MArch Thesis Project: Precis

T H E A LT E R N A T I V E A R T S & C U LT U R E S C E N T R E

Précis

RUZHA SIRMANOVA

Claiming the “Right to the City”: seeking refuge in Western cities

interviews, as well as by studying the

ture of London Road has become

area as a participant observer.

a canvas, on which minorities have overexposed many layers of kinetic

My research showed that the urban

architecture, associated with their

places around the area had a few

own tradition. The most notable use

spatial characteristics, most of which

is that of liminal spaces - or al fina’

relate to the architectural tradition

- the transitional meter between

of the Industrial Revolution, and

private and public. Every crevice,

In my dissertation thesis, I focused

more particularly, that of the work-

niche, alley and courtyard has been

on researching the urban spaces

ing-class’ terraced row. Inexpensive,

designed a use, allowing users to

which asylum seekers and other

unit-based, and flexible, the Victorian

add to their property by slowly

similar marginalised communities

city scape offers a non threatening

expanding.

have inhabited the urban spaces of

and inclusive social environment,

Western cities. In my study, I looked

which aims to nurture a sense of

This way the self-proclaimed im-

for spatial characteristics which

community among the mill work-

migrant colony seeps through the

have contributed or deterred social

ers. Simple and repetitive, it gives

urban spaces of the industrial revolu-

integration and cultural inter-com-

an equal start to everyone and the

tion, using every void as an opportu-

munication.

opportunity to adapt and develop.

nity to claim the right to imagine the

This is why the existing architec-

city as its own.

Theo reti ca l A ge nd a

I tracked the existing state and historic development of a Sheffield neighbourhood (London and Abbeydale Roads), known amongst locals and foreigners as a multi-ethnic hub.

I conducted my research by gathering data through historic maps and photographs, walking and structured

al fina’

Adapting the architectural heritage of the Industrial Revolution The Ci ty o f S te e l Following my dissertation research,

A myriad of developments and

to think about how such strategies

cranes is crowning the skyline of

can benefit designing the over-popu-

the city. Already busy with existing

lated and polluted cities of the future

mill and warehouse brick and steel

- sparing space, and waste by build-

structures, it doesn’t allow the free-

ing and adapting what is already

dom of building on central empty

there in order to fit the most pressing

plots. Furthermore, the city centre is

needs of the population. Right now,

wrapped in conservation areas full of

Sheffield’s mills are being turned into

listed buildings.

apartment buildings to satiate the

it was natural to choose Sheffield as

burning issue of the housing crisis.

the city to base my design project in.

Hence, architects have started work-

Its diverse demographic has already

ing in, on and around the present

On the other hand, it is interesting to

created a pre-condition to seek ways

architecture. Retro-fits, imaginative

highlight that the immigrants of Lon-

to reinforce the city’s prosperity by

extensions and creative adaptations

don road and the architects of these

supporting all communities.

have made use of what is already

semi-new developments have taken

there and added (usually) to its archi-

very similar approach to making

tectural merit.

use and adapting structures. Thus,

Therefore, in search of a site and inspiration, I investigated the city’s architectural style.

preserving them, as well as making On one hand, this is an exciting way

them relevant once again.

LO N

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three highrise buildings

D OA

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student accommodation high-rise buildings

student accommodation high-rise buildings

STAG WORKS listed mill

THE SITE

PORTLAND WORKS listed mill

Locating the heart of the multi-ethnic hub of London Road

in the area) allowed for a sizeable development, unconstrained by the surrounding buildings - the further one goes South along London Road (meaning away from the city centre),

The S i te

the more the skyline shrinks, slowly running into the countryside.

The reason I chose this site (marked

Finally, the site is located immedi-

in red dashed line) was its close prox-

ately next two cutlery mills which

imity to the main artery, as well as its

are listed, yet not fully used and

near location to the city centre. The

partially derelict. I chose to demolish

main factor contributing towards this

a contemporary warehouse building

decision was the location’s demo-

(on photograph) (in blue on plan)

graphic. Furthermore, being near the

on the nose of the urban block and

city, the stadium and the many new

anchor a structure which suspends

student accommodation develop-

the spaces in and around the mills,

ments (which are mainly targeted

thus rekindling the interest in them

at the large Chinese community

and hopefully their restoration.

