Refelctive report, Experimentation & Feasibility

List of Contents


Cover Page

List of Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

Introduction

Methodology

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion


Reflective Appendix

Bibliography

Appendix 1 - Minutes from meeting with Nigel Budd of Hartlepool Borough Council (HBC)
Appendix 2 - Minutes from ‘Regenerating our Town’ seminar, Dr. Natasha Vall
Appendix 3 - Residential Questionnaire (Easington Road)
Appendix 4 - Structured Interview with Adam Hussain and Abigail Read BA(Hons)
Appendix 5 - Leaning Agreement

Acknowledgments

I wish to make a formal acknowledgement of the guidance and gratefully received support from the Eco-Solutions team, Chantel Ormerod, Jo Beech and Richard Lotter.

I would also like to thank Stephen Bailey, Alison Johnson and Michael Hall for their tuition, help and encouragement throughout the module and course to date.

Grace to Nigel Budd of Hartlepool Borough Council (HBC), Dr. Natasha Vall, Paul Denison (and the Sustees guests) Mr. Adam Hussain, Miss. Abigail Read, the participating residents from Easington Road and everyone involved in the workshops for their input and assistance in this investigation.
Abstract

This report for the Experimentation and Feasibility module highlights progress, inclinations, reflection on personal development and adaptation of approach to the project over the past four months. It will refer to the learning agreement submitted at the beginning of the module, to uncover whether or not targets set by myself have been reached. This report will also bring to light any difficulties faced and issues overcame throughout, as well as discussing my approach to realising the project and enterprise possibilities.
Personal targets set for the duration of the Experimentation and Feasibility module were to produce, demonstrate and communicate a re-development proposal effectively through thorough investigation. By offsetting the financial, environmental, social and functional advantages and disadvantages of an existing run down derelict housing estate to those of a new build site, either to prove or disprove the self written hypothesis

Reflection on progress and outlining an approach will form the basis of this report, critically analysing potential possibilities for the Realisation module. By working with the Hartlepool Borough Council (HBC) regeneration office on this pilot scheme, a future enterprise opportunity may arise.
Introduction

At the beginning of the Experimentation and Feasibility module, it was required that a second Learning Agreement was completed in order to confirm the subject areas I was to address and develop. Weekly and fortnightly tutorials were in place with Stephen Bailey and Alison Johnson to ensure a steady level of progress was being made.

Influence and motivation from the Sustees seminar and Eco-Build conference pushed the group in a range of directions, after deciding to work to our individual brief, maintaining the theory of sustainable design at the heart of each is what bonded the team. Jo pursued design for children and nurseries, Richard decided to look into sustainable retail whilst Chantel focussed on the recycling processes of materials. After opting to continue with residential design, I became engrossed in the social re-establishment of a community, good environmental practice and sustainable, aesthetically pleasing urban regeneration, aspects of which were self imposed into the project to define direction. Feeling somewhat apprehensive about taking on more than an interior space, I opted to use this opportunity to my advantage to enhance my portfolio with external design concepts, not only improving skills and knowledge, but becoming a more versatile designer for potential employers.
With increasing demands and high competition within the design arena and architectural world, it seemed vital to expand design knowledge and skills when possible.
The layout, format and outcome of this project were self decided; this was a huge leap in self confidence within the past three months.
Sustainability in urban regeneration and good environmental practice; included in my learning agreement is the subject area from which our group and mission statement stems.

Eco- Solutions is a coaltion of design students as a result of the postgraduate programme. Our common passion for green design provides a sustainable solution with eco-design embedded at the heart of each development. We maintain high levels of professionalism while challenging future concepts and environmental stability.

It ascertains the region for investigation; promoting the key features for a detailed feasibility study. Being extremely passionate about green design, I felt it would be beneficial to uncover more about this vast design area with further background research documented in the materials catalogue and journal, it will provide me with a starting point when continuing in depth research into the feasibility assignment.

The design field; contrasted with socio‐science, comes a constant underlying aspect for rehabilitation to society and its builds, known as urban regeneration. As an area of design which is of great interest to me, I felt it necessary to grasp a powerful understanding of urban renewal, social/community design and design for crime reduction, to which I could apply green architecture in order to re-establish a functional culture.
Optional attendance to Sustees and Eco-Build along with meetings and seminars with Paul Denison, Alison Johnson, Nigel Budd of Hartlepool Borough Council and Dr. Natasha Vall, really captivated me. Passion for eco‐friendly research and design practice has leaded me to become a slightly more considerate fore‐thinker about philosophies of futuristic green living. To further my understanding on such a contemporary yet vital design area I intend to continue looking into aspects of Carbon Neutral Homes by reading into the vast amounts of information gathered from our group visit to Eco-Build, Earls Court in April this year.

