Task 7 - Urban spaces - Victoria Square, Birmingham

As I'm from Birmingham,  thought I would choose an urban area I have spent a lot of time in, back at home. Victoria square is a very popular and busy urban space situated in the heart of Birmingham. It has many similarities with the Market Square of Nottingham, such as being situated next to the council house, and having a water feature. However, I think the design of Victoria Square makes it a much more inviting space.

 As shown in my first sketch, at the heart of Victoria Square is a large, 2 tired water fountain, where water from the upper tier falls down stairs to the bottom tier. Both pools have a water statue, which either sits in the flowing water or projects water into the air. Just the sound of running water creates a peaceful effect, which is nice in a busy city when trying to escape some where for lunch. Surrounding the water fountain is low, thick wall which is often used for seating, weather or not it is busy. The purpose of this urban area seams to be junction for people walking through, as there are many entrances and exits to this area, all leading to different parts of the city. I think this because there is very little purposely built seating, suggesting it was never in the design , or brief for this area to be used as a seating area. Maybe it should have been put in the brief, as many people sit in the area, and its almost always occupied.

My second sketch is a view from the top tier, looking upon the fountain. Many, large concrete sphere balls create an edge around the area, following the shape of the fountain wall. Although these could be there for an aesthetic impact, I believe they may serve as fancy bollards preventing drivers from going in that direction. They too could even be an informal type of seating, and together with the spheres, and the fountain wall, maybe the client brief was a seating area, but the architect has tried to disguise the seating so that its not formal.   

Finally I tried to draw the whole of the area so the layout of the area can be properly seen. Other pointers why I think the brief for this area is for 'passers by' and not for people to linger is the stairs. Both stair cases are very large, plenty enough room for the rush hour pedestrians commuting to and from work. The size of this area also means events, and markets such as the very famous German market can be held here, and can accommodate for a lot of people. Its now also viable that the design of the urban space is very symmetrical, with equal stairs either side of the fountain. then, protruding from the fountain are different coloured, yellow, floor bricks, creating an effect that nearly draws you closer to the fountain. The surroundings of this Urban space are also very impressive, with the famous Town hall, and council house facing the space. To conclude for this urban space, I again think that this urban space is very successful as it is used by a lot of people, for multiple reasons, its a flexible, attractive space in an urban landscape.

Task 7 - Urban spaces - Castle gate, Nottingham

Castle Gate, Nottingham is also home to an urban space, with much more unique properties than many other spaces. The site sits on the footstep of the towering walls of the historic Nottingham castle. Here there is the famous statue of Robin hood, with several plaques and information boards spread across the area, mainly for the benefit of tourists who visit the site all year round. This is what I chose to sketch first. Because of this statue, the access to historic information, and the castle, its hard to argue with the fact this area was designed for tourists to visit, to walk around and find out about the history of the area. Furthermore, only a 20 second walk down the road is the 'trip to Jerusalem' which claims to be the oldest 'inn' in England. This too is a tourist magnet and brings an influx of people to the area.
 My second sketch looks at the layout of the area with plenty of grass, which is well kept, where, especially in the summer months people can sit and have lunch whilst visiting this historic area. The way these paths are mapped, in relation to the information plaques, and the robin hood statue further support the claim the brief is to design an area for tourists to learn about the history of the area. Large trees offer shade, as the area gets a lot of sun during the spring and summer making it ideal for parents too take there children there too. this area is only a 5 minuet walk from market square, the centre of Nottingham, but it is a very quite area, with little traffic pedestrians.

 Finally, I sketched the site as if you where walking up to it. In the foreground you have the grass area, and in the back ground you have the large tunnels under the walls of the castle. Like the castle, the surrounding buildings are all old, or follow old, traditional styles such as Tudor. Even the Old Trip To Jerusalem was built in 1189. The lack of modern buildings makes the urban space very unusual, and it feels very separate from the rest of the city. I think the council have tried to limit the redevelopments in the area to keep this atmosphere, as plays a massive role in the phenomenology of the area. There is no seating in the area, similarly to the Victoria Square, Birmingham, so it is assumed the area was not designed for people to stay. To conclude, I think the area is another successful urban space, and the client brief has been met.

