ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES AND PRACTICE Edinburgh University, 2009-2015 Sonia Brims
CONTENTS MOOD, MOBILITY & PLACE ........ 5 - 24 BALTIC EDGE ..... 27 - 44 ATMOSPHERES ..... 47 - 60 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE MANSON ASSOCIATES ..... 63 - 78 ADDITIONAL INTERESTS ...... 81 - 86
SONIABRIMS University of Edinburgh | Part II Architectural Assistant t: +44(0)7568509180 e: soniabrims@gmail.com
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MOOD, MOBILITY & PLACE Re-Imagining the Post-Industrial Landscape of Hackney Wick Mood, Mobility and Place was a design component of a EPSRC funded project carried out by OPENspace at the University of Edinburgh. Central to this project was the relationship between people and place, with a specific focus on older people and how the built environment can positively or negatively affect mobility patterns. During the initial stages of the project the issue of mobility for older people was investigated. It brought to light a division between the physical and metal concerns associated with travel for older people and it became apparent that while the physical needs of older people are generally being attended to within the realm of urban design; less tangible aspects of mobility such as feeling secure, feeling confident and feeling a sense of connection to place, are not being as successfully addressed. Subsequently, older residents of the Hackney-Wick area assisted in our research by attending workshops discussing the needs and preferences of older people with regards to urban design. With respect to this, a design brief was developed based on the motif of ‘The House; The Pub; and The Factory’ where these elements were seen to represent living, socialising and working respectively. Aspects of each of these building typologies have been incorporated on a single site with the ambition of creating a space of activity and drama within the context of Hackney Wick, available for all members of the community to use but with particular care given to design for older people. This has been approached through careful programming and careful detailing. Left: Development Drawing Exploring Frame
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Green Space The project stands on the premiss that a positive mood will encourage the maintenance of positive mobility habits and that this cycle is self supporting. It is understood, both intuitively and through an increasing body of research, that access to green space and opportunity for social interaction are crucial for well-being. As an underlying ambition, the project aims to provide access to green space, irrespective of mobility level or weather conditions. According to one participant, Hackney Wick residents are “spoilt for choice� in terms of green space. Victoria Park - adjacent to Hackney Wick - was the first park built for the purpose of improving the health of industrial workers in London. The demand for access to green space denotes an attitude of strength, asserting a right, irrespective of income. This project aims to emulate this attitude of strength, not endowing but asserting the rights of older people to public space. Left: Study of Green Spaces in London Above: Green Space Around Hackney Wick, Traditional Commons Indicated by Darker Shade
Above: Hackney Wick Right: Landmarks Study
CONTEXT In the wake of industrial decline, sited on the edge of the Olympic park, an artistic community is developing, with potential for new small-scale industries. Landmarking was identified at an early stage as being crucial for navigation and peace of mind. While disorientation does not effect all older people, one participant explained that she felt relief upon finding bus stops are she could use these for directions.
THE HOUSE | THE PUB | THE FACTORY Despite the hardships of living in a traditional industrial area, one participant referred to a diminishing feeling of security living in this area today, in its Post-Industrial State. Therefore, in spite of the potentially negative connotations of ‘The House; The Pub; and the Factory’, this project argued that this model of living may have insights to offer to a contemporary development, with a view to reducing feeling of anonymity and isolation. Key Lessons from the traditional industrial landscape model include: House Opportunity for engagement and retreat; Opportunity to meet neighbours; Easy walking distances. Pub A centre for the community; Opportunity for intergenerational friendship; local information. Factory Sympathy to the human scale; Opportunity for intergenerational and skill sharing; Opportunity to earn an income. Above: Historic Photograph of Hackney Wick Showing Site Right: Hackney Wick, Post-Industry and Post-Olympics 10
Key House Pub Factory 11
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Design Brief In order to render the proposal ‘Age - Friendly’ careful consideration has been given to programming and form - dealing predominantly with non-physical concerns and careful detailing to address any potential physical barriers. Opportunities for engage and retreat have been considered throughout. A Site was selected adjacent to the Hertford Union Canal, across the water from traditional common land, linked to the site by an existing, accessible, pedestrian bridge. For the purposes of this project a number of low-quality industrial buildings have been removed, while the higher-quality industrial buildings have been maintained, with the ambition of integrating the proposal into the existing urban grain. Buildings that were maintained would be used predominantly for studio space and light industry, with the exception of a boat house which would maintain its current function and the Creche and Skill Sharing Centre. A community greenhouse would allow access to semi-outdoor space, irrespective of weather, with the bridge-link making available more ambitious outdoor pursuits possible. The greenhouse would be installed with raised borders available for use by residents in the community and these borders would stretch across the canal acting as visual cue for the development. Further visual cues would include the height of the apartment building, allowing the project to be recognised from a distance and the tilted faces of the terrace houses, so that ones home may be more easily identified upon approach.
