A Pattern Language - Christopher Alexander

I have finally decided on a title for my critical study "The relationship between theory and design; Kingston upon Thames", it goes on about something that I have always had a very keen interest on which is theory in Landscape design. This book is amazing for my title, it really goes into amazing detail on how towns and cities should theoretically work and not work. It looks at neighbouring boundaries, shopping, water, buildings, transport everything I could possibly imagine it has, a great resource in tackling my critical study.
Here is an Abstract from my work:

As I have spent the last few years in Kingston studying I have always thought it was a well likeable place and attracted many people to its walls. It’s one of those rare towns that seem to have it all and people seem to want to live there. In all the years I’ve been there I’ve rarely seem much crime and the town centre itself seems clean and inviting. As I’m studying Landscape Architecture at Kingston University naturally my curiosity as to how the planning and design behind it all has created what seems to be a successful layout. So then if I think it is successful then perhaps I can use that knowledge of how it has been achieved and apply it to planning and design for my own work. Then I began to think about how since my first year at university I was introduced to the idea of how theory can shape design. I believe that paying attention to theoretical ideas can enhance our own ideas of what design and planning should be like. So by doing a comparison I can begin to comprehend if that statement is correct or wrong.

Digital Drawing for Landscape Architecture

This is another book that will enhance my software skills, this book focuses on photoshop, Illustrator and touches on AutoCAD. It helps me to illustrate my ideas and concepts in a manner that is professional. Luckily the university has this as an E-book which means I am able to read this for free.

AutoCAD 2011 No experience required

One of my aims is to become better at software programmes and AutoCAD is one of those programmes. This book will give me a great start and base for developing 2D and 3D based diagrams that will enhance my work and skill. The reason I got a book as oppose to looking at tutorials online is because I work better looking at books. This is an important skill and strength that I have identified.

Hayward Gallery Interactive exhibition

The Hayward gallery had an interacting exhibition that seems quite interesting. At first it thought it was based on moving and out of exhibitions. I discovered it was far more hands on that first anticipated. You were allowed to climb ropes and navigate your way through a series of ropes in the air. The idea that it seemed to be an indoor playground sprung to mind. Yet as it was indoors it seemed more inviting as appose to the harsh weather of the outdoors during the winter. There was a running theme of what seemed to look like a white cloth throughout the gallery. The best part by far was being able to walk into what can only be described as a path of mystery. It was basically various obstacles two of which were enclosed inside a black box on either side and the middle obstacle was a massive blow up of drop of water. This drop of water like sculpture was made of clear plastic and continuously pumped with air to hold its form, i was able to enter it and witness a surreal feeling from within.

East London Green Grid

During one of our project we were told to look into The Lea Valley within the East London Green Grid but first I wanted to know what exactly is the East London Green Grid.

East London Green Grid (ELGG) is one of four sub-regional Landscape frameworks in the governments "Greening the Gateway vision" by integrating economic growth with environmental enhancement. A strong framework into using the existing green infrastructure to tackle economic issues and overall quality of life. This is see to major housing redevelopment sites across East London creating life changing changes to people. These are some of the most deprived areas in London and is largely due to lack of transportation and links. This is a half a billion pound project of which 300 projects have been identified and 70 prioritised. The key here is to use the existing green corridors identified within Eats London and use then to create connections and links between towns.

The East London Green grid is a sub regional Landscape framework designed to target economic growth with environmental enchantment. The existing green infrastructures will be used to tackle the economic issues and overall quality of life. This will see to major housing development across East London and transportation, costing around half a billion pounds. With the economy in the state that it is at the moment this is a perfect time to optimise on potential land use.



This Map shows the outlining areas of what make the East London Green Grid. The part highlighted in Lilac is the Lea Valley.



This is an image of the flood relief channel above King George’s reservoir on the East side of the Lea Valley. The Lea is tidal uptill Prescot lock. The tidal river and freshwater marshes create one the most distinctive wetlands habitats found in the Lea Valley. Although this is a great it is essential that a flood prevention scheme is set up to enhance safety and future use. As you can see in the Image you can see the potential flood risk illustrated by the dotted lines.
Infrastructure can be seen along the Lea Valley on either side which act as an obstacle entering and exiting the Lea Valley. This causing a dead end to potential site access and possible transportation. We are talking about some of the most deprived area not just in London but in the UK. The valley fractures the movement of local networks and damages the public transportation system. A system that is crucial when aiming for a greater economy. There vision is to create strong accessible edges to the completed green spine. Overcome infrastructural barriers to access and establish high quality links into and across the Lea Valley open space spine to neighbouring communities and to a wider transportation access.

