Oyewale Oluwaseyi
Design Thesis Preparation
Coventry University
Blank Canvas
Freedom
“Being able to get what i want when I want
Fancy Stuff
“Expensive and fancy stuff”
Comfort
Comfort lies within the boundaries of the terms classy, comfortable and expensive in look
To have everything in a set time never having to wait for anyone.
Quality Items
Anything of high quality and provides high levels of usefulness
To live a heathy, full and energetic life.
Luxury is a notion that differs for each individual, influenced by one’s age, background, experiences, and more—elements that shape a person’s identity. The ability to embrace one’s true self in every facet of life without fear of judgment is a privilege not universally granted to all. Hence we should strive for a world in which we are all
Free to Identify
The first piece of the freedom of identity series
"I am an Architect"
"I am Black"
"I am British"
"I am a Billionaire" "I am Female"
"I am a 70 years old"
According to Berger et al., 1971 the social world is not always percieved in the same form as it was originally intended to, instead it is moulded for specific reasons. It is a concept which stemmed from the flaws in the desire to create universal laws for the interactions in the social world; positivism (Berger et al., 1971). Constructivism challenges the structural ideas, policies and practices of the social world and questions what is considered normal all with the aim of preventing prejudice.
Constivism has two faces, the extreme and the weak, each with its “pros and cons”. The extreme which affords every single individual their freedom of perspective in terms of social constructs how does one have validity in anything inculuding the idea of constructivism. The weak however simply states all facts are not equal (Fopp, 2008).
Society currently chooses to take the middle ground position where we acknowledge that everyone has the right to their own perceptions while upholding the system that society has decided upon and constantly improving on it. The social realm encompasses the concept of identity, which is a very broad field and one we hope to consider in this research.
"our perception of the material world is affected by the way we think or talk about it, by our consensus about its nature, by the way we explain it to each other, and by the concepts we use to grasp it".
-Fopp, 2008
Social Constructivism
Social identity theory and identity theory
Social identity formation involves self-categorization and social comparison. In identity theory, self-categorization is central, shaping one’s identity based on how they classify themselves in the world. Despite their distinct origins, languages, orientations, and coverage, the two theories share numerous similarities. The core idea is integrating associated meanings and expectations from specific roles into one’s self-perception. Ultimately, both delve into the components of a structured society, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of human identity formation (Stets et al., 2000). Race, nation, ethnicity, citizenship, democracy, class, community, and tradition, for example are the components of the structured society (Brubaker et al., 2000). Gathering from the idea of social constructivism these identities markers are the systems agreed upon by society. However, we must acknowledge these are not the only forms in which people can choose to identify, there remains other minority and informal forms of identity. This project however will use only a few of the identity markers as references going forward, especially while considering the concept of homes.
"In the social jungle of human existence, there is no feeling of being alive without a sense of identity".
-Erik Erikson
2
Place Identity
Homes are thought of as symbols that are a component of the gesture language that people use to express self and identity to one another. Humans choose, customize and design their houses and surroundings to support their activities, and convey a personal message, as evidenced by numerous studies conducted over time. They have been known to depict social class, openness, Intellect, personality traits, aesthetic preferences, and histories of the occupants. Furthermore, by fostering behavioural opportunities, they imply that housing might potentially aid in the process of self/ identity-creation. (Laumann et al., 1968) (Becker. 1977) (Csikszentmihalyi et al., 1981) (Sadalla et al., 1987). According to Sadalla et al.’s 1987 study, homeowners use both the interior and exterior of their homes to express aspects of who they are. Interior cues are very useful for conveying traits like optimism, maturity, intellectualism, politeness, and more. However, outside cues are more effective in conveying details like taste in art, graciousness, seclusion, and calm. It has also been proven that observers make more accurate deductions on a persons identity based on the interior of their homes as opposed to the exterior The reason being that home owners have more control over the interior factors, be it design or access (Cooper, 1974). Thus the greatest relationship between home and identity is reflected in the exterior in most cases.
"...a certain bonding or mergence of per-
son and place such that the place takes its identity from the dweller and the dweller takes his or her identity from the place."
-Dovey, 1985
Identity Manifestation
The Core Court House
Hindu Family
Puja Room A space in ones home which signifies religion. Material choice as an expression of ones profession and background.
In most Indian houses, the pooja room, also known as the prayer room, is a sacred space. It is a tailored room dedicated to spiritual activities such as daily prayers, poojas, and so on in order to glorify God. As part of their design, several new-age structures have begun to designate a distinct chamber for spiritual activity. The location and presence of a pooja room are quite important whether renting or purchasing a new space (Silva, 2023).
