p.01..................................................INTRODUCTION
p.11..................................UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
p.29..............RECOGNISING THE PROTAGONIST
p.37..................................................PARTNERSHIPS
p.47................................COMMUNITY & CULTURE
p.63...............................INNOVATION /EDUCATION
p.83.........................................................NETWORKS
STRATEGY COMPILED AND PRODUCED BY DAMIEN BULMAN | TOM FORD | STEVEN WALROND
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
THE CONTEXT - URSUS The scene for the following strategy is firmly set within in the former tractor factory district of Ursus in Warsaw, Poland. The district is one of the 18 which make up the capitol of Poland. It is one of Poland’s smallest districts covering an area of approximately 9.35km2 with a population of approximately 50,355 [as estimated in 2009]. It once held city status but on August 1st 1977 it was joined to Warsaw as part of the neighbouring district of Ochota as punishment for strikes which took place in June 1976 [Solidarity movement]. It has only been a separate district since January 1993. Its historic existence was as three smaller villages; Czechowice, Skorosze and Szamoty which in 1952 merged to form the city of Czechowice. However due to an existing city of a similar name in south Poland, the city adopted the name of Ursus which it retains to this day. The district is arguably best known by its inhabitants for its former function as a tractor manufacturing plant which operated between 1893 and 2003. It originated on 15 Sienna Street, Warsaw, and was founded by three engineers and four businessmen and began by producing exhaust engines and then later trucks and metal fittings intended for the Russian Tsar. Its history was fairly turbulent, suffering badly from the world financial crisis in 1930 followed by a boom in the 1950s. By the 60s the factory began to struggle to meet demand and in the 90s the factory began to decline in productivity until the site ceased production in 2003.
Ursus Timeline, S. Walrond [2012]
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URSUS TRACTOR FACTORY The timeline opposite illustrates the history of the former tractor manufacturing plant. It highlights the important junctures in the factory’s history and describes more in a more temporal fashion how the site evolved. In addition it also highlights how the site developed over a number of decades from three small villages to a city in its own right and finally its change the Ursus as it is known today. This timeline highlights a number of features which have been instrumental in the district’s colourful history and provides a potential clue as to how the dite could be developed in the future. Issues such as innovation, collaboration and Identity all appear to be very current and in the most part something which could be built upon in terms of the strategic proposal. Below shows the development of the site between the years of 1924 and 2010, as can be seen there is continued progression from a reasonably sparse grain to an extremely dense grain as the previously arable land has become much more concentrated as a result of residential developments which arose in response to the success of the tractor factory during the 1900s.
Ursus Timeline and Figure Ground, S. Walrond [2012]
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THE CHALLENGE Since 2003 the former tractor manufacturing plant of Ursus has undergone considerable change, with a huge number of the original structures having now been raised to the ground resulting in large voids in an otherwise colossal landscape. Many of the now vacant plots have emerged as a direct result of ‘Celtic’ who are the developer in ownership of the derelict premises on site. It is their presence which has primarily given rise to the following strategy. As owners of a large proportion of land on the site Celtic has recently drawn up a ‘masterplan’ for the site which in simple terms neglects most of the existing occupied spaces and industries on the site in favour of a typical mixed use site. This ‘masterplan’ has naturally sparked the interest of these local businesses and industries and has given rise to the ‘Association for Ursus Development’ which comprises 8 local businesses whose primary concern relates directly to the future development of the site. It is as a result of this collective of individuals that this strategy has been compiled in order to provide potential alternatives for the future use of the site.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PLUG:IN [network for alternative renewables] ‘PLUG:IN’ is a strategy which builds upon Ursus’s current existing strengths and prominent assets; its industrial capacity, fully operational CHP plant and strong connections via rail, in order to create a co-operative, innovative and self sustaining city. Managed by one unified state body three primary sectors work together to create a cyclical system, where profit [knowledge and economic] is retained and invested back into the city. This comprises of three key directives; a manufacturing and production sector, an energy innovation sector and a supporting promotional strategy. This multi-faceted promotional strategy provides a platform for both people and businesses working in energy and associated industries to promote themselves. It also serves to promote the city of Warsaw and its developing agenda, regionally, nationally and ultimately internationally.
