Co-producing Space: Denton Burn by Safeer Shersad

FOR A NEW DENTON BURN:

Interactive Community Space Design Proposal Prepared for the Denton Burn Community Association

Andrew Taylor

Fedelis Tosandi

Leong Zheng Kit Jackson

Rutheep Prabhakaran

Safeer Shersad

Contents

0. Introduction 1. Mapping 1.1 Mapping criteria 1.2 Definition 1.3 Final Map 1.4 Community initiatives 1.4.1 Wingrove Bike Garden 1.4.2 Iris Steadman House 1.4.3 Scotswood Natural Community Garden 1.4.4 FAR Community Garden & Allotments 1.4.5 FAR Community Centre 1.4.6 Thomas Gaughan Community Centre 1.4.7 Leazes Park 1.4.8 Pocket Park 1.5 Conclusion 2. Design 2.1 Analysis 2.2 Final Proposal 2.3 Features 2.3.1 Access 2.3.2 Landscaping 2.3.3 Containers 2.3.4 Outdoor classroom 2.3.5 Pop-up installations 2.3.6 Botanical garden 2.3.7 Allotments 2.3.8 Greenhouse 2.4 Character Study 2.5 Phasing

7 8 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 26

3. Prototyping 3.1 Prototype Design 3.2 Construction 3.3 Cost 3.4 Engagement Methods

54 55 63 64

4. Reflection

29 30 33 35 37 39 41 43 45 47 48 50

Introduction

The aim of this project is to devise a viable design scheme for the site located within the Denton Burn Community Association. The first part of this paper will list and examine the methods and ideas implemented in a set of local initiatives around Fenham and Walker. The data collected from mapping would then be used to establish themes and understand the key influences that could have a positive impact on Denton Burn. Moving forward, this paper will aim to use these themes to inform the nature of the prototype we would build to be presented on site. The prototype was tested on site and feedback from residents could be used to refine the design proposal. The presentation of the installation helped to gain a deeper understanding of the attitude of the residents towards the regeneration and maintenance of a more social public space.

Mapping

1.1 Mapping Criteria

Five themes are used as criteria to compile and compare eight local, environmental and social initiatives as displayed on the map.

Community Engagement Educational Programs Horticulture Permaculture Recyclability

These themes were chosen based on their significance and use in each community initiatives. They are overarching terms used to describe a variety of similar social & physical elements in the community initiatives. Displaying the themes on the large map of Fenham and Walker is important as it portrays similarities between the various community initiatives. These connections can show us the number and variety of themes practiced within the study area.

1.2 Theme Definitions

Community Engagement: The connection between individuals, organizations and/or the government that build strong long/short term partnerships to act together for the benefit of the community. Education Programs: A structure of projects and/or teaching material organized together and used to inform individuals and groups of a certain subjects. Horticulture: The act of cultivating fruits, vegetables or ornamental plants. Permaculture: Systems of perennial agriculture emphasizing the use of renewable emphasizing the use of renewable natural resources and the enrichment of local ecosystems. Recyclability: Producing a object or material that is no longer needed or wanted and making it into something new that is either useful or creative.

