Proposal for focused investigation & Informed Research, Proposals, Feedback, Initial ideas and Progression
From the initial body of research gathered so far which focus's on raising awareness, takes consideration too and attempt to solve a range of political, social, environmental and technological issues through the creation of design, installations, sculpture and a range of visual mediums I have a good initial body of overall research on how issues can be addressed through creative disciplines.
What I need to focus on now is a aiming my research around a more contextual issue, not focusing on how the issue is presented through artwork but focusing on a specific issue itself for me to then begin further investigation on in an attempt to address the issue through a focus on medium and message.
Over arching initial idea & Plan
After some interesting investigations into work seen at visits I feel theres a lot of potential and milage in creating an outcome that takes consideration to ideas that revolve around location and housing and the social issues within these areas that can be explored with consideration to underlying environmental and ethical factors.
To gather a range of information under this subject investigation into different locations & cultures will be made.
The plan is to watch and read the following sources to begin thinking of an informed investigation.
Informed research
The war to live in London: Regeneration Game - Vice documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82tgwk1IWIE
The issue been raised within this documentary is of the gentrification of London, a focus on urban renewal wish is basically re-appropriating and using social housing as a way of building or renovating new developments for profit with no consideration to people having no were to live and pricing new houses out of the grasp of new buyers.
As Londons population grows, social housing decreases and property prices go up 20% which to me reflect the fashionable and attractive architectural structures going up around these social areas.
Theres a growing need for housing as population increases, but its all priced out of the range of the working class which is quit contradictory considering council housing was made for the working class and post war heros as an affordable solution.
What I see was a positive plan for Urban renewal which has turned on its head and is now focused on profit and the attraction of international investment and the occupation of the wealthy.
The amount of council housing dropped by a third over 20 years while population grew by 1million.
The Focus E15 campaign occupies abandoned Strafford homes and was used as a social centre and was a good way of distributing and emulating the issue suggesting theres no end to the scale of a visual outcome when it comes to emulating a message.
MIPIN is an event where property developers network and strike deals for new development, this would be a good starting point to propose campaigns for more sustainable and accessible housing to solve the housing crisis at current.
Ignorant views on how council estates ruin the upmarket view of London's are made here, its obvious why they say this due to most council estates in London been surrounded by tourist attractions and good travel links so they want to capitalize on this. They see council estates as ruining the image of London and this is there reasoning for this urban renewal which in-fact is more of a social cleansing. I see it as they are trying to dilute the working class out of London and bring in the wealthy and international investors for there own profit.
This discussion here really solidifies the E15 protesters views suggesting that "Land is worth more than you", really proving my point made about social cleansing.
Boris Johnson's quote within this documentary "London is property capital of the world" contradicts his peers views and how they try to defend the obvious focus of regeneration. It certainly is about profit and high end buildings, retail, property and business opportunity to increase the image of London.
I see London's obvious success as a perfect reason for this excuse of gentrification and social cleanse. Its a place of financial opportunity if you have the money and is really trying to encourage international investment with over 2/3 of property been owned by foreigner developers.
To even get on the property ladder as first time buyer in London a minimum of £100'000 income is needed which is out of the range of most of the working class. An affordable solution needs to be made.
Stephen Platts who is responsible for the eviction of the Heygate Estate which was home to 1200 families is now been demolished part of a 3billion pound investment and regeneration of the Elephant & Castle area. Eradicating social housing and replacing it with less housing with higher price tags.
Most of these residents from these evictions are forced out of London due to un affordable housing, this isn't just a problem in London though so my issue I put forward in my work shouldn't be location specific it should aim to solve housing issues nationally.
Darren Johnson a councilor on the side of the working class is investigating these demolishing and evictions and supports the idea that this gentrification is a social cleanse pushing out the working class. Protests and activists are currently standing there ground over the demolishing of these estates making it harder for them to efficiently evict and go about working on these sites.
The war to live in London: Regeneration Game - Vice documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82tgwk1IWIE
The issue been raised within this documentary is of the gentrification of London, a focus on urban renewal wish is basically re-appropriating and using social housing as a way of building or renovating new developments for profit with no consideration to people having no were to live and pricing new houses out of the grasp of new buyers.
As Londons population grows, social housing decreases and property prices go up 20% which to me reflect the fashionable and attractive architectural structures going up around these social areas.
Theres a growing need for housing as population increases, but its all priced out of the range of the working class which is quit contradictory considering council housing was made for the working class and post war heros as an affordable solution.
What I see was a positive plan for Urban renewal which has turned on its head and is now focused on profit and the attraction of international investment and the occupation of the wealthy.
The amount of council housing dropped by a third over 20 years while population grew by 1million.
These locations are all abandoned, there is potential for over 134 families to be housed within this estate in the Elephant & Castle area yet most have been evicted with no more than 20 people living in the whole block since eviction began in 2006.
The Focus E15 campaign occupies abandoned Strafford homes and was used as a social centre and was a good way of distributing and emulating the issue suggesting theres no end to the scale of a visual outcome when it comes to emulating a message.
While East London has a 1600 person waiting list for housing proposal for billion pound developments with international property developers are proposed with most of these spaces eradicating and demolishing council estates.
