Container city visit

Ok, I think this post is slightly premature but I couldn't resist, Container City was such a fantastic space I had to get this published. The reason for the visit was in search of inspiration and enlightenment on how the space and the containers actually work and I went with a few intentions:

- How do the containers combine to formulate a live/work space/city?

- How do they work in terms of construction/modification? 

- How do its users actually use the space that it provides?

Again, the reason behind these questionings is due to the fact that we have actively discussed the use of containers within the Creekside space due their modular and 'recycled' nature, so I sought inspiration all round and I can safely say I found it. 

Container City itself has been devised by Urban Space Management Ltd who basically link together pre-fabricated steel modules that have an intrinsic strength which successfully combines to create a wide variety of shapes and structures. The company has installed a multitude of these city constructions around the country for retail, studio, youth centres and live/work spaces. It is a relatively low cost approach that boasts the following:

- Natural ventilation 

- Improved insulation

- Aluminium framing

- Rainwater harvesting, plant nurseries and green roofs where applicable

It was interesting then so how how these constructions worked together and how people functioned within them.

On site there were a range of experimental container conversions complementing the nature of the space. 

This particular studio consisted of a maximum of 3 designers working within a space constructed of 2 40ft containers at a height of approximately 2.6 meters at any one time. The space was divided into two compartments, one half for work whilst machinery and equipment occupied the other. The immediate impression/atmosphere was one of cosy spaciousness, not cramped but comfortable. I mention this as it has been pointed out that containers may in fact be too constricting for some art/design uses, fine artists perhaps, but it is clear that a smaller, less roomy space could accommodate users who don't require such flamboyant proportions. This is a factor we have to consider when contemplating container usage.

Le Bus

As you know, there is double decker bus on site which could potentially be renovated for a multitude of uses; seating, food service etc... here are a few pictures of its current state:

And if any one is aware, on Brick Lane there exists the wonderful Rootmaster which is a converted 1950's Routemaster which does in fact serve as a source of inspiration, obviously there is a lot of work that needs to be done to bring our bus up to standard, of which it needs to be relatively high. The Rootmaster it self has a fully fitted open plan kitchen with a 28 cover restaurant aboard the top deck which provides panoramic views all round.

Containers are too small for artists they say!

So, the grapevine and recommendation has it that containers are too small for artists spaces, as mentioned before, I said I was going to visit container city to investigate how the space works, how the people use the space inside and out to hopefully try and realise or dispel this talk! 

Deptford Creekside Charette

One of the fundamental aspects of any design project is in depth research and this project is no exception. Many facets of a space and its surrounding area have to be taken into consideration to fully maximize its potential success and use, and this is exactly w

hat I intend to do with the space we have at Creekside. Intended use, the users, the space and the areas history, demand for specific use etc... are to name but a few so I was intrigued to find out that a Charette had been under taken on the whole Deptford Creekside area as it is currently sought to be redeveloped, all helpful information for someone looking to maximize potential for it.  

What is a Charette? Good question. That's exactly what I thought when confronted with it. 

'A charette is a collaborative planning process that is undertaken over the course of up to a week which ties together an areas stakeholders to create and support a comprehensive and feasible area plan. The structure of the charette event enables stakehold

ers and the design team to interact, review ideas and develop alternative concepts'

- Objectives, measures and strategies

- Mission formulation

- Products lists

- Design team

- Stakeholder analysis

- Complexity analysis

- Dynamic planning process

So basically a mix of the areas land owners, tenants, governing bodies and designers, planners and architects all come together to map out the potential future of a designated area looking for regeneration, considering a variety of complex issues concerning the areas sensitive ecology, current occupancy, prospective development and the welfare of the area. I felt that this would be a crucial bit of reading, despite being partially speculative, in informing the development of Johns Creekside plot. Research of this type was something I was keen to provoke to inform design plans as it is of paramount importance that all surrounding factors are taken into consideration so what follows is a synopsis of what the document detailed in its outcome.

It was outlined that Deptford has no real temporal logic and seems to have been developed without making this edge a complete space, this is certainly an atmosphere which is encountered when one ventures up through Creekside, as detailed it consists of 52 independent premises which seemingly fail to intermingle forming any real cohesive fabric. 

The vision for the area as a whole entails putting the waterway at the heart of the area, an advantage aforded by Johns plot as he is the owner of Theatre Wharf which runs directly parallel to his plot. Making sure that new buildings reflect the character of the past and avoid dominating the Creek and provide for views of the waterspace, alongside making space for flourishing wildlife and creating a socially and economically cohesive place with its own identity are all important factors.

Outline of factors outlines regarding Deptford Creek as a place

- Few use the Creekside as a place to visit unless specific events bring them there

- It is however home to a unique group of artists and boat people where they also work

- Successful redevelopment of Creekside must achieve two principal objectives; to stitch back the Creek to its neighbouring community and protect the activities and environment which provide its unique sense of place.

- New developments  could provide affordable, flexible workspace to ensure

 the growth of this sector. In addition, there is potential for the area to become a creative quarter destination.

