Visions
“Design is a valuable creator of change. It can influence social perspectives and provide serendipity to the ones in need. We as designers have to empathically engage humanity, looking with our heart and reaching people with our soul and we do this best by being humans ourselves.” -Sara D’angelo B.A Design Hons
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“The vision for this book stems from the need to establish a society where design adds value to all humans. Giving importance to the lives tucked away in the corners of the streets. Uplifting those struggling to find the right opportunities due to the lack of basic ammenities.� -Raiza Salam B.A Design Hons
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Acknowledgements
We are truly thankful to Prof. Christopher Boyko and Prof. Daniel Richards for the constant guidance and feedback we received throughout our term. We are also grateful to Arch. D’angelo for valuable insights in terms of the architectural viability of our proposal. Furthermore, our gratitude is extended to Safeer Shersad - MSc Urban Planning at Harvard University and Adam Najia - MA Architecture at Manchester University for enabling us to think critically of all stages and aspects of our proposal. Lastly, Simon Shi for assisting us in the creation of the 3D model. Finally, friends and family for all the support given.
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This book is dedicated to those who tuck away their dreams and are battling their way through life.
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Contents
01.
02.
Introduction
Rationale
- The Muse
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- Research
- Our Vision
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- Key Functions
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- Dialogue
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03. 10 11
Context - Site Analysis
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04. Ideation
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05. 14
Digitalisation
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Delivery
- Shapes
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- Floor Plans
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- Presentation Tools
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- Inspiration
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- Visitor Experience
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- Leaflet
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- Sketching
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- Artist Experience
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- Reflection
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- Materials
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- Cross-section
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- Bibliography
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- Functions
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- 3D Model
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- Finalising
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- Conclusion
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Introduction The Muse The Muse (Mūsa), is the inspiring goddess of an artist, it is something that enables to create, reflect and be absorbed in thought and dreams. It is a personified force who is the source of inspiration for a creative artist.
Key event narratives of the Muse
Our proposal lies into the translation of this force into a novel and supportive infrastructure which allows homeless creatives to produce, exhibit and sell their artworks through the interaction with the general public. The building, which will be located into the Northern Quarter, Manchester, combines art exhibitions & galleries, shops, creative studios, housing and social spaces.
Wellbeing
Sheltering
Community
Sensing
Learning
Infrastructure
Our Vision The aim of this intervention is to create connections between the souls behind the art works found in the streets of Manchester with the spectators, whilist promoting a sense of community and sharing which can be crucial for societal wellbeing. This book will showcase how this connection is created, by explaining the dynamics of the intervention, its functions, purpose and story.
“Muse it’s me and you, it’s us together. Art as a powerful medium that connects, heals and strengthen identities, by transferring them value and a reason to exist.”
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Key functions 1
Holographic Exhbitions Exhibitions revolving around holographic technologies for the community.
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Art Gallery & Shop Art commodities created by the artist residents can be displayed and purchased. Offices These spaces will be in charge of the creatives profiles and future employability for the artists.
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Design Studio Spaces for art creation, learning, brainstorming will be provided.
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Housing Apartments consisting of communal spaces and individual rooms for privacy.
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Rooftop This space will emphasize on providing room for social interactions and leisure.
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Dialogue Raiza The Northern Quarter of Manchester is exposed to various talented artists who add to the decorum of the city. The first artistic piece that I encountered is called “the doodle on ducie street� which is made by over 30 artists who have been or still are homeless in Manchester. As I turned around the block there was a homeless man telling us about his work on that wall. He was quite happy and proud of his work, but nonetheless still homeless. This struck a chord within me and I started thinking about ways in which we could change experiences and situations for these people through adding value to the art that they are capable of creating. This experience fuelled my vision to create something that provides relief for homeless artists
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Sara What I experienced when visiting the sites was astonishment. I was surprised by the amount of art which was present on every corner or building within the Northern quarter. But also I noticed how fast paced the city was and how less attention there was on people’s individualities and emotions. Rather it was an atmosphere controlled by time and logistics. There is a lot of soul but a lack of space for personal reflection. My initial aim was to create an intervention rooted into the use of senses and understanding of emotions as catalysts of change. I wanted people to interact, connect and reflect in relation to their interior world. This is why I started thinking about the creation of a space that would allow people to stop and reflect.
