UP- CYCLING SPACE:

Recommendations for reactivation of residual urban space

Testbed in Glasgow

Laura Petruskeviciute
UP-CYCLING SPACE
Recommendations for reactivation of residual urban space
Testbed in Glasgow

University of Strathclyde
Department of Architecture
BSc Honours Architectural Studies with International Study
Laura Petruskeviciute
Reg. No 2009434435
Studies supervisor: Dr Cristian Suau
March 2014
4
Declaration

AB 420 Dissertation 2013/14

BSc Honours Architectural Studies
BSc Honours Studies with International Study
Pg Diploma in Architectural Studies

Declaration

“I hereby declare that this dissertation submission is my own work and has been composed by
myself. It contains no unacknowledged text and has not been submitted in any previous context.
All quotations have been distinguished by quotation marks and all sources of information, text,
illustration, tables, images etc. have been specifically akcnowledged.

I accept that if having signed this Declaration my work should be found at Examination to show
evidence of academic dishonesty the work will fail and I will be liable to face the University Sen-
ate Discipline Committee.”

Name: Laura Petruskeviciute

Signed:

Date:

5
6
Content
Abstract 9
Acknowledgments 11
List of Figures 12
Glossary of Terms 17
Definition of Residual Space Typologies 19
Introduction
Personal motivations 20
Problem definition 20
Methodology 23
Part 1
WASTE
1.1 Residual Urban Space 26
1.2 Decline Public Space 30
1.3 Discarded Materials 32
Part 2
Regeneration
2.1 Creating the Place 36
2.2 Public Empowerment 38
2.3 Up-cycling Materials 39
Part 3
Case Studies
3.1 Case Studies Selection 43
3.2 The Place of Giant, Paris 44
3.3 Folly for a Flyover, London 46
3.4 Temporary Amusement Park, Lima 48
3.5 Open- Air Library, Magdeburg 50
3.6 ECObox, Paris 52
3.7 Evaluation & Recommendations 54
Part4
Testbed in Glasgow
5.1 Place Making Glasgow. Stalled Spaces 60
5.2 Site Scenario 60
Part 5
Conclusion: A Method of Up- cycling Space 68
Part 6
Bibliography 70
7
Abstract

‘We have to relearn to think about space’ 1

The phenomenon of excess in modern city, which can be

understood as waste of space, waste of public realm and
waste of discarded materials is the result of passive actions
to agile changes in urban fabric and societal needs. The
research aims to emphasize the potential of the abundance
of waste which can be reinvigorated through architectural
intervention. Up-cycling space illustrates the idea of residual
space being reactivated which can act as a trigger for social
capital and discarded materials regeneration. It creates a
scenario of residual space reactivation through temporary
use and community participation using low-tech interven-
tion tools. This is an efficient method for creating long term
results with a low input of investment suggesting an eco-
design approach.
Design recommendations are created after assessing rele-
vant case studies against set criteria which reveals strength
and weakness of different design approaches defining the
most viable reactivation of residual space. The research
also informs of the design approach for a live project ‘Mo-
bile Lands’ under the program of Stalled Spaces in Glasgow
which aims to reactivate incivility gaps indicated by Glasgow
City Council.

There is good evidence that successful up-cycling of space

is a complex process involving understanding of context,
discarded materials availability and participatory role of its
users transforming the space. By claiming residual spaces
as temporary arenas for public interaction the gaps in the
city can be closed, enhancing public realm and urban experi-
ence.

Key words: residual urban space, public realm, discarded materials, up-cy-
cling, reactivate, participation

1Marc Auge, Non- places: introduction to an anthropology of supermodernity (London:

Verso,1995) p 36.

9
10
Acknowledgments

I am thankful for Dr Christian Suau guidance and willingness to discuss the research.
Special thanks to my family and friends for their continued support.

11
List of Figures

Cover: Up- Cycling Space (Author’s image)

Fig. 1 Residual space typologies (Author’s image)

Fig. 2 Proposal for Kaunas Architecture Festival ‘Freedom Impulses’ (Authors: Laura Petruskeviciute, Paulina
Naruseviciute)

Fig. 3 Concept diagram for Kaunas Architecture Festival ‘ Freedom Impulses’.Value what exists/Nurture the
possible/ Define what is missing (Authors: Laura Petruskeviciute, Paulina Naruseviciute)

Fig. 4 Proposal for Kaunas Architecture Festival ‘Freedom Impulses’ (Authors: Laura Petruskeviciute, Paulina
Naruseviciute)

Fig. 5 Word cloud diagram (Author’s image)

Fig. 6 Methodology (Author’s image)

Fig. 7 Concept diagram.’ Up- cycling space’ (Author’s image)

Fig. 8 Development of residual space typologies (Author’s image)

PART 1

Fig. 9 Dense amount of vacant sites in Glasgow urban fabric (Author’s image based on Glasgow City Council
incivility sites map)

Fig. 10 Scene from movie ‘ Stalker’ directed by A.Tarkovsky. (© Lorber Films)

Available: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2298134016/tt0079944?ref_=ttmi_mi_all_sf_4
[01/12/2013]

Fig. 11 Scene from movie ‘ Stalker’ directed by A. Tarkovsky .(© Lorber Films)
Available: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3893080576/tt0079944?ref_=ttmd_md_pv
[01/12/2013]

Fig. 12 Fresco by Ambrogio Lorenzetti ‘The Allegory of Good and Bad Government’ in the Town Hall of Siena.
( Image retrieved from < http://italianpiazza.blogspot.co.uk/2009/10/ambrogio-lorenzetti-allegory-of-good.html>
[03/02/2014] )

Fig. 13 Painting by Mario Sironi ‘Urban Landscape’.( Image retrieved from < http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/
yourpaintings/paintings/urban-landscape-132978> [03/02/2014]

Fig. 14 Glasgow waste hierarchy.(Author’s image)

Fig. 15 Product life cycle diagram ‘Cradle to grave’ (Author’s image based on blog Intercon. Available: http://
intercongreen.com/2010/02/17/recycling-vs-upcycling-what-is-the-difference/ [ 16/02/2014]

Fig. 16 Product life cycle diagram ‘Cradle to cradle’( Author’s image based on Zhiying diagram) Available: http://
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7a/Biological_and_technical_nutrients_%28C2C%29.jpg [16/02/2014]

Fig. 17 Waste composition diagram ( Author’s image based on Glasgow City Council Waste Strategy information. )
Available : http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=11089&p=0 [ 28/12/2013]

Fig. 18 Matrix Diagram. Potential of framability of discarded materials in construction.(Author’s image)

PART 2

Fig. 19 What interim activity suits best to reactivate residual urban space? (Author’s image)

Fig. 20 Consumerist. Street vendors in Talad Rom Hoop market. (Author of photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA)
Available : http://www.theguardian.com/news/2013/apr/23/picture-desk-live-the-best-news-pictures-of-the-day [
18/02/2014]

Fig. 21 Playful. Public space intervention 2012 in Cairo by Basurama. ( Author of photograph Basurama)
Available: http://basurama.org/en/ [30/03/2014]

12
Fig. 22 Productive. London Festival of Architecture in 2010 ‘Urban Orchard’ (Author of photograph: Mike Massaro)
Available : http://www.unionstreetorchard.org.uk/photos?nggpage=2 [ 20/03/2014]

Fig. 23 Drop City Panorama.( Author of photograph Clarck Richert)

Available: http://www.clarkrichert.com/dropcity [30/03/2014]

Fig. 24 Large and small versions of Heineken’s WOBO (World Bottle), designed by John Habraken.( Image available:
http://www.cabinetmagazine.org/issues/13/collins.php [ 16/03/2014]

Fig. 25 The first and only WOBO house, built in 1965 near Alfred Heineken’s villa in Noordwijk, Holland.(Image
available: http://www.cabinetmagazine.org/issues/13/collins.php [16/03/2014]

Fig. 26 Earth rammed tires wall construction. Episode from “Garbage Warrior” 2007 Documentary. Directed by Oliver
Hodge. Online Source.

Fig. 27 Michael Johansson, ‘Self Contained‘ 2010 ( Image retrieved from: http://www.michaeljohansson.com/Real_
life_tetris-Smith_journal.pdf [12/03/2014]

Fig. 28 The Big Crunch, by Raumlabor 2011, Darmstadt, Germany ( Author Raumlabor)
Available: https://raumlabor.net/the-big-crunch/ [ 12/03/2014] )

Fig. 29 R- Urban project by Atelier d’architecture autogérée. (Author of image aaa team)
Available: http://www.archdaily.com.br/br/01-60110/mass-design-group-vence-o-zumtobel-group-award-2012/
urban-paris-atelier-darchitecture-autogeree-aaa-constantin-petcou-doina-petrescu-courtesy-of-zumtobel-
group1341625424-8-ecohab/ [02/03/2014] )

PART 3

Fig. 30 Trans Trash: Understanding waste streams. Boston. Inside the inflatable structure. Basurama (Author of
photo Basurama)
Available: http://basurama.org/transtrash/ [16/03/2014]

Fig. 31 Trans Trash: Understanding waste streams. Boston. Outside the inflatable structure. Basurama (Author of
photo Basurama.)
Available: http://basurama.org/transtrash/ [16/03/2014]

Fig. 32 Residual urban space before intervention.( Author of photo Collectif Etc. Available: http://www.publicspace.
org/en/works/g027-place-au-changement [05.10/2013] )

Fig. 33 Signs on abandonment building facades rising passersby awareness about regeneration of residual
neighborhood space. (Author of photo Collectif Etc.)
Available: http://www.collectifetc.com/realisation/place-au-changement-chantier-ouvert/ [05.10/2013] )

Fig. 34 Carpentry workshop on site. (Author of photo Collectif Etc.)

Available: http://www.collectifetc.com/realisation/place-au-changement-chantier-ouvert/ [05.10/2013] )

Fig. 35 The Place of Giant after work completion.( Author of photo Collectif Etc. )
Available: http://www.collectifetc.com/realisation/place-au-changement-chantier-ouvert/ [05.10/2013] )

Fig. 36 Site- motorway flyover. (Author of photo Planning Resource)

Available: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33232053@N03/6052374301/in/photostream/ [31/03/2014]

Fig. 37 Wooden bricks from reclaimed timber. ( Author of photo Planning Resource)
Available: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33232053@N03/6052375333/in/photostream/ [31/03/2014]

Fig. 38 Structure in the evening. (Author of photo Assemble.)

Available: http://assemblestudio.co.uk/?page_id=5 [31/03/2014]

Fig. 39 View to Folly from motorway. (Author of photo Assemble.)

Available: http://assemblestudio.co.uk/?page_id=5 [31/03/2014]

Fig. 40 During daytime structure serves as cafe space. (Author of photo Assemble.)
Available: http://assemblestudio.co.uk/?page_id=5 [31/03/2014]

Fig. 41 Site before intervention ( Author of photo Basurama)

Available: http://www.basurama.org/img_b10/rus-lima/tren-electrico-surquillo-lima_g.jpg [31/03/2014]

13
Fig. 42 Engaging playground from tires ( Author of photo: Basurama)
Available: http://www.play-scapes.com/play-design/contemporary-design/ghost-train-park-basurama-lima-
peru-2010/ [03/02/2014]

Fig. 43 Net for climbing from old tires ( Author of photo: Basurama)
Available: http://www.play-scapes.com/play-design/contemporary-design/ghost-train-park-basurama-lima-
peru-2010/ [03/02/2014]

Fig. 44 Structure below serves as playground from reclaimed tires.

