ReThinking Drinking - Undergraduate Design Project

Sam Kercher - 10064814 - 399AAD

RETHINKING DRINKING @the copper swan

One of the biggest social dilemmas in 2023 is the issue of mental wellbeing; especially in the younger generation. The built environment is critical to improving mental health.

This project takes the user on a learning and calming journey from the Re-established river Rea to The White Swan pub.

This project considers the knowledge of the release of neurochemicals in certain environments to benefit the students of Birmingham by reducing the probability of

depression and anxiety. A focus is placed on the parts of the brain most affected by depression; the Amygdala, the Hippocampus and the Dorsomedial Thalamus. The negative feelings and actions caused by neurodivergent patients is reduced through the journey.

A positive space needs to be utilized in order for its positive effects to be felt; therefore combining the positive journey with the influential drinking culture in student societies is critical to the project’s success. Although, alcohol seems to contradict the idea of mental wellbeing, with the negative impact of drinking being widely reported, the theory of the three brains (the brain, heart and gut) allows people to ‘rethink drinking’ whilst improving the microbiome of the gut.

The linear journey created structurally reflects the students mental wellbeing. On the first journey from the river to the pub the structure is ‘falling’, but, on the way back through the site this is reversed thus representing the positive effect of this journey.

450% Student Mental health declaration over the last decade

Depression is

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE BRIEF Student Residency Site

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Dorsomedial Thalamus

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Plays a key role in memory and relaying sensory and motor signals, key in mental wellbeing.

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Amygdala

Primarily involved in processing emotions and memories associated with fear.

Hippocampus

Has a major role in memory and learning, often the main part of the brain damaged by mental health issues.

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Aerobic exercise has many physical benefits linking closely to circulation and the heart - these physical benefits help to positively impact mental wellbeing.

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The concept of ‘social contagion’ will allow for positive emotions to spread through the space.

Consistent socialisation lowers risk of cardiovascular disease and helps to recover from other heart issues.

Serotonin 70% of serotonin is produced in the gut.

Microbiome

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Gut bacteria has a great influence on mood and mental health. A healthy gut can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress whilst an unhealthy gut can also make these symptoms worse.

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This map presents the location of the site in regards to the current students living in Birmingham. As shown the site can act as a connection point between not only the universities but also the city centre; allowing more users to feel the benefits of escaping the city on site.

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Increasing biodiversity and the effect of the biophilic theory (Wilson, 1993) throughout the city will help to make the journey on the site a success. The regeneration of the River Rea will create a new ‘river loop’ connecting the site and Digbeth as a whole, to the universities in the area. This in turn will increase the probability of active travel both increasing socialisation and effectiveness of Prefrontal Cortex.

Existing River Rea in current engineered channel

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Current industrial and commercial buildings

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Prefrontal Cortex The Prefrontal Cortex can be split into the left and right side, the left is more responsive to rewards (under-active in depression patients) and the right is responsive to punishment.

The Prefrontal Cortex as a whole shrinks with depression, depressive people cannot demonstrate the rational problem solving abilities of someone else. The consistent use of aerobic activity is known to support this part of the brain by helping to connect the two sides together.

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE BRIEF

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Added foliage

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Natural access to river

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Proposed River Loop Active Transport Routes City Centre Universities Site

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Confusion in architecture / Decision making Confusion in architecture can often induce stress. And whilst in some cases decision making can support brain function creating a linear journey will help to support the user if they do not feel able to decide on which route to take. The holistic journey will help to support parts of the body defined with each section having a focus point.

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE BRIEF

The Heart

The Heart The Gut Hippocampus

Dorsomedial Thalamus

1 - Seed Store 2 - Inside Growing (Hops)

Amygdala

3 - Outside Growing (Barley) 4 - Crop Store 5 - Malting Room 6 - Brewery 7 - Cool Store 8 - Tasting Social Zones

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EXPLORATION OF THE JOURNEY

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE INFLUENCE

BERNARD TSCHUMI - De-construct the Journey “THE NON-COINCIDENCE BETWEEN MEANING AND BEING, MOVEMENT AND SPACE, MAN AND OBJECT IS THE STARTING CONDITIONS OF THE WORK.” - The Manhattan Transcripts, 1994 SPACE

EVENT

MOVEMENT

Structures need to be considered in three levels; space, event and movement. Although these three aspects need to work coherently a focus will be placed on one of the components depending on the stage of the journey.

Daniel Libeskind - Create Axis Join the local pubs - axis for the main volumes are creating by connecting the pubs in the area to the site.

Join the local Breweries - axis for the roofing volumes are creating by connecting the breweries in the area to the site.

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1 - Main Entrance to Site 2 - Hops Growing Space 3 - Malting Space 4 - Brewery / Drinking Zone 5 - University Social Zone 6 - Yeast Lab / Testing Office 7 - Existing Pub - Converted to Exhibition of Traditional style Pub 8 - Secret Garden 9 - Barley Community Growing 10 - River Platform 11 - Woodland Area 12 - Parking

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE JOURNEY Strategic Definition Entrance to site Primary entrance incorporates bike storage and electric scooter / bike hire. The copper structures extruding from the floor provide both seating and a soft entrance to the copper journey.

