U R B A N V I L L AG E
BY SEASON TSE
unit • 05 the deep block 2016 • 17
introduction
This year we have been looking into spaces for live and work and explored public spaces within a deep city block in Central London. The proposal puts forward a mixed-use typology which provides 200+ homes, varies types of workspaces and community facilities which can be used and enjoy by local residents, city workers and general public. ‘Rooms in the sky’ suggests ‘sharing can be luxurious’. By rethinking and redefining the current financial model, types of ownership and way of living could potentially allow us
to live and work more densely in the urban environment in an affordable way. The social agenda is put at the heart of the project. The aspiration is to create a neighbourhood with a strong sense of community, yet engage with the public and reflect city’s cultural diversity. The landscape becomes a woven piece which ties the different groups of community together.
content
contextual summary
precedent study
the offering
the co-era
tectonic
site location
The redevelopment is a city block which situated at the east end of Gerrard Street in the heart of London’s Chinatown, named Newport Sandringham building. The site is bounded by Charing Cross on the East, Newport Court on the South, Newport Place on the West and Soho Fire Station on the North.
site map
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site condition
The complex was built in 1985 as a single development, currently the 0.5 hectare site consists of shops & restaurants on basement, ground and mezzanine levels (around 28 units), three levels of underground car parking and six levels of residential units above (117 dwellings).
site map @ 1:1000
The current development has very little consideration to the surrounding context, lack of permeability across the site and identity. Very little green space is offered to the public and residents as well.
section showing existing uses on site key: residential retail car park
cambridge circuit
litchfield stre
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NEWPOR T COURT
little newpo
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great newport street
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leicester square tube station
Facade no responsive to the historical context.
Podium in complete isolation to the city. Very little greenery offered.
Limited floor to ceiling height for retail units. Colonnade blocks daylight into the stores.
Complex basement car park layout and wasted space for inefficient circulation.
CHARING CROSS ROAD
NEWPORT PLACE
site context - charing cross road
CHARACTER
MASSING
The colonnade on Charing Cross Road offer a relieve to the busy street, however the deep recess and heavy brick columns result a very dark and unattractive undercroft. The elevation is 100m in length and prominent to the main street, yet it lacks any character or identity.
The tallest mass is placed on the east side, parallel to Charing Cross Road to form a formal edge to the main road. The north- east block is stepped back to make present of the church.
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site elevation from Charing Cross Road @ 1:500
little newport street
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view from Charing Cambridge Circuit
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view from Cambridge Circuit toward Charing Cross Road
Cross
Road
toward
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newport court
church
site (~100m in length)
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10
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shaftesbury avenue
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site context - newpor t cour t
CHARACTER
MASSING
Newport Court is a more intimate street, filtering people through from Charing Cross Road to Newport Place. It has small retail units, food stores and residential entrances on both side, full of characters and always busy. The staggered facade with colourful planters on the upper floor seems to be the only place in the development that interact with street level and offers something back to the street.
The south-east corner is opened up perpendicular to Charing Cross Road to create an inviting gesture to the street, filtering people through to Chinatown. On the south side, the podium follows the existing line of site and the building is set back from the edge to maintain a sense intimacy of the street.
site elevation from Newport Place @ 1:500
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site elevation from Newport Court @ 1:500
Fire Station
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intimate street of Newport Court
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view from Great Newport Street towards Newport Court
Newport Court
Site
back of fire station
newport place/ site
Site
leicester court
newport place/ site
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charing cross road
Newport Court Elevation @ 1:200
Newport Place Elevation @ 1:200 0
newport court/ site 0
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site context - newpor t place
CHARACTER
MASSING
Currently the public square in end of Chinatown offers very little to the public. The main entrance to the underground car park, delivery point and an exit to the Street Cleaning Depot are located on the west side which predominantly interrupt the square with heavy traffic. The inactive elevation with poor quality street furniture and landscaping has resulted a thoroughfare, rather than an attractive place to gather.
A three storey block is placed on the end of Gerrard Street, responding to the Georgian scale of the existing square. The low rise block becomes a transition block with public functions on ground level which invites people to permeate and dwell in the pedestrianised square and courtyard.