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Rationale Our proposal is indeed rooted into a shared understanding of purposes which aims to provide a space and an opportunity to homeless creatives, who are not able to turn their art into an action, due to a lack of basic resources. By designing an infrastructure who acts as art residency & art museum, a connection is created between the public and the creatives. Spectators from mere observers becomes active players who can experience, reflect and buy the art creations through the Muse. Therefore the Muse acts as a place of exchange which allows this connection between creatives and outsiders to occur, leading to beneficial outcomes.
Key Outcomes of The Muse
Enhanced employability 12 months residency will allow homeless creatives to be aware of their skills, worth and social values.
Shift of social perspectives The general public by observing the art pieces, their stories and the creatives working in the studios, will mitigate their misconceptions about homeless and their role in society.
Wellbeing The homeless creatives progressively will recognise a precise purpose in what they are creating, art becomes a healing medium which can transfer meaning and identity.
Social interaction Open spaces and communal areas within the buildings will assist the development of social connections, shared understandins and sense of community.
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Research The value of the Muse, which is grounded into using art as a healing medium, has been inspired by the ‘Doodle on Ducie Street’, organised by ‘With One Voice’ - international arts and homeless movement founded by Streetwise Opera. This last is an award-winning performing arts charity for people who are or have been homeless. The mural is created by the New York activist and graffiti artist Joel Bergner together with two local artists and over 30 people who have been or still homeless. This project focused on using art as one voice, using feelings, personal experiences and thoughts to enable this voice to be heard (Zetteler, 2018). When you’re homeless you do not get heard, the ignorance is unbelievable and the mural acts as a powerful statement. It is aimed at spreading awareness among the public regarding the value and uniqueness of those creatives as well as improving the wellbeing and self respect of these people. Matt Peacock, founder of ‘Streetwise Opera’ and Director of ‘With One Voice’, argues: “I believe passionately that the arts is an important piece of a ‘jigsaw’ of support for people who are or have been homeless” (Streetwiseopera.org, 2018). Art and its expression can enable homeless people to express their interior world to the public. and ‘doodle on ducie street’ communicates the struggle of those people to move from the dark side of living on the streets to the hope of the future (Decorator’s forum, 2018). Art can possibly materialise this hope of the future and the Muse’s goal is to achieve so.
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Context The Northern Quarter The Muse is set in the Northern Quarter which is an area of the Manchester City Centre, placed between Picadilly Station and the Ancoats. It is a central Hub where alternative and bohemian culture is engrained. It houses street art, creative agencies & an urban atomosphere. Back Turner St. M4 1FR The site area chosen is back Turner St; the building will be constructed on a quasi rectangular shaped ground which faces High St, core point where all minor roads intersect and pedestrian friendly junctions are. The reason why we selected this area is due to the continuous exposure to daily circulation of people and cars, which would allow visibility and therefore higher awareness among the general public.
Map highlighting our site; adjacent to Back Turner St. within the grounds of the Northern Quarter N4, Manchester
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Site Analysis
Roads and connections near chosen site
Platforms around chosen site
Buildings surrounding chosen site
Hindrance that limits the space for our building 13
Ideation
Sketching & detailing
Exploration of shapes
Inspiration
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Functions & cross section
Exploration of materials
Finalising
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Exploration of Shapes Variant of Models
Rectangular Base This shape was attempted but not chosen due to its extreme formalistic nature.
Fitting Base A fitted building would merge within context but our intention is to not ‘blend in’. Rather we needed a radical form that attracts visitors. Circular Base Whilst being a shape representing openness, it does not allow us to make maximum use of the space provided.
Oval Base This was the final chosen shape due to it being open, innovative but at the same time allowing us to utilise the space at its best.
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Inspiration Serpentine Pavilion by Francis kéré
The oval shape was then detailed based on Francis Kéré illustrated architecture. He gave a symbolical meaning to his work, aiming to connect nature and the community, through the use of wooden shading elements which enabled transparency and fluidity of air (Kerearchitecture.com, 2018). Being inspired by the overall structure of this installation, we started thinking of extending the wooden structure and constructing upwards the building, while utilising the rounded structure on the ground for holographic art exhibition which can be projected onto the walls.
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Sketching & Detailing The ideation stage brought us into a continuous iteration and flow of ideas regarding the shape of the building, its measurements and best fit with the context in question.
