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Zora Starcevic_reflection paper
1. THE URBAN CONDITION
MINIATURE DEMOCRACY AS A MEDIATOR
Master Dissertation Project 2015 I 16
KU Leuven Faculty of Architecture
Campus Sint-Lucas Ghent
academic promotor drs. architect Tomas Ooms
Zora Starcevic
3. words of thanks
I would first like to thank my academic promotor To-
mas Ooms, for his endless support, inspiration and
persistance. His dedication, passionate participation ,
inspiring input and guidance steered me in the right the
direction thoughout this thesis and helped me immens-
ly to achieve my goal.
Finally, I must express my very profound gratitude to my
family and close friends for providing me with unfailing
support and continuous encouragement throughout my
years of study and through the process of researching
and writing this thesis. This accomplishment would not
have been possible without them.
Thank you.
4. 0 ABSTRACT
I DISCOVERING ANTWERP
II URBAN CONDITION / FRAMEWORK
III MERKSEM EXPLORATIONS
IV FOCUS ON ... COLLISION
V THE POWER OF SMALL
VI CONTRIBUTIONS
VII MINIATURE CASE
VIII ENDLESS TRIALS
IX RETHINKING EXISTING
X LEARNING CENTER
XI CASE STUDY ATLAS
XII PROCESS ATLAS
XIII BIBLIOGRAPHY
CONTENT
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Through time industry was rapidly developing therefore
implying necessity for immediate accomodation for
its work force. Large number of small, low cost worker
houses sprought around the industrial facilities supply-
ing the basic needs for its inhabitants and contributing
to creating an unique urban condition. Nowadays, it is
necessary to perceive and understand consequences
that this kind of spawl has on everyday life of XXI cen-
tury inhabitant of the area. The tense relation between
work and everyday life of a dweller is a topic which can
be recognized in Antwerp’s neighbourhod of Merksem
and to be re-questioned.
Can historical heritage serve as a mediator between
living and working?
Can a specific interactive learning environment serve
as a social mediator between working and everyday
life?
Can a democratic, public space, achieved through min-
iature interventions, serve as a physical mediator be-
tween colliding forces of working and living?
How big is actually the power of miniature?
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polycentricity of flanders
“ Polycentric model – a network of smaller cities creates an
urban context that has the potential to compete with and to
be an alternative and more sustainable urban model to big
global cities.
Flanders faces several demographic challenges. The overall
ageing of the population will certainly create specific de-
mands in urban as well in rural areas. New forms of service
villages and neighbourhoods have been developed in line
with the needs of an increasingly older population. In addition,
the trend towards smaller families is also stronger in cities,
where single unit families of young as well as older people are
strongly represented. This demographic revolution has had a
significant impact on the housing market.
In conjuction with these two developments, migration pat-
terns also have a major influence on the demographic evolu-
tion of the city. ”
In case of Brussels it is noticeable that there is a positive
external migration and natural balance while the internal
migration is negative and still in decline. This type of move-
ments are radically changing the demographic state of cities
of Ghent and Antwerp, as well, since they face same demo-
graphic trends as Brussels. It is clear that they are the cause
of emerging number of people who haven’t been born and
raised in these cities which is, therefore, counteracted by a
gentrification process.
source: Conference Polycentric regions facing global challenges, a role for strategic spatial
planning / Key questions for strategic planning: Global challenges in Flanders, Peter Cabus,
Brussels, 2010.
regions with negative migration balance
regions with positive migration balance
migration flows
urban migration (from the major cities to the surroundings)
urban migration (from cities to the surroundings)
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The phenomenon of urban sprawl can be described as an
“urban expansion into a more and more distant area, and in-
creased density and compactness in the central area.” Both
approaches faced obstacles along their progress ( natural el-
ements like river banks, ditches, villas, parks, fortresses etc.)”
Sprawl has very deep roots and is protracted over time. It is
a process fostered by certain catalyzing factors: the roads
which radiate out from Antwerp into the surrounding area; the
steenwegen along which, from the end of the 19th century,
the tram lines were organized; the villages themselves and, in
a very original way, even the castles and agricultural centers
in the modern era.
The relocation of industrial activities towards new peripheral
areas, due to the new dimensions of industrial plants as well
as to saturation of the available areas within the city walls,
was also a factor which encouraged urban development in the
metropolitan area.
source: “Antwerp, Territory of new modernity”, Bernardo Secci and Paola Vigano, book series
EXPLORATION, publisher SUN I pages: 104, 105
densification of antwerp
1880 1940 1960 1970
Bulit space
elaboration from Military Geographic Institute’s maps
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poro(s/c)ity
“Porosity is a material condition; it describes the propensity of
a material to become subject to percolation and infiltration.
The theme of porosity concerns the different ways of using
urban space and moving within the city by different city users.
Porosity is not a static condition: it is related to different
phenomena that can modify the way urban space reacts, over
time, to practices and movement, pressure and abandonment.”