1.3 Final Map 1. WinGROve Bike GARden

2. The POCkeT PARk

3. ThOMAS GAuGhAn COMMuniTy CenTRe (OFF MAP)

4. FAR COMMuniTy GARden & AllOTMenTS

Location: Wingrove – Fenham, NE4 5NU

Location: Fenham Hall Drive, NE4 9XE

Location: Yelverton Cres, NE6 3SW

Location: Off Cedar Road, NE4 9QR

Established: 2012

Established: Greening Wingrove was brought together in 2010. The Established: Summer of 2015 bike garden was developed through 2011-2015 and is still under deServices & Features: The North Shields pocket park will involve the Cedarwood Trust, residents, North Tyneside Council and velopment. St Joseph’s Primary School, and will include play features, living willow tunnels and planters for growing vegetables. The Service & Features: The site includes grounds for community activi- project was developed in partnership with The Newcastle University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, as part ties, including ‘Learn to Ride’ for youth and volunteer bike repair ses- of an Economic and Social Research Council to help the residents and members of the public test the design proposal. sions, and a clay oven for cooking over community gatherings. The site is Located in the centre of Nuns Moor and has access to public park on Studley Terrace, and connected to Westgate road. Management & Operation: Administered by the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA). The Bike Garden is maintained and developed by Sustrans and Greening Wingrove. Informal groups of volunteers participate, including residents, councillors and voluntary community organisations. Currently, the site is managed by FAR and financially supported by the council. £20000 was spent on capital and £1000 was spent each year for liability, upkeep and insurance. Volunteers help operate the property, from young youth involved to older generations.

Management & Operation: The site is managed by FAR and financially supported by the council. £20000 was spent on capital and £1000 was spent each year for liability, upkeep and insurance. Volunteers help operate the property, from young youth involved to older generations.

AnTi-SOCiAl ACTiviTy deCeMBeR 2015 Low

125

DB 2

High

Services & Features: Pottery Bank Community Centre (previously known as the Thomas Gaughan Community Association) aims to provide an inclusive quality service to people of all ages in Walker. Services include a community café and allotments (planting beds/plots for development), family support and bingo for the middle-aged and elderly. Some of the activities even include health and toning classes. They also run a community minibus for hire to community groups, IT suite for public use and function rooms for hire. Management & Operation: The centre currently has 6 board members, 5 volunteers and 2 staff on payroll.

Services & Features: The site has various raised and ground level gardening plots for community and private use, a greenhouse for propagating seeds, a pizza oven was built for community gatherings, and a small pond was built for organic pest control. The property also includes a small wooden building for community activities and educational initiatives. The site has two entrances, allowing for a congruent route of travel throughout the site. Wooden sheds were built at each allotment to allow storage and protection for rain events. A significant feature of the site was the use of recycled items used for building material and art including wood, plastics and metal. A shipping container presented in the middle of the site acts as storage and central

250+ 8

Number of Individual Anti-Social Activity Instances

COnneCTinG TheMeS

3 4

7 6

Permaculture

Horticulture Community Engagement

Educational Programs Recyclability

7 8

5. SCOTSWOOd nATuRAl COMMuniTy GARden location: John Marley Centre, ne15 6TT

established: in 1995 and the land has seen new development since 2012. Services & Features: The site caters to all age groups through their selection of environmentally focused activities for both youth and adults. The site has selections of native vegetation and various ecosites spread across the property. The site also includes three man made ponds used to encourage aquatic species habitation, two meadows, woodlot, natural hedgerows, beekeeping site, & a community garden. Multiple art installations are located throughout the site connecting to the themes of ecology and sustainability. The charity adopted permaculture throughout the sites design and and educational initiatives. Produce grown on the site is sold to local restaurants and vendors. Scotswood educated high school and college students with various horticulture/ecological courses and also offers work experience programs.

8. FAR Community Centre Location: Acanthus Ave, NE4 9YD

6. iRiS STeAdMAn hOuSe

7. leAzeS PARk

location: 17 Thorpe Cl, ne4 5hn

Location: Fenham, Richardson road- NE2 4BJ

Services & Features: The residence was developed by yhn as part of their chain of housing centres to provide assisted care to elderly residents. The two month old raised outdoor garden beds main purpose was to create a connection between the older residents and youth from a neighbouring primary school through outdoor gardening and education. it was also created to grow local produce for residence. The garden itself has small multi coloured planters for the children to use and larger wooden planters Management & Operation: The site is managed by volunteers and mem- for the older folk. Both sitting in close proximity to one another. bers of the community. There are about 30 volunteers on a weekly basis. Management & Operation: The instalment was funded by yhn and operated by iris Steadman residence

Established: Opened in 1873

Service & Features: FAR offers youth & adult programs promoting individual & community growth, as well as education. For example, sensory development for autistic children and assistance for the elderly. The site has an outdoor playscape feature built from salvaged wood. The entire cost of the project was about £12,000.

