[ I n t e g r a t e d D e s i g n R e p o r t s ]

Loneliness in the City

Adam James Fulton

This report will provide a concise background to the architectural thesis project ‘Loneliness in the City’ and the architectural proposition of a Womens Refuge within it. It will discuss both theoretical and practical attributes which stemmed from my personal and ethical position in architecture through the concept stages to the full design proposal.

[ P r e f a c e ]

Report One - Design & Technology

Executive Summary

Personal Position

The Design Studio Context

The Design Thesis

Technical and Technological Questions

Further Development

Bibliography

Report Two - Management & Law

Planning Issues

Development Appraisal Scenario

Procurement & Risk

Architectural Practice

Professional Reflection

Bibliography

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[ R e p o r t O n e ]

D e s i g n & T e c h n o l o g y

‘Loneliness in the City’ is an architectural thesis project in Liverpools urban core that acts as a means to alleviate one of the most common aliments of today, Loneliness. This is achieved through “collective connectedness” (John Cacioppo, 2013) which is becoming a part of something bigger than yourself. This connectivity is introduced into existing communities in the form of alternative living which is inspired by extensive research into variable family structures from other cultures such as the social organisation of the Isreali Kibbutz and the Tharavads (mothers houses) of the West Indian Nayar Caste.

The Womens Refuge is the architectural proposition within the thesis that is a model for replication in a city with the highest recorded cases of domestic abuse. This concern was highlighted through in depth study into the social climate of Liverpool in the research stages of the thesis.

Both propositions as an urban strategy and at building scale make use of architectural theories which predominantly revolve around a desire to heal and stimulate social connections between individuals and the collective.

[ E x e c u t i v e S u m m a r y ]

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Throughout the MArch I reflected my own personal position within architecture to coincide with the given briefs where appropriate. This has allowed me to focus my development and I have become more rooted in culture and user driven design, focusing on an individual’s experience and connection with the built environment. This has taken me through numerous academic fields separate from architecture such as sociology, biology, psychology and anthropology of which I have produced an in depth research booklet through my Design Studio 3.

Structuralism and humanism are two of the pronounced theories that my interests have been realised in anthropological approaches to architecture. My most recent dissertation was named ‘Structural Humanism - The Relationship between Humanism and Structuralism & Architecture for Humanity’ in which I discussed the possibility that humanist principles, in which our moral standings and wellbeing predominate, could be structured into a systematic set of design principles based on these well documented theories. Following on from my dissertation, I incorporated this idea into my thesis as part of the methodology for the design of the refuge.

I am also passionate about how a community themselves are involved within the design process. My MArch Design Studio 1 project ‘From Pop up to Permanent’ was a scheme that Gareth Roberts and I built around community engagement, participation and empowerment. This included several first hand consultations and techniques (shown in the image opposite) which influenced the outcome of the urban strategy and the final proposition named ‘The Place for the People,’ a community led hall as an extension to a 19th century public house, The Garden Gate.

[ P e r s o n a l P o s i t i o n ]

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Throughout the 4 semesters I have been a part of two studio groups. ‘Urban Studio’ resided in strategic urban design of the city by understanding the resources and dilemmas within deprived and central communities. Through this approach the ethos was that a city can become more adaptive, resilient, egalitarian and coherent. It was this studio that I realised my previously mentioned interest for community led design in the project ‘From Pop Up to Permanent’ and ‘The Place for The People’ which were both interesting and successful. This ethos also influenced certain topics of my dissertation through humanist architects such as Lucien Kroll. It was in this studio that the beginning of the thesis ‘Loneliness in the City’ began to formulate through my empathic and ethical stance within architecture.

‘CITYzen Agency’ situates its explorations in post-industrial cities, engaging in other ways of doing architecture by considering global imperatives and local issues together. The group uses a broad base of information, research and reflection upon these concerns to inform design at numerous scales for the students chosen topic. These scales are particularly interesting and cover global issues gradually through to building detail which is apparent in my portfolio.

[ T h e D e s i g n S t u d i o C o n t e x t ]

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‘Loneliness in the City’

How Variable Family Structures Alleviate Loneliness

Tharavads (Mothers Houses) & Womens Refuge

Loneliness is one of the most common aliments in the modern world and is one that stems back through our evolutionary and biological routes. It is an aversive signal, a biological mechanism much like hunger, which alerts us of a shock to our social bodies and sends us into a state of self-preservation in which the physical world appears hostile. It is a silent killer as its symptoms, such as cardio vascular disease and acute depression, cause abbreviated life spans which double those statistics of excessive smoking and alcohol.