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Having understood the practicality of our chosen ground, we started conceptualising our vision through floor plan sketches.
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Exploration of Materials Wood The Muse will use wood for the rooftop and window frames to add naturalistic elements to the building.
Glass Will be used on all windows surrounding offices, studios and galleries to add an element of transparency and openness.
Bacteria Bacteria will be infused into the wall of the ground floor exhibition space, to allow the space to adapt to air temperature and peoples behaviours and react accordingly (Fast Company, 2018).
Plants Plants will be an integral part of this structure due to the lack of green in the surrounding spaces of the Muse.
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Functions & Cross section The next step was finilising the previously mentioned key functions of spaces and integrating them into a low fidelity cross section. This enabled us to understand the nature of interactions and dynamics that take place in each floor, which is crucial for the further development of a detailed floor plan.
Abstract respresentation of the positive dynamics and interactions we aim to establish within the Muse
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Finalising
Iteration assisted us in shaping our ideas in details, allowing convergence of clear decisions around structure, functions and appearance. The drawing here illustrated represents our final version before digitalisation and further development.
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Finalised drawing placed in context
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Digitalisation
Artists experience
Floor plans
Visitor experience
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3D model
Cross section
3D photomontage
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Floor Plans 4
1
Holographic art
Design Studios
5-6-7
2
Art gallery & shop
Apartments
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The following illustrations depict the placement of different ammenities required in each floor.
Office 26
Roof top
Key Labels
Elevator
Entrance
Small library
Greenery
Holographs
Chairs
Private pods
Toilets
Tables
Studio pods
Seatings
Sofas
Restaurant
Defined areas
Fashion pathway
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Visitor Experience
1
Looking for the Muse
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Experiencing holograms
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Purchasing art commodities
The depicted icons illustrate the general public’s journey throughout the Muse.
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Observing Studios
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Spending leisure time
Behavioural Mapping 1
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Vistor Movement
Resident Movement
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Artists Experience Connecting to the Muse
Assessment Centre
The Manchester Council will act as the connecting point between the homeless
Then they will be assessed in terms of physical and mental well being. Help will be provided in the form of re-direction or counselling when needed.
artists and the Muse.
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2
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Registration
Housing
Then the artist will be directed to the Office where they register their residency within the Muse.
They will be given keys to their room and will be provided with basic ammenities that allow them to settle in.
Socialising
Exhibition
Employability
They will be given opportunities to make friends and socialise, in order to make themselves comfortable within the Muse environment.
Their work will be exhibited according to various themes and sold in the shops. Enabling to earn at this residency.
Finally, they will be provided with a polished C.V and portfolio which in turn will make them employable prospects in the society.
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Creating
Networking
With the provided art materials and studio spaces provided, they will create art without limitations or boundaries.
While the spectators visit the Muse, they interact with the artists allowing them to expand opportunities and networks.
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Cross Section
Public Access Private Access 32
Key Features of Floors Exhibition Space
Office
Apartments
This space will optimise the use of bacterial materials due to its flexible nature, and compostable element. Thus, the exhibition space can be altered on a themely basis.
This space, as seen in the cross section will be a blend of enclosed and open areas. Enclosed areas will be utilised for private counselling and any other personal help required.
The apartments will home 8 artists on each floor. Two bedrooms will share one common washroom. This layout will provide for communal spaces alongside privacy.
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1
3
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Art Gallery & Shop
Design Studio
Rooftop
Alongside selling prints and commodities it will also hold individual exhibitions for artists to add to their identity and recognition.
This floor will be laid out without any boundaries or walls, giving room for openness. Furthermore, the glass windows will enable outsiders to observe the work that goes behind the exhibitions.
The space will be for social interactions, while showcasing outside musical talents through live performances for entertainment. It will also have a Bistrot for refreshments.
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3D Model
Simon Shi, supported us in the creation of the 3D model allowing us to sense a realistic feel & approach to our proposal. 34
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Conclusion In conclusion, the Muse is a collaborative project dedicated towards upbringing homeless social identities and values utilising art as a powerful tool and as a voice through which worlds that are usually ignored are now considered and appreciated. The Muse aims to convey lightness through expression of creative identities, who are given value by providing them a supportive space for living, leisure and work. Overall ,we believe we have quite succesfully accomodated all these values into diverse functions present within the infrastructure, which becomes the intermediary and point of contact between the public and creatives.