Services & Features: It is the city’s oldest park and lies to the west of the city centre. The park contains a lake above the course Management & Operation: The community centre is managed by of the Lort Burn. It is next to St James’ Park and the Royal Victoria Infirmary. Leazes Park is separated from Spital Tongues by FAR. The regeneration was funded by the lottery (£500,000). Activities are managed by the volunteers (32 volunteers) referred Castle Leazes, an area of common land similar to the Town Moor. to by SCAN and other employees on payroll. The in house activManagement & Operation: The park was built and is maintained by the council and every other operation is funded and com- ities are funded by Wood and Spoon Charity organisation consisting of former rugby players interested in sensory engagement. missioned by the council.

Wingrove Bike Garden Location: Wingrove – Fenham, NE4 5NU

Established: Greening Wingrove was brought together in 2010. The bike garden was developed through 2011-2015 and is still under development Service & Features: The site includes grounds for community activities, including ‘Learn to Ride’ for youth and volunteer bike repair sessions, and a clay oven for cooking over community gatherings. The site is Located in the centre of Nuns Moor and has access to public park on Studley Terrace, and connected to Westgate road. Management & Operation: Administered by the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA). The Bike Garden is maintained and developed by Sustrans and Greening Wingrove. Informal groups of volunteers participate, including residents, councillors and voluntary community organisations. Currently volunteers from Newcastle University and Sustrans assist with maintenance.The site is funded by lottery on behalf of a partnership with original members include the Greening Wingrove CIC, The Time Exchange, The Cooperative, Newcastle City Council, Newcastle University and the BECON project.

Iris Steadman House Location: 17 Thorpe Cl, NE4 5HN

Service & Features: The residence was developed by YHN as part of their chain of housing centres to provide assisted care to elderly residents. The two month old raised outdoor garden beds main purpose was to create a connection between the older residents and youth from a neighbouring primary school through outdoor gardening and education. It was also created to grow local produce for residence. The garden itself has small multi coloured planters for the children to use and larger wooden planters for the older residence. Both sitting in close proximity to one another. The regeneration was funded by YHN with an aim to help residents adapt and influence self-sustainment within place of living. The main objective of Iris Stadman was to promote horticulture as a social activity and to help trigger a sense of realisation in the residents with the use of colours and outdoor features. Although most of the funding that fuels YHNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s developments comes from exterior sources, in order to be able to achieve a certain standard by evaluating the priorities of the residents. Management & Operation: The instalment was funded by YHN and operated by Iris Steadman residence.

Scotswood Natural Community Garden Location: John Marley Centre, NE15 6TT

Established: in 1995 and the land has seen new development since 2012. Services & Features: The site caters to all age groups through their selection of environmentally focused activities for both youth and adults. The site has selections of native vegetation and various ecosites spread across the property. The site also includes three man made ponds used to encourage aquatic species habitation, two meadows, woodlot, natural hedgerows, beekeeping site, & a community garden. Multiple art installations are located throughout the site connecting to the themes of ecology and sustainability. The charity adopted permaculture throughout the sites design and and educational initiatives. Produce grown on the site is sold to local restaurants and vendors. Scotswood educated high school and college students with various horticulture/ecological courses and also offers work experience programs. Management & Operation: The site is managed by volunteers and members of the community. There are about 30 volunteers on a weekly basis.

FAR Community Garden & Allotments Location: Off Cedar Road, NE4 9QR

FAR Community Centre Location: Acanthus Ave, NE4 9YD

Established: in the 1970’s and comprised of 12 households to tackle social issues and to carry out community initiative. The site was was moved a few years ago into a new location to allow disabled access. The redevelopment took about 9 months. Service & Features: FAR offers youth & adult programs promoting individual & community growth, as well as education. For example, sensory development for autistic children and assistance for the elderly. The site has an outdoor playscape feature built from salvaged wood. The entire cost of the project was about £12,000. Management & Operation: The community centre is managed by FAR. The regeneration was funded by the lottery (£500,000). Activities are managed by the volunteers (32 volunteers) referred to by SCAN and other employees on payroll. The in house activities are funded by Wood and Spoon Charity organisation consisting of former rugby players interested in sensory engagement.