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The Alternative Arts and Cultures Centre (AACC) The A pp ro a ch

this centre to the flourishing econo-

towards the south of Sheffield.

my of London Road and thus encourage a better pedestrian link between

The other main landmark is London

the city centre and the international

Road. It is a main artery and a shop-

stretch.

ping area, including much pedestrian traffic. The close connection to this

This is done in order to overcome

guarantees the facility’s popularity.

the obstructions imposed by the As already mentioned the location of

ring-road, brimming around the city

Finally, the facility is near the Shef-

the building is particularly key to the

centre and preventing developments

field United Stadium on Bramall lane.

project. Further to this, the approach

from spreading outwards towards the

Regular games on weekends attract

to the site from the surrounding land-

outskirts.

hundreds of viewers who give the lo-

marks is equally important.

cal economy a boost in short bursts.

The chosen site is not only near to the

Placing a food vendor court or a mar-

The first one of these is the Foot Moor,

Foot Moor but has a visual connec-

ket would contribute to the success

which is a large development located

tion with it. Its development would

of this part of the development. Also,

on the edge of the ring-road (in the

be beneficial to the council’s project

it will encourage communication be-

image below). The local council has

and will attract even more people

tween locals and foreigners in a safe

been trying to find ways to connect

walking away from the city centre and

and equal environment.

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Pedestrian footfall is the largest in

As already mentioned, the T-junc-

London road stays busy all day and

pedestrian connections through

tion on the east side of the mills

night. Its footfall is fed by those liv-

the ring-road. This one is particu-

is especially busy at the moment,

ing in the surrounding residential

larly accessible and therefore pop-

with students, and shoppers (there

quarters, as well as the living spaces

ular with those going to the centre.

are 2 big international supermar-

above the commercial ground level.

kets nearby)

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student accommodation courtyards

2

Marks the most frequented routes connecting the area to the city centre

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The Alternative Arts and Cultures Centre (AACC) The B r i ef

developed to nurture people within

lands. This will create a premise for

a safe space. I developed the brief

cultural exchange and inter-commu-

through a series of interviews with

nication.

destitute asylum seeker volunteers and charity organisation represent-

All of these spaces have been de-

atives.

signed with minding the creation of flexible spaces which aren’t generic.

The main elements of the facility are:

Tailored to their use yet not dictating

The aim of the facility is to provide

• An international market which

it to the end user. I believe that the

a safe space for asylum seekers to

occasionally doubles up as an urban

project needs to include a margin for

spend their days. Not being able to

food-court space with stalls.

creativity and consider the user the

work, study, or even stay at home

• A self-improvement space with a

ultimate designer who can change,

during the day, waiting to be grant-

library and computer facilities

adapt and appropriate according

ed asylum is often damaging to the

• Art Pavilion - a flexible and infor-

to the need at a moment in time.

individuality. Lack of communication

mal venue space where arts can be

Versatility and the actual act of grant-

and stimulation cause a plethora

learned and performed

ing the freedom to make changes

of issues which harm not only the

• A gallery which offers an insight

contributes to finding one’s place

individual but their whole communi-

into the alternative arts and cultures

in the city. The size of the facility is

ty. Therefore, a typology needs to be

originating from the users’ home-

approximately 5000m2.

SETTING AN EXAMPLE Currently there is no building typology which deals with the issues the Refugee Crisis posts through the medium of architectural and urban design. The development of such a facility would be an exemplar of the combination of use and their application within the existing urban form. Furthermore, it is an example overlaid in an existing context - immigrant quarters often are set up in bigger cities with existing architectural heritage. The design development of this facility is an exploration of the symbiosis between the AACC and the existing setting of industrial mills and housing.

Design inspiration in terms of form, strategy and execution P receden ts 198 Shoreham Street (Sheffield ) Project Orange The development is not only near the site in focus, but is similar in its setting: a heritage mill building which has been renovated and extended in a contemporary and creative way.

The existing ground floor is fitted as a bar and the units above in the vertical extension are offices and flats. The existing roof has been removed and a new structure has been plugged into the produced gap.

The project has been nominated and won multiple awards since its completion in 2012.

The Whitworth Gallery Extension (Manchester) MUMA The gallery is located in the Manchester University campus. The rear location is roughly in a U shape, facing away from the building and towards a park, therefore sharing the original rear facade of the gallery.

Creative, yet minimalistic use of red brick, steel, and seamless glazing have created an exciting design which is not overpowering. Instead it celebrates the existing building by translating it materiality and tectonics into contemporary design.

Strategic skylights and window openings frame the views out of the gallery, and provide different kinds of natural light within: from soft glow, to white north lights and so on.

This design is controlled by the requirements of the exhibition.