Whats so contradictory about this is politicians claim theres a housing crisis so why build less propertys with more consideration to luxury and style way of out most peoples price range? These issues need to be raised in my outcome and possible solutions presented. Create affordable and ergonomic and effecient housing solutions to solve this housing crisis.
Theres no economic balance, only consideration to the wealthy while councils take advantage of rising land prices and sell off council estates for private developments showing no consideration to the people they are meant to care for.
High rises make good use of space as was proving in the urban renewal proposal's for postwar hero's and the working class, but now these high-rise structures are been re-appropriated for luxury accommodation, offices, restaurants and retail defeating the object for affordable and accessible housing. This brings me onto consideration of ergonomic and efficient use of space for solving housing problems.
MIPIN is an event where property developers network and strike deals for new development, this would be a good starting point to propose campaigns for more sustainable and accessible housing to solve the housing crisis at current.
Ignorant views on how council estates ruin the upmarket view of London's are made here, its obvious why they say this due to most council estates in London been surrounded by tourist attractions and good travel links so they want to capitalize on this. They see council estates as ruining the image of London and this is there reasoning for this urban renewal which in-fact is more of a social cleansing. I see it as they are trying to dilute the working class out of London and bring in the wealthy and international investors for there own profit.
This discussion here really solidifies the E15 protesters views suggesting that "Land is worth more than you", really proving my point made about social cleansing.
Boris Johnson's quote within this documentary "London is property capital of the world" contradicts his peers views and how they try to defend the obvious focus of regeneration. It certainly is about profit and high end buildings, retail, property and business opportunity to increase the image of London.
I see London's obvious success as a perfect reason for this excuse of gentrification and social cleanse. Its a place of financial opportunity if you have the money and is really trying to encourage international investment with over 2/3 of property been owned by foreigner developers.
To even get on the property ladder as first time buyer in London a minimum of £100'000 income is needed which is out of the range of most of the working class. An affordable solution needs to be made.
Stephen Platts who is responsible for the eviction of the Heygate Estate which was home to 1200 families is now been demolished part of a 3billion pound investment and regeneration of the Elephant & Castle area. Eradicating social housing and replacing it with less housing with higher price tags.
Most of these residents from these evictions are forced out of London due to un affordable housing, this isn't just a problem in London though so my issue I put forward in my work shouldn't be location specific it should aim to solve housing issues nationally.
Darren Johnson a councilor on the side of the working class is investigating these demolishing and evictions and supports the idea that this gentrification is a social cleanse pushing out the working class. Protests and activists are currently standing there ground over the demolishing of these estates making it harder for them to efficiently evict and go about working on these sites.
What its like to get kicked out of your neighborhood
This short clip proves its an international problem, Kai the man in this video was renting a property for $800 a month when he was evicted for it to be sold for $1.3million.
He shares views that there is a specific segregation of social wealth suggesting n obvious social hierarchy in some areas making the working class/original community feel like they dont belong.
His whole neighborhood turned from a mixed culture location where a number of class's lived within a community to a place full of luxury apartments, office blocks and retail space.
Although not relevant to housing this segregation was outlined when the new wealthy community moved in and argued there right that the playing fields where a privilege for them and not the original population who used to play on a concrete floor not a fancy high tech astro turf specifically made for the business men moving into this area.
Further reading into Disobedient objects book to pick out elements relating to the distribution and resolution when it comes to visualizing an issue.
While not relevant to location the section of the Disobedient object book shows how creative techniques can be used as a medium to strengthen messages and aid distribution of issues and problems.
The cover itself and construction uses the interaction of simple everyday objects with the contextualization and support of heavy amounts of text, this interaction between simple image and detailed text should be a consideration to emulating a problem.
Maps and infographics to clearly communicate the issues in certain locations.
Street signs are a relevant distribution method and could be placed in relevant location contexts.
While not relevant to location the section of the Disobedient object book shows how creative techniques can be used as a medium to strengthen messages and aid distribution of issues and problems.
The cover itself and construction uses the interaction of simple everyday objects with the contextualization and support of heavy amounts of text, this interaction between simple image and detailed text should be a consideration to emulating a problem.
Maps and infographics to clearly communicate the issues in certain locations.
Street signs are a relevant distribution method and could be placed in relevant location contexts.
Re read the article on Brutalism in Winter's Printed pages by Amy Lewin
Mixed views based on aesthetics some consider brutalist buildings to be beautiful some ugly, the latter clearly references the thoughts of property developers who wish to re-modernize these type of buildings into more modern architecture.
Th term Brutalism denotes harshness and is reflected through its French translation coming from "béton brut" which means raw concrete. A classic example of how the use of a single material can communicate a whole era, and movement which encompasses so much more than a single message.
The structures created in the 50s and 60s were designed for post war society for accessible housing within a location that was centered around a social community. This idea of socializing and community is lost in the gentrification an urban renewal of these spaces, it more focus on asthetics and an image rather than the functionality these "streets in the sky" had. This functionality, accessibility, affordability and sense of community needs to be tackled or addressed within my focused response.
"A symbol of the nations faith in the future" a quote from Jawaharlal Nehru the Indian prime minister. Quite contradictory to the views of foreign investors now who share the same views of the politicians and property developers outlined in the vice documentary that its more of a hinderance to the nations image. They see it as something that is holding them back, this is there reasoning for re-appropriating abandoned structured and demolishing land for more modern commercialized developments with no focus on solving a housing crisis whatsoever.
