This week we just tried to sort out the finalised layout of the powerpoint presentation. We clarified our theatrical elements (awkward amateur dramatics). We went around the group and tried to find out where everyone was up to with their tasks - and to try and balance out any unevenness in tasks - i.e so that one person wasn't left with more than the others.
Toby, Amy, Simon and myself will be presenting - with Janelle creating a video presentation (potentially). Dress rehearsal for the performance will be next Wednesday at 11am - come prepared with 2 minute scripts, green clothing and alien vibes.
Amy's dramatic video will hopefully start the presentation - before a spaceship comes crashing down, and we jump out onto this new planet.
Amy kept a list of the tasks - which she then emailed everyone the finalised powerpoint layout - for everybody to fill in. Amy and myself will be formatting the final presentation and trying to bring everybody's work together so that the presentation flows well.
A lot of formatting and stringing together to do - but hopefully it'll all work out on the day.
Team diary blog, documenting our journey through the Urban Development Project. Focus is on the re-development of Barking Riverside.
A dynamic relationship between green services...
After looking at the options it seemed that creating an animation was the best way to portray the green services which come together on our site to form a new symbiotic whole...
Creating a concept diagram to communicate our intentions....
The initial idea for a concept diagram was to represent the symbiotic and multifuntional relationship between the different sustainable elements making up the site through cells which join to create one being... the new barking riverside.
Potential Housing Ideas
XTU Architects - housing for the wetland: algae tubes.
Mixed use housing for the centre:
Housing cutting out from the centre - out of office blocks, or shops:
Raised housing over the wetlands:
Wetland centre buildings:
Housing or buildings for the wetland centre/ in the wetland centre:
Example of stilted housing:
Science park precedent: Public spaces within - views over the wetland:
Layout for floating housing district in the Netherlands:
Floating artist studios near the centre:
Floating houses - garden oasis:
Dense housing for the densest housing zones - maximises daylight and outdoor rooms:
building types
housing
residential area
floating houses
housing building
concept diagrams
housing and commercial building
wetland center merged with topography
natural flooding system wetland(tidal)
current topography
masterplan draft
Meeting Week 11 - 5th of December
A few members of the team have expressed concerns about the development of the group project.
Anyway, after a discussion with Benz, it has been announced that individual work will be looked at across all of the groups.
This week we looked at transportation as an overlay and an expansion on the masterplan. We started to construct a transportation system - which is densely linked - as based on the Swiss railway system, as recommended by Christopher Alexander.
We then started to look back at our old masterplan, and focus on the strong elements, rather than trying to get away from this - hone in on the patchwork, linear patterns cutting through - as above there are precedents, as recommended by Benz- relating to the lay of the land in Holland.
This has informed the structure of parts of our site. Within this we have assigned densities for each of the areas -moving from areas of higher density through to the lowest densities - so that people are able to live at the type of density they wish - Christopher Alexander proposes that this a way of keeping prices down - if an area has densities suited to different people - so that people can choose where they want to live.
Everyone has been assigned tasks to continue to work on - we aim to complete the majority of the powerpoint for next week, leaving photomontages leading up to the final presentation.
The strategy for next week, is to have a finalised masterplan, that we will then construct a model from.
Anyway, after a discussion with Benz, it has been announced that individual work will be looked at across all of the groups.
This week we looked at transportation as an overlay and an expansion on the masterplan. We started to construct a transportation system - which is densely linked - as based on the Swiss railway system, as recommended by Christopher Alexander.
We then started to look back at our old masterplan, and focus on the strong elements, rather than trying to get away from this - hone in on the patchwork, linear patterns cutting through - as above there are precedents, as recommended by Benz- relating to the lay of the land in Holland.
This has informed the structure of parts of our site. Within this we have assigned densities for each of the areas -moving from areas of higher density through to the lowest densities - so that people are able to live at the type of density they wish - Christopher Alexander proposes that this a way of keeping prices down - if an area has densities suited to different people - so that people can choose where they want to live.
Everyone has been assigned tasks to continue to work on - we aim to complete the majority of the powerpoint for next week, leaving photomontages leading up to the final presentation.
The strategy for next week, is to have a finalised masterplan, that we will then construct a model from.
Pike Place, Market Space, Seattle.
Pike Place Market is a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront in Seattle, Washington, United States. The Market opened August 17, 1907, and is one of the oldest continually operated public farmers' markets in the United States. It is a place of business for many small farmers, craftspeople and merchants. Named after the central street, Pike Place runs northwest from Pike Street to Virginia Street, and remains one of Seattle's most popular tourist destinations.
