PT2: Functions

Many issues were identified within Portsmouth city centre in PT1 of this Urban Development project, to proceed with PT2 of this design module, I will carry through some of these issues. Using them to inform a specific build, tackling a specific range of issues.

Key points carried forward:

- Crime

- Neglect

- Unused/Unoptimized Space

- Residential Zoning/ Gentrification

- Lack of Community Spirit

- Poverty/ Low quality of life/ Isolation

- Lack of Microlocality

- Lack of Experience based services

- Lack of Diversity in Services including Retail, Food/Drink

- Lack of public social interactive spaces

- High rate of Unemployment

I had focused on the centrality and spirit of the street. My intent has evolved to focus on the unity of the cities spirit.

My theme is Unity through Food, a universal activity with social, health, educational, cultural, religious, spiritual, and creative purposes.

The idea was triggered by a fellow classmate who questioned: 'How could a City be Self-sufficient?'

Which got me thinking about Urban Farming and 'Agrictecture'.

The system of produce growth, harvesting, processing/cooking and sale can be broken down into functions and form the basis for a hybrid sustainable housing development.

This follows neatly into my PT1 design as I previously proposed the introduction of more market stalls, eateries and housing in the city centre.

Precedent:

Garden City Crown, Kuehn Malvezzi - Germany

An Office and Urban farming project, providing a nearby local market in Oberhausen with local produce.