Self-Building A solution to affordable urban development and future living
By Ryan Cooksey
Foreword This short essay and appendix include theoretical research based on a diverse range of literature reviews, have led to the production of a research aim, which will inform the basis of a special study investigation that will conclude in January 2022. The credibility of self-building will be informed by observing other European governments as they experiment with this as a solution to urban development and future living.
Ryan John Cooksey Birmingham City University S17123027 ARC7462 Research Principles Word Count: 2522 18th December 2020
Contents Introduction................................................... 4 Current Housing Crisis.................................. 6 Lack of Affordable Housing.......................... 8 What Have The Government Done?............. 10 The Future of Self-Build Living...................... 12 Promoting Self-Build...................................... 14 Government Intervention............................... 16 Future Research. ......................................... 22 Conclusion.................................................... 24 References / Bibliography............................. 26 Figures.......................................................... 28 Appendix ..................................................... 30
3
Introduction:
This short essay and appendix include theoretical research based on a diverse range of literature reviews, leading to the production of a research aim, which will inform a special study investigation that will conclude in January 2022. The significant impact that the built environment has on climate change has been well documented in recent years, alongside the need for sustainable and affordable housing. This essay will discuss the opportunities and constraints faced by all stakeholders as they seek to implement sustainable and affordable future living, specifically in new domestic developments. The investigation will continue by looking at the government’s influence to implement sustainable construction methods. As well as the responsibility, the government has to provide strategies to overcome the UK housing crisis. The credibility of self-building will be informed by observing other European governments as they experiment with this as a solution to urban development and future living.
Jan 2022
Sept 2020
Research Time line
Develop Interests Research proposal Weekly Talks Outline (Appendix)
Completed
Essay 2500words
Extended Practice
17 in
Brits are currently in the research process of building their own home
At the moment, only
8%
of new homes are custom or self-built. However, the government have introduced many incentives to change this. With such a large proportion
66%
of new homes being built by just 11 large construction companies and 49% of people disliking new builds
29%
Self Builders Make a Profit of
When Selling Their Home Insulation express (2020)
5
Current Housing Crisis: The UK government has published a briefing paper that acknowledges there is a housing crisis, and states councils are aware that action must follow. The current government has a target of 300,000 new homes to be built per year until 2025 (Edenhall, 2020). However, at the current rate of construction, there is a deficit of 100,000 homes per annum (Edenhall, 2020). Targets set out by government become more of a pipe dream when compared to the white paper review. That statement is justified as the review estimates that within a decade, the construction-related workforce will decline by 20-25% (Wilson, 2020). These figures pose a national emergency to attract construction-related workers in order to meet the housing demand.
Homes (thousands)
Housing Supply In England The proportion of homes built by the local authorities has also fallen since the 1970’s
400 300 200 100
At the same time, the proportion built by housing associations has risen.
0 2006-07
2012-13
2018-19
Fig.2
Homes (thousands)
Housing Supply In England 400
Other Targets of 340,000 homes Governments target 300,000 homes New supply reached 241,000 in 2018-19
300 200 100 0 2006-07
2012-13
2018-19
Fig.3
The decreasing pool of builders has a direct impact on the quantity and quality of homes built. Construction costs escalate as demand increases, therefore forcing the housing market price to rise. Pressured profit margins lead to fewer sustainable developments as it is economically beneficial to produce quantity over quality. Developers will not prioritise sustainable ethics, and any implementation of ambitious development is compromised. Only at the point of having surplus homes will quality forefront domestic developments. At this point, domestic homes will see the implementation of new methods of sustainable, innovative construction. Time
Deficit When the cost element is a priority, quality decreases, as time less time is spent on developments.
Risk Cost
Quality Time
Surplus: When the cost element is not a priority, quality improves, as time more time is spent on developments.
Risk Cost
Quality
Fig.4 7
Lack of Affordable housing: Affordability of newly constructed homes, primarily social housing, has become neglected (Wilson, 2020). Watt concludes that in order to avoid affordability negligence, of the pledged 300,000 homes per annum, 145,000 must be affordable (Wilson, 2020). However, one should remember that affordability must not affect the quality and social responsibility. Goal 11 of the United Nations sustainable development agenda states the implementation of “adequate, safe and affordable housing” across the UN by 2030 (Scheeller, 2018: 914). Construction concerning longevity directly links to the quality of craftsmanship. Emphasis on quality allows innovative developments to endure the housing market circulation for many years. Therefore, quality prevents a future retrofitting challenge. Economically and time-pressured briefs result in developments forced to pack them tight and stack them high. A combination of both pressures results in the loss of architectural creativity found in copy and paste housing developments. However, neither the government’s action plan nor the review briefing mentions the significant impact on the sustainability of the built environment has on climate change. The government has announced that due to the climate crisis, it aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 (UKGBC, 2019). Time pressured construction reduces quality, especially sustainability proved as “80% of new homes are estimated to be out of date by 2050 targets” (UKGBC 2019). The government’s latest publication has no recollection of these statements towards climate change which suggests that there is ignorance towards a strategic long term sustainable housing plan.
Affordable homes
Additional affordable homes provided in England 1991-2017
Number of Affordable homes Built
Number of Affordable homes required
150,000 140,000
Double the current amount of affordable homes are needed to be built per year
130,000 120,000 110,000
90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000
00 01 -0 2 20 03 -0 4 20 05 -0 6 20 07 -0 8 20 09 -1 0 20 11 -1 2 20 13 -1 4 20 15 -1 6 20
19 99 -
97 -9 8
19
94 95 -9 6 19
19 93 -
92
10,000
19 91 -
Homes (thousands)
100,000
Year
Fig.5
9
What have the government done:
The White Paper focused on four main areas:
“Building the right homes in the right places”.