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long site section @ 1:500
Little Newport Street
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south view towards Newport Place
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north view towards Newport Place
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Newport Court
site section with Newport Place in background
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church
Shaftesbury Avenue
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site context - gerrard street
CHARACTER
MASSING
It is the main street of Chinatown and over the years it has developed an unusual architectural vernacular; a Georgian setting with oriental decorations and signage. The street set back from the main road, connected by narrow streets and alleyways, there is a sense of exploration if not familiar with the area. On the ground floor it is dominated by Chinese restaurants, cafe and supermarkets, throughout the day this place is filled with activities and energy. However, there is lack of public space to dwell and rest.
The layering in massing would gradually be revealed as you stand further back from Gerrard Street. With the opening at the end of the street, it gives a clue that there is something beyond the square which is yet to be explored.
short section through Gerrard Street view from Gerrard Street towards Newport Place through the iconic Dragon Gate
Gerrard Street
Newport Place
site section with fire station in background
Charing Cross Road
live, work & gather
In terms of program, the proposal explores a mixed-use typology which allows multiple uses and activities on the same plot, to further enhance diversity and mixed character in the area. It consists of residential units, workspaces on west side, retail units, cafe and restaurants on ground level, workshop and gallery space on the north side and basement level. The courtyard becomes a space that connects all the activities together.
existing ground floor land use in Chinatown
community/ lettable event space
proposed land use overview
entertainment (theatre, cinema, casino)
key:
workshop/ studio
Chinatown Conservation Area
public realm/ courtyard
retail
residential units
restaurant/ Cafe office/ bank/ private use
deep block precedent study
In the beginning of the year, we were looking at 6 deep plan examples collectively in helping us to experiment and explore a series of volumes, approaching thresholds and views. In groups of three, we constructed a 1:50 model as a primary method in order to test light, scale, tectonic and atmosphere formed from the enclosure.
The precedents are: 1 2 3 4 5 6
Larkin building by Frank Lloyd Wright, RiksfÜrsäkringsverket by Sigurd Lewerentz, The Uffizi Court by Bernardo Buontalenti, Aarhus Town Hall by Arne Jacobsen, Centraal Beheer by Herman Herzberger Exeter Library by Louis Kahn
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exeter librar y • louis khan
My group was allocated to work on the Exeter Library by Louis Khan. At first we spent a week to do research and put together a reseach booklet to summarise the findings (see attachment).
initial aspects of interest
DIFFUSED ENTRANCE
SEQUENCE OF ENTERING
VISUAL CONNECTION
INTIMACY
With its chamfered corners and lack of single, representational, main entrance, the effect of the central atrium is further amplified. The arcades wrapping the building at ground floor level were described by Kahn as ‘continuous entrance’.
The sequence of entering the building is carefully planned and is an experience in itself. From an unassuming, diffused entrance, through a modest-sized hall, via a gently curved staircase, to the stunning, light flooded atrium.
On all floors in the book-stacks area, the circle opening on the inner concrete ring allows readers to have visual connection with the people and activities in the central atrium space.
The materiality of reading carrels (brickwork) corresponds with the intimate scale of the space, creating rooms within a room, introducing warmth. The location of the reading carrels right by the windows on the outer ring of the plan, with a notion of ‘a man with a book goes to the light’.
the inner rings
For the 1:50 model, we have focused on modelling the two inner ‘rings’, attempted to explore the relationship between the intimate spaces (bookshelf area) and the sheer volume (atrium) and how the users dwell and experience these spaces.
typical floor plan podium level plan ground floor plan SECTION-AA
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SECOND FLOOR PLAN 1:150
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movement & thresholds
Diagrammatic section showing the relationship between the varying volumes, scales and lighting condition of each spaces. Quick transition, rapid perception change and intensity of movement from atrium to reading carrels.
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anticipation upon arrival
Approach from the curve staircase, progressively revealing the shear, light-flood void in the atrium. Kahn wanted the users to be humbled upon entrance.
the planned & unplanned
enclosure & intimacy
The meticulously planned arrangement and distinctive use of materials result in an easily legible building. The entry hall becomes a place which brings people together for both planned and unplanned. In most places, students are visually connected to the librarian and the users from upper levels.
