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Published by James Keay, 2024-06-26 05:29:10

Briefing_Doc_JamesKeay

Briefing_Doc_JamesKeay

BRIEFING DOCUMENT JAMES KE AY 20370096


CONTENTS Chapter 1: Aims, Aspirations & Ambition of the Project - 519 words Stories Passed On ...................................................................................................... 5 Wellness Passed Forward .......................................................................................... 6 The Final Stage – Bringing together ......................................................................... 7 The Design ................................................................................................................ 8 Chapter 2: Cultural, Political, Philosophical or Societal Position - 344 words Spaces for Men - Closing Distances Between Us ................................................. 10 Spaces for Nature - Loss of Biodiversity ................................................................ 11 Chapter 3: Typology Study (including a critical analysis & comparison) - 447 words The Museum of London Docklands ....................................................................... 13 Being Brunel Museum ............................................................................................ 14 Maggie’s Oldham cancer care centre ...................................................................... 15 Adventure Therapy ................................................................................................. 16 Three Peaks Ascent ................................................................................................. 17 Relationships between the everyday and extraordinary functions .......................... 18 Chapter 3: Technical Strategies - 463 Words The Site - Bath Quays Car park .............................................................................. 19 Tectonic Intent ........................................................................................................ 20 Locally Sourced Materials ...................................................................................... 21 Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Assessment ......................................... 22 Bibliography ........................................................................................................... 23 3


CHAPTER 1 AIMS, ASPIR ATIONS & AMBITION OF THE PROJECT BRIDGING ERAS: RELICS AND RESILIENCE


STORIES PASSED ON Investigations of Bristol (Year 2) and Bath (Year 3) reveal the cities’ ongoing efforts to retain and revive their distinct sociocultural identities. This occurs through architecture, artefacts, and stories facilitating community gathering, expression, exchange, and education. Emergent themes identify fostering public spaces for freedom of movement, imagination, and human connection as valuable. Understanding a place’s history spotlights uplifting visibility for groups historically denied an equal voice. The found priorities naturally nurture diversity and community engagement – settings where people gather, interact, and evolve collectively through shared experience. These societal insights drive an architectural undertaking focused on interweaving past and present identities. The study, Baths Unseen and Seen Dialogues (Year 3 P2) more specifically fostered understanding history’s importance and aimed to explore principles of freedom through open inquiry - creating spaces liberating minds and perspectives through uplifting conversations. A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. Marcus Garvey “ ” A section through Equilibria, Bristol Y2P1 Control - a journey of two songs, Bath Y3P1 5


Latest suicide data (2022) Samaritans. BUT ONLY 36% of referralsto the UK National Health Service for talk therapy are for men. 12 MEN lose their lives to suicide every day Mental Health Foundation. (2021). 556 MALE 73% 21.O PER 100,000 Scotland 5,284 MALE 74% 21.O PER 100,000 England WELLNESS PASSED FORWARD Investigations reveal ongoing efforts in Bristol and Bath to Reignite cultural heritage by elevating communal bonds and local pride - yet data shows some groups still face marginalization and isolation. Alarming statistics reveal men specifically struggling with isolation and deteriorating mental health. Specifically, men suffer greatly from silent mental health issues. Suicide is the single biggest killer of UK men under 45 (Campaign Against Living Miserably, 2023). 74.1% of all UK suicides are male, with over 4,179 men taking their own lives each year (Lauren Revie, 2023). This staggering loss poses an urgent public health challenge fracturing families. Examining overlooked mental health crises facing many men today, facilitating supportive social connections and activities engaging wellbeing is vital. Creating inclusive, judgement-free spaces for men to gather, communicate, and bond addresses crucial priorities often stripped by stigma and norms. 339 MALE 75% 19.6 PER 100,000 Wales


THE FINAL STAGE BRINGING TOGETHER As the final thesis, this project centres on crafting ‘interactive spaces’ exploring overlooked sociocultural perspectives in Bath’s unseen history, alongside current men’s mental health issues. This interactive approach looks to reveal neglected narratives from Bath’s past through participatory architecture illuminating historical revelation alongside present aspirations - while facilitating inclusive forums addressing barriers men face seeking mental health support today due to stigma. We are shaped by every participant, experience, and place we allow into our lives. Some nurture us, others diminish us. Our task as gatherers is to learn how to welcome diversity into our container. The borders need to remain open to anything and everything that seeks to enter. Peter Block, Community: The Structure of Belonging “ ” Strata-Chronicle - Exploring the Unseen Layers of Bath, Y3P2 7


