Architecture as Urban Catalyst

Cramped?

2012-05-15T09:29:00.001-07:00

Do you have a standard box room-you know, that 3rd or 4th bedroom/ study-does it bother you? Because apparently it should. The RIBA Case for Space is fighting your corner as UK homes are some of the smallest homes in Europe (Stephen Fry said so, so it must be true: QI Season 8, Episode 9). The problem is that there is a likelihood that we have already dug ourselves a hole as surely more space will then cost more? Whether we deserve it or not seems irrelevant in times of struggle. Take the Nest Test to see if you are Home wise http://www.architecture.com/homewise/NestTest.aspx

picture source: https://www.facebook.com/BeHomewise?sk=wall

Walter Gropius Skiing In Tie, Shirt & Trousers = Priceless

2012-03-15T08:36:00.006-07:00

This gem was discovered in 'Modern Movements in Architecture' - Charles Jencks.

Timeless Kahn_Benjamin's Wednesday Treat

2012-03-12T17:49:00.002-07:00

Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India designed by Louis Kahn

Thankyou http://www.flickr.com/photos/nichitecture/

The Fun Palace

2012-03-08T11:56:00.001-08:00

rep·re·sen·ta·tion

1. The act of representing or the state of being represented.

2. Something that represents, as:

a. An image or likeness of something.

b. An account or statement, as of facts, allegations, or arguments.

c. An expostulation; a protest.

d. A presentation or production, as of a play.

3. The state or condition of serving as an official delegate, agent, or spokesperson.

4. The right or privilege of being represented by delegates having a voice in a legislative body.

5. A body of legislators that serve on behalf of a constituency.

6. Law A statement of fact made by one party in order to induce another party to enter into a contract.

7. Mathematics A homomorphism from an algebraic system to a similar system of matrices.

Gestalt_Benjamin's Wednesday Treat

2012-03-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

"Gestalt” is the German word for pattern. Although often translated into English as "form," Gestalt refers above all to the idea of “wholeness.” Thus, Gestalt is any structure, configuration, or pattern of physical, biological, or psychological phenomena so integrated as to constitute a unit, with properties which are not derivable from the sum of its parts.

Kurt Schwitters, Das Undbild | "The And-Picture," collage 1919. Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris

Rise of the Terrace

2012-02-28T04:06:00.006-08:00

You may recall myself and Rob giving a presentation on the 'Immeuble 'Nid d'abeille' in Casablanca by Candilis and Woods. Below you will find three projects in different regions, climates and cultural backgrounds that show surprisingly strong similarities: High density housing projects with limited outdoor terrace space. At risk of being slightly critical of each of these projects I wonder about the quality of space beneath each of the terraces. Something to be mindful of when re-creating the 'terrace'.

Immeuble 'Nid d'abeille' - Casablanca, 1952 - Candilis, Woods architectes - Source : IFA

Wohnbau Paul Clairmont-Strasse - Zürich, 2006 - Architektur Patrick Gmür & Jakob Steib - photo by Toni_V (Flickr)

High Density on the High Ground, Eight Inc., 2006 - Source: Eight Inc.

'Your Britain. Fight for it now'

2012-02-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

This poster, produced during the Second World War, contrasts bomb-damaged terrace houses with gleaming new modernist flats. It suggests the bright future and new life possible once victory has been won.

'Your Britain. Fight for it now'
Abram Games
1942
Colour litograph
Published by the Army Bureau of Current Affairs
V&A: E.1886-2004

Pruitt-Igoe

2012-02-24T18:38:00.001-08:00

Following on from Sara's post below I remember seeing this trailer for the "Pruitt-Igoe Myth". On Rotten tomatoes it's currently at 93%. I t looks like a brilliant documentary.

The Pruitt-Igoe Myth tells the story of the transformation of the American city in the decades after World War II, through the lens of the infamous Pruitt-Igoe housing development and the St. Louis residents who called it home. It began as a housing marvel. Built in 1956, Pruitt-Igoe was heralded as the model public housing project of the future, "the poor man's penthouse." Two decades later, it ended in rubble - its razing an iconic event that the architectural theorist Charles Jencks famously called the death of modernism. The footage and images of its implosion have helped to perpetuate a myth of failure, a failure that has been used to critique Modernist architecture, attack public assistance programs, and stigmatize public housing residents. The Pruitt-Igoe Myth seeks to set the historical record straight. To examine the interests involved in Pruitt-Igoe's creation. To re-evaluate the rumors and the stigma. To implode the myth.