Stacks of books and low ceiling level create a sense of enclosure, intimacy and calmness. The darkness in between the bookshelves is in great contrast to the light-flooded atrium space.
dramatic spatial transition
The study below illustrates my interest in various aspects of Khan’s Exeter Library which I wish to carry out for the project: in the varying volume, rapid change of conditions and rich palette of texture compressed within a small distance, and the visual connection across levels.
the offering to the city
For our first design study, we were looking at a void space in central of London. It was a fastpace exercise designing a series of experience/ spaces that could give back to the city, without the constraints of function of programme. To help us quickly grasp the pattern and character of the urban context, our unit did sketch walks and went to Milan to investigate a series of thresholds and external spaces in these areas and studied how certain public spaces and buildings relate to the surrounding cityscape in terms of quality, scale, materiality,
views and approach of these places. Through sketching, making sketch models and a 1:50 stage model, the aim was to explore the ideas of thresholds, tectonic and enclosure of a city void, which would become the bases for our final thesis. From the study of the precedent study to the sketch walks and explorations in Milan, I have realised there are certain aspects I am particular drawn to.
development sketch for the void project
threshold & sense of destination
GERRARD STREET Gerrard Street is a busy, energetic place in London, full of interesting oriental decorations and signage boards attached to the fabric of the Georgian buildings. Generous street width, intimate shopfronts, a lot of activities on ground floor but little relationship with the levels above. The site is also lack of permeability, visually and physically.
MIL AN In Milan, I enjoyed those linear, harmonious streets with deep thresholds at irregular interval that draw people attention into those semi-public space and courtyards, full of greenery and characters. The openings with more variation and dramatic in scale it feels more inviting and expressive. The projecting balconies with colourful planters add interest to streetscape.
Gerrard Street Representation of a typical street in Milan
heavy threholds & framing
I was particularly interested in the openings on the heavy stone walls. Not only these deep, dark thresholds created mysterious mood to the entrance, they often framed the space beyond which was full of surprises, greenery and character. The interplay between light & dark and the use of contrasting scale, materials & colours could be ways in creating interests on the streetscape.
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
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Courtyard near Via Molino delle Armi
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Santa Maria Presso San Celso
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Porta Garibaldi
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var ying volume of entrance
I am interested in the threshold conditions of the entrances and how they are presented to the streets. In Kingly Court, Canary, the varying volume of the negative spaces, scale, lighting and paving materials are responsive to the adjacent context. These interesting alleyways prepare visitors into this lively void space.
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Kingly Street entrance
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Canary Street entrance
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Beak Street alleyway
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transition & sense of exploration
The following study is to test out lighting, scales, materiality and entrance sequences, to create a sense of exploration and contrasting transition spaces which was inspired by those interesting archways and thresholds from Milan.
connection, layering & intimacy
I have been exploring the idea of create pockets of outdoor spaces at different levels, the courtyard becomes a space connecting all the voids and activities, either by physical connection, i.e. bridges and staircases, or visually connected. The location of these openings and scale could be determined by the purpose and views that I am trying to capture. Using the whole depth of the openings (inspired by Scottish Castle plan, shown on right) to reveal the space beyond and also to bring in sunlight from different direction throughout the day.
Plan of Scottish Castle by Louis Khan 1:100 development model showing the view through an opening. In this version the openings were yet too domestic in scale and could be bolder in height. view from a corner triple height space toward another 'room' and a glimpse to the city beyond.
the offering • rooms in the sky
surrounding public spaces & city grain of West End We have also had a closer look to the surrounding context and tried to map out and get an understanding of the characters of the existing public spaces and the nature of the city grain.
public spaces around West End area
I have put together a photographic/ sketch journal which summarise the findings from the sketch walks (see attachment).
Churches
Green Space
Public Realm
Semi Public Space
mind map from Covent Garden
st. paul's church • a figure building 'charging' two different conditions The massing and character of the void spaces were inspired by the churchyards in the area, especially St. Paul's Church in Covent Garden. The condition I wish to create is very similar to the setting of St. Paul's Church. The depth of the buildings is used as a shield to block the hustle and bustle from the street and to create tranquillity, peace and greenery in the churchyard. The church itself is a figure building which surrounded by a shell. It marks a focal point
in front of the covered market using symmetry and grand, deep porch, naturally becomes a great stage for street performers and outdoor events. Behind the entrance gate is an ‘in between’ void space that buffers the main courtyard from the market. The subtle level change and metal gates define the threshold between the busy street to the peaceful environment, gradually calm and prepare visitors before entering into the church.