Men’s Mental Health Month - Ribbon expressing the interwinding mental health awareness into the Everyday Functions THE DE SIGN This undertaking centres a participatory ‘archaeology discovery hub’ showcasing Baths multifaceted history in interactive ways while facilitating supportive communities. Everyday Function Immersive archaeology discovery hub The hub invites visitors to engage first-hand with Bath’s unfolding sociocultural identity through interactive exhibits bridging past and present. Integrated artefacts, physical models, and digital technologies dynamically traverse eras with each display. Hands-on analysis workshops empower collaboration, while reflective studios allow researchers and artists to uncover hidden meanings in relics when viewed in context. By serving as an inclusive forum facilitating revelation and discourse around compelling artefacts, the hub ultimately fosters intrigue and connection between all generations through Bath’s stories. Extraordinary Function Men’s Wellness Network Projecting forward, the extraordinary function envisions this hub itself evolving overtime. Beginning immediately, the hub could expand its communal offerings by providing judgement-free activity spaces where men facing mental health challenges gather stigma-free, build communication skills, and access de-stigmatized counselling on their terms. Leveraging future advances in supportive technologies, positive psychology, and men’s support circles, the hub will act as both a space and model for an integrated wellness network, focuses on uplifting male wellbeing.


CHAPTER 2 CULTUR AL , POLITICAL , PHILOSOPHICAL OR SOCIETAL POSITION 9


SPACES FOR MEN CLOSING DISTANCE S BETWEEN US According to data from the Northeast Somerset Council, suicide rates in Bath and Northeast Somerset are at 17.5 suicide deaths per 100,000 for males from 2018 to 2020. The area has higher suicide rates than national averages, with 76% of victims being men. (Bath & Northeast Somerset Council, 2023) Specifically, men aged between 50 to 54 years old hold the largest demographic of suicide deaths (Samaritans, 2023) – in Bath 16 deaths in 2021 capturing over 25% of all cases. Unfortunately, this figure appears to be growing and researchers believe they know why. See diagram 1 Research indicates isolation and barriers to support seeking drive these suicidal outcomes. Stigma and cultural norms around masculinity have led many men to feel unable to openly share vulnerabilities or burdens. The value of social connections and activity engagement for mental wellbeing is very evident. Hence, facilitating inclusive spaces for men to gather, communicate, and bond without judgement is vital. Introducing mental health awareness into spaces where men can gather can encourage solidarity. Shared activities could spark connection with those isolated. Proactive outreach welcoming men as they are, may lessen isolation’s severe impacts. 2001 - 2003 PER 100,000 PERSONS ENGLAND BATH 2004 - 2006 2007 - 2009 2010 - 2012 2013 - 2015 2016 - 2018 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Suicide rate (persons per 100,000) for Bath and North East Somerset starting in 2001, compared with England rates, Image and data taken from Public health profiles Bath & North East Somerset Council (2023)


SPACES FOR NATURE LOS S OF BIODIVERSITY Biodiversity refers to immense variability within the planet’s plant and animal life. Scientific groups estimate humans could wipe out 30% of total species in just decades (IPBES, 2019) - making current loss 1,000x historical norms (IPCC and SEI). More specifically, a 2010 assessment found 27% of regional species in Bath and Northeast Somerset under threat. This amounts to 308 animal and plant species facing endangerment risks locally (IPBES, 2019). But how will this impact communities? Fewer species directly affects essential ecosystem services like air purification that agriculture and booming human populations depend upon. Losing biodiversity erodes interconnected ecosystems that communities rely on for sustainability. If too many species vanish, nature’s life-support systems fail. Conservation efforts protecting remaining diversity strengthen ecological foundations and help mitigate collapse risks. Strategies like regenerative development patterns, passive solar orientation and green space integration could sustain local species during and after construction. This project views architecture and biodiversity as interconnected systems – design choices can destroy species or enable threatened native organisms to flourish in harmony. All Bat Species Great Crested Newt Skylark Blue Carpenter Bath Asparagus Bee-fly Blue Butterfly Red Hemp-nettle Bee Chalkhill Dormouse Water Vole White-clawed Crayfish SHORT LIST OF PRIORIT Y SPECIES 11


CHAPTER 3 TYPOLOGY STUDY (INCLUDING A CRITICAL ANALYSIS & COMPARISON) INTER ACTIVE ARCHAEOLOGY DISCOVERY HUB FACILITATING COMMUNAL WELLBEING


THE MUSEUM OF LONDON DOCKLANDS INTERACTIVE E XHIBIT S OF ERAS This museum houses immersive exhibits spotlighting 2,000 years of port history within a 19th century warehouse. Displays seamlessly blend authentic artefacts with interactive models and multimedia, bringing layered stories to life. For example, digital soundscapes transport visitors into intricate scenes echoing with foghorns, seagulls, and the sloshing tides of past eras. Visitors deeply engage with different time periods through carefully curated relics alongside precisely reconstructed audio. This building strongly demonstrates the potential of artfully integrating physical heritage and evocative digital experiences, in a way that uniquely engage and illuminate cultural insights across ages. 13