Trailer below.

Along 4 minute introduction to the film and the project, it refers to the architecture and how maybe it wasn't just the 'architecture' to blame.

Hulme Crescents

2012-02-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

In relation to today's lecture and giving it a Manchester context, yesterday I came across the Hulme Crescents. They were a 1970s "streets in the sky" solution following the demolition of the slum housing in this part of Manchester. It's where I live and in fact one of the four massive crescents was situated on the land where my flat is now. This is an interesting documentary about the development. The scale of the buildings is incredible. As highlight by others, it's interesting to see how housing projects such as Park Hill in Sheffield have survived where others were demolished years ago and even, like Robin Hood Gardens in London, are today in the process of being replaced.

Video from YouTube

Integrated Transport Links? Benjamin's Wednesday Treat

2012-02-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

Berlin Mietskaserne

L-40, Berlin

2012-02-08T03:46:00.000-08:00

"One of the primary concepts of the project was to attempt to open up the courtyard rather than use it as a second grade source of light that is one of the main problems of the Berlin tenement blocks. All of these are qualities that are not very common in architecture in this city".

Above extract taken from writings on architecture, urbanism & art blog, defiantly worth a read.

http://waua.wordpress.com/2010/04/09/l-40-berlin/ , plans available from: http://www.l-40.de/de/index.php

100 Social Housing Units in Caen / OLGGA Architects

2012-02-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

Along with ArtefactoryLab, OLGGA Architects put together this creative video presentation for a social housing competition in Caen, France. The mixed-use building includes 100 affordable housing units, ground floor retail units and community spaces. The residential units gradually stack up to six stories, maximizing the potential of the site while remaining sensitive to the surrounding context. Stepped terraces provide private outdoor spaces for each dwelling unit while simultaneously allowing for optimal daylighting and natural ventilation. This style of stepped modular construction is a very hot topic of architectural discourse at the moment. This distinctive style appearing in projects by MVRDV as well as BIG Architects. Apologies for the lack f plans, hopefully I've wet all your appetites and you'll do some googling. www.google.com :-)

100 logements sociaux par OLGGA from ArtefactoryLab on Vimeo.

AXONOMETRIC SECTION ACROSS A TYPICAL WILHELMINE TENEMENT IN BERLIN

2012-02-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

HEIKO RÖSSGER

SYSTEMATIC AXONOMETRIC SECTION ACROSS A TYPICAL WILHELMINE TENEMENT IN BERLIN/ AXONOMETRISCHER SCHNITT DURCH EINE TYPISCHE WILHELMINISCHE MIETSKASERNE IN BERLIN, 1984

Sido - MEIN BLOCK

2012-02-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

A different Berlin housing typology translation below wenn mann kein Deutsch sprechen kann

"Mein schöner weißer Plattenbau wird langsam grau..."

"My lovely white prefab is turning slowly grey"

The Nordic Pavillion_Benjamin's Wednesday Treat

2012-02-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

The Nordic pavillion at the Venice Biennale finished in 1962, designed by Sverre Fehn.

In 1958 a competition is held for the design of the Nordic Countries Pavilion for the Venice Biennale (to host Sweden, Norway and Finland). Three architects are invited: the swedish Klas Anshelm, the norwegian Sverre Fehn and the finnish Reima Pietila. In 1959 Sverre Fehn is declared winner and by 1962 the Pavilion is completed. The pavilion is a single rectangular hall of 400 sqm, open completely on two sides. The roof is made of two overlapping layers of concrete beams. The distance between the beams is 52,1 cm and this changes only when the roof meets the trees. The pavilion is an example of the disappearing transition between interior and exterior.