“Build Them Faster”
“Widening the range of builders and construction methods”
..2019....
2020
....2021..
“Helping people now’ including investing in new affordable housing and preventing homelessness”
Fig.6
The UK government should revise the delegation of funding to help promote sustainable developments. 40% of local planning authorities do not have an up-to-date plan that meets the projected housing deficit (Wilson, 2020). Politics has immense implications on the construction industry due to parliamentary rotation influencing manifestos. Rushing domestic construction will only fuel another future crisis of unsustainable homes. Over the last ten months, expenditure on measures to fight Covid-19 preceding ÂŁ280bn (BBC, 2020). One should compare those figures to the 32bn pledged to support the housing crisis by the same government over four years (BBC, 2020). Only 21% (8bn) pledged contributes to affordable housing (BBC, 2020). Hypothetically 42% of the fund should contribute to affordable homes if allocated evenly. Assuming that the pledge figure of affordable homes are built the government are spending 21% less than they should. Alarmingly, The Times and The Independent report significant cuts to this fund on two occasions (independent, 2020).
11
The Future of Self-build Living Sustainable construction can be explored through the use of new/ recycled materials. Louis Khan’s phrase ‘even a brick wants to be something’, is inspirational when considering the poetics of materials (Guardian 2014). One should question why Khan chose brick as the noun to that phrase. Why is it perceived that a brick is boring? Does that then transpire to mass-built houses as typically the staple material for such a project is brick? If so, then a typical housing development project must also ‘boring’. To overcome this Self-built construction allows a variety of expressive materials on-site such as hempcrete, cork and timber. Freedom in materiality shines the personality of the self-builder. Future living is going in various directions; Offsite prefabrication as an approach to deliver new homes is currently booming (Architects Journal, 2019). Offsite construction aims to improve quality and save time on site by prefabricating building elements in factories. Otherwise, at a smaller scale, niche sustainable construction using ‘new’ experimental materials is being explored. Award-winning examples consist of Cork House, Waste House, and Flat House. All are demonstrating innovative approaches using natural materials, but yet to scale to the point of tackling the housing crisis. Finally Self-build, popular across Europe, but for a long time has lacked government support in the UK. Self-build is a combination of the above, an opportunity to create sustainable, affordable homes that tackle the climate, poverty and housing crisis. The future of self-building in the UK will be the focus of the follow-up Critical Study. Self-building has the potential to resolve complex urban challenges by providing homes volumed to suit. Offering flexibility, improved social well-being and a better quality of life. Those who develop a plot to their specifications and needs take ownership plus responsibility for quality probing good ethics of sustainability. Schemes such as these offer land, foundations and utility costs as a single payment. At this point, one should ask why self-building is not standardised or encouraged by the government. When purchasing a house, why should one be restricted to a lack of diversity in the housing stock for sale at that exact moment in time? Self-building reduces costs whilst providing a home tailored to suit, allowing an expression of personality and character. A practical solution to affordable housing demand.
Future Living options: Off-site Prefabrication:
Experimental Homes:
Self-built:
Modular:
Fig.7
13
Promoting self-building The circumstances of Brexit and Covid-19 contribute to the housing crisis as the economy struggles. Perhaps, large scale sustainability is not something that developers are pursuing due to profit restrictions. Self-building provides an affordable solution as profit margins, and marketing costs are absent. Therefore, presenting an opportunity to focus on quality, characterful homes rather than, ‘Boring’, pack them close stack them high approach. Retrospectively tackling the affordable housing crisis while providing a platform for local entrepreneurship to strive. Selfbuilding requires the engagement of many stakeholders, all of which should champion quality and sustainable creative design. DR Matt Jones questioned stakeholder perceptions of future living in towns. Jones raised the question “what are the issues in creating sustainable and resilient smaller communities”(Jones, 2020)? Sustainable materials and construction methods become an easier sell once the process gathers momentum and materials become cheaper in their application. In order for this to materialise there needs to be economies of scale. A direct link to self-build which ultimately requires all stakeholders to accept change from traditional construction methods. Some limitations with developments lie with community acceptance and government strategies. To change perceptions of self-building, a collaboration of councils and housing developers is required to implement self-build pilots. Scalability relies on engagement with the local community through workshops and national exhibitions. Generating community engagement would prevent mass rejection of self-built projects. Dense profit-driven domestic proposals are much less likely to be approved. If frequent rejection occurs, this only adds to the housing deficit. Access to vacant land is the biggest constraint, and government intervention is required.
Modular
Passivhaus
Experimental House
Off-site Prefabrication
Apartments
Self Build
Social Hosing
Experimental House
Modular
Terraced Housing
Self Build
Modular
Self Build
Diverse housing streets
Family Home
Fig.8
15
Government Intervention: Government intervention has occurred in Austria; over 80% of new homes are self or custom-built. In the UK, that figure is less than 8% (Gemeente Almere, 2009). The area of Almere boasts the most established self-building scheme in Europe. The self-building pilot study started in the 70s, and recent figures show over 12000 homes have been erected. An article ‘Commissioning as the cornerstone of self-build’ scrutinizes institutional dynamics made by the Netherlands over time (Bossuyt et al, 2018). Bossuyt highlights that Almere is a result of government implementation offering subsidies and loans to those considered to be acting in the benefit of society (Bossuyt et al, 2018: 526). Master-planned sites form various plots, with some restrictions including height, overall GIA, and offsetting the street line. As long as self builds meet building regulations, then other local rules are relaxed.