Programme Diagram: 1. Existing Industrial Buildings 2. Existing Boat House 3. Shop/Gallery 4. Caretaker’s Building 5. Workers’ Common Room 6. Creche 7. Skill Sharing Centre 8. Reception for Green House 9. Green House 10. Gardening Shop 11. Weekend Market 12. Coffee Bar 13. WCs 14. Cafe 15. Bar 16. Back-Stage Space 17. Community Hall 18. Community Meeting Room 19. One Bedroom Apartments 20. Two Bedroom Homes
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1: 12500 Initial Concept Model
Left: 1: 200 Sectional Model Below and Far Left: 1: 500 Site Model
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Sectional View 17
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1: 500 Plan
1:500 Street Elevation 20
Measured Perspective Concealed Cladding Detail 22
Resting Point
Structural Core
Pocket Doors
Desk / Office Space
Window Seat East-Facing Bedroom for Morning Sunlight South / West - Facing Balcony for Afternoon / Evening Light
Apartments Earlier research carried out by the Mobility Mood and Place project, suggests that not all older people would choose to live on the ground floor and that some would prefer the light and airiness of living at height. In addition it offer a landmark for the project and potentially an increased feeling of security. The stairway structure sits partially outside of the building core, offering views to the canal and Olympic Park and would include a resting area in the hallway, inviting residents to take the stairs, for as many or as few flights as desired. The balcony would offer everyone some access to private outdoor space. Sliding doors within the apartment would allow spaces to be opened out or closed up as desired and a window seat from the bedroom would provide the ultimate refuge from the activity below. Above: Bedroom Window Seat Left: Apartment Layout and structural Plan
Bench Detail and Glulam Detail
SONIABRIMS University of Edinburgh | Part II Architectural Assistant t: +44(0)7568509180 e: soniabrims@gmail.com
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BALTIC EDGE Developing the Edge: The Wall Exploring the wall - as and architectural element - this project aimed to articulate a sequence of spaces along an edge between the land and the sea, forming a Glass Research Academy. Travelling across the landscape and crossing the boundary between land and sea are to be facilitated by this intervention. From east to west across the site: The north most section of an existing dry-dock was maintained, supported by its connection to the proposed ‘wall’ element, which connects it back to land. The proposal then lifts to form a lighter bridging structure which crosses the solitary north-south connecting road between main landmasses. Subsequently, there is an intermediate phase of sliding walls before buildings become embedded within the landscape. From this point towards the Baltic Sea, the intervention begins to dissolve, ending with a shelter detached from the connecting wall.
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Wall Study from Canal Level
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Harbour Wall - Wick, Caithness
Above: Studies of Traditional Harbour Wall Construction Right: Location Plan Highlighting Art Education Facilities 32
Above: Large-scale group development model Right: Development sketches and sketch models
Above: First-hand Experience Working with Molten Glass Right: Maquets Considering Air and Light Far Right: Model Considering Access by Sea
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Above: Study of Materials and Layers Left: Location Visual 41
Above: 1:500 Model - Approach Right: 1::500 Model - Central Workshops
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Far Above: 1:500 Shelter on the Edge of the Baltic Above: 1:500 Model in Profile 44
SONIABRIMS University of Edinburgh | Part II Architectural Assistant t: +44(0)7568509180 e: soniabrims@gmail.com
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ATMOSPHERES Fashion and Informatics School The brief for this project required the design of an art school focused on fashion design, combined with computer technology. A gap site on the edge of the Clyde in central Glasgow was specified by the design brief. Throughout this project, there was a heavy emphasis on modelling as a method of design development - from initial ideas to final proposal. Having visited the site and with respect to visual imagery and the nature of woven fabric, the buildings cladding became a element of the design. Exploration of the exterior aesthetic in relation to interior light and atmosphere guided the project development. Proposed Layout Plans
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Site Viewed Across Clyde
Proposal shown on Group Model
Visual Imagery from Online Source Left: Site Plan
Visual Inspiration
Proposed East Elevation
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Materials: Punctures and Light Gain 52
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Testing Ambition for Cladding and Developing Interior Spaces
Initial Maquets shown on Group Model 56
1:500 Model Left: Exterior and Structure Right: Ground Floor Plan 58
1:20 Model 60
SONIABRIMS University of Edinburgh | Part II Architectural Assistant t: +44(0)7568509180 e: soniabrims@gmail.com
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MANSON ASSOCIATES The following pages give an indication of the architectural projects that I have contributed to - during my Part I professional experience - and outline what my contribution to them was. Having worked in a relatively small scale practice I was often able to have a high degree of design input. Based in Glasgow, this architectural practice specialises in residential developments and bespoke alterations to existing buildings. The top project from each overview page is subsequently shown in greater detail.