For the family behind the HIN House, woodworking is more than just a job; it’s a way of life that spans generations. After drawing inspiration from this way of life, the architects chose wood as the primary material for the project. “Hiên” (Vietnamese for veranda) acts as a link between internal and outside spaces, paying tribute to tradition while adapting to Central Vietnam’s tropical environment (The HIÊN House: A Blend of Tradition, Nature, and Modern Living | Anabata, n.d.).
Color use and connection to nature which expresses ones cultural heritage
Greatly inspired by the country’s Mediterranean environment, which fosters indoor-outdoor living. Moroccans enjoy designing pleasant outdoor spaces and incorporating natural materials and vegetation into their homes. Key to Moroccan decor is vibrant colours and complex patterns, with both aesthetic and style at the forefront. Handmade textiles in a variety of textures on walls, ceilings, windows, floors, tiles, and home furnishings that clash in a harmonious eclecticism. (Che, 2023)
Rich Woodworking Heritage, Vietnamese Morrocan
The HIÊN House
Villa Mauresque
Place Identifiers
Homeowners are able to manipulate identity information through the use of:
Materiality: The choice of materials in home design, such as wood or concrete, serves as a key identification marker for homeowners, reflecting their distinct style and preferences. For example, the use of wood is often associated with warmth, youthfulness, confidence, and an interpersonal approach to design, creating a welcoming and comfortable ambiance. On the other hand, the incorporation of concrete may suggest a preference for a modern aesthetic with an emphasis on functionality, often perceived as lacking the warmth associated with other materials. (Ridoutt et al., 2005b)
Spaces: The choice of spaces in ones home is a reflection of values and dispositions. For example the concept of a house as a hallowed space is profoundly embedded in a variety of cultural, spiritual, and personal beliefs. This hallowed aspect becomes even more apparent in other cases, with some houses having specific places for worship and adoration (CULTURE, VALUES AND THE AESTHETICS OF HOME - PART 1, 2020).
Layout: The arrangement and flow of a space are deeply influenced by individual preferences, serving as a canvas for expressing personal taste and lifestyle. A well-thought-out layout not only caters to functional needs but also layers significance and relationships within the user’s daily life, creating a harmonious and tailored environment. The spatial design, whether open and interconnected or segmented for specific purposes, reflects the user’s priorities and the way they navigate and interact with their surroundings (Berri & Berri, 2020).
Colour: The use of color in one’s home, guided by basic color theory, can provide significant insights into an individual’s personality. Whether it’s vibrant hues reflecting an outgoing and energetic nature or muted tones expressing a preference for calmness and tranquility, the color choices in home decor often serve as a visual manifestation of personal style and disposition (Elliot & Maier, 2014).
Vegetation: The presence of vegetation in and around a living space serves as a distinctive marker reflecting one’s desires and personality. A home surrounded by lush greenery and carefully nurtured plants often suggests a person with a nurturing and nature-appreciative disposition, showcasing a desire for harmony with the environment. Conversely, a lack of vegetation might signify a preference for a more minimalist or urban lifestyle, emphasizing individual tastes and lifestyle choices through the landscaping of one’s surroundings (Wood, 2007).
Size: The concepts of extravagance and modesty in one’s living space are powerful reflections of individual identity. Large spaces often signify a penchant for luxury, and a desire for a grand lifestyle, suggesting a personality that values indulgence. On the other hand, modest sized living spaces may convey simplicity, humility, and a preference for a more understated existence, revealing a character that appreciates practicality and unpretentiousness (Team, 2023).
Cost: Similar to size, the cost of various aspects of one’s home is a good predictor of social standing. It represents not only the financial capabilities, but also cultural attitudes and expectations of lifestyle and success of the homeowner (Team, 2023).