Available: http://www.play-scapes.com/play-design/contemporary-design/ghost-train-park-basurama-lima-
peru-2010/ [03/02/2014]

Fig. 45 Site before intervention ( Author of photo: Anja Schlamann)

Available: http://www.publicspace.org/en/works/f084-open-air-library [03/02/2014]

Fig. 46 Mockup for open air library. ( Author of photo: Anja Schlamann)
Available: http://www.publicspace.org/en/works/f084-open-air-library [03/02/2014]

Fig. 47 Shopping mall which facade was reclaimed to construct open- air library.( Author of photo : Karo architects)
Available: http://www.karo-architekten.de/cms/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/LZ-projekt-information-dt.pdf
[03/02/2014]

Fig. 48 Facade module ( Author of photo : Karo architects)

Available: http://www.karo-architekten.de/cms/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/LZ-projekt-information-dt.pdf
[03/02/2014]

Fig. 49 Open- Air Library after work completion. ( Author of photo : Karo architects)
Available: http://www.dezeen.com/2009/10/28/open-air-library-by-karo/ [03/02/2014]

Fig. 50 ECObox garden from pallets. (Author of photo: Atelier d’Architecture Autogérée (aaa))
Available: http://www.spatialagency.net/database/aaa [03/31/2014]

Fig. 51 ECObox garden as catalyst for community gatherings. (Author of photo: Atelier d’Architecture Autogérée
(aaa))
Available: http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article_image/2011_curry_stone_design_grand_prize_winner_
announced_sustainable_architectu/image/5137 [03/31/2014]

PART 4

Fig. 52 Web graph. Comparison of case studies.( Author’s image)

Fig. 53 Up-cycling space recommendations. (Author’s image)

Fig. 54 Incivility gaps indicated by Glasgow City Council.( Author’s image)

Fig. 55 Cathcart Road- Greek Thomson gap site. (Author’s image)

Fig. 56 Caledonia Road church 1970 (Author of photo Gushetfauld)

Available: http://urbanglasgow.co.uk/index.php?component=content&topicid=3902&highlight= [17/02/2014]

Fig. 57 Site. Indication of possible activities on site based on site conditions. (Author’s image)

Fig. 58 Harvestmap. It indicates location of discarded materials source in 8km radius from gap site. (Author’s image)

Fig. 59 Activation units (Author’s image)

Fig. 60 Preliminary proposal of design for ‘Mobile Lands’ , Stalled Spaces (Author’s image)

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15
16
Glossary of Terms

Eco- efficiency
Transforms human industry integrating environmental, economic and ethical concerns into the
industry system that takes, makes and wastes. In other words, it is ‘doing more with less’.2

Up-cycling
An action of taking something that is disposable and turning it into the product of greater use and
value. 3

Down- cycling
The most common form of recycling which reduce the quality of the material over the time.4

Eco-design
All products have an impact on environment during their life- cycle from raw materials
manufacturing,packaging, transportation, disposal and recycling. The biggest amount of the
environmental impact is determined in the stage of design. Eco- design- takes into consideration all
environmental impacts of a product from the very early stage of design. 5

Re-make
‘Make something again or differently.’6

Re-use
‘Use again or more than once.’7

Up- cycling space

Regeneration of social capital and discarded materials as a result of residual space reactivation.

2 William McDonough & Michael Braungart Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (New York: Nort Point Press, 2002)p 5.
3 William McDonough & Michael Braungart Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (New York: Nort Point Press, 2002)
p 72.
4 William McDonough & Michael Braungart Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (New York: Nort Point Press, 2002)
p 56.
5 European Commission Eco-design brochure.
Available <http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sustainable-business/ecodesign/files/brochure_ecodesign_en.pdf> [ 16/03/2014]
6 Oxford Online Dictionary <http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/remake> [16/03/2014]
7Oxford Online Dictionary < http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/reuse> [16/03/2014]
17
18
Residual Space Typologies8

1.Void Spaces
Large underutilized sites surrounding buildings.

2. Redundant Infrastructures
Infrastructure which is not in use anymore. 1 2

3. Spaces Below
Spaces below infrastructural elements such as:
elevated railway lines, motorway flyovers.

4. Rooftops
Underutilized rooftop spaces of buildings. 3 4

5. Spaces Around
The result of new development in old context when
new positioned buildings creates intermediary zones
between the public street and private interior space of
the building.
5 6
6. Spaces Between
The result after urban demolition.

7. Wedges
The result of intersection of conflicting urban grids or
infrastructural lines.

8. Oversized Infrastructures 7 8
Overestimated spaces for traffic. Fig.1 Residual space typologies (Author’s image)

8 Eric Villagomez ‘Claiming residual spaces in the heterogeneous

city’. In: Jeffrey Hou Insurgent Public Space. Guerrilla Urbanism and
the Remaking of Contemporary Cities (London: Routledge, 2010)
pp 81-95.
19
Introduction city which can be treated as waste of space,
waste of public realm and waste of materials.
Personal motivation All aforementioned factors can be reinvented
It is a design driven research which topic of through architectural intervention.
study was highly influenced by my participation Reactivated residual space would be the
in Architecture Festival ‘Freedom Impulses’ in result of empowered public participation in
Kaunas, Lithuania.(fig. 2) My friend and I were place creation by using eco- design structures
involved in working on a project which aimed created from reused discarded materials.
to create proposals of how Freedom Avenue,
the most widely used pedestrian street in The research intends to create design
Kaunas, could be rehabilitated and reactivated recommendations for reactivation of residual
whilst creating a contemporary piece of urban space with low-tech intervention
architecture in the historic environment. tools and community participation, turning
Detailed investigation during the project raised underused space into social catalyst. Vast
a lot of questions about identity of space and amount of gap sites as well as decline public
its meaning to community, as well as collective realm is the result of failed industries and
memory and space transformation during Modern movement which neglected idea of
different historic times. After analysis, our organic space creation leaving a lot of negative
proposal was focusing on underused courtyard and ill-defined spaces.
space occupied by cars, offering to open the
space to main street and to reclaim it for public Reactivation of residual urban spaces is a
use whilst creating an enterprise zone for relevant topic for every modern city which
young and creative people to experiment and has to face the issue and find the methods
occupy the space by temporary use (fig. 3). of dealing with it. There is a good example of
It was an idea of creating a social catalyst in this program called Stalled Spaces10 initiated
the neighbourhood in contrast of being a non- by Glasgow City Council in collaboration with
place9 (fig. 4). Glasgow Housing Association in order to
During the festival period, projects were reactivate vacant land in the city by giving it
presented in front of ‘eyesore’ building on this a temporary use. It is open for proposals and
street to encourage public awareness and participation with creative infill of residual
discussion, giving an opportunity to vote for space by interim use for communities and other
the favourite project. In the end, our proposal initiatives as long as the projects will benefit
received 3rd place out of 27 other projects. local residents.
This proves peoples’ interest in forgotten or
underutilised space reclamation for public use. This year I am involved in one of the Stalled
Spaces projects called ‘Mobile Lands’ which
Problem definition aims to reactivate incivility gaps indicated
There are many such spaces in urban fabric by Glasgow City Council. This research
which lack identity and have no or little gives a unique opportunity to evaluate and
function. These spaces varied in shapes and inform the live project as well as test design
types and could be perceived as waste of space recommendations created from the analysis
which intersects public realm. Besides, public described.
realm became the space of mobility rather
than the place to stay due to the ever changing There is good evidence of projects in Europe
patterns of public space usage and the growing where residual urban space is reactivated by
pace of life in consumerist society. temporary intervention, however, there is little
The basis of this research is it to emphasise the evidence of creating a strategy which fosters
potential of excess phenomenon in the modern the idea of public participation empowerment
and up-cycling discarded materials in order to

9To track research and ideas for Freedom Impulses project in

architecture festival in Kaunas relevant information was placed in 10 Stalled Spaces Handbook
this blog by me and my friend Paulina Naruseviciute. Available: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.
Available: http://urbanrestart.wordpress.com/[30/12/2013] ashx?id=13597&p=0 [30/12/2013]
20
Fig. 2 Proposal for Kaunas Architecture Festival ‘Freedom Impulses’ (Authors: Laura Petruskeviciute, Paulina Naruseviciute)

Fig. 3 Concept diagram for Kaunas Architecture Festival ‘ Freedom Fig. 4 Proposal for Kaunas Architecture Festi-
Impulses’.Value what exists/Nurture the possible/ Define what is val ‘Freedom Impulses’ showing relationship
missing. (Authors: Laura Petruskeviciute, Paulina Naruseviciute) between courtyard and street. (Authors: Laura
Petruskeviciute, Paulina Naruseviciute)

21
Fig. 5 Word Cloud diagram based on words frequency in text
and reflecting main topics of essay. (Author’s image)
The essay, following this introduction is
reactivate residual urban space. It reflects an
divided into five parts where each of part
idea of regenerative design approach which
seeks a waste free system. The concept of explores:
up-cycling the space manifests an idea of Part 1 (Waste) identifies emerged problems
regeneration of residual urban space, discarded in current urban tissue of residual space,
materials and social capital. It is an efficient
decline public realm and discarded materials. It
method for long term results without the risk of
high capital investment. explores scale and origins of each problem as
well as reveals missed out opportunities.
Reactivation of residual urban space is about Part 2 (Regeneration) is focused on
making it accessible for public use applying
investigation of methods to fulfil the potential
temporary activities which would give an
identity for ill-defined leftover space. Projects of previously stated problems. It explores the
and the framework of work by architectural ideas of place creation, participation, ply and
practices like atelier d’ architecture autogeree materials up-cycling.
(aaa) and Basurama reveals cornerstones of
Part 3 (Case studies) investigates and
dealing with residual urban spaces and became
an exemplary case study in this research. evaluates a selection of unique case studies
against set criteria of affordability, public
In order to create design recommendations for engagement, construction time, life span and
up-cycling space research defines the following
the reactivation of areas in order to define the
primary objectives:
most viable space reactivation approach. As
-To analyze defined phenomenon of waste. a result, design recommendations are created
Creating theoretical grounding. of what steps need to be taken in order to
-To depict offered potential and to investigate
reactivate residual urban space.
methods of solving the problem.
-To create design guidelines after evaluation Part 4 (Testbed in Glasgow) presents the
and comparison of case studies. program of Stalled Spaces and the project
-To test created design recommendations ‘ Mobile Lands’, where the reader will be
against live project ‘Mobile Lands’.
introduced to site and initial proposals.

22
Part 5 (Conclusion: A Method of Up-cycling
Space) reflects on research findings,
emphasising an idea of regenerative design
which is about reusing discarded materials
in an eco- design approach and empowering
public participation in order to reactivate the
residual site.

Methodology
The primary idea of research is to create design
recommendations which explore the potential
of residual space reactivation as the trigger to
regenerate public realm and to re-use discarded
materials. Literature review and case studies
evaluation are the main tools of the research
as it provides an understanding of context and
relevant theories.
Reading and reviewing books, journals and
online resources will help to define the problems
and methods of dealing with them. Analysing
statistics of waste and governmental strategies Fig. 6 Methodology (Author’s image)
will reveal the current waste management
situation, as well as create scope for the use of
discarded, available materials.
Also, thorough analysis of relevant case studies
will help to provide an understanding and
evaluate what methods of space reactivation
approach is working in real practice and what
can be learnt from them.
Mapping and visiting residual sites in Glasgow
as well as documenting them through taking
photographs will provide information about the
variety and vast amount of residual spaces in
urban tissue.

Fig. 7 Concept diagram.’ Up- cycling space’.(Author’s image)

23
24
Part 1
WASTE

1.1 Residual Urban Space

1.2 Decline Public Space
1.3 Discarded Materials

25
1.1 Residual Urban Space

Space is a medium enhancing urban experience

as connection of public, semi-public and private
domains. Every unspecified space challenges
urban coherence and becomes as a waste
with unfulfilled possibilities or in other words-
residual space.

