LIST OF APPENDICES
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
6.3 SUMMARY OF ANALYSIS, DISCUSSION, KEY RESPONSES AND FINDINGS .1 CRITICAL ANALYSIS
FICTION
The research on SF and dystopia shows that people enjoy reading fiction; their imaginations are more stimulated and it is for this reason that dystopia could be seen as a tool for influencing people. The research aims to try and have a positive impact on both brown field sites and the area surrounding them [the society]; it was within dystopian theory where a narrative that could have the desired impact was found.
The critical dystopian narrative has a very well defined structure that guides the
readers towards making their own decisions that may ultimately lead to a better future.
This is a key part of the research as it provides a structure that embraces the ‘bad’ and still progresses towards hope which embodies the required positive impact.
The research also made clear the importance of how the dystopian setting is created;
this can easily be expressed in architectural terms and therefore becomes a way to engage with existing real world dystopias [brown fields].
The key aspects of critical dystopian imagery and setting are as follows:
1. Strong contrasting imagery that allows for dynamic interplay between the two binaries.
2. There should be some form of resistance that can be in the form of parasitic or opportunistic architectural expression [generally one of the binary elements].
3. The path towards hope or towards a solution to the problem that defines the dystopia should only be suggested; allowing for the participation of the user in finding the solution. This may even result in unexpected solutions.
This critical dystopian approach offers a ‘new’ way for designers to engage with existing dystopias in a progressive and positive way. The analysis of the several precedent and case studies supports the notion that designing within the existing dystopia and embracing the ‘bad’ of a site can lead to a stronger architecture that sits
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Figure 8.1 Photo showing the reuse of a derelict building by the marginalized in the Point area [Source: By author].
more naturally within the surrounding context. Engaging with the old parts of the site has also proven to fit in with a more sustainable design approach which once again forms part of the positive impact.
NON-FICTION
The research into the real dystopia has created an understandable link between the worlds found in SF books and places within the built environment; it shows that there are multiple dystopias that exist within the current urban landscape. One such dystopia that has been identified is the industrial ruin or brown field site; this brings the topic of the dissertation into frame and answers the question of how brown fields and
dystopias are linked.
They are linked by their aesthetics, experiential qualities and social structure.
The topic of this research focuses on how this knowledge can help with the
rejuvenation of brown fields and the built environment; fortunately several positive factors were illustrated within the literature that begin to speak of a productive dystopia.
Firstly brown field sites can offer architects and designers insight into new ways of using space and built form, learning
from the transgression and resistance that often happens in these ‘bad’
places. These places also offer unique design opportunities as they contain things that no other urban spaces contain. Fringe or criminal activities, artistic expressions [vandalism], residential and work spaces for the marginalized
community and an air of excitement
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make up some of these unique aspects. The investigation of such sites proved much of this potential to be true; when entering ruined landscapes it is an adventure unlike any other landscape.
It has also been pointed out that such sites are catalysts; they tend to infect the surrounding areas negatively.
This catalytic nature could help rejuvenate the area with the aid of appropriate
intervention. The appropriate types of interventions on these sites have been identified as phytoremediation and adaptive reuse; they are responsible and sustainable
methods that have been proven successful in both the precedent and case studies [where rejuvenation is concerned].
STORYTELLING
There is one, main, conclusion that was realised from this section of literature and yet it is what defined the means for the architectural engagement with both dystopia and brown fields.
Stories have been proven to be massively important to human society and have the ability to change people’s opinions and beliefs; stories are also proven to be the best mediums for education and entertainment. As critical dystopia is a type of story that comments on real world problems [brown fields]; the best way for architecture to engage with dystopia is through story or narrative.
NARRATIVE ARCHITECTURE
The discovery of the importance of narrative in this research lead the way to the theory of narrative architecture, it was the ‘how’ that was needed when asking the question of
‘how architects can engage with dystopia?’
It was identified that narrative architecture has a long history of precedents and could therefore be relatively well characterized into three main types of narrative:
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Sequence and Biotopic.
The precedent and case studies revealed that dystopian narrative can be achieved through any of the above types but Sequence and Biotopic offer a higher chance for long term success as a binary narrative can easily be cliché; this was observed in the case of The Workshop shopping centre.
The various studies and body of literature also showed how these types of narrative can be designed; the main tools used when creating narrative architecture are the elements of the city, as defined by Kevin Lynch:
Edges, Paths, Nodes, Districts and Landmarks
This makes sense as narrative is about experience and these elements are tools for designing experience; organising situations or spaces to form a story.
PRECEDENTS & CASE
Some of the findings from the precedent and case studies have already been mentioned but this section will look at the remainder of the data.
Firstly is the issue of scale; it was identified that the majority of the brown field sites are large sites, ranging from 1.2 ha to 200ha. This means that the design interventions have to respond to several scales; creating both large and small narratives.
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It also became clear that the projects all prioritised the reuse of the existing structures and materials; this made the designs more economically viable and sustainable. [This speaks to the idea of a productive site]
The various projects that were studied also show various levels of alteration; what is important though is that there is still some form of change that goes beyond the functional. This change serves to communicate to the users that progress has been made on site; it is a form of rebranding that enables people to change their perception of the site.
The interpretation of the site is synonymous with the rediscovery of the site, this
process of rediscovery is important and is best achieved by making the design open to the public [The Landschaftspark and The Constitutional Court]. A park is an example of an open design typology and has the capability of accommodating large numbers of people; in a design where the social impact in important this capability becomes an asset.
The following section will list the data gained through the questionnaires that were returned on time.
6.3.2 KEY QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES
For the purpose of this section please refer to Appendix A which contains a sample questionnaire with anticipated responses and comments; the anticipated responses will be important when analysing the actual responses. Appendix A also contains a sample of the collected questionnaires that can be reviewed.
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Q: Are there any bad places in the area you live; places you think are unsafe, scary or