Some views that I took from this reading where that the idea of the Brutalist buildings for social housing had failed, reflected in films like A Clockwork Orange which shows violence, crime, drug use and slum like living within these estates. Harry brown is also a classic example of the violence within these areas with a segregation of age with older generation (post war) sticking to there routes with younger generations using these areas as a location for crime, violence and drugs.
My view is strengthened here within an interview with Peter Smithson a key figure in the involvement of these social estates in the 90s "In other places you see doors painted and plant pots outside houses - the minor arts of occupation - which keeps the place alive. In Robin Hood you don't see this because if someone were to put anything out people will break it"
A section in this article supports both the points made in the Vice documentary and the points made by Kai in the What its like to be kicked out of your neighborhood video outlining how 94% of high rise flats and terraces in some areas are now private owned and sell more more than £1million. Completely opposite to what there original intentions where for cheap affordable housing.
Some feel that in 50 years these structures will be seen as iconic architectures, helping people recognize the benefits and taking influence from brutalist architecture and aesthetics to create a sustainable, functional and accessible housing solution that will be appreciated by all target markets would be an interesting idea.
Further points to expand on from this reading
Look into the Brutalist movement
http://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/10/dezeen-guide-to-brutalist-architecture-owen-hopkins/
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/history-the-arts/history/heritage/brutalism
From the readings and viewings of the printed pages article and vice documentary I saw a clear link between brutalist architecture and its functionality for creating a large amount of accessible housing solutions within a given space. So this analysis on brutalist architecture is more to take influence from the functionality, creation and history behind the movement rather than its specific housing purpose.
The use of material and structure was seen as "anti asthetic', a lot of iconic architecture was seen to show "truth to materials" suggesting that from the buildings harsh, angular appearance an obvious functionality and durability. This really suits the purpose of the buildings for been long lasting housing solutions for post war heros and families as a long term solution for them and future generations. This durability alongside my points on functionality and accessibility need to be explore in my response.
Seen as regeneration of modern architecture and, streets where created within the levels off the apartment blocks to create a feel of streets and cities in the sky, this idea of stacking is interesting and functional way of making use of space. These streets in the sky maintained "social interactions one might have on the street"
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Research into Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and his work on the Palace of Assembly a planned city and community for India.
http://www-bcf.usc.edu/~kcoleman/Precedents/ALL%20PDFs/Corbusier_Chandigarh.pdf
This indepth plan of how Le Corbusier approached the concept and production of the Palace of Assembly covers the reasoning behind every design stage and production stage and the purpose for each of these stages something that I feel is important to reflect in my resolution, every stage needs to be informed for a specific purpose and the process, thoughts and techniques used need to justify this purpose.
Theres descriptions on how architecture is used as making a statement that embodies a sense or power, permanence and seriousness to reflect one of the purposes of the building for government use.
A sense of community between different segregation's has been made within this city encompassing political, industrial, commercial and educational people. Each of these sections needed to compliment each other creating a sense of equal, something that I noted was important through my research suggesting theres a lot of segregation going on at the moment, pushing lower class people out.
Heritage is important, considering the location a building is placed. Le Corbusier takes into account India's spiritual and artistic traditions through looking into Indian culture and the myths and meaning behind it all to learn how to reflect it into a modern outcome. Taking into account culture and heritage is important to create a considered resolution that considers the target audience.
An expansion of consideration to location and thoughts on positioning was obvious here, I took forward an important factor where Le Corbusier attempted to create a dialogue with the structure and the skyline. Making it feel like it belongs in its surroundings creating a an iconic structure viewed by the public.
Further expansion on use of informed material is outlined here, concrete was used as it was economically efficient and also took influence from Indian spiritual heritage and culture as it has an "ancient quality"
Look into Habitat 67 in Quebec a Brutalist building made up of 150 residential cubes = functionality and style.
http://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/11/brutalist-buildings-habitat-67-montreal-moshe-safdie/
Located in Montreal and seen as the "future of cities" in 1967 by architect Moshe Safdie and was an exploration and experimentation of modular housing, an interesting aspect for versatile and functional housing that needs further investigation (Shipping containers as a classic example). It involved the combination of urban garden residences and high rise apartments the inclusion of garden added a certain rural luxury to urban environments, another location specific aspect I could look into to enhance the appeal of housing solutions.
It included 158 homes and was made up of a variety of geometric arrangements through these arrangements each property had its own unique identity and feel too it unlike the brutalist architecture seen as a solution to social housing in London this has a certain sense of individuality too it. He sees his work s a reaction against brutalism, I think informing an idea that takes influence from a variety of sources while rebelling against some factors will make for a stronger more informed response.
15 different houses were developed ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms aimed at accommodating a range of people.
He really pushed the idea of "Habitat" through this unique arrangement of dwellings, it had the quality of living in a village house with roof top gardens with the functionality of apartment housing making positive use of space.