An east-west city wide development artery is identified as a potential vehicle to facilitate a new energy industry on varying scales. This artery focuses on research and implementation of energy related technologies and as part of the strategy suggests that the former tractor manufacturing site of Ursus is suitably equipped to become a platform for this change. Utilising existing collaborations on site as well as potential synergies between existing knowledge bases and educational institutions both on-site and in the broader surrounding context will aid not only the expansion of Universities but also the city as a whole. Community participation, both in terms of participation by local businesses and industries as well as the local community will be imperative to the potential success of this strategy. As such it is proposed that government driven incentives such as subsidies and expedited planning procedures are utilised as a means for encouraging sensitive development along the proposed development artery. Whilst the artery forms the backbone to the strategy it is not intended to be sole vehicle for delivery. It’s strength comes from it’s direct connection with the capital via the rail network, which we envisage as instrumental in attracting potential investors, ‘PLUG:IN’ attempts to address a number of issues prevalent in Warsaw including social, political and environmental, in order to safeguard the future existence of the city. It is envisaged that the result would be a largely self-sustaining city with increased potential for Knowledge-based exports and a strong under current of specialist green renewables. Over time the system would develop across all scales and a new Identity could begin to emerge for the district of Ursus and in turn Warsaw.
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UNLOCKING POTENTIAL
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL COAL DEPENDANCY The focus of the following strategy is based firmly around the issue of fuel and energy, with specific reference to a shift to alternative renewables. Having undertaken the briefing exercise a number of issues were highlighted in relation to Warsaw’s current resource consumption and dependencies. One of the main issues identified was Poland’s heavy dependency on coal for its domestic and industrial power production. Though the country has enough resource to supply electricity for at least the next 500 years, being a part of the EU the country now has a responsibility to become more efficient in the way it both produces and consumes its resources. In relation to the Ursus site, this issue is particularly relevant when we consider the fact that the site contains a functioning coal fired CHP power plant. Discussions with the CEO of ‘Energetyka Ursus’ during the visit to site revealed that the plant is already considering alternative means of powering the plant and as such provides a potential springboard on which to pin the strategy. One such proposal by Energetyka was the burning of solid waste, however this would require restructuring of the plant in addition to considerable further financial investment.
Coal Resources Map, D.Green [2012]
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WASTE MANAGEMENT In addition to the issue of coal dependency, it was highlighted that being a part of the EU, Poland now has a duty to conform to a myriad of legislative codes in line with the agenda of the EU. I -ncluded within this is a recent change to waste management policy. As of January 2012 Polish Municipalities became the owners of the waste generated by their Citizens. The fundamental requirements within this legislation include: > By 2012 - Separate collection of paper, metal, plastic an Glass. > By 2020 - Preparation for re-use of and recycling of at least paper, metal, plastic and glass from households [Minimum 50% by weight]. > By 2020 - Preparation for re-use, recycling and other material recovery of nonhazardous construction and demolition waste [Minimum 70% by weight]. [Plymouth University M.Arch Briefing doc 2012]
Coupled with this immediate need to manage internal waste streams more efficiently, Poland has also earned a reputation for being amongst the worst european countries when it comes to sustainable energy resource innovation.
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AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES The potential within Poland for alternative models of energy production are abound, particularly when we consider the vast area of arable land which could be better utilized not only to produce edible produce but also food derived fuels. Large expanses of woodland are also of benefit within the field of alternative energy resources. Waste timber from forestry operations could be utilized to create biomass, which in its self is not a new concept however, current technologies mean that coal fired CHP plants cannot simply replace the coal with the biomass product. A new form of timber derived biomass pellet is in development which utilizes a roasting process known as Torrefication to dehydrate the timber waste and consolidate it’s solid matter, this process also has the potential to be low in energy consumption as the tar excreted by the roasted material could be recycled to power the roasting process. This torrefication process theoretically means that the coal in a coal fired power plant can be directly substituted with the toreffied pellets without any modification to the plant. It also means that a mix of both coal and pellets can be burned to produce energy in order to maintain efficiency.
