Joshua AylettDesign Studio 1

2016

Systems DiversionDeviation, Appropriation and Regeneration

Poem on the theme of Abandonment by a street poet in Madrid

CONTENTS Keep the sight lookingeverything changes everywhere the thingsno longer things if you stop looking at themthe mirror doesn't mean the truth you can change the worldif you let the things goadmit the changeto escape happiness is handmadethe building can be oldnot to be abandoned if not leave it outof your memory.Abandon thingsnot people. Forget about the mirror.

4 IntroductionStudio Ethos

Luxury / Austerity19 UnfinishedSpain

UnfinishedMadridUnfinishedUrbanisations

37 Ciudad ValdeluzAbundance vs Scarcity

Harvest MappingUnfinishedBuildings

57 Conceptual ExplorationHost / Parasite

77 Post Urban ExplorationInsurgence

Surveillance95 Ciuda Vadleluz

Insurgent Citizenship105 Insurgent Citizens

CharacterProfiles117 Insurgent Agenda

Tactics of Insurgent PracticeNew Network Formation

141 Insurgent CitizenshipCharacter Interventions

157 duda ValdeluzMaster Plan

Artifacts179 Resolutions

PrecedentsFound-a-tory Design

233 References

4everything changes

Urbanicidio : Unfinished Spain

The Potential Space of Crisis between European Luxury and AusterityUnit Tutors:

Dr. Igea TroianiAndrew Dawson

Structures and Construction tutor:

Francesco Miniati

Environmental Tutors:

Andy Edwards

Studio Themes:

Unfinished, Incomplete, Crisis,Ghost Urbanisations/Towns, Reuse/Regeneration

5This design portfolio aims to explore the potential of the redundant building stock located in the unfinished urbandevelopments on the periphery of Madrid, Spain. Following the crash of the housing market and the economic downturn of 2008, millions of homes have been left unoccupied across Spain. Despite the abundance of housing located in Madrid, informal squatter settlements have been created by immigrants on the outskirts of the city. This type of insurgent behaviour reinforces the exploration of alternative uses for redundant building structures in the unfinished Spanishurbanisations. This portfolio is to

be read in conjunction with the accompanying A1 Drawings. A1 drawings will be referenced throughout the portfolio.

The following design response explores the potential to develop the Ciudad Valdeluz master plan as a collective act of insurgent occupation. Focusing on the post urban inhabitant the design will follow the steps to acquiring citizenship by rebelling against the modernist agenda set out by the architects urban master plan.

The final resolutions area speculative response formulated and composed through a research/design methodology; one possible outcome to a design process that is open to infinitealternative outcomes.

6Luxury

/lk()ri/

A state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense.

7Austerity

/A' stEriti/

Plainness and simplicity in appearance

Difficult economicconditions created by government measures to reduce public expenditure

8GiovanniPaoloPanini(ca.1692-1765)View of the Roman Forum 1747.

Claude LorainCapriccio with ruins of the Roman Forum c. 1634Oil on canvassThe introduction to the studio themes focused initially on historic precedent through fineart depictions of the romantic picturesque. In these representations, the artists create/manipulate a view or particular landscape to include noteworthy architectural references, while negating modern buildings and unappealing aspects of the contemporary society in order to maximise interest. Paintings and literature that depict the

In creating this historical portrayal of the Roman Forum, Panini, eliminated some modern buildings in order not to obstruct his vista, which stretches from the Arch of Septimius Severus to the Column of the Temple of Saturn. He also added monuments from miles away to maximise interest. The companion View of the Colosseum is handled in much the same way. The ancient structures are given new life by Romes inhabitantsstrolling gentlemen contemplating the antiquities, perhaps the tourists who will purchase such paintings as this, and gypsies and peasants who simply make the ruins their home.

romanticised ruins of the ancient European empires, such as the works above, are what inspired artists and explorers in later years to embark on what would be known as The Grand Tour. Traditionally young men from the upper-class would set out on this European tour and follow a standard itinerary, highlighting the ancient empires and cities that were conveyed through romantic artwork. Thecustomflourishedfromabout 1660 until the advent of large-scale rail transport in the 1840s.

The visual depictions of similar artworks showing constructed views of historic and visual landmarks poses the question of how we, as the viewer, consider architectural ruin in both the historical and contemporary setting?

9Graffiti artist Banksyslatest work Dismaland, a temporary exhibition constructed in a disused seaside lido in Weston-Super-Mare, England, is describedasaBemusementPark; a family theme park unsuitable for children.

The exhibition featured artworks, performances and inhabitable structures that in some cases mimic popular theme park rides. The entire production was constructed to shed a dim light on the realities of our current economic, political and environmental situations as well as comment on entertainment and popular culture.

The exhibition proved extremely popular. Those who visited experienced the artificially constructedlandscape of architectural and historical references arranged in a way to maximise interest. These aspects of the construct share similarities to the romanticised images of the picturesque and the grand tour; the visual construction of the artist to provoke reaction, yet Banksysworkseeksrevealthe falseness rather than hide it.

Banksy Constructing the Anti-PicturesqueDismaland2015

Contemporary unfinishedlandscapes and building developments that exist today have a visual quality about them that exists somewhere between the picturesque, depicted through romantic paintings and literature, and the a i t i - p i c t u r e s q u e , portrayed by BanksysDismalandBemusementPark.

Though the contemporary unfinishedbuildingstobeexplored in this portfolio are largely the result of economic downturn and are a harsh reminder to their inhabitants of a dire situation, they retain some level of architectural value in theirunfinishedstate.Thedesign respond that will be uncovered throughout this portfolio looks at this architectural value and potential that lies between the themes of luxury vs. austerity, abundance vs. scarcity, permanence vs. impermanence etc...

10

Thomas ColeThe Course of an Empire1833-1836

This five-part paintingseries is a notable historical and fine artsreference due to dramatic portrayal of the phases of human civilisation; ranging from the ideal pastoralism to the eventual decadence and decay.

The series depicts the rise and fall of an imaginary city located at the opening of a river to a bay. Each painting shows a distinct landmark, a boulder cliff, that provides reference and continuity to the viewer. This is believed to represent the contrast between the constant nature of earth and the tranquillity of man.

The Savage StateOil on canvas1834

The Pastoral StateOil on canvas1834

This series has provided a strong basis for which investigation and exploration of the studio themes has been made, in relation to unfinishedSpain. The context for which brought about the collapse of the Spanish housing market in 2008 can be linked to the Coles narrative of expansion, wealth, decadence and decay described through the painting series. The studio themes of Luxury vs. Austerity, Decadence vs. Virtue, Abundance vs. Scarcity etc... can be traced through the series.

11

DestructionOil on canvas1836

DesolationOil on canvas1836

The Consummation of EmpireOil on canvas1836

12

W.ChapmanTitle Unknown.

13

Bryan and Kim Cantley The Myth of Imagery

A collaborative piece between husband and wife Bryan (Architect) andKim (Painter) Cantley toportray the relationship between experimental architecture and the romanticised landscape. This piece seeks to give room for consideration to the imaginings of BryanCantleys experimental architectural practice, Form:ula. The image frames brings together a r c h i t e c t u r a l representation and finearts practice, enabling viewer to question the relationship between nature and man made form.

14

Masahiko YendoRocinante, Heroes SeriesTowers rose high, and painters filled walls2008

15

Masahiko YendoCastle Inverness 4, Heroes SeriesHills and rivers met, and canyons were deepened2008

Masahiko YendoHeroes Series

1998-2008

This series of emotive pencil drawings, made at the same time as his projects published in Ironic Diversion, describes the relationship between landscape and human intervention. These drawings convince us that the two, although they are distinctly different from each other, are interconnected and dependent on one another. Industrial buildings sit within the landscape as an extrusion conveyed in harmony through the texture and line-weights of the pencil drawings. Reality and experience often tell us otherwise.

The drawings lyricismtheir exaltation of form and texture and meaningdifferentiates them from actual situations where industrial architecture pollutes virgin landscapes. Something in the drawings convinces us that they belong together, even though our experience insists that they do not.

16

SPACE INTERRUPTEDCollage Mixed Media900 x 900mm

Abundance / Scarcity

This piece suggests a future landscape of discarded objects, waste and abandoned structures; the implications of single-minded investment strategies and quick spending followed by a sudden economic crash. Scenes from Dubai, Italy, Greece and Spain are included in the collage landscape; some conveying rapid investment and construction, and others showing the unfinished/abandoned state of the construction industry when investment pools dry up.

Spain, in particular, is now littered with Ghost Urbanisations following the economic crash in 2008. It is not certain whether these unfinisheddevelopments will ever see completion or if investors will look afresh when the next opportunities arise. This then raises the question of how we respond to the landscapes abundant waste and ruin on our planet, before we start building on the moon?