Meaning of residual in English dictionary

is described as “an amount still remaining
after part is subtracted or accounted for; a
remainder”.11 In the context of space and urban
environment it can be extremely diverse and
vary in shape and type. It is, indeed, an integral
part of every urban tissue dating the first
settlements, if it is considered as a balance
between solid and loose and it can be depicted
as inverted diagram of built and unbuilt spaces.
Whereas growing urbanity is reversing loose
space to solid (fig. 8).The diagram depicts
changing pattern of residual space’s nature
with growing urbanity. In the early stages of
city formation it could be defined as unbuilt
territories for city expansion, whereas later it Fig. 8 Development of residual space typologies.
became a mixture of undeveloped and new (Author’s image)
emerging urban gaps within the city fabric.
‘Finding Lost Space’, Roger Trancik writes:
Historically, the value of land was too high
to be merely left disused and abandoned.
‘Generally speaking, lost spaces are the
“From the medieval fortified towns throughout
undesirable urban areas that are in need of
Europe to dense cities of Asia, urban life
redesign—anti spaces, making no positive
and intense land use were interdependent
contribution to the surrounding or users. They are
phenomena.”12 In general, it is a result of
ill-defined, without measurable boundaries, and
smaller scale settlements which create
fail to connect elements in a coherent way.’14
stronger connectivity between local people
and the space they inhabit allowing them
It is, also, the figure of excess which
to appropriate and interact directly with the
characterize the situation of supermodernity.15
everyday built environment more efficiently. It is
It reflects general tendency of cities to grow
still prominent within third countries that lack
outwards rather than finding the space in
the economic means to do otherwise.
However, in modern city the amount of residual
existing urban tissue16, leaving the wasted
urban spaces in the form as it exists today is “ space in the inner core of the city. From the
relatively recent urban phenomenon”.13(fig. 9) In
fer from great industrial wastelands, underused car parking etc.
14 Roger Trancik Finding Lost Space: Theories of Urban Design
11 Online English Dictionary http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/16 (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1986) pp 3-4.
3583?rskey=UXki5g&result=1&isAdvanced=false#eid 15 Marc Auge, Non- places: introduction to an anthropology of
[ 06/02/14] supermodernity (London: Verso, 1995 ) According, to M. Auge
12 Eric Villagomez, ‘Claiming residual spaces in the heteroge- supermodernity is excess of events and space.
neous city’. In: Jeffrey Hou Insurgent Public Space. Guerrilla Urban-16 Sampo Ruoppila, ‘Eastern European cities in the making - tem-
ism and the Remaking of Contemporary Cities (London: Routledge, porary land use as a tool for cultural projects ’Journal for North-
2010) p 81 east Issues, 3 (2004), pp 24-6.
13 Ibid., p 81. Villagomez refers to North American cities situation Available: http://www.kaupunkikettu.fi/temporary2004.html [ac-
which is applicable to all modern, post-industrial cities which suf- cessed 10 November 2013]
26
Fig. 9 Dense amount of vacant sites in
Glasgow urban fabric is the result of
failed industry.(Author’s image based
on Glasgow City Council incivility sites
map)

27
planning point of view there is an economic
necessity to use leftover space rather
than conquer new lands.17 It is, actually a
phenomenon of human being creating this
junkspace as if the resources of space are
endless. Koolhaas writes:
‘If space-junk is the human debris that litters
the universe, junk-space is the residue mankind
leaves on the planet.’18
Than the first question arises is: what actions
of mankind determined the vast amount
appearance of residual spaces in cities?
Trancik has distinguished five main factors
which had impact on negative spaces in
cities:19
1. An increased dependence on the automobile;
Large scale cities require greater mobility
and transport links which, create movement
corridors along highways and roads. Auge
called them as “none-places”20 - spaces
which are lack of significance and are only
overlooked by people from moving vehicles.
Also, vast amount of parking lots are created,
which are dual- use spaces. They only have
a single use at certain times but are mostly
vacant after business hours. J. Jacobs agrees
on destructive element of automobiles in
city fabric, however she is more concerned
about incompetence at city building where
the pressure falls under the planners and
designer’s decision making.21 Increased
infrastructure separates neighborhoods
minimizing level of contact between local
people creating general alienation with space.
2. The attitude of architects of the Modern
Movement toward open space;
The movement brought an idea of building
more as an object in itself where the design of
17 Charles Jencks, Nathan Silver Adhocism: The Case for Improvi-
sation (London: Secker & Warburg, 1972), p 68
18 Rem Koolhas 2001 Junk Space.
Available: http://www.cavvia.net/junkspace/ [ 10/11/2013]
19Roger Trancik Finding Lost Space: Theories of Urban Design
(New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1986) pp 4-17
20Marc Auge, Non- places: introduction to an anthropology of super-
modernity (London: Verso, 1995 )
21 Jane Jacobs The Death and life of great American cities (Lon-
don: Jonathan Cape, 1962) p 7
28
space between buildings was simply ignored.
Such an attitude was radical against organic
medieval or renaissance city planning creating
mechanical and soulless environments.
Buildings than are acting more as an objects
rather than a part of the whole system where
the space in between is undefined and lost. It
creates a struggle for people to appropriate the
space resulting in the failure of project.
3. Zoning and land-use policies of the urban-
renewal period that divided the city;
It was an attempt to recreate rundown areas
of city through segregation of land uses into
discrete zones where high-rise towers were
built to increase ground level-density. It resulted
in unresponsive habitable environments
where functions of living, working and leisure
where separated and the connection between
community and built environment were lost. It
can be well illustrated with the demolition of
Pruitt- Igoe Housing Project in 1955. A counter
move against modernism towards creating
better urban environment was done by Gehl’s
urban study ‘Life Between Buildings’ first
published in 1971. It aims to tackle the issue
fostering humanistic planning principles to
serve and inspire designs in growing cities. It
also analyzes existing people activities in urban
environment suggesting design tips to improve
their urban experience. There is a great need to
reinvent non-spaces between buildings as they
directly affect human well being.
4. An unwillingness on the part of contemporary
institutions- public and private- to assume
responsibility for the public urban environment;
Buildings as an objects in urban fabric tends to
act separately segregating domains of public
and private on ground level and converting
collective spaces into private spheres.
In a way, these are spaces with blurred
boundaries where the indifference for sense of
ownership and responsibilities towards public
space either from governmental or private
bodies results directly in welfare of public
realm.
5. An abandonment of industrial, military, or
transportation sites in the inner core of the city;
Changing pattern of land use is one of the
greatest factors creating lost spaces in
the inner core of the city. Some sites can
be described as derelict land indicating
brown-fields and containing small amounts
of hazardous pollutants other as vacant
land. It can be simply a leftover land after
demolition of previous building awaiting for new
redevelopment. Some of these spaces has
embodied history which can be significant in
the collective memory of community.

All mentioned factors above are the result of

residual space in modern city which can appear
in types of: Spaces Between, Spaces Around,
Rooftops, Wedges, Redundant Infrastructure,
Oversized Infrastructure, Void Spaces and
Spaces Below.22 It is important to understand Fig. 10 Scene from movie ‘ Stalker’ directed by A. Tarkovsky.
their typologies and how they are created as It depicts all environment beyond derelict site ‘ Zone’ in B&W
well their potential use in order to achieve tones creating cold and unwelcoming atmosphere.
successful reactivation. ( © Lorber Films)

Although, these spaces are indicated

as negative they also can be interpret as
opportunity spaces. They are like islands of
possibilities in the structured and programmed
city environment. This allegorical meaning
of derelict space is illustrated in the movie
directed by Andrei Tarkovsky ‘Stalker’.23 Where
he highlights the distinct nature of residual
space called Zone by depicting it in colour
scenes whereas ordinary environment was
shown in B&W tones. Tarkovsky’s approach of
colour usage emphasizes the contrast between
two worlds of formal and informal. The Zone
is derelict place with catastrophic history that
appeared after meteorite burned a settlement
causing human disappearances. However, in the
middle of Zone there is a room where all human
desires can be fulfilled. A new profession arisen-
Stalker - a person who guides curious people to
Fig. 11 Scene from movie ‘ Stalker’ directed by A. Tarkovsky .
Zone. Apparently, Zone is alive and responsive In contrast, derelict site ‘ Zone’ is shown in color tone creating
environment with its own rules which need to promising and welcoming environment atmosphere.
be followed by intruders to reach their final (© Lorber Films)
destination. An idea of Zone can be plotted to
any residual space which seems to be isolated
from outer world though having a potential
of being a land of opportunity allowing to
experiment and fulfill desires which may not be

22 Eric Villagomez, ‘Claiming residual spaces in the heteroge-

neous city’. In: Jeffrey Hou Insurgent Public Space. Guerrilla Urban-
ism and the Remaking of Contemporary Cities (London: Routledge,
2010) p 83
23 Stalker . 1979. Film. Directed by A. Tarkovsky .163 min. Soviet
Union
29
possible to complete anywhere else. Residual The current alienation with environment as
spaces are ‘… spaces of relative freedom well as lost ownership has happened due to
where rules and codes can still be redefined.’24 several reasons. In comparison to ancient
Appropriation of these spaces can be done Greece and Rome or medieval Europe there is
through temporary use as usually gap sites a great change in our system of dependence
have the future redevelopment plans. as well as dominance of home domain which
leads to lifestyle driven by private interests
Nature of residual urban spaces have been and personal desires. There is no need to go
changing since historic times, however recently to plaza to exchange the news with friends
they appear in urban tissue as gap sites as it can be easily done via phone or via
disturbing coherent public realm. In contrast the internet at home.29 Also, cooperation
to ordinary public spaces, these are spaces within city inhabitants has deteriorated as
which can be used playfully with low levels everyone depends now on the global system
of investment, regulation and surveillance. of production and distribution. Privatization
Part 2 will discuss what approach should be is another issue transforming the concept of
considered in order to reactivate residual urban public space into pseudo-public spaces such as
spaces. malls, corporate plazas and redeveloped parks.
It restricts the rights of using space by opening
1.2 Decline Public Space and closing hours as well as allowed activities
where every human interaction is planned or
There is a common and historic assumption even recorded. It aims homogenization and
that public life occurs in open space.25 purity in space usage fostering brand- oriented
These open spaces can be regarded as public consumption. Even worse, it limits diversity
spaces as long as they are accessible to all of social exchange were certain individuals
people for free use and enjoyment of civic or groups can be excluded from using public
life. However, such an ideal space hardly exist space.
as most of them depend on private or public
authorities. There is a bill currently passing Dead public spaces are also the result of
through UK parliament which aims to expand Modern Movement in architecture. The
the power of governmental authorities such as most influential was the Functionalist
council and the police so that they almost have Movement which started in the first half of
a free will to define the use of urban spaces.26 the twentieth century.30 It pursued an idea of
Even more, according to statistics, UK citizens pure architecture and freestanding buildings
behavior in public spaces are recorded in nearly in their own space and time resulting in
six million security cameras which means today’s individual isolated buildings by roads
one for every ten people. Such a control
27
and parking lots. Public space became
over public space reflects the current attitude a functional space serving roads. Also,
towards it as a space which provokes fears functionalists applied urban grid which created
for its uncontrolled nature, in which society is non-hierarchical and mechanical spaces
exceptionally fragile. The public sphere can be where center for public gathering was hardly
described as leftover space in urban reality.28 identified. The pattern of street use as social
and economic was transformed, directing
masses to enclosed malls and sunken plazas.
24 Doina Petrescu ‘Loosing control, keeping desire’ in Peter
Blundell Jones, Doina Petrescu, Jeremy Till Architecture and “ The modern city dweller is forced to create
Participation (London. New York : Spon Press, 2005) pp 43-64 a social life on personal, controllable territory
25 Brill Michaels, ‘An Ontology for Exploring Urban Public Life
instead of engaging in a communal existence
Today‘, Places, Volume 6, Number 1 (1989) pp 24-31.
26 Josie Appleton ‘The end of Public Space’ The Architectural
Review . Issue number 1404, Volume CCXXXV, (February 2014)
p 18.
27 Catherine Slessor ‘Editorial View’ The Architectural Review, Is- 29 Mark Chidister ‘PUBLIC PLACES, PRIVATE LIVES: Plazas and
sue number 1404, Volume CCXXXV, (February 2014) p 13. the Broader Public.‘Places. Volume 6, Number 1(1989) p 35.
28 Rem Koolhaas, Bruce Mau, Office for Metropolitan Architec- 30 Roger Trancik Finding Lost Space: Theories of Urban Design
ture. S,M,L,XL (Rotterdam: 010 Publishers, 1995) (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1986)
30
around the street.”31

Public space today is missing sense of collectiveness and became more as a space of mobility.
It seems that people do not take advantage of this luxury anymore. However, vitality of public
space is dependent on personal choice and decision to act in publicity even if there is no
obligation to do that.32 Essentially, public space character and meaning is formed and defined
by how people choose to use it.33 The main issue, is empowerment of community to take control
over their environment. There is a need to rethink public space. D. Mitchell writes that “ struggle-
which is the only way that the right to public space can be maintained...”34 Public space is for
people to be together, to interact, to exchange, to create, to learn, to trade and to collaborate.
In Part 2 I will explore ideas of participation and ply as successful methods of creating public
space in residual urban site.