Fo r m ex p lorat ion t h ro u gh a series of p h y s i ca l models Develo p men t I developed the design through a series of abstract and scaled models in order to understand the form which best fits the unorthodox site and suspended character of the development. Once, I reached the long, narrow form, the most appropriate structure became evident quickly and was soon followed by materiality ideas. The model dictated the genius loki of the design to be raw and industrial which seems fitting to the city.

Exposed Steel Structure & Fibre Cement Cladding

• buffed brick in red/brown

over-shadow the existing listed red-

• exposed steel structure

brick mill buildings below them.

• seamless glazing

Finally, fibre cement cladding balances

• polycarbonate

the linear design of the project by adding an element of verticality to it.

Tec to n i cs

EQUITONE FIBRE CEMENT CLADDING

The natural feel of the cement cladding contributes to the raw look of the indus-

Building upon the existing setting and

The ridged panels give the facade add-

trial site while retaining a smooth and

the industrial character of the area, and

ed depth and are useful in differentia-

fine finish of the design.

its prevailing materiality (brick, ridged

tion zones (by changing the linear direc-

steel cladding, and rough concrete fin-

tion). They also nod to the ridged steel

The material is completely recyclable by

ishes),

panels of the existing environment’s

being able to be crushed back into fibre

warehouses and industrial units.

cement. This benefits the environment

I have identified the following materials

and complements the design’s ability to

as most appropriate for the develop-

The panels come in three different

change with time and offer tailored flex-

ment:

shades of grey, and will thus blend in

ibility to its users.

with the monotone colour of the sky • composite concrete cladding

for the larger part of the year and not

Exposed steel V-brace (Interior)

The two kinds of bracing are used throughout the development to allow maximum flexibility in all internal spaces.

Exposed steel X-brace (Interior)

To be relocated Mill’s Complex To be demolished

The complete footprint of the considered urban area is 5200m2

The Ex i st ing Site C o n f i g u rat ion and Re q ui re d Treat ment

After thorough exploration of the site

per the Sheffield Council’s Plan of Ac-

and particularly the existing buildings,

tion to relocate the industrial sector to

I established which parts of the un-

a 2ha Business Park to the East of the

used and non-listed structure can be

city centre. The diagram above shows

Precise Demolition

removed, as well as the contemporary

the relationship between the preserved

warehouses which can be relocated as

and removed elements in context.

M ove m e n ts above a n d am o n g the exi sti n g m ills Detailed Form & Circulation

vertical circulation

The peculiar situation of the develop-

the interior promenade with enough

ment was a driving force in the forma-

natural sunlight depending on the ty-

tion of a circulation strategy. While the

pology, frequency and timing of the ac-

linear shape worked well with the func-

tivities within the building. The market

tion of the gallery, access in and out of

is situated under the wing, spreading

the building was carefully tuned to cre-

from the spine of the building. This area

ate minimum impact on the ground lev-

houses the arts pavilion and is the only

el. Afterwards, I focused on the skyline

part of the facility which isn’t elevated

of the facility, in order to accommodate

above a foreign structure.

natural light

horizontal circulation

the spine the wing

natural light natural light

Designing for a journey and narrating the user’s experience

Nevertheless, even though the full pres-

and learning - developing their individ-

entation will cover all kinds, it focuses on

uality beyond being destitute.

one type only: the asylum seekers - they are the main users. They not only use it

Disclaimer

as a facility but also look after it, work in

Refin emen t

it and are represented by its contents.

While this is the most crucial and telling elevation of the design, it doesn’t pro-

Other users are the charity workers who

vide the full information covering the

It is important to highlight that the build-

work with asylum seekers, government

journeys through the whole building.

ing encompasses the daily routines of

officials, and visitors from the local com-

Therefore, the market, the arts pavilion

several different kinds of dwellers. Their

munity. This page explores the possible

and some of the admin spaces have

varied lifestyles outline more than one

daily path of an asylum seeker user

been omitted from this diagram.

generic path through the facility.

through the building - working, resting

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in

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KEY 1. Government office for signatures

5. Exposed cross bracing structure runs

2. Crèche

along the exhibition

3. The main gallery of temporary exhibi-

6. Ambient light walkway gallery con-

tion pods with manually directed light

stant exhibition (Kurdish Carpets)

wells (Somali Pottery, Syrian Tiles, Sus-

7. Reception and shop

pended Yemeni Baskets)

8. Library and self-improvement centre

4. Existing mills’ ridge line

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out

The Alternative Arts and Cultures Centre PrĂŠcis

Ruzha Sirmanova May 2018