The current open space area within the Lea Valley offers a range of extraordinary open spaces and recreational facilities. However they are still working on improving the existing open space within the lower Lea Valley. Open spaces were dominated by focusing on the sports and recreational aspect but now include diverse habitats for plants and animals, a wide range of social, cultural, health, educational and economic opportunities. They also recognise now that open space areas can help to combat sustainable urban living such as production of food and energy. Victoria Park and Mile End Park found in the lower Lea Valley area showcase an intriguing contrast as one is the traditional Victorian style park design and the other represents what parks of the 21st century should be like.



Two major strategic projects are identified within the Lea Valley area – the Olympic Park and southern extension of the Lee Valley Regional Park within a Lea River Park, stretching from the new Olympic Park site to the River Thames.
Both of these projects have potential in achieving to strengthen and extend the green space corridor, resulting in forming accessible links between neighbouring communities. Again this goes back onto creating new forms of transportation that don’t really exist.

Windrush square - Brixton

I went to a site tour of Windrush square in Brixton organised by the NLA urban markers. We were led into a church were the initial presentation would take place outlining the project from start to finish. We were shown images of what the square use to look like and can be described at cluttered, unclear and would be avoided by people. The square and the surrounding areas were a hubbub or crime. There was people drinking alcohol daily around the square which put a lot of people off. Crime around this particular area had been quite bad due to this and the drug dealers and thieves. I remember growing up people told me Brixton was a rough place and not so nice so I can see were people would get this idea from. However this is why Brixton had decided to redesign the square and its surrounding areas. It is also a way to improve transportation links by cars, buses and bicycles.

Initial plans to create a far more open space that invites rather than deters people had been hatched by London Borough of Lambeth, the London Development Agency, Design for London, designers Atkins plc and landscape architects GROSS.MAX.

Starting from the beginning there were issues regarding the initial planning:

• Increased through traffic in nearby streets due to proposed road closures
• Value of money for overall scheme, including roads re alignment
• Loss of existing trees
• Under sized grass areas
• The need to reinstate the public toilets.
• Need for active programme of uses to discourage drug dealers and street drinkers

The issues that were raised during construction were mainly the fact that the road closures caused so much traffic and the space available for footpaths.

The issues that have arisen since the opening of the square are:
• Risk of inadequate protection of retained features
• Mist fountain can be potential hazard in the cold and windy weathers
• Cluttered layout risks the potential for large scale events
• Loss of public toilet provision

I was told during the presentation that the square has had trouble executed large scale events so that matter must still yet to be resolved. The space to be did seem quite open and accessible and there were adequate green space in contrast with the granite. The one large tree is a triumph that looks magnificent and grand, there are other smaller trees but don’t quite catch your eye. Traffic and bus routes have improved greatly and there has been a reduction in accidents .The need to reinstate a public toilet seems unnecessary. Crime has actually been reduced by 30% which in my belief is quite an accomplishment and shows that designing goes far more than just aesthetics. The benefit to cost ratio is an amazing 5.5:1. There has been positive pedestrian flow through the space as a whole and the informal seating has gone down well. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the space and did not expect to see quite a well developed plan and strategy.

Design museum - John Pawnson model exhibition

John Pawson is a British designer associated with the minimalist aesthetic. The exhibition i went to see in the design museum was based around his works; in particular the models that were created to showcase his designs. Now as a person who loves models I have to say I was blown away but the detail and simplicity that were on show. The models looked amazing something to definitely aspire to and re-create. The attention to detail in the model of the church is amazing; the interior which i photographed above looks so realistic it’s uncanny.

Things you see when you walk down London...

The first image is of an underpass just before you reach Tower Bridge Station. Its actually a set of LED lights that have been positioned on top of people along the ceiling of a underpass that projects lights replicating fireworks. Sadly it was quite hard to capture this with my camera but I can guarantee you it was worth stopping to see. It was achieved by hundreds of little LED lights that created a seamless affect of a fireworks display.

The second image is of a building I saw on the other side of Tower Bridge station. This caught my eye as it was a building in the heart of London covered in foliage. Something you don’t usually get to see in our urban capital. It gave a great soft feel and colour against the dull greys of the building

Tate Modern - The unilever Series, Al weiwei Sunflower seeds

The turbine hall within the Tate modern is where you usually get your larger than life exhibitions. Such a large open space almost cries out to be filled with such spectacles. This time around I went to see the new exhibition hosted by the turbine hall. I saw pictures online of what exactly i was heading to see but it truly is quite magnificent in person. Millions of sunflower seeds made of porcelain spread across a vast space. Each one unique and different and amazingly hand crafted by hundreds of skilled artisans in China. There was a video playing every half hour to show the amazing journey the artists Al Weiwei had gone through to procure this vast exhibition.