Fig. 12 Fresco by Ambrogio Lorenzetti

‘The Allegory of Good and Bad Govern-
ment’ in the Town Hall of Siena.
This fresco depicts late Medieval
City life which shows vibrant street
life which is defined by exchange of
goods and information in the main
square.

Fig. 13 Painting by Mario Sironi

‘Urban Landscape’ depicts modernist
view of city expressing dominance of
built environment which is rather dull
and unfriendly. ( Image: Date painted:
c.1924, Oil on paper, 26.5 x 38.5 cm
Estorick Collection, London)

Both artworks reflect contrasting

ideas towards the space and built en-
vironment in different historic times.
It also reveals general attitude to
public realm. If in Medieval city people
activities embraced street life creating
organic environment with built and un-
built spaces than in modern city built
environment is overwhelming.

31 Roger Trancik Finding Lost Space: Theories of Urban Design (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1986) p 10.
32 Mark Chidister ‘PUBLIC PLACES, PRIVATE LIVES: Plazas and the Broader Public.‘Places. Volume 6, Number 1(1989) p 36.
33 Karen Franck A., Quentin Stevens Loose Space: Diversity and Possibility in Urban Life (New York: Routledge, 2007) pp 10-11.
34 Don Mitchell The right to the city: social justice and the fight for public space (New York : Guilford Press, 2003) p. 5.
31
1.3 Discarded materials

Differently from nature, city as a living organism do not reuse everything it produces. Materials
enter the city on daily basis as products and leaves as a waste in the landfill.35 The issue of
waste is especially arising in the consumption driven societies and will increase with a growing
population in later years. That would lead to expanding landfill sites and increasing landfill
taxes to Government. For example, last year Glasgow council paid £13 million in landfill tax to
the Government.36 Better control of waste by reducing and limiting the amount of it going to
landfill sites can shrink the amount of carbon footprint as well as save recourses. The process
of recycling waste is a parallel idea of residual space reclamation.37 Almost all materials can
be reused and brought back to cycle of life. That even refers to an idea of “zero waste city”
which targets 100% of recycling rate and recovery of waste materials.38 For instance, Scottish
Government’s Zero Waste Plan set the target to city of Glasgow to recycle or compost 60% of
produced waste by 2020 and it will rise up to 70% by 2025. The plan indicates proposed Glasgow
waste hierarchy (fig. 14) which aims at first to reduce the amount of waste which greatly depends
on consumers awareness. Then, it indicates reuse and recycle. But what does it mean to recycle?
Most of the recycling could be called as down-cycling which refers to reduced quality and value
of material and additional energy resources involved in processing new product. 39 Recycling is
a part of material’s life-cycle known as cradle to grave which analyzes the environmental impact
of product during its life-span. However, even with reduced amount of waste going to landfills
the environmental impact of products still remains and it reflects an idea of ‘Being “Less Bad” Is
No Good’.40 In contrast, the concept of Cradle to Cradle41 design suggests an idea of regenerative
design. It is a holistic economic, industrial and social framework that seeks to create systems
that are not only efficient but also essentially waste free. The concept of up-cycling is the first
step towards cradle to cradle design approach and it should be applied in waste management
strategy instead of recycling in order to reduce environmental impact of products.
Waste can be described differently depending on personal perception, as one person can discard
what they perceive as a waste while another can treat it as the resource of material.42 Quite
Fig 14. Glasgow waste hierarchy.(Author’s image)

35 Frank Ackerman ‘Materials flows for a sustainable city’. International Review for Environmental Strategies.Vol. 5, No. 2,
(2005) pp 499 - 510.
36 Glasgow city Council Page
Available: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4597 [ 14/02/14]
37 Charles Jencks, Nathan Silver Adhocism: The Case for Improvisation (London: Secker & Warburg, 1972) p 68.
38 Steffen Lehmann ‘Urban growth and waste management optimization towards ‘zero waste city’ City, Culture and Society 2 (2011)
pp 177-187.
39William McDonough & Michael Braungart Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (New York: Nort Point Press, 2002)
p 56.
40William McDonough & Michael Braungart Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (New York: Nort Point Press, 2002)
pp 45-68.
41The concept of ‘Craddle to Cradle’ is registered under McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) consultants.
42 Steffen Lehmann ‘Urban growth and waste management optimization towards ‘zero waste city’ City, Culture and Society 2(2011)
pp 177-187.
32
CRADLE- TO - CRADLE LIFE -CYCLE
CRADLE-TO- GRAVE
VS
CRADLE - TO -GRAVE

Energy in the Making

energy product has
a supply chain that
begins with harvesting
virgin materials and Take it back UP
processing them into unlike recycling, up-
their finished form. cycling drives materials
All processes require back to supply chain to
energy and interfaces be reused, negating the
with environment. need for further virgin
stock and reducing waste

Even best landfills eventu-

ally suffer from leaks with
chemicals, metals and plas-
tics effecting water supply,
Fig 15. Product life cycle dia- life of plants and animals.
gram ‘Cradle to grave’
(Author’s image)

LIFE -CYCLE
CRADLE-TO- CRADLE

1.100% Renewable
Energy Use
2. Water Stewardship
clean water output
3. Social Responsibil-
ity positive impact on
community
3. Material Reutiliza-
tion recycle-ability/
compost-ability
5. Material Health
impact on human
and environment

Fig 16. Product life cycle dia-

gram ‘Cradle to cradle’
(Author’s image based on Zhiy-
ing diagram)
33
often as a manifestation of environmental
activism, temporary projects aim to use
discarded materials not only to highlight the
waste associated with modern living and
to demonstrate the potential for re-using
materials but also it is often a financial viable
solution to realize the project.43 A great variety
of materials which are collected by recycling
centres (fig. 17) have a potential to be re-used
or up-cycled in architectural interventions or
artworks .(fig. 18)
There is a need to rethink materials around
and to reinvent waste bringing it back to
functional and aesthetically pleasant shape
which would benefit environment by offsetting
carbon, water and slavery footprints. Part2 will
explore the phenomenon of up-cycling found in
counterculture movement, architecture and art.

Fig 17. Waste composition diagram. 346, 917 tonnes of

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) were collected by or on behalf
of Glasgow City Council during 2008/2009. Diagram depicts
composition of waste materials.(Author’s image based on info
from Glasgow City Council Waste Strategy)
*WEEE- Waste and Electronic Equipment

Fig 18. Matrix Diagram. Potential of framability of discarded

43 Peter Bishop and Lesley Williams The Temporary City materials in construction.(Author’s image)
(New York: Routledge, 2012) p 144.
34
Part 2
REGENERATION

2.1 Creating the Place

2.2 Public Empowerment
2.3 Up-cycling Materials

35
2.1 Creating the Place

In the first part described residual urban spaces cannot be perceived as places as they are
lack of identity and successive relation with environment.44 The nature of residual spaces
varies establishing different scenarios of appropriation. Temporary activities could be the most
applicable reactivation and place creation strategy for residual spaces due to several reasons.
First of all, they can be low risk with possible high reward as they can change feel of area and
strengthen community sense without significant financial investment. Also, they would embrace
an idea to perceive residual urban spaces as experimental and creative laboratory for community
to strengthen its identity and sense of ownership. There are different approaches for interim
activities and they can be categorized as: consumerist, playful and productive. These activities
occupies the space temporarily giving it another meaning, without modifying it. Different nature
of activities might be more suitable to reactivate only particular type of residual urban space.
In order, to achieve that it is important to understand the nature and limitations of each activity
against the type of residual urban space. (fig. 19)
Consumerist temporary activities can be perceived as pop-up shops, restaurants, markets or
fairs. This approach promotes temporary use of vacant retail space as well as can offer a small
business opportunities for entrepreneurs. In the case of pop-shop or restaurant it should be a
mobile unit which enables flexibility to reactivate diverse range of vacant sites. However, its
success highly depends on site proximity to people flow. On the other hand, pop-up shops or
restaurants can reactivate space if the residual site is located close to existing business and
could act as its extension. It is most likely to happen with spaces around, rooftops and spaces
between. Another consumerist activity to be pursuit is market. Street vendors can appear in a
variety of unexpected places (fig. 20) offering their goods and attracting crowds of consumers.
Market activity can reactivate any residual urban space and it varies in types such as car boot
sales, flea markets, night markets and farmer markets offering a diverse social exchange. Car
boot sale gained huge popularity in the UK since they were first established in the 1970s.45 They

Fig. 19 What interim activity suits best to reactivate residual

urban space? (Author’s image)

44 Marc Auge, Non- places: introduction to an anthropology of supermodernity (London: Verso, 1995 )
45 Peter Bishop and Lesley Williams The Temporary City (New York: Routledge, 2012) p 75.
36
Fig.20 Consumerist
Street vendors in
Talad Rom Hoop
market. Informal oc-
cupation of space.
An example how
railway ‘non-space’
can act as interac-
tive and engaging
place.
( Photo: Rungroj
Yongrit/EPA)

Fig. 21 Playful
Public space inter-
vention. The project
for design and
construction from
low cost materials
in Cairo in 2012
by Basurama. The
structure engaged
local people pro-
viding sun shade
during day time
and was lit during
the night (Photo:
Basurama)

Fig. 22 Productive
A part of London
Festival of Archi-
tecture in 2010
‘Urban Orchard’
turned residual
space into interac-
tive gardening and
workshop space,
where people could
learn about urban
food growing.
(Photo: Mike Mas-
saro)

37
are likely to reactivate void spaces, wedges
or even spaces below attracting people for
its inexpensive and affordable second hand
goods. Farmer markets usually offers more
expensive organic or handmade products. It is
especially popular recently with growing trend
of sustainable and healthy living. Depending on
its scale, it might be successful for reactivation
of redundant or oversized infrastructure
spaces. The pop-up retailing operation time
may vary from certain hours, days to annual
event spaces. This phenomenon has a natural
power to attract people because of its offered
commodities.
There is a diverse range of playful interim
activities. The concept of ply represents
the potential to stimulate urban experience
through boosting active and creative public
behavior.46 These activities taking place in
residual spaces would manifest an idea of
unpredictable behavioral possibilities opposing
to predetermined instrumental activities in
ordinary public spaces. They usually take
form of sport or event and can vary from
temporary gatherings for breakfast,47 open
air cinema, playgrounds, design installations
(fig. 21) or even annual festivals. For example,
London Festival of Architecture is focusing
on reclaiming public spaces with events,
installations and temporary structures. These
activities should engage with public and invite
community for open participation.
Productive temporary activities as urban
gardening emerged from Green Guerillas
activist movement in New York. It has started
with gardening and occupation of public or
private land without permission.48 Urban
gardening is the most widespread temporary
intervention usually inspired and lead by
communities. Some urban gardening temporary
interventions like Urban Orchard (fig. 22) is
a great example of space activation where
people exchange knowledge of urban growing
as well as learn to do things themselves during
DIY workshops. Garden acts as social catalyst
46 Quentin Stevens The Ludic City: Exploring the potential of public
spaces (London, New York: Routledge, 2007) p 29.
47Peter Bishop and Lesley Williams The Temporary City
(New York: Routledge, 2012) p 109.
48 Doina Petrescu ‘Loosing control, keeping desire’ in Peter
Blundell Jones, Doina Petrescu, Jeremy Till Architecture and Par-
ticipation (London. New York : Spon Press, 2005) p 33.
38
which can fulfill recreational community needs
and is often valued as place to work, meet other
people, to socialize and to grow flowers or
vegetables.
‘The garden takes on “ the spirit” of place- a
connectedness to the built and natural world.’49
According to 2009 New Local Government
Network estimations, there is a huge demand
of allotments in UK50 indicating 100,000
people waiting on the list. This conditions
lead community gardening projects even
more successful. Urban gardening might be
achieved at very low cost and is quite flexible
form to appropriate available space. However it
success highly depends on strong community
involvement.
2.2 Public Empowerment
Residual urban spaces intersects public realm
distracting coherent urban experience. On
the other hand, they can be regarded as a
continuation of public space. If “public space
can be redefined as ‘open’ space, a space
that, whether it is private or public property,
is open to diverse use”51 than, residual urban
space could be regarded as such. It is also
reinforced with an idea of Mitchell who states
that “public spaces were only public: to the
degree that they were taken and made public.”52
So, disregarding property status it seems
that public space phenomenon is strongly
defined by people/users will and involvement
in its creation. When it comes to residual
space reactivation, the best design approach
achieving this would be empowerment. Spatial
Agency described this approach as something
pro-active allowing people to take control over
their own environment.53 The key words to
achieve this would be ‘participation’ and ‘ply’.
49 Francis Mark ‘The Urban Garden as Public Space‘ Places Vol-
ume 6, Number 1 (1989) p 53.
50Peter Bishop and Lesley Williams The Temporary City
(New York: Routledge, 2012) p 144.
51 Tom Avermaete, Klaske Havik , Hans Teerds ‘Editorial’. ‘Into
the open’. Oase #77 December (2008) p 2.
52 Don Mitchell The right to the city: social justice and the fight for
public space (New York : Guilford Press, 2003) p 142.
53 Spatial Agency
Available: http://www.spatialagency.net/database/how/
empowerment/ [16/03/2014]
In architecture, participation is related with DIY movement and hands- on experience and can be
well illustrated by projects of Walter Segal self built housing54 or Habraken55 support and infill
ideas. Both of which are emphasizing importance of active individual participation in its built
environment. It is also usually about working in the manageable scale were low-tech approach
is applicable. A design method for reactivation of residual space should seek participatory
approach to guarantee successful exploitation of space. Participation is naturally embedded in
urban gardening and also can be achieved through playful activities.
Play can take form in four different ways: competition, simulation, chance and vertigo.56 Each
of them represents different ways how the escape from instrumental everyday routine can be
achieved. Competitive ply is about testing skills and strength. Simulation ply is when people
forget their practical everyday roles pursuing act of ‘lets pretend’. Chance events create
opportunity to escape from programmed activities exposing oneself to unpredictable situations.
Whereas, vertigo is about sublime experience of environment through actions such as climbing,
jumping, squeezing into small space etc., where people are confronted to risk and loss of safe
form of movement.57
Residual spaces are niche for architectural intervention to achieve all of mentioned conditions,
boosting the sense of ownership and creating unpredictable, creative social exchange spots from
previous leftover spaces.