"Habitat constitutes an urban vision of building economically but humanely, expressing individuality but committed to solving enduring communal needs"
"Habitat constitutes an urban vision of building economically but humanely, expressing individuality, but committed to solving enduring communal needs,"
The residents that originally occupied these homes still live there now proving its success as a long term solution to a housing crisis and making good use of space.
http://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/10/dezeen-guide-to-brutalist-architecture-owen-hopkins/
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/history-the-arts/history/heritage/brutalism
From the readings and viewings of the printed pages article and vice documentary I saw a clear link between brutalist architecture and its functionality for creating a large amount of accessible housing solutions within a given space. So this analysis on brutalist architecture is more to take influence from the functionality, creation and history behind the movement rather than its specific housing purpose.
The use of material and structure was seen as "anti asthetic', a lot of iconic architecture was seen to show "truth to materials" suggesting that from the buildings harsh, angular appearance an obvious functionality and durability. This really suits the purpose of the buildings for been long lasting housing solutions for post war heros and families as a long term solution for them and future generations. This durability alongside my points on functionality and accessibility need to be explore in my response.
Seen as regeneration of modern architecture and, streets where created within the levels off the apartment blocks to create a feel of streets and cities in the sky, this idea of stacking is interesting and functional way of making use of space. These streets in the sky maintained "social interactions one might have on the street"
A famous architect I already noted from the reading in printed pages Le Corbusier takes inspiration from ocean liners and motor cars which lead other architects to take influence from aspects of everyday life. This is an interesting consideration that really can strengthen concepts looking at more alternative sources of inspiration to influence a final outcome, in this instance looking at cars and aspects of everyday life really helped emulate an urban aesthetic within some of the architecture which took good reference too its surroundings and the issues it was resolving.
Brutalism wasn't just used in housing, it started to influence a New Brutalist movement which began to look at other functional uses for it seen here in the Preston Bus station build in 1968.
Starting to use curves, steel and glass in conjunction with raw concrete expanded on the movement suggesting that I can take multiple influences from different aspects to strengthen an overall resolution.
A description of a location covered in the printed pages article of a location that was seen to have failed within its intentions for creating a friendly community but what I want to take from this is the way the structure and format of the estate was created to enhance the feeling of community and provoke social interaction. The layout and construction within these spaces and how it effects the relationship between social interaction and communities is something worth investigating.
"In the late 1960s, the Smithsons finally got their chance to put their social housing ideas into practice with Robin Hood Gardens in London's Poplar, close to Ernő Goldfinger's Brutalist residential building Balfron Tower (1965–67). Their scheme comprised two, relatively low-rise blocks arranged around a garden area, which was landscaped with raised mounds, so that greenery was visible from the windows of even higher floors. The two blocks contained both flats and maisonettes, the idea being to encourage a greater social mix than possible with just one type of dwelling. With cars banished, residences were accessed via 'streets-in-the-sky', intended as ever to facilitate the interactions and social ties between neighbours through which a community might emerge.
Robin Hood Gardens in many ways constituted the ultimate realisation of the progressive social ideals that informed much of Brutalist thinking, but by the time it was completed in 1972, the Brutalist moment had passed and it was an almost immediate failure. The rough idealism of the 1950s no longer reflected the consumerist realities of the 1970s. The poverty the estate was meant to alleviate was instead compounded by a high crime rate and frequent vandalism of communal areas, which were rarely properly maintained. Rather than presenting an idealistic view of the future, Robin Hood Gardens came to represent all that was wrong with the intertwining of architecture and housing policy, and the top-down way those policies were usually implemented."
Research into Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and his work on the Palace of Assembly a planned city and community for India.
http://www-bcf.usc.edu/~kcoleman/Precedents/ALL%20PDFs/Corbusier_Chandigarh.pdf
This indepth plan of how Le Corbusier approached the concept and production of the Palace of Assembly covers the reasoning behind every design stage and production stage and the purpose for each of these stages something that I feel is important to reflect in my resolution, every stage needs to be informed for a specific purpose and the process, thoughts and techniques used need to justify this purpose.
Theres descriptions on how architecture is used as making a statement that embodies a sense or power, permanence and seriousness to reflect one of the purposes of the building for government use.
A sense of community between different segregation's has been made within this city encompassing political, industrial, commercial and educational people. Each of these sections needed to compliment each other creating a sense of equal, something that I noted was important through my research suggesting theres a lot of segregation going on at the moment, pushing lower class people out.
Heritage is important, considering the location a building is placed. Le Corbusier takes into account India's spiritual and artistic traditions through looking into Indian culture and the myths and meaning behind it all to learn how to reflect it into a modern outcome. Taking into account culture and heritage is important to create a considered resolution that considers the target audience.
An expansion of consideration to location and thoughts on positioning was obvious here, I took forward an important factor where Le Corbusier attempted to create a dialogue with the structure and the skyline. Making it feel like it belongs in its surroundings creating a an iconic structure viewed by the public.
Further expansion on use of informed material is outlined here, concrete was used as it was economically efficient and also took influence from Indian spiritual heritage and culture as it has an "ancient quality"
Look into Habitat 67 in Quebec a Brutalist building made up of 150 residential cubes = functionality and style.
http://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/11/brutalist-buildings-habitat-67-montreal-moshe-safdie/
Located in Montreal and seen as the "future of cities" in 1967 by architect Moshe Safdie and was an exploration and experimentation of modular housing, an interesting aspect for versatile and functional housing that needs further investigation (Shipping containers as a classic example). It involved the combination of urban garden residences and high rise apartments the inclusion of garden added a certain rural luxury to urban environments, another location specific aspect I could look into to enhance the appeal of housing solutions.