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housing in westminster
AFFORDABILIT Y
SOCIAL AND WEALTH DISPARIT Y
Westminster is one of the most expensive places in the country to rent or purchase properties. With the ever-increasing land and property values, the council is struggling to deliver enough affordable houses to meet the growing demand. The high price of land in the area means register providers, such as Housing Associations, are unable to purchase land for building affordable houses. Therefore, Westminster Council and Housing Association have been heavily relied on private housing providers and set policies to ensure all new developments would have at least 30% provision for affordable housing.
For past 18 years, only an average of 198 (out of 420) affordable units were delivered per year, shockingly more than 50% below demand. If delivery of affordable housing continues to fail, the social and economic polarity would continue to widen, leading to a very imbalance community where only very rich and very poor people can live. It also implies that different types of affordable houses should be delivered to attract more diverse group of people to stay.
is to attract and support low to middle income working people to move to the area, leading to a more balanced housing market.
affordable housing provision graph source: Affordable Housing Developing Westminster’s Local Plan 2015 facts and figure of Westminster Borough source: Westminster Housing Strategy, June 2015
As part of the Westminster Housing Strategy, the council is looking to expand their Intermediate Housing Sector (currently only 1.5% of the overall Westminster ’s housing stock). The aim
NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING DELIVERY IN WESTMINSTER
AGE BREAKDOWN OF INTERMEDIATE HOUSEHOLDS
HOUSING STATUS OF INTERMEDIATE HOUSEHOLDS
The Co-Era
CO - HOUSING IN THE UK
THE RISING TREND OF SHARE LIVING This year our unit trip we went to Italy, a group of us went to the 2016 Biennale exhibition. In the British pavilion, the curators Jack Self, Shumi Bose and Finn Williams displayed a transparent communal wardrobe in the Hour Room, they posted a challenge to the current housing ownership model and advocated ‘sharing can be a luxury, not a compromise’, which inspired me to reassess how the occupants’ relationship to domestic items and rethink the meaning of home, hence formed the bases of my thesis.
I believe it is necessary to redefining current financial models, categories of ownership and form of life which would potentially allow us to live more densely in the urban environment in a more affordable way, yet, offers something more than a typical home to the residents.
Recently, co-housing is increasingly becoming more popular in the UK. It is believed that this Danish concept of cohousing offers social and economic benefits to the residents, providing independent living within a well-connected neighbourhood. The current co-housing model typically consist of a group of low rise houses with a common ground as a connection piece. However, this housing model seems relatively low density and difficult to be realised in an urban environment.
Hour Room, Biennale British Pavilion 2016 source: Dezeen the 'idealistic' co-housing arrangement, shown in the UK Co-housing Network source: cohousing.org.uk
comparing with housing minimum spacial standard The design approach for the units is to reevaluate the necessity of our domestic items / furniture and reduce the number of internal walls and corridors, hence scape the areas down to their bare minimum. The area difference between the units and the housing minimum space standard would then be contributed to the communal areas or artist studio for local designers. The following page demonstrates some spacesaving principles for all the units.