2.3 Up -cycling Materials

Up- cycling refers to an action where wasted material is given a new use or function of higher
quality. It is a method of recycling which does not degrade the initial composition of material
but re-invents it. The idea became especially popular now with the concepts of sustainable and
‘green’ living pursuing anti-consumerist approach. However, this phenomenon is not new and
was practiced as long as discarded materials exist. It was especially significant with “counter-
culture” movement of Hippies in late 1960s. The main focus of movement was how to sustain
free living out of formal society leftovers.58 It can be well illustrated with one of the most
influential hippie commune Drop City (fig. 23) where homes were made out of waste, mainly
scrap metal and wasted car roofs. Such phenomenon proves that one can live out of waste of the
abundant consumerist society. Level of creativity expressed by Hippie strategy towards re-using
discarded materials can inform designers about possible future function of product to serve user
after the

Fig 23. Drop City Panorama. Photo Clarck Richert

54 Peter Blundell Jones ‘ Sixty-eight and after’ in Peter Blundell Jones, Doina Petrescu, Jeremy Till Architecture and
Participation,(London. New York : Spon Press, 2005) p 93.
55 De Drager/A film about Architect John Habraken by Sonja Lüthi and Marc Schwarz. 2013
Available: http://vimeo.com/61410893 [ 15/11/2013]
56 Quentin Stevens ‘Why Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial is such a Popular Playground?’.Into the open’. Oase #77 (December, 2008) p 73.
57 Quentin Stevens ‘Why Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial is such a Popular Playground?’.Into the open’. Oase #77 (December, 2008) p 73.
58 Charles Jencks, Nathan Silver Adhocism: The Case for Improvisation (London: Secker & Warburg, 1972), pp 65-8
39
primary function is completed. This idea was tested with Alfred Heineken in collaboration with
architect John Habraken to design a beer bottle which could serve as a brick afterwards. (fig. 24)
Even though discarded materials can be re-invented in creative ways, products should be
designed with greater consideration for possible future use without need of being recycled. That
refers to the concept of cradle to cradle design described in Part1.
Up- cycling is also favored by many artists not only because it is cheap way of sourcing art but
also it is greatly about pursuing ideas and concepts with available materials. These artworks
rise awareness of consumerist society as well as delivers interesting and aesthetically pleasant
results. (fig. 27) Building with available materials is documented in “Garbage Warrior”(fig. 26)
were architect Mike Reynolds shares an idea of Earthship design.59 He has developed a method
of building off- grid house using discarded materials wherever possible such as drink cans,
glass bottles and scrap metal. Earthship design proves the value of wasted material through re-
use action. Even more, it emphasizes the idea of DIY using available and usually free of charge

59 Garbage Warrior 2007 Documentary. Directed by Oliver Hodge :Open Eye Media Ltd

FIG. 20

Fig 24. Large and small versions of

Heineken’s WOBO, designed by John
Habraken.

FIG. 21

40
materials creating a high end results.
There is good evidence that discarded materials have a potential to be up-cycled in art or
architectural interventions. To pursuit these interventions there is a need to understand waste
flow and their availability. Recyclecity initiated by 2012Architecten use a term of harvestmap
to reflect available waste materials in the area of project.60 This tool helps to maximize eco-
efficiency of project by reducing transportation cost and carbon footprint. It is also a method
towards eco-design which should be applied in up-cycling space interventions.

60 Recyclecity Online page

Available: http://www.recyclicity.org/toolsharvestmap.html [05/03/2014]

FIG. 22 FIG. 23

Fig 25. The first and only WOBO house, built in Fig 26. Earth rammed tires wall construction.
1965 near Alfred Heineken’s villa in Noordwijk, Hol- Episode from “Garbage Warrior” 2007 Documen-
land. tary. Directed by Oliver Hodge. Online Source.

FIG. 24 FIG. 25

Fig 27. Michael Johansson, ‘Self Contained‘, con- Fig 28. The Big Crunch, by Raumlabor 2011, Darm-
tainers, caravans,tractor, Volvo, pallets and refrig- stadt, Germany
erators, 2010

41
Part 3
CASE STUDIES

3.1 Case studies selection

3.2 The Place of Giant, Paris
3.3 Folly for a Flyover, London
3.4 Temporary Amusement Park, Lima
3.5 Open- Air Library, Magdeburg
3.6 ECObox, Paris
3.7 Evaluation & Recommendations

42
3.1 Case studies selection

Ideas of place creation, public

empowerment and materials up-
cycling can all be combined and
achieved in the form of architectural
intervention resulting in residual
space reactivation. Chosen case
studies represents architectural
collectives who have a public interest
and seek active public involvement in
projects delivery. Some practices like
Basurama or Atelier d’architecture
autogérée (aaa) has developed the
whole framework of project approach
Fig. 29 R-URBAN is a bottom-up strategy of urban resilience involving
driven by public participation the creation of a network of locally closed ecological cycles linking a
and waste re-using. For instance, series of fields of urban activities (i.e., economy, habitat, mobility, urban
Basurama’s main focus is to re-use agriculture, culture) and using land reversibly. Project is active since
and to raise public awareness of 2012.More info: http://r-urban.net/( Image: by (aaa))
waste and consumption through
series of interventions, public art From up to down
Fig. 30 ‘Trans Trash: Understanding waste streams.’ (Boston)
and workshops. (fig. 30, 31) While Inside the inflatable structure with re-used plastic bag made during the
architecture collective Atelier workshop ‘How to make inflatables in 8 steps: Cut + Paste + Inflate +
d’architecture autogérée (aaa) Dive celebrate ‘ (Photo by Basurama)
could be described as a platform for Fig. 31 Outside the inflatable structure. This simple reinvention of waste
collaborative research and actions on became as engaging and playful social catalyst.( Photo: by Basurama)
city. Their main focus is on creating
self-managed systems, where local
residents take over the control of their
own environment. (fig. 29 )
Case studies selection was based on
concept of ‘up-cycling space’ stated
in the previous parts and contain the
main components of residual space,
community participation and low-
tech approach re- using discarded
materials. Also, each case study has
a unique site conditions and methods
dealing with residual space. Close
investigation of case studies has
given an opportunity to reflect what
can be learned from each scenario.
Moreover, cross linking examples of
cases studies and evaluating them
against set criteria of affordability,
life span, construction time, public
engagement and reactivated area
has helped to determine the most
viable approach of residual space
reactivation. This study informs how
effectively to approach the Stalled
Spaces project in Glasgow - ‘Mobile
Lands’.
43
 3.2 The Place of Giant

Gehl pointed out that when the quality of outdoor space is desirable, not only
necessary activities but also optional activities take place there.61 Obviously, it
should be a desirable aim in all public space projects. There is good evidence
Key data that Collectif Etc with participation of local residents turned a vacant land in
Protagonists: Collectif Saint-Étienne into desirable place to stay.
Etc, artists, commu-
nity members
City: Saint-Étienne
The site is situated on the intersection of Ferdinand and Cugnot Street and used
Country: France to be a location for petrol station which was demolished due to the future estate
Year: 2011 development on the site. The plans were not realized, and the site became as
Area: 700 m2 between space in the old city environment serving only cars. Collectif Etc were
Cost: 30,000 €
commissioned to reactivate the space by the City Council under the program
of ‘urban renewal’. The proposal of Collectif Etc was called “Embracing Change
”working with people for the realization of the public space, and use the time
of construction of four weeks, exchange and involve the population in the long
term.’ 62 First strategic moves which were done , before the site was open for
public participation, were presentations for local authorities, residents and
stakeholders to share the idea of project and its aims. In addition, the online
blog63 was opened to record every day progress on site and to spread the
information about the project in wider city context. The concept of design was to
resemble the future housing plan on ground and section on adjoining building.
Also, artistic interventions were done around the site in city inviting people to
build the square themselves. A good promotion and the diversity of activities
offered on site during construction period, attracted variety of people from
diverse backgrounds to take part in shaping the public square.
A series of public workshops were run by architects to appropriate the site
according to the designated plan. Different age and occupations local people
were engaged in: wall painting, the gardening and carpentry workshops. One
member of Collectif Etc noted that it was a great experience to act on the space
everybody shares. 64 The wall painting done by street artists Ella&Pitr created the
identity of square making it a desirable destination not only for local people.