Antwerp in its complexity, is conducted of different types of
porosities.
The dense city: 19th century belt, the morphology of these
areas consists of interior gardens, existing squares and paths,
open and less dense blocks whose open space should be
more accessible and integrated within urban context.
The modern city: open space amidst buildings is the subject
of the porosity concept and the space where a new design for
in-between space can add value and introduce new activities,
transforming the existing fabric.
The garden city: the existing low-density pattern of houses
and structures together with existing natural patches can be
read as a porous space and therefore it becomes feasible to
transform it into a continuous accessible open space
.
Heterogenous zones: the patchwork of different elements,
densities and differently designed areas offer possibilities
for finding unexpected or not-yet considered opportunities
for creating open space or new accessibility for activities and
uses.
The port: existing urban areas, devoid of structures, can be
considered a space for porosity where nature can percolate
and infiltrate giving form to new ecologies and proper space
for new activities and uses.
source: “Antwerp, Territory of new modernity”, Bernardo Secci and Paola Vigano, book series
EXPLORATION, publisher SUN I pages: 103, 121
source: GIS VLAANDEREN
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abandoned city
Inspite of a presence of high density in the historical center of
Antwerp, it is evident that there are still numerous potential
empty industrial areas and dismissed buildings which can be
used in future development. The current condition of these
objects is extremely fragile, which implies a necessity for de-
molishing therefore creating opportunity for new investments.
Source: Kadasterkaart and city of Antwerp, 2004
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It is noticeable that majority of sports and educational ac-
tivities in Antwerp are organised in clusters, mostly with
equipped green areas in near proximity.
Apart from that, it is evident that in historical center the
amount of green surface is low and fragmented in comparison
to XX century belt which forms a “green” facilities network.
facilities
Source: elaboration on GIS data
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“This map is an evaluation of the specific qualities of some
areas taking into account their accessibility conditions, their
character as ‘centralities’ or their presence of a certain envi-
ronment to develop in the future.”
The obvious problem according to this map, can be the need
for conversion of single-function zones into more diverse and
open ones though innovative programs and varied approaches.
source: “Antwerp, Territory of new modernity”, Bernardo Secci and Paola Vigano, book series
EXPLORATION, publisher SUN I pages: 136
densities of functions
commercial office industires
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“Collective European memory is so replete with stories and
tales about Antwerp and its golden past that today Antwerp
is both a real city and an ‘imagined’ one. The ideas and stories
about this city are not only based on concrete events but also
on a sort of ‘trans-coloring’ of a myth and its power over the
collective imagination within a different reality.
A project for Antwerp cannot discount the city’s mythical di-
mension. For this reason, the Structure Plan creates a vision
from a number of images that play a strong consecutive and
creative role.”
These images provide general framework for further shaping
of the city and help to integrate contemporary possibilities
into deeply rooted perceptions of Antwerp.
source: “Antwerp, Territory of new modernity”, Bernardo Secci and Paola Vigano, book series
EXPLORATION, publisher SUN I pages: 14
IMAGE �mag�, la�. MENTAL PICTURE CONCEPT
vision for antwerp
RAIL CITY
VILLAGE CITY
POROUS CITY
WATER CITY
METROPOLIS
HARBOUR CITY
ECO CITY
16. 31
image source: “IM42 _Introduction design brief THE URBAN CONDITION” Tomas Ooms
ii
URBAN CONDITION / framework
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DEMOCRACY
noun
1.rule by the people
2.government based on the participation of people,
either directly or through elected representatives
demos + kratia
people power
democratic:
characterized by or advocating or based upon the
principles od social equality
“ The spirit of democracy is a function seeking expres-
sion in organized social form…Therefore, arrange your
architecture for democracy, not feudalism.
Gird your heart! “
Louis Sullivan
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public realm
“... (Hannah) Arendt’s point of departure is the ancient
Greek city—the polis—in which citizens moved between
two distinct orders of existence. There was the private
household carved from the world, like a clearing in the
woods, through hard work and the production of tools es-
sential for survival. While all household clearings were
seen as equal from the outside, their internal structures
were organized in a strictly hierarchical manner. Only
the master of the household—not women or slaves—was
allowed to leave this realm of necessity and pursue, to-
gether with other citizens, the kind of political activity
par excellence that Arendt calls “action.”
In contrast to private labor and work, action is the only
activity “that goes on directly between men without the
intermediary of things or matter” .
Thus it was through action rather than through work
or labor that the ancient Greek citizens expanded the
scope of their polis. While the private realm was ded-
icated to guaranteeing the livelihood of each individu-
al, the public realm was reserved for the creation of a
world “that gathers men together and relates them to
each other”....”
source: “Situated Technologies -Micropublic spaces”, pamphlet 6, Hans Frei and Marc Buhlen
“...Arendt (Hannah) writes, “To live together in the world
means essentially that a world of things is between
those who have it in common, as a table is located
between those who sit around it; the world, like every
in-between, relates and separates men at the same
time”.
It is the site of collective performance that brings to-
gether those who are different from one another pre-
cisely because they are different.
What brings people together here is exactly what sep-
arates them from each other; in other words, according
to Arendt, the public realm is like parentheses that hold
together the differences between people....”
source: “Situated Technologies -Micropublic spaces”, pamphlet 6, Hans Frei and Marc Buhlen
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“ We are no longer faced with a question of how to main-
tain of establish order in a rapidly changing city, but
rather how to live with differences and adapt cities to
the challenges that differences bring.”
source: “ Sidewalks, conflict and negotiation over public space” , A. Loukaitou & R.Ehrenfeucht
“ ...what “makes a space public is often not its preor-
dinated “publicness”. Rather, a space is made public
when, so as to fulfill a pressing need, one group takes
space and through its actions makes it public. ”
Public spaces are contested terrains.Through public
struggles, urbanities articulate both diverse and com-
mon interests and demand mechanisms for regulating
shared aspects of urban life that are flexible and trans-
parent.”
source: “ Sidewalks, conflict and negotiation over public space” , A. Loukaitou & R.Ehrenfeucht,
quote by Don Mitchel (2003.)
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coexistence, def.
noun
1.the act or state of coexisting.
2.a policy of living peacefully with other nations, reli-
gions, etc., despite fundamental disagreements.
co.ex.ist
1. To exist together, at the same time, or in the same
place.
2. To live in peace with another or others despite differ-
ences, especially as a matter of policy.
convivality
“... He (Illich) stresses conviviality, by contrast, “to mean
autonomous and creative intercourse among persons,
and the intercourse of persons with their environment.”
Conviviality is aimed towards “individual freedom real-
ized in personal interdependence and, as such, an in-
trinsic ethical value.”
Architecture can not only represent a consumable prod-
uct for differentiation, self-presentation, profit maximi-
zation or exploitation, but that it can become a tool that
supports a sustainable way of life.
One goal should be to design an architecture that seeks
appropriate forms that promote coexistence and enable
accessibility, against the increasing privatization and
commodification of formerly public spaces.
A socially and environmentally responsible architec-
ture would include the democratization of production
and the development of infrastructures and platforms
for social life.
Architecture provides not only the means to occupy
space, but also offers the tools to understand and en-
gage with space productively in order to begin forming
it collectively...”
source: “A New Framework for an Architecture of Coexistence”, Common room & Kim Förster
“Tools for Conviviality”, Ivan Illich
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concept map
In order to understand the situation of the site, it is nec-
essary to map out all elements which are containing the
essence of the site and its condition.
In this case, those elements are evident in form of work-
ing, living and democracy. Relations between these
“ingredients” is essential for understanding the com-
plexity of current situation and for giving directions for
further development of the area.
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green network
Top-down view on site gives an overview of green net-
work which is formed around it, though, not entering
its perimeter. In this case, richness of site lies in water
presence, which has a great potential of connection to
the green network, therefore adding undoubtable value
to it.
In three parks which are part of the green network gra-
dient of different characters is more than evident. It
appears that these areas are of the same function but
completely different atmosphere.
Park no.1 is positioned on the edge of industrial area
and it can be perceived as visual, polution and func-
tion filter towards residential areas on the north. It is
a beautiful place in it’s simplicity and naturality, purely
undefined, unurbanised, self-sufficient. This place rep-
resents the opposite to the green areas further on north,
since it appears that the more green area is embeded
into urbanised zone, the more pre-defined and restric-
itve it is, which leads to loosing its sence of untamed
nature place.
1
2
3
1
2
34
4
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unaccessible green
Apart from green network in proximity of the site, it
is noticeable that there is a lack publicly accessible
green areas in site perimeter.
Majority of green areas are unaccessible and conducted
as private gardens which can be found in back areas of
the houses.
Opening up of these spots for public access on specific
places could improve the state of public greenery on
neighbourood level and give big contribution to the val-
ue of the site.
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blue finger
Map showing current “mis-use” of potential public space
in canal proximity. This element is of high importance to
the overall value of the site, as well as inevitable part
of its identity therefore it should be reconsidered in fur-
ther development of the area.
Apart from low possibility of direct contact with wa-
ter in overall of the canal area, it should be mentioned
that majority of existing public spaces are denied of it,
though they have full potential.
Most of water contact in the area is achieved through
visual filters, depending on the permeability of water
edge (fence, vegetation, volume).
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public facilities
Map showing concentration of public amenities along
the Bredabaan. This image presents importance of busy
street and strengthens up its dual position of a division
and central line in the area.
Proof of need for public facilities carefully incorporated
into existing tissue of the site in order to achieve diver-
sity and avoid monofunctionality.
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infrastructure / mobility
Map of existing mobility routes. Clear image of lack of
any kind of public transportation in the site, which as a
consequence has transit based on car use.
Whole area is devoted to the car accessibility and
dominance which can be seen in amount of car parking
places, unmarked bike routes and lack of public bike
parkings.
Apart from that, high impact on general mobility has the
presence of industrial transit which is mostly based on
heavy loaded trucks, as well as boats. This has impact
on noise and air polution in specific parts of the neigh-
bourhood where residential functions are still present.
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DEMOGRAPHY
Statistics concerning demography of Antwerp predict a
large number of new-comers in the city by year 2030. In
case that population growth continues at current rate, it
will lead to consequences on several levels.
One of them would be noticed in hightened demand of
amenities such as educational facilities, bakeries, li-
braries, supermarkets etc.
When it comes to Merksem, it is evident that this phe-
nomenon will have an effect, if nothing else, than at
density level.
Therefore, it is necessary to emphasise that any future
design should take into consideration the constant
change of population and respond to it with certain kind
of flexibilty.
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collision, def.
noun
1. the act of colliding; a coming violently into contact
2. a clash; conflict
3. Physics. the meeting of particles or of bodies in which each
exerts a force upon the other, causing the exchange of energy
or momentum
origin
early 15century, from Middle French collision, from Latin col-
lisionem (nominative collisio) “a dashing together,” noun of
action from collidere
collision, arch.
The immediate meeting of different urban elements
(dwelling & living) in which each exerts a “existen-
tial force” upon each other, causing the interactive
exchange of “positive energy”; thus creating a stabile
background for case of coexitance and covivality.
*It is important to emphasize that collision in this matter is
considered as intriguing and challenging condition which has
a tremendeous potential for improving the relations between
colliding elements; a positive and rich environment which has
the ability to extract from its context therefore contribute and
mediate on its own, without any external elements introduced.
SCALES ATMOSPHERES
USERS AMBIENTS FUNCTIONS
MATERIALS COMMUNICATION
SOUNDS PRESENCE SMELLS
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SCALE
Dominance of the industry over dwellings is clear and
striking. The beauty and complexity of the site lies ex-
actly in this relation which raises many questions.
It is really important to refer to this collage which is ex-
pressing the scale state on the site. Due to exadurated
scale of industry it is a necessity to return to the street
level and get in touch with human scale once again.
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COEXISTENCE
Inspite of strong collision line, there are cases where in-
dustrial volumes are carefully hidden and camouflaged
in residential blocks without disturbing its functionality
or bringing its identity into question.
* The specific case of the block where housing and in-
dustry are in constant prevail fight. Industry volumes
are slowly invading exisiting housing tissue, regradat-
ing it and segmenting it into smaller clusters, which
is justified by position of juridical line of industry. The
identity of the block is highly intriquing.
car rental garage
garages
hoppenbouwers
private and rental garages
DIY concept store
storage and office
for sales
collision case on scale
of neighbourhood block
*
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URBAN TOMOGRAPHY
As a part of elective course Oikonet, the site has been
analyzed through the method of Urban Tomography.
Strong limits generated by collision of different ele-
ments, typologies, functions adn social structure were
noticed. Therefore, borders and boundaries proved to
be interesting marker thorugh which research of the
neighbourhood can be done.
Although “border” and “boundary” are commonly con-
fused, as both are considered edges, semantically, and
applied to the context of public and private space in an
urban context, they are different from each other, be-
ing permeability the main element which distinguishes
them.
The analyis tackles directly one of those borders/
boundaries. We chose the limit in between the resi-
dential area and the industrial monofunctional blocks,
which make a clear difference, mainly highlighted by
the difference on heights , where big mills and silos be-
come a strong presence visible from most of the streets,
and which block the view and connection towards the
water, the only open area in such a dense environment.
with Ignacio Galan Fernandez
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URBAN TOMOGRAPHY
Sections were traced through the street every time there was a change in between each side, which already gave
a modulation, showing in which zones there is a bigger contrast or different typologies.
Factor resulting from the proportion between facing facades has been calculated, multiplied by 10. On one side of
the graphic, its shows the industrial part, while the other corresponds to the housing. In the points where there
is a street or an empty plot, this factor will be much higher. This analysis also shows clearly the areas where the
contrast of heights is bigger.
with Ignacio Galan Fernandez
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collision PROFILE SAMPLE
Street profile samples are showing in detail the differ-
ence in presence of industry and dwellings on the street
level. Dominance of the industry is visible.
Apart from that, another matter is becoming important
and striking. Car occupancy of street level in high and
unneccesary due to numerous private garages which
are not being used and it is a problem which should be
tackled on neighbourhood level.
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Car occupancy on the site. Lines are showing the area
used for parking in front of dwellings, inspite the high
number of garage space on site.
Numbers are indicating amount of garage places incor-
porated in the dwelling according to each residential
block.
Space occupancy of the car on the street is undeniable
and presents a great obstable in claiming the street as
a democratic space.
GARAGES AND PARKING OCCUPANCY
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Map shows different levels of traffic on site area. Differ-
ence in traffic amount according to street is noticeable
therefore the amount of impact of everyday traffic on
residential tissue is different, according to position.
Various conditions created by traffic frequency allow
for different possibilities regarding the use of street as
democratic space.
Streets in north and south are clearly more exposed to
higher daily car flow, whereas the street in the south
border of site is additionaly exposed to high truck flow,
due to its function as one of main industrial transporta-
tion streets in neighbourhood.
TRAFFIC FREQUENCY
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Collision lines
Apart from obvious function and scale collision be-
tween working and living, diffent forms of collision
could be mapped as well:
scales, atmospheres, users, ambients, functions, materi-
als, communication, sounds, presence, smells, shadows
Identification of different “clashing” lines on the site:
-Bredabaan
-bridges
-workers house
-water-land
-industy-housing
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housing stock
It is really important to look back at the collage which
is expressing the scale state on the site. Due to exa-
durated scale of industry it is a necessity to return to
the street level and get in touch with human scale once
again.
It is in human scale, scale of ground floor that site
“lives”, forms its identity and uniqueness. There, com-
munication of the house with public, democratic is at
its strongest. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly
investigate housing stock of the site, in order to under-
stand the core of this urban condition.
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“...It is at the smaller scale that the personal can be
viewed as political, that the particular incident can be
viewed as part of a wider structure, and that the body is
seen not as a diagrammatic object but as the subject of
conflicting forces... It is apparent that the extraordinary
is found at the level of the everyday and the small scale.
At the small scale the individual is empowered to act.
At the small scale the designer thus immediately lo-
cates his/herself as an engaged (but critical) citizen
rather than as a detached observer.
...Taking the feminist maxim, ‘the personal is the po-
litical’, the miniature has the opportunity to become a
site of political and social investigation. This requires a
viewing of the miniature not as a detached fragment but
as part of a open urban construct.
What happens, for instance, if an entrance door is con-
sidered not as a materially defined component, but as
an urban artefact, i.e. as an object which is subject to
the full range of urban social forces? What wider issues
are manifested in the door and how may it reflect the
superimposition of a series of political and social is-
sues? How does the way that a person engage with the
door have implications for their engagement at the level
of the city?...”
source: “The Urban Miniature “, Jeremy Till , Collected Writings | 1994
the power of small
“...In conclusion, I wish to cite the reaction of philoso-
phers to Lefebvre’s Critique of Everyday Life:
“So the professional philosophers generally ignored the
book; for - starting with its title – it entailed relinquish-
ing the traditional image of the philosopher as master
and ruler of existence, witness and judge of life from
the outside, enthroned above the masses, above the mo-
ments lost in triviality, ‘distinguished’ by an attitude and
a distance.”
This description of the philosopher has striking simi-
larities with the image of the architect. It is likely that
the same resistance to relinquishing a source of power
may be encountered in the architect and architectural
school. The distance of the large scale urban investiga-
tion has a certain comfort. The logic of a linear method
of investigation smoothes out difficulties. The architect
has power because they know the rules.
And yet this power can corrupt. It is necessary to inter-
rupt the normal trajectory (large-scale to small-scale),
if we are to reveal the “hazardous play of dominations”,
that shape our cities and our lives.
Lefebvre’s response to his critics is clear and precise:
“Philosophers (architects) and philosophy (architec-
ture) can no longer be isolated, disguised, hidden. And
this is precisely because everyday life is the supreme
court where wisdoms, knowledge and power are brought
to judgment.”
It is in this context that the urban miniature can be
seen as a poignant,empowering, agent of democratic
change.
source: “The Urban Miniature “, Jeremy Till , Collected Writings | 1994
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“The ordinary practicioners of the city live ”down bel-
low”, bellow the treshold at which visibility begins.
They walk - an elementary form of this experience of
the city: they are walkers whose bodies follow the
tricks and thins of an urban “text”, they are able to
write without being able to read it.
Their story begins on ground level, with footsteps. They
are myriad, but do not compose a series. They cannot
be counted because each unit has a qualitative char-
acter: a style of tactile apprehension and kinesthetic
appropriation. Their swarming mass is an innumerable
collection of singularities. Their intertwined paths give
their shape to spaces. They weave places together.
In that respect, pedestrian movement form one of these
“real systems whose existence in fact makes up the
city.”
They are not localized; it is rather they that spatialize.
source: ““Practice of everyday life”, De Certeau page 95
source: Archive of Koninklijke Kring voor Heemkunde Merkseen vzw
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The act of walking is to the urban system what the
speech act is to language or to the statements uttered.
“At most elementary level, it has a triple “enunciative”
function: it is a process of appropriation of the topo-
graphical system on the part of the pedestrian (just as
the speaker appropriates and takes on the language); it
is a spatial acting-out of the place (just as the speech
act is an acoustic acting-out of language); and it im-
plies relations among differentiated positions, that is,
among pragmatic “contracts” in the form of movements
(just as verbal enunciation is an “allocution”).”
It seems thus possible to give a preliminary definition of
walking as a space of enunciation.
Walking affirms, suspects, tries out, transgresses, re-
spects, etc., the trajectories, it “speaks”.
To walk is to lack a place. It is indefinite process of
being absent and in search of a proper.
source: “Practice of everyday life”, De Certeau, page 108, 113, 114
the PHENOMENON OF WALKING
source: Archive of Koninklijke Kring voor Heemkunde Merkseen vzw
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A place is the order (of whatever kind) in accord with
which elements are distributed in relationships of co-
existence. It thus excludes the possibility of two things
being in the same location (place). The law of the
“proper” rules in the place: the elements taken into con-
sideration are beside one another, each studied in its
own “proper” and distinct location, a location it defines.
A place is thus an instantaneous configuration of posi-
tions. It implies an indication of stability.
A space exists when one takes into consideration vec-
tors of direction, velocities, and time variables. Thus
space is composed of intersections of mobile elements.
It is in a sense actuated by the ensemble of movements
deployed within it.
In short, space is practiced place. Thus the street geo-
metrically defined by urban planning is transformed into
space by walkers.
“There are as many spaces as there are distinct spatial
experiences.” Merleau-Ponty
source: “Practice of everyday life”, De Certeau, page 107.
from place to space
source: Archive of Koninklijke Kring voor Heemkunde Merkseen vzw
59. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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workers house
Due to investigation on overall housing stock, a specific
housing case was noticed. Small, outdated and intriqu-
ing ancient workers houses remained careffuly tucked
into housing stock of XX century. They are all preserved
and located in a close distance from each other, there-
fore creating a specific ambient, almost nostalgic
about industrial times of IXX century.
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In the era of the “walking city,” before streetcars or sub-
ways, industrial workers lived literally in the shadow of
the factories. The sounds and smells of the factories
permeated these neighborhoods. Smokestacks sent
pollution into the air, and smoke-belching locomotives
shared the streets with horse-drawn vehicles and pe-
destrians. The rapid growth of industry could easily
overwhelm the capacity of the neighborhoods.
Row houses were often selected as inexpensive de-
signs that took up small amounts of space, resulting in
views like where a factory and a series of row houses
could occupy the same city block.
By the mid-nineteenth century, steam-powered tech-
nology dramatically changed the nature and efficien-
cy of industry and produced substantial growth. Many
workers achieved modest prosperity, often enough to
purchase their own homes.
“ We have not, as the parisians and other latin peoples, a taste
for great barracks, divided into apartments, which give so mo-
notonous character to the boulevards and streets of paris. we
are of dante’s opinion...we live like to go up our own staircase.
like the anglo-saxon whose cousings we were, we love our
home, the family fireside...”
source: Charles Buls mayor of Brussels 1881-1899
“Housing the workers - a comparative history, 1850-1914”, M.J.Daunton
63. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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overlay
Discovery of potential of workers houses triggered the
overlay with potential of unaccessible green areas on
site.
Those two combined create a intriguing and promising
condition which could be used in benefit of both.This
would imply use of workers houses and their back-
gardens as additional tools for mediating the collision
condition on neighbourhood level.
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contributions
Spaces, places, spots, volumes which can give their
“contribution” in order to mediate the collision of the
working and living though creating different forms dem-
ocratic spaces.
Streets originating from Bredabaan could serve as a
defined “introduction” areas to newly created condition
achieved through both miniature pin-point and large
scale interventions in areas in black.
67. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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contributions zones
Due to complexity of current condition there could be
identified three different levels of contributions, divided
in separate zones.
Zone I :
focused on collision state on block level, suitable for
deep investigation on matter of collision in general, pos-
sibility of reference to it as miniature collision case of
whole neighbourhood
Zone II:
focused on streetscape collision condition and possibilities of
small-scale mediators
Zone III:
focus on separate entities which with their presence could
indirectly sustain the idea of mediators
69. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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layering the line
Acknowleging all elements of collision street/line in
order to deeply understand the condition and fully use
their potential as mediators of the condition.
As a result, all elements are separated into three differ-
ent groups which have power and possibility to, each to
its own extent, contribute to rightful mediation in colli-
sion condition in neighbourhood level.
These elemets were considered as “satelites” directly
or indirectly connected and contributing to the colli-
sion 1on1 zone which , with its richness and complex
context, could be recognized as a miniature case of the
whole neighbourhood.
*Satelite elements are formed in accordance to previous
research, context and general topic of master disserta-
tion.
70. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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satelites - concept
In order to understand the role and contribution of
satelites on site level it is necessary to reflect on them
from theoretical point of view. In this case, each of the
m can be considered as “partial offset” of a large circle.
Therefore, with their specific distanced position they
are creating positive atmosphere for inclusion of other
contextual elements while at the same time they pres-
ent undismissable element of the whole, the project.
71. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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" living " satelites
Urban elements with residential background or current
function of living space. In these were considered work-
ers houses, private garages, empty shop windows which
are part of a private residence. By acknowledging their
presence and power in shaping the interface of the
street front, their role as contributors would be in open-
ing up these “spots” to wider public, to different extent,
therefore accomplishing greater communication of ex-
isting urban tissue with its inhabitants on ground floor
level..
72. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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" working " satelites
Second satelite elements are regarding light industry,
garage and storage spaces which are deepely embeded
to residential tissue all around neighbourhood.
These volumes have the possibility of contributing by
allowing their refurbishment and change of function
which is benefitial not only to industry and economy
but on a level of everyday life - bike parkings, neigh-
bourhood workshops, cafes, enclosed playgrounds.
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" democracy " satelites
Third satelite elements are recognized in small, unfor-
mal, left-over, underused /public?/ spots whose primary
function is lost, undefined or changed by the users.
These are examples of the true “power of small”, which
have great potential to contribute to the collision case
(both neighbourhood and block level) by enriching
ground floor experience, and offering alternative, unex-
pected and more personal perception of the Merksem.
75. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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necessary amenities. labxx
source: “LabXX, opting for the twentieth-century belt”, City of Antwerp
According to LabXX, city of Antwerp is facing the lack
of specific public amenities in future years. As preven-
tive response to this future state, project is strongly
reflecting on this justified prediction.
youth unemployment rate
source: www.tradingeconomics.com
Lately, not only Antwerp, but Flanders, in general, is fac-
ing the problem of high youth unemployment rate in last
years. This statement is another one which is shaping
the program of the project.
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program
TWO STAGE DESIGN
Program is consisted of two stages developed by differ-
ent stakeholders in the area. Municipality, as a dominant
factor in the neighbourhood, should use its resources to
inagurate small changes which have big impact on the
neighbourhood.
Currently, this has been done through different age-re-
lated clubs which have a goal of blending in newcomers
in the area with locals, and should serve as integration
and reconsiliation places for different cultures etc. This
is a “ by book” solution, which is not giving satisfacto-
ry results, in this specific condition. Thus, any further
intervention in the area should bare in mind the impor-
tance of everyday scale, where real communication and
exchange between humans is at its peak. This stated
and considered with the fact of necessity for public
amenities, implies introducing small entrepenours and
economies such as bakeries, public laundries, butchers,
cafes etc. as new places where interaction is a neces-
sary means. But, these miniature urban spots will not
develop on its own, since private stakeholders do not
have guarantees for their success.
Therefore, it is necessary to include the municipality as
a “ice-breaker” in this condition. According to LabXX,
municipality of Antwerp is in need for educational ame-
nities, which could be used for further evolvement of
the area. Complexity and richness of site offers a possi-
bility of developing a specific kind of educational facil-
ities which would embrace the diversity of surroundings
while at the same time, serve as a trigger for local en-
gagement conducted through small scale interventions
all across collision line.
top down approach triggered by ground floor life
Concept of dual education is based on specific learning
environment at which core is the importance of practi-
cal knowledge. It is consisting of practical and theoret-
ical courses, where training courses are conducted in
one of the partner companies, three to five days a week.
Each student has his own menthor whose assingment
is to introduce him to a specifics of his trade and make
sure that standard quantity and quality of training is
conducted. Apart from practical education, students
have theoretical lessons in their vocational schools
(amount depending on the system).
The advantages of the system are multiple. The stu-
dent is an employee of the company from the beginning
and receives tasks according to his growing abilities.
If a company is willing to make a permanent employ-
ment-contract with the student after his education pe-
riod, the company will get an employee who knows the
company’s workflow. The student can also benefit from
the knowledge about hard skills and soft skills of more
experienced co-workers. The student develops under
real conditions. Furthermore the student earns money
from the beginning.
This way of training future work force is very important
and neccessary due to current increase of youth unem-
ployment rate in Belgium.
dual learning concept?
77. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
153
EDUCATING, verb
verb
1. to develop the mental, moral, or social capabilities of,
especially by schooling or instruction.
2. to provide with knowledge gained through teaching
3. to provide with information, as in an effort to gain sup-
port for a position or to influence behavior: hoped to ed-
ucate the voters about the need for increased spending
on public schools.
4. to teach or instruct a person or group.
* the process of imparting knowledge, values, skills and
attitudes, which can be beneficial to an individual
*something acquired by individuals
*a formal process
* something that an individual gets from an outside
source
learning, verb
verb.
1. the activity or process of gaining knowledge or skill
by studying, practicing, being taught, or experiencing
something 2. the activity of someone who learns
3. to provide knowledge gained through experience
4. the act or experience of one that learns
* the process of adopting knowledge, values and skills.
* the basic instinct possessed by all individuals
* an ongoing process
* informal process
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concept circle
Circle of project stakeholders on neighbourhood level.
With inclusion of different participators in the proces,
high level of exchange and interaction is accomplished.
That is, therefore creating suitable atmosphere for de-
velopment of the area on multiple levels.
concept map
Map of necessities, issues, expectations and goals ac-
cording to each stakeholder which are directly shaping
the concept and program of project.