Challenges faced

- There is a lack of clear cohesion in vision for the area

- A community used to facing adversity can often be ignored

- Site owners often develop in isolation and can find the planning process frustrating and negative

- There is little incentive for landowners to look at the area as a whole the

refore sites are viewed accordingly

- Unique cultures live side by side

- The Creek is seen as a barrier not an area in its own right

Main factors for consideration

- Much of Creekside's character comes from its relationship with the waterways and its industrial heritage

- Encouraging new opportunities for river related uses, dock space f

or leisure, business and moorings

- Growing the creative industries cluster

- Allowing a mixture of uses on other sites

- Proving additional public space and rental levels that are suitable for creative industries, promoting networks that support the cluster

- Area strengths such as creative industries need to be thought of in a strategic way and new developments planned  so as to use their value as destination enhancers.

- Charette team saw preservation of the natural environment as important from both a biodiversity viewpoint and also as a means to improve the quality of life for residents and workers.

- All proposed developments should have green roofs for biodiversity to provide habitats for wildlife out of reach of any disturbance (the Mayors Living Roofs and Walls publication?)

 - The area is well served by public transport and many improvements are underway such as upgrading the lengths of the DLR trains from two to three carriages, bus stop improvement etc...

- Sustainable materials and construction methods should be used throughout

This document goes into far greater detail concerning the project, so what I have included is a taster of the research that has already been undertaken and there are many nuggets which may prove invaluable. There is still thus a plethora of research that needs to be undertaken, research that will inform what he space is going to primarily function as and for whom. The space it self was designated a function by the planners and was as follows:

"New public space opened up between Bird's Nest pub and APT. Improving access to the Creek edge, this could become a hard surfaced semi-public managed space for market stalls in the day time" 

A small scale market was something that had entered my head so perhaps a little research into its viability, even if just occurs at the weekend, even a continuation of the Deptford weekend markets.

Sue: 30 Years on the Creek

Whilst on the walk I was introduced to Sue Lawes (fivetoninedesign) who practices from one of the Creekside studio spaces who has lived in the flats opposite for about 30 years and imparted a little insight into the areas life and potential. One of the things mentioned when quizzed about after hours activity in the area was the fact that "there's bloody nothing to do!", with the birds nest pub ceasing to attract as mainly frequented by a younger crowd with an air or mismanagement crippling its appeal. One of the most relevant comments in relation to our project was the fact that many of the studios are increasingly raising their rents, many tenants are moving out and waiting lists are apparently snowballing which does suggest that space in the area is in fact desired at a lower budget. 

Sue insisted that I take a look at the Deptford Design Charrette which is apparently a large initiative looking at the future development of the area which I intend to do this afternoon.

Thanks Sue. 

My research tour across the Creek!

What a rather splendid day today has been. I proceeded forth on the walk along Deptford Creek and as a result am now slightly more in tune with its unique allure, as I mentioned before, the creek itself is a prominent feature of the landscape so I felt this exercise necessary in my own education on Deptford. 

It was a fantastic day for it with the sun dousing us with its bone warming presence, I arrived at the Creekside centre, slightly late due to yet another near miss on my bike in Brockley: a Mini Cooper failed to indicate as it swung a left, filling me with rage as it forcing me to slam on my breaks. Now I don't usually follow cars but in this case I made an exception and pursued it for an apology, idiots. Anyway, I managed to catch up the group partaking on this fine days walk alongside the Creek, waders on, walking stick in hand, I was straight out there, they even provide fresh additional socks which is was a surprising gesture, thanks.

About fifteen of us in total, armed with nets, boxes and other inspection devices, trundled through the low tide of the creek in search of its alluring little gems. Our guide, Jim, a botanist who relentlessly emanated enthusiasm and wisdom for the creeks entirety tirelessly provided a wonderful history, from plant life, animal life, fender existence, breeding cycles etc... alongside a string of humorous warnings about the sinking mud. For the walks duration he bellowed from his belly the most contageous of laughs.

The creek itself is home to numerous species of often procured wetland/dryland plant and animal life which are currently are all springing to life, herons, kingfishers plus numerous other species alongside its expected first schools of flounder and stickleback in the coming weeks. Interestingly, despite the flounders cross eyed positioning on on side of its head it actually hatches with one either side, so during the its first weeks one slowly creeps over to the other side due to it's redundancy. Also home to the omnipresent chinese mitten crab of which there are thousands, originally released by sailors in ballast from the chinese waters, a valuable economic source in China, something which I gather the UK is quite keen to consider farming in the Thames. It was the second world war that secured the fate of the creek, allowing its decline to be fully realised, not necessarily a negative factor as it allowed an array of plant life to flourish and colonize. It was during the 1996 that its potential was realised and a clear up operation commenced, a total of 400 trolleys were excavated by the Creekside centre, but of course many still protrude alongside an array printers, laptops, bottles and bodies eerily the mud.