Lesson learned:
-Make community aware about the project before it starts
-Involve community in the project from the very first day
-Use benefits offered by residual site
-Share and track information about happening activities online
-Provide workshops of DIY furniture and gardening
-Collaborate with artists creating identity of space

61 Jan Gehl Life Between Buildings (2nd ed. London: Island Press, 2011)
62 Collectif Etc, ‘Embracing change!
Available : http://www.collectifetc.com/place-au-changement-chantier/ [04/01/2014]
63 Collectif Etc blog to record work progress
Available: http://placeauchangement.site40.net/index.php [04/01/2014]
64 Collectif Etc (2012) Interview as part of the placemaking series published in ecosistemaurbano.org
Available: http://vimeo.com/36268364 [04/01/2014]

32

33 34

Fig. 32 Residual urban

space before interven-
tion.(Photo: Collectif
Etc)
Fig. 33 Signs on
abandonment building
facades rising pass-
ersby awareness about
regeneration of residual
neighborhood space.
(Photo: Collectif Etc)
Fig. 34 Carpentry
workshop on site lead
by architects and local
residents.
(Photo: Collectif Etc)
Fig. 35 The Place of Gi-
ant after work comple-
tion- new square in the
neighborhood. (Photo:
Collectif Etc)
35
45
 3.3 Folly for a Flyover

Folly for a Flyover is a beautiful example of how the space bellow can be up-
cycled providing multiple programs. The site is situated under the motorway
flyover near the River Lea. The structure served as cinema and performances
Key data stage for 6 weeks in the evenings as a part of Create festival with ticketed
Protagonists: As- entrance. While during day time people could access the structure free of charge
semble, volunteers and spend time in the coffee shop, participate in the workshops or other events
City: London
as well as to row in the canal in boats and canoes.
Country: UK
Year:2011
Cost: £20,000 Assemble erected structure with a help of volunteers during the period of one
month where they used mainly reclaimed, donated or recycled materials. For
instance, the terrazzo floor was donated from nearby factory and wooden bricks
were made from reclaimed timber which came from Ashwell’s timber yard. The
dry technique of connecting bricks with ropes through drilled holes allowed
structure to be quickly demountable and re-usable. One of the biggest costs was
renting the scaffolding to hold the structure.65

The project was delivered as playful event space in unexpected environment. It

attracted over 20,0000 visitors during the period of operation. It has consumerist
approach method which attracted people for cinema screening and coffee shop
visit. Paid entrance to movies denies idea of public space, limiting amount of
participants. However, collected money was used to cover expenses of the
project. Paloma Strelitz a member of Assemble hopes that this intervention will
have a long –term effect in the future on people awareness about the potential
of these spaces. 66

Lesson learned:

-Use benefits offered by residual site

-Resource local supplies for reclaimed or second hand materials
-Find volunteers to help pursuit your concept
-Explore the techniques of building to provide quickly demountable and re-usable
structure
-Consider paid entrance to cover cost of project

65 Naomi O’Leary (2011)‘ Folly for a Flyover: Pop-up architecture’

Available : http://www.ideastap.com/IdeasMag/all-articles/folly-for-a-flyover-piece [23/12/2013]
66 Naomi O’Leary (2011)‘ Folly for a Flyover: Pop-up architecture’
Available : http://www.ideastap.com/IdeasMag/all-articles/folly-for-a-flyover-piece [23/12/2013]
36

37

38 39

Fig. 36 Site- motorway

flyover.
(Photo: Planning Re-
source)
Fig. 37 Wooden bricks
from reclaimed tim-
ber. (Photo: Planning
Resource)
Fig. 38 In the evening
structure serves as
seating for watching
cinema and as enclosed
gathering space. (Photo:
Assemble)
Fig. 39 View to Folly
from motorway.(Photo:
Assemble)
Fig. 40 During daytime
structure serves as
cafe space. (Photo: As-
semble)
40
47
 3.4 Temporary Amusement Park

Amusement Park in Lima also known as ‘Ghost Train’ Park was completed by
non-profit practice based in Spain called Basurama as a part of RUS67 projects
in Latin America. Work of Basurama is focusing on understanding the issue
Key data of urban solid waste and learning how to re- use it in a creative way, what is
Protagonists: Ba- delivered through workshops, urban interventions, art works etc. The work
surama, local artists, framework developed by Basurama on RUS projects reveals what actions were
architecture students
taken as well as what actors were involved to generate the project.
City: Lima
Country: Peru
The’ Ghost Train’ Park illustrates how the residual space below is up-cycled
Year: 2010 using local waste. The first step of the project was to create a harvestmap
Area: 1 mile long to understand the location of available waste materials around the site of
stretch of elevated proposed project. The initial design idea was to build a playground from wasted
train overpass
car parts was left behind due to the high cost of material. Eventually, only car
Cost: € 1,500
tires were used to deliver the project, which were available free of charge in the
neighborhoods.
A series of workshops were held off site (in centre of culture) by Basurama to
erect the structure with a help of volunteers and local artists. It took two days
to build a structure on site before it was open to public use. However, it did not
last long, as the structure was demolished after one week, even though it was
intended to stand for a month.

Lesson learned:

- Create a harvestmap to indicate the location of available materials source

- Be flexible with design idea
- Collaborate with local artists and residents to pursuit the project

Fig. 41 Site before inter-

vention
( Photo: Basurama)
Fig. 42 Engaging play-
ground from tires
( Photo: Basurama)
Fig. 43 Net for climbing
from old tires ( Photo:
Basurama)
Fig. 44 Structure below
serves as playground
from reclaimed tires.
( Photo: Basurama)

67 Mazón, R., P. Basurama: a framework for designing collectively with waste. R+R 2013 Reclaim and Remake
International Symposium, (Washington, DC. 11-13 April 2013)
Available: http://basurama.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/130325_Pablo-Rey-Mazon_Basurama-a-frame-
work-for-designing-collectively-with-waste_p.pdf [23/12/2013]
41

42

43 44
49
 3.5 Open- Air- Library

This project represents how temporary intervention was shifted to permanent

built form lead by community enthusiasm.
Former void site is situated in the district of Salbke at the intersection of two
Key data: commercial streets and a residential street. The site was occupied by library
Protagonists: building before and after it burned down it was never rebuilt. However, in the
Salbke BÜrgerverein
collective memory of residents it was a significant part of city cultural life.
(Citizens’ Group),
Salbke Primary
School, Aktion Even though, former library site was considered for renewal by the City Council ,
Musik e.V., Karo with there were no funding available and architects initiated a participative workshop
with residents on site where potential library model at 1:1 scale was built from
donated beer crates by local beverage retailer.( fig. 46) Empty book shelves
were filled with books generously donated by residents. For two days temporary
intervention served as a stage for poetry festival and after disassembling, it
had a lasting effect as the informal library was established by citizens group.
Donated books were kept in the sales room adjoining the site and during the
period of year the amount of donated books increased significantly. It shows an
enthusiasm and willingness of residents as well as a need to have a space to
serve as a social catalyst in the form of library in the site.
During the planning period Burgerverein (Citizens’ Group) as well as primary
school, a youth club and the congregation of local church were involved in
the development of concept through collaborative work and discussions with
architects.
Citizens’ participative role had a huge impact on implemented façade material
which is made from re-used façade of modernist department store fig. 47).
Today the library is operating 24 hours and is free to borrow and bring the books
creating this continuing participation and engaging local residents. ‘It is a library
of trust’68 . It is used on daily basis not only for reading and relaxing but also as
a stage for cultural events.
The project is an experiment testing the maturity of community. Minimal
vandalism is apparent due to the fact, that residents invested money and were
involved in the project from the very beginning.

Lesson learned:

-Investigate the history of residual site in relation to the community around

-Test communities desire in a form of short term installations
-Involve community participation in the form of consultation in order to specify
certain design moves
-Investigate local resources for reclaimed materials

68 Stefan Rettich ‘ Salbke District Library, Magdeburg’ in Philipp Oswalt, Klaus Overmeyer, Philipp Misselwitz
Urban Catalyst: The Power of Temporary Use (Berlin: DOM publishers, 2013) p 316.
45 46

47 48

Fig. 45 Site before inter-

vention
( Photo: Anja Schla-
mann)
Fig. 46 Mock-up for
open air library. Over a
thousand beer crates
were used to construct
a 1:1 scale model on
the definitive location.
This was the venue for
a small two-day reading
and poetry festival.(Pho-
to: Anja Schlamann)
Fig. 47 Shopping mall
which facade was
reclaimed to construct
open- air library.
( Photo : Karo archi-
tects)
Fig. 48 Facade module
(Photo: Karo architects)
Fig. 49 Open- Air Library
after work completion.
New catalyst in the
neighborhood.
49 ( Photo: Karo architects)

51
 3.6 ECObox

ECObox was initiated and curated by non-profit practice Atelier Architecture

Key data
Autogeree, who decided to act on their living environment not only from the
Protagonists: Atelier perspective as being architects but also as residents and users of every day
Architecture Autoger- space they share with neighbors. The main goal of ECObox is to encourage
ee (aaa team),artists, residents to act on their living environment by approaching residual sites and
students, community
transforming them into collective exchange spheres.
City: Paris, area of
La Chapelle
Country: France Area of La Chapelle surrounded by railway tracks and underused sites was
Year: 2001 striving to be reactivated. ECObox started with resident’s consultation and
Cost: €55,000 per 5 discussion what temporary activities can fill residual sites. ‘Post it’ board
years/ €100,000 value
was used to collect ideas from residents varying in age, social and cultural
of voluntary work per
5 years
backgrounds. Summarizing research the concept of ECObox emerged as a
demountable garden from wooden pallets and other recycled materials in the
site owned by Railway Company. Residents were creating habitable surface
from wooden pallets of pathways and holes, which needed to be in filled by
individual resident with plants. An idea of being a part of bigger creation gives
user a sense of ownership. Later the project evolved through adding movable
modules of kitchen, library, media library and tool box which accompany the
following activities such as cooking, radio broadcasting, debating and chatting.
It fosters people to greater social exchange and space appropriation. Mobile
modules are powerful tools coming out from everyday experience and being
able to be identified with different backgrounds and ages of people.

The demountable structure gave an opportunity to be relocated to another site

after being evicted by the government, while keeping the same established
social values between its users.
The success of the project depends on community’s ability to act cooperatively
towards desire.’ Community desires are geared neither to profit- generation
nor for urban functionality, but something else that is not predictable and
conducts itself everyday with everyone participating.’69 The self- managed
model of residual space reactivation is quite a complex system involving
multiple players and desires which only can work with responsive and initiative
community.

Lesson learned:

-Create open discussion in the form of consultations with local people to define
dominating desires
-Design flexible, mobile, cheap and manageable system which is able to re-activate
diversity of spaces
-Consider modular design
-Foster activities familiar to people everyday experiences and needs
-Consider urban gardening as main attraction idea

69 Doina Petrescu ‘Loosing control, keeping desire’ in Peter Blundell Jones, Doina Petrescu, Jeremy Till
Architecture and Participation (London. New York : Spon Press, 2005) p 33.
50

FIG. 40

Fig. 50 ECObox garden

from pallets. Creates a
new habitable surface in
gap site.( Photo: aaa)
Fig. 51 ECObox garden
as catalyst for commu-
nity gatherings. Garden
with movable modules
supports variety of
activities and events.
51 ( Photo: aaa)

53
Evaluation & Recommendations
Reactivation of residual space is a process
which involves diversity stakeholders, where
proactive collaboration of all parties is the
guarantee of successful project realization.
The analysis of case studies has shown that
in order to implement the project with long
term lasting results there is a need to consider
following things.
First of all it is important to investigate
residual site’s history, conditions and its
offered possibilities as it may restrict or
assist in the design process. It is evident
in the first case study- ‘The place of Giant’,
where the adjoining building wall was used
for artists painting which even distinguished
the identity of place. Also, the residual site
nature informed the design in the project of
‘The Temporary Amusement Park’ as swings
and climbing frames where fixed to elevated
train overpass. Whereas in ‘Folly for a Flyover’
the space below created shelter and was
utilized for films screening. In the example of
‘Open- Air Library’ there is a good evidence for
collective memory which is embedded in the
residual site. Quentin Steven emphasizes that
the previously built form retains the historical
depths of social behavior patterns.70 It simply
has defined the success of the project as the
community was highly initiative and involved
in its development pursuing the previous
function of site as a social catalyst in the
neighborhood.
Than, it is important to track the location
and availability of discarded materials for
project realization. Harvestmap could be seen
as useful tool to determine that. However,
the decision on materials is also greatly
influenced on available funding, project brief
and aimed aesthetics. For instance, the
initial idea of using wasted car parts in the
‘Temporary Amusement Park’ was refused due
to the high cost of it.
Next, very significant step to consider, is
the level of public participation in project’s
delivery. The analysis has shown that
community involvement leads to longer
term results establishing new level of
understanding about architects role and users
70 Quentin Stevens The Ludic City: Exploring the potential of pub-
lic spaces (London, New York: Routledge, 2007) p 13. (London. New York : Spon Press, 2005) p 9.
54
creating their built environment. Participative
design approach can be understood as
voluntary labor work helping to achieve the
set design goals by architects or it can also be
defined as working in collaboration with public
to set certain design goals and achieve them
afterwards.
Short term event projects like ‘Folly for a
Flyover’ which offer commodity can be
achieved with voluntary labor work where
people get hands-on experience, but where the
purpose of built structure is not primarily to
serve the participants who built it. However,
if the project intends to have longer term
result and aims to be used by community
serving neighborhoods with specific function
a different approach framework needs to
considered.
It is important to establish a bond between the
place and prospective users allowing them to
design their environment as ‘neighborhoods
and buildings planned ‘for’ the users decay,
as the users not having participated in their
planning are unable to appropriate them and
therefore have no reason to defend them.‘ 71
A good example of public involvement creating
stronger social connection within community
and inhabited residual spaces is evident in
the case studies of ‘The Place of Giant’ and ‘
ECObox’. The success of ‘The Place of Giant’
was defined by several reasons. First, it was
well promoted within neighborhood. Secondly,
it provided workshops which empowered better
appropriation of place. Third, all workshops
and other organized activities were held on site
that created permeability between passersby
and events happening on site attracting more
potential users. In contrast, the workshops of
‘The Amusement Park’ project took place off
site loosing this opportunity to familiarize and
involve more local people in the process. That
resulted in unexpected dismantle of structure
before stated date. In the case of ‘ECObox’ a
unique approach of self-managed network was
achieved through continuous consultation with
local residents. It is the most users orientated
approach, which aims to reactivate more than
one residual site at once. However it is hard to
be achieved and maintained due to diversity
71 Giancarlo De Carlo ‘Architecture’s public’ in Peter Blundell
Jones, Doina Petrescu, Jeremy Till Architecture and Participation
Reactivated Area-reactivated site area in m2 ECObox
Affordability- cost of project in £ Folly for a Flyover
Construction Time- project delivery time on site Open- Air Library
Life Span- time of project being on site- reactivating residual space The Place of Giant
Public Engagement- level of public involvement in the project delivery Temporary Amusement Park

Fig. 52 Web graph. Comparison of case studies.( Author’s image)

opinions and stakeholders involved in the process which also slows down the development of
project.