BE ING BRUNE L MUSEUM CRE ATIVE COMMUNICATION OF OVERLOOKED NARR ATIVES The Being Brunel Museum immerses visitors within the life and legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel (Being Brunel, 2023). It creatively conveys layered infrastructure history by staging experiences through the cavernous chambers beneath London’s railway arches. Surrounded by the preserved brickwork and iron supports from the Thames Tunnel project, visitors commune with the site by donning hard hats while examining early steam-powered digging shields. Through low lighting, noise soundscapes, and projections, the space evocatively transports visitors back to the Industrial Revolution era of the tunnel’s construction. With tools and diary entries on display, the museum also unveils vivid first-hand stories from overlooked workers behind the perilous digging innovations. This allows visitors to gain


MAGGIE’S OLDHAM CANCE R CARE CENTRE WELCOMING ARCHITECTURE ADDRES SING ISOL ATION Maggie’s Nottingham uplifts cancer patients through welcoming architecture addressing isolation. Workshops, courses, and group sessions help members change their relationship with illness. Homelike furnishings amid natural light shift clinical moods towards communal living rooms that nurture judgement-free gathering and sharing between people facing cancer. Surveys reveal 98% of visitors feel more confident with medical teams and 96% less alone after visiting Maggie’s (Maggie’s: Everyone’s home of cancer care). This illustrates the immense value of public spaces facilitating open communication – people find common ground and belonging through sharing life stories and experiences. 15


ADVENTURE THERAPY A SUPPLEMENTARY GROUP THER APY APPROACH FOR MEN Many men feel traditional talk therapy is unappealing. They may see it as embarrassing, burdensome or a waste of time. Therefore, some pioneering approaches embed therapy within adventurous group activities already drawing men. One approach, Adventure Therapy (AT), offers emotional skills building pursued through physical challenges. Early studies indicate interacting in risky environments while collaborating on novel tasks may enable men to expand self-awareness, self-efficacy, grit, and a growth mindset. This aligns with masculine tendencies towards conquering challenges and danger. THRE E PE AKS ASCENT The organization ‘Three Peaks Ascent’ applies this Adventure Therapy model through active healing experiences for men. They believe adventure provides a ‘unique, dynamic way to push boundaries and spark growth’ (Steven DeMille, Ph.D. LCMHC, 2023).


REL ATIONSHIPS BE T WEEN THE E VE RYDAY AND EXTRAORDINARY FUNCTIONS Like the Museum of London Docklands interweaving eras through artefacts, and Maggie’s Oldham countering isolation with inclusive spaces, this project bonds heritage discovery and mental health support as continually adapting communal environments uplifting participation over time. FLEXIBLE ROOM BOOK SPATIAL PROGRAMME 17


CHAPTER 4 TECHNICAL STR ATEGIES


THE SITE BATH QUAYS CAR PARK The Bath Quays area today was once formed by the historic hub of working-class housing and industries serving expanding Bath. Cramped dwellings sat crammed between factories, warehouses, slaughterhouses, breweries and pubs lining its bustling riverside docks. Over 10,000 inhabitants called this harsh landscape home during the 18th century while providing the brawn across adept trades that propelled the city’s growth. This backdrop of shifting architectural remains from artisan trades and meandering infrastructures over centuries gives the Bath Quays site rich layers of dynamic cultural history intertwined with worker experiences. The echoes of a changing landscape and layered community narratives tied to an evolving city identity make the location compelling for highlighting untold stories, bridging eras, and nurturing equitable participation. 19


TECTONIC INTENT Environmental priorities - Preserving local ecologies/biodiversity through all stages of construction. Developing a sustainable future requires addressing the ongoing threat to plant and animal species currently facing endangerment risks in Bath and Northeast Somerset. Strategic decisions around land use ethics and conservation stewardship need implementation at project outset. Specifically, the Bath Quays waterside park area hosts diverse endemic ecologies spanning native flora and fauna within its river front habitat. Yet construction of an archaeological discovery hub risks detrimental impacts on the existing biodiversity. Care must be taken to safeguard ecosystems. Potential Conservation methods include regenerative development patterns, greenhouse gas emission minimization, passive solar orientation, renewable material selection and green space integration - therefore sustaining existing ecological foundations and park access throughout construction. PROTECTING BATS IN WATERSIDE DE VELOPMENT Horseshoe bat ‘flight zones’ Indicative section to show location of key Horsehoe bat flight zone area in relation to river bank Particularly, bat species use riverbanks for seasonal migration and nocturnal navigation. The recent Bath Enterprise Zone bat studies reveal that the dark vegetated areas of the river are preferentially used, and that light shy species typically make use of a zone of up to 2m above the water’s surface and between 5m either direction from the water’s edge as illustrated. Therefore the removal of riverside vegetation and introduction of artificial light must be avoided wherever possible or minimised with impacts fully identified and mitigated. Water space design Guidance (2018) Protecting bats in waterside development


LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS An important strategy for sustaining and celebrating Bath’s distinctive sociocultural identity is incorporating locally harvested materials native to the region’s architectural heritage. Showcasing traditional elements like the iconic Bath Stone, Forest Stewardship timber (non-profit organisation founded in 1993 with a mission to create responsible forestry), and potentially hand-crafted clay tiles harvested within the county can accentuate legacy richness while minimizing environmental burdens associated with long-distance transport. Sourcing these regional materials such as Bath stone (Found in Hills around Baths city and the Avon Valley), reduces environmental impacts from transportation emissions associated with conventional concrete and steel while visually harmonizing new buildings with the cultural heritage aesthetics. Bath Stone Locally Sourced Timber Bath Clay 21


BIODIVERSIT Y AND GEOLOGICAL CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT As a planning authority, we have a duty to protect our local environment including wildlife habitats and geology when assessing developments (Bath and North East Somerset Council, 2020). For the Bath Quays construction proposal, conducting an ecological survey would identify risks the project poses to endangered endemic species relying on ecosystems within the site. Threatened native birds, mammals, insects and plant groups make their home along the wooded riverbank landscape. The report will detail population counts, movements, feeding patterns and interrelationships vital to conservation. Our technical strategies must sustain the land’s biodiversity infrastructure enabling thriving community health across human and non-human members. This can be done by preservation of riverbanks, Inclusive green space and regenerative development patterns.


BIBLIOGRAPHY Record awareness of male suicide, as latest stats show 3 in 4 UK... (2023) Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Available at: https://www.thecalmzone.net/recordawareness-of-male-suicide-as-latest-stats-show-3-in-4- uk-suicides-are-men Lauren Revie, E.J. and D.M. (2023) Suicides in England and Wales: 2022 registrations, Suicides in England and Wales - Office for National Statistics. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulation andcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/ bulletins/suicidesintheunitedkingdom/2022registrations #:~:text=Around%20three%2Dquarters%20of%20 suicides,rates%20between%202018%20and%202021. Bath & North East Somerset Council (2023) suicide prevention, Bath & North East Somerset. Available at: https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ documents/s74612/Suicide%20Prevention.pdf IPBES (2019): Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. E. S. Brondizio, J. Settele, S. Díaz, and H. T. Ngo (editors). IPBES secretariat, Bonn, Germany. 1148 pages. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3831673 Latest suicide data (2023) Samaritans. Available at: https://www.samaritans.org/aboutsamaritans/research-policy/suicide-facts-and-figures/ latest-suicide-data/#:~:text=Males%20aged%20 50%2D54%20were,variation%20in%20the%20 suicide%20rates Bath and North East Somerset Council (2020) Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Assessment, Biodiversity and Geological Conservation Assessment | Bath and North East Somerset Council. Available at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/policyand-documents-library/biodiversity-and-geologicalconservation-assessment Steven DeMille, Ph.D. LCMHC (2023) The life-changing power of adventure therapy, ThreePeaks Ascent Residential Treatment Center. Available at: https://threepeakstreatment. com/residential-treatment/adventuretherapy/#:~:text=based%20Therapy%20 Program-,What%20is%20Adventure%20 Therapy%3F,grit%2C%20and%20a%20growth%20 mindset Being Brunel (2023) SS Great Britain. Available at: https://www.ssgreatbritain.org/things-todo/being-brunel/ Our approach (no date) Maggie’s. Available at: https://www.maggies.org/about-us/ how-maggies-works/our-approach/#:~:text=How%20 does%20Maggie%27s%20help%3F,way%20they%20 live%20with%20cancer. Maggie’s: Everyone’s home of cancer care (no date) Maggie’s | Everyone’s home of cancer care. Available at: https://www.maggies.org/ Fashion city (no date) Museum of London Docklands | Free museum in London. Available at: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ museum-london-docklands Mental Health Foundation. (2021). Men and mental health. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/ a-z-topics/men-and-mental-health Latest suicide data (2022) Samaritans. Available at: https://www.samaritans.org/aboutsamaritans/research-policy/suicide-facts-and-figures/ latest-suicide-data/ Water space design Guidance (2018) Protecting bats in waterside development-beta.bathes.gov.uk. Available at: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/default/ files/2020-10/ba306_bath_bats_and_lighting_ guide_10_june_2018_0.pdf 23


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