Sound Mitigation

Oh yes, sound mitigation, here we go! If we are to have a venue hosting an array of functions, gigs, exhibitions, concerts, film showing etc... then there are obviously conditions relating to the dispersal of sound as we have surrounding dwellings. Firstly we have the Birds Nest pub which houses a hostel on its upper floors, we have flats on the opposite side of the road which are of primary concern and then we have the house boats which anchor directly opposite the pub. There are various measures that can be taken to avoid intruding their air space. Here are a few factors that we have to consider in conclusion with the recent tour with Nick the sound mitigation man :

- Sound mitigation report is essential for a live venue

- Light sound referencing is required  for theatre use

- People leaving at night and loitering on streets for taxi's and causing noise is an issue

- Can we use the exit as an alternative

- Could we use the bus as a waiting ground

- 3-4" of rock wool- 2 layers of plaster board

- Ventilation also paramount

- Summer-winter temperature fluctuations 

- Lower frequency noise penetrates greater than higher

- Elevating the unit could reduce the noise leakage 

- Steel transmits and distributes heat

- A subterranean structure would aid insulation

- Security will have to be implemented

- Sound levels: a) 80 decibels-bar with noise b) 90 people dancing c) 100 rock and roll up

- Green roofs will enhance sound proofing and heat loss

- Sound proofed spaced are in relative demand

- Lobby doors provide additional sound proofing 

- £40 sqm overall costs

- £20 sqm material costs

Possible uses for the space

There are a multitude of functions that the space could perform and the options of which we are going to interrogate. We have divided the spaces use up into 4 categories and included an array of issues that surround each of those factors:

Studio spaces

As we have decided that shipping containers are going to form the main fabric of the architectural units, we have to consider the allocated amount of space that users need to exercise their craft/profession, so perhaps I need to document the type of use of space within some of the units on Creekside already. Fine artists understandably require more generous dimensions, whereas graphic artists, jewelers, textile designers require a much smaller space. I have witnessed first hand containers being used for studios over at container city so fear not! 

Entertainment/exhibition/mixed use/art space

Designing a unit that can potentially morph for specific uses in this instance is probably the most productive use as it could harmoniously combine music/exhibition/performance, think 'Proud' in Camden. 

One of the processes I'm always keen to engage with is recruiting opinions from potential space users, particularly regarding issues such as these: which reminds me... it would be good to contact the crazy Claire. 

The bus

Again this will depend on the designated use of the space, it could form again a multitude of functions from a cafe, exhibition space, studio space or a waiting area for taxis after the potential gigs have finished. Cathy, a local culture vulture has shown interest in utilising the space for a beautiful little haven during an annual Deptford festival. My initial thoughts about the bus flourished around the idea of renovating it to something of its former glory but a recent visit to Berlin has rapidly seen this notion revised! 

Weekend markets

Markets, markets, markets. This neck of the wood is home to some already legendary markets, we have the Greenwich indoor delight which boasts an array of world cuisines, the hog roast is particularly sublime, a fat ciabatta, cushions of rocket supporting generous wedges of juicy pork, gorgeous. Also, homemade, leather, ethical and sustainable goods, a bazaar of all things tactile. Deptford, also along the high street holds its famous Wednesday market attracting hordes  mostly from the south, more second hand goods are on offer here, reminiscent of a car boot/jumble sale explosion which, affording a little time and patience always surfaces a few unannounced treasures. Of course, how rude of me not to briefly mention the Caribbean food stall, the holder of which, a legend and integral to the aura of the market, although granted, if you don't make it early enough his stocks of his home-made jerk chicken and pork will vanish without a trace. He makes his own patties also which require a standing ovation (he has just revised his pastry, it has a wonderful bite now and has lost the greasiness common in these patties). Also we have another small market which is run along side the Deptford Project so there are many, whether we could infiltrate, collaborate, a network of small markets that are promoted as a 'Deptford' unit, similar to Brick Lane Sunday/weekend markets, we shall see.

A market could also be a way of whipping up a little interest in the areas renovations!

Greenwich Food Market

Whilst on route back from Container City I briefly documented the food court market in Greenwich, as a derivative could be an option for the space down in Creekside. It could exist within the space as a moveable structure due to the confines of the planning permission that overrule. Containers again could be something that offer this multi-purpose function. This particular market operates within a prime yet confined space with seating offerings either end.

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.