Experimenting with media (pen over pencil sketch)

Watercolour painting of a street in Bangladesh 146

Experimenting with media (pen overwatercolour wash)

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7. Bibliography

Image list

Architect Louis Kahn, Brick. Available online: https://www.yatzer.com/even-brickwants-be-something-louis-kahn [Accessed: 04 April 2021]

Silvia E and Wreight D. Displaying Desire and Distinction in Housing, Cultural Sociology (2009), 31-50

Andry Widyowijatnokoa Kent A.Harriesb (2020) Nonconventional and Vernacular Construction Materials (Second Edition), (Indonesia: Woodhead Publishing Series in Civil and Structural Engineering)

Social Trends 35, Table 10.2 (London: HMSO for ONS, 2005)

Archer John, Locating the self in Space, Architecture and Suburbia (Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press, 2005) Bauman Zygmunt, Postmodernity and its Discontents (Cambridge: Polity Press, 1997) Bourdieu P., Distinction: A Social Critique of the Judgement of Taste (Cambridge: Polity Press 1984)

Wurman, Richard Saul, What Will Be Has Always Been: The Words of Louis I. Kahn (New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1986)

Image 1: Photograph by group Image 2: Unknown photographer Image 3 and 4: Lacaton and Vassal Architects on social Housing, Dezeen. 8 May 2019, Available Online: https://www.dezeen.com/2019/05/08/mies-van-der-rohe-award-2019-winners/ Image 5: Bamboo scaffolding Available online: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/ scaffolding-bamboo-modern-construction-work-asia-652976590 [Acessed: 02 Feb 2021] Available online: https://www.guaduabamboo.com/blog/joining-bamboo [Accessed: 03 April 2021] Image 6: Sauna Unit, Available: https://www.cedarbrooksauna.com/outdoor-home-saunakits/ Image 7: Peter Barber Architects, Housing. Available Online: http://www.peterbarberarchitects. com/ Image 8: Exeter Library, USA. Louis Kahn Google image search results Image 9: Newcastle Library Logo, City Council

Bourdieu P., Practical Reason: On the Theory of Action (Cambridge: Polity Press, 1998) Brown Neave, ‘The form of housing’, Architectural Design, 37 (1967), 432-3 Curtis, William J. R., Le Corbusier: Ideas and Forms (London: Phaidon, 1986) Castell Robert, The villas of the Ancients Illustrated, (London: The Author, 1728) Channon B., Happy By Design (London: RIBA, 2018) Csikszentmihalyi M., The meaning of things: Domestic Symbols and the Self (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012) Goldhagen, Sarah Williams, Louis Kahn’s Situated Modernism (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2001) Hassen G. and Danielson, House, Home and Identity from a Consumption Perspective, Housing, Theory and Society, 21 (2004) 17-26 Stéphane Schröder, Bamboo Joinery techniques. Available online: https://www. guaduabamboo.com/blog/joining-bamboo [Accessed: 03 April 2021] Sadalla Edward K, Identity Symbolism In Housing, Sage Social Science 19 (1987), 569-587 148

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8. Appendix

Sketchbook doodling and notes

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