REVISITING the THAMES (gentrification)
This was a subject of interest as I had looked into this topic in my first project, where I found water has been a controversial subject in gentrification, public or private space or both? permanent or temporary space? is it space? property? financial asset? I felt that it was an important issue, so I am looking further into the subject. However, in this case I am looking at the location itself in closer detail, for example how was the land used in the past. My initial thought was to go find land use maps of the River Thames and see what was previously situated there.
I found it quite difficult to get hold of land use maps of the past, in this case I have decided to not solely focus on the core history but try to integrate elements into my building.
Tutorial feedback
After discussing my location, I realised that the term 'River Thames' was too broad, and therefore had to narrow down, which part of the Thames to research into. I also had to consider why I was looking into the land use. I was doing this because I want the final outcome to have some relation to its roots of where its being located.
Tutorial feedback
After discussing my location, I realised that the term 'River Thames' was too broad, and therefore had to narrow down, which part of the Thames to research into. I also had to consider why I was looking into the land use. I was doing this because I want the final outcome to have some relation to its roots of where its being located.
Explanation for the location
My initial location to look into was Battersea, because I pass the power station numerous times and it is hard to ignore the sight of cranes rising at record breaking rates, yet knowing there's a housing crisis and these targets are not being met. - Instead of creating a structure that solves the problem (more housing), why not create something to contradict the sites that have been redeveloped dramatically?
So I changed my location to Canary Wharf because I felt something needed to disrupt this robot utopia. However, I then realised as I travelled to different parts of London, why not create a series of buildings/hubs in open squares that may have a common theme or message. I wanted to do this because as I travelled to many locations, I found that more people and families gathered in places where there was a concrete building or historic site, maybe because it evidently is a landmark? or possibly because people feel more connected and comfortable with this style of building? friendlier atmosphere?...(also backed by Palaasma). In contrast, to the city hubs e.g. Canary Wharf, it appeared to me that there were less people gathering together to sit, eat, or drink, or socialise in the minimal open spaces. Could this be because the buildings have a more intimidating presence? or is it simply because the people around are just here to work rather than relax? or are the spaces built here solely for work purposes? travel costs?
My initial location to look into was Battersea, because I pass the power station numerous times and it is hard to ignore the sight of cranes rising at record breaking rates, yet knowing there's a housing crisis and these targets are not being met. - Instead of creating a structure that solves the problem (more housing), why not create something to contradict the sites that have been redeveloped dramatically?
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| Daily Sightings |
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| Nothing new |
So I changed my location to Canary Wharf because I felt something needed to disrupt this robot utopia. However, I then realised as I travelled to different parts of London, why not create a series of buildings/hubs in open squares that may have a common theme or message. I wanted to do this because as I travelled to many locations, I found that more people and families gathered in places where there was a concrete building or historic site, maybe because it evidently is a landmark? or possibly because people feel more connected and comfortable with this style of building? friendlier atmosphere?...(also backed by Palaasma). In contrast, to the city hubs e.g. Canary Wharf, it appeared to me that there were less people gathering together to sit, eat, or drink, or socialise in the minimal open spaces. Could this be because the buildings have a more intimidating presence? or is it simply because the people around are just here to work rather than relax? or are the spaces built here solely for work purposes? travel costs?
These questions pondered my mind. The locations that contained historical buildings didn't seem to have a glass and steel building nearby, vice versa for the glass/steel buildings, although in some cases they were adjacent to each other however they didn't have the same atmosphere as historical areas. From these observations, I am going to start designing a series of small hubs that are mobile and could be placed in these squares.
It was very interesting to see how the area was almost built up for one type of audience. From most points in Canary Wharf, one is only surrounded by glass, steel and water (occasionally). However, there are a few concrete buildings present but they do not have the same effect as an area solely consisting on concrete spaces.
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| GLASS |
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| STEEL |
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| 'PEOPLE' |
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| Middle Dock |
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| 'faux trees' |
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| The few pre cast concrete buildings present |
I believe buildings shouldn't continue to rise as these office buildings. (also backed by Pallaasma)
Researching at the British Library - MAPS
On the hunt for land use maps, or any kind of map that showed the historical land use. Many outcomes were looking dismal, as many of the past maps I found I had to pay for...
I ordered some maps that related to the River Thames in the Baroque period, but many of them didn't show historical land use or labels. To overcome this issue, I contacted the maps department and they recommended a map I had already ordered but there was a very long wait, which was a setback in my schedule for choosing the location.
I eventually got hold of Thomas Milne's land use map of London and environs in 1800. Before I could look at the maps, I had to understand much of the code used. 'This was the first complete and accurate record of the uses of land in the London area.' Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take pictures or photograph the maps, on top of having limited time. I could only draw quick vague sketches of the information I needed from the maps.
The maps weren't as useful as I thought they would be, since most area's by the Thames were meadow land and the maps were very fragmented - However I really liked the fact that by the River Thames, much fruit was sold there - (intriguing aspect to put into the centre of Canary Wharf which is far from conveying a bustling market atmosphere ).
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| A plan of the Chelsea waterworks in the Parrish of Chelsea and St Georges Hanover Square Peter Potter. 1815 |
It was as I was deciding the location, I found what exactly I was going to create...
Bringing Baroque style historical buildings into places like Canary Wharf,and Canary Wharf style buildings into concrete, historical areas - the function is likely to become a cafe or beer gardens, or even a small gallery. It is hard to find where these glass and concrete buildings are merged into one place, since they normally appear in clusters.
In reality, it may not work but it is more of a concept piece, bringing Baroque London into, the distance monstrous glass structures - this idea appeared to stem from after visiting Canterbury where old ruins were incredibly integrated with a modern day retail shop, which was extremely bizarre to my liking.
These structures I create could possibly turn into a series around London, each one with a different theme, experience, possibly reflecting elements that are hidden away in the area. e.g. Canary Wharf - unlikely place for a school, so implement a learning centre (temporary).
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My trip to the Netherlands, was very insightful and has given me a calmer neutral approach to building and not to make it too serious. As I have mentioned I wanted to integrate a market aspect, I admired the contrast between my local market and the modern Markthal in Rotterdam. Implementing something like this into a financial district, would have very intriguing effects.