It included 158 homes and was made up of a variety of geometric arrangements through these arrangements each property had its own unique identity and feel too it unlike the brutalist architecture seen as a solution to social housing in London this has a certain sense of individuality too it. He sees his work s a reaction against brutalism, I think informing an idea that takes influence from a variety of sources while rebelling against some factors will make for a stronger more informed response.
15 different houses were developed ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms aimed at accommodating a range of people.
He really pushed the idea of "Habitat" through this unique arrangement of dwellings, it had the quality of living in a village house with roof top gardens with the functionality of apartment housing making positive use of space.
"Habitat constitutes an urban vision of building economically but humanely, expressing individuality but committed to solving enduring communal needs"
"Habitat constitutes an urban vision of building economically but humanely, expressing individuality, but committed to solving enduring communal needs,"
The residents that originally occupied these homes still live there now proving its success as a long term solution to a housing crisis and making good use of space.
Although not an example of emulating an informed issue with medium and message its important to consider how the aesthetics of something have connotations that support the issue im raising, these technical drawings certainly represent construction, architecture and versatility & functionality.
Look into the Urban Splash project in Sheffields Park Hill.
http://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/10/brutalist-buildings-park-hill-jack-lynn-ivor-smith/
http://www.dezeen.com/2013/07/22/park-hill-phase-1-by-hawkinsbrown-and-studio-egret-west/
http://www.urbansplash.co.uk/about-us/our-story
http://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/10/brutalist-buildings-park-hill-jack-lynn-ivor-smith/
http://www.dezeen.com/2013/07/22/park-hill-phase-1-by-hawkinsbrown-and-studio-egret-west/
http://www.urbansplash.co.uk/about-us/our-story
Urban Splash is a company responsible for the regeneration of abandoned and run down buildings that once made British cities iconic, putting the appeal back into urban living. One project I will outline is there regeneration of the Park Hill estate in Sheffield. The "Streets of the sky"
Its initial intentions where to solve a community slum issue in the 1960s, to eradicate poverty liviing and crime but by the 1980s it gained reputation as one of Britain's worst "sink estates for high levels of crime, poverty and anti-social behavior.
Its intention was to replace low quality terrace back to backs creating 1000 new homes the multiple levels maintain a level roof setting giving off an open air space to add more of a sense of openness and a spacious feel. Something important when making use of small space, make it feel bigger and make good use of the space.
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Its initial intentions where to solve a community slum issue in the 1960s, to eradicate poverty liviing and crime but by the 1980s it gained reputation as one of Britain's worst "sink estates for high levels of crime, poverty and anti-social behavior.
Its intention was to replace low quality terrace back to backs creating 1000 new homes the multiple levels maintain a level roof setting giving off an open air space to add more of a sense of openness and a spacious feel. Something important when making use of small space, make it feel bigger and make good use of the space.
There were 3 metre walkways created to reflect the ideas of streets in the sky, this reflects on the whole focus of brutalist architecture and urges the interaction of communities and interaction of neighbors like on regular streets. An aspect of safety was intended within these "streets" no access for cars meant kids could safely play within this space close to there homes, aspects of safety is an important consideration.
To show consideration to heritage and history these "streets" where names after the streets that they were build over, there was pubs, schools, shops, restaurants and pharmacies built within the whole structure to create an even stronger sense of community and emulate functionality within these local amenities and there interaction with the dwellings.
Urban Splash proposed the regeneration of this iconic structure to its original intentions of affordable and social housing solutions with office spaces, shops, restaurants and bars proving that regeneration doesn't have to be a social cleanse as presented in the previous ides in the Vice documentary. Urging a merge and mix of different social class's to create a sense of community within a sustainable housing solution.
The original bright colored panels where restored and the grid like aesthetic kept to keep a sense of heritage, a further sense of functionality by reducing the width of the walkways/streets allowed the apartments to be extended in size.
A sense of ownership and individualism has been created through unique and subtle applications to interior design, consideration to interiors to create versatile, adjustable and functional outcomes with opportunities to express individuality is an important consideration.
"Landscape architecture studio Grant Associates also worked on the project, designing gardens, courtyards and a large public square" suggests a consideration to creating a good sense of community and a rural feel too urban environments, as mentioned obtaining a feeling of open space and rurality is important for urban environments, vice versa for rural locations.
News
With focused research into a number of news articles that reflect these issues of housing and have potential to interact with the above focused sources. News articles can provide more focused information on certain issues, covering a range of points in a condensed body of information although a little manipulated through journalist techniques it still gives me a good idea of certain issues that need addressing.
Germany split over policy on migrants
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-eu-31766619
Known as container cities these housing solutions make good use of small space to accommodate a large number of people in need of homes. Basic and functional homes for refugee's in Germany. Aimed at reducing poverty outside of the eurozone these affordable housing solutions are cheap to construct and offer safe communities for homeless families.