Identity Manifestation
Liberalism- Identity monism
A philosophical term, identity monism is a viewpoint that says two or more separate principles can ultimately be analysed as being identical to one other. Take the terms liberal; which denotes freedom, and property; which denotes ownership. They are not merely related but are, in fact, analyzable as the same concept according to identity monism. For example; individuals own their own bodies, with standard rights. This ownership extends not only to bodily integrity but also to liberty. The same concept can be linked to property rights, where ownership applies not only to the properties integrity but to liberty of uses of that property. Gaus’s paper explores the concept that property rights are required for freedom drawing from a particular theory which highlights freedom as exclusive possesion. However two concepts where introduced “Liberty as Respected Sovereignty (RS)” and “Extent of Sovereignty (ES).” One stating that - ones freedom is directly related to the size of the property, and the other that - one is free if not interfered with within the boundaries of one’s property (Gaus, 1994). The idea that ownership is a key factor in view of complete freedom (including the freedom of identity) is a valid concept. The sample homes denoted above are all privately owned homes, these afford the users the freedom to create thier on rules based on their desires. However it will also be good to hold on to the idea that ownership isn’t the key to everything,
Magna
Carta-Summarized
"First, It asserts Englishmen to be free; that's Liberty. Secondly, they that have free-holds,that's Property." William Penn
Identity Manifestation Limitations
Private Property Ownership
Arguments for private property Private property is sometimes claimed to be a natural result of people’ fundamental right to freedom. Private property ownership affords several freedoms, including the right to exclusive use, control, and enjoyment of the property. Owners have the freedom to use their property as they see fit within the boundaries of the law and zoning regulations. Additionally, property owners have the freedom to transfer, sell, or lease their property, providing them with economic benefits and the ability to make decisions about their assets (Muñoz, 2020) (Brenkert, 1980). However Brenkert, 1980 implied that Genuine freedom, according to Marx, is the rational control and direction of one’s life circumstances. Private property, on the other hand, undermines fundamental freedom by separating and opposing individuals’ interests. The lack of a general, reasonable plan that combines those with and without properties exacerbates diverging interests and prevents society from harmonising.
Substantial to this project, an inference can be made: a key freedom afforded private owners is the ability to create and modify their homes alligned to their desires and this freedom is not afforded to non home owners; the public. This ultimately creates a disconect in society and takes away our the freedom for all.
Public Property/ Social Ownership
Hartman et al. (2006) highlights social ownership as being contingent on certain rules. “it is not owned and operated for profit”; “it cannot be sold for speculative gain”; and “it provides security of tenure for residents”. The notion of social ownership advocates the permanent removal of housing from the private market, focusing on stability and community benefits. The framework establishes baseline sets, such as minimum space needs and structural considerations, while allowing for adjustments and customisation.
"Public luxury for all or private luxury for some: this is the choice we face"
– George Monbiot
Identity Manifestation Limitations
The second piece of the freedom of identity series, which aims to show how people’s identities shape the spaces they inhabit. Two common building types, both of which lack much character, are used as the backdrop for the collages. The characteristics of those who inhabit these structures influence or change the spaces. Finally, the black lines represent a way of living where individuals can co-inhabit a space and shape it to fit their particular identities without interfering with those of others. This is accomplished by having those lines move in different circumstances and moments to make more room for one or the other without changing the personalities of either.
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
Vision-Collage
The word public has also been thrown around a lot, but who are the public in the context of housing? The users? people who live within the house and experience it on all levels. The passers-by? all the people in the vicinity who experience a house while only interacting with the exterior. A public is characterised by a group of people who are linked in response to problems that are significant to them (Mwengenmeir, 2014).
Public luxury, although not a new concept, has gained increasing attention in recent times. It refers to a quality of life that goes beyond the ordinary and is meant for the benefit of all. However, our societal norms have traditionally separated the notions of “public” and “luxury.” Many things considered luxurious are often out of reach for most people.
As higlighted from the geneaology above our idea of luxury transcends simply the most expensive places or items, or the flashiest. To a person who loves buses but cannot afford to ride them, any chance given to him/her to do so will be considered a luxury, to a person who has always known con-
crete walls and footpaths around his home a lavish green garden will be a luxury. ones ideas of luxury is based on ones experiences, personalities, societal and many other factors which could be termed as identity markers.
When considering housing, a variety of elements, including ownership, cost, location, history, materials, technology, places, and others, can be taken into account while defining the luxury associated with the housing.
The typology of housing is one with many branches: apartments, hybrid or mixed use, co-housing, private housing, community housing, e.t.c. Being one of the few housing types whose primary objective is to serve the public, community housing is particularly intriguing. In a time where rent and home prices have skyrocketed across the UK as a result of the severe housing shortage, particularly in social and genuinely inexpensive homes (Unison, n.d.).
For the public, the ability to own a nice affordable home in a desirable location which allows them to express the facets of their Identity is a Luxury.
Ownership
The residents were provided with a bare base in terms of color, materials, spaces and size and given the freedom to transform to spaces based on their needs and means.
“Because each unit will eventually self-build 50% of its volume, the structure must be porous enough to allow each unit to expand within its structure”.