Family and kinship across our culture and others, past and present, is an extensive part of the thesis research. Drastic social shifts have been highlighted in Liverpool and nationally with a particular focus on what could be considered broken families. It has shown there is a surge in lone parents in central areas and a boom of the elderly population density and widows which are both increasing rapidly. There are several reasons for the rise in lone parents but the most sobering is that of domestic violence in which Liverpool has the highest reported and convicted cases of.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (whom I met with 28/01/2014) began a program in 2010 named the ‘Neighbourhood approaches to Loneliness.’ Through a consultation process which interviewed thousands of members of small northern communities they found what the leading causes of loneliness were. The correlation between both Liverpool’s social shifts and Loneliness is what these results display; Lone parents, fear, bullying, family breakdowns, elderly, isolation, loss of mobility, house bound and bereavement to name a few.

As we are a socially dependant species and “collective connectedness is becoming a part of something bigger than yourself ” (John Cacioppo, 2013) , it is this connection that John Cacioppo (Cognitive and Social Neuroscientist) presents as the cure for this aliment. The thesis proposes an interpretation of city living for those vulnerable to loneliness threaded within the existing context of Liverpool. It takes precedent from cross cultural family structures such as the social

[ T h e D e s i g n T h e s i s ]

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organisation of the Isreli Kibbutz, the archaic and matrilineal houses (Tharavads) of the Nayar Castes of West India, the Indian joint family houses and Aldo Van Eycks Hubertus House (Mothers House.) The thesis also draws programmatic elements from the Joseph Rowntree Foundations ‘What can we all do?’ research into what communities wanted from an architectural proposition aimed at loneliness and the ‘Sure Start’ government initiative for struggling parents and

their children.

Housing the lonely together in these communities creates new systems that provide mutually beneficial advantages for each generation in a socially driven environment that prioritises public space over private provision. An individual is surrounded by those with common hardships and becomes a part of a wider system, an alternative family or what Herman Hertzberger describes as “a feeling

that they are not alone and part of a whole.” (Hertzberger, H 2005)

A women’s refuge manifests itself in a sensitive and more secure environment. The program for this is driven by services that over 350 national refuges provide and those of the Grimsby Womens Refuge, of whom I had the opportunity to meet

and speak with the architect and client 03/02/2014.

“Not long ago we thought about the genes as the keyboard of which life’s song played out, what this research suggests is that, if the genes are the keys on the piano, then the environment, including your social environment, is the pianist

influencing which keys are turned on and off.”

(John Cacioppo, 2013)

Throughout the thesis I have developed my sketching and technical drawing ability not only through design at various scales but in theory and precedent study. These are well documented throughout my portfolio and the collages I produced from this were to display a method of thinking to help me and the viewer to understand the topic.

I have also used several working physical models as a means of prototyping and to present a documented variationof the experimental design process. This allowed me to refine certain ideals which I could take forward onto the next iteration.New computer aided abilities I have acquired through the MArch are info graphics and portfolio/booklet presentation. As I had previously used Photoshop for this, an image editing program, learning Adobe Indesign and Illustrator with their specifically designed tools for this has massively increased my work output, particularly in the research stages of my thesis. From this I have produced several books and graphical portfolio sheets.

Through the Design Studio Integrated Technology briefs I have explored the technological implications required for the thesis. As the women and children within the Refuge will have been through traumatic events and are often in a state of psychological distress, the same ethos of the Maggies Caring Centres behind the technological design of space and its warm and welcoming presence has been implemented. With this in mind, the refuge uses simple light weight and low rise timber structures and load bearing masonry in correlation with the existing context and to keep a humanistic and domestic scale to the environments.

In the final brief the technological design correlated with the theoretical and social approach of the thesis. One of the fundamental ideals in structuralism was that social interaction is not merely between two people, it is also a relationship between an individual and their environment. More specifically it was a desire to make an individual feel connected to a space, creating a sense of ownership and control. As the victims of domestic violence have had to leave everything behind, in their new environment it is crucial that they feel comforted and at home. Structuralism was finally utilised in showing how the details of the most private space would emphasise these feelings. This included kinetic furniture with a multitude of purposes but that were ultimately ingrained into the design of the entire space. Beyond furniture the integrated technologies drew inspiration from traditional and contemporary Japanese architecture with sliding partition walls which help divide the space.