17

18

everywhere the thingsno longer things

19

/ UnfinishedSpain

20

Europe is no longer mighty but has again become turbu lent as conflicts and divisions spring up across the continent. Unemployment has risen to a new high and is especially pronounced among younger people. Countries that before the financial crisis balanced their books have now run up spectacu lar levels of debt(Giddens,A.2014).

European crisis due to the fall of the Euro and housing market. Figures state that there are around 11 million empty homes across Europe, a harsh reminder of once thriving housing market and construction industry.

Homelessness has becoming an increasing problem in Spain due to the effects ofthecountrysfinancialcrisis. According to official statistics ofthe Bank of Spain, it isestimated that there are 332,529 homeless in the country.

21

11 million empty homes across Europe.

3.5 million empty homes throughout Spain, 14% of the European total.

The periphery of Madrid is scattered with unfinished urbanisations, most ofwhich are less than half completed, with 25% or more unoccupied residencies.

World ViewUTC+01:00

Europe ViewUTC+01:00

SpainUTC+01:00

22

Total Area of Cadaver per location in SpainCiudad Valdeluz

Cadaveres InmobiliariosReal Estate Corpses

Cadaveres Inmobiliarios is a Spanish organisation that works to raise awareness about the abundance of empty building skeletons that are located around the country. The organisation has started a number of initiatives to get people involved and take care of the buildings that lie in ruin. One initiative in particular encourages people participate by doing the following:

0. Discover

1. Adopt

2. Take Care

23

Cadaver Locations, SpainUnfinishedBuildingDatabase

227,000,000 m of Cadavers in Spain

24

Madrid, Spain

Luxury:

Madrid, Spains central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive manicured parks such as the Parque de El Retiro. Madrid is renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museums works by Goya, Velzquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armoury, displaying historic weaponry.

Populationfiguresforthemetropolitan area were recorded at 3.165 million in 2014.

Austerity:

Since 2007 there have been 569,144 foreclosures, the Platform for Mortgage Victims (PAH) reports.At the same time, there are 3.5 million empty dwellings 14 percent of the total, according to the INE.

Homeless figures in thecity of Madrid are estimated around 2,500 - 3000 people. Shanty towns, such as Canada Real, exist on the periphery of the city housing up to 40,000 long-standing residents, many of which are legal immigrants from Portugal, Romania, Morocco or South America.

/ UnfinishedMadrid

25

Palacio Real de Madrid

Mercado de San Miguel Typical Elevation Creamery

Plaza Mayor Parque de El Retiro

26

/ MadridPeriphery Development

[Areas of Development Generation 1+2]

PAUs OrangeArroyo del FresnoMontecarmeloLas TablasSanchinarroEnsanche de VallecasCarabanchel

Southeast(grey)La AtalayuelaLa DehesaEl CananeralLos AhijonesLosBerrocalesLos CerrosValdecarros

Northeast(grey)

Ciudad AeroportauriaParque de ValdebebasEnsanchedeBarajas

PAU: Programas de Actuacion UrbanisticaUrban Development Plans

The PAU communities are advertised as extensions of the already sprawling city; they are not considered to be separate and different communities. However, the built reality of these places speaks otherwise. Unlike the city centre, which possesses the full gamut of business, commercial and cultural institutions inter-mixed within the residential fabric, the PAUs are far more segregated. Commerce is typically concentrated into one large shopping mall; green areas, though generous, are mostly peripheral; most residents commute into the city-proper for work. However, given the still sparse infrastructure and absence of amenities in these communities, the cost incentive is an appealing opportunity. In a country where home-ownership rates are among the highest in Europe (over 80 percent), residents are content to buy into the inconveniences in order to acquire their own homes at a 50 percent discount.

(Ballesteros,M.2008)

27

P: Proposed CapacityA: Actual InhabitantsU: Units Constructed

/ UnfinishedMadrid

Madrid, Spain

Cuidad ValdeluzGuadalajara Yebes65 Km Northwest of Madrid

Residencial Francisco HernandoSesea El QuinCastile - La Mancha, Toledo37 km South of Madrid

Refer to A1 drawing: Greater Madrid Plan

28

2003Residencial Francisco HernandoSesea El QuinCastile - La Mancha, Toledo37 km South of Madrid

Developed during the property boom of the 2000s by developer Onde 2000. The development was proposed to be one of Spains largest development with over 13,500 units and costing around 9 billion Euros.

Currently, the constructed portion of the development is largely uninhabited and is virtually isolated from neighbouring developments. Madrid is only accessible by a 35 minute car journey.

2012

/ UnfinishedUrbanisations

29

'UNDERGROUND' 'FUTURE FOUNDATIONS' 'DOUBLE-TAKE'

'EXCAVATION'

'RESTING POINT'

'MIRAGE''SUPPLY' 'THE VIEW'

'BASEMENT WANDERER'

'ABANDONED POOL'

30

2005

Cuidad ValdeluzGuadalajara YebesLocated 65 Km Northwest of Madrid

Construction of the development began in 2004 with the first homesfinished in 2006. As aresult of the crash of the economic bubble in 2008, construction was abortedandonlythefirstof four phases has neared completion. Its estimated that between 2,000 - 3,000 people currently live in the city, despite the capacity to hold around

2013

45,000. There are a number of unfinished buildingsthat were aborted when the funding ran dry. The city is, however, linked to Madrid by the AVE high speed train which stops at the station Guadalajara, Yebes a number of times per day. The journey to Madrid can be made by car (50min),byAVE(23min)orbytrain(100min).

31

'NETS'

'FRAME FORGOTTEN''SKELETON FRAME'

'CONTEMPORARY RUIN''INTO THE LIGHT'

'SKELETON NIGHT''TRAPPED IN THE NET''THE BELLY OF THE BEAST'

'CORRIDOR ABANDONED''LOOKING THROUGH'

32

33

The Post Urban Inhabitant

This storyboard analyses the current situation of the developments on the periphery of Madrid and highlights the factors the contributed to the formation of these spaces. The situation is abstracted by conveying a dark mood to the scenes depicted. These places, once proposed as optimistic and investment driven solutions to a need for housing, now depict a distorted reality of isolation from the living centre of the City.Post Urbanizacin Mixed Media Collage

34

Valdeluz

CarabanchelVallecas

Sesena

Las TablasSanchinarroMontecarmeloArroyo del Fresno

During the p r o s p e r o u s economic period leading up to 2007, Madrid sought out to capitalise on the abundance of investment in the area by i m p l e m e n t i n g PAU (Programas de Actuacion Urbanistica), anurban development scheme which involved the c o n s t r u c t i o n of numerous developments on the periphery of the city.

'Rapid and single-minded determination, which ensures the timely and efficient delivery of housing on a massive scale, may perpetuate the repetition of insufficient planning decisions that contribute to the impression of incompletion, a condition which seems to persist long after these developments are officially concluded' (Ballesteros,M. 2008).

'The future of generations of Madrid residents to come. These residents, like primitive men and women or rather, like post-urban inhabitants - will have to re-think their surroundings and patterns of life in places where the street is no longer the street. Here, the overlaying of functions has been eliminated, buildings are icebergs floating in isolation, and contact is reduced to the absolute bare minimum' (Ballesteros,M.2008).

35

'The PAU communities are advertised as extensions of the already sprawling city; they are not considered to be separate and different communities. However, the built reality of these places speaks otherwise. Unlike the city centre, which possesses the full gamut of business, commercial and cultural institutions inter-mixed within the residential fabric, the PAUs are far more segregated (Ballesteros,M.2008).

Utopia as a political device is bankrupt now...

'A hypertrophied Madrid has managed to expand the size of its existing cells but lacks new cells capable of adding life and variety. The exploitation of maximum force through hypertrophy may produce surprising short term results, but is comparable to the risks and long term damage associated with doping and the usage of anabolic steroids' (Ballesteros,M.2008).

36

the building can be oldnot to be abandoned

37

/ Ciudad Valdeluz

38

Construction began in 2006, and was to be completed in four phases. The grid of streets and blocks were marked out in the arid dirt of Castilla-La Mancha. The roads were paved, street signs and lamp-posts erected, and parks finished. But only the first of four phases of apartment blocks 2,200 of the 9,000 planned homes were finished when the crisis hit in 2008Reyal Urbis halted construction, and the economy never recovered; last year, they finally filed for bankruptcy (Hancox, D.2014).

Ciudad Valdeluz population was calculated as 2,211 peoplein2013.Thisfigurerose from 37 in 2007; 197 in 2008; 354 in 2009; 726 in 2010; 1,276 in 2011;and 1,717 in 2012. The city is populated with hundreds of square metres of public land which requires an annual investment of 0.6 million Euro; including ponds, several playgrounds, and half-filledartificiallakesand a private golf course (Ramn,A.2013).

