Ouseburn and the threat of over-gentrification.

by: Ha mh Thai

The art-led regeneration in Ouseburn since the 1980s has transformed the former Victorian industrial district into a trendy and increasingly sought-after location for creative industries and young professionals. Capitalizing on this success, Newcastle City Council recently initiated a major development drive to greatly expand residential and business capacity to further its “Creative City” economic vision and boost middle-class city living.

Byker Bridge Housing Project on Foundry Lane

However, many of Ouseburn’s artistic pioneers fear displacement from their studios and the loss of the area’s distinctive character as the area may become over-gentrified from Quayside. Recently, many proposals have been put into controversy as more and more private sector developers are focusing on one or two bedrooms flats for yuppies. Protectionists describe the consequence of the new strategy’s implementation as ‘regeneration frenzy’ which may lead to the loss of Ouseburn’s soul. Their anxiety is about ‘classic gentrification cycle’ with over-ambitious developer moving in and threatening the culture diversity of the Valley; consequently, the artists and the creative who brought the development in will get bought out.

How to take the opportunities for housing, business and leisure development without destroying the Ouseburn’s unique environment?

Ouseburn walk – From a derelict place toward a creative quarter

by: Ha mh Thai

The walk I took few weeks ago in order to search for a site for my dissertation thesis.

The area was home to the industrial revolution on the Tyneside in the late 18^th century, and up until the 1960s it had a significant residential population, mainly workers from the industries nearby. At that time, it was a poor neighborhood surviving in very bad housing and health conditions. Thenceforth, the population greatly declined after the massive program of demolition and slum clearance. However, there are still plenty of warehouses, factories and seriously downgraded buildings, make the area looks like a neglected and derelict place.

Factory, warehouse and vacant block. Source: author, 2011.

Around the Ouseburn mouth and Lime Street, many regeneration projects bring a new look but still maintain the existing unique environment. The valley has become an attractive site for cultural industries and creative media businesses.

New site at Ouseburn mouth. Source: author, 2011.

Ouseburn’s once derelict factories and warehouses are buzzing again as artists’ studios, music venues and cinemas.

A wide range of creative sites in Ouseburn: (from left) street arts, 36 Lime Street Warehouse Office and Studio, Ouseburn Farm. Source: author, 2011.

Current project in operation: Maynards Toffee Factory view from Glasshouse Bridge, before and after regeneration. Source: Paul J White, available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauljw/4502542375/in/set-72157623681068575

New finding of the use of Quarterangle space;

By Siham Saleh

Linking with my previous study of the use of outdoor spaces at Newcastle University, which I have done it in the first post on this Blog last semester.

Coincidence , I have discover an interesting use of  the Quarterangle  space while I was working in the Architecture studio.  Surprisingly, at around 12 o’clock  I  heard  same of strange music outside of the studio, that sound  came from the Quarterangle space…So,,, what is this? Just by following the sound and  watching from  the window, there was a group of people dancing on the space…What? it just make me think what  and why… it looks like a festival event.

Therefore, I just go down and find out that  ,,,,,,,,,, However, I will simply let you watch this following  a recorded footage in order to discover what is my new finding…..!!

Basically, I just wanted in this post  to highlight how the use of space could clearly represents the meaning and the value of its history and how might the space’s value be able to affect its use.

Pedestrian deck & subway network in Newcastle

By Jun

Newcastle has a quite extensive network of pedestrian decks and underground ways segregated from traffic. The network makes it possible to stroll down all the way from the city library to the pub ‘Fever’ under the Tyne Bridge with minimum contact with vehicle traffic (also, of course, minimum contact with other pedestrians!) although the network is not completely connected and it actually terminates in the air above the pub.

Segregated pedestrian concrete structures often appear as an example of the failure of post-war modern architecture and urban design. The rationales of pedestrian protection and efficient movement flow misled the design by overestimating the idea of segregation and overlooking other qualities good streets better to have, such as livelihood.

For the same reasons, the segregated pedestrian network shown in the map cannot be said good space for travelling. Limited entry points make them virtually bridges over or under-ground providing relatively weak permeability and reducing possibility of optional activities. Rough finishing of exposed concrete gives deteriorated or intimidating atmosphere adding to empty shop/office blocks along the deck ways.

Some parts in the orange-colored and the yellow-colored are relatively often used by pedestrians when they are the only ways to cross over or under the major roads. However, it is almost impossible to see a single person in the red part (Yes, I wander around quite often) since the part is almost hidden from major pedestrian flow and the office buildings share their balcony space with the decks, are mostly empty.