Methodology

For me, the inspiration began at the Sustees Seminar in January 2009, just before the Creative Interaction and PPE submissions. It was at this point we were introduced to co-design by Alastair Fuad-Luke and decided to form Eco-Solutions (myself, Chantel, Jo and Richard) It was agreed that we would share, combine, explore and discuss our concepts but apply our findings to our own projects whilst working to the philosophy set out by the Eco-solutions team.
‘Green does not have to look green!’
A theory inspired by winners of the Sunday Times Best Green Companies Award 2008, JC Atkinson & Sons funeral directors, guests at the Sustees seminar. The intention to follow this ideology throughout the MA led us to Earls Court Eco-Build exhibition where we had the opportunity to talk with professional companies, participate in seminars and obtain information on recent products and ideas for incorporating good environmental practice into everyday life.
Using the following three questions from the learning agreement I was able to outline my personal approach and focus on my strengths and areas of interest.
In what ways can we change our day to day activities to shape our planets future?
How can working as part of a team to design sustainably develop my creative output and future opportunities?
How can sustainability and environmentally friendly production methods be applied to today’s construction industry unnoticeably?
Shortly after defining this area of study I selected a derelict residential area in North Hartlepool (Easington Road) of which I carried out a detailed site survey of the current housing before expected demolition in June 2009. A traffic survey was also conducted to distinguish whether or not the dual carriageway was needed. In mid-February I contacted Nigel Budd, Regeneration Officer for Hartlepool Borough Council who agreed to become involved as a fictional live client for my regeneration proposals. Following our meeting on 30th February 2009 he provided me with copies of the reports and plans produced by HBC for the regeneration of the Easington Road area from which I extracted relevant information. Our two and a half hour meeting was extremely informative and interesting; he touched upon areas I would have never have thought to consider or research. (Appendix 1) Although the rest of the team were considering alternative projects, to ensure I was keeping them informed of my progress I continued to upload my findings and gathered information onto the group blog on a weekly basis and emailed any relevant information to the group email for all to share. This was a communication tool which we agreed to use in the event of being unable to meet in person, to allow us to us to interact and keep regular contact.
Early in the module the team, Eco-Solutions was approached by Alison to arrange a meeting with herself and Paul Denison for an informal discussion regarding the Sustees event. We spent some time considering how the event could offer the team future possibilities and opportunities. For Jo and Chantel the opportunity to promote real nappies arose which they made a real success of. I took an alternative approach and reconsidered a seminar I attended on 19th November 2008 with Dr. Natasha Vall on campus called ‘Regenerating our Town’. She delivered a very informative lecture on how art, culture and literature can dispel the working class industrial stigma attached to northern towns and cities; and how waterfront developments such as Newcastle and Gateshead quayside have formed an urban middle class culture due to the addition of The Sage and The Baltic. (Appendix 2) I found this inspirational and wanted to incorporate an installation piece within my community to represent the people of the area. After discussing with Chantel the intention to incorporate an installation piece, she offered to produce some concept ideas on my behalf during the Realisation module. I intend to experiment with her concept as part of my cultural regeneration proposal.
Communication with the general public and local residents is vital when redeveloping their immediate surroundings; with this in mind an informative questionnaire was produced and issued to the fourteen occupied dwellings located opposite the mentioned derelict housing. In an attempt to gain their trust, any knowledge I had of the areas future from HBC, I shared with them in writing and explained why their input was so important. Unfortunately, only four responses were received. (Appendix 3) In a second attempt to obtain local opinions and input, I created small workshops where I personally explained to groups of people, including OAP’s, students, school children, families and members of other cultures and religions my intentions. (On the same sheet but at different times) this proved to be a more responsive method of research which documented many believed requirements and ideas for consideration such as recreational facilities for children, gardens and parks for wildlife, safety measures for the dual carriageway, youth and community centres along with local amenities and crime free neighbourhood. Perhaps some of the main areas to consider when taking the plan forward.
A recent proposal was to offer the residents an incentive, such as a government grant, or years free council tax to become involved in landscaping the area once the structural changes and work on housing is complete, not only would this be an ideal opportunity to meet their neighbours, socialise and have their input, but it may also be a way to ensure the area is well kept and respected. If residents devote their time and effort into creating a pleasant environment they are more likely to keep it well maintained. However, due to the current economic climate and 24 hour lifestyle, some people may struggle to dedicate themselves to such a large scale operation.
On the 11th March I contacted and visited two peers of mine from Sheffield who have recently completed their BA (Hons) in Criminology, I prepared a small scale structured interview regarding urban design to minimize criminal activity for them to complete (appendix 4) for use alongside secondary research. Although the interview contained a limited set of direct questions, some of their responses were rather interesting and should hopefully be of further use during the design stage.