Thomas Gaughan Community Centre Location: Yelverton Cres, NE6 3SW

Established & Regeneration: The centre was first built in 1997 and the regeneration was completed in January 2013. Thomas Gaughan Community Centre is located within an area of great change; it is currently experiencing significant alteration and enhancement for the future. Schools are being relocated and renewed, homes are being refurbished, new homes are being built and parkland has been rejuvenated. The Key to the redevelopment was the need to support the facilitation and management of the Centre; for example, easy supervision across a number of areas was required; circulation internally and externally was rationalised to improve security. Services & Features: Pottery Bank Community Centre (previously known as the Thomas Gaughan Community Association) aims to provide an inclusive quality service to people of all ages in Walker. Services include a community cafĂŠ and allotments (planting beds/plots for development), family support and bingo for the middle-aged and elderly. Some of the activities even include health and toning classes. They also run a community minibus for hire to community groups, IT suite for public use and function rooms for hire. Management & Operation: The centre currently has 6 board members, 5 volunteers and 2 staff on payroll.

Leazes Park Location: Fenham, Richardson Road, NE2 4BJ

Established: Opened in 1873 Services & Features: It is the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest park and lies to the west of the city centre. The park contains a lake above the course of the Lort Burn. It is next to St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Park and the Royal Victoria Infirmary. Leazes Park is separated from Spital Tongues by Castle Leazes, an area of common land similar to the Town Moor. Management & Operation: The park was built and is maintained by the council and every other operation is funded and commissioned by the council.

The Pocket Park Location: Fenham Hall Drive, NE4 9XE

Established: Summer 2015 Services & Features: The North Shields pocket park will involve the Cedarwood Trust, residents, North Tyneside Council and St Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Primary School, and will include play features, living willow tunnels and planters for gr g vegetables. The project was developed in partnership with The Newcastle University School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, as part of an Economic and Social Research Council to help the residents and members of the public test the design proposal.

Conclusion

The purpose of social and environmental mapping of local community initiatives was to locate and identify significant design features from the various site to inform our design proposal in context with its surroundings. Information about the initiatives location, establishment, services/ features, and management/operation was derived from conversations with community members as well as through online research. five major connecting themes were used as inspiration to incorporate various features into our design proposal. The initial part of the mapping included the analysis of primary data from different neighbourhoods from around Newcastle and the impact of successful regenerations of public green spaces and how community parks have made those regions more attractive for outsider consumption. This precedent data was useful in gaining an understanding of the impact of design of public squares and the opportunities these could create to facilitate community cohesion. In order to prepare a better informed design proposal, the mapping of local community parks and gardens was undertaken around Fenham and Walker. This was essential in the development of more specific ideas and themes to satisfy the needs and priorities of the local community of Denton Burn. The mapping was carried out through field trips and desk based analysis of existing primary data from different wards in Newcastle. It was evident after the first few stages of analysis that like most other case studies around Newcastle, there was a need for social cohesion. This helped narrow down themes to satisfy and promotion of more sustainable ways of small scale production and outdoor activities to bring the community together to help create a more secured environment.

Design

SWOT Analysis

Strengths: • Well-connected to Newcastle city centre. • The majority of the population are young familis, with the median and mean ages in Denton Burn 29 and 33 respectively. • 18% of residents aged 16 and over have no qualifications which is lower than within Newcastle and the rest of England. • Denton Burn is healthier than its surrounding areas and in comparison to Newcastle according to 2011 data from the ONS. • Low rent and property prices makes Denton Burn an attractive place to live. • Good views of the valley on the south face of the site. Weaknesses: • There is a lack of community initiatives in the immediate area. • The lack of “neighbourliness” (lack of shared spaces for socializing) and public places in the area. • Anti-social behaviour is prevalent in derelict areas of Denton Burn. Opportunities: • There are multiple community initiatives around Fenham and Walker which can be used for reference. • More local power and funding could see vast improvement to the neighbourhoods surrounding the community centre. • Denton Burn currently has minimal public spaces that are looked after by multiple households/ associations, the establishment • of these could help provide ample space for neighbours to interact within and socialize. • Adjacent primary school may be incorporated into the design. Threats: • It is possible that noise from the site will be a nuisance for residents in neighbouring homes. • Crime in the area may hinder community engagement initiatives.