Citizens of the city feel a sense of ownership over the place, yet there is no hope in reviving the carcass that was meant to flourish as a sustainablecity. Guided by the grid structure of the urban master plan, those who live in the city follow the rules and obey the order of governance that is set out by the designers, almost as if they are brainwashed into maintaining the happy life image that the city once advertised.

Today a small portion of the buildings remain unfinished. As you lookout from the cluster of buildings that make up the city, roads and divided plots of land for the full master plan extend into the desolate landscape.

Valdeluz / The Valley of Light

Proposed Built

39

Valdeluz / Guadalajara City Scale Comparison

Guadalajara, Castile-La Mancha

Ciudad Valdeluz, Guadalajara One aspect that has prevented Ciudad Valdeluz from establishing a sense of community is the scale of the development. In comparison to Guadalajara, a neighbouring and established historic city that expanded along a natural progression, the Valdeluz master plan was developed according to a Urban Master Plan, which focused on the car as the scale reference point.

Most of the buildings are 4+ storeys tall, creating a valley feeling in the streets below. The streets resemble boulevards with up to 4 lanes for transport. It is this scale that trumps the individual citizen, resulting in a city scape that feel empty. The apartment blocks are inward facing, sheltering activity with, leaving the streets empty with apartment blocks floatingin isolation.

40

Ciudad Valdeluz Existing Plan

The red markings on the site plan indicate the extents of the master plan that have not been completed.

The Buildings in whiteindicate Finished buildings.

The buildings in dark gray indicate UnfinishedBuildings.

The landscape beyond the boundary of the full Ciudad Valdeluz is shown as washed out white.

The current state of the Valdeluz master plan conveys the maddening scale and ambition of the developers. The existing (partially completed)portion of the development makes up only 1/4 of the phases to comprise the city. Views out from the cluster of buildings that comprises the city reveal a seemingly endless landscape of building plotsdefinedbytheurbanscale grid.

41

42

In-Place Transportation Infrastructure High Speed Railway

Highway N-320 Unused Plots

43

Water Distribution

Unfinished(Abandoned)Buildings

Green Spaces

Active Shops and High Street

44

Colegio Valdeluz

ApartmentBuilding

Civic Hall / Church

Abandoned /Unfinished School

Unfinished

Unfinished

45

SchoolBuildingExtensionUnfinished

The school building extension was partially constructed prior to the school site abandonment. The primary structure is in place throughout, and varying levels of completion occur in areas of the building. At the South end of the building the internal partition walls and elements of the services have been installed. Many of the previously installed services have been stripped out by vandals.

CivicHallBuildingUnfinished

The Civic Hall building is located within a public plaza and neighbouring an unfinished contemporarychurch building. The building itself is an open plan hall, with lower level basements, loading bays, storage and roof access. The services and cabling in the basement level have been stripped out by vandals.

ApartmentBuildingUnfinished

The Apartment Blockbuilding is unfinished tothe point where only the primary concrete structure has been constructed in most places. The Southern end blocks are clad in a single layer brick skin. Waste materials have been left in the basement of the building. There is little sign of vandalism due to the lack of value in the remnant materials.

/ Abundance vs Scarcity

46

Components

EscalatorsCable Trays

Cable Trays

Doors

Crane Components

Concrete Silos

Concrete Silos

Metal Bins

Metal Bins

Metal Bins

Metal Bins

Door FramesCeiling Tiles

Ducting

Ladders

Fibreglass Pipes

Barrels

Windows

Objects

PortacabinsTrain Machinery

Wheels

Solar Panels

Concrete Schute

Birds

Birds

Toilets

Foam MattingBooks

Tables

Desks

Chairs

Portacabins

Show House

Show HouseShow House

Show House

PortacabinsPortacabins

Primary Construction Materials

Brick

Water

Pipes Nets

Water

Water

Water

Electricity

Electricity

Electricity

Electricity

BrickRope

Scaffolding

NettingRebar

Pallets and Scrap Timber

Pallets and Scrap Timber

Steel Supports

Aerated BrickBreeze Blocks

Dry Cement/Morter

Breeze Blocks

Secondary Construction Materials

Insulation

FencingBlack Metal Grate

Corrugated Metal SheetsPlasterboard

MDF SheetsInsulation Boards

TilesPartition Wall Frames

Curtain Wall Mullions

FencingFencing

Primary Construction Materials

BricksAeratedBricksNets(window/liftshafts/boundaries)Steel SupportsBreezeBlocksPallets and Scrap TimberScaffolding and Pipe HandrailsRopesDry Cement/MortarRe-barWater

Secondary Construction Materials

InsulationRubbleFencesTilesCurtain Wall MullionsPartition Wall FramesBlackGrateFencingCorrugated Metal SheetsPlasterboardMDF SheetsFoamInsulationBoardsElectricity

Components

EscalatorsConcrete SilosWindowsBarrelsFiberglass PipesLaddersDuctingCeiling TilesDoor FramesMetalBinsCrane ComponentsDoorsCablesCable Trays

Objects

Port-a-cabinsShow HouseTrain MachineryChairsDesksBooksFoamBoardsBirds ToiletsSinksTablesSolar PanelsConcrete ChuteWheels

/ Material Harvesting

47

48

Summer Shadow MappingJune 215:46 - 20:46

08:00

12:00

18:00

49

Summer Shadow StudyUnfinishedApartmentBuildingJune 215:46 - 20:46

June 21Approx 14:30

October 23Approx 14:30

50

10:00

14:00

16:00

Winter Shadow MappingDecember 2108:35 - 17: 49

51

Winter Shadow StudyUnfinishedApartmentBuildingDecember 2108:35 - 17: 49

December 21Approx 14:30

October 23Approx 14:30

52

This collage was produced as a medium to convey the atmospheric qualities of the unfinished spacesin Ciudad Valdeluz. The techniques used when composing the image were deliberately applied and sanded in a way that would express the board behind the rough layer of paint. The paint scraped across the board is representative of the context to the building that is the focus of the image. The surrounding areas of the city are vast and desolate, with the scars of development extending throughout the landscape. The building is composed in black and white to communicate the lack of colour, emotion and life in the space. After years of abandonment, the building is slowly deteriorating, as seen by the details captured in the images.

Everything changesEverywhere the thingsNo longer thingsIf you stop looking at them

/ UnfinishedBuildings

53

54

Typical Concrete Properties for Medium DensityResidentialBuildings

Material Kg/m TotalCementiousContent(TCC) 300

Water 165

Aggregate 1915

Reinforcement 110

Embodied CO2 270

www.sustainableconcrete.org.uk

ApartmentBuildingMaterialCalculations 17 modular units+ BasementConstruction+ Corner Units

= 7475 m Volume of Structure

= 1,233,375 Kg Water 326,289.7 Gallons or 1,360 Tonnes

14,314,625 Kg Aggregate or 15,782 Tonnes

822,250 Kg Reinforcement or 906.5 Tonnes 2,018,250 Kg CO2 or 2,225 TonnesApartment Building Modular Unitx 17 Units

1:10

55

+ 3400.0 _

+ 6660.0 _

+ 9920.0 _

+ 13220.0 _

+ 16520.0 _

VISIBLE FROM THE ROAD _ + 0.0

_ - 4800.0

The unfinished apartmentbuilding is made up of 17 modules, with three variations between the modules. The modules on the South end of the building are clad with a single layer brick skin. This is shown in the exploded diagram above. The facades have openings for doors and windows, yet do not have the doors or windows installed.

Module without cladding

Module with cladding

56

57

Conceptual Exploration \

58

How does the relationship between conceptual images manifest itself in a parasitic structural form?The translation of the themes derived from the imagery has resulted in the exploration of structurally enhancing materials and systems of material elements. This process involved a few methods to give rigidity and structural properties to non structural materials.

These processes include:

Crystallising strings to create a tension system.

Applying wax to fabric and string systems.

Forming a structural element using was enhanced string.

The enhanced material elements were then tested, and the properties of the new formations were considered in their ability to be applied on a large scale parasitic structure.

59

Parasite

[par-uh-sahyt]

An organism that lives on or in an organism of another

species, known as the host, from the body of which it

obtains nutriment.

/ Host vs Parasite

60

Material ExplorationTesting, Results and OutcomesThe analysis of the material tests was able to inform the construction process of the structural exploration model. A series of small scale tests aimed to achieve structural enhancement of a flexiblematerial by applying a solidifying agent. The studies are shown on the following pages.

The findings enabled theprocess of construction to occur, but did not dictate the final form. Much of the construction process required the wax to fall onto the fabric from a specified location, butthe resulting form of wax onto the fabric was simply dictated by the process in which it occurred.