Task 7 - Urban spaces - Market Square, Nottingham

The first public space I choose to sketch was Market square. Working down the page, my first sketch is trying to represent the tranquil water feature with seating near by. Second I have drawn nearly all the floor of market square, trying to show the almost invisible changing in levels that the architect has done well to hide. Finally, the council house is a massive part of market square, as tourists will come to visit it, and will view it from market square.
 I am a big fan of market square for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is not many places in a city with such a large area of open space, that feels so clean, well kept and out in the open. In fact, Market square is the biggest of its kind in the UK. The choice of material for the paving is the main reason why this area feels so clean and open. The very pale grey, smoothly finished stone has a modern, social feel to it, and certainly is a better choice than a dark grey tarmac, or brownish concrete slabs.
Another reason why I like market square is its nearly invisible changing of levels. The landscape is uneven, and where the ground descents, Gustafson porter, the architect who redeveloped market square, cleverly divided the differences in height with seating, or steps, which makes the whole place feel the same height. Market square is also the home of many events such as the the parading of the FA and European trophies nottingham forest FC won, as well as being home to the anual christmas markets, ice rinks and summer fairs.
There are also 2 attractions at market square, both making it a nice environment to sit down, maybe eat lunch or have a chat with a friend. firstly, the water fountain is a feature based at the rear of market square. this has seating all around it, and itself is tiered to allow water to fall. This feature faces the mighty Council house. This towers over market square, and is the eye piece of the area. Having a building like this is nice to look at for nearly any one, having an effect similar to that a TV has on a lounge. In my opinion, I would certainly say market square is a successful area, and has been a successful redevelopment because the area is used by a lot of people everyday.

References : - all sketches by Matthew Parsons on 02/05/14
- information from http://www.architecturetoday.co.uk/?p=6910 , 02/05/14

Task 6 - Maggies Centres in general

Having read the BMJ article Inspiration: Maggies Centres, Edwin Heathcote, 23-30th dec 2006, I now have an understanding of the importance of these centres and what they really mean.
Its a very cruel, and barbaric idea to create a place to die in, what ever the reason, especially something as traumatic as terminal cancer. It takes a great deal of acceptance to come to terms with death, and of course I'm not speaking from experience, but it must be hard to continue with everyday life, as the little things start to become less and less important to you. This is were Maggies Centres really help. It needed someone like Maggie Keswick Jencks to come up with such an idea. As mentioned in the article, architecture cant cure cancer, but it can help in keeping you calm, relaxed, and most importantly happy.
The design of a building, as discussed in my blog post 'Phenomenology', can change your mood based on how you feel in and around it. All Maggies centres are designed with unique, vibrant shapes, colours and symbolism. These produce a positive atmosphere, which patients will feel when entering the centre. This is a good climate to come to terms with your illness, and to think positive about the future. This is very important for both the patients, and there families.

http://openbuildings.com/blog/2011/08/architecture-of-hope-maggies-centres

Each architect puts a part of themselves into each of there centres. For example, Zaha Hadid took a strong, forward approach in the design of her centre, with the reasoning that 'why should spaces built to contain some of our more traumatic moments always be modest and domestic?' This is a fair point, and she successfully designed a building that reflected this mind process, as shown in the above photo

, and will be felt by the patients that use the centre. Another example is the Dundee Centre, which takes nearly the opposite approach, in creating a very tranquil place to rest, over beautiful scenery in a domestic looking property. Again, due to the careful design, this intention will be felt by the patients, and will be reflected in how the patients feel. this is the target for all the architects who create a Maggies Centre.

http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/2012_riba_award_winners_announced

These buildings aren't just to increase the positive mood of the patients, but also raise awareness throughout the community and the public. Its hard to notice an average domestic building in the concrete jungle we live in today, and it takes fine, unique ideas to create buildings that stand out, which the Maggies Centres do. because of this, members of the public take an interest in the building, and therefore the charity, and this is a form of fundraising. It also raises awareness among the population and further advertises the scheme. Finally, a comparison must be made between these maggies centres, and a very basic looking building offering similar support. Although its a big pill to swallow, members of the public don't want to pass a dull looking building, with the dull thought that people venture there to die. This sort of approach wont invite people support the cause. instead, if the funding is there, more attractive places give the public a more positive opinion of the idea, and make the saddening truth a more pleasant thought.