Findings
During the Creative Interaction module, it became apparent that a large quantity of knowledge was extracted from the research carried out; however, over the last four months quality of in depth research and detailed analysis has peaked rapidly. So much has been learned about building materials, communication of design, the implications and obstacles involved when relocating tenants, time scale, surveys, organization and design. With so many companies offering sustainable options, if this pilot scheme proves successful, enterprise opportunities could arise to fill the gap in the market for addressing situations like this.
Group findings demonstrate how the UK government have finally accepted that sustainability needs to be addressed, and that green housing is essential. Due to current economic circumstances, housing needs to be affordable in order for the scheme to become successful and carbon free by 2016 as intended. It has been identified that successfully refurbishing old buildings in a sustainable manner as opposed to building new is the avenue to pursue.
When erecting sustainable new builds, it is not emphasised enough how much damage, disruption and waste is caused before construction even commences. The homes may have all of the modern appliances and energy saving devices to become self sufficient such as solar panels, grey water systems, combi-boilers etc, but not enough attention is paid to the environmental damage and waste caused when existing builds have been demolished and sent to land fill and new materials ordered in for rebuild. This is not a feasible method of regeneration, especially when the new build is very similar to that of the previous, which is often the case. A much more practical result could be achieved by investing the budget set for demolition and rebuild into the existing build to bring it to specified standard, the lesser of two evils.
Figure 1 and 2 in appendix shows ‘The Headway’ the new residential development currently underway in Hartlepool, This is the site used to compare the Easington Road development to in my project. Until six months ago, this site resembled Easington Road as it stands. Now George Wimpey is building a new residential estate which is to consist of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes, private and social. Fig 3 and 4 in appendix shows a digital representation of the Easington Road site (renamed ‘Oakside’) post regeneration. A more feasible, cost effective and environmentally friendly solution to green housing. Not only does this method produce little waste but it saves on new materials and long term disruption offering the same results.
The findings from a traffic survey carried out over the space of a week at one hour intervals on the Easington Road dual carriageway demonstrates that it is potentially feasible to condense to a single carriage way due to reasonable traffic quantities. In the results from the questionnaire issued, all four respondents were concerned about the speed of vehicles on a daily basis where children play. In response to this concern, Speed bumps and sleeping policemen being situated could not only be a feasible option but prove to be lifesaving.
Reflecting on the targets stated in the learning agreement:
In what ways can we change our day to day activities to shape our planets future?
I have found that local sourcing of materials, efforts to recycle, thinking logically about design, Avoiding unnecessary packaging (home grown vegetables) well kept gardens and green space make a huge difference to our environment. Incorporating energy efficient thinking into our homes can help shape our future.
How can working as part of a team to design sustainably develop my creative output and future opportunities?
Support, assistance, constructive criticism, shared workload and dedication has helped to remain focused and passionate about the project in hand. Simply having others around to discuss and share concepts with has influenced design choices. As a result it has created confidence and enhanced personal ability. In turn a more professional outlook and creative output has been achieved creating a more employable portfolio.
How can sustainability and environmentally friendly production methods be applied to today’s construction industry unnoticeably?
The construction industry is responsible over 40% of CO₂ emissions in the UK, It is essential to decrease this. There seems to be an increasing trend of demolition to rebuild, when often a similar outcome can be achieved with lower impact. It was explained by Nigel Budd in our meeting that this is an easier and cheaper method of regeneration due to government grants, which are applicable to new builds, but not existing which is why demolition continues at such a rapid pace. By opting to regenerate existing builds using locally sourced natural materials and recycling as much waste material as possible on site, transportation, manufacturing and disposal emissions can be drastically reduced. Should this argument be put forward, the distribution process of grants and funding may be re-addressed. Incorporating energy efficient technologies such as solar panels, underground heating, triple glazing, turbines, grey water systems etc. can not only make the build self sufficient but can pay for its self over time proving to be cost effective. Everyone is responsible for their own carbon footprint, taking showers as opposed to baths saves water, rainwater harvesting can be used to naturally maintain gardens, small inclusions such as draft excluders prevent heat loss, switching to a combi-boiler and using energy saving light bulbs is more efficient and cost effective.
As a successful result of these findings, amongst other ongoing revelations, it has been possible to outline an initial project specification to carry forward to the Realisation for Design module. The evidence obtained through research and investigation confirms design proposals are suitable for intention.