The graph (fig. 52 ) shows that the most viable residual space reactivation is the approach
delivered by aaa members in ECObox project. It is clear that construction time, reactivated area
and affordability are interrelated factors defined by complexity and chosen materials usage in
structure. It suggests design which is mobile, easy to construct and dismantle as well as can
be sourced effortless locally. ( tyres, wooden pallets etc.) The ultimate life span of project can
be achieved either it is a permanent structure as Open-Air Library or if there was established a
sufficient social bond within community in the delivery stage of project as in the example of ‘The
place of Giant’.

To sum up, there could be distinguished six steps in order to up-cycle space:

1. To choose residual urban site

2. To investigate its history and site conditions
3. To create harvestmap, locate and investigate available materials sources
4. To investigate possible future activities
5. To promote project within community and media
6. To proceed work on site with help of local community through series of workshops
55
RE-ACTIVATE

RE-CONNECT

RE-USE

Fig. 53 Up-cycling space recommendations. (Author’s image)

56
57
58
Part4
TESTBED IN GLASGOW

5.1 Place Making Glasgow. Stalled Spaces

5.2 Site Scenario

59
5.1 Place Making Glasgow. Stalled Spaces
Glasgow as post- industrial city has the
greatest amount of vacant sites than the
rest Scotland put together. Vacant site is
described as unused land which is awaiting
for future redevelopment. Whereas derelict
land due to past damage of development
needs to be rehabilitated before any further
developments can take place.72
Since 2010 to tackle the problem of vacant
sites and to improve communities well-
being Glasgow City Council in partnership
with Glasgow Housing Association has been
running a project called Stalled Spaces.
The initiative’s main focus is temporary
redevelopment of underutilized sites giving an
opportunity for local communities to re-shape
their environment. It funds diversity of projects
such as communal gardens, playgrounds,
out-door exercise space, outdoor education,
public art project, event space or any other
innovative project which would benefit local
community and environment embracing social
interaction and public engagement. There is a
funding available varying from the minimum of
£1000 to maximum of £2,500 for each project
to realize. The Stalled Spaces initiative has
been very successful since its establishment
and during a period of 2011-2012 it brought
over 12 hectares of land into temporary use
involving participation of hundreds of citizens
in the renewal of urban tissue. Innovative
and successful Stalled Spaces scheme even
was nominated Award in the 2013 City to City
Barcelona FAD ( Fostering Arts and Design)
73
The initiative is built around the central
tenet that place and space have an impact on
health and wellbeing and that individual action
to improve lifestyle or health are likely to be
constrained by the environmental and socio-
economic contexts in which they take place.
Glasgow City Council has indicated 41 incivility
gap sites(fig. 54) which have categories of low
and recommended priority to be reactivated
72 The Scottish Government page.
Available: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/ArtsCultureSport/
Sport/MajorEvents/Glasgow-2014/Commonwealth-games/Indi-
cators/S8 [12/02/2014]
73 BBC News
Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-
west-22798662 [01/02/2014]
60
through temporary use in city preparation for
upcoming 2014 Commonwealth Games which
will be held in Glasgow. My participation in
one of gap sites urban activation projects
‘Mobile Lands’ coordinated by Dr Cristian Suau
gives an opportunity to evaluate the site and
strategic design development movements
according ‘up- cycling space’ recommendations
got after research and cases studies analysis.
‘Mobile Lands’ design proposals are defined by
mobile urban gardening units with maximum
flexibility to be moved out of the site if needed.
Currently a team of five is involved in the
development of Cathcart Road- Greek Thomson
gap site.74 The concept of design should also
fulfill the following ideas of :
Re- activate
- Historic landmark building
- Introduce Glasgow history
- Awareness
Re- connect
- Industrial Area
- Residential Area
- Tradition/ New Communication
Re- Use
- Industrial Materials,
- Recycled Materials/ recycling centers
5.2 Site Scenario
Historic background
Gap site is located in the historic place of
Caledonian Road Church designed by Alexander
Thomson and occupies the space of former
tenements. Caledonia Road Church was built in
1856 but in the 1950 and 60s the congregation
dwindled as neighboring tenements in
Glasgow’s Gorbals were demolished. The site
with A grade listed church is empty for more
than 40 years, however Alexander Thomson
Society has prepared plans to redevelop the
site creating three galleries, a public study area
where Thomson material can be accessed, a
cafe, meeting rooms and apartments which
would be used to host the tourist. The green
space in future plans is mainly supposed to
serve as car park.75
74 Team members: Laura Petruskeviciute, Paulina Naruseviciute,
Cinzia Scandurra, Elena Pastranagoya, Tsvetomila Duncheva
 Fig. 54 Incivility gaps indicated by Glasgow City Council.( Author’s image)

Fig. 55 Cathcart Road- Greek Thomson gap site. (Author’s image) Fig. 56 Caledonian Road church 1970(Photo: Gushet-
fauld)

Fig. 57 Site. Indication of possible activities on site based on site conditions.

(Author’s image)

61
62
Evaluation of site conditions
Gap site could be described as residual between space which is the result of former building
demolition. Although, it is positioned next to historically important church ruins it does not have
a strong connection with local community which is relatively new after former Gorbals tenements
where demolished. Also, the site is located in the intersection of three busy roads which makes it
rather disconnected from surroundings. The East boundary of site is facing disused railway line
which vaults and walls could be re-used as storage, screening or artwork spaces.

Materials/Harvestmap
Created harvestmap indicates four operating recycling centres which can provide the same
composition of discarded materials indicated in the Part1. Besides recycling centres, map also
indicates beer crates and wooden pallets suppliers. In general, site is located in quite close
proximity of possible discarded materials source. Polmadie Recycling Centre and West Beer
Brewery are within 2km distance from gap site whereas pallets supply is 4km away. Also, pallets
can be collected off street from small retailers before they are dumped.

Activities/Proposals
Proposed activities and how they will be implemented on site are highly dependent on defined
project life span. If the project intends to engage community for long term than it is essential to
make aware and involve local residents in the process of project delivery. By doing this, stronger
social bond and appreciation of project will be created within prospective users. If it is short term
event space it can be implemented with helps of volunteers who are not necessarily from local
surroundings. Short term activation project is more likely to succeed as it is hard to reconnect
residual site with community for longer period of time if the community is not proactive.

After evaluating available materials against construction techniques and complexity to proceed
‘mobile land’ structures, wooden pallets or beer crates seem to be the most efficient way to go
with. The activities are partly predefined by brief as it should fulfill urban growing idea. However
besides that, our team also investigated other activities which would rise the level of playability,
engagement, interaction and social exchange. We are aiming to create interactive herbal garden
while introducing different components in the green space tissue. Indicated components:
[Garden Unit] combined with [Tea House] unit will represent different kind of herbs and will allow
to explore users its medical value and taste in the tea house.
[Wall Garden] is movable structure with plants which could also be used as seat to serve different
needs on site.
[Railway Theatre ] in vault space below disused railway can be used for screening. Also, we
indicate that brick wall facing the site should act as [Artist Wall] where local or invited artists
would help to shape the identity of site.

Proposed components construction possibly can take place on site as there is sufficient storage
place to keep tools overnight in adjoining gated church ruins. Work on site would make aware of
project passersby and local residents.
Moreover, different workshops of gardening and carpentry should be provided teaching people
DIY methods of making objects from available materials.

Next step in design development involves calculation of proposal cost to evaluate against given
funding from Stalled Spaces that may re-shape the proposal or require looking for additional
funding possibilities. Also, depending on defined life span of project, actions needs to be taken to
make local community aware about the proposal.
Fig. 58 Harvestmap. It indicates location of discarded materials
source in 8km radius from gap site. (Author’s image)

75 Scotcities by Gerald Blaikie

Available: http://www.scotcities.com/thomson/ [30/03/2014]
63
Proposed mobile components such as [Garden Unit], [Wall Garden] and [Tea House] have the
flexibility to be moved out of the site and reactivate almost any other incivility gap indicate in
the map. However, the success of project highly depends if it has sufficient amount of proactive
community around.

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Fig. 59 Activation units (Author’s image)

65
Bibliography
Books
-Awan, N. Schneider, T. and Till, J. (2011) Spatial
Agency: Other ways of Doing Architecture. New
York: Routledge
- Bishop,P. and Williams, L (2012) The
Temporary City New York: Routledge
- Gehl, Jan (2011). Life Between Buildings. 2nd
ed. London: Island Press.
- Koolhaas, Rem. Mau, Bruce. (1995) S,M,L,XL.
Rotterdam: 010 Publishers.
- Lynch,Kevin.(1960) The image of the city.
Cambridge, Mass. : M.I.T. Press.
- Tristan Manco (2012) Raw+ Material=
Art: Found,Scavenged and Upcycled.
London:Thames & Hudson
-Calvino, Italo. (1997) Invisible Cities. London :
Vintage.
-Franck, Karen A., Stevens, Quentin.(2007)
Loose Space: Diversity and Possibility in Urban
Life, New York: Routledge.
-Hou, Jefrey. (2010) Insurgent Public
Space: Guerrilla Urbanism and Remaking of
Contemporary Cities. London: Routledge.
-Jencks, Charles. Silver, Nathan. (1972)
Adhocism: The Case for Improvisation. London:
Secker & Warburg.
-Lascelles M. 2011 The Union Street Urban
Orchard: A Case Study of Creative Interim Use.
Architecture Foundation
-Marc Auge; translated by John Howe. (1995)
‘Non- places: introduction to an anthropology of
supermodernity’, London: Verso
-Mitchell,Don(2003) The right to the city: social
justice and the fight for public space New York :
66
Fig. 60 Preliminary proposal of design for ‘Mobile Lands’ , Stalled Spaces (Author’s image)

67
Part 5
Conclusion: a method of up- cycling space

This part will review and summarise the dissertation research which was carried out in four
phases. The first phase was about identifying problem and giving it contextual and theoretical
grounding through literature review and mapping of residual sites. Phase two research
investigated methods of solving the problem based on examples in practice in addition to
literature review. In phase three, relevant case study analysis was carried out. It provided an
opportunity to evaluate and reflect on different methods of space activation and it also gave an
opportunity to create design recommendations for space up- cycling . This research informed
how effectively to approach a live project of Stalled Spaces in Glasgow ‘Mobile Lands’.