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FOOD TO ENERGY As has been identified, Poland has an extensive agricultural context with over 22 percent of the working population still involved in agriculture. The structure of this culture is based upon the traditional small family owned farm and remains the predominant model today. Though not deemed the most efficient strategy for farming, Poland’s could play an important supporting role in the development of innovative sustainable energy resource. Poland’s current crop supply is already well established to support the Biofuel industry with high yields of potatoes, sugar beets and linseed in addition to it’s tobacco growing capacity which could provide a much more viable solution given that the use of tobacco for gasoline would put minimal strain on food supplies. Waste produce from agriculture could also be fed into the biomass stream in order to fuel mixed fuel power plants. This could include mixing traditional biomass pellets in small quantities with coal (approx 5-10%) or alternatively the biomass pellets could be torrefied for substitution in coal fired power plants.
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SITE SPECIFIC POTENTIAL As existing, the site also harbours huge potential, not all specific to the energy industry but in terms of infrastructure, vacant plots, connections and disused buildings. There are currently a number of existing idustrial synergies already operating within the site, however this strategy could encourage further collaborations not only between those resident on site but also with the surrounding district and beyond. This has clearly been demonstrated on a site scale by the formation of the ‘Association for the Development of Ursus’ which was mentioned earlier in the strategy. The array of unused and derelict buildings is also a source of great potential in terms of re-utilisation and adaptation. For instance a number of old factory halls could be adapted to provide research and development facilities or even manufacturing facilities. One of the original buildings to the south of the site also has the potential to become an extension to the existing railway station in order to attract pedestrians to the site.
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DISPOSITIONS As a result of the actions of the Celtic Development company a number of voids have been created within the site. These voids were once occupied by large manufacturing halls which previously matched the remaining buildings. These sites not only provide the potential for new structures to support new industries but also provide potential for more agricultural based development. Should these site be used for agricultural purposes however, there will be a requirement for extensive phytoremediation prior to use for public consumption. Reinstating buildings within these voids could provide the opportunity to introduce a finer grain onto the site, particularly in those areas adjacent to the periphery of the site.
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DISPOSITIONS A further feature which increases the potential of the site is the extensive rail and road networks which currently exist. Whilst there is a reasonably dense network of railway tracks within the borders of the site, a number have been unused for some time, however the tracks themselves remain in tact and would only require minimal investment to bring them back into operation. Reinstating these lines would enable the site to function much more economically and sustainably, increasing the connection both within the site and to the surrounding context. Currently the only users of the on site rail network are Energetyka Ursus who use them for coal deliveries however there is potential to make more of this asset.
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STRATIFICATION With regards the potential redevelopment of the site, the initial analysis revealed that the site is almost divided into three distinctive zones; semipublic zone to the south, a central manufacturing zone and a logistics zone to the north. This provides a potential system by which new interventions could be successfully implemented. It should be noted that these zones are not strictly separated but instead each leaches into the next. Identifying these zones should result in interventions which would be appropriate to the context and enable a more successful integration.
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RECOGNISING THE PROTAGONIST
RECOGNISING THE PROTAGONIST LOCAL GOVERNMENT Given the issues to which this strategy responds in terms of sustainable energy production and consumption in addition to its recent need to deal with municipal waste internally the local council will be an important instigator in terms of delivering this strategy. On a site scale, the district council in conjunction with Energetyka Ursus and AIG Lincoln could play a very influential role in developing the strategy as set out. Given the current dependency on coal and ever present climate change issues the EU have set out numerous legislations and initiatives which aim to tackle the problem. Energetyka Ursus are therefore perfectly positioned to take the first step in developing renewable energy. As has been mentioned the CEO has already investigated the potential of upgrading the facilities at the plant to produce energy from waste.
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AIG LINCOLN As part of the Association for the Development of Ursus, AIG Lincoln already have a vested interest in the future of the site. They also have submitted plans for a new logistics development on one of the vacant plots to the east of the site, which could provide a basis for further investment by outside parties. In order to kick start the strategy AIG could potentially contribute to initial site/infrastructural improvements in order to encourage occupation by additional businesses. For instance incentives could be put in place to encourage a co-operative to be formed in order to carry out improvements to a number of the vacant buildings in order to allow them to be used for temporary installations in the short term. Given that AIG’s development is in the logistics sector, an incentive scheme could be put forward to encourage investment into the onsite rail infrastructure which would improve logistic efficiencies.