Almere self built housing
Almere Self build housing Fig.9
A second article Governing’ Sustainable Urban Development’ Through Self‐Build Groups and Co‐Housing focuses more on the interaction between political institutions that contribute to housing and sustainability goals (Scheller, 2018: 914). Scheller highlights deliverability constraints of even a modest target of affordable self-build schemes. Targets are conditioned by capitalists land and the housing market, meaning Public and private relationships must be collaborative. Both articles are in agreement that self-build has social, economic, sustainable and welfare benefits. However, they highlight that it is impossible to avoid gentrification. Suggesting self-build groups bring gentrification but are not the cause of gentrification (Scheller, 2018: 931). Nevertheless, both argue that overall; self-build is successful and allows an opportunity to restrict the stranglehold that big developers have on housing.
Average costs associated with building a home: (London and surrounding area)
£500,000
£400,000
Land
£300,000
£200,000
£100,000
Build 1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
Fig.10 17
Gentrification contradicts what self-build stands for, affordable homes for those who need it most. Scheller questions how the governing of self-build addresses gentrification and segregation (Scheller, 2018: 917). The term gentrification in this context should be understood as‌ Any Land that the government proposes for self-build groups will be inevitably less desirable as access to land is limited. Due to low demand, self-build plots could come very costly if it is not implemented by the government correctly. Private developers will build on the most desirable land as the domestic building sector is driven on economics. Relaxation of building regulations on less desirable land will attract self-builders as opportunities for an economic benefit emerge. With the absence of profit margins, desirable, future-proofed and architecturally pleasing homes are produced. In return for their initial investment self-builders gets a lot for their money. As land availability begins to dry up, interest demand rises increasing prices, which means undesirable land turntables to become extremely desirable. Wealthier groups move in driving-up prices and pushing out current inhabitants that need affordable housing. Eventually, this process can deepen economic segregation if managed poorly. In the UK from 1st April 2016, councils will have to keep a register of aspiring self and custom house builders when planning future housing and delegation of land use (Gov.uk ,2016). The custom build industry has to expand and help meet future housing needs. Law states that authorities must ensure they have sufficient plots to match local demand. Accessed on a register that must be published every quarter (legislation.gov.uk , 2015). Suppose the expression for this type of housing is not present. In that case, land allocation for blanket planning approval is not allocated in the local council’s land-use masterplans, removing the option to self-build. A potential floor to the government’s plans to support self-builders. Interpreting this means that land will only be released or considered once sufficient self-builders raise interest. So, there must be opportunities for public engagement. A broader choice when picking a self-build site would then encourage more to do so.
Cost of building a home:
Average house price England and Wales:
£161,823
Average new-build home:
£189,940
Average self-build home (Employing builders)
£146,000
Average self-build home (Doing work yourself)
£84,000
Fig.11
19
Graven Hill Bicester, Oxfordshire is home to the UK’s experimental self-build site. Cherwell council has bought land, relaxed planning and has already sold 1900 plots to the general public. For years self-builders have lacked government support, but a site such as this is a potential affordable housing breakthrough. Those who take on self-build will be challenged although rewarded far greater, with an affordable, sustainable aesthetical home like no other. Cherwell council has implemented programs similar to the theories Bossuyt and Scheller referenced. Other sites around Cherwell have explored co-housing and Passivhaus standard living. These projects have been achieved by writing a design code similar to that of the European counterparts. National replication of Cherwell council’s commitment to exploring systems and opportunities for affordable housing is required to meet the sustainability, and affordable housing targets set out by the Uk government. Graven Hill Bicester Older Couple Mortgage Free
Young Couple - First Home Older couple with Disability; A disability homes should not look institutional
Young Couple - First Home Family Home - Up sizing
Young Couple First Home Young Couple First Home
Older Couple - Downsizing Modular Offside Construction
Fig.12
Plot available for Self-build
Fig.13
Modular Construction
Fig.14
Terrace Housing Self-build scheme
Fig.15 21
Future Research: Further research is necessary to interpret perceptions and opportunities of self-building across the Uk. Initial qualitative research will take place in the form of conversations and surveys. Conversations will be scripted and unscripted with people developing various interests/understanding of self-built architecture. If the UK shadows the patterns of European counterparts with similar affordable housing issues, students will be required to understand, customisable off-site, modular or self-built construction. To achieve the above, students must have a sustainable, technical, material, and theoretical understanding behind domestic construction, crucial when creating diverse homes for future living. The teaching system and curriculum will be explored to understand its position on implementing and delivering future living. Those in construction will be asked of their understanding of future living. Again, how are college or apprenticeships providing information and practical skills when using sustainable materials in preparation for the future, or are they solely taught on how to use traditional materials? Finally, the public who interact with buildings, this group will mainly have limited or no understanding of future living. Talking to first time buyers, families, retirees and groups with disabilities to investigate the struggles of the existing UK housing stock. This group will be analysed on their access to land offered by the government.
Research Time-line
Investigate how self-built architecture can support the poverty, climate and housing crisis in a sustainable future-proofed manner by targeting the economic gentrified constraints of land ownership. Jan 2022
Sept 2020
Completed
Develop Interests Research proposal Weekly Talks Outline (Appendix)
Extended Practice
Essay 2500words
23
Conclusion: The product of this research will be in the form of getting involved in self-built architecture, engaging with ongoing live projects to test the benefits of self-building. Concluding if this Europian method of construction could be the solution to the UK housing crisis. The research will require visiting established European sites such as Almere and experimenting sites like Graven hill, to understand similarities, constraints and opportunities when the governments collaborate in future living strategies. Self-building will not solely overcome the affordable housing crisis, but if implemented effectively, it has the potential to address the deficit. It is essential not to idolize self-built architecture by disregarding the constraints. As discussed, even modest targets are challenging to achieve. In some cases, strategies such as this have the opportunity to cause gentrification. Government intervention is required to release suitable land. Whist this method is excelling in Europe; this area of affordable housing is under-theorized in the UK. The following critical study will investigate how self-built architecture can support the poverty, climate and housing crisis in a sustainable futureproofed manner by targeting the economic gentrified constraints of land ownership.