Sodium Acetate[Na+[HCO3] + CH3COOH - CH3COO Na+ + H2O + CO2]

Sodium Acetate is a supersaturated solution that, once it comes in contact with a crystal, will have an exothermic reaction and form a solid crystalline structure.

[1]

[2]

[3]

Formation of the Sodium AcetateCombine 1L of White Vinegar and 4Tbs of Baking Soda. Reduce the solution over heat until 1/10 of the original volume remains.Cool the concentrated solution in the refrigerator.

Once cool, the concentrated solution was poured over the string system and left to crystallise.

Binding of the strings though crystallisation

bonds

Structural Enhancement through Crystal FormationMaterial Exploration

This process was explored in its potential to structurally enhance a system of strings by providing a rigid framework, once the solution had crystallised.

Candle wax was dripped onto a system of stings over a period of time to create a rigid framework. This process was time consuming, and required a steady, consistent platform to hold the candles and allow the wax to drip from onto the string system.

The initial system of string was flexible relied on the host structure for stability and shape.

Before

Plan View

The Final FormDuring After

Wax as Structural Enhancement to StringMaterial Exploration

The resulting structure of wax enhanced string provided a rigid framework that acted as an enhancement of the host structure. This enhanced system provided cross-bracing support to the host elements.

Application of liquid candle wax to a system of tensile string. The candle wax uses the stings as a framework from which it takes shape. The wax is applied in layers which builds upon the previous, giving it shape and strength.

The wax and string were cut away from the frame that was used during the test/construction period. The system is now solidified

Before During After

Views through the wax/string system during the build up process.Opacity increases as the layers of wax build up around the strings. Gaps between strings reduce as the was forms to adjoining structures. The resulting material is a solid form, built up of individual drips and layers of wax.

Reinforced Wax Structural FormMaterial Exploration

and self supporting, maintaining the shape that was created using the supporting frame.

The strings are virtually hidden once multiple layers of wax are applied. The resulting material form can be applied as a building material or facade element.

Wax as Structural Enhancement to FabricMaterial Exploration

Exploring the process of solidifying fabric with wax

Wax as Structural Enhancement to FabricMaterial Exploration

[1] + [2]

Testing Fire Resistance of Fabrics

Liquid candle wax was added to a flexible fabric. This process required a steady application of candle wax, which once it solidifies, fixes the position of the fabric.

The fabric was resting on a rigid element and was held in place by the geometry of the folds in the fabric. Once enhanced by the wax, the folds and geometry in the fabric was hardened.

Once removed from the rigid element that the fabric was resting upon, the test result was able to support its own weight and maintain the solidified shape.

Application of liquid candle wax to a flexible fabric. Once the candle wax solidifies, the once flexible fabric becomes rigid, fixed in the position in which the wax was applied.

The two resulting fabrics were then tested according to their fire resistance performance.

Test result [1] was monitored in its current state. A naked flame was held to the fabric to see if it would catch fire. The areas that were covered in wax were resistant to the flame, but the uncovered areas of the fabric began to catch fire and smolder. The flame quickly travels through the fabric in the areas where wax has not been added.

[2] Non-Flammable

[1] Flammable

Test result [2] was monitored after it had been sprayed with water. A naked flame was held to the fabric to see if it would catch fire. Neither the areas that were covered in the wax nor the wet fabric caught fire. Wetting the fabric enable the fabric to resist the flame.

Liquid wax was applied to a fabric draped over a rigid form. The wax was applied by pouring liquid wax from a container onto the flexible fabric.

The liquid state wax does not affect the shape of the fabric during its application, however, Once dry, the wax infused fabric solidifies and holds the shape that was dictated by the rigid form.

This technique of wax application did not only join to the surface of the fabric, but infused within the fabric to give a stronger bond between the wax and fibers.

Removing the Fabric from the Form-work

Before

Fabric on the form Pouring the wax Wax Drying state

After

Wax/Fabric Build-up

Self-supporting wax infused fabric

Fabric inverted

Wax Infused FabricMaterial Exploration

The rigidity of the fabric can be tested when removed from the base form. The resulting material is now able to support itself and maintain the shape that was dictated by the rigid form that the fabric was draped over.

61

Structural Enhancement through Crystal Formation

Wax as Structural Enhancement to String

Wax as Structural Enhancement to Fabric

Wax Infused Fabric

Reinforced Wax Structural Form

Wax as Structural Enhancement to Fabric

[1]

Wax as Structural Enhancement to Fabric

[2]

62

63

Initial Test ModelHost vs. Parasite

The test model was constructed to explore the performance aspects of the selected materials. The tensile system was successfully created and joining methods were explored throughout.

The most important result that lead to further material testing was the fire resistance ofthe fabric. In the test model, one of the candles fell onto the fabric and caused it to smolder. This quickly spread throughout the dry fabric and caused a small fire. The model was destroyed shortly after to prevent further damage to its surrounding environment.

Moment of Combustion

The relationship between additive structure and the host frame was that of a parasite structure. The addition relied fully on the host frame for support and relied on specificcantilever connections to achieve a structural form. The addition of wax to the semi-flexible additionallowed for areas of the fabric to be solidified,building up a new layer of structural support. In some areas, the wax dripped down the fabric forming columns which began to connect to the ground. These columns were seen as a starting point to the additive structures independence, and possible co-existence with the host frame. In theory, the additive structure could build up enough strength through the solidifying fabric to support itself without need of the host frame.

64

SuperamaProposal by the students of Architecture in Nantes for Le voyage to Nantes

This project is referenced in regard to the structural performance and aesthetic appeal. The structure is visually insignificant andis hidden behind the glass shards, which gives the parasite like projection a light appearance.

The relationship between the additive structure and the host is noted. The additive structure occupies a void between two buildings, spanning between the two, thus gaining support by bridging. The additive structure relies on its lightweight components to cantilever from the host elements. The shape of the resulting structure is defined by the glasspanels which act as a skin system.

/ Conceptual References

65

Bernard MURIGNEUXConstructions parasites

These parasite like installations occupy spaces between. The forms have no functional aspect, but rather challenge the appropriation of space by occupying a void space and by connecting to the ceiling rather than the ground. The lightweight aspect of the installation is significantly importantin this and suggests its temporal state.

In this example, the additive structure merely hangs from the solid host elements and relies on this support relationship to determine the resulting form. The flexible paperelements of the parasite lack the strength to support itself without the connection to the host.

66

Structural Exploration Live Construction Sequence

The host structure was made of Laser-cut MDF, which represented the cast-in-place concrete domino structures that we would be visiting in Valdeluz.

The parasite structure was constructed using 26 gauge Piano Wire and white sewing thread. These elements came together to create a tension system, which was then overlaid with a canvass fabric giving shape to the additive structure.

The structural stability during the initial construction relied on the tension of the thread

and the wires. The design of the additive structure relied on the use of wax candles to drip wax over the shaped defined by thefabric. The candle wax would enhance the parasite system by providing rigidity to the fabric and joining the flexibleelements by forming bonds with the hardened wax.

This workshop involved a designed process, where the outcome of the parasitic structure was not defined, but theprocess and the material elements were controlled. Thefinalformwasaresultof the designed process.

67

Construction sequence

68

Structural Exploration Model Material Enhancement Time-lapseThe concept model was initially sprayed with water to prevent the fabricfromcatchingfire.The dripping wax would still take the shape of the fabric despite the moisture. Once the model dries, the shape will be solidifiedbythebuild-upof wax.

As the candles melt, the tension system begins to change in shape. The changing in weight of the candlescausestheflexinthe rods reduce, which results in the shifting of the overall form. The wax is seen dripping down the candles and rods, solidifyingontheflexiblefabric.

The slow melting of the candles causes the elaborate and ornamental structure to shrink in stature. Elements of the model begins to join where the candles have formed wax columns with the ground below.

The wax acts as reinforcement, building up a layer on top of the flexiblefabricandprovingrigidity. The build-up of wax also acts as fireprotection, forming a layer over the fabric that resiststheflame.

69

70

As the tension within the system changes, the metal rods shift. For example, when the candles melt the load at the end of the metal rod is reduced, acting as a negative load, causing the rod to lift.

The metal rods are attached to the host structure by clamping on to the frame. Extra ties are used to reinforce the connection and to prevent rotation when force is applied to the rods. See below:

[+]

[-]

This connection method is repeated for all joints between the metal rods of the additive structure and the host frame.

/ Components and Connections

71

+ 450.0 _

+ 300.0 _

+ 150.0 _

+ 0.0 _

[11:29:48] [11:46:55] [12:03:34] [12:20:21] [12:37:13]

STUCTURAL EXPLORATION MODELFinal Form Development

+ Areas of Transformation

72

Structural Exploration Model vs. Existing Site Conditions

Constructing the Tensile Frame Constructing the Fabric SkinMetal rods and thread were used to construct a tensile frame within and attached to the existing frame structure. This system was designed using simple connections that clamped onto the host structure and cantilevered off. The tensile system was able to support itself, but relied on the host frame for connection.

