Architect in Studio: Strategy (AiSS)
Urban Development Space
Access to learning is seen as a fundamental measure of a fair and democratic society, a value which we can see manifest in our civic environments. Working within the existing structures of Manchester's Mayfield Depot, FLUX M1 students are asked to develop proposals for adaptive reuse which explore the transformational potential of 'spaces for learning' in an urban context.
FLUX M1 critically examine the shortcomings of established urban regeneration practices, particularly with reference to structural inequalities. Working in vertical groups with BA3 and M2 they use 'situated practices' which prioritise in-person engagement with the site over desk-based methods. Students develop a rich and nuanced understanding of site, place and people to develop and propose new citizen-first approaches to urban transformation.
Students are asked to consider their proposal across multiple timeframes using a common framework defined by the atelier :
- 0 – 6 months : In-situ practice / intervention timeframe
- 6 months – 3 years : Meanwhile / worthwhile use
- 3 – 10 years : Meanwhile / short term building
- 10 – 25 years : Building state 1 (young building) / medium term building
- 25 – 60 years : Building state 2 (established building)
- 60 – 150 years : Building state 3 (long term, building reuse or building afterlife)
- 150 years + : Future of the future