A vision With
Government intervention &
Local engagement Will
Provide a strategy To
Support Self builders Therefore
Overcome Housing Crisis As well as Providing
Affordable & sustainable homes =
Future Living 25
10.0.
Essay References:
Architects Journal (2019) Has the modular future finally arrived? Available at: https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/has-the-modular-future-finallyarrived [Accessed 16 December 2020]. BBC (2020) Coronavirus: How much will it cost the UK and how will we pay? Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52663523 [Accessed 13 December 2020]. Bossuyt, D. and Salet, W. and Majoor, S. (2018) Commissioning as the cornerstone of self-build Assessing the constraints and opportunities of self-build. Land use policy, Vol 77, Issue september, pp.524-533. Edenhall (2020) The Future of House building in the UK Available at: https://www.edenhall.co.uk/blog/the-future-of-house-building-in-the-uk [Accessed 10 December 2020]. Gemeente Almere (2009) Homeruskwartier Oost. kom bouwen op je eigen manier. Almere: Gemeente Almere. Available at: https://www.almere.nl/ fileadmin/files/almere/bestuur Programmarekening_2011_aangepaste_ versie_a_def._klein.pdf. [Accessed 13 December 2020]. Gov.uk (2016) Boost for aspiring self-builders. Available at: https://www. gov.uk/government/news/boost-for-aspiring-self-builders [Accessed 16 December 2020]. Independent (2020) Government spends four times more subsidising private housing than building affordable homes. Available at: https://www. independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/affordable-housing-spending-privatetory-government-a7945616.html [Accessed 10 December 2020]. Insulation Express (2020) The UKs biggest self build oppertunities. Available at: https://www.insulationexpress.co.uk/blog/uks-biggest-selfbuild-opportunities/ [Accessed 16 December 2020]. Jones, M. (2020) Transforming Towns: Designing for Smaller Communities. London: RIBA Publishing.
legislation.gov.uk (2015) Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2015/17/section/1/ enacted [Accessed 16 December 2020]. Scheller, D. and Thorn, H. (2018) Governing ‘Sustainable Urban Development’ Through Self‐Build Groups and Co‐Housing. International journal of urban regional research, Vol 42, Issue 5, pp.914-931. The guardian (2014) Louis Kahn: The Power of Architecture review: monuments were his thing. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/ artanddesign/2014/jul/13/louis-kahn-power-of-architecture-reviewmonuments [Accessed 16 December 2020]. UK Green Building Council (2019) UKGBC’s vision for a sustainable built environment is one that mitigates and adapts to climate change. Available at: https://www.ukgbc.org/climate-change/ [Accessed on 10 December 2019]. Wilson, W. and Barton, C. (2020) House of Commons Library. Tackling the under supply of housing in England. Available at: https://commonslibrary. parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7671/ [Accessed 16 December 2020].
27
10.0.
Essay Figures:
Fig 2: Wilson, W. and Barton, C. (2020) House of Commons, Tackling
the under-supplyof housing in england. Number 07671, 9 March 2020 . Housing supply in england [Accessed 01 December 2020]. Adapted by Author.
Fig 3: Wilson, W. and Barton, C. (2020) House of Commons, Tackling
the under-supplyof housing in england. Number 07671, 9 March 2020 . Housing supply in England [Accessed 01 December 2020]. Adapted by Author.
Fig 4: Time, Quality, Cost Analysis By Author Fig 5: Available at: https://fullfact.org/economy/affordable-homes-labour-
conservative/ [Accessed 01 December 2020]. Adapted by Author.
Fig 6: Areas the white papers have raised. By Author Fig 7: Future Living options. By Author Fig 8: Diverse housing streets. By Author Fig 9: Right to Build (2018) Almere waterside houses Available at: https:// righttobuildtoolkit.org.uk/custom-self-build-housing-discoveryvisit-september-26-27/almere-waterside-houses/# [Accessed 15 December 2020].
Fig 10: Jones, M. (2020) Urban Cultures : Housing/Alternatives? Available at: https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/ee4e6d1f-d881-443480dc-7c8bbf3ecd22 [Accessed 16 December 2020].
Fig 11: Jones, M. (2020) Urban Cultures : Housing/Alternatives? Available at: https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/ee4e6d1f-d881-443480dc-7c8bbf3ecd22 [Accessed 16 December 2020].
Fig 12: Graven Hill (2020) Grand Designs:The street. Available at: https:// www.gravenhill.co.uk/blog/category/grand-designs-the-street/ [Accessed 15 December 2020].
Fig 13:
Graven Hill (2020) Available Plots Available at: Plots at Graven Hill are offered with foundations and connected to services https://www.self-build.co.uk/graven-hill-bicester-completeguide/[Accessed 15 December 2020].
Fig 14:
Passivhaus Trust (2020) Passivhaus At Graven Hill. Available at: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/news/detail/?nId=793 [Accessed 15 December 2020].
Fig 15
Passivhaus Trust (2020) Passivhaus At Graven Hill. Available at: https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/news/detail/?nId=793 [Accessed 15 December 2020].