Sketch of Manson Associates Office
FUEL STATION DEVELOPMENT - Initial site survey. -Drawing 3D model from satellite information. -Liaising with clients. -Developing the design proposal. -Submitting the proposal for planning permission.
SITE EXPERIENCE - Initial site survey. -Drawing 3D model from measured survey. -Discussing the project with the client. -Contacting the tile supplier. -Co-ordinating the timing of various trades.
COMMERCIAL INTERIOR - Initial site survey. -Drawing 3D model from measured survey. -Discussing the project with the client. -Obtaining a number of quotes for custom shaped switchable glass.
RESIDENTIAL ALTERATION - Mostly an observational role - Meeting with the client, engineer and contractors on site.
Outline Showing House Across Street
Elevation for Planning Permission 66
Proposed Solar Panels Glass Enclosure for Staircase
Proposed Timber Cladding
Outline Showing House Across Street Existing Canopy
Proposed Eternit RainScreen
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Render of Proposal
RESIDENTIAL EXTENSION - Initial site survey. -Drawing 3D model from satellite information. -Liaising with the client. -Developing the design proposal. -Submitting the proposal for planning permission.
RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR -Drawing 3D model from measured information. -Liaising with the clients. -Developing the design proposal.
HOUSING ASSOCIATION -Initial site survey. -Drawing 3D model from measured information. -Developing the design proposal for the contractor-client. -Attending weekly site meetings with the contractor and the Housing Association - buyer. -Making site visits for issues arising during construction.
PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT -Drawing 3D model from measured information. -Assisting in a survey of defects before practical completion.
Elevation of Proposed Extension 73
PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT - Initial meeting with council client and geographer. -Drawing 3D model from satellite information. -Developing the design proposal for the contractor-client. -Attending meetings with the planning department.
ECO-DESIGN - Initial site survey. -Drawing 3D model from measured information. -Developing the design proposal. -Holding a meeting with the client. -Investigating renewable energy sources and bio-mass boilers.
PLANNING REPORT -Producing a document to explain this proposal in relation to local and national planning requirements.
PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT -Initial site survey. -Drawing 3D model from satellite information. -Developing the design proposal for the contractor-client. -Meeting with the planning department. -Meeting with the engineer. -Assessing production information.
Above: Plans for Planning Permission Right: Render of Proposal and Sectional View 76
Above: Skectch Design for Development Floor Plans and Areas 78
SONIABRIMS University of Edinburgh | Part II Architectural Assistant t: +44(0)7568509180 e: soniabrims@gmail.com
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ADDITIONAL INTERESTS In addition to the design aspects of projects that I have encountered academically and in practice I also find topics relating to the procurement and contract aspects of architecture highly engaging and scored particularly highly in this area of our ‘Architectural Practice, Management and Law’ module during my final year at university. The significance of materials in relation to building has always been of fascinated me, illustrated by my choice of topic for my undergraduate dissertation - which focused on timber construction, - and my ambition to explore with different materials first hand first hand wherever possible, including timber, metal, glass and pottery in recent years. I also take great pleasure in drawing and painting, with consideration for particular architectural elements and the human form.
Document Produced for ‘Architecture Management Practice and Law’ Module
Materials As a counter point to my academic interest in materials, I have spent the majority of my university vacations working in a building wholesalers, where I have developed a knowledge of a wide range of building products. 82
Water Colour and Pen
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Figure Drawing
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SONIABRIMS University of Edinburgh | Part II Architectural Assistant t: +44(0)7568509180 e: soniabrims@gmail.com