Similar construction systems were discovered intheunfinishedApartmentbuilding where the temporary balustrades connected to the existing frame structure.

Once the tensile system was constructed, fabric was then interwoven within and around the frame to create facade like skin. The fabric elements created enclosures and gave shape to the system of elements.

Similar construction techniques were observed on the unfinished Schoolbuilding, where systems of steel rods and netting were used around the perimeter of the building to protect the workers from falling. These elements themselves, which have been in place for up to 3 years, now define an architecturallanguage between temporarily, permanence andtheunfinished.

73

The Host vs. the Addition

The structural exploration, which involved a live build element, used a number of materials and techniques to construct the finalform. Time provided itself to be one of the most significant tools in thisexercise, which was made physical in the evolution of the exploration model by the addition of melted wax. The structure was observed to change shape and evolve as the wax built upontheflexiblefabric,solidifying and enhancing it over time. In this, a unique relationship was established between the additive structure and the host. Relying on the hosts strength, the additive structure was able to move,flexandchangeshapeaccording to the forces acting upon it.

Similar characteristics were observed on the structureoftheunfinishedSchool building. Here, the additive structure was the safety system which had appeared to fall, move and change shape in a number of places. Over time, the building or additive structures would appear to be dynamic, modifying the shape of the overall structure, but relying on the host for structural support.

74

Lebbeus WoodsFreespace Architecture

In Woods War and Architecture, he describes an alternate method for rebuilding cities and buildings following moments of conflict andchange that affect built environment. His proposals and suggested realities engage with the remaining buildings as host structures, envisioning their reconstruction using the materials that were removed during the moments of conflict in amethod employed by an alternate methodology. This methodology is that of the future inhabitant, acting upon their own agenda to construct space, not defined by theoriginal parameters of the building, but as a result of the users needs.

My answer was that architecture, as a social and primarily constructive act, could heal the wounds, by creating entirely new types of space in the city. These would be what I had called freespaces, spaces without predetermined programs of use, but whose strong forms demanded the invention of new programs corresponding to the new, post-war conditions

Lebbeus Woods, Injection Parasite Sarajevo 1992.

75

Basedonthedefinitionofa parasite, an organism that lives on or in a host species, from which it obtains nutriment, we can infer that parasitic architecturecanbedefinedas an adaptable, transient and exploitive form of architecture that forces relationships with host buildings in order to complete themselves.

Parasitic Architecture, as a functional and inhabitable spacial construct, requires a certain level of self-determination by the designer/occupant. In Woods architectural propositions, space is constructed as a direct result of the needs of the inhabitant. Conforming to the constraints of the building is resisted and the new inhabitant is no

longerdefinedbythespacesin which they inhabit. Rather the self-determined inhabitant defines thespatial properties of the spaces through active participation.

How, then, might this relationship between the host and addition translate to the existing context ofunfinishedlocationsinSpain?

In the framework of this question, I will explore what James Holston refers to as Spaces of Insurgent Citizenship. By thismeaning of Insurgence, Holston suggests a working against modernist state building and urban design, a a realm of the possible that is rooted in the heterogeneity of lived experience (Holston, J.2008).

76

77

/ Post Urban Exploration

78

Urban exploration (oftenshortenedasurbexorUE)is the exploration of man-made structures, usually abandoned ruins or not usually seen components of the man-made environment. Traditionally, the spaces that are explored in this process are remnant structures; buildings that once served a particular purpose but are now abandoned due to disuse.

As a method of exploring and recording the unfinished peripherydevelopments in Madrid, an adaption of urban exploration was employed as a fieldwork method.In Ballesteros workVerb Crisis he describes the inhabitants of the affected developments as Post-Urban Inhabitants, primitive men and women [who must] re-think their surroundings and patterns of life in places where

the street is no longer the street. It is this mindset and character role that was adopted in the site exploration process in order to understand the spaces, buildings and users which have seen neglect since the economic decline in 2008.

James Holston (2008, 43)explains the significanceof insurgent citizenship, a concept that underpins urban exploration, as a method to empower, parody, derail, or subvert state agendas. Holston expands on the theme of insurgent citizenship and describes residual spaces where this behaviour is commonly documented. In no particular order of importance, they are Spaces Between, Spaces Around, Rooftops, Wedges, Redundant Infrastructure, Oversized Infrastructure, Void Spaces and Spaces Below.

Insurgence

(n-srjns)

The action or an instance of rebellion; an insurrection.

79

THE POST URBAN EXPLORER

80

Pen/ToolBeltSketchbookCiudad Valdeluz Site PlansSyma X5C DroneDroneBladeProtectorsDrone ControllerFirst Aid KitWater Travel FlaskPliersDroneUSBChargerDuck TapeMulti-Allen Key ToolTorchMulti-ToolWhiskeyScrew Driver [Drone]LighterWalletFixed 50mm LensWatchCameraBatteryChargerPhoneSleepingBagJacketHatGlovesBackpackCameraBag

Post Urban Exploration Kit

The items on the following page were part of the exploration kit taken on site when exploring Ciudad Valdeluz. These tools and objects were required for the mapping, exploring and recording process. Laying out the object in this way enables the outside viewer to imagine the steps taken and processes required to gain access to unfinishedbuildings in the city. A large portion of the exploitative process was done at night, increasing the reliance on the city map and heightening ones awareness of space.

81

82

Mapping InsurgencyCiudad Valdeluz

23 Oct. 2015

This site board was used to map and record the insurgent processes from the site exploration on 23 October 2015. The overall exploration process included surveillance of three unfinished buildingsin Ciudad Valdeluz; the school, the apartment building and the civic hall.

Each building visit was photographed, and the steps taken to gain access and survey the site were recorded. The unfinishedbuilding locations were mapped in accordance to their proximity to the active public buildings and most commonly used streets. This information was used to identify areas of the building that could be accessed most easily, out of view of the citizens of the city and the watchful eye of the Civil Guard.

83

84

/ Drone Surveillance Flight Paths

The drone flight pathsduring the video recording process were mapped by plotting the location of the images on the opposite page.

85

N

N

NNNNNN

N

N

N

N

86

Drone Surveillance

(drn)[n]

A remote-controlled pilot-less aircraft or missile.

A Drone Camera was used to surveytheunfinishedsitesin Valdeluz from a birds-eye view. This allowed for a greater picture of the neglected buildings in the context of the partially finishedcity.

The images are plotted in accordance to their location when taken. This gives an idea of the area surveyed within the broader expanse of the unfinishedsite.

The images captured were used to piece together an image of the entire unfinished apartmentbuilding, and make a visual link to the other unfinishedbuildingsonthesite including the school, the church and the hall.

87

88

Recorded Insurgent Activity

As a group of 5 students, we chose to inhabit and use the abandoned school as a place to sleep for the night. We chose to inhabit the school building due to its isolation from the rest of the buildings and community. There is an abundance of resources to use to construct a sleeping space. We recorded the process of entering the building and adapting the space for use.

Uponenteringtheunfinishedextension of the school we immediately sought a protected and enclosed space to establish a sleeping area. Next, we went off in smaller groups in search of useful materials and recording thestateoftheunfinishedbuilding. We ventured further on into the abandoned school through a hole in the exterior wall. We collected mats for sleeping and documented the process of insurgence. Once all useful materials were collected, we returned to our claimed space and began to appropriate it as a secure, comfortable sleeping area. In the

early hours of the next day, after appropriating and using the space for our purpose, we collected our belongings and made for an exit. We exited the abandoned building site where we entered under the fence and maintained a low profile.This exercise enabled us, as insurgent or self-determined individuals, to appropriate a space for our intended use by reclaiming and re-using materials and unused spaces in a way that differs from the original designed use.

I want to argue that one of the most urgent problems in planning and architectural theory today is the need to develop a different social imagination one that is not modernist but that nevertheless reinvents modernisms activist

commitments to the invention of society and to the construction of the state. I suggest that the sources of this new imaginary lie not in any specifically

architectural or planning production of the city but rather in the development of theory in both fields as an investigation into what I call the spaces of insurgent

citizenship....By insurgent, I mean to emphasize the opposition of these spaces of citizenship to the modernist spaces that physically dominate so many cities

today. I also use it to emphasize an opposition to the modernist political project that absorbs citizenship into a plan of state building and that, in the

process, generates a certain concept and practice of planning itself. ... The spaces of an insurgent citizenship constitute new metropolitan forms of the social not yet liquidated by or absorbed into the old. As such, they embody

possible alternative futures.