Final Proposal 1

Access

Landscaping

Containers

Outdoor Classroom

Pop-up Installations

Botanical Garden

Allotments

Greenhouse

8 7

3 2

Features Recyclability

Community Engagement

Recyclability was used in various features of our design proposal including the pop-up installation area, the allotments, shipping containers and various terrain materials. Up cycled materials including wood, metals, and stone was used in combination to construct the various features. The importance behind this method is that we are reducing our ecological footprint by building local and thinking global.

The proposal provides several modes of community engagement across each component. This design proposal was drafted after consulting residents of the area and enacting the proposal on site for residents to give feedback on the proposal through the prototype. Engaging the community in the design will also lead to a sense of ownership for the site, reducing instances of vandalism and crime. This has been seen in FAR Community Gardens. Community engagement also ensures that the needs of residents are met by the proposal at the granular level.

Sustainability This theme encompasses many components of our site design from the harvest of local produce, to growing native decorative flora and building with reused material. It is crucial that this factor is incorporated throughout the design process due to the many environmental issues facing society today. Sustainability is broad in its term and also incorporates social and economic elements. Our site is designed to develop strong community connection by bringing people together through the passive and active design features and educational opportunities. The sustainable economic elements can be addressed through possibility of growing local produce and sell them to the public in a market-garden approach.

Education The recyclability, sustainability and horticulture areas of the site all have an educational focus. Students from schools and residents may take part in community lessons in woodworking for installations, recycling materials, and horticulture. The outdoor classroom for the preschool also provides an engaging atmosphere for young children. These different classes further improve the bond between community and imbibes the site with a personal accountability.

Horticulture The allotment area and pop-up installation growing beds offers multiple opportunities and benefits for the Denton Burn community. They offer the community to come together and learn the principles of growing local produce. This feature provides an assortment of healthy natural food options for individuals, it brings people together and offers education opportunity for both older and younger community members

Access

In order to increase footfall through the site, improved access to the site encourages joggers and dogwalkers to move through it. This not only makes the site more lively but also improves the brand and image of the DBCA. As passersby see organised activities and initiatives, it is likely that more people will want to register for these activities and get involved with the initiative. With regards to the site, existing access paths have been improved and new routes have been added. By moving the outdoor play area from the north of the preschool onto the site as seen in the image, access from the north of the site has been widened. This area is now converted into a bicycle parking area for visitors and members of staff. A new route has been proposed through the south-east of the site which is closer to the community association. It is accessible by patio deck which can be expanded along the preschool. This improves the link of the site to the community association. Proposed access from the west of the site will benefit residents living along the west of the site, and further strengthens fluid movement through the site. Some areas of the path are covered by canopies which create more intimate spaces across the site.

Landscaping

Following through the key themes from mapping, it was found that the community association will benefit from improved green space to host relaxing outdoor activities like tai chi, yoga, kettlebells and light sports. These versatile spaces are also used to host community events like barbeques and birthdays. Members of the public are also welcome to picnic on these areas when DBCA activities are not in session.

Containers

Along with minimising the use of new materials on the site, the use of recycled shipping containers as a partition for the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area is more affordable than building a new structure. It also provides storage for the bowlers. Climbing handles can be installed for children to play on. A blackboard and green wall are installed on these containers so that they have a functional exterior. To ensure that the character of the place evolves with time, residents and artists will be involved in painting these containers to improve community cohesion.