The Market is built on the edge of a steep hill, and consists of several lower levels located below the main level. Each features a variety of unique shops such as antique dealers, comic book and collectible shops, small family-owned restaurants, and one of the oldest head shops in Seattle. The upper street level containsfishmongers, fresh produce stands and craft stalls operating in the covered arcades. Local farmers and craftspeople sell year-round in the arcades from tables they rent from the Market on a daily basis, in accordance with the Market's mission and founding goal: allowing consumers to "Meet the Producer".
Pike Place Market is home to nearly 500 residents who live in 8 different buildings throughout the Market. Most of these buildings have been low income housing in the past; however, some of them no longer are, such as the Livingston Baker apartments. The Market is run by the quasi-government Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PDA). The Pike Place Market sees 10 million visitors annually.
Urban acupuncture
Inspiration for the building for the urban acupuncture.
The submerged museum can be underneath this waterfall.
Effective sound barrier to the industry noises behind.
The submerged museum can be underneath this waterfall.
Effective sound barrier to the industry noises behind.
The self-sustaining tower for the 2016 Olympic Games is designed to create renewable energy for use in the Olympic Village as well as the city of Rio. A large solar power plant generates energy during the day. Any excess power not used during the day is utilized to pump seawater into a storage tank within the tower. At night, the water is released to power turbines, which will provide nighttime power for the city. On special occasions water is pumped out to create a waterfall over the edges of the building, which RAFAA says will be, “a symbol for the forces of nature.” Info on the size of the solar and pumped water storage system is not available yet.
Access to the eco tower is gained through an urban plaza and amphitheater 60 meters above sea level, which can be used for social gatherings. On the ocean side of the 105 meter tower (behind the waterfall) is a cafeteria and shop. An elevator takes visitors up to the top floor where an observation deck offers 360 views of the ocean and city. At level 90.5, a bungee platform is available for adventurous visitors.
Increase bike use!
In order to significantly increase bicycle commuting, RAFAA figures that the city of Copenhagen would need approximately 25,000 bicycles. Along with the increased number of bikes, you need a lot of storage (about 20,000 sq meters) and an advanced method for tracking the bikes. RAFAA proposes installing a GPS tracking system in addition to a wireless networking system, so the bikes are connected to both each other and to a large reservation system. This will help enable the city to more accurately judge where bikes should be placed. The online system would also allow riders to reserve bikes before their arrival, say at a train station, and bikes can be checked out with a credit card or a Maestro card.
n order for bike share programs to catch on in cities around the world, there needs to be an effective system in place to make it easy for riders to find and use the bikes. RAFFA Arhictecture & Design has developed a city-wide bike sharing plan for Copenhagen that could increase ridership from 37% up to 50% by 2015. The green transportation system features real-time GPS tracking, an online reservation system, and attractive bikes that can be stored anywhere -- even atop lamp posts
Solar powered floating homes
http://inhabitat.com/the-last-resort-a-solar-powered-floating-home/
Living on the water is a dream for many — fortunately, this design for a solar-powered floating home may soon see open water! Brought to you by the same designers who came up with the futuristic bicycle sharing system for Copenhagen, RAFAA Architecture & Designs have conceived of a mobile floating home called The Last Resort. The design recently won a competition, and with funding underway the team expects to begin fabrication on these sleek water homes by the end of the year.
The floating home is about 5 meters wide and 15 meters long with two levels. Sleeping bunks, mechanical equipment and hatches are on the lower level and the upper level contains living space, a kitchen, a bathroom and two bedrooms. In total there are six beds and a sliding panel helps close off the rooms for more privacy. Vertical blinds on the facade act as shading devices for the interior as well as a privacy system. Stairs lead up to the roof, which serves as an extra deck, and roof-integrated solar panels generate electricity for the two electric engines that propel the home.
RAFAA entered their design for mobile floating architecture in a design competition organized by the Internationale Bauausstellung in Germany. They recently brought home first prize, and construction on several of these houses is expected to begin by the end of the year. The homes were designed for Lusatian Lakeland and the form of the homes was actually inspired by the waterfront. We’re looking forward seeing these efficient floating comes come to life.
Swiss Railway System Map
As recommended by Christopher Alexander, the Swiss Railway System Map is the densest network in the world. I am going to overlay this onto our site and try to connect the different transport elements to each. I propose algae fueled BRT, Trains, horses, cycling, walkways.
Many different lines of many different
types will meet at every interchange.
Shield high speed roads acoustically –
protect the life around them.
One side bounded by a road other side
directly open to the countryside.
BAP
The Barking and Dagenham Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2010 -2015 aims to maintain, enhance and extend priority habitats through targeted actions. The local Wildlife Partnership will work with the council and other partners to achieve these aims.