Photos courtesy of Marios Moros_(FLICKR_Marios Moros)

source: Marios Moros

More photographic work from Marios Moros here: FLICKR_Marios Moros

Fassi Arts & Crafts Apprenticeship_Robert Rostron

2012-01-31T12:21:00.001-08:00

The medina is a relic to the past. A distant memory of how things once were. Camera happy tourists swarm the streets. Artisans with weathered leather hands show off their work. The craftsman is a dying profession: But they are still the heart + soul of life in the medina. No crafts = no medina. The crafts + arts trade needs resurrecting. Where are the young Fassi generation in the medina? They have no purpose to live there. It doesn’t suit the modern Fassi lifestyle. Those in the new town without university degrees struggle to find jobs. There’s the market. There’s the infrastructure. A new typology needs creating in the medina: a school for young apprentices to learn the crafts. This new typology needs to see the balance between heritage + modernity: to adopt an ancient profession whilst still living a 21^st century lifestyle. This new typology will act as a catalyst for each district. The artisans and crafts trade will prosper. Young people shall return + breathe life back into the medina. Restore and regenerate: the evolving medina.

The Tourist Trap, Fez Medina 2011 _ Sam Westbrook

2012-01-30T12:49:00.000-08:00

The Labyrinth

The labyrinths a retail zone were tourist can come to buy locally produced goods, crafts and art work. They will be guided through the ground floor plan of the traditional courtyard houses that make up the existing cluster of buildings, re-configured the new transitional route will move the user from one Courtyard to the other passing by boutique shops and market stools, were they will be given the opportunity to purchase goods, whilst admiring the traditional courtyards and interiors.

Movement through the Labyrinth follows a specific path, starting at one point and culminating at another. The internal layout of shops and stalls is organized around the nature of the products sold, clustering those similar together.

Medina Point

Medina Points a tower that grows out of one of the larger courtyards, the tower provides a vertical element of movement that culminates at the end of the Labyrinths route, tourist are then be presented with spectacular views across the median, a number of platform levels are available offering various spectacular views.

Technologies: Climate Change College Propositions (CCCP) _ by Sam Westbrook, Emily king & Hannah Dyas

Artisans' Quarter_Joanna Hiew

2012-01-29T13:21:00.000-08:00

Place Lalla Yeddouna is a public square located in the centre of the Medina. Rather than a social meeting place, this square has lost its purpose and is currently a wide passageway leading to the Medina. This project aims to revitalize Place Lalla Yeddouna through reconfiguring the public square, rebuilding the artisans’ quarter and reconnecting the public users to the Fes River.

The Artisans’ Quarter is a new artisan hub consisting of 3 main components namely, the: working and living spaces for the artisans, an exhibition and learning centre for visitors as well as a café for both local residents and tourists. Inspired by courtyard forms and narrow alleyways within the Medina, this proposal is conceived as a single building comprising of these elements. The building is accessed via 2 small openings which lead to the respective courtyards of either the artisans’ workshops or the exhibition centre. These courtyards allow the flow of natural daylight and ventilation into the building and are linked by a walkway which is exposed to the sky.

By removing the derelict building on the North of the site, an open green space with a seating area can be created, giving focus to the mulberry tree and Lalla Yeddouna Fountain. Further landscaping is created through crawling plants on roof terraces which also provide ample shading.

It is hoped that the Artisans’ Quarter will act as an urban catalyst and contribute to the improvement of the relationship between the local community and foreign visitors who are keen to learn more about the local culture and unique brass craftsmanship that Fes has been so well known for.

Medina Community Complex_Mariam Shaari

2012-01-26T05:39:00.000-08:00

The new complex will support activities for youth and adults, expected to be an exemplary cultural site, economic stimulator and generator for the development of other projects in Fez, its region and Morocco. Aimed to refurbish and rebuild existing historic structures whilst providing a mixed use of urban spaces for the community as well as visitors to the Medina.

The concept of Restore and Rejuvenate is to restore the old existing building and rejuvenate the surrounding environment. The outline of the old building will be maintained but improved for the purpose of design to eliminate the need for a total demolition. The focus is also placed on the idea of encouraging local activities in the area and promoting the rejuvenation of social activities directly, and the nearby river indirectly. The outcome of the design is also aimed at the intention to preserve and promote comprehension of unique local cultures and activities.

