Pre-exhibition preparation

Please come and have a look at our final exhibition @ RIBA Hub. Come find us between 11.30 - 17:00 to catch us for a chat and if you do miss us please have a look at our presentation! :)

Final presentation (:

Day # 6 Last day of effort towards a great exhibition!

Last day! Finally. After our discussion with the Carribean group they seemed quite please with our final proposal. Today we focused on finalizing the model and preparing for the exhibition! We decided to take shots of each person participant in the event and their comments about it.

Danny Grant

Good idea to grow, cook and sell to fundraise for the community. Involving all the community will help increase how the community works.

Sidney

Good idea to involve young people. Anything that will help the community will be great. We would happily support the community and would love to get involved and give our own knowledge of the subject.

Aderson Mathew

I personally feel that this could help create a good community atmosphere. It will educate the kids on where their food comes from. A great idea to bring the community together.

Ben Simmons

It is a nice project. It will be good to see if something like this could happen to get the whole community involved. If everyone planted a seed then it would engage the community. It would decrease the vandalism because everyone would have a sense of ownership and pride. 

Richard

Like to see it get started. It would be great if we could have big events for things like the jubilee with the whole community involved in summertime and get everyone communicating a bit more.

Day # 5 Finalising ideas and preparing for our second meeting with the Carribean group

Today we looked at finalising our models and posters for the exhibition. We also prepared a document to show the Carribean elderly group in the afternoon when we see them again! Almost there! 1 day to go :)

Presentation for Carribean group

Day # 4 Working on our proposal

After some of us attended the Creating 'age-friendly cities': developing a new urbanism for all generations cities@ Manchester joint event with MICRA (Manchester Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Research on Ageing). We had some interesting materials which helped us start off the morning with a discussion of our proposal. Based on some of the work we did before we looked at a site section, access points, the different heights of the 2 green spaces. 

We them split into 2 groups: one to look at the gathered information and convey it in a digital format and the other to work on the proposal in preparation for tomorrow's Meeting 2 with the Caribbean elderly group. Obviously carrying models to the meeting wasn't possible so we focused on a presentation.

In terms of the actual proposal we decided to suggest the following:

- a playground/ multifunctional park space with 24h management to be used by children/younger people and the elderly at different times
- another part of the site dedicated to vegetable cultivation with associated market place.

Day # 3 Making a site model

Today we focused on gathering our information based on the quick brainstorming exercise we had on Friday. We looked at the data we would be needing, printed off maps of the site and started work on a site model. Some of us focused on the models and masterplan, others looked at data collection and production of diagrams, chats and infographs. The year 05 students started working on final layout templates, logos, information needed.

Check out some of our infographics for the site!

Day #2

Morning Session - Lecture from Roger Burton, RIBA on master planning and place making

presentation PowerPoint file

Afternoon of discussion and review of notes, site analysis etc.

Afternoon brainstorming. After our meeting with Roger Burton, RIBA we decided to revise our meetings for the last 2 days by putting out ideas and suggestions of what we could do with the site.  We then looked at some precedents and went on to research further the site: history, articles, the community, the envisioned school to be build there. We decided to devide our presentation as follows: what was there? what is there now? what has been planed for the future? what we plan?

USEFUL LINKS:

Ideas on fencing, security, design:
http://www.loomstudio.com/knox.html
http://pinterest.com/pin/113927065545055873/

Ideas on public spaces:
http://www.pps.org/projects/project-categories/featured-projects/

Ideas on green spaces and cultivation:
http://www.edenproject.com/
http://www.growingspaces.com/

Ideas on getting various activities and services onsite:
http://www.auraherbalwear.com/herbal-dyeing.aspx

Precedents for market spaces/multifunctional spaces:
http://www.hulmegardencentre.org.uk/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2005/aug/08/spain.foodanddrink
http://www.e-architect.co.uk/new_york/coney_island_amphitheatre.htm
http://inhabitat.com/masonic-amphitheatre-is-a-prefab-stage-on-a-reclaimed-site-in-virginia/

BRAINSTORMING:
- outdoor amphitheatre
- kids park
- keep landform
- improve relashionships/ security, make them feel wanted, ownership
- variety of activities: football etc
- multipurpose space
- make front gate less intimidating
- market + greenhouse to grow vegetables
- livestock organic wools?
- computer space for advertisement and learning

Notes based on the meeting at the Cheetwood Community Centre

The recording of the meeting can be found here:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6fr59k8Ka4ENFNQVVpEaHNkR2M/edit?usp=sharing

The group consists of 12-15 members and meets up 5 days a week, for which they book a room at the Cheetwood Community Centre (funded privately) for 2 hours from 16:00-18:00 with Tuesdays and Thursdays extended hours which they get for free. The majority live within the area, however some drive. The hours are restricted due to funds available and this does make an impact since the group compromises different age groups some of which are retired and some working, hence it is hard of all of them to be able to meet. Although the area is reviewed as deprived, the group feels genuinely a strong connection in between themselves. Most of them have known each other for 30 years and they have been using this Centre for gatherings for the last 4. They don’t seem separated from the community, they know their neighbours and they are open to mix with people from other backgrounds and age groups.