Secret Garden A hidden social space with further interaction with brewing vessels and copper pipework.

Barley Community Growing Following a key axis this space is visible in glimpses throughout the journey whilst still having road access for harvesting requirements.

River Platform Following the same key axis, this platform allows user to gain the sensory benefits of the blue natural space the regenerated river generates.

Woodland Area / Greenery Primary tree growth on northern side of site; to help protect visitors from the negative urban effects whilst still allowing glimpses towards the structure. Foliage supports the ‘clean’ air initiative and helps to reduce the urban heat island effect.

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Staff / Disabled Parking

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To give access to all; situated on site to allow ease of access to the primary building.

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE JOURNEY

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE SPACE Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

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Dorsomedial Thalamus A crucial sensory signal in terms of mental wellbeing is visual. The visual cortex works in tandem with the dorsomedial thalamus to relay visual signals and therefore is the part of the brain that humans are most aware of. Risk of mental illness rises when the visual cortex either communicates negative visuals or does not communicate well.

The Biophilia hypothesis, Wilson, 1993, proposes that people have an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. Having this connection with nature has a positive influence on human well-being; be it mental or physical.

With both of these aspects considered, it was essential that the ‘space’ structure incorporated large amounts of natural elements. As the user travels through this space the hops growing within the building will create both a positive and intriguing interior space; supporting brain function at the beginning of the journey.

RETHINKING DRINKING - THE MOVEMENT

Ground Floor Plan

Ground Source Heat Pump

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A Ground Source Heat pump uses the earths (or water bodies) natural temperature to heat / cool the building.

Heat (winter) / cool (summer) is distributed throughout the buildings via heating system.

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Natural Resources -

Distribution System an s Ga tion Bio rifica tion Pu tribu Dis

A Ground Source Heat Pump is predominantly underground; not changing affecting the atmosphere created on site.

Heat Pump

Liquid is pumped through underground pipes, being heated / cooled by the earths temperature.

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Hippocampus The Hippocampus has a primary function of supporting learning and memory. The specific part of the brain is known to shrink with depression - meaning that the person will be less capable of learning new things and their memory becomes worse. Constant brain stimulation and regular exercise can help the brain (specifically hippocampus) heal from damage / shrinkage.

As we learn our brain changes, we refine the circuits which allow us to see, hear, feel and act in the built environment. Learning new things can also help our self confidence and self-esteem. This in turn can help to reduce stress and the risk of both depression and anxiety.

Therefore, the second part of the journey (movement) focuses on the user moving through and interacting with the malting process. This will stimulate the brain and encourage the user to further understand the process in creating the beer, reducing chance of Hippocampus shrinkage. Whilst providing glimpses to the start of the process; Barley growing space.

RETHINKING DRINKING - THE EVENT

Ground Floor Plan

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Second Floor Plan

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Load Bearing CLT walls First Floor Slab Edge Second Floor Slab Edge

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Glulam Columns Void Structural Axis

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Primary Beams Secondary Beams

RETHINKING DRINKING - THE EVENT

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Glulam Column connections via galvanised steel connectors to glulam beams / Concrete Foundations

300mm Glulam Column with 200mm CLT floor joined via a steel connection

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE EVENT F

Direct Air Capture CO2 Levels -

‘Clean’ Air -

The units will distribute ‘cleaner’ air back into the building, creating a healthier atmosphere.

Direct Air capture will help the global initiative to remove CO2 from our atmosphere

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Carbon Storage -

Air Capture -

Carbon extracted from the air will be stored on level 1 of the building.

The direct air capture unit draws in ‘dirty air’ with fans.

Carbon Use -

Energy -

Carbon extracted will transported and used to both the Bright Tank (Brewery) and the anaerobic digester.

Anaerobic digester biogas energy used to power the units.

Shading Devices

Direct Air Capture

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Used to block summer sun; prevent overheating.

Used as a secondary Ventilation technique opening through a different plane.

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Stack Ventilation

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Used to filter carbon for brewing system and facilitating ‘cleaner’ air in the building.

Stack Ventilation Diagram

North Light Opening

Single Sided Ventilation

Allows in natural light into the office / testing space.

Southern Openings used for single sided ventilation. w<2.5h.

Clean Air Carbon

Winter Sun 25

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Not prevented from entering the building, allowing for winter heat.

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE EVENT

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RETHINKING DRINKING - THE EVENT

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The Amygdala is the unconscious processor that receives sensory information for an emotional response. Research has suggested that it is possible to gain some control over your brains emotional reaction. Unlike with many other sections of the brain in depression, the Amygdala becomes over-active and responds excessively to negative events.