Institutional Prosthesis Castellon, 2005
This was built as a reflection on the uses and availability of the art centre which reflects the surrounding community's interests. It shows a reflection of public space, social & citizen participation and alternatives to urban solutions within this space. Very contemporary aesthetic that has a creative feel.
Trenches, Malaga Fine Arts Faculty, Malaga, 2006
Designed for accommodating art class's, the aesthetic reflects the schools approach to teaching wich is perceived to be contemporary and a accumulation of multiple disciplines. This shows consideration to heritage and resonates well with its intended use. Students were encouraged to join in with the construction creating a sense of involvement and pride while teaching them self management and learning along the way.
Germany split over policy on migrants
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-eu-31766619
Known as container cities these housing solutions make good use of small space to accommodate a large number of people in need of homes. Basic and functional homes for refugee's in Germany. Aimed at reducing poverty outside of the eurozone these affordable housing solutions are cheap to construct and offer safe communities for homeless families.
Recipes for urban subversion
This article has really got me thinking about the re-use of space in ergonomic ways that meet social needs for the housing crisis. The article outlines an architects focus on occupying disused land for social needs, this article provides influence with possible solutions that I can take forward to influence ideas on how to make use of space for solving the housing crisis.
"Santiago Cirugeda is every city bureaucrat’s nightmare. The activist architect knows Spain’s city planning laws so well, he finds multiple wily ways around them to occupy disused land or to build structures where he is not supposed to. But that’s not all; with each intervention, the subversive architect releases his “how-to”: a step-by-step recipe for replicating his project.
Cirugeda, whose Recetas Urbanas practice is based in Seville, Spain, will speak about his self-build philosophy at Design Indaba Conference 2015. His work signals a fervently do-it-yourself engagement with city-making at a time when Europe’s financial austerity is confronting architects with dwindling commissions and jobs.
As such, he is a leading voice in the movement towards a new kind of self-built architecture. Talking about his concept of “urban reserves” – public spaces created for leisure and recreation in the city – he says: “What we can certainly say, is that this personal and intimate action takes place outside everything politicians and professionals may plan. It follows ways that are labelled by difference, by independence, and it makes obvious that the citizen plays a very important role in the development and construction of the environment he lives in"
Kuva SC, Seville, 1999
I see this attempt of using a skip to reference disused space very clever, while resembling a skip the concept here is for the skip to be used for a number of things, it can serve as a plaything as seen here making a subversive statement for the need of playgrounds for local children.
This was built as a reflection on the uses and availability of the art centre which reflects the surrounding community's interests. It shows a reflection of public space, social & citizen participation and alternatives to urban solutions within this space. Very contemporary aesthetic that has a creative feel.
Trenches, Malaga Fine Arts Faculty, Malaga, 2006
Designed for accommodating art class's, the aesthetic reflects the schools approach to teaching wich is perceived to be contemporary and a accumulation of multiple disciplines. This shows consideration to heritage and resonates well with its intended use. Students were encouraged to join in with the construction creating a sense of involvement and pride while teaching them self management and learning along the way.
Arachnid at La Carpa, Seville, 2010
La Carpa/The big top was a self built independent arts space for the use of a theatre group. It occupied a piece of unused land but still required Santia Cirugenda to occupy the land for a year before authorities give the go ahead for construction. This doesn't make much sense as the land wasn't used, an argument that can be made for many disused locations.
It was made from shipping containers a skate ramp and girders, a quite industrial feel that emulated ideas of rebellion through his 1 year occupation when claiming the land.
Solution to housing crisis - Buy Land and Build
This is a good expansion on the Recipes for Urban Subversion but more suited to a problem I am leaning towards addressing relating to housing.
A proposal for "A scheme to help young people build there own homes by selling them cheap plots of land" is currently been backed by N.Wales council and needs to be backed nationwide.
Theres an obvious crisis for housing as all my research suggests, both social and first time buyers and a supporting statement in this article backs up my numerous points of the wealthy capitalizing on property "First time buyers have no hope whatsoever of buying there own homes because wealthy people from outside the county are driving up property prices"
Theres a proposition in the N.Wales area that for around £5000 leaving them free to borrow money as they need to build a house to there needs, to strengthen this idea of buying land and building I will look into ergonomic, economic, efficient and accessible build methods.
A history of social housing & The shortage of affordable homes
These articles solidify's and places all my research into context based on social housing and affordable housing and its rise and fall over the years. Proving there is an issue and there is a housing crisis and the abolishment of these "cities in the sky" is part of the reason for this lack of affordable housing.
Proposing a solution that meets social housing needs as well as assessable solutions for first time buyers would provide a strong resolution for both these housing issues.
Specific problem that can be addressed
Proposal
My research suggests that there is an obvious housing crisis at current, ranging from the regeneration of London and national social housing leaving limited social housing solutions to the difficulty for first time buyers to get on the property ladder.
To address this problem I plan on creating a campaign aimed at local councils, property developers and first time buyers with suggestions and guides on sustainable, cost effective, accessible and environmentally friendly housing solutions & methods.
Plan for further investigation and ideas on deliverables
Proposal
My research suggests that there is an obvious housing crisis at current, ranging from the regeneration of London and national social housing leaving limited social housing solutions to the difficulty for first time buyers to get on the property ladder.