[ T e c h n i c a l & T e c h n o l o g i c a l Q u e s t i o n s ]

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Other details included how the individuals are invited to personalise a space by using simple design indicators that are incorporated into the space changing

principles which would increase their sense of control.

As this thesis is essentially a model for replication in a city where over 54% of the total housing is terraced, as further development the proposition could have been shown to work in other areas of Liverpool than just the chosen site. The same theoretical model could have been drawn as a strategy on a city scale and reached further than just the terraced house. As Liverpool is not the only city with such issues it could of also expanded to a national scale project.

The architectural proposition of the Womens Refuge only focuses on the effect and result of domestic violence, a further development of this could have targeted the cause, prevention and awareness of this dilemma. A more refined thesis may have included a time scale in which there was eventually no use for a refuge when the social climate had changed and domestic violence cases had been drastically reduced. This could have also been included on a strategic level and not necessarily designed as a proposition.

After this thesis I have become emotionally invested to the concern and on a personal level I would very much like to be involved in the future. Although this is not an architectural development, a previous colleague of mine runs charity events for the Grimsby Womens Refuge which I intend on participating in how ever possible.

[ F u r t h e r D e v e l o p m e n t ]

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[ B i b l i o g r a p h y ]

TED. (1813). The Lethality of Loneliness. [Online Video]. 11 September. Available from:http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/The-Lethality-of-Loneliness-Joh. [Accessed: 31 October 2013].

Hertzberger, H (2005). Lessons for Students in Architecture. 5th ed. Rotterdam: 010 Publish-ers.

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[ R e p o r t T w o ]

M a n a g e m e n t & L a w

“Good design is a key aspect of sustainable development, is indivisible from good planning, and should contribute positively to making places better for people”

(Planning Portal, Last accessed 27 April 2014.)

The site is within the Liverpool Princess Park & Princess Road areas of conservation. Although there are no listed buildings on site or in the immediate context, this has been taken into consideration. ‘Loneliness in the City’ is about adapting and transforming areas of Liverpools fruitful history for today’s social situation making it a highly relevant proposal. Although it is not a replication of the context, it retains elements of the existing vernacular through materialism and domestic sizes.

This proposal creates a strong sense of place for the new inhabitants, optimises its potential and integrates green and public space where possible. All these points can be found in section 7. Requiring Good Design and 8. Promoting Healthy Communities of the Planning Practice Guidance of which this proposal abides by.The thesis proposition does require the demolition of several terraced houses. The local council has already begun this process on site but the correct formal procedures would have to be taken and a document with the intentions and the sites future purpose would be provided.

Part of the projects fundamental goals where its aim in alleviating Liverpool’s social problems through design, particularly health and welfare. Although this is less of an issue and more an argument in obtaining planning’s consent, it seems relevant to mention within this section. The social intentions of this project, coupled with its vernacular considerations would provide a strong case for its approval.

[ P l a n n i n g I s s u e s ]

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There are 500 terraced houses within the site which were erected in 1890 and are currently vacant. All of these houses are the Liverpools Council’s property and a majority are under a pilot scheme named ‘House for a pound’ of which its only condition of purchase is that it be regenerated. Obtaining these houses requires an application through Liverpool.gov.uk and is the first means of procuring the land.

Buying public land from the council is also required as major alterations are being made to the existing road networks through new interventions and pedestrianised routes. This requires an application being submit in which an internal process involving Council Officers and Ward Members decide whether or not to sell it. As the council are currently trying to reinvent the urban core to include denser living conditions, and with the thesis being aimed at alleviating social problems that Liverpool is experiencing, this would provide a good case.

The Community Resource Unit of Liverpool Council awards funding to any schemes that involve domestic violence or those that help build stronger communities, both of which ‘Loneliness in the City’ proposes. The funding would also come by charitable organisations and events. Lotto funding could be acquired through their application process under ‘Communities and Groups’ as this proposition includes children and young people, elderly and disabled people. A governing document is required by most funding providers but charities such as Womens Aid, Age UK and Childrens Society would be involved and the scheme would receive £500,000 or more. These charities also regularly provide fund raising events as a source and is one that a precedent within the thesis (Grimsby Womens Refuge) had done previously.

[ D e v e l o p m e n t A p p r a i s a l S c e n a r i o ]

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Particular concerns are falls and uncontrolled collapse, traffic management, noise and vibration and any risks posed by connected services. Specialist consultants such as site and building surveyors would ensure the stability of the terraced houses and all locations of live services above and below ground. These must be done before any work begins and not be left for the contractors to organise unless applicable. Before demolition a method statement that clearly defines the procedures to be undertaken would be provided to local governing bodies to ensure the safety of those on and off site of which they will be granted permission.