However, even though it has many obvious design flaws, I found the space somehow interesting. 3-dimensionally organized space and ageing concrete surface (with no human there) give feeling of wandering around some ruins from distant time. The space could be rehabilitated in some way or completely re-built someday. I wouldn’t argue that the decks should be ‘listed’, but I would like to recommend you to visit. It might be demolished like the ‘Get Carter car park’.

Click here for more pictures

Reflecting on Our First Term – In One Word

By Lizzie Bird

Taking inspiration from a postcard I found at home (see Reflecting on Our First Term – What is Design?) I asked everyone on our course to give me one word to describe their first term on the MAUD program at Newcastle and encouraged everyone to be as honest as they liked!  I’ve put all the words together and it’s quite interesting to see them side by side and I think shows quite clearly everybody’s different experiences.  My word was whirlwind.  The term seems to have been so busy with deadlines, field trips, seminars, tutorials and crits it seems to have flashed past so quickly.  In contrast another word put forward (the author might like to reveal themselves!) I really liked was Diving, explained as – ‘ I mean a diving that was unexpectedly long (phew! I didn’t know that I had to hold my breath that long)’.  While many of the words reflect how intensive and challenging  the first term has been I hope that like me, most would agree the first term on the MAUD program has been interesting and thought provoking.

Click to Enlarge

Reflecting on Our First Term – What is Design?

by Lizzie Bird

Thursday 19^th December 2010 2pm = massive relief the first term of the course was complete.  Now three weeks on the Christmas break has given us some time to eat A LOT of Turkey and reflect back on the first term of the course.  When I was at home for Christmas I found a postcard I picked up at the Design Museum in London a week before we started term in September (see below).  The postcard aims to answer the question: what is design?   Coming from a planning background I wanted to do the MAUD as I felt I was able to appreciate the importance of good urban design but wanted to understand the process behind delivering good urban design. Re-reading this postcard having completed the first term I think I agree with most of the things on the list.  I’ve highlighted some of my favourites…

Design is...Click Here

Design is the city; Design is instinct; Design is science; Design is a process; Design is digital; Design is getting lost; Design is pick ‘n’ mix; Design is context; Design is art direction; Design is work, work, work! Design is a language; Design is present; Design is the sign; Design is selling; Design is exhibition; Design is feedback; Design is useful; Design is mapping; Design is online; Design is the idea; Design is art; Design is not art; Design is photography; Design is human experience; Design is golden search; Design is travelling; Design is emotional; Design is no sleep; Design is not mass production; Design is predicting the future; Design is music; Design is innovative; Design is useful art; Design is cross-disciplinary; Design is story telling; Design is the environment; Design is thought; Design is love; Design is recycling; Design is the solution; Design is the brief; Design is magic; Design is eye candy; Design is a hobby; Design is a religion; Design is a melody; Design is a headache; Design is communication; Design is out to get me; Design is research; Design is human ability; Design is purposeful; Design is bliss; Design is information; Design is talking; Design is the show; Design is future; Design is relevant; Design is time; Design is unique; Design is a door; Design is helpful; Design is engaging; Design is wit; Design is everywhere; Design is making things; Design is originality; Design is commercial; Design is a way of life.

Taking inspiration from the postcard I’ve asked everyone on our course to give me one word to describe their first term on the urban design programme at Newcastle. I’ve had some good ones so far and when I have EVERYBODY’S (hint hint!) I’ll add them.

Material of seating places

by Ha mh Thai

As Jun mentioned about the flexibility of seating places (see post: “Chairs in Jardin des Tuileries, Paris”), I also want to put forth another aspect of comfortable seats which is their material.

Many older people cannot walk for longer than 10 minutes without resting (DTLR 2001), and luckily they can find somewhere to seat. However, there are many ‘modern’ types and materials far from bringing them comfort such as those made of metal or granite which may look hard, slippery and not good taste. In converse, wooden seats are widely considered the most popular and easy to use, because they feel warmer, more familiar and welcoming. Northumberland Street in Newcastle is a good example of providing people good seating places outdoor (meanwhile there are hardly any seats in the shops). Two types of bench are scattered on the street in some groups. They are both sturdy with non-protruding legs, providing people variety of choices.

Type 1 - Pictured by author

The first type with back rest looks most comfortable with wooden surface is widely choice of older people.

Type 2 - Pictured by author

The second type which is also made by wood is designed deep enough to seat in both sides.

Reference:

DTLR (Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions), 2001. By Design. Better places to live: A companion guide to PPG3. London: TSO.

Let’s Talk Urban Design – December 8th 2010

The first MA Urban Design End of Year Show from 2009-10 students will take place  on the 8th of December in Crit 1. We took this opportunity to invite urban designers across the board in the region and have a chat about the profession and education over a glass of wine. All welcome.