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CASE STUDY Brixton village.
A socialable market re-start in London, UK. The project enabled diverse forms of entrepreneurship through activating social networks. Case Study:
Bromley by Bow Centre, London.
Creating a culture that encourages people to come forward with ideas has helped turn an underused church and its ancillary premises into hugely popular local asset. A new minister decided to open the hall up for community use, and created a base for a wide range of initiatives. Incrementally this has grown into a revolutionary organisation.
Brixton market, London, UK.
Bromley by bow centre, London, UK.
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PARTNERSHIPS
PHASE TWO. The strategy progresses into stage two by creating partnerships and further collaboration between existing actors & stakeholders on & off site. The image [right] is a suggestion of some new links that may develop over time. It highlights potential links between existing and new actors that may be attracted on site due to government initiatives such as feebates and subsidies. Existing actors; such as “moto factory� and other auto related industries may pool together as part of the strategy and invest time in research & development based around the transport sector. The local Ursus district will first serve as a test bed for the new sustainable transport and branching out to city scale, following successful prototyping in the Ursus district.
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A CASE FOR RAIL BASED LOGISTICS Research & devlopment based around transport.
The strategy allows for planned development to continue, such as the development of a logistic center, implemented by the development company AIG Lincoln. The sketch [overleaf] shows this potential, but suggests that by locating on site, they become one of the private investors to explore the potential of a sustainable transport system. The strategy is strongly grounded in a concept to recognise the already existing needs and concerns of the current site users. It uses innovative policies, driven by competitive forces & carried out by private enterprise to explore alternative renewable energy technologies. In the case of the new logistics complex; it is suggested their monetary contribution would be to research and implement the use of rail as a means of transporting goods. “Shifting from truck to rail nearly halves cost per ton-mile & cuts fuel use by nearly five-fold�. In the near/medium term, further research and collaboration could include resrach and implementation; diesel- natural gas saving money & reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20-30%. In the long term the goal would be to become fossil fuel free, by using natural gas from landfill/ waste water treatment & livestock manure.
A concept for adaptation. AIG Lincoln’s vision realised plus adaption to use the existing rail infrastructure.
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SMALL SCALE TESTING: New forms of collaborative networks are tested on the Ursus site. The image [right] suggests that the market who once traded off site, could temporary occupy a disused warehouse building. The project would over time work by a network of collaborative co-investment. The building [pictured below] is currently owned by Celtic, a development company. The strategy proposes that overtime, this building is bought back a project funded by co-investment betwwn the local council [a public investor] and public investors. One identified public investor of such a scheme could be PLP, the national rail provider in Poland. A mean-time use for the building are a market or other civic needs. In turn for the railway part funding it’s basic restoration would be the ability to hold control over the building in the future, such to create larger central train station seen in Phase three of the strategy. Alternatively the train company may have other uses or wish to trade it for another premesis for future use.
The community temporarilly appropriate a dis-used warehouse on the Ursus site.
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A CULTURE OF LONGEVITY. The need for reforms in power and leadership are embedded in a strategy for longetvity. The current system lends itself to elected representatives making decisions based on shifting political winds, leading to special interests and short-term elective winning proposals blocking meaningful long-term reform. The strategy suggests this model to be readdresses. Potential examples could be tax reforms, that taxes the bad [pollution] and not the good [jobs and income]. In the energy sector these ideological strategies could be put in place, for example of using a tax system such as fee bates. The concept model [right] shows the potential inflitration of the site initiatives into community and vice-versa.
Residential: Industry: The battle for sole occupation or potential to co-exist side by side.
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COMMUNITY
PHASE ONE. The strategy begins by small scale initiatives on the Ursus site, with a future vision focused on a creating a global network. The stratgey uses renewable energy as a primary tool but ultimately is aimed at improving local economic, social and political issues evident in the district. The strategy builds on the existing by encouraging the stakeholders on the site and the local community to start a collaborative network. The inital phase is initiated by Energetika, an energy provider located on the 182 hectare site. With the help of governemnt subsidies, they will initiate the construction of a small additional expanse of rail infrastructure linking down to the newly named “cultural avenue�. This new infrastructure will enable the other stakeholders on site and local community to have a perminant framework for which small scale initiatives can take place within dis-used train carriages.