Other specialist consultants that would be assembled during this process are structural engineers that would advise on superstructure, foundations and drainage of the project. Although this is a relatively simple scheme, the liaison with engineers is important to reduce any risk factor in the structural properties

of the building.

Tendering will be done through a single stage selective process. This is simply because the construction of the design is not complex and the contractors input would not necessarily be required any earlier than stage 6 (Construction) of the

RIBA Plan of work 2013.

Once built, the maintenance and operation of the scheme is formed by creating new employment of an all-female staff working for Womens Aid UK. As this is a male free environment any potential work or maintenance needed afterwards would either be carried out by a female staff or special arrangements would have

to be made to keep the integrity of the sensitive environment that is the refuge.

[ P r o c u r e m e n t & R i s k ]

The architectural practice involves the architect, local authority and the charitable organisations involved, predominantly Womens Aid. The involvement of all parties at the strategic definition stage of the RIBA 2013 Plan of Work ensures that the scheme is designed to its full potential in a collaborative environment and each programmatic element delivers ultimately the desired effect for the women and children in distress. The focus for this would be on stages from 1. Preparation and Brief and stage 2. Concept Design and would be the most collaborative between the architect and Womens Aid as the buildings function is the priority. A strong precedent for this collaborative approach is the Grimsby Womens Refuge, who the architect Mark Hodson still holds charitable events for the cause.

Additional contractors would also be included at these early stages such as surveyors and engineers to ensure the 19th century terraced houses on site were fit for use or needed maintenance and repairs. The technical design stage would be predominantly led by architects and engineers but discussions between all parties would inform strategic solutions from the beginning for retaining and regenerating the existing structures and designing the new.

[ A r c h i t e c t u r a l P r a c t i c e ]

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On reflection to my personal position and to my thesis I have been heavily inspired by the architectural theories of humanism and structuralism. Although I understand these I would very much like to see some the buildings first hand of Herman Hertzberger and Aldo Van Eyck. This would be a personal experience for me as a continuation of the project and I fully intend on traveling for a short

period of time to visit these.

I have played a small part in competition entries through my architectural experience. Although I thoroughly enjoy working at a professional level, I feel on my return to the MArch after a prolonged time away from individual design my ability to design slightly degraded. This also included my love for hand drawing, physical modelling and other mediums which are less required in the professional industry from those at my level. Competitions and other personal projects will help me to retain these abilities and build upon them, inevitably making me a

more complete architect coupled with my computer aided design skills.

Following the completion of the MArch and after a short period of rest and personal development, I have arranged to return to Hodson Architects in my home town of Grimsby where I gained my year out experience. Here I can continue with my professional development, completing my part 2 and beginning my part 3 studies until the examinations where I will ultimately become a fully qualified architect. The scales of projects taken on there and the nature of them are very fitting to my own preference in typologies from small and bespoke design to larger projects such as schools and colleges. The small size of the practice itself also allows me to take on more responsibility, complementing my desire to develop as a well-

rounded architect.

Although I already had a particular interest in other cultures and design in other countries, my research into sociology through the thesis has reinforced this. After completion of my part 3 I would like to work abroad for a short period of time as a means to develop personally and architecturally. Where this ambition would take me I do not yet know, but I fully intend on perusing this as a life goal and this will hopefully coincide with my interests in humanism, structuralism and design of

empathy and concern.

[ P r o f e s s i o n a l R e f l e c t i o n ]

[ B i b l i o g r a p h y ]

(2014). Funding. Available: http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/funding-finder. Last ac-cessed 1st May 2014.

(2012). National Planning Policy Framework. Available: http://planningguidance.planning-portal.gov.uk/. Last accessed 27 Apr 2014.

(2011). Tendering for Construction Projects. Available: https://www.thenbs.com/topics/con-tractslaw/articles/tenderingForConstructionProjects.asp. Last accessed 29th Aug 2014.

(2014). Community Funding and Grants. Available: http://liverpool.gov.uk/business/finance-funding-and-grants/community-funding-and-grants/what-we-fund/. . Last accessed 1st May 2014.

(2014). House for a Pound. Available: http://liverpool.gov.uk/council/strategies-plans-and-policies/housing/homes-for-a-pound/. . Last accessed 27th Mar 2014.

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[ I n t e g r a t e d D e s i g n R e p o r t s ]

Loneliness in the City

Adam James Fulton