Discussion
As an ongoing project, it has been a rollercoaster of events and experiments to uncover what works and what does not. Creative exploration at times was limited due to expected outcomes which often proved unsuitable. The module and project progressed smoothly and gradually developed in an appropriate, functional direction.
Although from the beginning, the project was clear to me, it was surprising to see how the research and investigation expanded naturally into a range of areas such as social design, design for crime reduction, landscapes and community, in some areas the research overlapped and became slightly repetitive. After visiting ‘The Headway’ show homes to explore what buyers sought after, it soon became clear that creativity was lacking on my part, however this is an area which I intend to explore further in the next module. I felt it would be a bad idea to become too engrossed in design at this stage. The initial idea to transform some of the housing blocks into shops and community centres was discarded in the early stages, mainly due to the fact that local amenities are nearby including a social club, church, public house and recently built supermarket.
In order to communicate my initial ideas and theories, along with sketch ideas, AutoCAD plans were produced to identify how the housing blocks could be divided to accommodate the individual client. It was at this point I had to take control due to the temptation to rush ahead and create some Sketch UP ideas along with SU Podium, a new rendering plug in I have recently discovered. Bearing SLOW design in mind and discussing my dilemma with the group, the executive decision was made to wait and investigate opportunities further keeping options open, which I found frustrating. The Interim presentation came together quite well, by coming together as a group, discussion and analysis of what to include was beneficial in my opinion. Our united front gave great confidence when demonstrating my ideas to the rest of the class. Seeing what others were working on was interesting, it was nice to see such a diverse selection of ideas come together.
Personally and professionally, I believe development has been immense. Experimentation of the co-design theory has proven to be a feasible decision, by working closely with other designers of the same profession has allowed ‘flourishing’ and creativity to evolve. It has been a great success having the input, constructive criticism and support from team members on a weekly basis keeping spirits high. Having a joint email and blog has enabled us to interact regularly despite external commitments. Time management and organisation has improved on my part, despite initially cutting my hours at the beginning of the module, tuition fees, car insurance and general maintenance of living proved to be a struggle which resulted in me having to reinstate my hours. However, the effects on my assignments were considered which resulted in me opting to arrange my annual holiday entitlement around submission dates to ensure as little stress as possible was enforced, leaving me sufficient time to collate my work into a professional, presentable format without jeopardising the quality. The steady progress made throughout the module alongside my employment is believed to be down to our respect for each other’s time and efforts. Any arrangements, meetings or tasks were adhered to in order to ensure nobody was let down or disheartened by unreliability.
The revisit to the Creative Interaction exhibition in early May was time consuming and something I simply wanted to leave behind. Looking back at the outcome left me slightly embarrassed and uninterested, I feel my time could have been used more productively on the current module, however out of respect for my fellow Creative Interaction team members I decided to put my all in and make the best of the material present. On the other hand, I realised how far my work has come over the past four months which was surprisingly positive. I no longer consider my work as an embarrassment but as an experimental learning curve for the final exhibition for which, I am excited. Initial exhibition ideas have begun to flow. I intend to become more involved in the exhibition committee during the Realisation module, it has been difficult to become an active member at this stage due to work commitments and low self esteem for that particular piece. I feel I have evolved as a person and am much stronger and more confident than I was three months ago. I no longer have concerns over my ability to continue with the MA.
Conclusion

Throughout this self assembled brief, I have experienced fewer problems than that of Creative Interaction. Major setbacks such as software and technological issues have fortunately been rather minimal and emotional distress bearable due to a level of consistency from the beginning.
Now that I have finally come to terms with the fact that not everything has to be completed in full, and that design proposals can be ongoing, as explained by Alison last year, I feel much more comfortable about my portfolio being a working progress. With this theory in mind I felt at ease submitting a draft copy of my Feasibility report along with my digital sketchbook, journal and materials catalogue.