(Holston, J., 1999)

89

The Sleeping AreaRecorded Construction Sequence

1. Prepare the area, clear out unnecessary objects.

2. Blockofftheentrancetotheroomwithboards.

3. Put down layer of corrugated cardboard.4. Lay interlocking foam matting as sleeping

surface.5. Prepare bedding on top of the constructed

surface.

90

As a method to explore the site surrounding unfinished buildings,Post-Urban Exploration has opened the discussion of possible alternative futures for the redundant buildings in Valdeluz. As the insurgents in this instance, we were able to adapt various spatial typologies in numerous buildings for our own use.

This process, explored on a much larger scale, could outline a new mode of operation for the city itself; a diversion from the governance of the modernist Utopian plan from which the city was conceived. [Modernist planning] attempts to be a plan without contradiction, without conflict. It assumes a rational domination of the future in which its total and totalizing plan dissolves any conflict

between the imagined and the existing society in the imposed coherence of its-order (Holston, J.2008). This assumptionfails to consider the u n p r e d i c t a b i l i t y , ambiguity, conflict andindeterminacy of the individual.

Holston goes on to explain in Spaces of Insurgent Citizenship that as modernism contributes to the build up of the state, the necessary counter-agent to this notion is that of the formation of insurgent citizenship. Examples of this type of citizenship can be found in grassroots movements, individual action and collaborative efforts. Organised methods in everyday practice have the power to derail, empower or subvert state or governing agendas.

The image on the right shows the sequence of spatial re-appropriation with found objects during the insurgent research process. This involved the transformation of a redundant space in an unfinished school into atemporary sleeping space for 5 people.

91

92

Urban recipes are an architectural practice located Spain who work with various types of clients to deliver projects that negotiate the balance between legal and illegal. Many of the projects aim to maximise use of recycled materials including shipping containers, modular steel structure components, fittingssuchasdoorsandwindows and other common building materials. Many of the clients seek Urban Recipestofindasolution

to planning restrictions, political issues and other complications, and often have very little funding.

In order to negotiate the legality of the projects they deliver, many of the buildings require a self-build aspect, incorporating the help of the client/users to engage with the construction process. This collaborative process allows for the clientele to invest in their building project and to gain an understanding

Urban Recipes / Recetas Urbanas

of the build process. A number of funding methods are explored to acquire materials and pay for the design, on top of the efforts of the volunteers in the construction process.

93

The primary structural elements are made of recycled steel modular beams and columns, as well as a series of shipping containers. Reclaimed windowswereusedandfixedintoplacewheretheyfit.The design was outlined in a series of proposal drawings, but the execution of the build required a continuous evolution and stray from the initial drawing package.

LiveBuildWorkshopSantiago Cirugeda and Urban Recipes

We participated in a live-build workshop which involved a days worth of hands on work to help construct and assemble a design for new classrooms and workshops as an extension to an Arts College in Madrid. The design and construction principles were simple. Only reclaimed or recycled materials were to be used, and the design would be a result of the available materials and the possibility of how they could come together.

94

admit the changeto escape

95

/ Cuida Valdeluz

96

Cuida / Take Care

Population figures forValdeluz were recorded as 2,211 people in 2013 (37in 2007; 197 in 2008; 354 in 2009; 726 in 2010; 1,276 in2011;1,717in2012).

The grounds of the new city, occupying 273,000 square meters, and require an annual investment of 0.6 million Euros. Included in the city are ponds, several playgrounds, artificiallakes and a golf course.

Demographic figures showthat over 34% of the population is foreign with 38 nationalities represented. 500 children live in the city, yet there is no school for them to attend. There is also a sports centre that cost 2 million Euros.

Many things have changed in the city since its conception in 2008. The most notable change is the renaming of the city from Ciudad Valdeluz to Cuida Valdeluz meaning Take Care(Ramn). Theidea came from 3rd grade student Mathew who got the idea when a competition was opened to students to reinvent the image of the city from the marred image left by the economic decline in 2008 (Villaverde).

97

The original plan for Ciudad Valdeluz, a well rounded urban scale master plan, was to provide a mixed-use development with many of the criteria key to building a sustainable community. Due to the economic decline in 2008, the majority of the construction halted, which resulted in the current state of the city we see today.

Though there is a small community established in Valdeluz with a strong support mentality, the scale of the failure and emptiness of the city overshadows their efforts. The situation that exists in Valdeluz is far from unique, when compared to the array of failed urban developments in Madrid and throughout Spain.

According to Cardinalgroup, there are 12 Features of a Sustainable Community. Listed below are these key features, However, which of the Sustainable Community criteria does Cuida Valdeluz currently meet?

1. Ecological Protection2. Density & Urban Design [Poor Urban Design]3.UrbanInfill4. Village Centre5. Local Economy6. Sustainable Transport [Heavy reliability on cars]7. Affordable Housing [60% reduction in house price]8. Liveable Communities

Sociability Personal Development Community Participation

9. Sewage and Storm-water10. Water [not sustainably sourced]11. Energy [not sustainably sourced]12. The 3 Rs

1. Construction wastes recycling2. Use of environmentally sound building

materials3. Provision of in-house recycling areas

CiudadValdeluz(2015)Score:5/12[1.5/12]

[Critique of Valdeluz]

/ The features of a Sustainable Community

98

/ Insurgent Citizenship Survival on the periphery of Madrid

99

the mirror doesn't mean the truth

Canada Real Galiana is a 16km-long, 75m-wide strip of economic and social misery. Believedto be Europes largest shanty town, it is a mere 15-minute drive from Madrid city centre.

It is in stark contrast to the wealth, elegance and sophistication of nearby Madrid, a city voted among the most liveable in the world.

(independent.co.uk)Dubbed the slum of shame, the 40-year-old settlement, home to 30,000 people, is completely devoid of any public services no pavements, schools, sewage or drainage systems. Many of its residents are long-standing, legal immigrants from Portugal, Romania, Morocco or South America.

/ Canada Real Galiana Madrid

100

101

Architecture Hacking. Hacking is a term that sounds familiar to us, most associated with computers, but what about in relation to buildings? Hackable buildings is a new term that refers to the adaptionormodificationofa space that results in an outcome unrecognisable from its original form.

/ Possible initiatives to restore Cuida Valdeluz

Guerrilla Architecture. This term is closely associated with Hacking, to do with the adaption of disused or distressed buildings, but differs in that may be conducted in a manner that goes outside the legal parameters. The interventions associated with Guerrilla Architecture are often done in a non-conformist way.

Survival Tactics and Rebellion. These terms have been chosen to represent actions such as squatting, occupation and trespassing; illegal actions that often occur as a response to a particular need. These responses are often driven by economic hardship, oppression, neglect or out of protest.

Each of the terms used to describe initiatives where users engage with and adapt existing buildings represent forms of citizenship. One example of this claim of citizenship can be seen in the occupation of TorreDavid,anunfinishedcommercial building located in Caracas, Venezuela. The building was taken over by people seeking shelter after floodingdestroyedportionsof the slums outside the city.

Citizenship changes as new members emerge to advance their claims, expanding its realm, and as new forms of segregation and violence counter these advances, eroding it. The sites of insurgent citizenship are found at the intersection of these processes of expansion and erosion (Holston, J.2008).

102

Constant's New Babylon was to be a series of linked transformable mega-structures, some of which were themselves the size of a small city. Perched above ground, Constant's mega-structures would literally leave the bourgeois metropolis below and would be populated by homo ludens--man at play. The post-revolutionary individual would wander from one leisure environment to another in search of new sensations. Beholden to no one, he would sleep, eat, recreate, and procreate where and when he wanted. Self-fulfillment and self-satisfaction were Constant's social goals. Deductive reasoning, goal-oriented production, the construction and betterment of a political community--all these were eschewed.

There are a number of aspects of this work that I am referencing in my brief development, such as the creation of an alternate being and the imagining of an environment in which this architecture of desire can be created.

In the development of my brief and analysis of the existing conditions I have identified the Post Urban Inhabitant. This person/people group exists in the non-reality/non-place of the failed periphery developments of Spain. Here the environment is distorted, enabling the imaginings of an alternate future outcome to come to fruition.

The architectural proposals for the future Ciudad Valdeluz will be shaped by and for the Post Urban Inhabitant. These spatial propositions will seek to extend citizenship and ownership from the governance of the urban plan to the individual.

New BabylonConstant Nieuwenhuys

103

Freetown Christiania is a legally independent commune under the Christiana Law of 1989, although ownership

rights are contested to this day.

The formation of the commune dates back to 1971 following the military departure from the site. Over time, squatters and homeless sporadically entered the

premises and slept in the abandoned buildings, despite the watchmen in place to protect the site. Shortly after, inhabitants from the neighbouring developments broke down portions of the perimeter fences and used the site as play areas for their children.