Outdoor Classroom

The existing play area facilities for the preschool are lacking. As it sits to the north of the nursery, it does not receive any sunlight and is thus perennially cold. The improved play area provided is enjoyable for children, while also being educational and providing a safe, soft landscape. The floor utilises rubberised matting which was found to be the safest material for young children to interact with. The colourful shipping containers provide different activities for the children, with a low climbing wall, a green wall and a blackboard. The classroom is lined with planters for teachers and children to learn more about planting and growing simple, safe and edible plants like kale, lettuce, basil and oregano.

Pop-up Installations

The grass field to the north of the Bowlersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Green hosts a range of pop-up seating installations which are sourced from recycled materials. These can be built by members of the community and can create opportunities to educate youths on basic woodworking and recycling. These installations also provide seating for residents and take advantage of views of the bowling green to the south of the site.

Botanical Garden

The botanical garden feature provides an alternative break up of terrain offering additional walkways and seating options. The garden incorporates native flora species promoting local biodiversity and sustainable growth. There are several ecological benefits of using local species in the botanical garden, including:

-Low maintenance of plant upkeep due to their versatility in natural conditions. -Providing habitat for native fauna. -Limiting the risk of invasive vegetation succession.

The botanical garden also provides walking routes to different areas of the site while taking into account sustainable cultivation practices. The botanical garden offers education opportunities as it can teach the community about native crop production and the importance of biodiversity.

Allotments

The allotments create space for growth, with an aim to increase the number of outdoor activities for interested members of the community. This could become an informal space for residents to work and socialize. The allotments are a place for small-scale production of fruits and vegetables either for self-consumption or trade. There are various advantages to the development of the space as it could even result in educational activities for the youth of Denton Burn. The provision of a space to grow flowers and vegetables would have a major effect on the feelings of the community. Since the site is surrounded by housing, this space is less likely to suffer major maintenance problems due to a lack of perceived ownership. (Kaplan, 1985) The existence of trees and plants/ natural areas in and around the site adds social value to the design proposal. This could be a significant factor in ensuring that the residents are satisfied with the regeneration and its future state. (Kaplan, 1985)

Greenhouse and Allotments: Types of Produce

Leafy Greens Spinach

Rocket

Land Cress

Lettuce

Chinese Cabbage

Strawberries

Raspberries

Blackberries

Redcurrants

Blueberries

Carrots

Onions

Garlic

Potatoes

Radish

Chili Peppers

Cucumbers

Aubergines

Peppers

Tomatoes

Berries

Root Vegetables

Greenhouse Growers

Greenhouse

The greenhouse placed in the North West section of the site offers multiple benefits to crop production. The glass enclosure provides year-round consistent crop production, as it can be retrofitted with climate control. This feature helps protect the livelihood of plants from seasonal pests including spider mites and caterpillars, as well as extreme weather conditions. The greenhouse is versatile in the sense that its design can be customizable to any site, and built onto after the initial construction. Planter racks in the greenhouse can be moved around and crop planters can be exchanged for others with ease. Exotic edible plants that are unable to grow with conventional cultivation methods can be experimented in a greenhouse environment, potentially offering additional educational elements.

Character Study

Outdoor Classroom

Botanical Garden

Allotments

Pop-up park

Access and pathways

Phasing 1

The first phase in the execution of the design proposal is the construction of the outdoor classroom and the kids play area, and also to improve access routes into the site. The classroom is prioritised due to the small size and state of the existing play space. While the existing play space manages to marginally satisfy the basic needs of the primary school, it fails to create scope for the children to play freely and experience the natural environment. Improving bicycle storage also helps new visitors access the DCBA more easily. This part of the of the project will include the placement of containers as separation between this space and the rest of the scheme.

The next phase of this project includes the botanical garden, a section of the allotments, and the pop-up installation are on the south of the site. It also includes an access point from the west of the site, which will also improve through-routes in the site. From analysis, it was found that there is a need for stronger community cohesion in Denton Burn and the establishment of these parts of the scheme increases the number of opportunities for social contact that would be available to the residents of Denton Burn. The allotment area will all growth of produce for residents.