Flora native to our site, according to postcodes:
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| Acid grassland | Acid grassland in Barking and Dagenham is mainly found in the Beam Valley, particularly in the Chase Local Nature Reserve. Smaller areas are found in local parks, including Mayesbrook Park. The Barking and Dagenham LBAP aims to protect all existing areas of acid grassland, improve the habitat quality at specific sites and facilitate the creation of new acid grassland where possible. | More > | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gardens and Allotments | Private gardens cover a large proportion of the borough's area. Collectively they provide wildlife with a rich diversity of habitats making an important contribution to Barking & Dagenham’s overall wildlife resource. Allotments are also a haven for wildlife. The cultivated and empty plots, nectar producing plants, compost heaps, wildflower meadows, sheds and stores, and the boundary hedges and banks all provide a variety of habitats, attracting birds, insects and small mammals. | More > | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lowland meadows | Lowland meadows include most forms of unimproved neutral grassland and support a rich diversity of plants and animals. The habitat closest to such grassland in the borough can be found in the semi-natural grasslands of the Beam Valley and Eastbrookend Country Park. As well as protecting this habitat there are also opportunities to create wildflower meadows in the borough’s parks. Semi-improved grassland is found in many locations and is often under threat from development. | More > | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reedbeds | Reedbeds are an important habitat for mammals such as water voles, birds and invertebrates. Areas of reedbed occur on many waterways and water bodies in the borough, including the River Roding, the Mayesbrook and Goresbrook, the River Beam and Dagenham Breach. | More > | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rivers and Streams | Rivers in Barking and Dagenham are important wildlife corridors in a heavily urbanised area. The Barking and Dagenham BAP seeks to maintain and enhance the ecological value of its rivers and their associated habitats. | More > | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Woodland | Barking and Dagenham has relatively low levels of woodland compared to neighbouring boroughs of Redbridge and Havering. Woodland is mainly secondary growth and tends to be fragmented but still provides important habitat for wildlife. This plan seeks to improve management of woodland on local authority owned sites to maximise the value of these woodlands for biodiversity and to identify opportunities for new woodland planting.
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Flora native to our site, according to postcodes:
History of Barking and Dagenham through the ages
Below are a selection of photos documenting the history:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/barkingdagenhamarchive/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/barkingdagenhamarchive/
Dagenham Breach
In 1707, the River Thames had broken through the protective sea defences in south Dagenham and flooded the marshland beyond. After many failed attempts, the defences were finally repaired by 
Captain John Perry, RN in 1719. However, a large lake was left in the landscape, which became known as Dagenham Breach.
The Breach became a popular fishing area and the earliest MinisterialWhitebait Dinners were held there.Elizabeth Fry and her family leased two holiday cottages at the Breach in the early 19th century. The area was later industrialized, and a remnant of the Breach survives as a lake within the Ford Motor Company site.
An earlier breach in the river wall was repaired bySir Cornelius Vermuyden in the 17th century.
Captain John Perry, RN in 1719. However, a large lake was left in the landscape, which became known as Dagenham Breach.The Breach became a popular fishing area and the earliest MinisterialWhitebait Dinners were held there.
Elizabeth Fry and her family leased two holiday cottages at the Breach in the early 19th century. The area was later industrialized, and a remnant of the Breach survives as a lake within the Ford Motor Company site.An earlier breach in the river wall was repaired by
Sir Cornelius Vermuyden in the 17th century.- In 1887,
Part of the lake was filled in with gravel and other material generated by the rebuilding in London. This created new land, which was available for rent. By 1891 the company had constructed a timber dock, with a railway connected to theSamuel Williams and Co. joined forces with John Hudson and Co. to form a successful shipping company. Land beside the dock was either used for their shipping and haulage business or sold to organisations such as Union Cable Company and Ford Motor Company.
Visit the River industries gallery at Valence House Museum to find out more.
The Archives and Local Studies Centre collection includes fascinating 1960s archive film of the Samuel Williams site.Brief history of the Barking Fishing Fleet
Looking around Barking today, it is hard to believe that the town was once Britain's busiest fishing port. By 1850 at least 220 fishing smacks were operating out of Barking, their crews averaging eight men and boys. This success was overwhelmingly due to the Hewett family, who owned the Short Blue Fleet.The town was full of businesses supporting the fishing industry, such as shipwrights, mast makers, sail makers, ships' chandlers, water keg makers, pork cask makers, net makers, knitters of fishermen's sweaters, makers of waterproof clothing and boots, and ships' biscuit bakers.The fishermen and boats of Barking were also regularly employed by the Royal Navy in times of war.
Barking's fishing industry came to an end in the 1860s when the Short Blue Fleet was transferred to Gorleston in Norfolk. The Hewetts retained a ship repair yard at Barking until 1899, when it became the epicentre of a devastating boiler explosion which killed ten people.
Visit the River industries gallery at Valence House Museum to discover more.
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