The idea of site preservation is less about the building itself but more about the preservation of day to day social activities that occur in it. The spaces are designed to allow users to see first hand the work craftsmen and appreciate the plaza. In terms of crafts, this building intends to provide craftsmen with a suitable and strategic place to do business, thus allowing local arts and culture to prosper.

The design also aims to revitalise the river by inviting people to visit the area and understand its true nature thus allowing visitors greater exposure and better understanding on it's function in the society, beyond just a mere crossing. The building will also have guestrooms for people to lodge and appreciate the plaza and nearby river.

Planwerk Innenstadt

2012-01-25T03:36:00.000-08:00

Senate Department for Urban Development and the Environment

Since 1996 an intensive and controverse debate had taken place concerning the question about the future goals of the urban development in Berlin. Finally in 1999, the so-called "Planwerk Innenstadt" was installed by the Senate of Berlin in order to define general principles for the urban planning of Berlin that are relevant for all boroughs. "Planwerk Innenstadt" forms a strategy for the urban development of the city of Berlin aiming at reurbanisation and revitalization of the historical center of Berlin as well as of the planning area "City-West".

The Changing Face of Park Hill

2012-01-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

The first stage of Urban Splash's dynamic regeneration of Sheffield's Park Hill is nearing completion. Only its concrete frame is listed; the derelict 1960s facades have been replaced with vibrant colour and glass - and look at that spiral staircase! But in this quest for modernity and luxury, what of the infamous 'streets in the sky' and the original architects' bold attempt to recreate a lively street life in the air? I'm visiting the show apartments tomorrow and will return with an update!

'Streets in the Sky' : "They form ideal places for daily social contact" (Sheffield City Architect's Department, 1962)

UPDATE: Upon visiting three show apartments in the newly regenerated section of Park Hill, I experienced the 'new' streets in the sky, which are considerably narrower than the originals, in order the create extra storage space in some of the apartments. When I pointed this out, the estate agent laughed and said "Well no milk floats need to fit down here any more eh?"

The flats are light, spacious and airy, with spectacular views over Sheffield - the original 1960s architects get the credit for all the flats being dual-aspect. All flats contain a staircase, as they originally did, as even the single level ones are below the deck level so require stairs down from the front door.

I was amused by this graffiti on one of the signs - obviously a very valid political opinion of the changing nature of the estate!

The Link: A Women's Refuge_Emily King

2012-01-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

The Link: A Women's Refuge aims to aid victims of domestic violence and trafficking in Fez Medina. 14% of the female population of Morocco are believed to have experienced emotional or physical violence. It is now a problem which has been brought to the forefront of Moroccan society. The refuge provides accommodation for single, homeless women seeking safety and shelter as well as rooms for women with young children. Drop-in day facilities have been incorporated to create a community within the existing, disused courtyard houses. The proposal will help women to rebuild their lives and learn skills to help them find work to provide for their families in the future.

Remediating the River_Sam Morris

2012-01-24T05:27:00.000-08:00

The city of Fez is located within one of Morocco’s most fertile valleys, the Medina is crossed by several watercourses and is well known for its hydraulic potential. Data reveals that the River Fez is relatively clean before reaching the medina and that contamination emerges from within. Given the importance of the Sebou river basin to Morocco’s agricultural sector and its overall economy, it is imperative that contamination be reduced at its source and strategies for remediation be implemented.

Remediating the River is an urban strategy incorporating a high-tech water filtration system that can be implemented at selected sites throughout the Medina aimed at resuscitating the water network.

The design proposal at Place Lalla Yeddouna captures, stores and filters contaminated river water for use in the immediate context. The water is filtered through a series of capillary tubes in the exterior surface geometry where it is treated with UV light.

Hammam and Glass Workshop_Helen Flynn

2012-01-24T05:14:00.000-08:00

Miniature glass domes are a key feature of the Hammam in Fez. These small objects, when clustered in a group and placed in small holes in the domed roof of the Hammam provide the correct environmental and privacy conditions for bathing. The bulbs allow light to penetrate the space, keep water and air from entering the space, which must remain warm and humid and also maintains privacy for the users. The craft of making these small glass domes has since disappeared from Fez, and as there is currently a movement to refurbish a number of Hammams to their former glory, the glass domes must be bought in from other cities or countries.