The identified phenomenon of waste in current society can be understood as waste of space,
waste of public realm and waste of materials, where residual space activation is the trigger to
regenerate the rest. Vast amounts of residual spaces penetrates the tissue of modern cities
appearing in different sizes and types, breaking up the coherent urban experience. They effect
human well being creating alienation with space due to its undefined nature. Also, changed
pattern of public space use requires a different approach of its creation while giving an
opportunity for its users to take ownership of space. Up-cycling space would foster a user’s
initiative to take care of the place, as well as creates the need to use it. Gap spaces have a great
potential to be the platforms for community empowerment while giving an opportunity for user
to be responsible of creating genius loci with low- tech eco-design structures reusing discarded
materials. This concept refers to the regenerative design approach of cradle-to-cradle which aims
to create a waste free system. There is good evidence of discarded materials’ potential to be up-
cycled in art or architecture. The eco- design strategy of using discarded materials to build the
structures benefits against convention as it reduces carbon, water and slavery footprints which
are matters of global environmental impact.

Successful reactivation of residual space refers to place creation. Ill-defined space is given a
new identity and it can be achieved through temporary activities. The reactivation strategy of
temporary use is the most applicable due to the nature of the urban gap sites which are often
waiting for future redevelopment. Interim activities that are consumerist, playful and productive
could be applied to reactivate the spaces according to site conditions and need. Another
important factor is the participatory role of community in project delivery which should also
provide a high level of playability.

Analysis of case studies enhanced reflection on design approaches used by different

architecture collectives in order to reactivate residual space. It also gave an opportunity to
evaluate and compare various methods allowing to establish design recommendations in the
end. It is clear that the most viable reactivation method is defined by affordability, reactivated

68
 area, life span, public engagement and construction time. It should be easy to construct mobile
structures which are made from available, locally-sourced materials and techniques as well as
involve public participation in all design stages.
Further research will inform of actions in the ‘Mobile lands’ project which is aiming to create eco-
design structures made from available materials reactivating incivility gaps through temporary,
productive and playful activities. The proposed herbal garden aims to act as a social catalyst in
neighbourhoods which will allow society to engage, educate and be the place to recreate.

In conclusion, up-cycling space is a method which is about re-using locally-sourced, discarded

materials in an eco- design approach, empowering public participation in order to reactivate the
residual site. This method of approach offers an abundance of potential in the modern city.

69
Part 6
Bibliography
Books

Auge M., Non- places: introduction to an anthropology of supermodernity (London: Verso,1995)

Awan, N., Schneider T. & Till J., Spatial Agency: Other ways of Doing Architecture (New York: Routledge,
2011)

Bishop P. & Williams L., The Temporary City (New York: Routledge, 2012)

Calvino I., Invisible Cities ( London: Vintage, 1997)

Edited book. Franck K. & Stevens Q. Loose Space: Diversity and Possibility in Urban Life (New York:
Routledge, 2007)

Edited book. Hou J., Insurgent Public Space: Guerrilla Urbanism and Remaking of Contemporary Cities
(London: Routledge, 2010)

Gehl J., Life Between Buildings (2nd ed. London: Island Press, 2011)

Jacobs J. The Death and life of great American cities (London: Jonathan Cape, 1962)

Jencks C., Silver N., Adhocism: The Case for Improvisation (London: Secker & Warburg, 1972)

Koolhaas R. & Mau B., S,M,L,XL (Rotterdam: 010 Publishers, 1995)

Lascelles M., The Union Street Urban Orchard: A Case Study of Creative Interim Use (Architecture Foundation,
2011)

Lynch K., The image of the city (Cambridge, Mass. : M.I.T. Press, 1960)

McDonough W. & Braungart M. Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things (New York: Nort Point
Press, 2002)

Mitchell D. The right to the city: social justice and the fight for public space (New York : Guilford Press, 2003)

Stevens Q. The Ludic City: Exploring the potential of public spaces (London, New York: Routledge, 2007)

Trancik R. Finding Lost Space: Theories of Urban Design (New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1986)

Tristan M., Raw+ Material= Art: Found,Scavenged and Upcycled (London:Thames & Hudson, 2012)

Chapter in edited book

Blundell P. J., ‘ Sixty-eight and after’ in Peter Blundell Jones, Doina Petrescu, Jeremy Till Architecture and
Participation (London. New York : Spon Press, 2005) pp 90-102.

De Carlo G., ‘Architecture’s public’ in Peter Blundell Jones, Doina Petrescu, Jeremy Till Architecture and
Participation (London. New York : Spon Press, 2005) pp 1-14.

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Petrescu D., ‘Loosing control, keeping desire’ in Peter Blundell Jones, Doina Petrescu, Jeremy Till
Architecture and Participation (London. New York : Spon Press, 2005) pp 30-47.

Rettich S. ‘ Salbke District Library, Magdeburg’ in Philipp Oswalt, Klaus Overmeyer, Philipp Misselwitz
Urban Catalyst: The Power of Temporary Use (Berlin: DOM publishers, 2013) pp 316-19.

Villagomez E., ‘Claiming residual spaces in the heterogeneous city’. In: Jeffrey Hou Insurgent Public Space.
Guerrilla Urbanism and the Remaking of Contemporary Cities (London: Routledge, 2010) pp 81-95.

Articles
Appleton J., ‘The end of Public Space’ The Architectural Review, issue number 1404, Volume CCXXXV,
(February 2014) p 18.

Avermaete T., Havik K., Teerds H. ‘Editorial’. ‘Into the open’. Oase #77 December (2008) pp 43-57.

Brill M., ‘An Ontology for Exploring Urban Public Life Today‘, Places, Volume 6, Number 1 (1989)
pp 24-31.

Chidister M., ‘PUBLIC PLACES, PRIVATE LIVES: Plazas and the Broader Public.‘Places. Volume 6, Number
1(1989) p 35.

Koolhas R., Junk Space (2001)

Available: http://www.cavvia.net/junkspace/ [ 10/11/2013]

Lehmann S., ‘Urban growth and waste management optimization towards ‘zero waste city’ City, Culture and
Society 2.(2011)

Mark F., ‘The Urban Garden as Public Space‘ Places Volume 6, Number 1 (1989) p 53

Ruoppila S., ‘Eastern European cities in the making - temporary land use as a tool for cultural projects
’Journal for Northeast Issues, 3 (2004), pp 24-6.
Available: http://www.kaupunkikettu.fi/temporary2004.html [ 10/11/ 2013]

Slessor C., ‘Editorial View’ The Architectural Review, Issue number 1404, Volume CCXXXV, (February 2014)
p 13.

Stevens Q., ‘ Why Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial is such a Popular Playground?’.Into the open’. Oase #77
(December 2008) pp 71- 80.

Winterbottom D., ‘Residual Space Re-evaluated’ Places 13,3 (2000) pp 40- 7.

Films
Garbage Warrior 2007 Documentary. Directed by Oliver Hodge :Open Eye Media Ltd

Stalker . 1979. Film. Directed by A. Tarkovsky .163 min. Soviet Union

Internet Blogs

L. Petruskeviciute & P. Naruseviciute Urban restart

http://urbanrestart.wordpress.com/ [30/12/2013]

T.Caine ‘Recycling vs. Upcycling: What is the difference?’ Intercon, (February 17, 2010 )
http://intercongreen.com/2010/02/17/recycling-vs-upcycling-what-is-the-difference/ [01/04/2014]

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Thesis

Philip David Henshaw, ‘ An Exploration into the Potential for Strategies of ‘Temporary Urbanism’ to Re-
activate Shrinking Territories in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales’ (Cardiff University, Architecture & Urban
Design, 2012)

Papers

European Commission Eco- design brochure.

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sustainable-business/ecodesign/files/brochure_ecodesign_
en.pdf [ 16/03/2014]

Glasgow City Council Waste Strategy 2009

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=11089&p=0 [01/04/2014]

Stalled Spaces Handbook

Available: http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=13597&p=0 [30/12/2013]

Internet

Spatial Agency
Available: http://www.spatialagency.net/database/how/empowerment/ [16/03/2014]

Online English Dictionary

http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/163583?rskey=UXki5g&result=1&isAdvanced=false#eid [06/02/14]

Refuse and Recycling Collection Service. Glasgow City Council Page

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4597 [ 14/02/14]

Recyclecity
http://www.recyclicity.org/toolsharvestmap.html [05/03/2014]

The Scottish Government

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/ArtsCultureSport/Sport/MajorEvents/Glasgow-2014/Commonwealth-
games/Indicators/S8 [12/02/2014]

BBC News ‘Glasgow Stalled Spaces scheme wins international award’ ( 6 June 2013)
Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-22798662 [01/02/2014]

Scotcities ‘Alexander Greek Thomson, Architect’

http://www.scotcities.com/thomson/ [30/03/2014]

The Place of Giant

Collectif Etc - architects online page

http://www.collectifetc.com/place-au-changement-chantier/ [04/01/2014]

Collectif Etc blog

http://placeauchangement.site40.net/index.php [04/01/2014]

Public Space
http://www.publicspace.org/en/works/g027-place-au-changement [ 04/01/2014]

Archdaily- online magazine

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http://www.archdaily.com/179874/place-au-changement-public-plaza-collectif-etc/placeauchangement_
collectifetc_drawing/ [14/12/2013]

Inhabitat- online magazine

http://inhabitat.com/saint-etienne-residents-transform-wasteland-into-public-square-and-garden/place-
au-changement-collectif-etc-1/ [14/12/2013]

Folly for a Flyover

Assemble- architecs online page

http://assemblestudio.co.uk/?page_id=5 [ 05/12/2013]

Dezeen- online magazine

http://www.dezeen.com/2011/07/05/folly-for-a-flyover-by-assemble/ [ 05/12/2013]

Design Exchange- online magazine

http://www.demagazine.co.uk/architecture/the-folly-flyover-assemble [ 20/12/2013]

Moore R. ‘Silence; Folly for a Flyover; 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami Memorial – review’(10 July 2011)
http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2011/jul/10/folly-for-flyover-assemble-silence [ 20/12/2013]

Naomi O’Leary ‘ Folly for a Flyover: Pop-up architecture’ (2011)

http://www.ideastap.com/IdeasMag/all-articles/folly-for-a-flyover-piece [23/12/2013]

Temporary Amusement Park

Paper
Por Pablo Rey Mazón ‘Basurama: a framework for designing collectively with waste’ Reclaim and Remake
International Symposium (Washington, DC. 11-13 April 2013)
http://basurama.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/130325_Pablo-Rey-Mazon_Basurama-a-framework-
for-designing-collectively-with-waste_p.pdf [23/12/2013]

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http://basurama.org/general/rus-lima-autoparque-de-atracciones [05/02/2014]

Blog
Such R, ‘Basurama’ Collaborative City
http://collaborativecity.com/basurama/ [18/02/2014]

Open- Air- Library

E-architect- online magazine

http://www.e-architect.co.uk/germany/magdeburg-open-air-library [10/11/2013]

Archdaily- online magazine

http://www.archdaily.com/39417/open-air-library-karo-architekten/ [10/11/2013]

Inhabitat- online magazine

http://inhabitat.com/stunning-open-air-library-pops-up-in-east-germany/ [10/11/2013]

Entertainment Designer- online magazine

http://entertainmentdesigner.com/news/experiences/award-winning-open-air-library-in-magdeburg-
germany/ [15/11/2013]
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Dezeen- online magazine
http://www.dezeen.com/2009/10/28/open-air-library-by-karo/ [10/11/2013]

Karo Architects- online page

http://www.karo-architekten.de/ [01/04/2014]
Public Space- online page
http://www.publicspace.org/en/works/f084-open-air-library [31/12/2013]

ECObox

Arte Útil archive nr: 066

http://museumarteutil.net/projects/ecobox-2/ [06/01/2014]

Urban Matters (2011)

http://urban-matters.org/projectsbyindividuals/eco-urban-network-ecobox [31/12/2013]

Urban Tactics- online page of Atelier d’architecture autogérée

http://www.urbantactics.org/projects/ecobox/ecobox.html [31/12/2013]

Morrow R. ‘ ECObox. Mobile devices and urban tactics’ Domus (14 November 2007)
http://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/2007/11/14/ecobox-mobile-devices-and-urban-tactics.html
[31/12/2013]

ECObox - self-managed eco-urban network

http://www.urbaninform.net/home/minidoc/236/ecobox-self-managed-eco-urban-network.html
[31/12/2013]

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