"We think that social housing should be seen as an investment and not as an expense. " -Elementals
Quinta Monroy
credit _ Cristobal Palma
Identified Standards include, Basic spaces, Structural elements, Basic
envelope, Basic plumbing and vertical circulation aid.
The concept was to establish a set of standardized definitions for effective inhabitation and facilitating ease of use. However, the framework allows for seamless adaptation to growth and change, ensuring effortless development. However, it was key to design for the harder space’s expansion case scenario as well as the base case.
In
order to avoid any detrimental impacts of self-construction on the urban environment over time, but also to facilitate the extension process, the original building must provide a supporting (rather than a restrictive) structure.
This Carries the same concept as the speculative offering but is mor refined in the introduction of some rules. Structural framing, Vertical circulation, Enclosed spaces...
Contextual Offering
Londons Lea valley area is one of the most diverse and identity rich areas in the world. A conglomorate of people from diverse backgrounds, races, ethnicities and cultures. In a capitalist world where those with greater means are offered greater rights than everyone else a deliberate effort must be made to afford everyone equal rights and opportunities. The needs of the many ultimately outweighs the needs of one. The identified luxury of freedom of identity, a freedom which is not necessarily afforded to everyone. It has been established our homes are an extension of our identities and similar to everything else the more your means the greater your freedoms applies to homes as well. Private housing owners are afforded greater freedom to express themselves within their homes as opposed to public housing occupants or renters. Public housing provides a one shoe fits all model and considering we do not all have one identity why should our homes be any different. This project hinges on the idea that one shoe does not fit all. While considering the key concepts of ownership, control, spaces, layout and others mentioned above this project aims at developing a different social housing perspective. Providing a blank blank canvas and encoouraging the users to do the rest. Thesis Statement
Using set out guides like the London planning code, this project will aim to create base standards as a framework for the structure. This framework will include minimum space requirements, structual framework; building envelope; vertical circulation; plumbing, heating and ventilation. Then create a set of rules for modification and customisation.
Utilizing established guides such as the London planning code, this project endeavors to formulate base standards, serving as a comprehensive framework for design considerations. Encompassing minimum space prerequisites, structural frameworks, building envelopes, vertical circulation, plumbing, heating, and ventilation, this framework ensures a robust foundation for diverse projects. Furthermore, the project aims to develop a set of guidelines for modifications and customizations, promoting adaptability and flexibility within the established standards. This approach not only establishes a baseline for uniformity but also allows for dynamic adjustments to accommodate evolving needs and advancements in the growth of the structure.
Limitations
Considering this project has a large affinity towards a placemaking or self build agenda, to fully visualize the project a set of individuals will need to be employed for the project development. However this is a scenario which will be impossible to achieve within a short period of time. The Project for the sake of progressions hopes to formulate user profiles to aid in visualizing a possible end scenario of the design.
Can we afford everyone the right to curate their own spaces to be an extension of their image or identity.
1. The project can benefit largely from studies of a wider range of case studies and their context.
2. A detailed analysis of the London housing code guidebook.
3. An analysis on cost inplication of the possible model of housing
Farmland
providing food for the Roman city of Londinium
Lea Valley
Saxon Settlement
Saxons used the river means of travel and eventualy settled
Lea Valley
Industrial Revolution Settlement
Large migration of settlers in and around the lea valley
Chinese sailors discharged from East India Company ships settled in the docklands
Chinese Sailor Settlement
Limehouse cut
Seafarer's Haven
Stratford
Olympic Settlement
The 2012 London olympic games brought about one of the largest gathering and settlement of diverse individuals the lea valley has seen.
At the end of the industrial revolution lots of abandoned factories were overrun by the artist communities
Artist community settlement
Hackney wick
Contributions to makong lea valley a rich cultural hub and supporting the descision to host the Olumpic games here
An attempt at layering the London opportunity zone, core housing zone, and strategic housing zone along the Lea Valley. This was done to highlight possible ideal areas to test out the new housing model.
ares was chosen due to its rich history hosting the 2012 olym-
and the
it has had on the
of the
Stratford
Proposed Sites
Considering the areas for strategic housing development within Stratford these two sites are bare and will be further analysed for a detailed selection.
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Disclaimer
AI Sites were used in the development of this project, Specifically
Chat GPT: For generation of key words to aid in the search of articles to support the concepts.
Quill Bot: For grammatical and spelling checks Midjourney was used to generate an image of a a silhotte of a lady which was used within the speculative offering. The generated image is attached below.