MINIMUM SPACE STANDARD
CUT DOWN TO MINIMUM AREA
AREA GAINED CONTRIBUTE COMMUNAL SPACE
9 sqm 1 bed 2 person 39 sqm
30 sqm
11 sqm OR ARTIST STUDIO
2 bed 3 person
61 sqm
50 sqm
TO
4.3m WM
FF
DW
BU
RB
kitchen furniture schedule from London Housing Design Guide
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T YPICAL 1 BED 2 PERSON UNIT: GLA: 30 sqm, ideal for young couples
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2.5m
1 underfloor heating to maximise wall space
FF
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6m 2
4.9m
eliminated entrance corridor
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open plan to reduce internal walls
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underfloor storage
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shower instead of bath tub
5 kitchenette instead of a full equipped kitchen
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RB
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BU
proposed kitchenette layout
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foldable dining table
washing machine, hoover and other household items are to be shared
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WM
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BU
proposed kitchenette layout
RB
T YPICAL 2 BED 3 PERSON UNIT:
1 underfloor heating to maximise wall space
2.9m
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BU
GIA: 50 sqm, ideal for small family
kitchen furniture schedule from London Housing Design Guide
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DW
RB
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full height build in storage
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family bathroom - no en-suite rooms
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open plan kitchen, dining and living to reduce internal walls
washing machine, hoover and other household items are to be shared
key to item: BU Base Unit DW Dishwasher FF Fridge Freezer RB Recycle & General Bins SU Storage Unit WM Washing Machine
spatial driver
BAL ANCE BET WEEN SHARING & PRIVACY
cluster development model and sketches
The design intention for the cluster arrangement is to opt for an optimum ratio between the number of unit to communal space, playing with the section to encourage cross-level interaction, yet maintain a degree of privacy for residents.
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a lightwell typology with communal area placed at the end of the block
2 scattered units with communal spaces in between
EXPRESSING ACTIVITIES TO THE STREET Communal areas can be introduced where residents can meet, invite friends and families around and share amenities. The volume of the space/ activities can be expressed to the courtyard and street. To incorporate green spaces to create visually stimulating and relaxing environment to live and work. Balance between inward looking (courtyard) and outward looking (city) views. GREENERY To incorporate green spaces to create visually stimulating and relaxing environment to live and work. Balance between inward looking (courtyard) and outward looking (city) views. DOUBLE ASPECTS UNITS Maximising double aspect units and communal spaces - provide two directional light, natural ventilation to avoid overheating.
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compacted cluster plan
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symmetrical
The principle for main cluster plan is opting for a compacted, efficient plan which provides a good balance between private and shared spaces. The main cluster type A is based on a 16m x 16m grid with a central core and a compacted corridor which feed off to the units and communal area. All units have dual aspects with private amenity off the bedrooms and living room. The grid system and symmetrical plan allow the orientation of the communal areas face both directions - into the courtyard and out to Charring Cross Road.
communal area/ amenity 1 bed 2 person unit 2 bed 3 person units central core communal area/ amenity
central core
units
various types of communal area
The diagram illustrates the different Âcommunal spaces available to the residents. Each of the blocks would have all the essential shared spaces, such as laundrette, communal kitchen and winter garden. Functions like allotment, roof terrace, cinema and gym space would be located in different area, shared across the whole complex. Some spaces can be rented out to the public for generate funding for updating facilities and maintenance of communal area.
conceptual diagram showing the different types of communal areas location of all the communal areas roof terrace/ communal allotment winter garden workspace kitchen living room playroom gym/ event space cinema/theatre
collective character
The floor to ceiling height varies depending on the function of the space, but generally they are 1.5-2 storey height, the generous floor height gives the flexibility for the residents to put in a mezzanine level for bookshelves or some shared work spaces. I imagine the purpose of these spaces will evolve over time to suit residents’ needs. The collective aspect and character will be reflected in the choice of furniture of different styles, artwork and planting.
lighting and spatial quality
The 1:20 model is trying to show the spacial quality of the split level communal area in the cluster. It was a quick exercise to experiment with materials and lighting quality of the space.
split level arrange creates interesting view from the corridor both of the communal areas
various tenure options
As a response to the Westminster Housing Plan and Housing SPG, the share living housing model opens up an opportunity for various affordable tenures, providing a mix of owner occupied. The majority tenure would for intermediate homes, including shared ownership and starter homes, and social rented homes to attract young professionals and families. Housing for elderly and vulnerable people should be integrated as well.
