Learning Log

My learning log is in the form of a blog. This contains entries that reflect my thought processes, important thinking and sources regarding my ‘Big Idea’ concept. Also key articles that I feel may be important or have an effect on my concept.

Also I have been reading texts that help in my understanding on architectural theory as a whole. These have effected no only my perception of space and place but also their context within the city, giving me insights into the different approaches taken through history.

My Research thus far has mainly been Internet based, although I have visited elephant & castle numerous times, looking at the surrounding areas also will need to be done.

This is an area that has a diverse cultural and historical context will London. An area that I originally had little knowledge of other than that's where 'Ministry of sound' is and the 'Heygate Estate’. The ‘Heygate Estate’ has now been chosen as the site for my ‘Big Idea’.

To produce a concept that can bring communities together, new architecture mixed into old spaces with social design that brings together the cultures and communities that inhabit the area.

A major emphasis of my research has looked into housing, the problems and issues caused. As well as looking into successful housing schemes such as ‘Adelaide Wharf’
in Hackney, London. (Architects: Alford Hall Monaghan Morris) This comes at a time when ‘Housing’ is a serious focus for London especially the emphasis on the design of affordable housing as stated by London Mayor, Boris Johnson: ‘The Tory hopeful promised to build 50,000 more affordable homes by 2011 and renovate 84,205 empty properties to help low-income Londoners off waiting lists.’

This has led me to look further into master-planning an area, which I have become increasingly interested in, how this has changed through history, what’s wrong with the current masterplans in place and also key points that are good about them. Can a building bring back a sense of community to an area, also people's effects on buildings and space?

Metamorphosis within the area - changing what was before to something new and looking into how a new system bring back a sense of place to the area.

I am now looking further into ‘Sustainable Communities’, as in what makes a community sustainable and how this is defined. There are many ideals on what makes a place sustainable, maybe I should produce my own?

I need to further my investigation into my topic and start to think about primary sources as well, this is an area I feel is lacking at this point in time. I will look to get in contact again with sources such as Michael Sorkin (Michael Sorkin, is the Founder of Michael Sorkin Studio in New York City, devoted to both practical and theoretical projects at all scales with a special interest in the city) and Edwin Heathcote (He is an architect and has been the critic of The Financial Times since 1999 as well as the author of a number of books on architecture) whom I have previously contacted in my BA dissertation.

Also Professor Alan Phillips has already welcomed a visit to his studio in Brighton, which is currently being organized, his knowledge and experience with sustainable issues and housing could have a big affect on my concept. He also has good links with Bill Dunster who is a specialist in low energy and sustainable development.

For tutorial presentation I was asked to produce a presentation of case studies that would relate to my concept of ‘Architecture for the Community. Socially responsible design that creates spaces for people and produces environments that matter in the community. Looking at how a specific community can help design or affect its own infrastructure, the ways people interact and how this is used to create a sense of place.’ Also looking into using an existing building or buildings that I can re-use or save to provide a new context, facilities, spaces, cultural and economical services etc for they’re surrounding inhabitants.

I looked specifically at Urban splash (property developing firm) as they are pioneers in the way they collaborate with architect firms (such Studio EgreWest, AHMM) to redevelop decaying industrial warehouses, mills, victorian terraced houses and other buildings, into modern housing, apartments and penthouses, as well as constructing new build developments. ‘In the beginning there were factories, now left redundant and not working anymore, however many people feel these buidlings are beautiful and could still give a service to the community. We wanted to get them working again. We thought that they’d make good places to live. We thought that we could make them amazing homes, with a bit of imagination and some top notch architecture. Just like other Europeans, we thought people would want to live in our cities, in buildings with a bit of soul.’ Although it will be a long shot, it would be good to get in touch with Tom Bloxham, the founder of UrbanSplash or another member of the company as I believe they’re approach to taking a ‘crappy site’ and turning it into a beautiful, successful building can help me in my idea’s on redeveloping the ‘Heygate Estate’.

My task is now to look at two specific places in London: Spitalfields Market (Shoreditch) and Gillet Square (Dulston)
What am I looking at now:

> Sustainable Communities
> Eco-towns
> Connections of spaces
> Improving the public realm
> Bring people together - civilizing spaces
> London Regeneration
> London (site: Elephant & Castle) issues:
- Housing, entertainment, pubs, the corner shop.
- Leisure/retail aspects
- Public circulation
- Identity
- Cultural segregation
- Youth culture/elderly - safe environments

My Questions + initial thinking:

> Could some of the Heygate be turned into students housing??
> A sustainable Community that brings people together, uniting the area, giving back a sense of place to the site.
> New public and private spaces e.g. library, market, work/live units etc.
> Link back to local community and local trades