Learning Agreement

(How would you describe your progress since you completed your last learning agreement?).

I feel since completing the last Learning Agreement that progress has been somewhat significant. Since pursuing an interest of mine, it has enabled me to remain focussed and passionate about my work. I have learned a vast amount about regeneration on the whole as my research has helped shape my project direction. It was a positive challenge to break-away from my comfort zone and move slightly from my interior architecture discipline in order to incorporate sustainable and community design.
I have progressed both personally and professionally, from a personal perspective, I am much more confident and happier within myself, I have finally found the area of design which I find most enjoyable and hereto wish to pursue as a career.
Professionally, I have gained firm comprehensions of regeneration, sustainability and designing for a community over the duration of Experimentation and Feasibility module; The intention of this module was to define the direction for the Realisation project in the form of a brief and specification, which I feel was completed successfully through my research and feasibility study.

(How has your understanding of your chosen topic and research questions developed since your initial learning agreement?).

I now have adequate knowledge and sufficient understanding of my chosen topic due to the work carried out over the past four months.
I feel my initial research questions were appropriate and answered fully throughout the Experimentation and Feasibility module. Now that areas for progression have been identified, I feel the next stage is to apply these findings to my design proposals.

The work for the Realisation module will revolve around the following questions:

• How can I incorporate my findings in a creative way?

• How can we emphasise Co-Designing in this final part of the project?

So far, the Eco-Solutions team has proven to be successful. One of the main areas I intend to focus on during the next four months, alongside creativity is teamwork and co-design

(Has the method of approach originally envisaged proven to be appropriate or have you developed your original ideas?)

My intended method which was stated in the original Learning Agreement has proved successfull, the original approach remains and has been justified by the feasibility study produced; however minor alterations were required such as the group philosophy.

‘Green doesn’t have to look green’

I have discovered since the Creative Interaction module that in order to gain optimum eco results, green roofs, photovoltaic’s etc need to be in situ and are likely to be visible.

The realisation module for the MA will address the following points in order to fulfil the specification and brief:
• Demolition and rebuild is not an option
• Name change for the area
• Materials used are to be locally sourced and environmentally friendly
• Any waste materials are to be recycled (as much as possible on site)
• Sustainability is a major contributing factor
• Environmentally friendly design and application is required
• A pleasant ambience to the area is needed
• Concept designs for crime reduction and fear of crime are essential
• Safety mechanisms and traffic calming devices on the dual A179 are required
• Open spaces/gardens/parks and children’s play areas are to be incorporated
• Off-road parking facilities for residents is to be looked into
• Communal areas (such as a community centre or garden) are to be revitalised
• Aesthetically pleasing finishes to the housing and landscapes is needed
• Design with the community and residents is vital
• Desirable décor to each interior (including IONA Social Club ) is required
• Broadening the range of property types available to home owners and tenants
• Elimination of stigma and poor reputation
• Reducing dissatisfaction with the neighbourhood
• Re-establishing a sense of community
• A sustainable neighbourhood with a broad choice of housing types to meet the needs and aspirations of existing and future residents
• Good urban design principals
• Streets and back lanes which are clean and well looked after and are designed to encourage a crime free environment
• Well used, attractive and well maintained areas of public open space
• Safe and well maintained pedestrian routes in and around the neighbourhood.

(Do you still intend the outcomes to be as you originally envisaged, or have they changed? If they have changed, why have you changed your ideas?) What will be the outcomes?

My intended outcomes remain as I originally envisaged, redeveloping an existing dilapidated residential area with the community in mind and the incorporation of good environmental practice.

Surprisingly this project has gone rather well and remained on track. Upon submission I intend to have completed:

1. An individual portfolio containing sketches and design proposals
2. A progression log which will contain a journal, lecture notes, research etc
3. A scale model of the new street layout made from timber
4. A detailed research package in the form of OneNote
5. A reflective report of approximately 3000 words
6. Self-promotional material in the form of business cards and leaflets/blog
7. A completed version of the Feasibility Study
8. Evidence of group work and co-designing

For the Final Exhibition I intend to:

1. Exhibit as part of Eco-Solutions (Chantel, Richard and Jo) with uniformed presentation boards and corporate identity
2. Digitally present a banner using SketchUp and Photoshop to demonstrate my final design proposal
3. Show the model along with the feasibility study to justify the design and layout
4. Possibly a group slideshow of working progress containing photographs throughout the course from ideas to completion.