For the Caribbean group gathering is not just for undertaking certain activities but rather for socializing. They strive for a building or space of their own  where they could take responsibility even to promote themselves or get involved in community activities such as cooking or other activities such as art, sewing and feasible sports(i.e. table tennis). They have tried getting involved with business networking and are generally enthusiastic about organizing things. They have mentioned they tend to book a coach and organize trips as well. Unfortunately the Centre is run by Big Life which is a private charity and certain restrictions from that matter have affected amount of freedom with regards to organization and use of the spaces.

 

Overall there is a good spirit of belonging and attachment to the community. They also mentioned that even though the area has changed in the last 30 years recently it hasn’t improved much. Some of the concerns expressed from the group where mainly aimed at:

* Availability of funding

* Potential for larger space where they could be trusted with the responsibility to manage the space, organize events and raise money. In this respect it would be nice if they had keys for these spaces so they could use them with a 24h live cycle depending on various group needs.

* Possibility for this space to accommodate for a kitchen/ bar area with more tables and chairs in order to attract new visitors and expand the group size

* Possibility for a learning space with computers since they are quite eager to expand their knowledge considering we live in the digital era

* Opportunity for a better resolved outdoor space: street furniture, sports facilities for children, allocated plot for cultivation of vegetables and other edible crops to be managed by the  group

* Separation needed between children and elderly with respect to acts of vandalism

* Better communication with local authority needed since the people at the centre run the centre itself however they would need more personal communication towards resolving issues

* Need for adequate outdoor seating , considerate of weather conditions, possibly fixed due to security reasons

* With respect to more people visiting and connection to the city centre at the moment there are 2 bus services running (59, …). It would be good to elaborate on these to attract new visitors and further funding that would raise awareness of the area but also help improve conditions.

Day #1 - Events month officially started!

Getting into groups

Refining Questions to be asked at the meeting with the African Caribbean Care Group

Looking at precedents

On our way to Cheetwood Community Centre

Talking with one of the employees at the Centre working for The Big Life Group.



Age friendly criteria

-Resident empowerment

Resident empowerment makes a point about achieving sustainable neighborhoods through strong leadership, effective engagement and participation by local people. How GMV is achieved as a successful lifetime community in terms of its design and final output, is as important as what is done to bring about necessary change. It is the latter, where residents take part into setting out their needs and concerns, identifying priorities for action within areas of habitation, and working together along with local governments in providing a range of services for their community to flourish in the long term. Resident empowerment could involve the public as well as the private sector, voluntary and community organizations that assist resident-led activities on a range of formal and informal options, from one-off events to community-led asset management, based on community demand. It is then the job of local government, parish and town councils on local authority level as well as housing associations, developers and councils in a wider context to encourage inclusive design of outdoor spaces and configuration of services to respond to a society of various age and background.

-Social networks and well-being

Social networks and well – being relate to measures that address overall behavior and intergeneration relations, opportunities for volunteering, work and involvement as well as measures to address crime. These all feature parts of the physical environment in relation to how people use and live in this environment and how they communicate and get involved towards promoting a strong social and cultural life. This is an important aspect of lifetime neighborhoods in the scope of the latter to secure place and community evolution and adaptation in the long turn. Furthermore, it allows residents to participate as active citizens in their community, link to different groups and activities provided in the area, as well as enhance the way in which they engage with various age groups.

-Access

Access encompasses local infrastructure, along with provision of signage and information for residents and visitors, that would help them orientate around areas in which they live and connect to people and services in their immediate surroundings. A key aspect in lifetime neighborhoods is sustaining a diverse range of means of transportation with specific focus on public transportation, reduction of car use and minimum parking. Another crucial aspect of access, further relates to the potential of defying neighborhoods as ‘’walkable’’. Walkability here relates not only to the physical aspect of the topography of a certain site, but also features availability of facilities that correspond to a wide range of needs. The latter could include places for people to rest along their journeys, such as sets and benching, accessible restrooms and street design that favors orientation and way finding.

-Range of services

The provision of amenities along with a mix of residential, retail and employment services also plays an important part in creating ‘’neighborhoodsliness’’ and social interaction at a local level within lifetime communities. In this case, it is crucial that the social infrastructure meets the needs of all groups within the community, as diverse as they may be. Vibrant services as well as their attractive exteriors could have significant impact on the way people perceive local shops and retail spaces, which then further impacts on the economic growth of an area in the long term.