The Thames beach

Just before you pass the OXO tower on your way towards the Tate modern in London you are hit by a surprising view and quality not often visited by people. A beach emerges at your feet along a small stretch of the Thames. Surprisingly a sandy beach yet hardly visited by people. Although it not the most glamorous of beaches it still a sandy one, something people travel many miles to reach. I must say i did find it strange being on a beach and overlooking the other side of London full of buildings. Normally you would see the open sea. The river Thames is largely surrounded by large buildings as is the nature of London yet this beach does grant a soft edge to a very urban environment.

BFI - Mediatheque

The BFI have a wonderful free service they run known as the Mediatheque which is translated as media library from French. It boasts thousands of films and documentaries in their archives. It can also be used for teaching as it hosts many subject area documentaries. It’s quite simple to use you just go in get a ticket and start surfing the archives.

Signage around the Southbank centre

It seems natural that the Southbank Centre would create a signage system that revolves around colour. Creativity and colour go hand in hand. Colour is a very useful tool when attracting attention thus seems natural to use when directing. Signage i

s usually quite dull in London, simple texts on posts directing people. However this form of signage often fades into the background of city life and holds no real excitement or interest. The Southbank centre uses bright colours that cut through the dull greys of city life adding creativity and interest. I found that walking along the paths you did not really need to read the signs as such rather follow the colour which almost created a seamless affect and was quite enjoyable. However to keep the colour from fading and looking presentable would require quite a bit of maintenance thus can put those who have commissioned such art. Yes I wo

uld say I is a form of art; a sort of outdoor exhibition that leads you to your dest

ination.

Things you see when you walk down London...

This is quite a random image I noticed when I walked out of the Hayward Gallery. Its just a normal building but to me looks like a sort of face of a robot with eyes, mouth and hair and thought it was funny and interesting.

This video shows a small part of the exhibition I went to at the Hayward Gallery. It still amazes me how simple light work can produce something that looks beautiful and elegant. The video is just what I saw whilst I was circling the object and how it moves as I do.

Personal development Plan

The best way to identify and develop a personal development plan is to identify my weaknesses/concerns and things I can do in order to improve on them.

• My first would be my concern about my critical study which we were told to look at over summer but I had failed to come up with a topic

• I want to improve my skills in Mainly AutoCAD and Photoshop and become accustomed to using Illustrator and InDesign.

• I want to visit more exhibitions and be more active in regards to this

• I need to start reading more books to help me better understand Landscape Architecture and guide me into finding a topic for my critical study

• I need to identify what I enjoy doing and find myself

As for the critical study I believe I need to talk with Michael Herrmann for assistance as well and start reading books that could guide me.

For learning software I need to look at tutorials online and books, asking my fellow students for help is always a good way to learn as well as asking lecturers.

In order for me to be more active I need to just go out there and see different and new places which will not only broaden my knowledge by help me to find myself.

The Urban River

In April, 2007 Henk Hofstra created an "urban river" in Drachten, The Netherlands. A 1km stretch of road was painted bright blue to envisage an actual river using 4,000 litres of paint! The river actually symbolises two things, one is in memorial of an actual river that flowed through the city and second. The second is to remind us of the importance of water which is done by the 8m high letters on the road spelling "WATER IS LIFE". Well at least you know you won’t get your breaks wet.

Cloud Gate

This public sculpture created Anish Kapoor named "Cloud Gate" is inspired by the material liquid Mercury most commonly found in thermometers. The sculpture sits as the centre piece of AT&T Plaza in Millennium Park, Chicago Illinois. The mirror finish allows it to reflect the city skyline and the distorted affect makes it all seem a bit more fun and alive.

Urban Waterfall New York stylee

Imagine walking down over a bridge and suddenly you see a waterfall not coming from the water but from the bridge, odd? or amazing? Or is your mind playing tricks on you? Well actually no its not, well not in New York's Brooklyn Bridge. It would seem that the creator Olafur Ellasson wanted to bring something new and exciting to urban city of New York. The way it works seems quite simple, scaffolding along with water pumps are used by taking the water from the East river and placed in "intake filter pools". It is then released to create the gorgeous waterfall affect.

Co2LED

Yesterday I wrote about an Installation in the 2004 Beijing Olympics NAMED White noise/white Light. Looking around the web I came across something of a similar design except one main factor, the site was completely self sustained. Named “Co2LED” use to reside in Alrington, Texas boasted 522 LED lights that were completely solar powered. When the project was complete the entire thing was taken apart and recycled, now that’s what I call eco-friendly. It was designed by artists Jack Sanders, Robert Gay and Butch Anthony, was designed with Arlington’s environmental initiative FreshAIRE (Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions) in mind.

“A Device to Root Out Evil,”

Most people like their buildings with the ground floor first, it dosen't seem the case for this Church in Glenbrow, Canada. The artist seems to have created a controversial piece of art work here as he has created a church that has been well tipped on its roof. It does seem quite surreal but to have it tipped on its top like that is quite a structural achievement.