UNIT NUMBER SUMMARY site area: 0.5 hectare 191 units, 322 habitable room in total 30 x
1 bed 1 person unit
57 x
1 bed 2 person unit
104x
2 bed 3 person units
10 x
3 bed 4 person
communal area
T YPICAL FLOOR PL AN @ 1:200 1 communal roof terrace/ allotment
EXISTING ESTATE
117 units
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
243 tenants
208 units/ hectare
191 units
451 tenants
382 units/ hectare
T YPE A 11 storeys 33 units
T YPE C 5 storeys 35 units
T YPE A 11 storeys 33 units
T YPE A 8 storeys 24 units
T YPE A 8 storeys 24 units
T YPE B 6 storeys 42 units
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typical cluster plan - type A 114 units Type A accommodates 7 people on each floor. Suitable for students, young couples and family who are working and studying in the area.
minimum standard:
proposed:
1 Bed 2 Persons:
50 sqm
30 sqm
2 Bed 3 Persons:
61 sqm x 2 = 122 sqm
54 sqm x 2 = 108 sqm
Total Area Difference:
172 - 138 = 34 sqm
Communal Area:
32 sqm
Total Area Difference:
34 - 32 = 2 sqm
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5m
permeability & mixed function on ground floor plane With all the precedent study, mapping exercise and the void project, they have influenced upon how the ground floor plane should be articulated, in terms of functions, location and scale of the entrances, how public or private the courtyard should be and the atmosphere that I am trying to create. For the proposal, the ground floor plane remains open and public. It mainly consists of public functions, such as retails, restaurant and cafe, art gallery and theatre entrance lobby, with cores connecting private functions above.
NOLLI PL AN @1:1000 private or non accessible areas are shown as solid; public functions such as shops, restaurants/cafĂŠs, theatres, churches and cinemas area shown as void. GROUND FLOOR PL AN @ 1:200 1 retail (can be subdivided into smaller units, with shared amenity) 2
resi entrance with bike parking
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restaurant cafe
4 cafe 5
workspace entrance lobby/ theatre waiting area
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gallery/ exhibition
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sunken courtyard
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new Chinatown Square
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changing nature of workspace
THREATS In terms of workspace, West End is one of the important Central Working Districts in London, it accommodates a large proportion of Westminster ’s office stock. However, commercial and industrial sectors in London are under threat, from 2010 there is an unprecedented drop in the amount of office floorspace. With the Permit Development Right policy allowing offices to change to residential use and the rising land price have put immense pressure on businesses and industries, pushing them further away from central area. Intensification also means less work space per person. CURRENT WORKING TREND The nature of work spaces and behaviour of workers are very different than it used to be. With the improving digital connectivity, the definition of a workspace has became more blurred. The proposal offers different types for workspaces within the development to provide a more tailored environment for different industries and users.
FIRST FLOOR PL AN @ 1:200
OPPORTUNITIES Small businesses and entrepreneurs are in favour with co-working spaces, such as WeWork, because of the flexibility nature, i.e. shorter contracts and compatibility for increasing/ decreasing workforce and availability of communal facilities, such as hot desks, breakout areas and meeting rooms. Informal layout and loose spatial structure for workspaces are popular for creative and tech businesses as it could potentially foster creative thinking and boost up efficiency.
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communal area/ gym/ lettable event space
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communal terrace
3 workspace 4
artist studio
It is an opportunity to introduce light industries and art back to the city centre, such as artist studios and workshops. Performance and recording studios are available for the local theatre industry. These kinds of activities would start forming interaction with the wider community, support local cultural vitality and reconnection to historical craftsmanship.
ARTIST STUDIO/ WORKSHOPS
CAFE SET TING/ PUBIC SPACE
Rum Factory Studies, Wapping
Ace Hotel, Hackney
CO - WORKING WORKSPACE
WeWork, 199 Bishopsgate, London
typical cluster plan - type B 36 units Type B accommodates 17 people on each floor with two communal areas on south-west side. Suitable for young couples, small family and elderly. Some larger unit can be converted to suit for people with disability.
minimum standard:
proposed:
1 Bed 1 Persons:
39 sqm x 5 = 195 sqm
25 sqm x 5 = 125 sqm
1 Bed 2 Persons:
50 sqm x 2 = 100 sqm
30 sqm x 2 = 60 sqm
2 Bed 3 Persons:
61 sqm
61 sqm
3 Bed 4 Persons:
74 sqm
72 sqm
Total Area Difference:
430 - 318 = 112 sqm
Communal Area:
46 sqm
Total Area Difference:
112 - 46 = 106 sqm
0
0.5
2.5
5m
typical cluster plan - type C 35 units Type C provides affordable rentable work and live units for local artists and performers. The areas compensated from their units would be substituted by their own work spaces, instead of a communal area. All the residents would still have access to the communal terrace on the west block and other communal facilities within the complex.