References: BMJ, inspiration: Maggies Centres, Edwin Heathcote, 23rd-30th Dec, 2006

Task 6 - Maggie Centre - Highlands

http://openbuildings.com/buildings/maggie-s-highlands-profile-2171/media

My second choice of Maggie centre is the Highlands Maggie Centre, located in Inverness, Scotland. In contrast with the Centre in Dundee, the location of this centre is much different, and arguably much harder to work with. Next to a busy main road, and only over the street from houses, the size and design of the building is compromised, as a centre to cater for the terminally ill should be a quite, peaceful, yet positive place away from loud traffic noise. Page and Park Architects worked together with Charles Jencks to try and over come these issues.

http://pagepark.co.uk/projects/maggies-centre-inverness

Again, the design of this building is very unique. however, the design is also very practical, as the curved structure of the main building flows into a fence like sound barrier effectively blocking much of the noise coming from the busy road creating a peaceful garden for the centres patients. The landscaping of the 'garden' must also be praised with eye shaped hills projecting from the ground, also known as 'Dividing cells', 'symbolising healthy growth and life' (http://openbuildings.com/buildings/maggie-s-highlands-profile-2171/media), also subtracting some of the noise, as well as being an attractive feature to walk past before entering the centre. On the right is an initial sketch of a plan for the centre, which is visibly reflected in the final product.

http://www.building.co.uk/fourth-maggie%E2%80%99s-
centre-turns-confusion-into-calm/3052313.article

The building its self is also in the shape of one of the 'dividing cells' finished in green copper cladding, which goes well with the treated timber cladding finish on the garden wall, and the well kept green grass of the garden. The interior, also covered in timber cladding, is a very bright space due to the clever roof windows that spiral around the shape of the building. this creates a positive, welcoming atmosphere inside the centre, fit for anybody seeking support with any cancer related issues. I believe all of the Maggie's Centres have similar client briefs; a place where people can go if they feel they need space from the world, or need support, which I think this building does.

References: All information accessed on 02/05/14
- http://pagepark.co.uk/projects/maggies-centre-inverness
- http://www.building.co.uk/fourth-maggie%E2%80%99s-centre-turns-confusion-into-calm/3052313.article

Task 6 - Maggie Centre - Dundee

http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/maggiescentre/

Maggie Centres are buildings across the UK where people who in some way have been effected by cancer, mainly targeted with people with terminal cancer. There seems to be a unofficial competition between leading architects on who can create the most imaginative, and positive design.
My first choice of Maggie Centres I liked was the one in Dundee. I understand that in my previous blog post I took credit away from a building because of its location, but this is brilliant! Firstly, the building, from a rear view ( above) seems to have the original structure of a large bungalow, which because of the fantastic location and views would be enough to suffice most patients. However, the architect, Frank Gehry, went the extra mile to design an eye catching building. The jagged, uneven roof puts a lid on the building, which can be seen from miles around. Furthermore, so visitors of the Centre can fully enjoy the views, Frank designed an unusual looking tower at the front of the building (below) taking everyone step higher.

https://beautifuldundee.wordpress.com/category/craft-design/

I think the use of stained wooden window frames and doors contrast well with the smooth white finished exterior walls, creating an inviting and pleasant atmosphere of the building. The client brief was to 'create a building for people with cancer that was a home, but not a home' (http://www.building.co.uk/to-be-frank/1023708.article). I certainly agree that this building fulfils its client brief, as my first impressions was that it looked homely, but had a twist with the design of the roof. This building has such a positive feel, which also satisfies the client brief because it is a very nice environment for a terminally ill cancer patient, or a person struggling with issues related to cancer, to spend there time. Also from this article, it tells us that the roof is finished in stainless steel, which had been brushed with a wire brush so that it was not shiny and reflected the tranquil colours of the sky. This further goes to show the level of designing this building has gone through, and why it is my favourite out of the Maggie Centres.

References : http://www.building.co.uk/to-be-frank/1023708.article - accessed on 02/05/14

Task 5 - The Marbach Museum Of Modern Literature

http://www.archinfo.it/david-chipperfield-museum-of-modern-
literature/0,1254,53_ART_198240,00.html