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The new ‘cultural avenue’ will allow various actors to ‘plug:in’ to promote their products, services or initiatives. The disused, retired train carriages may be purchased for a small fee from Polskie Linnie Kolejowe, a national company in charge of the Polish rail network. Initial stages look at the potential of proximity as a concept for development. It is identified that the muffler clinic located towards the south of the site may have benefit of being located close to other auto related industries, such as “Moto factory”. By initiating a dialoge between similar minded companies, both may benefit from proximity.
Concept model: A cultural avenue where participants can plug: in to exibit, educate, trade and build partnerships.
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ADAPTIVE RE-USE A precedent from London. DEPTFORD PROJECT UDERGROUND
&
VILLAGE
Two projects exist in London where train carriages have been reused for new purposes. Deptford today is one of the poorest boroughs in London and suffers from high crime rates, insufficient housing and other serious problems. In 2008 The Deptford Project, London turned a disused Jubilee line commuter train into a cafe and bistro. The project is set up as a collaboration between a developer, The Cathedral Group and “Studio Raw” an organisation that focuses on community design and regeneration schemes. The initial aim was that the carriage would act as a catalyst brining in art,film, music and creativity to Deptford. Since the first carriage was installed, four years ago, other cafes, bistros and independant businesses have opened their doors, where previously stood just pound shops and second hand stores. The carriage was donated by The South East Train Company in an attempt to reconnect Deptford’s history as the first suburban railway station in London. The Village Underground in Shoreditch was remodelled by Architects Auro Foxcroft & Nicolas Laurent as artists studio and workspaces. The project was initiated by a young graduate who couldn’t find affordable studio space in London, so set out to build his own space.
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The carriages for both these peojects were disused and laying in a junkyard in Essex. The carriages were either donated or acquired for a relatively low cost. For the Village Underground, the young furniture designer purchased the trains from a scrap rad in Essex ÂŁ100 for six carriages. Other costs including transportation of the carriages on site, cleaning them up and hoisting them ontop of the building, which totaled a further ÂŁ38,000. Both schemes used re-used 60 foot long, 10 feet wide and 11 feet high decomissioned 1960s commuter train carriages. The interior of each carriage is only 660ft2. To successfully adapt and re-use the carriage, they were initially gutted. The electrical system needed to be upgraded and certain fit-topurpose equipment, such as a kitchen exaust fan were added. Recycling and reuse of materials was a theme throughout these project. The dinning tables are made of old school laboratory desks whilst stools are made from reclaimed materials. The lampshades are made from recycled surgical tubes and outside decking is made from reclaimed wood.
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A NEW TRANSPORT CULTURE To promote a truly sustainable transport infrastructure, arguable one of the most difficult things is to change is peoples culture. Most people have grown a custom to having the convenience of their own car on their drive, ready for use as and when they require it. The research and development of a fully fledged transport system to build on the existing Zarzad Transportu Mijskiego network operational in Warsaw. Already, one ticket can be used across multiple platforms including bus, tram, train and metro. Further Research & development on site, has the potential to address or explore the possibility of schemes, such as; Car sharing programmes, Intelligent traffic news, Lift sharing with a friend or even stranger via a social network, Swipe universal transit cards and Bike sharing. Our strategy does not intend to eliminate the car from the city, but aim is to increase the options for a journey and make these options readily available for the user to compare travel
The 18 districts of Warsaw provide a platfrom for city wide sustainable transport initiatives.