Following a site visit to Fez, site analysis of place Lalla Yeddouna and my interest in Architectural glass and the craft of glass making, I proposed to reintroduce the craft to Fez. Incorporating a workshop for production and education in the already craft-rich area of Place Lalla Yeddouna would do this. Water and energy would be required to power and source the workshops, therefore its location on the banks of the River Fez is idea to harvest water and hydro electricity.

In addition to the workshop a Hammam would be included within the scheme. This would provide a hygiene resource for the workers as well as a social hub. There is no Hammam within close proximity of the site and therefore the addition of this element to the program would be a valuable resource to the site.

Scheme plans

Building Sections

Elevation and materiality

Glass Bulbs in Syria

Site analysis conclusions

Programme Concept

Possible live project to rehabilitate Hammam Seffarine in Fez

Helen Flynn

Artefacts of Andalus, Rue Guernis, Fes, Morocco_Benjamin Hale

2012-01-24T04:30:00.000-08:00

It would sound strange in the 1970s if the term ‘post-impact conservation’ was mentioned, as far as conservation is concerned, this was when the median and the city of Fez as a whole saw it's greatest expansion with the influx of local immigrants into the medina. Broadly speaking, conservation signifies archeological preservation of valuable objects that may likely become extinct. Today, it goes beyond a mere celebration of an historical icon. The pressure of human needs in urban heritage sites has widened the scope of conservation in order to go in tandem with social and economic development. Conservationists came to realise that their task of scrutinising stones and cleaning surfaces is negatively affected by a dearth of funding. The pressing need of the people whose heritage is a living and not a static legacy is consequently dashed.

The changing dimensions of the significance of conservation have divided opinions in Fez into two groups. One opinion maintains the classical dimension while the other includes economic development in the Medina. However, both dimensions are essential. The evolution of a new framework which will appeal to both opinions and at the same time guarantee the continuous existence of heritage sites is imperative.
The Fez Median has a peculiar development potentiality, the sustainability of which should not be allowed to be altered by any negative or positive intervention from outside. It is this sustainability that Richard S. Levine describes as the ‘nested realms’ of social and cultural magnets that make an historic city a vibrant one. To achieve this there should be a defined vision before implementation of physical projects is embarked upon. However, this vision should not be assumed to be a mere parachuted idea or complex equation but rather a holistic approach which can be translated into action in the conservation strategy.
The planning theories that forecast what a city should look like in the next two or three decades no longer stand today. Therefore, instead of spending much time on preparing a long-term urban scenario, a less time-costly alternative is now being discovered by planners. This alternative is learning from best practice and averting the risks and errors observed. As each urban site has its peculiarities the array of their vast problems should therefore be considered.

In order to restore and reconstruct in an area such as the medina, where funding is in short supply, a building must be able to pay for itself, so far, this has been carried out by 'outsiders', who mistakenly interpret Architectural Conservation in such a way that meet's their needs.
The City of Fez is disconnected, much of the money lies in the 'New City' and local government funding for projects often is exasperated in these 'New' areas. From talking to young, local student's it seems that there is neither the willingness nor the money to move back into the medina, it is looked upon with nostalgia but with a sense of 'low rank' when compared to the larger city. I believe there is a way to link these two areas of the city once again, through that of a cultural building highlighting the many redeeming qualities of the Old Medina. An exhibition space, where local craft's can be displayed, activities take place and exhibitions on conservation and 'Medina Enhancement' can be held, offering the local community a sense of pride via a building that grants such. Through this and the prediction that tourism will increase in the area, money and investment will begin to flow into the medina, with the Rue Guernis HUB acting as a catalyst for this.

Original Courtyard retained, new Colonnade added, acting as a circulation spine through to the other courtyards

Internal and external views showing new staircase addition and entrance

Exhibition space on first floor

Elevation showing new additions to the elevation, much of the original

detailing has been retained maintaing the vernacular street hinting at a new intervention

behind closed doors

Ground Floor Plan showing new column arrangement corresponding to

the perpendicular degree of each individual courtyard. Colonnade (below) links all four courtyards reusing the internal space

Concept model, understanding proximity

Benjamin Hale

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