By providing green space for residents, DBCA will be able to host activities on these spaces. Well managed community activities and events can have a very positive effect on Denton Burn, drawing the community together and bringing financial, social and environmental benefits. With the generation of this space we hope that the provision of access through the site would become an easier task, dividing the spaces and giving a better idea of the vision for the site. It could help better understand and develop ideas for the remainder of the undeveloped pieces of the site.

The final phase of this project includes an extension to the allotment area and a greenhouse, which expands the possible choices of produce to grow in these controlled environments. This may take place after the site is already a thriving public place for every demographic, as it supplements the existing allotment area. Vegetation also provides an opportunity for people to be experience nature in a better way, hoping to have a positive impact on the attitude of the community towards the maintenance of outdoor shared spaces.

Prototyping

Prototype Design

The prototype installation was conceptualized based on the themes drawn from mapping initiatives around Fenham and Walker. These themes were also integral to the site proposal. The prototype aimed to assess visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; perception of each of these themes. Recyclability The majority of materials used for the installation were recycled, including the pallets and plastic bottles. This encourages the proposal to focus on minimizing waste and upcycling of materials. Sustainability The use of recycled materials ensured that the cost of the installation was minimal. Similarly, the use of recycled material in the site proposal keeps costs down while reducing its ecological impact. Horticulture Planted herbs can be used by residents. Community engagement Members of community can work together to build different installations on the site. Education Each student can take ownership of one planter in which they can grow their choice of herbs, flowers or leafy vegetables. This helps to educate the children on how to grow and maintain produce.

Construction

The set up for the installation was divided into four sections. Firstly the construction of frames for the suspension of plastic bottles and yarn- intended for plant growth. The second part was the assembly of the seating area by stacking up pallets and drilling them together. The final part of the setup involved the plantation into the bottles. Two of the frames were used for bottles as planters suspended from the top frame using garden wire. The other two were strung all over with yarn, intended to mimic the growth of creepers. The installation was assembled in four phases, in order of the different components on the design.

Frames

1. Two out of the four frames were set up to allow the suspension of recycled plastic bottles, used as planters. The other two were strung with yarn for growth of creepers. 2. For the construction of the frames, 6 - 2x2 wooden planks each 3m long were cut to size and drilled in to make the frame. 3. Then angle brackets were used on the weaker edges to make sure that the frame was sturdy enough to support its weight as well as that of the water bottle planters. 4. The frames at the top and bottom were fitted with hooks to make the installation of bottles and garden wire easier. 5. Gaps on either edges of the central frames were fitted with chalk boards in order to provide a medium for qualitative feedback on the design. 6. The frames were assembled beforehand and delivered to the site with the other elements of the installation.

Seating

1. In order to provide a comfortable seating height, the pallets were stacked to 450mm, or the height of three pallets. 2. Five sets of these stacks were made and oriented under the frames to mimic the shape that the orientation of the frames would initially make on plan. 3. An extra pallet was taken apart and the wood was used to secure the each stack. 4. These were assembled beforehand and delivered to the site on the day of the exhibition.

Planters

1. Each frame consisted of 7 plastic pop bottles with holes made on either side for the garden wire to pass through. 2. The bottles were cut centrally to make openings for the growth and maintenance of the plants. On site, the bottles were planted with a selection of herbs and leafy vegetables. 3. A pack of compost was brought along on the day of the presentation to ensure that there was sufficient soil for the planters.

Creepers/Yarn

1. Although the initial plan involved growing creepers on two frames in the weeks leading up to the exhibition date, time restraints prevented us from doing so. 2. Instead, in order to represent creepers on the remaining two frames, green yarn was strung around them. 3. The frames were strung beforehand and transported to the site with the remaining components of the installation.