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distances, time, cost and energy use all from a mobile internet device. In reality, even with adequate research and development, Political will, must back the strategy in order for the new technologies to come into play at a fast pace. Case Study: Jayride, New Zealand. A peer-to-peer ride sharing website. Focuses on making better use of existing resources: the cars that people already own. “Make money towards costs every time you drive. Find unique cheap and green travel that is more social and more fun! Drivers or passengers, commuters or travelers, check Jayride to travel by carpool, bus, relocation and more!�
Site transport links
District train links
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A PERMANENT PLACE FOR INNOVATION. Summit Series initially began as a platform for young entrepreneurs from various types of industries to gather. The concepot was to brainstorm ways to make their business/non-profit better, and partake in fun activities; however, it soon gre very quicklyand attracted speakers such as Richard Branson and Bill Clinton). The idea behind the TED village is to offer a more permanent-home for the innovative young entrepreneurs who usually only meet for 4 days a year. The idea hopes that by putting them in one physical location, all participants can work collaboratively, forming a network and have the ability to“think big” 365 days a year. “The community portion — the networking, the people — that could be even more valuable than just the straight return on investment for a vacation property.” Tim Chang, Summit series investor.
“every aspect of the new village will be open to social experimentation”. “The community portion — the networking, the people — that could be even more new village will be open to social experimentation, like building a healthier version of a local bakery, and the Summit team wants to allow its meticulously curated community to pilot elements of a typical city”.
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EDUCATION & INNOVATION
PHASE THREE During this stage, the strategy looks to adapt a platform based on innovation. The image [right] suggests how some of these connections may be achieved. Some notable suggested spatial and nonspatial components of the phase include; Creating a new physical link between the community to the South of the Ursus site and the site itself. Building on earlier co-investment, the stategy suggests this intervention to bring the local community onto the post-industrial site. Further collaborative suggestions include new strutures to house permanent R&D facilities and further development of a central research hub at the heart of the site.
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INNOVATION IN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY Collaboration between universities and research professionals with fully functioning businesses on the Ursus site and within the City of Warsaw boarders will be encouraged. Based around a research topic of alternative renewable energy, projects should reflect current trends and technologies available for the time. Such collaboration has been successessful, as described by Donald Sadoway [seen below] in his “2012” TED talk titled; “The missing link to renewable energy”. Here he explained the design process of a liquid energy battery. Based on initial promising results carried out by students, further resarch and development was co-finaned by public and private initiatives. The majority of work was carried out by students. The project as well as a successful research one, has set a blueprint for inventing inventors.
Higher educational establishments within the Warsaw City boarders.
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INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATIONS.
UNUSUAL
Ideas from theme parks fusioned with transport
The Eco-ride train is being developed at Tokyo University’s Insitute of Industrial Science (IIS) in collaboration with amusement ride firm Senyo Kogyo. It works the same as a theme park roller coaster by turning potential energy into kinetic energy. It coats along tubular tracks without an engine & speedis controlled by aerodynamics & vertical curves - sections of track that form the transition between two sloping segments. The train starts & stops via rotating wheels between the tracks at the stations. The idea is that Eco ride would use its ones inertia to get up most slopes but may on occasion need to be winched up steeper inclines. It the track is lifted to 10m the train could cover a distance of 400meters. The lack of engine makes the carriages extremely light so energy required to propel them is small & emissions low. The concept model [right] recognises the end terminals of the rail infrastructure as nodal points and suggests possible destinations for rail related industries.
Railway nodes, possible locations for future rail based industry to locate.
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TRANSPORT INNOVATION One of the targets for the strategy is to create a superefficient transport network including automobile, train, trucks & planes. Radical efficiency enables alternative propulsion & fuels, transforming vehicle manufacturing for break-through competitive advantage. By innovating within the transport sector of the economy, many different industries have the potential for knock-on advantages, such as; Vehicle manufacturers & suppliers, chemical & electronic industries, fleet operators, entrepreneurs, real-estate developers, electric utilities, farmers & foresters. “The individual also wins by ultimately saving money & improving personal mobility�. The transport sector of the strategy has the potential to be funded by public and private sector investment. Areas of innovation could include; freebates to reduce barriers, Increase turning in or oil dependant cars, Advance ultra light materials and Electric power train.
Research and devlopment into alternative automobile technologies.
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The ‘Plug:in’ strategy looks to develop an east-west artery focusing on research and implimentation of renewable energy related technologies. The city map [pictured right] suggests a spatial location for the east-west city wide development artery. This artery focuses on research and implementation of energy related technologies and as part of the strategy suggests that the former tractor manufacturing site of Ursus is suitably equipped to become a platform for this change. LA VISION.
To make LA the World Capital of Renewable Energy & water efficiency.