Leisure & Social Interaction
Privacy & Personalisation
Sharing & Community
Home & Living “Muse it’s me and you, it’s us together. Art as a powerful medium that connects, heals and strengthen identities, by transferring them value and a reason to exist.”
Creativity & Openess
Hardware & Logistics
Value & Identity
Expression & Lightness
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Delivery Finally, we made use of various tools to present our ideas to an audience, creating an active interaction between ourselves, creatives and the general public. The tools provided are tote bags, which we painted and filled with coloured pen and diverse prints representing street art in the Northern Quarter. A leaflet was also included to explain the nature of the Muse.
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WHAT WE OFFER
THE MUSE
EXHIBITION
Art Residency located in the heart of the Northern Quarter in Manchetser.
Every art piece has a personal story, every story has feelings. The muse as a museum of emotions expressed through art and creativity.
Ground floor
THEMES OF THE MONTH
Holographic art experience
Offering a home for creative homeless people, while providing them an opportunity to be employable in the future. You are invited to the new exhibition space, located in the Muse’s ground floor. You will be immersed into a complete new experience where personalisation, identity and feelings will make you reflect and find your own moments of happiness.
1st floor
Love Freedom
Desire
Art Gallery & shop
It’s me and you, it’s us together. Conscience
Empathy
S 1F M4 THE MUSE
3rd floor Design Studio access if booked
8th floor
BARBECUE HUNTERS
THE BLUE PIG
we are here
Anger
Forgiveness
Bistrot, lounge & live music
MUSLIM YOUTH FOUNDATION
VEGAN RESTAURANT
Leaflet used for presentation of the Muse 38
- Street Artist, Manchester
creationart@muse.com 7442364437
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Reflection The importance of this project lies into the creation of a social impactful infrastructure which utilises design to better influence peoples lives and especially the ones in need. The challenge was immense as creativity and a critical mindset was constantly required, but what always pushed me towards the end was enthusiasm and engagement into the idea Raiza and I were developing. I believe positive team dynamics are essential in the success of a project, and this is why we enquired about us collaborating together and I am truly thankful for the opportunity given. The Muse and every input inserted into the ideation process very well resonated my personality, values and sense of being. This proposal initiates with a shared understanding of outlook and concludes with an intent, which could be actualised if further developed and tested. Being continuously opened to challenge is shaping my approach to problem solving, strengthening my resilience and enabling me to operate quicker and more efficiently in design environments. Furthermore, I understood how crucial is the context, our ideas need to be rooted and contextualised to meliorate society.
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This project resonates purposefulness. The form we attached to our proposal houses a greater good. How social impact can be created through any design is a matter of having the right vision. Not only did this project mould my vision, it helped me gain a real life based experience that still tugs the strings of my heart. On an objective level, this portfolio has enhanced my visualisation skills greatly. I am now better able to put down my ideas in visual format and convey meanings more effectively. Collaborating with Sara was an fulfilling experience as our ideas could be shared with ease and we established a comfortable mutual understanding. If I would further this project, I would go into fine-tuning and detailing of the infrastructure as I truly believe it could possibily make a difference if implemented in reality.
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References Fast Company. (2018). The Future Of Architecture? Soft, Adaptive, And Very Wet. [online] Available at: https://www.fastcompany.com/3068330/the-future-of-architecture-soft-adaptiveand-very-wet [Accessed 14 Dec. 2018]. Kere-architecture.com. (2018). Kéré Architecture. [online] Available at: http://www.kere-architecture.com/projects/serpentine/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2018]. Decorator’s forum. (2018). HMG Paints support Manchester homeless mural - Decorator’s forum. [online] Available at: https://www.thedecoratorsforum.com/hmg-paints-support-manchester-homeless-mural/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2018]. Streetwiseopera.org. (2018). With One Voice to become independent | Streetwise Opera. [online] Available at: http://www.streetwiseopera.org/with-one-voice-independence [Accessed 13 Dec. 2018]. With-one-voice.com. (2018). With One Voice to become independent | With One Voice. [online] Available at: http://with-one-voice.com/news/one-voice-become-independent [Accessed 13 Dec. 2018]. Zetteler. (2018). Zetteler. [online] Available at: https://www.zetteler.co.uk/news/2018/11/14/using-art-to-fight-homelessness [Accessed 13 Dec. 2018].
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