On 26 September 1971, Christiana was declared open by a well known journalist Jacob Ludvigsen, who wrote for a magazine called Hovedbladet (The main paper). Thisdeclaration was circulated among many of the young people in Copenhagen and shortly after an organised community had been formed. Jacob Ludvigsen was a co-author of the Freetowns mission statement, which included the following:The objective of Christiania is to create a self-governing society whereby each and every individual holds themselves responsible over the well-being of the entire community. Our society is to be economically self-sustaining and, as such, our aspiration is to be steadfast in our conviction that psychological and physical destitution can be averted.

Christiana today is widely recognised today by its weed smoking hippie culture,artandgraffiti,and unique architecture.

Freetown Christiana, Copenhagen Est. 1971

104

105

/ Insurgent Citizens

106

/ Citizens of Cuida Valdeluz'The future of generations of Madrid residents to come. These residents, like primitive men and women or rather, like post-urban inhabitants - will have to re-think their surroundings and patterns of life in places where the street is no longer the street. Here, the overlaying of functions has been eliminated, buildings are icebergs floating in isolation, and contact is reduced to the absolute bare minimum' (Ballesteros,M.2008).

Los Carroeros

Not everyone who moved into the city has maintained the lifestyle and wealth that they once had. Many people have been forced to findnew ways of obtaining an income, some resulting to scavenging for materials to sell. During the day you can see some people rustling through skips and dumpsters, but at night is when their main activity occurs.

The Train-spotters

This is a group of teenagers who dropped out of high school when the construction industry was booming and they helped to construct the city of Valdeluz. Now that there are no jobs going, these uneducated, partly-skilled teens must find away to earn a living. For now they just hang out during the day in the tunnels under the AVE rail bridge andgraffitithewallsforfun.

The Mobile Blacksmith

He had a comfortable job working in Madrid, but lost his work due to the economic recession. He has always had an entrepreneurial attitude but finds it extremely difficultliving and working in a city cut off from other developments. He has established a new business using his early training as a blacksmith more recent experience working in a professional knife sharpening enterprise. He has set up a mobileofficeandaimstoseekoutclientele. His resourcefulness is tested as he seeks new ways to build his business and seek customers in the city and neighbouring developments.

The Dog Walker

This little old lady was one of the first to move into the city backin 2008. She immediately felt a sense of ownership and local pride over the place, despite the clear failure of the city. She lives alone and relies on her pets for comfort, especially her dog. She even looks after other peoples dogs during the day when the owners go off to work in Madrid. She uses the local empty plots around her home to walk the dogs and to let them run around.

107

The Electricians

The electricians were initially employed to construct the electrical distribution network that feed the city. This network taps into the main grid via the pylons that run along the side of the site. The finished portion of the city isconnected to this network, but the unfinishedbuildingsdonothaveanelectricity supply to them. This is a venture worth capitalizing on by those who can divert/supply necessary electricity to any expanding development beyond the finishedpartofthecity.

The Dodgy Real Estate Agent

The real estate agent was hired in 2008 to sell the homes constructed in Valdeluz by Real Urbis, the developers. Today, fewer than 3,000 people live in the city, leaving up to 7000 dwellings empty. The agent livesinacomfortableflatinthecity and manages the Pilot homes andrealestateoffices.Hissalaryis based on commission, so he will do whatever it takes to get people to move in.

The Water Supply Co.

The city was constructed with all of the necessary infrastructure for 250,000+ citizens. This infrastructure, included a network for water sourcing, filtration,distribution and waste water collection to the citizens. Though the majority of the city remains incomplete, the water suppliers now control a network of infrastructure that lays in waste.

La Guardia Civil

The civil guard are responsible for serving and protecting both Ciudad Valdeluz and Horche, two neighbouring developments that have been affected by the economic downturn. The civil guards funding for these developments is at an alltimelow.Theofficersrespondto only urgent matters and their highest priority is limiting vandalism and crime the completed portions of the developments.

Los cultivadores de guerrilla

There is an abundance of unused space in the city and around the periphery where future development was intended. This has become apparent to a group of stay at home parents. These people, who have nothing to do when their spouse is at work in Madrid and their children are at school, are collectivelyseekingawaytofilltheir time and to offset their cost of living.

El Carnicero

The butcher used to be a farmer on the land of the current Cuidad Valdeluz. On this land he bred and distributed pigs for slaughter. He also would slaughter pigs himself and cure the meat, to produce w. He has since been removed from his land to make way for the new city. As a result, he was forced to sell his business and he moved into one of the new apartment buildings.

108

Fred worked in Madrid as a metal worker for an industrial confectionery company. He has been loyal to his company for 20 years and has plans to work there until his retirement in 15 years time.

[2007] Fred was at a point in his life where he was looking for a way to invest his money leading into his retirement. He received advice on real estate investment as a reliable way to invest capital. Fred looked into Ciudad Valdeluz, a new commuter city that was being built near Guadalajara that was to be linked to Madrid by a High Speed AVE train.

Fred /TheBlacksmith

Fred worked in Madrid for 22 years prior to moving to Ciudad Valdeluz. His story is defined by the effectsof the economic crash of 2008. His determination and approach, in response to the dire situation that exists in Ciudad Valdeluz, has inspired many of the other citizens to take ownership of the situation andfindwaysofmakingthecity home.

[2005]

109

[2016][2010] Fred is now seeking to expand his business. Signs of economic stimulation have been occurring around the city and local businesses are developing a local economy. Fred is seeking to capitalise on this optimistic situation and provide the trade skills to contribute to the city development. In order to accommodate construction demands, Fred is developing a found-a-tory facility where he can produce structural building materials from scrap steel and metals that are sourced locally. His found-a-tory will be in a central position in the city and will require the adaptation of an existing building.

Shortly after 2008 the economy took a turn for the worst, resulting in the housing market crash and huge unemployment in all work sectors. Unfortunately Fred suffered as a victim of the austerity measures and was made redundant from the job that he was loyal to for over 23 years. Development halted in Ciudad Valdeluz and the lively commuter city that he longed for remains only a dream. At the time, Fred was one of only 725 people who live in the city; a city that now resembles a ghost town.

[2013] After years of frustration and unemployment, relying on his retirement fund to supplement his income, Fred decided to create a small business to keep himself busy and to earn some money. Using his trade skills as a blacksmith and metal worker, he decided to fit out the back ofhis truck with a mobile workshop. His plan was to travel around the city, advertising his business over loud speakers through the streets. His business was to provide repairs, maintenance and construction services to the locals in Valdeluz and Horche.

110

[2007] Alejandro began working for a construction company appointed to construct many of the Ciudad Valdeluz buildings by Real Betis,the developers. The job promised to provide steady employment and very good wages during the 10 year construction period for Ciudad Valdeluz.

Alejandro

/ The Construction WorkerAlejandro was involved in the initial construction of Ciudad Valdeluz and benefitedgreatlyfromthejob market opportunities. Since the economic crash, he was suddenly left jobless. Construction sites were virtually abandoned overnight as funding dried up. Alejandros story is similar to a large population of young people and construction workers throughout Europe. Alejandros actions as an insurgent citizen has provided a way of life and a means for living. [2005] Alejandro was a 16 year old high school student

studying in Guadalajara at the time leading up to the crash of the housing market. He didnt regard himself as the best student and preferred to work with his hands and do jobs that required physical labour. Alejandros brother recommended that he drop out of high school and join him working for a construction company that was contracted to build a commuter city near Guadalajara. The job prospect was so great that Alejandro could not refuse.

111

[2013] [2016]Along with a small gang of his construction worker buddies, Alejandro turned tovandalism,graffitiandsmall crime to fill theirtime. They hang out, most days, in the tunnels under the rail tracks, collecting machinery and materials to sell to local scrap traders.

After years of illegal scrap trading, Alejandro and his friends are stepping up their efforts to create a full time material trade network. They have developed machinery from objects found around the site and components from trains so that they can dismantle trains passing along the AVE line. Their operation is expanding from the original out of sight illegal activity to a functioning material reclamation and distribution centre. The materials distributed from the site are fed into the city and traded among the citizens for future development.

[2008-2012] Following the burst of the housing market bubble in 2008, Alejandro lost his job with the construction company. With no formal education certificate andvirtually no construction occurring in the Castile la Mancha region, he was unabletofindanotherjob.Alejandro was forced to find alternative ways ofentertaining himself and earning money.

112

[2006] After being vacated from his land, Ignacio lost his home and his job. He then moved to Guadalajara and rented a small apartment there. He found employment working for a scrap and recycling yard in one of the industrial complexes outside the city. Ignacios lifestyle was dramatically altered as a result of this experience, yet he still longed to live on the land of his old farm.

Ignacio

/TheButcher

Ignacios story is an unfortunate tale of a person uprooted from his land to make way for an urban commuter development. He did, however, seek to turn his situation into a positive by taking action to establish his farm once again.