Choosing a building out of the 14 RIBA sterling prize winners that I least liked was much harder than one that I liked, as I like them all for different reasons. However I had to choose The Marbach Museum Of Modern Literature.
My reasons for the choice of this building are mainly summed up in one question: Why did this building win? Out of all the other exiting or historic buildings that are being built today, I'm slightly surprised that this building emerged as a winner. I have to give it credit that its location is beautiful, set on high ground looking over a German valley, and the fact very old German authors collected and dispersed there work from this very museum is also very interesting. But the architecture its self I don't think is all that special.
There seems to be a very limited use of materials, giving a very modern approach to what looks like the re-creation of a very old Greek temple. I must agree that the pillared structure, together with a large use of glass, has an eye catching effect which I do quite like. It is efficient, in terms of saving energy through lighting, and also provides a very light, clean atmosphere so the literature inside can be seen easily, which I believe would be a huge part of the client brief. In addition to this, as described on the RIBA website ( http://ribastirlingprize.architecture.com/marbach-museum-of-modern-literature-germany-2007/), the entrance to the building is another feature. Without being too critical, the description seems to use the setting as the main attraction, with the decent of a couple of steps, until you reach a large door. It even describes the lack of materials as a 'palate of materials'. It seems a few fancy words have been used to over sell this building. In my opinion, the beautiful location of this building won its award, and not the architecture, or the buildings relationship with the surroundings. Although I think the building has met the client brief, I think something much better could have been built.

References: http://ribastirlingprize.architecture.com/marbach-museum-of-modern-literature-germany-2007/

Task 5 - The Peckam Library

http://ribastirlingprize.architecture.com/peckham-library-london-2000/

The Peckam Library, London,  won the RIBA sterling award in the year 2000. Firstly, looking at the building, I think it looks absolutely great. Its an extremely modern looking building because of its unusual shape, and enormous use of glass. I also find it very clever and effective how the colours have been used in the glass, to give a very bright and aesthetic look, but still maintaining a level of transparency allowing plenty of light into the building. It also entered my mind that the colours are very simple, and are mainly primary colours. This reminds me of when I was a child, learning about colours, and I think these colours have been used as a library is a place where people read and learn, making it very appropriate.The building is also in the shape of an 'L', which other than coincidence, could stand for the word 'learn'. The shape is unusual, and together with the mix of colours and glass, I think creates a very attractive and welcoming building, which gets rid of the common 'dull' stereotype many libraries have. Although it can be argued the building doesn't suit its surroundings, the reason for building such an aesthetic building of an unusual nature is because the client, Southwark council, wanted a building to set a new bar for the regeneration of the 'under privileged borough'. In this sense, I feel the architect was very successful in fulfilling the client brief.

References: All information and photos was taken from http://ribastirlingprize.architecture.com/peckham-library-london-2000/ , on the 30/04/14.

Task 4 - Re-appropriating the past

32, Broadway house, Stoney street, The Lace Market, Nottingham is an old factory building erected during the industrial revaluation. Now it is common for buildings, such as this building, to be turned into living accommodation in the form of flats, apartments, or in some cases offices. This particular building has been converted into apartments. However, certain features of the building are still visible today. The ceilings of each floor are very high, as large machinery may have been used in the original factory. Although this was not something that could be changed, this
has a positive effect on each of the apartments, making them feel very light, big and spacey. Exposed brick walls have also been left unchanged, especially on the road facing wall. This again has been used as a feature by the developer, and has been considered when designing the rest of the apartment. each room is very spacious, which could be due to the structural layout of the building, restricting the shapes and sizes of each room. Large Arched windows take up a lot of the wall space, shedding light into each of the rooms.

Reference - sketch by Matthew parsons

Task 3 - Sketches (2)

Industrial revaluation

Above are my sketches for the industrial revolution period. On the left is an old factory. These where introduced in the industrial revolution so that managers could control there staff rather than them working at home. It also enabled mass production as large machines could fit in the factory and safely operate.
On the right is a canal, connecting the the river Trent. These canals meant everything made in Nottingham such as lace could be transported out in mass, at a much cheaper cost to other cities and towns. It also meant supplies could be brought into Nottingham.

Victorian architecture

Next I sketched 2 examples of Victorian architecture. Below is an example of Victorian terrace housing. These where small, cramped houses for the working class, catering for the ever growing population. typical Victorian details can be found on these houses such as cresting at the top of the roof and detailed and decorative brick work. It was also common that attractive brick was used on the side of the house facing the road, and less expensive, and less attractive brick would be used for the rest of the house. this says a lot about how the Victorians thought as they always added decorative detail to make buildings attractive, but they were also very efficient with there resources, and buildings were made well and strong.           

Although bay windows were not invented in the Victorian period, the became extremely popular. There is not one given reason why they became popular, but bay windows allow more light into a room, and also make the room slightly larger. they allow space for extra furniture, ornaments and they also look decorative from the exterior. Another feature of Victorian architecture was there very large front doors.