29
Appendix The following pages is a collection of critical appraised texts, films, podcasts, artefacts and other media that has been delivered weekly in order to develop engagement with architectural thinking, urban and cultural practices. “The resources and materials have were selected to specifically frame each students thinking to develop skills in the following areas�: 1. Architectural Research Methods and Observations 2. Identifying and Understanding key Socio-spatial constructs 3. Close reading of buildings and architectural elements 4. Developing a broad range of individual resources for ...Thinkers and Space
Contents Novelty in nonsense Interview...................... 32 Memory in a flagstone wall........................... 34 Key Thinkers on Space and Place................ 36 The Digital Crowd.......................................... 38 Precise Medicane.......................................... 40 Space, Place and the perspective of experience.................................................... 42 Green Space and Place................................ 44 Architectural conversation............................ 46 Appendix Bibliography ................................ 48 Appendix Figures...... ................................. 49
31
‘Novelty in nonsense Interview Adam Caruso
Fig.2
Watching the Adam Caruso interview, ‘Novelty in nonsense’ it is clear to see that he believes that when buildings are constructed as individual objects, they do not have any other potential other than to stand out within its context. Which he then describes the implementation and future of architecture as becoming a commodity. His view of Architecture being in fashion one day, then out of fashion the next, provides the viewer to agree that longevity of modern construction is not as relevant as it should be which therefore questions, when architecture perceived as a commodity is it sustainable? The statement is backed up by his opinion that “As soon as the client moves on…. (one would add wider stakeholders to this list, such as the user as well as the surrounding infrastructure) …the building will be demolished.
The current acceleration of educating society to become sustainably aware may soon place strains on this style of construction. Adam apricated new construction if it is done fittingly. Which leads one on to highlight that globalisation has not affected the client, their needs and their histories are varied proving place is essential to architecture. An example of this comment is Copenhagen; even after the war, those re-designing the city believed in their history of architecture and later continued to construct as architecture is a cultural practice mindfully. It is showing that architecture is an artefact of the city in many visual ways such as scales, materiality and massing of various buildings. It is here where one should recognise a cultural profession, creating architecture today with a relation of the city. The text suggests cities that show a connection to its cultural and architectural history tend to be master-planned more concisely, that respects the rhythm and scale of the city. Here questions are raised such as quality architecture can be adapted to suit society / the needs of different generations. Can this be said about newer builds? An interesting quote to take away from this reader is “ to Say something is new is not creditable, as everything has already been done before. If it was new, what makes it good”? Which leads the reader on to mention the use of technology. The use of technology has collectively resolved major global economies emerging after the post-war period in Britain, Europe and America and later in China. ‘problems’, of housing, sanitation, movement/distribution and construction itself. Providing innovation and mechanisation within architecture; however, the discipline of architecture has suffered further division and loss of influence by the growth of consultant roles that deal with ‘technical’ aspects of architecture. It is a challenging time when it is expected that designers meet technical; perfection whilst achieving the highest economic benefit throughout each task; sometimes, creativity is hindered. I feel that the economic aspect is more damaging to creativity that the technical side, as you would expect more extraordinary things as an outcome of more sophisticated technology. 33
Memory and progress: Confessions in a flagstone wall Mhairi McVicar
Fig.1
Memory and progress: confessions in a flagstone wall is the research of Mhairi Mcvicar. This article follows the cultural theory of a group that self-built a flagstone wall, stands as a negotiation between theoretical aims and pragmatics of a self-built on an exposed island. The group recognise buildings as evidence of the cultures that once made them. This theory concludes that a building is representative of its time. Highlighted as the group aimed for authenticity throughout construction. Justifying the importation of timber, the use of nineteenth-century construction techniques that are no longer used as they do not express modern desires as well as the accuracy of the craftmanship true to historical references. Collectively are a constant reference that Mcvicar expresses authenticity by exploring the theories behind specific materials. Authenticity is also a constant point that Adam Sharr makes in his article A case for close reading. Both writers express the necessity
of understanding culture; justifiable as we learn how to apricate the nuances of architecture through cultural values. There is pressure to judge a design correctly, understanding all evidence by reading multiple articles and opinions around the subject rather than assuming one view is creditable. Mcvicar archives credibility when working on longhouse as he notes that he spent time theorizing the notion of truth. Truth element of Mcvicar work is consistent through history to achieve creditable work, Sharr also seeks truth in modern times by implying it is essential to understand the difference between high and low culture and their target audiences and longevity impacts. High culture groups theatre, soap opera, suggesting a higher quality of culture when compared to low culture, Low culture groups pop music and Netflix for example, a collection of media that is popular one minute and forgotten the next. What I find interesting is that buildings have multiple authors. Adam Sharr states this application that “authorship is not decisive and that all buildings have various authors, serves to undermine the hero myth of the genius designer still promoted by many architects, journalists and critics� (Sharr, 2013: 3). When making adaptations, it is crucial to apricate the ideologies that formed the development initially. Over time, a designer will implement subtle or significant changes. There must be a level of understanding of the buildings culture and theory to maintain a level of truth or authenticity. this related to the flagstone wall, although it was not.
35
Chapter.10 Judith Butler Key Thinkers on Space and Place Judith Butler
Fig.3
An extract from Phil Hubbard and Rob Kitchins Key thinkers on space and place focal point are psycho-social perspectives to inspire geographical engagements. The Editors examine the work of Judith Butler to being “a kind of abstract theorisation that has induced a radical shift in the pattern of research and scholarship within ‘new cultural’ geography. Hubbard conceives Butler to having clear interests in questioning the naturalness of sex/gender binaries, highlighting queer identity. To the extreme that she has been accused of “making illusions throughout her writing to other theorists from very contradictory theoretical traditions”. Whilst also ignoring other social issues such as race, of which she denies ignorance of the matter as Butler did not reference space or place much. The reader would agree with the opinion of the criticism “that she deconstructs agency without effectively putting forth a useful alternative to humanist versions of the concept” (Nelson, 1999).
