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The Alley Gater's collection of fragile moments

Part 1 Project 2009
Rebecca Lee
 University of Nottingham Nottingham | UK
Bristol has begun an initiative to close down the alleyways that are intrinsic to its character and the workings of the city, potentially evicting and changing the subversive activity that is drawn to spaces of this nature. The project manifests itself as the Alley Gater’s domain acting to amplify the character of the alleyways and retaining the delicate intimacy and fiction of these fascinating spaces.

An interest in the condition of spatial tension was the main stimulus throughout the project. Tension is a heightened relationship between two or more objects or states.

A film study observing the impact that illuminating a light bulb from an external source had on the dynamic between the light bulb and the space began the investigation. Through this process preconceptions were broken, spatial boundaries were questioned and the tension of the system was observed.

Bristol’s alleyways provided an urban context with an innate sense of tension because of the static permanence of the macro scale and the delicate intricacy and temporality on the micro scale as a constantly transforming space. Key factors which contribute to the level of tension include degree of occupancy, density of transitions, level of contrast, layering of triggers and fragility.

A fragility of spatial condition is a delicate balance between permanence and temporality, which through an inherent instability amplifies the connection between space and occupant. This was the main feature of the chosen site in Tower Walk which is a rich space which gathers from the surrounding area of Bristol.

Hanging above the alleyway the inserted space of the Alley Gater’s domain amplifies his presence negating the possibility of a passive observation. The metal cages bang with movement, the chalk scrapes along the board echoing throughout the space, water drips, leaves rustle and footsteps resonate.



The ‘Alley Gater’

The project takes a serious and real problem, the ‘gating’ up of alleyways and passages of our cities, these in between spaces and proposes a solution which not only is situated in the poetic and ‘unreal’ but also makes a serious and committed statement of actual possibilities and intent.

The ‘Alley Gater’ titled suggests a whimsical but relevant research into this pervasive problem associated with inner city social conditions. However the work undertaken, commitment and passion spent on research and developing the ideas is both serious and impressive.

Starting from a difficult condition, an interest in tension in architecture both spatially and socially, the design process involved an initial period of researching into the city using narratives and real situations. Lines of enquiry were established and investigated through the techniques of video, drawing and making. The key development pieces were however a delicate series of semi abstract drawings which beautifully explored the spatial arrangements of the tension within the passage as found and as proposed. These drawings are quite unique and intriguing and are used to establish a set of conditions and a framework with which to work. These express a lightness of touch and a surreal delicacy set within a real harsh urban condition.

At each stage of the process drawings were tested and reworked as new ideas were suggested or adjustments had to be made. A series of small insertions into the urban passageway belies the complexity and detail of the thought process and the detail contained within the end product.

The difficulty in striving to achieve this sense of tension in the design continued throughout each stage. Never would Rebecca allow this intention to be compromised for the sake of an easier solution.

Having started at a city wide scale of investigation the project concludes by studying the details of the prop room, the leaf screen, leaf drying, feather sewing and the chalkboard. Simply this ability to work at these varying scales and to use this range of techniques is without doubt hugely impressive.

David Short

Tutor(s)
Mr David Short
2009
A group film study observing the spatial impact of illuminating a light bulb from an external source triggered further investigation into the condition of spatial tension.
An in depth study into the nature of spatial tension in the alleyways of Bristol to establish common behaviours and develop an understanding of the fragility of these spaces.
Plan discussing the opening and closing of the alleyways through observing the facade of the threshold with the street and the interaction of a space contained within a space.
Tension Dialogue Study. When both the residential and sporadic zones are occupied they hold a tight dialogue with each other competing for space and clashing at the boundaries.
Early studies of the site (Tower Walk) highlighted this point as a pocket of tension. Recording the influences and pressures asserted by elements internal and external to the space.
Initial studies of the alleyway threshold. An architecture which acts to amplify the instability of the site condition through the rattling of metal, collection of leaves and level of enclosure.
Exploration processes and materiality. The idea of the entrance to the alleyway being a fragile facade and the alley as a container of processes of tension studied through both drawing and film.
Initial perspective of prop room space. A study into the interaction between the occupants of the existing buildings, the occupants of the alleyway and the presence of the Alley Gater in his domain.
Initial study of spaces hanging above alleyway. Point of interaction between the Gater's realm above, the alleyway and the sheltered enclosure of the existing building.
Plan of the Alley Gater's Domain. A series of walkways stretch along the length of the alleyway with points of more concentrated activity.
Office and Interstitial Zone. The gap between the leaf screen at the front of the alley and the gate creates a buffer zone of sporadic activity at the opening of the alleyway
Leaf drying, feather sewing and chalkboard. The arrangement of the leaf drying space, chalkboard and main point of interchange between the Gater's domain and the alleyway below.
Prop room. Objects from across Bristol's alleyways are collected stored and worked on inorder to provide props for deployment in the alleyways.
Detail of walkway. The walkway system above parts of the alleyway moves with the footsteps of the Gater creating movement of the handrail system which in turn releases water from the tray below.
The gate is an amalgamation of gate parts collected from across Bristol. The gate is porous with various modes of entry impacting on the tension between sides of the gate.
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