His story and his plans to re-use the redundant buildings on site highlight the opportunity for insurgent citizenship to transform the these ghost urbanisations.

[2004] Ignacio was a farmer who owned and worked an inherited piece of land located a few miles from the city of Guadalajara. Ignacio farmed livestock, specifically pigs, on theland and sold the pigs for meat production. He had a small side business producing Jamon for some of the local towns and farmed a small amount of crops for his own use. He learned his skills from his father who farmed the land before him and took pride in his simple lifestyle.

Ignacio was approached by the Guadalajara Yebes City Council to purchase the land off of him for a new commuter city development. Ignacio was forced to sell his farm land according to the councils eminent domain policy, yet he received fair compensation for his land value.

113

[2007-2011] [2016]

A few years after selling is land, Ignacio decided he wanted to live in the hills above Guadalajara again, so he purchased a home in the Ciudad Valdeluz development. The area did not resemble the land he left, but he took comfort in knowing that his land would become home to a city of people.

Construction ceased in 2008, shortly after Ignacio moved in. He was distraught that his land had gone to waste by the unfulfilledmasterplan.

Ignacios side business farming pigs has expanded into a full time operation consisting of raising pigs, slaughter, meat distribution and jamon production. He has become the main pork distributor to Ciudad and nearby Horche.

The expansion of his business has reflectedon the condition of the unfinished building, whichhas been retrofitted inmany areas for use. He has intentions to construct specialist curing facilities and advertise his operation using the tower.

[2012] After years of living amongst the unfinishedbuildings, Ignacio began to imagine the potential of the hall as a barn to farm livestock. He purchased a small number of pigs and started raising them in the hall. The pigs remained inside the hall, out of sight from the residents of the city and the civil guards.

Ignacio hopes to produce Jamon once again and use farming as a side business.

114

Character Prose

As a part of the character research process that has informed the project narrative, each of the spaces showing evidence of insurgent activity were documented. These spaces are unique and describe a story of the person or persons who

A place forgottenLaughterandmemoriesfloodthehallsClass dismissedButwebuildonRoom after room of echoed footstepsShadowsandreflectionsinbrokenglassThe promised light cannot be seenMemories fade yet hope remainsPlasterboard panels with pipes poking throughA room thats now my humble domainLife exists under the blanket of nightWhere space takes on a different formWaste is the landscapeIn waste we are known

My home Just a tree in the forestA face among a seemingly endless crowdRemains expressionlessLost somewhere withinThe mirrored halls of this placeHope fades awayNow I have no moreI make my bedInside these green wallsI am lost in the canyonsHidden in plane sight

inhabited the spaces. A prose was written for each of the spaces as a way of conveying the emotion and feeling of the place. This literary exercise is used to further enhance the characters who may have been the inhabitants of such spaces.

115

Concrete tunnels below groundFoundations for our dreamsLight penetrates through cut out holesDirt collects where wind rushes inWater drips down through concrete cracksYet nothing growsWe sit and waitUndergroundAsicebergsfloataboveThings that are unseen come to the surfacePenetrating through the ruinsGrowth stimulates growth

Flutters of wings echo throughoutSounds reverberate among the hard surfacesWherefieldsoncewereConcrete coversWriting on wallsThree words lost in the wakeHere I am freeThe past forgottenShrouded by future developmentActions go unseen when hidden from the roadSo we move onAs we mustTowards tomorrowOr return to the way things were

116

117

/ Insurgent Agenda

118

119

[Text adapted from Woods, Lebbeus. Radical Reconstruction. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 1997. Print.]

120

/ ExistingBolt-onSolutions

Ciudad Valdeluz and similar PAU developments that have been constructed on the periphery of Madrid are characterised by rapid construction to achieve quick results. The construction techniques used in these developments often involve the use of low-skilled workers and tactics to achieve maximum efficiency. Corruptionoften drives the delivery of such projects, which often results in the oversight of key details.

Some features that stand out in these developments are the services that are added in a way that seems like an after thought. For example, the gas services and air conditioning units are added on to exterior of thebuildingsatthefinalstage of construction. These can be seen by the A.C. units and gas pipe networks that wrap around the exterior of the buildings. Other services that have been put in place to either serve or monitor the developments include CCTV systems and electrical distribution networks.

In the residential development of Francisco Hernando, Sesena, the sewer networks were neglected from the initial development of the master plan, evidence of the corruption and speed of the development construction.

121

/ Existing Infrastructure and Distribution Networks

T

H

T

W

W

E

E

E

E

E

E

EE

EE E E

E

E

E

E

E E EE E E

E EE

EE E

EE

EE

E

E

E

E

E

EE E

E

E

E

E

E

E

E

EE

E

E

E

E

E

E

W

H

WEHT Train Line

N-320 HighwayFresh Water NetworkElectricity Network

The Infrastructure and services for the full master plan were completed during the first stage ofconstruction, along with the residential buildings that exist today. Transport, electricity, green areas, fresh water and waste systems are all in place for up to 250,000 residents, yet only 2-3,000 people reside in the city. Around 2500 trees have been planted in the new development, lining the boulevards and empty streets.

122

Wes JonesMachine Inspired Architecture

When we consider machines in architecture we immediately refer to Le Corbusiers term, a machine for living in. As a progression of this thinking, Wes Jones believes that this term can be taken to the ultimate specificity, in that eachaspect of architectural design can be considered a machine for a particular purpose. This enables each element that comprises an architectural proposal to justify itself, as a machine, and perform as an architectural design response to user needs or spatial conditions.

The ________ is a machine for _________.

The Door is a machine for Entering.

The Bed is a machine for Sleeping.

The Kitchen is a machine for making food.

Wes Jones work typically reflects this way ofthinking. Departing from the theory behind High-Tech Architecture, where efficiency in materials,structure and thin surfaces were paramount, Wes Jones proposals resemble a more middle-tech approach. The designs comprise easily purchased elements found in the industry market, with little to no pre-fabrication needed, and with the use of common components such as truck decks and side rails. In this way, the machinery of his architecture resembles just that, the machines themselves. His designs are praised for their engaging operability an aspect that is creatively conveyed through cartoon narratives describing the project brief.

123

Wes JonesHousing for the Homeless1985

This project provides a methodology and a stance to address the issue of homelessness New York City. The project aims to adapt and use void spaces, empty spaces and redundant space to input architectural solutions. The project addresses the issue in a rudimentary way, using machines as the architectural proposal. In this work, architecture

as a machine is rather twisted into machines as architecture.

The proposal itself uses a system of repeated structural elements to give form and stability, while internal spaces are composed using vehicle carcasses. These spaces aredefinedbythemachinesand systems in place, and they provide a solution to a number of issues.

124

AvailableObjectsandComponentsDefinetheArchitecturalLanguage

/ Locations of Machinery and Components

125

Train and Railroad Construction Equipment and Machinery

AVE High Speed Rail line construction equipment and machinery stored next to the tracks at Valdeluz. These machines sit at the brow of the hill when they are not in use.

Concrete Production site abandoned following the economic decline in 2008 and the abandonment of construction shortly after the site has been unused. Some of the building material still remains, as do the silos and mixing tanks.

Site management officesand services for the workers left on the site after the construction was abandoned. These temporary buildings are modular in their construction and can be dismantled and re-used in other applications.

The cranes, scaffolding and form-work that was used to construct the existing city were dismantled and put in a storage area after the final buildingswerefinished.

As a part of the massive infrastructure network that was set out for the full master plan of the city, a water filtration and distributioncentre was constructed. This site was meant to serve the 250,000 or more residents that were to live in the city.

Concrete Production Site Machinery

Port-a-cabins and Site Management Offices

Cranes and Modular Components Water Filtration Site

126

Theunfinishedbuildingshavethespatialpotentialtohousenewfunctions and accommodate potential insurgent users. There are waste building materials located within these buildings.

The train warehouse and unused train machinery off materials and equipment that can be used for construction.

Construction materials, machinery and site works have been abandoned around the site following the construction halt. Unused buildings are also dotted around the landscape and offer a wealth of materials that can be used elsewhere in future development.

The real estate show houses are located near the entrance to the Valdeluz development. This area is signed for along the highway and advertises the housing types that the city offers. You can tour these buildings which show a glimpse of the lifestyle of the future city.

127

[12] [13][15]

[17][18]

[9]

[10]

[3][7]

[19]

[20][21]

[14][16][4]

[11]

[8]

[1]

[2]

[5][6]

The electrical distribution area and equipment housing boxes are located around the site and can be tapped into to access the electrical grid set out for the development.

An urban / community garden has been started by members of the existing Valdeluz community as a way of growing food and promoting community activity.

A carpentry building is located just o