Los Angeles are set to develop an energy zone initiative spanning to Southern California. The scheme is expected to create 200,000 + new jobs over the next 5-10 years and give a boost to the Los Angeles economy through further industry academia collaboration and inward investment. The scheme is set to have the Universities of Southern California Technology Innovation Development at its heart. A large parcel of land will be allocated to set up the renewable energy enterprise zone site. There will be an academic center which will be transformed into a center of excellence for academic research, commercialization and industry collaboration.
Suggested east-west development artery.
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START SMALL Using exisitng waste streams from the city.
The cheapest low-maintenance feedstock for biofuels is waste biomass, such as the cobs & straw left over after corn harvest, perennial grasses such as giant miscanthus or dead trees. This raw material has been used to make ethanol, but is difficulty has been stymied by the difficulty of breaking down the materials.
The most promising renewable energy source in Poland is biomass and will play an important role in fulfilling Poland’s energy needs. Biomass can be used to replace coal in industrial heating plants thus lowering the amount of coal used and the amount of emissions. Currently, the most promising areas appear to be in forestry, wood processing and agriculture.
An alternative Forestry locations renewable within the energy Warsaw development boundary;artery a potential with diversity source as for abiomass. concept [against the conventional zonal masterplan
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A POTENTIAL LONG TERM SOLUTION Algae; a possible solution.
“The race is on to create a fuel with negative emissions”. Magical class of - carbon negative fuels Take carbon out of the atmosphere & lock it away for good. The basic idea is to grow plants [algae] which naturally draws co2 from the atmosphere. After you extract the oil, you are left with a residue that holds a substancial portion of the carbon - the residue is the key to carbon negativity. If you can store the carbon where it won’t decompose & return to the air, more co2 is taken out of the atmosphere than the fuel emits. These could be the most realistic short term solution we have to curb climate change. Early days, but BP, google & General Electric are putting their money behind the idea.
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PIGGY-BACK OFF EXISTING INDUSTRY Precedent shows; Biofuel systems (BFS) A small company in Alicante, Spain have set up a piggyback algae growing plant off the back of a cement factory which emits the co2 the algae needs to grow. The BFS pilot plant produces about 2.5 barrels of crude oil per hectare of algae each day. In numbers, this sounds promising, however, one major problem is cost. The Polycarbonate tubes cost upwards of $1 million per hectare & stirring the algae requires large amounts of electricity. A second precedent looking to San Fransisco cuts costs by floating algae in sea. However, obviosuly this could not work in the Warsaw area. A further problem of Algae are that they gorge on expensive nutrients like nitrogen & phosphorus. At small scales - waste water from cities & crop lands can supply these. If this idea is scaled up there would not enough waste water to go around. Researchers may one day find a way to solve the nutrient problem by extracting & reusing nitrogen & phosphorus from the algae residue. The biggest difficulty is getting hold of all that co2 - even if algae growers could tap every last smokestack in US, it would only be enough to cover the needs of 10% of the world current transport needs. “Even if carbon negative biofuels turn out to be just a bit player, they will have done least a little to reduce carbon emissions, a no-regret strategy�.
Potential piggy-back schemes; where one industry locates in close proximity to another to recieve thier raw material may lead to the beginning of a circular economy.
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TOWARDS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY. The strategy may be split into three sections; Temporary - for today. Improving connectives, technology, transport
lives,
Semi- permanent: economic zone - attract ing outside investment to locate in Warsaw. Permanent - innovation: Attracting young professionals, industry experts and the network to continue future development to stay ahead of the game. Recognising potential links to create a more circular flows. The strtategy is strongly against the prinicipal of “green washing”,. This is a new era in “green” energy, lets find a way to live better, more sustainable, healthier lives.
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NETWORK
PHASE FOUR The final suggested phase in the strategy so far, calls for a fully functioning network of collaboration. The strategy recognises by this stage; small, medium and large scale interventions have helped to develop the language of a networked symbiosis on site. The strategy does not predescribe the exact conditions for which development should occur, but suggests a framework under which development may happen. The construction industry will be networked into the strategy, initiated by local builders and craft persons. Ultimatley helping solve Warsaw’s housing shortage, a new sustainable construction system could be devloped at the innovation hub towards the center of the site. Spatially, it has been suggested the implimentation could occur to the west of the site, creating new student accomodation.This would be linked to the city center via the train infrstructure and financed by the national rail company and the cities multiple Universities in a co-financed project.
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CHANGING THE MOTIVATION. It has been argued that the apparent failure of “greeningâ€? of the economy has be influenced by poor motivations for change. The 1997 Climate conference is said to have four main errors errors, saying solutions will be costly. Motivated by climate (not - profit or economic development, assuming the require a global treaty & assuming businesses can do little before carbon is priced. In 2009 Copenhagen climate conference it was proved how pricing carbon & winning international collaboration are hard if policy makers, pundits & citizens assume climate protection will be costly. However. today, the conversation is changing to; wealth creation, jobs & competitive advantage This deffinately sweetens the deal. Today climate protection is changing course. Lead by countries & companies. More private & civil societies than by governments In early December 2008, the Polish city of PoznaĹ„ hosted the United Nations Conference on Climate Change. It was announced in December 2012 that Warsaw will host the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in 2013 - Backing up that there is no better time to address a strategy built on energy.
An energy fair in Warsaw City center.
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POTTENTIAL FOR COLLABORATION. The Warsaw district map [shown right] shows a hypothetical network between existing powerplants and the existing manufacturing sector within the Warsaw boarder. The strategy suggests such collaboration could provide mutual benefits to all parties involved. Ultimately long-term the strategy can see the potential such as the scheme pictured below in Detroit, where-by the infrastructure and energy process become intrinsically connected where the urban conficts should not be hidden, but part of a matrix. Designers of the future Warsaw must engage with the landscape of infrastructure.
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Case Study: One Love City, Denmark. A crowd sourced public event.
A platform for participation and a social meeting space. A collaborative effort between public sector, private businesses and broad coalition of community organisations.
50%
OF INSTALATION MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS
36
COMMUNITY & CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS CURATED ONE LOVE CITY TOGETHER
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REFERENCES
Websites http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/earth/the-age-of-energy/9119627/Green-economy-debate.html http://bankwatch.org/our-work/projects/coal-fired-power-plants-poland http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:52011DC0112:EN:NOT http://www.quora.com/Yj-Draiman/World-class-renewable-energy-innovation-enterprise-zone-revealed-for-Los-Angeles–-Proposed-by-YJ-Draiman/World-class-renewable-energy-innovation-enterprise-zone-revealed-for-Los-Angeles-–-Proposed-by-YJ-Draiman-–-rev-6 http://discoverpl.polacy.co.uk/art,renewable_energy_in_poland_8211_a_bright_future,3577.html http://www.archdaily.com/tag/summit-series/ http://www.auroville.org/gallery/visual_tour/index.htm http://www.cleantechpoland.com/ http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/picture/2012/nov/20/which-countries-most-coal-power http://www.heathershimmin.com/adaptive-reuse-train-carriages http://news.oneindia.in/2012/12/10/polan-to-host-un-climate-talks-next-year-1111701.html Articles: “Post Industrial Land Transformation – An approach to sociocultural aspects as catalysts for urban redevelopment” Luis Loures and Jon Burley. “Productive landscape: Revitalising a post industrial district with slow economy”. Xin Wu. “Towards the circular economy” Ellen Macarthur Foundation “Manufacturing the future: The next era of global growth and innovation”. McKinsey Global Institute. “Insuring Energy Independence; A CCS roadmap for Poland”. Belladona environment CCS Team. “Spatial policy – The Capital City of Warsaw”. “Powering the city through cogeneration” Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz. “Culburb: Urban Acupuncture for the district of Ursus”. “The next level: Polish – American Economic Co-operation 2012 and beyond”. Books: Sharzer. Greg “No local” Zero books, Winchester UK 2012 Nawratek. Krzysztof “Holes in the whole” Zero books, Winchester UK 2012 Lovins. Amory. B “Reinventing fire” Chelsea Publishing, Vermont 2011 Franke. Simon “Compendium for the Civic Economy” Nests & Design Council CABE 2011 Ballantyne. A, Smith. Chris “Architecture in the space of flows”, Routledge 2012