Cramped?

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

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

Timeless Kahn_Benjamin's Wednesday Treat

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










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

The Fun Palace

rep·re·sen·ta·tion 

n.

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

"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

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'.

'Your Britain. Fight for it now'

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

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

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

Berlin Mietskaserne

L-40, Berlin

"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

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

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

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

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

Fassi Arts & Crafts Apprenticeship_Robert Rostron

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

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.

Artisans' Quarter_Joanna Hiew

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

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.

Planwerk Innenstadt

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

The Link: A Women's Refuge_Emily King

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

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.

Hammam and Glass Workshop_Helen Flynn

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.

Artefacts of Andalus, Rue Guernis, Fes, Morocco_Benjamin Hale

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.

Twenty First Century Funduq_Rob Chilton

Having discovered the vital transitions that take place at Ain Azliten, between the Medina and the outside, it was essential to re-organise this currently chaotic space. A funduq is traditionally a place where travelling merchants would spend the night and store their wares. Here, the building forms a link between two contrasting landscapes. It includes flexible units, giving the opportunity to sell, work and store, providing excellent spaces for interchange to take place. A new 'street' takes inspiration from the intricate network of the medina, encouraging chance encounter and conversation.

Interposition: Contemporary living within a World Heritage City_Hannah Dyas

The chosen site; Rue Guernis, presented an opportunity to experiment with a contemporary scheme whilst respecting and maintaining some of the traditional qualities of the medina. The brief attempted to address the problem of providing accommodation within the medina which appeals to younger generation.

Peabody Avenue_Novelty in Favour of Longevity

A new social housing scheme in central London for Peabody marks a deliberate move away 

from novelty in favour of longevity.

Edible Fez_Sara Dowle

An immediate response to Place Lalla Yeddouna is its dynamic character and the constant flow of activity. Although the craftspeople give the square an element of identity and the stream of people is buzzing and incessant, the space can currently only be considered as a thoroughfare.

Restore & Reside_Bryn Lee

A centrally located reside for the homeless. Linked and accessed by the major arteries of the Fez Medina.

Remaining clusters in the site boundaries are linkable for future expansion of the homeless reside. When expansion occurs, similar architectural techniques seen in the following illustrations will be adopted.

Culture Tangle_Philippa Birch

A sympathetic bridging element between two existing courtyard houses providing different functions. This intervention is a meeting point and knowledge exchange between tourist (tourist information centre/cafe) and guide (a guide school for children aged 15+)  keeping clear of the thread makers working in the streets. It is a catalyst to encourage circulation above ground: rooftop walkways in the winter months. It also encourages a healthy attitude for future riad owners as they have a change to sample and learn about the culture. 

Video: David Chipperfield Discusses German Projects

British architect David Chipperfield recently gave an interview with Crane.tv discussing his architectural philosophy and affinity for the German culture. He expands on his approach to architecture and touches on his work for the completed reconstruction of the Neues Museum in Berlin.  Turner Contemporary – a visual arts venue in Margate, England, America’s Cup Building in Valencia, Spain, and the Central Public Library in Des Moines, Iowa.

Called the James Simon Gallery, the building will 
serve as a grand entrance to the cluster of cultural buildings, set on an island 
in the river Spree.

Two Clubs in Berlin

Just a short description of two clubs in Berlin, showing reuse of space. Think we'll hit up these two when we get there.

Blick auf Berlin

Blick auf Berlin

The Hansaviertel

For our second year field trip at the Kent School of Architecture we went to Berlin. One day our tutor took us for a tour of the Hansviertel, the post-war architectural housing experiment. All the big names have examples of their apartment block designs there: Gropius, Niemeyer, Aalto and Le Corbusier. If we do go on a trip to Berlin, no doubt we should visit!

Here is an article from Wallpaper 104 (November 2007, 144-150) about the development and case studies of people who live there.

One of my favourite pieces of film

Inspiring stuff.

Ampelmann-Inspired Art

Here is is, Ben...

A nice discovery

Of some trees that are nicely cut out for photoshop

http://vyonyx.com/2010/09/27/cutout-trees-151-200/

Enjoy!

Berlin After the War

Following the end of World War II, photographer Hein Gorny took spectacular aerial shots of the ravaged German capital. His son Peter explains how Hein defied a flying ban imposed by the Allies and managed to snap the dramatic shots.

Berlin Hinterhof

A RE-POST Berlin's Courtyards The microcosm of the courtyard. 

© aboutpixel.de-Karsten_Holland

MORE AFTER THE BREAK

Berlin Trip

Need a consensus on the trip to Berlin, a few of you did mention you wished to hit it up and I'm look for numbers. EASYJET sale runs out tonight and there are some pretty sweet DEALS $$$$


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