minimum standard:
proposed:
1 Bed 1 Persons:
39 sqm x 4 = 195 sqm
25 sqm x 4 = 100 sqm
1 Bed 2 Persons:
50 sqm
30 sqm
2 Bed 3 Persons:
61 sqm
61 sqm
3 Bed 4 Persons:
74 sqm
72 sqm
Total Area Difference:
341 - 208 = 133 sqm
0
0.5
2.5
5m
the three elements
In term of the articulation of the facade, the idea is to express and celebrate communal aspect of the project. For the cluster plan, there are three distinct elements on the external fabric, i.e. recessed balconies, double height communal area and bedroom windows, which naturally forms a set of parameter and orders. A symmetrical plan also means that within one block the orientation of the communal spaces can face both the street and courtyard.
development of the facade For the initial attempts, they look too disordered, flat and monumental. The deep recessed balconies create unpleasant, dark spaces for the living area. Also, the bedrooms are too pronounced to the street - loss of privacy and exposed to noise.
pronounced corners
The recessed corner on the edge revealing the doubled up communal spaces presenting itself to Cambridge Circuit and to Covent Garden.
The double height gym and event space are placed on the south-east corner revealing the whole depth of the building and the space beyond, similarly to the offering project.
solid & void propor tion & composition CHARING CROSS ROAD For the east elevation facing the main road, it presents to the street with a more solid aesthetic, with regular interval of recess to break down the mass of the building and amplifying the verticality to help with the proportion. COURT YARD For the courtyard side, the balconies of the bedroom become a simple frame structure which ties in with the communal area. More solid
and grounded on the bottom and becomes gets lighter and more permeable towards the top. LEVEL CHANGE The level change of the site will be picked up by the podium level where it would be shorter on the north side and gradually taller towards the south side, becoming a datum for the development.
fine tuning the composition of the facade
D I F F E R E N T FUNCTIONS residential units/ retail
2 ELEMENTS solid / frame
L ANTERNS protrusion makes presence to the street and city
elevation from Charing Cross Road elevation from Newport Place
materiality
A simple material palette is preferred in order to create a stronger contrast between solid and frame elements. Concrete panels are chosen to convey the sense of solidarity and robustness, creating a sense of enclosure and provide privacy in residents’ homes; whereas a lightweight metal frame structure is used to express the double height volumes and activities in the communal areas and balconies.
Edificio Diagonal 197 by David Chipperfield 1:50 bay elevation of the street facing facade 1:50 bay elevation of the courtyard facing facade
1:10 2 bed unit typical wall detail 1
internal floor consists of: 15mm engineered oak flooring 75mm in situ concrete screed with underfloor heating pipes lining for underfloor heating 100mm impact sound insulation with thermal insulation 150mm pre-cast concrete slab suspended ceiling for services
2
external wall consists of: 75mm pre-cast concrete panel waterproof layer with ventilation gap 200mm rigid insulation damp proof membrane 600 x 300 mm pre-cast concrete beam 12.5mm plaster board with skim
3
triple glazed window anodized aluminium balustrade fixed to the side walls
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2
3
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1m
1:10 communal area window frame detail 1
cantilevered floor consists of: 15 mm engineered oak flooring 75 mm in-situ concrete screed with underfloor heating pipes lining for underfloor heating 100 mm impact sound insulation with thermal insulation 150 mm pre-cast reinforced concrete slab waterproof layer with ventilation gap anodized aluminium cladding fixed to slab
2
anodized aluminium sheet covering hollow steel member with 25° slope anodized aluminium underside with triple glazing window
2
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0
0.1
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1m
1:10 communal area roof detail 1
roof consists of: metal standing seam with waterproofing layer 25mm plywood with a fall toward drainage channel, towards courtyard direction 100 mm rigid insulation damp proof membrane 12.5 mm plywood structural metal deck metal purlin suspended ceiling for services
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0
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1m
retail
retail
plant room
retail amenity
service route
theatre/ cinema
workspace
workspace
cafe
performance studio
audio studio
0
1
5
10m
formal & expressive frontage to charing cross road
intimate cour t
street
of
newpor t
new chinatown square
anticipation & transition