-Public spaces, green spaces

When talking about public spaces, we normally refer to a wider built environment. Green spaces refer to all open spaces: from natural environments, through parks and gardens, to street greenery and planting. These all carry the potential to enhance lifetime neighborhoods and the connection with nature while providing residents with benefits in terms of sociability, health and well-being.

-Appropriate and flexible housing

Our homes have a powerful capacity on maintaining our independence, social engagement and overall quality of life. Housing needs and aspirations, however, tend to change over time. Awareness of demographic change, user-responsive and adaptable design and potential for a more inclusive neighborhood design and service lie in the foundation of every successful lifetime community project. The final and probably most important aspect of lifetime neighborhoods is therefore related to the provision of an appropriate housing mix to cater for different age groups and sizes with related flexible housing, open to ever changing needs as households expand or shrink. A range of choices, such as standard housing, sheltered housing or extra care housing, in this case could help maximize the value of such neighborhoods and render them successful in the long turn.

With meeting the needs for appropriate housing there is a difference as whether the neighborhood agenda will be on retrofitting existing accommodation or treating a new housing development. The challenge with the latter, of course, comes with the importance of considering both the overall neighborhood design as well as the individual dwellings.

Precedents to look at

Age friendly NYC

Design for access 2 - Manchester agefriendly design regulations

Age Friendly World

Designing age-friendly landscapes

Useful files to get things started!

1) Global Age Friendly Cities - A guide
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6fr59k8Ka4ERnoxaU42V0o4ZVE/edit?usp=sharing

2)What makes a city Age Friendly?
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6fr59k8Ka4EMWl4YkR6Vks5bkE/edit?usp=sharing

3) What makes a community age friendly: a review of international literature
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6fr59k8Ka4EOTROclVXb3VGV0U/edit?usp=sharing

4) Going Green. how cities are leading the next economy
 https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6fr59k8Ka4EcTJvbjhMc0ZyUUU/edit?usp=sharing

5)Towards Lifetime Neighbourhoods : Designing sustainable communities for all
https://drive.google.com/?tab=wo&authuser=0#folders/0B6fr59k8Ka4ESDhzbDJaSXNsaFE

6) Towards Global Age-Friendly Cities: Determining Urban Features that Promote Active Aging
 https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6fr59k8Ka4EaElCRGZNSWgtbEE/edit?usp=sharing

7)MSA Events - site map
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6fr59k8Ka4EZ29IbVAtMzdsUmc/edit?usp=sharing

MSA Event #23 Brief

<< Age friendly cities: Metropolitan Living for Tomorrow >>

Coordinators Year 05 Albena Atanassova. Year 05 Eleni Economidou. Year 05 Yiotis Tsangaris. Year 05 Aayu Malhotra.   Atelier [Re] map and Contested peripheries.   Themes Social sustainability in age friendly cities. Lifetime neighborhoods. Long-term habitation.	Image compilation courtesy of WHO and VOP.
Agenda Attributable to the urbanization of 80% of Europe, people tend to spend up to 90% of their daytime activities indoors. The continuous demand for comfort and better life quality causes social mobility, resulting in a significant  growth in land consumption and destruction of greenfield and the countryside., The social implications in such schemes remain ambiguous, even though the clarity in addressing good design qualities and environmental performance was increased since the 1960s . Taking into account provision for new types of residences, where people’s needs would be satisfied over an individual’s lifetime, in what we refer to as ‘’lifetime communities’’, has now become a definite and imperative need. The event reflects on the nature of long-term habitation within the modern metropolis through the analysis of a suggested site in Northern Manchester. The aim is extending the understanding of scale and also, the use of theories and approaches to urban design for a constantly growing population. Initial research and data gathering methods will be implemented towards establishing a group strategy for the selected site. Collaboration with local community groups of different ages and background will further inform the overall concept towards a design proposal for a lifetime community within the metropolitan context.
Collaborator Kerenza McClarnan – the role of older people in society in collaboration with VOP (Valuing Older People) Manchester City Council http://smallthings.org.uk/creative-ages-2/ Andrew Ruffler, RIBA North West – initiative on what does architecture mean to different age groups, potential for RIBA Hub venue and RIBA members involved in discussion on age friendly cities.
Production A series of visits to the chosen site, accompanied by discussions with the local community. These will inform a group strategy based on the age friendly cities framework  in accordance with WHO (World Health Organization). The final output will be the production of a model/installation of the chosen area, accompanied by exhibition boards (in the form of storyboards ?), recording the development of a final proposal (followed by booklets recording each student’s ideas’ development)?.
Mastercrafts Research + Development – understanding of given place and discussing possible frameworks for the chosen site within the age friendly cities agenda. Introduction to the scales and particularities of an urban design project. Networking – working along with the community towards a holistic strategy. Gain a holistic view of the notion ‘age friendly city’ Experimentation with 3D volumes Collaboration/interaction with people outside the school – reflection on people’s needs.