Final Prototype

Cost

Engagement Methods

In the site analysis, it was found that there is a lack of social contact between the middle aged groups of the community. This affects other age groups groups as well as the crime rate in the region (Cantle, 2005). The installation aims to engage children from the preschool in educational programmes relating to the intervention. The idea behind the installation is to make the local community aware of the existence of different economically sustainable methods in small scale production of fruits and vegetables, either for selfconsumption or trade. The setting up of the installation aspires to engage all age groups of the community. The installation hopes to improve the lack of social cohesion between different pocket communities in Fenham and Denton Burn by creating places of interaction for children in young families. By creating these spaces for children and youths, passive places of interaction are created for their parents as well (Fjortoft, 2001). By strengthening community cohesion, crime and other social issues in the neighbourhood will be minimised (Walker, 2000).

The installation will look to act not only as a seating area but also somewhere the youth of the community can maintain and grow plants. The main focus behind the chosen idea for the installation was the need to trigger a sense of ownership to engage community members in the maintenance of the installation. The installation will be set closer to the bowling green to take advantage of the view of the valley and pose as one the park lets on the southern edge of the site. This is something that residents could build and set up in their backyard occupying their free time, engaging as a household in learning and growing small scale produce. We hope that the amount of activities our intervention provides could help tackle the attitude of the local residents towards shared public spaces and the importance of common social grounds.

Reflective Account

Mapping: In order to prepare a better informed design proposal, the mapping of local community parks and gardens was undertaken around Fenham and Walker. This was essential in the development of more specific ideas and themes to satisfy the needs and priorities of the local community of Denton Burn. The mapping was carried out through field trips and desk based analysis of existing primary data from different wards in Newcastle. This was due to the lack of available specific primary data, for social analysis of the neighbourhood of Denton Burn. This methodical approach to design helps to gain a broader understanding of how social factors can influence the way people use places. It was evident after the first few stages of analysis that like most other case studies around Newcastle, there was a need for social cohesion. One of the key issues identified by mapping was that community initiatives assisted in minimising crime (the most common of which is anti-social behaviour) in their immediate surroundings. As seen in most of the aforementioned sites in mapping, the development of public spaces where residents can passively interact had a significant impact on reducing crime and improving community cohesion. On analysing the different community initiatives, it was seen that the initiatives had similarities in approach between them. The themes derived from the dataset of initiatives were used in the following stages of the project. The identified themes gleaned from the mapping phase provided guidance throughout the design process, and we strived to ensure that design decisions aligned with these key ideas. Design: Within the framework provided by the themes collected in the mapping phase, we took a community-led approach Community-led design: insight into how people interact with their surroundings at the granular level. At different scales, starting from maps of the entire catchment area, moving down to personally interacting with residents through full-scale urban prototypes. Working with a range of data collection methods at different levels helped to corroborate notions about the site. The use of themes aided in creating a narrative for the design which helped to better integrate the DBCA not only with its immediate surroundings, but also with the greater Fenham area.

The design aims to be inclusive of all demographics by providing a range of active and passive activities. This helps to strengthen community ties across age groups, which is an integral part of alleviating crime. Installation and prototyping: Prototyping helped us to further understand usage patterns of the design and also gauge residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interest in themes. Gaining practical experience in delivering a prototype drawing from pre-requisite knowledge of conceptual designs. Working at 1:1 scale helped us to further understand the technicalities of building an installation and the implementation process, from the sourcing for materials to the transportation of the build to the site. Limitations: It may be difficult to seek funding for this project as it is a public space redevelopment. This strategy booklet will help to create interest in investing in the site. It also promotes activities at DBCA and improves upon existing outdoor facilities. Although efforts have been made to minimise crime and antisocial behaviour by facilitating community cohesion, it will take time to bring about social change even after the physical infrastructure of the site is completed. Due to poor weather on the day of enacting the proposal on the site, there was a low turnout for community engagement. Because of the limited sample, the outcomes of this prototype were limited. Through this structured process, we have used variegated techniques to ensure that the design proposal is successful in creating an attractive, yet functional place for recreation which is inclusive to all members of the community.