This report has overlooked the range of processes and avenues chosen. Appropriate yet broad research and experimentation has divided suitable and unsuitable concepts confirming decisions of what to take forward and what to leave behind. With extended knowledge and positive feeling of progress to date, direction and realisation for design is clearly defined. With fulfilled learning agreement targets, a disproved hypothesis along with recently gained knowledge and experience throughout the Feasibility module, the next stage is anticipated with excitement and creative flow; the task now in hand is to redevelop the mentioned site in a creative, exciting way ensuring the area is sought-after whilst adhering fully to the specification and brief. Demonstrating and proving redesign doesn’t have to include demolition.

Reflective Appendix
The Reflective appendix is intended to discuss personal improvement and progress made throughout the module. Highlighting and emphasising thoughts, feelings and learning curves which are extremely important for the progression of the MA. This module has set the guidelines, brief and scope for the final part of the Future Design course.
Expansion on research has proven to be vital in order to understand and maintain interest and passion for the subject in hand. Seminars, Conferences and external lectures have had positive influences on my research methods. Sustees along with the Eco-build conference was an idealistic opportunity to discover recent findings and developments within the construction industry, delivering inspiration for future design projects. Due to recent government legislation, today architectural design needs to be sustainable; which is an area of expertise I feel I now belong. Hopefully, the next module proves to be a success potentially resulting in my portfolio being exactly what district, borough and city councils seek, providing a higher chance of employment in the field.
Steady progress and personal improvement has installed self confidence in design ability. By developing a more open minded attitude and accepting constructive criticism and suggestions, creative experimentation has began to evolve. It was pleasing to fulfil the targets set within the learning agreement, and manage to remain focussed on the outcome. The whole module has evidently been a great learning curve resulting in a more mature approach to design and in-depth knowledge. Independently carrying out surveys and going the extra mile to obtain information has been an enjoyable break from the course, teaching my newly found knowledge to children at work is very uplifting, especially when they become as engrossed.
Group work and team efforts have proven to be a real success, in order to achieve future targets throughout the realisation module, it needs to remain so. The SLOW philosophy of Alistair Fuad-Luke combined with the Eco-Solutions mission statement has been the path to success. Every effort will be made to maintain this positive outlook and for thinking.
Working with Hartlepool Borough Council has provided experience in the regeneration industry. I have newly found knowledge for the subject area which has made me more determined to pursue sustainable redevelopment. With Nigel Budd kindly agreeing to be a fictional client, the opportunity to produce professional presentation work for the industry has unexpectedly arisen. Having the personal confidence to approach companies and contact Local Authorities is something which was lacking until now. In retrospect, if at the time of the ‘Real Nappies’ project, I had less external commitments, it would have been an enjoyable experience joining Chantel and Jo completing their promotional strategies.
Now that the Experimentation and Feasibility module has came to an end, the path has been set to follow through to the Realisation module, where creativity and design work can come together to form the final outcome of the whole investigation. The module has been a pleasant experience, a much preferred project to previous modules. I feel the chance to demonstrate my true abilities on such a passionate project will result in a pleasurable outcome with 100% dedication.

Bibliography
Books
Bullock, O, M The Restoration Manual, New York, 1966
Burke, G, Townscapes, Harmondsworth, 1976
Cohen, N, Urban Conservation, The MIT Press, 1999
Heckscher, A, The Public Happiness, New York, 1962
Highfield, D, Rehabilitation and Re-use of Old Buildings, E & F Spon, 1987
Larkham, PJ, Conservation and the City, Routledge, 1996
Muchnick, D,M Urban Renewal in Liverpool, London, 1970
Tschudi-Masden, S, Restoration and Anti-Restoration, Universitetsforlaget, 1976
Internet
http://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/environment/environmental-sustainability/
http://www.guerrillagardening.org/
http://www.verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com/mainen.php
http://www.massivechange.com/
http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/
http://wip.warnerbros.com/11thhour/
http://www.stuarthaygarth.com
http://www.verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com/mainen.php
Reports
Hartlepool Borough Council feasibility study
Nathanial Litchfield Report (For HBC)

Other
Companies and materials specification catalogue
(Findings from Eco-Build, Earls Court, London)