#Blog 9 Design Implementation at FRATTON

   #Blog 9

Design Implementation at FRATTON

During last week's review, we discovered elements that were initially overlooked, such as the similarities in the verbs used across each teammate's work. This revealed a common ground that deepened our understanding of the project. We focused on the performance of the senses like touch, hearing, sight, and the connection between mind and body—to enrich the experience and exploration of our work.

Later, as part of the process, I focused on verbs such as discard, gather, collect, and group, inspired by Richard Serra. Interestingly, verbs like gather, assemble, inlay, and discover were commonly used across the team, highlighting shared themes in our work.

I chose to rework the shed at the Fratton Centre, as the space felt dull, unwelcoming, and primarily used for storage. Firstly, the walls needed windows to address the lack of ventilation and bring in natural light—an essential aspect, especially considering how Usman's work explores the concept of light. Additionally, the existing lighting was insufficient, so I proposed the idea of hanging lights throughout the shed to enhance the atmosphere and make the space more inviting.

I introduced the concept of waste management using the waste collected from the Fratton Community Centre. The waste generated from the café, common area, hall, and other spaces was segregated in the shed and classified based on the 3R principles: Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. Also added a counter for waste segregation, where the collected waste is sorted and placed into respective bins based on the 3R principles: Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle."

The existing charity corner of the community centre didn’t look very appealing, so I relocated it to the shed, where the recycling process takes place. This transformed the area into a display corner, allowing everyone to view the upcycling efforts, including toys for kids. I incorporated wooden seating with sustainability in mind, tying it to the term 'gather' from my team's concept.

Indoor plants were added as there was lot of waste management so in order to purify air. 

POSTER OF THE FRATTON COMMUNITY CENTRE

For reference i tried to refer to Michael Reynolds (Earthship Biotecture) who renowned for the use of discarded materials like tires, cans and bottles to create sustainable earth ship homes. His philosophy of transforming waste into vibrant, functional structures aligns with Janes Bennett's concept of vibrant matter.

 Neri Oxman (MIT Media Lab) Neri Oxman integrates robotics and sustainability in her work, using nature-inspired processes to design objects and structures. Her project Aguahoja uses biodegradable materials to craft artefacts, emphasizing the vitality of natural matter, echoing Bennett’s philosophy.

As a part of design i created a workshop space to showcase upcycled products made from the rubbish collected in Fratton. I also equipped the space with a few machines to facilitate the upcycling process.

To showcase the upcycling process which are hosted in fratton, I included several artefacts such as planters made from tires, bicycle wheel room dividers, and wall panels created from coffee cups collected at Fratton's community centre café, all reflecting the theme of waste management.

Therefore, I made an effort to connect my part of the work with my team's, and we all enjoyed the process together. Here are few views were i showed the implementation of design.

VIEW OF THE SHED

Case Study on TURTLE BAY Restaurant in Southampton

I recently visited the restaurant Turtle Bay in Southampton, which I referenced for my research related to this topic. I observed that the materials used for the interior were primarily old furniture pieces, each showcasing a distinct style. These elements contributed uniquely to the overall design of the space. The seating arrangements included tables and chairs repurposed for customers, with no new furniture brought in. Everything was reused, which I found to be an impressive and sustainable approach compared to other restaurants that invest heavily in brand-new furniture.

The flooring pattern stood out to me as well. Each tile had a unique design, which I believe was deliberately chosen to add character to the space. Antique furniture pieces were used as decor, enhancing the liveliness of the interior as a design element. Additionally, they incorporated green roofs, creating a refreshing environment and promoting better air quality.

I also noticed an extensive use of metal elements, painted or powder-coated in vibrant colors, which added an eye-catching aesthetic. The lighting design was equally captivating, with two distinct types: spotlights and randomly arranged pendant lights. The string lighting, in particular, added a vibrant and cozy vibe to the restaurant.

The highlight of the space was the bar, situated at the center of the restaurant. It was constructed entirely from reused windows and doors, repurposed into a pergola. The walls featured beautiful artwork, including spray-painted designs and stickers, which contributed to the dynamic atmosphere.

This experience inspired me to reimagine the Fratton Community Centre as a place where materials are reused or upcycled. By integrating sustainable practices, we can create a functional, waste-free, and vibrant environment.

To be continued.