To address this problem I plan on creating a campaign aimed at local councils, property developers and first time buyers with suggestions and guides on sustainable, cost effective, accessible and environmentally friendly housing solutions & methods.
Plan for further investigation and ideas on deliverables
Prefab homes
http://design-milk.com/10-modern-prefabs-wed-love-call-home/
Prefab homes are a cost effective solution to first time buyers, more suited to smaller developments but the proposal of prefab modules could be incorporated into social housing solutions. They have an element of customizability too them allowing the structures to be suited around the end users living needs.
The structures are made of multiple modules that interlink together giving options of small or larges structures, the open plan structures of them give a larger sense of space. This illusion of creating an impression of space needs to be considered, combine this with the effective use and layout of space will result in spaces that feel larger and make better use of given space.
There can be a strong influence of past movements seen in examples of architecture, its interesting to see the individuality in these aesthetics I see a reflection of brutalist architecture here. Taking influence from brutalist architecture and emulated in modern outcomes for the same social housing intention would re-appropriate past housing solutions with consideration to cost effective, adaptable, accessible and sustainable outcomes.
Modular and Pre-fab homes offer a variation of size and orientation options, made up of 10 modules these houses are a lot larger in space and have a much more high end aesthetic for a fraction of the cost you would expect for this level of style and quality. Suggesting that large scale developments could be proposed for social solutions.
Container homes
http://design-milk.com/12-homes-made-from-shipping-containers/
Like modular houses and pre-fabs container homes offer an element of customizability, but with the introduction to lower costs and considerations to the environment through the reuse and refurbishment of old shipping containers.
They have an industrial character which could be seen as quite contemporary yet interacts well with typical everyday furniture.
They meet more than just housing solutions though, used here in making an art studio and the option to paint the exterior adds more options for customizability taking considerations of the surroundings, a nice contrast of industrial and natural is made here.
This contrast is taken even further in this example in China, the refurbished shipping containers where used as framework with the incorporation of sustainability through the use of recycled bamboo cladding, solar panels, and a sloped roof for collecting and recycled rainwater.
Due to there industrial feel incorporation of other material works well, scrap corrugated steel is used as a roofing solution but doubles up as a rain water collection system aided by the channels within the corrugation.
Further consideration to surroundings is made in this example that merges together rural and urban aesthetics, the green and brown color exterior blends into the surroundings while the garden on the roof enhances the rural feel within this industrial structure.
These use's of material is shown here through the use of recycled bamboo cladding, recycled bottles on the decking and has a planted turf roof too. A very sustainable outcome using a lot of alternative build materials to show multiple options for proposing housing solutions.
Recycled house
http://design-milk.com/new-house-seattle-made-retired-materials/
Consideration to the use of recycled material has been covered in my research within the analysis of James Christian at The Design Museum here.
This house uses local sourced material, natural materials, recycled materials, repurposed material and eco friendly materials. Considering the use of material in my proposition will add a sustainable and environmental consideration t my housing proposals.
Concrete was repurposed from the demolished foundations of the old structure and re-used throughout the walkways and paths of the house.
The house used salvaged wood and corrugated metals from a demolished barn, the exterior was coated in Enviro-Dri a weather resistant alternative to typical insulation which isn't very environmentally friendly.
Wood was used from the demolished barns with solar panels, triple glazed windows and concrete flooring creating efficient use of energy.
http://design-milk.com/experimental-transforming-house-pkmn-architectures/
A very clever idea for functional use of small space that adapts to changing needs and routines of its owner, focus on creating interior propositions should be made as well as exterior/architecture elements.
Self Build home
http://www.self-build.co.uk/wee-house-64k-self-build-home
The benefits of self build homes are the personality they can take on, been heavily influenced by the needs of the owner. The construction can revolve around there needs creating a very functional home, proposing these kind of customizable options suited to the end user would be good for my proposal and modular and prefab homes could offer these as effective options.
Jennifer Hope wanted to buy her first home but couldn't find an affordable solution to meet her budget, through creating her home on a budget of £64'000 she realized the potential of creating small and functional homes for first time buyers so started a business up. Theres a lot of potential within these housing solutions for solving problems for first time buyers to get on the housing ladder.
Recycled timber and steel where used to keep construction sustainable.
http://design-milk.com/10-modern-prefabs-wed-love-call-home/
Prefab homes are a cost effective solution to first time buyers, more suited to smaller developments but the proposal of prefab modules could be incorporated into social housing solutions. They have an element of customizability too them allowing the structures to be suited around the end users living needs.
The structures are made of multiple modules that interlink together giving options of small or larges structures, the open plan structures of them give a larger sense of space. This illusion of creating an impression of space needs to be considered, combine this with the effective use and layout of space will result in spaces that feel larger and make better use of given space.
There can be a strong influence of past movements seen in examples of architecture, its interesting to see the individuality in these aesthetics I see a reflection of brutalist architecture here. Taking influence from brutalist architecture and emulated in modern outcomes for the same social housing intention would re-appropriate past housing solutions with consideration to cost effective, adaptable, accessible and sustainable outcomes.
Modular and Pre-fab homes offer a variation of size and orientation options, made up of 10 modules these houses are a lot larger in space and have a much more high end aesthetic for a fraction of the cost you would expect for this level of style and quality. Suggesting that large scale developments could be proposed for social solutions.