I must confess that I had never considered the lengths that had been ploughed into the preservation and nourishment of the creek, it is quite astonishing. One factor most interesting I found was how time has manipulated the cultural perceptions of the riverside. During the early 20th century you would expect to see deck chairs lining its shores at low tide whilst hundreds of children swam bobbed to and fro in its debatable waters. Social housing was frequently peppered around its banks due its perceived undesirability. Now though, despite the waters considerable purity in comparison with waters past people simply wouldn't dream of it, and also the social has been replaced with the private so in that sense cultural transformations are quite insightful.

The Creek therefore, has quite a history and it is unique in that its banks are still very evidently mixed, original wooden fenders, varieties of concrete all amassing to facilitate unique plant colonisation and breeding whereas almost all of London's other creeks have undergone the brutal transformation of lining their crumbling banks with steel with banishes beauty and forbids natural growth and with two tides a day exploration opportunities are never infrequent. 

more photos at 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelwafflesdesign/

Johns initial drawings

A few days ago John had forwarded me a couple of concept layout plans he has devised for use of the shipping containers within the space.

Visually Recording Deptford

Having illustrated the space designated for potential development, exploring its appetising nooks and its appetising crannies I feel that for the continuation of research and reference it is of paramount importance for a visual contextualisation of the space to aid a more comprehensive understanding and feel. I am going to photographically record Deptford's topography and even venture out onto the Creek for a wader clad exploration of the tributaries salt/fresh water plants and animals, a bit of a history lesson! I feel it will be beneficial in providing a much needed insight into the areas history, something which could be influential in informing, considering, shaping the proposal in some way shape or form, place should be aware of and perhaps draw reference to history alongside the present requirements, particularly with the space being situated alongside this unique creek an awareness just makes for good practice.

What the landlord would essentially like to implement here

Hello Deptford!

Ok, so this project first and foremost is part of my summer internship quota, but undoubtedly it'll run for far longer than the summer itself. 

So what's it all about? 

Well, behind the Birds Nest pub in Deptford as mapped out above is a rather unique piece of land on Creekside, situated 2 minutes from Deptford bridge DLR and a swift walk from Deptford high street, which is going be renovated and turned into a workable space. Creekside itself is home to a plethora of creative entities (Cockpit Arts-studios/spaces, Trinity Laban, Apt gallery, the Faircharm trading estate and the Creekside centre amongst many more) alongside Deptford Creek itself where one can walk during low tide if one so wishes. The area seamlessly fuses industrial, creative and natural elements to make manifest a rather attractive and unique area particularly with the gorgeous red brick spanning arches towards the streets end which as a combination, reassures one that potential does exist for the development for the space itself. One does have ticking in the back of ones mind whether therefore if the area contains an already thriving hive does one need to implement another? I personally, knowing the area relatively well, feel that it is far from creatively saturated and feel another entity may contribute to its further flourishing, obviously further research will have to be undertaken to reassure and solidify certainty. 

So, that is the gist of things, I am going to be working alongside, with others undoubtedly, John Cierach to transform this land into a new, mixed use space with the intention of further heightening Deptford's creative profile.

16/04/09- Viewing the site 

Cycled down from Forest Hill  to meet with the landlord for the first time, John Cierach,  a practicing sculptor, to discuss his developments and intentions for the space over the course of the afternoon, which turned out to be rather soggy. We toured the space and discussed what progress had been made. Over numerous coffees at the Deptford project (a lovely converted tube carriage cafe on the high street) he showed me his model/drawings and explained his plans to use a number of shipping containers which come in 3 sizes, for the main building blocks of the site which could potentially be used for a number of purposes, studio space, performance space etc... one exciting other unique feature of the space is that it comes complete with own double decker bus, it's not 1950's Routemaster but it does have its own charm.

(I just want to say now that the size of this project in terms of research, design development, implementation, planning, financing is something quite daunting for someone in my current position but I intend to grab it my the horns and straddle)

The space itself: I had a jaunt round during the damp afternoon to familarise myself and was quite humored and taken aback. As I entered through the steel gates to the space I was surpassed by a rather large, grubby, European man who had seemingly arrived despite the steady drizzle to collect his equally grubby ice-cream van for a day of 99 dispensary, quite a sight. An array of cars line the street facing wall and the main area sports a small mechanic firm alongside a scafflolding firm also operate from the area. Looking directly above the DLR bridge flows dominantly with its large bold, concrete supporting pillars protruding from the ground which fades off towards Canary Wharf in the distance, whilst the Creekside river sits directly adjacent housing numerous house boats which squelch mightily into the sludgy green bed as the tide is out, each adorned with arrays of flourishing pot plants. Decrepit ice-cream vans, broken old furniture, and a scattering of broken, flat tired bicycles adorn the space it self alongside various industrial waste, steel girders, rusting machinery and the like. All these features amalgamate and form a rather appealing aesthetic. 

The space it quite sizable but not without its restrictions from the EA (Environmental agency) and the transport authorities in relation to distance and height proximities to the bridge. 

more photos at 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelwafflesdesign/