Uniting S.A.H.R. and This Project
Inspired by Nam June Paik, S.A.H.R. is a combination of technology and architecture in the form of a stage set, presenting Wymering Manor as a stage.
S.A.H.R. focuses on layering and creating depth, producing a layered performance space with the elements of the TV and Wymering Manor. Similar to Sarah Sze, S.A.H.R. is made mainly from an object (a TV) that is designed for human scale, producing a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. These senses are increased for those who have visited the manor, as some of the layering have design elements from the manor and some memorable parts of the manor presented in an artistic or architectural way.
Like the Collective Network City Model, S.A.H.R. has a clear distinction between the materials used, with this artefact I challenged myself to reuse as much of the TV as possible before adding new materials to it, totalling at three different materials used. S.A.H.R. can also be viewed in different ways, and is an unconventional way to reuse a broken TV.
S.A.H.R. focuses on reuse and re-adaptation of commonly own objects that aren't typically reused once they are broken or no longer wanted. Similarly to how older, historic buildings such as Wymering Manor are treated, S.A.H.R. shows an unconventional form of reuse and re-adaptation.
S.A.H.R. has an interesting section through the TV, allowing for the innards of the TV to be revealed, combined, and presented in a creative manner. S.A.H.R. creates playful shadows when shining a light source through the layers and holes in the backdrop, giving it an element of play and interaction. Interaction is further encouraged by the hanging elements within the stage set and the sectional model of the grand hall with the technological elements within it. This produces an impression of fragility the the artefact, which conflicts with the TV's bulky, sturdy size and shape, reflecting my perception of Wymering Manors current condition.
Within S.A.H.R., each room has an technological element in it, making a playful 'Easter-egg hunt' to spot each element in the rooms, similar to the use of technology in Wymering Manor that has been subtly integrated throughout, but becomes much more apparent when consciously 'hunting' for the use of technology in the manor.
I decided to chose Wymering Manor as my site and to build upon my S.A.H.R. project as my initial ideas for this project; restoration to perfection, old vs. new, a glimpse into the past /future, all link and relate back to my previous project and Wymering Manor.
As mentioned above, S.A.H.R. focuses on unconventional reuse, adaptive reuse, interaction, play, technology, architecture, and scenography. My proposal of adapting the manor into a museum, and in turn to develop the manor into its own artefact like the 14 Henrietta Street Museum, relates to my initial idea of restoration to perfection as it builds upon my proposal because - in my opinion - why start restoring and protecting the manor if it's not going to be 'perfect' and successfully done? If the effort, money, and time used to restore and protect a historical building isn't done correctly, or to a high standard, is it worth it? My proposal discusses the way I would restore, protect, and adapt the manor into a museum with high standards.
My initial idea of old vs. new relates to my S.A.H.R. project as I discuss the use of technology within the manor and how modern technology can be an eyesore and look out of place if not installed with caution and thought, I also discuss where technology can be installed (eg, cavity walls, under the floor) if it cannot be wireless, and that any technology that cannot be hidden, for example light switches, should be adapted into a style that fits the manor.
An example of a type of light switch that could be installed instead of a modern, plastic one.
My initial idea of a glimpse into the past / future builds upon my proposal of adapting the manor into a museum as it opens up the ability to have exhibitions and artefacts, as well as the manor itself as an artefact, that show and discuss the deep history of the manor. As well as this, my project itself works as a glimpse into the past / future (mainly future in this case) as I discuss the future of the manor, and how I would adapt the manor. My idea of a glimpse into the past / future also builds upon the topics mentioned above.
Adaptive reuse, unconventional reuse and new materialist thinking are crucial aspects of architecture, especially historical buildings. These approaches offer solutions that address the difficulties of preserving historical buildings whilst responding to the evolving, fast paced needs of society.
Adaptive reuse recognises the value and importance of historical buildings as artefacts and to keep their unique characteristics. (1) Not only does it preserves the history of a building, adaptive reuse also encourages a sense of continuity and connection to the past. It allows for the integration of new functions into historical buildings, revitalising urban areas and enriching communities. By adapting historical buildings to meet contemporary, modern demands, architects and designers can create sustainable, socially responsible, and economically viable spaces. (2)
Unconventional reuse encourages architects and designers to think outside the box, challenging conventions within architecture and design, and embracing creativity, it promotes a spirit of experimentation and adaptability, which is vital in our rapidly changing world. Unconventional reuse results in unique and unexpected architectural solutions, breathing new life into historical buildings, and creating unique spaces that people enjoy. (3)
New materialist thinking is a philosophy that emphasises the importance of materials used within architecture, and challenges the conventional human-centric approach, it acknowledges that materials have their own individual qualities, history, and potential. (4) By considering the properties of materials and their impact on the environment, architects and designers can design more sustainable, efficient, and contextually sensitive buildings. New materialist thinking encourages architects and designers to engage with the materiality of historical buildings, respecting their authenticity, and understanding their unique qualities. This approach allows for the integration of traditional construction methods with innovative techniques and materials, resulting in harmonious, responsive architectural interventions. (5)
The importance of these concepts in architecture and historical buildings is in the ability to bridge the gap between preservation and progress. Historical buildings are of cultural heritage and contribute to the identity of a place, but they also need to have a function that is needed in modern society. (6) Adaptive reuse, unconventional reuse and new materialist thinking provides architects and designers with the ability to navigate this relationship. They allow for the preservation of historical buildings while enabling them to evolve and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. By reusing existing buildings, valuable resources are conserved, reducing the environmental impact that is associated with new construction. Adaptive reuse and unconventional reuse also encourages the development of flexible, versatile spaces that can accommodate changing needs over time, reducing the need of constant demolition and rebuilding.
Adaptive reuse, unconventional reuse, and new materialist thinking are essential in architecture and historical buildings because they enable the preservation of cultural heritage whilst promoting sustainable and socially responsible design. (7) These approaches encourage creativity, innovation, and the integration of past and present. By embracing these concepts, architects and designers can create harmonious, dynamic, and meaningful spaces and functions that contribute to the well-being of communities, and the sustainability of our environment.
As discussed in my previous blog post, I observed that Wymering is in a significantly uneducated and unemployed area, classed as a 'hard-pressed living' area and surrounded by a lot of rental properties. I also observed that over time Wymering Manor has lost almost all of its original land to the local council for property development, leaving the manor with the minimal amount of land it currently has. Reflecting on my research, I decided that the manor's function should ideally involve bringing the community together, some relation to local culture and history, and potentially a small business or a different way to make an income, so I decided on adapting the manor into a museum. This gives the local community job opportunities and access to local history and self education. Additionally, this will bring the community together and will be a new heritage attraction that the local community can be proud of. The manor is located in the middle of a large area of housing, which has very few attractions or shops. From this, installing a café within the museum will increase popularity, visitors, and additional job opportunities.
On a larger scale than just Wymering and Cosham area, resorting and adapting historical buildings such as Wymering Manor is important as it not only protects the history of the building, it also opens up the possibilities for more jobs, improving the community, providing a form of education, and is more environmentally friendly than demolishing and rebuilding.
The maps below show the demographics of the Portsmouth area;
Map of unemployed people in the Portsmouth area.
Map of people with no qualifications in the Portsmouth area.
Map of people with 1-4 GCSE's in the Portsmouth area.
Map of people with two or more Alevels in the Portsmouth area.
Map of area classification of the Portsmouth area.
These maps show that there is a lot of unemployed people in the centre of Portsmouth, Cosham area, and Havant area, there is a lot of people with no qualifications in the same areas. In the Portsmouth area, there is not a lot of people with 1-4 GCSE's or Alevels. The area classificartion map shows that the Portsmouth area is surrounded by a lot of rural areas, but moving closer to Portsmouth City, there is a dramatic increase of hard-pressed living areas, suburban areas, urban areas, and cosmopolitan areas in Southsea.
These maps below show the demographics of Southern England;
Map of unemployed people in Southern England.
Map of people with no qualifications in Southern England.
Map of people with 1-4 GCSE's in Southern England.
Map of people with two or more Alevels in Southern England.
Map of area classification of Southern England.
These maps show that there is a continuous amount of unemployed people through the South of England, with a higher amount around London, Cardiff, Swindon, and Dover. This pattern trend is the same for people without qualifications, people who have 1-4 GCSE's, and people who have two or more Alevels. The area classification map shows that the majority of Southern England is rural, with suburban areas dotted around towns and cities. The number of hard-pressed living areas, multicultural areas, and cosmopolitan areas increase around larger cities like London, Bournemouth, Cardiff, and Brighton.
The maps below show the demographics of United Kingdom;
Map of unemployed people in United Kingdom.
Map of people with no qualifications in United Kingdom.
Map of people with 1-4 GCSE's in United Kingdom.
Map of people with two or more Alevels in United Kingdom.
Map of area classification of Untied Kingdom.
These maps show that although unemployment is high in Southern England, areas in Scotland have higher unemployment rates. There is more people with no qualifications in Scotland and surrounding areas of Southern England than in Southern England. There is a very distinct divide between Scotland and England in terms of people with 1-4 GCSE's and people with two or more Alevels. The area classification map shows that a very large majority of the Untied Kingdom is rural, and suburban, hard-pressed living areas, and multicultural areas are around the major cities.
All of these maps show that there is a continuous percentage of unemployed people and people with no qualifications throughout the United Kingdom, this means that for these people, it is difficult for them to have jobs, or that there is not a lot of jobs that are available in these areas. Adapting historical buildings such as Wymering Manor gives people job opportunities, improves the community, provides a form of education, and is more environmentally friendly than demolishing and rebuilding. There are a lot of historical buildings like Wymering Manor across the United Kingdom that are not in use, or are not structurally safe to use, that could be restored, protected, and adapted into museums or other functions. By adapting these buildings into museums, it gives the community the ability to learn about their local history as well as giving them a local heritage to be proud of within their community.
Image References (in order of appearance):
- Photo of my model, S.A.H.R.
- Photo of a 1890-1920s light switch:
- Screenshot of a map of unemployed people in the Portsmouth area. Obtained from DigiMaps.
-Screenshot of a map of people with no qualifications in the Portsmouth area. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of people with 1-4 GCSE's in the Portsmouth area. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of people with two or more Alevels in the Portsmouth area. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of area classification of the Portsmouth area. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of unemployed people in Southern England .Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of people with no qualifications in Southern England. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of people with 1-4 GCSE's in Southern England. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of people with two or more Alevels in Southern England. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of area classification of Southern England. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of unemployed people in United Kingdom. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of people with no qualifications in United Kingdom. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of people with 1-4 GCSE's in United Kingdom. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of people with two or more Alevels in United Kingdom. Obtained from DigiMaps.
- Screenshot of a map of area classification of Untied Kingdom. Obtained from DigiMaps.
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