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Enabling Constructions_Magnet Project

Part 1 Project 2008
Emma Flynn
 Newcastle University | UK
To establish a valid equation between social aspirations and Architecture, it is essential to add to the latter Doubt, Delight and Change as design criteria - Cedric Price


Designed with uncertainty in mind, the magnet provides an architectural playground for a programme that is hybrid and changeable, and derives from the current social, cultural and economic tensions of the site. It is a form of soft architecture (Toyo Ito) that avoids becoming fixed and finished, enabling activities and events, and providing flexibility for the ‘uncertainty of the real’ – a direct response to the here and now.

The constructed spaces encourage community interaction and socio-educational development through 3 stages: communication, learning and play, while their magnetic influence and attraction extends into the surrounding areas. The magnet generates and activates public space in its proximity, and unites the lower and upper levels of Newcastle’s now redundant masterplanning scheme of the 1970s, providing delight and social benefit in an area of neglect and misuse.




Emma Flynn

Emma Flynn’ scheme responds with remarkable proficiency to the 1970’s unfinished and utopian urban plan for Newcastle which was to split public space into two levels: one level for pedestrian the other one for cars.

The proposed new complex topography enables the negotiation of an awkward platform system in a playful and delightful way. The artificial hill connecting both city levels and the polycarbonate pods finding their way through the columns of a most unpleasant existing tunnel demonstrate Emma’s bright response to the contemporary city and ability to generate an urban magnet.

Located between a central library, an art gallery and a civil centre, this highly permeable building caters for those whose access to such institutions is hindered by a disability or educational poverty. This building acts as a positive interface between these three major institutions.

Tutor(s)
2008
The magnet concept is assessed within the specific context of the site, allowing the magnet to animate and engage with unresolved and disconnected public spaces at different heights and articulate a relationship with two powerful civic institutions
Mappings and site analysis. An Investigative process leading to the determining of a magnet programme arising from the social, cultural and economic tensions of the site
Summary axonometric - magnet concept and architectural principles
Ground floor plan and diagrammatic plans of spatial variations
1st floor plan and diagrammatic plans of spatial variations
2nd floor plan showing the magnetic connection to the surrounding site. Left: Diagrammatic plans of field and cluster spaces
Magnet section and site visuals showing activated public spaces and building permeability. Note strengthened vertical connection of the upper and lower levels of the site
Longitudinal section revealing the ramped bridge reestablishing and redefining the upper level walkways and the interactive spatial experience of the site
Internal view of central atrium space
Internal view of central atrium space from 2nd floor level
Elevations and external perspectives
Structural and Environmental systems- Right: Double skin polycarbonate facade detail and ventilation strategy. Left: Atrium planting and internal environment
Site and building models
As anticipatory architecture, magnets enable fast urban responses deliberately built with off-the-shelf, lightweight construction materials. The materials are chosen as efficient and economic solutions whilst still enabling spaces of delight and intrigue
Material space construction detail and external perspective. The double skin polycarbonate facade is illuminated from within, lighting and thus reinvigorating the misused space underneath the elevated Bewick Court square
• Page Hits: 22371         • Entry Date: 25 July 2008         • Last Update: 15 September 2008