The text also provides the reader with the assumption that Butler wanted to be extremely inflectional. By repeatedly stating that she questions the naturalness of sex/gender binaries. A discussion could be raised that by highlighting the matter to the extreme is that segregating or celebrating the topic. The idea that the city is only characterised from street level is interesting to consider, does the skyline architecture matter? Of course, street level is where urban environments are populated with people from many ethnic backgrounds and gender identities. It is those people that give an urban space its character. “diversity makes the city; without these interactions of the public, the architecture would be redundant. Using Birmingham and an example, the masterplan suggests segregation within the city; historically, this is obvious with the quartering of the city based on manufacturing such as the jewellery quarter. The identity of areas within the city have been adapted to modern times, clearly titled names such as the ‘gay village’, ‘China town’ is two examples. These segregated areas within a city all have particular buildings appropriate to those that use them. For many users, segregation could be seen as beneficial to allow comfort when expressing themselves achieved by a cluster of venues of the same kind in a similar area to build community feel. As awareness grows, acceptance begins to happen, allowing segregation to become less distinctive. The possibilities over time increase; this is the case in Birmingham as the gay pride celebration does not just occur in the gay ‘town’ considered a segregated place based on the name. Now the celebration is integrated into other towns/quarters across Birmingham. Considering the above allows the architecture to be a result of the people/users rather than architecture informing the type of user that should be present. So in some aspects, one should agree with Butler diversity makes the city, only once areas in segregation grow large enough to be accepted across all parts of a city.
37
The Digital Crowd Hazem Ziada
Fig.4
New forms of social intervention come as a result of the acceleration of users within the digital environment along with the expanding variety of methods that allows the sharing of digital media. A combination of one’s physical attendance to an event alone with social attendance generated through cameras/phones creates a hybrid world. As a result of this, hybrid combination events become intensified. I notice that there is a danger when being so engraved with a digital future. Post-event, there will be logged media allowing those who did not attend to become a virtual spectator and revisit/ replay the event. Compare that to the conventional crowd, only the spectator who experiences the event first hand is allowed to draw one’s representation of the event. Hazem Ziada has looked into the Digital Crowd in detail.
Ziada states that the digital world enables something to become regularly catalogued, allowing those taking part in protests to become spectators instead of protesters. Scale this up to the digital world the same thing is happening. Spectators are multiplied when it reaches the internet, as people who are not necessarily interested in the meaning behind the protest. At the point of scaled protests that can be accessed from anywhere becomes a danger. Media can be separated from their source; these images can be manipulated and taken out of context. Incorrect use of images could then be used negatively when the source is detached from an image. Internet/surveillance can have adverse effects on the lived experience as it can be drawn out of context. At the same time, the connected digital crowd can be seen as lively as it is a live direct connection to an event/architecture. This hybrid digital world that we are creating will impact and possibly change the perception of architecture in the future. The future then changes the expectation various stakeholders have on the vision and how the architect designs and then builds. By that statement, suggest that Such iconic backdrops influence the people’s perception/expectation of architecture. Architects expect themselves to evolve to create novelty architecture in order to be recognised; this Links well with the review of the work by Adam Caruso ‘Novelty in nonsense Interview appraised on a previous page. Cities are traditionally a representation of various movements over some time. It is then the architect that has the pressure of producing iconic structures time after time as an average design can be manipulated and perceived differently. Over time architecture will become a novelty in spaces where the digital environment excels. The digital world forces historical and theoretical reference of architecture out in order to prioritise aesthetical construction based on the social internet environment at the time.
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Precise Medicane Dell M.Hamilton
Fig.5
Fig.6
Dell M. Hamilton work, ‘Precise Medicine’ is a result of interactions with Davis Adjaye, Principle architect of Adjaye Associates. Of which Adjaye highlights the impact that African architecture has unknowingly had on other respected non-African architects as he describes the importance of African form. He also talks about his love for sculpture and how buildings almost have to absorb to the community of black African heritage. Allowing buildings to give back by expressing and crediting the techniques and materials used by slave workers and not always been the case as African techniques and designers have been manipulated at the time. Adjaye recognises there has been more momentum now to employ black firms within the construction industry, potentially employed as a method to generate a heritage in specific communities. Adjaye highlights that recent movements remove exclusive barriers. Everyone should recognise that art is art, quality is quality, and talent
is talent, no matter on the race or colour. With this in mind, Adjaye recognises that all backgrounds have an architectural history of being proud of and that history should be expressed as a precedent for future work. By doing so, creates a broader contextual reference for minorities to relate. Consistently Adjaye mentions his work does not disengage with his background. When designing aspects of the National Museum of African Culture and History, this Adjaye background shines. Meaningful designs were not just a piece to indicate trauma but to celebrate culture. This is why Adjaye explores blackness throughout his work. Almost as if he is trying to indicate that the colour black is a unifier which is a theory why all Adjaye’s bespoke elements are cast in black material. Contemporary is crisp, older sections are blemishes and aged. Nevertheless, the black use of colour changes the perception to make new materials look just as distressed as the old. Later on, Hamilton and Adjaye discuss the emergence of black architects within the building industry. Adjaye draws on his experience to try and influence black architects in the future. Adjaye journey expresses the need for African architects to step forward. So cultural and historical knowledge that can be exploited and expressed when using people of colour as craftsman/artists. He talks about his interests in music, especially jazz, prior to that, he was a reggae enthusiast; it is these Carabian links that also help him relate and reach out to the black community. In similarity to Herzal, Adjaye finds it difficult for his building to be art. “Im not trying to be an artist, Im trying to expand for architects and the public, the notion that scale and that typology is relevant and needs formal translation” (Adjaye). The engagement is the public realm with collaboration across the creative arts industry to find indeterminate interdisciplinarity fundamental to Adjaye’s work. Adjaye belief to create a public realm is evident here, if the viewer has not got an understanding of architecture, then going to an architecture exhibition is meaningless as they do not understand the work displayed. However, the same person attending an art exhibition enhances the connection to the materials themself. 41
Space and Place The Perspective of Experience Dr. Jieling Xiao & Yi-Fu Tuan
Fig.7
The writer, Yi-Fu Tuan, introduces various methods of describing space and place on how senses allow navigation of spaces, and how multiple senses enhance the mind regarding space. Whereas Jeiling’s passion lies, should senses be the drive, for example, tactility, smells, creating memories and designing efficient urban architecture. Jeiling spoke about the methodology she uses. Firstly, highlighting that qualitative is the understanding, whereas quantitively is finding a pattern or correlation. The qualitative observational research carried out by Jeiling captures movements and senses, but one should question how can this be documented understood and measured. Experiences are sensation perception and conception. Jeiling observes the movement of dance finding geographic
context can become hyper-local. Listening to the seminar, it appears jeling recognises the conditions of space can vary on the size of the site. Tuan states how space and place are inseparable and dependant on each other; Place is security, space is fredom�. Tuan can seem to describe humans as animals on a sensorial basis when in the urban environment, with the removal of senses when making a statement of a place. Humans are seen to sense such instincts in the example Jeiling highlighted regarding human intervention in space used for dance. Territorial defence of space occurs between the dancers performing traditional square dance and the residents angered by the act. In this case, the public is the audience to square dancing. Viewed both positively and negatively to those who are not involved in the act. In this case, ownership is taken in public space of local communities. Jeiling notes that there is an apparent territorial position of ‘not in my back yard’. The term antisocial behaviour is rewritten as the word typically associated with misbehaving youth is now turntabled and used to describe an older dancing generation. Jeiling provokes the question does a green space have a benefit over a concrete public space within a built environment. Discussed is the modern-day influence that the public has on repurposing a public place. An example raised is how smooth public spaces could be repurposed to allow other activities such as skateboarding (skateboarding in the city Ian Borden) to take place. Busking is an inevitable activity, but not one that the designers would have allowed for, as the tube is not for public spaces but used as an area for music as the sound amplifies and echos. Spaces allow for public protests. Negatively perceived spaces based on user groups at different times of the day, weather. A form of architectural production, generating architecture / being an architectural designer on how to repurpose space, issues with graffiti as a response to this. Skateboarding in itself is audible in terms of scratches, see the marks on the edges of stones all of these collate to the question does a green space have a benefit over a concrete public space within a built environment.
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Gender Space and Place Jane Rendell
Fig.9
Jane Rendells ‘gender, Space, Architecture’ (1999) appraises the way that gender, in some cases, affects architecture. Rendell explores issues around the subject by referencing other females working in similar disciplines. Touching on some problems to create equal right architecture explored theorised by Sherry Ahrentzen. Women have been excluded from architecture backed as some feminists suggest that “only the buildings of the great male masters have been categorised as ‘architecture’” (Rendell, 1999: 227). What constitutes as architecture should be questioned, women typically associated with a low budget, domestic and interior architecture should be recognised for challenging aspects of traditional microscale architecture theory. Rendell assesses the diversity of the gender of the modern architect, highlighting such small figures “11% of all architects
are female� (Rendell, 1999: 228). Male and female business relationships could be seen as a negative, Male role is the design work, then leaving the implementation of interior design to the female co-worker. The terms partner and co-worker are then not a true reflection on the roles of each person, not a collaborative process; instead, the female becomes a more silent architect. A fair point which is why some feminists prefer to plunge into the business as a sole owner. Herstory is expressed in Rendall’s request for, the need to remove gender barriers but adapting new architectural theories to provide for architecture today which moves away from male-centred views on architecture. After understanding this work, it appears that there will be discriminative behaviour towards female architects until there is an equal number of females in the profession. The teaching system needs to be observed to understand that the correct curriculum is taught and sufficient support to introduce new female talent into architectural studies. However, support must not stop upon the exit of the education system, access to work support to should be implemented to see a rise in the number of students that continue to complete their architectural studies. The work of Rendell must continue to provide role models for aspiring females in this profession.
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Architectural conversation Aylin Orbasli
Fig.8
‘Architectural conversation’ by Aylin Orbasli gives the reader an overview of the roles various stakeholders play regarding conservation within architecture. Orbasli identifies that safeguarding conservation does not have one owner, therefore implying that in order to achieve conservation collaboration across multiple disciplines, regulated by institutes, must be present. Collectively, these parties must show an understanding of conservation in the required context, in order for an interpretation to be creditable. The need for the involvement of multiple disciplines is perhaps a result of a lack of professionally qualified people in the conservation field combined with the wide range of disciplines that conservation covers. However, the response of the disciplines should be parallel to one another when considering a building/land in a similar context. As Orbasli suggests, the similarity is a result of published values of underling guides/principles. It appears that there is a reliance on paperwork, justified and detailed reports to be written when undertaking works. Necessary for future generations to understand the architectural and conservational theory and understanding at the time of change.
Although there are not specific governors in the field, there is an accolade which means there is regular monitoring of the ‘value for money’. What is the reason for conservation? As buildings are adapted over time, layering the original format. History is an insensible part of the environment, living of physical traces of the past. More often than not, economies that force a building to become redundant rather than an inability to repair it. A lack of understanding in the existing building stock contributes to this. Development needs to meet modern-day standards; it must reflect the historical values in order, so it to be justifiable. Well, thought conservations are considerate towards a balance between maximising profits and making a sustainable contribution to an existing site. Often preservation can increase local land prices. Such economic benefit is evident in the case study that Orbasli provides regarding the decline of planning for shopping are in Covent gardens, London. The question lies in that would the buildings be valued so highly if the plans were to go ahead. She recognises that there needs to be a constant fight for conservations as promotion of national identity. Not only that but one could assume that there is a various environmental and economic benefit to keeping individual buildings. Economic value via tourism is a reason for conservation among many others. Which suggested that the presumption that older buildings carry a higher maintenance cost is a burden to restoration is only speculative, and the actions of repair have on not only the future generations but also the past? When restoring something like for like, it will never look identical. So why not take this opportunity to make a change through extreme intervention. Examples in the seminar were; extreme intervention dates badly whereas restation will date at the same time if plenty of evidence to restore a building is available. There will be a massive cultural loss/ heritage loss when considering extreme intervention: Balance the sustainability and economic values between the two. Future use of the building needs to be considered to allow its historical significance to remain; it should be understood that if intervene, one will damage that identity / aesthetic to the future generations. The National trust alines with the belief of article 3, distinguishing between the restoration and the original suggesting one cannot raise a building from the dead. Replication does not hold the same value as the original building. To summarise, that would suggest looking forward rather than back. A representation of the modern culture rather than the past. 47
10.0.
Appendix Bibliography:
Borden, I, Penner, B, & Rendell, J. (1999), Gender Space Architecture: An Interdisciplinary Introduction, Taylor & Francis Group,London. Available from: ProQuest Ebook Central. [23 October 2020] Created from bcu on 2020-10-23 08:27:36. [Accessed 10 December 2020]. Caruso, A. (2017), Novelty Is Nonsense. Available at: https://youtu.be/ Jyfq7uL-NXg?t=175 [Accessed 10 December 2020]. Hamilton, d. and Adjaye, D. (2013) Precise Medicine. Available at: https:// www.jstor.zrg/stable/10.2979/transition.110.31 [Accessed 10 December 2020]. Hubbard, P. and Kitchin, R. (2012) Key thinkers on space and place, pg 82-90. SAGE Publications Ltd. McVicar, M. (2007) Memory and progress: Confessions in a flagstone wall. Avalible at: http://journals.cambridge.org/abstract_S1359135500000701 [Accessed 10 December 2020]. Sharr, A. (2012), Reading Architecture and Culture: Researching Buildings, Spaces and Documents, Routledge, London. Available at: ProQuest Ebook Central. [Accessed 10 December 2020]. Orbasi, A. (2007) Architectural conservation. London: Blackwell Publishing Tuan, Y. (2001) Space and Place The Perspective of Experience. University Of Minnesota Press. [Accessed 10 December 2020]. Ziada, H. (2020): The Digital Crowd, Architecture and Culture. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/20507828.2020.1794419 [Accessed 10 December 2020].
10.0.
Appendix Figures:
Fig 1: Sharr,A (2020) Newcastle university [photograph] Available at: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/press/articles/archive/2014/11/ architectsgrandplantowipeoutwhitehall.html [Accessed 01 December 2020].
Fig 2: Dezeen (2017) London is looking more like Dubai says architect
Adam Curuso [photograph] Available at: https://www.dezeen. com/2017/04/12/london-looking-like-dubai-adam-caruso-st-johnarchitecture-news-london-interview/ [Accessed 01 December 2020].
Fig 3: Pollyanna libary (2018) Judith Butler Study Group: Session 2
[photograph] Available at: http://polly-anna.ca/activity/judithbutler-2 [Accessed 01 December 2020].
Fig 4: Pintrest (2020) Hazem Ziada [photograph] Available at: https://
www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/214061788510808192/ [Accessed 01 December 2020].
Fig 5: The Clark (2020) Dell M. Hamilton [photograph] Available at:
https://www.clarkart.edu/research-academic/podcast/dell-mhamilton [Accessed 01 December 2020].
Fig 6: Architect news (2018) David Adjaye [photograph] Available at:
https://archinect.com/news/article/150098644/david-adjaye-andhis-take-on-identity-and-narrative-in-architecture [Accessed 01 December 2020].
Fig 7: BCU(2020) Dr. Jieling Xiao [photograph] Available at: https://www.
bcu.ac.uk/architecture-and-design/about-us/our-expertise/our-staff [Accessed 01 December 2020].
Fig 8: Tourism in historic towns (2018) Aylin Orbasli [photograph]
Available at: https://www-docs.b-tu.de/presse/public/TU-Profil/ Nr44/A017.html [Accessed 01 December 2020].
Fig 9: Sectra (2017) Jane Rendall [photograph] Available at: https://news. cision.com/se/sectra/i/sectra-jane-rendall,c2146467 [Accessed 01 December 2020].
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This short essay and appendix include theoretical research based on a diverse range of literature reviews, have led to the production of a research aim, which will inform the basis of a special study investigation that will conclude in January 2022. The credibility of self-building will be informed by observing other European governments as they experiment with this as a solution to urban development and future living.
Ryan John Cooksey Research Principles 18th December 2020