*green network
*water proximity
*mobility & logisitcs
*densification
80. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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collision miniature case
Collision condition expressed on neighbourhood level
can be recognized on specific block case as well.
As previously mentioned, neighbourhood block located
in SW part of the site has the potential of becoming a
sample case for the whole neighbourhood / reference to
“collision 1on1” (p.134).
Due to its specific dual position - previously purely
residential block / proven by historical images, now a
case of constant prevail between living and working,
this block can be considered a perfect case study of
collision to its miniature levels.
As noticed on neighbourhood level, collision line can be
easily drafted in the block area therefore confirming its
status of miniature case to be investigated.
neighbourhood collision
block collision
81. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
161
layering the block
In order to properly understand the current condition on
site it is necessary to perceive its main elements and
layer them separately.
In this case, it is evident that main elements which are
forming the condition are residential zones, “islands”
which have been evidently dispersing through out the
years and will continue in doing so.
Another element are soft industry volumes, which are
forming a strong cluster on their own, “fighting” their
way for dominance on block level.
Aside from abovementioned, large area of unbuild sur-
faces scattered around the block without specific use
is forming the third element.
residential tissue soft industry blank space
85. 169
current condition - sections
Differently positioned sections in order to thorughly un-
derstand the complexity of the site. Interplay between
different layers is noticeable and often conducted thor-
oughout creation of strong edges between layers (high
ending walls, volumetric response, dense vegetation).
It is evident that the richness of the site lays in its
complexity but its potential is in re-astablishing rela-
tions between different layers and mediation between
their collision.
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strategies / first draft
First proposal draft was focused on testing different strategies which came out as combination of different elements, set of pre-condi-
tions, rules, primary expectatitons and ideas of the future image of block . This gave as a result several “messy” and undefined strategies,
but it served as a good start to tackle the problematics of the block condition. Hence leading to the next step of developing strategies
and understanding the site more profoundly.
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strategies / second draft
Second draft was focused purely on radicalization of volumetric response to complex condition on block level ( in some cases, even bring-
ing it to ridicule ). This gave a top-down insight on some main issues, therefore triggering numerous questions for further investigation
and setting certain goals towards which design should be developed.
92. theurbanconditionIMINIATUREDEMOCRACYASAMEDIATORImasterdissertationI2015/16
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rethinking the existing
Axonometric drawing as a tool for repetative reflection
on existing condition. In order to reach final strategy, it
was necessary to process information gained from mod-
el making (top-down) and combine it with the values,
issues of the site, its relation to context and commu-
nication between layers, which is only possible by re-
turning back to small scale, scale of details and hand
drawing impression of site.
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rethinking the existing
As a part of rethinking process, elements of the site
were considered and classified in more sensitive man-
ner with emphasis on their role in the condition and first
proposed reactions to them.
Everything combined gave the boost for creating the fi-
nal proposal which is benefitial for all elements of the
site, including the neighbourhood level.
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191
BENEFITIAL FOR BOTH
Program, volumetrics and relation to context create am-
bient for forming several ways of connection to context.
Apart from volumetric response, functional response is
taking into account the importance of communication
with context and its inhabitants.
Therefore, the project is offering different means of
communication throught shared bike parkings, neigh-
bourhood accessible cafeteria, workshops, library, read-
ing rooms etc. all conducted in manner of democratic
spaces.
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lenges in Flanders” , Peter Cabus, Brussels , 2010.
“Antwerp, Territory of new modernity”, Bernardo Secci and Paola Vigano, book
series EXPLORATION, publisher SUN I pages: 14, 103, 104, 105,121, 134,
136, 158
“IM42 _Introduction design brief THE URBAN CONDITION” Tomas Ooms
“Situated Technologies -Micropublic spaces”, pamphlet 6, Hans Frei and
Marc Buhlen
“ Sidewalks, conflict and negotiation over public space” , A. Loukaitou &
R.Ehrenfeucht
“A New Framework for an Architecture of Coexistence”, Common room &
Kim Förster
“Tools for Conviviality”, Ivan Illich
“The Urban Miniature “, Jeremy Till , Collected Writings , 1994
“Practice of everyday life”, De Certeau pages 95, 107, 109, 113, 114
Charles Buls mayor of Brussels 1881-1899 “Housing the workers - a compar-
ative history, 1850-1914”, M.J.Daunton
Dogma, “Living and working: How to live together”
“The agency of mapping: Speculation, Critique and Invention ”, James Corner;
text published in “Mappings” edited by Denis Cosgrove, Reaktion Books
“Micro public spaces” The Architectural League of New York, Situated
Technologies - pamphlets 6, Hans Frei & Marc Bohlen, 2009.
“Architecture Depends”, Jeremy Till, MIT Press, 2009.
Urban Tomography, realized as a part of OIKONET - A global multidis-
ciplinary network on housing research and learning; elective under the
guidance of drs.architect Tomas Ooms
note: unless source outlined on the bottom of the page, all images are
property of the book author