Container homes
http://design-milk.com/12-homes-made-from-shipping-containers/
Like modular houses and pre-fabs container homes offer an element of customizability, but with the introduction to lower costs and considerations to the environment through the reuse and refurbishment of old shipping containers.
They have an industrial character which could be seen as quite contemporary yet interacts well with typical everyday furniture.
They meet more than just housing solutions though, used here in making an art studio and the option to paint the exterior adds more options for customizability taking considerations of the surroundings, a nice contrast of industrial and natural is made here.
This contrast is taken even further in this example in China, the refurbished shipping containers where used as framework with the incorporation of sustainability through the use of recycled bamboo cladding, solar panels, and a sloped roof for collecting and recycled rainwater.
Due to there industrial feel incorporation of other material works well, scrap corrugated steel is used as a roofing solution but doubles up as a rain water collection system aided by the channels within the corrugation.
Further consideration to surroundings is made in this example that merges together rural and urban aesthetics, the green and brown color exterior blends into the surroundings while the garden on the roof enhances the rural feel within this industrial structure.
These use's of material is shown here through the use of recycled bamboo cladding, recycled bottles on the decking and has a planted turf roof too. A very sustainable outcome using a lot of alternative build materials to show multiple options for proposing housing solutions.
Recycled house
http://design-milk.com/new-house-seattle-made-retired-materials/
Consideration to the use of recycled material has been covered in my research within the analysis of James Christian at The Design Museum here.
This house uses local sourced material, natural materials, recycled materials, repurposed material and eco friendly materials. Considering the use of material in my proposition will add a sustainable and environmental consideration t my housing proposals.
Concrete was repurposed from the demolished foundations of the old structure and re-used throughout the walkways and paths of the house.
Wood was used from the demolished barns with solar panels, triple glazed windows and concrete flooring creating efficient use of energy.
Effective use of small space
I mentioned in my previous research the effective and ergonomic use of small space. This Swedish apartment is an affordable housing solution for students in Lund Sweden, just under 12 sq meters and rent at $370 a month it comes with all living necessitates. Learning from this use of small space for both exteriors and interiors will influence my solutions I propose.
A very clever idea for functional use of small space that adapts to changing needs and routines of its owner, focus on creating interior propositions should be made as well as exterior/architecture elements.
Self Build home
http://www.self-build.co.uk/wee-house-64k-self-build-home
The benefits of self build homes are the personality they can take on, been heavily influenced by the needs of the owner. The construction can revolve around there needs creating a very functional home, proposing these kind of customizable options suited to the end user would be good for my proposal and modular and prefab homes could offer these as effective options.
Jennifer Hope wanted to buy her first home but couldn't find an affordable solution to meet her budget, through creating her home on a budget of £64'000 she realized the potential of creating small and functional homes for first time buyers so started a business up. Theres a lot of potential within these housing solutions for solving problems for first time buyers to get on the housing ladder.
Recycled timber and steel where used to keep construction sustainable.
Self Build
A solution proposed by the welsh government was the idea to offer first time buyers cheap land to self build housing on, this £81,800 build project shows how a house that can meet there individual needs. With a current value of £500'000 its clear it was a wise financial decision.
The focus of the house was sustainability, an important lesson learnt from the analysis of brutalist architecture which is now frowned upon but was once fashionable. Using a single storey format kept the process efficient allowing the self learning builder Joshua to build the house himself. The materials are all natural or locally sourced.
Wool and straw is used as insulation.
Cladding came from a tree that was taken down to make way for the foundations and was prepared and milled on site saving on costs and environmental impact.
The building rests on 50 pad foundations each filled with low grade concrete with each pad costing around £2 each, original posts would cost 10 times that.
A breathable roof was made using water resistant bitumen boards and rubber linings with recycled building bubble wrap.
Heating comes from log fuel keeping the energy source locally while heating the house and hot water.
A concrete effect was made by sanding and painting wood floor.
Solution to poverty and slums
Urban think tank have proposed a solution that can potential solve slum like conditions in South Africa, the proposal will solve 2700 settlement problems. This solution could solve 15% of the populations housing crisis, learning from this effective housing solution but taking more consideration to aesthetics and durability an efficient and accessible solution to social and first time buyer solution could be made.
The structures offer sanitation, power, running water to help solve living conditions solving social, political, healthy and economic issues.
Feedback
Feedback from the proposal crit was positive suggesting I made good investigation into:Housing shortages
Functional use of space
An interesting topic with huge potential for a visual outcome
Original topic
Feedback suggesting further development
Further research and find something I want to communicate specific in my outcome
Begin developing a visual concept I have enough research already and a good plan
Make a Tent
Create an occupy event where people camp outside departments responsible for housing shortage
Make furniture and brand it
Plan of action & Initial ideas to expand on
Begin generating ideas on addressing this proposed issue I want to address
Begin thinking about instructions and directions on self builds, pre fab options and kits (Diagrams, IKEA style)
Begin linking contextual research with current visual research and expand on visual research with a link to housing, building, architecture 2D & 3D (Design Museum)
Think of a proposal that can be targeted towards buyers, renters and social housing corporations, multiple options that share the same considerations to efficient use of space and affordable & sustainable build.
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