Materials we are surrounded by affect our mental well-being; Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have a negative impact on the body both physically and mentally. Many studies have discovered that the use of natural materials such as wood can have a positive effect on stress, mood, focus and even creativity. Copper is an essential mineral within the body, maintaining the nervous and immune systems whilst also supporting brain development.

The main event of the journey will create social interaction for students to help create a positive emotional response to the space. The event will counteract the loneliness and stress felt by many neurodivergent students. The design of the space will allow for further learning with interaction with the brewing vessels and also allow for connection with positive materials. The use of exposed timber throughout the journey is deliberate for the user to feel it’s positive effects. Copper does not only reflect the history of the brewing process but also has many benefits both on the user and the water it collects.

ENERGY SYSTEM Water Harvesting External structures

Angled structures allow for rain water collection through a guttering system.

River Water Collection

River Rea banks have been broken and regenerated, meaning river water can be extracted.

Copper / Timber

Flood Risk

Structures constructed using material which will start the cleansing process.

Having a water extraction system will reduce risk of flooding on site.

Filter

Water filtered for safe use.

ENERGY SYSTEM Anaerobic Digester

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Waste produce from on site growing

Energy created on site to develop to complete journey.

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Biogas

Combustion Engine

Biofertilizer Micro-organism rich fertilizer used to promote growth throughout the site.

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Anaerobic Digester

Water Tank

From the Water Harvesting System

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Anaerobic Digester

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Oxygen Carbon Water Heating / Cooling

The energy has been designed to use natural resources from the site to support and facilitate the beer making process. This allows the user to interact with the complete process from seed to drink.

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5 6 7 8 9 10 Continuous insulation to stop cold bridging

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200mm Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) roof

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160mm Fibreglass Insulation

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20mm Timber Cladding Support

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Recycled Copper Cladding - Flat seam joining system

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20mm Soldered Seam

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Copper Edge Strip

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Hidden Copper Drainage Gutter

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Timber Support for Drainage System

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Steel Connection Bracket

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10 150mm Steel Connection Screws 11 300mm Structural Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) wall

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12 Vapour Barrier 13 160mm Fibreglass Insulation 14 Timber Nailable Substrate 15 Typical Copper Panel Attachment Screw

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16 Recycled Copper Panels - horizontal flat lock system

WALL - FLOOR 3D KEY DETAIL - 1:10

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1 Timber Flooring Finish 2 10mm Acoustic Layer 3 120mm Fibreglass Insulation 4 200mm Cross Laminated Timber Floor 5 Steel Connection Bracket 6 150mm Steel Connection Screws 7 Timber Plinth 5

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8 300mm Structural Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) wall 9 Vapour Barrier 10 160mm Fibreglass Insulation 11 Timber Nailable Substrate 12 Typical Copper Panel Attachment Screw 13 Recycled Copper Panels horizontal flat lock system

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Continuous insulation to stop cold bridging

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A EPDM strip placed to allow for slight movement in structure; without this the design will be more brittle.

1 Timber Flooring (Tongue and Groove) 2 Timber Batton 3 Services Zone (underfloor heating) 4 160mm Fibreglass Insulation 5 Timber Floor Plate 6 Steel Connection Nails 7 Steel Connection Bracket 8 Timber Plinth

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11 Drainage System 12 Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) 13 Concrete Foundations 14 Damp Proof Membrane (DPM)

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FIRE SAFETY STRATEGY GROUND FLOOR

All escape routes and distances in line with Building Regulations (part B Volume 2). All doors not highlighted as FR-60 rated doors are FR-30.

Spaces of refuge 900mmx1400mm minimum, present on all storeys and do not decrease escape size below regulations.

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All areas with seating not located further than 32m from exit

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Smoke Detector Sprinkler - Diameter of 2.6m Max Fire Extinguisher

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Drink Zone 1 - 10.5m

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Drink Zone 2 - 17.5m, 30m

Fire Vehicle

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Drink Zone 3 - 26m, 22m

Escape Route - Final Exit

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Bathroom - 12.5m

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Fire Protected Area

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Bar - 17m

FR-60 Doors with automatic release mechanism

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Escape Route - From Room Refuge Point

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FIRE SAFETY STRATEGY FIRST FLOOR D 1

As seen in the wall, floor and roof details fibreglass has been used as an additional fire resistant material.

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Timber used in the design will be treated with a fire retardant fluid. For example, Zeroflame Fire Retardant Treatment will not affect aesthetic whilst increase fire safety.

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Additional Safety measures in place (Sprinklers and Extinguishers) due to being at the maximum travel distances.

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Fire Vehicle Escape Route - Final Exit

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University Society Drinking Zone - 18m

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Escape Route - From Room

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Max 60 People as per Building Regulations part B

Refuge Point Fire Protected Area FR-60 Doors with automatic release mechanism

FIRE SAFETY STRATEGY SECOND FLOOR

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Escape Route - Final Exit

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Escape Route - From Room

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Refuge Point

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Fire Protected Area FR-60 Doors with automatic release mechanism

RETHINKING DRINKING

RETHINKING DRINKING