Gothic architecture

 For my sketches of Gothic architecture, first i decided to sketch St Cathrines church. this church is a classic example of Gothic architecture, with the use of arched windows, coming to a slight pint at the top. however, another classic example of Gothic architecture is the churches layout. nearly every Gothic church followed the same layout, which is almost like a larger square joined to a smaller square. This sort of architecture originates from the Romanesque period, but the use of flying buttresses and structural innovations that allow large, stained glass windows to be made, such as the window on the gable end of the church, tell us its Gothic.
The second building i chose to sketch isn't from the Gothic era itself, but uses a Gothic style to achieve something different. The Arkwright building is a historic building used by Nottingham Trent university. however, the newton building was built beside it, and the task was given to an architect to try and mould these buildings together, both having completely different styles. The use of Gothic windows on this building contrasts with the modern brick used to create it, but still has an old, Gothic feel to it. as a result, there is a more mellow transition between the 2 buildings and they work well together.

References: All sketches and information is by Matthew Parsons

Vitra fire station - Zaha Hadid

Despite being a massive fan of lots of Zaha Hadid's work, the Vitra Fire station I didnt quite get. Initially, as I do with most of her work, I think wow that looks new, different, interesting which I think it does. But when I came to learn that it was a fire station, I was slightly confused. Surely a design like this is the least practical design possible for a fire station, and there are no clues what so ever to give it away that it is a fire station. I could understand if the 'spiky' points reached for the sky, with a reddish tint  representing flames, but this doesn't seem to make any sense.

http://www.mimoa.eu/projects/Germany/Weil%20am%20Rhein/Vitra%20Fire%20Station

And another thing about this building is why make it out of concrete? It may be a very cost effective and sturdy way of making a building, but Zaha Hadid always seams to put aesthetics first. why not use a nice silky black, or white, or even coloured material to finish this building. instead, we are left with a rough, grey, industrial finish, that looks like its half way through its construction. I must say I'm not a massive fan of concrete buildings, and finishes such as this, as I think the black that starts to appear on them looks dirty, and they always remind me of a vile multi story car park that thankfully got demolished in my home town. However, I understand the use for concrete in a multi story car park, as its so practical and easy, but i think this was a big mistake, and to conclude, an eye sore.

Task 3 - Sketches (1)

I decided to sketch this stairway, because after walking around newton and Arkwright, I didn't find any other hand rails like this, for example, if you look at the hand rail in the background of the above photo, its a much less attractive, wooden one.
There appears to be 2 different types of marble on this staircase. firstly, there is the very dark, black marble used as the actual hand rail. this is very smooth, so its nice to touch and hold when walking down the stairs. it is however very big, and impossible to wrap your hand round, which it could be argued wouldn't offer someone, such as an elderly person, who would actually use the hand rail the correct support.
Beneath are pillars supporting the hand rail. these, also made of marble are a mix of browns, looking very earthy, and again are cut smooth and shiny.
I like the choice of material for this hand rail, and I think it has a very robust and powerful feel too it.

The next sketch I decided to do is the floor on the entrance of the Arkwright building. As you can see at the bottom of the photo, the slabs are very smooth, and plain. However, above are unusual slabs that are not cut smooth, and are almost ridged like wet sand. This effect I think gives the room a rustic feel, making the building feel old and worn. Although this may not be the case as we know the building was severely bombed during the war, the slabs could be from the original build, and if not, they serve there purpose in trying to make the building feel like it used too.


















Thirdly, I found the use of the stone in this archway interesting, and the way it connects with the brick. Its a very large arch way, and is right next to the large marble hand rail I sketched in my first sketch. Having these 2 rather large features so close together, combined with the very high ceilings almost makes me feel like the building was made for giants.
The stone used around the arch is a very dark brown, and it appears its corners/edges have been cut of, either making it safer, more aesthetic or preventing cracks and chips appear on the stone, if an edge was to get hit. Either way the stone is cut in a similar shape to the stair rail, giving me the opinion they are both original, where designed to be together, and neither are modifications to the building. This dark brown contrasts with the brick, which has been painted in a white paint. I believe this would be to create a light and airy atmosphere in the room, as there is limited light, but it also compliments the brown stone.

Walking through into the newton building, its hard not to notice the enormous glass roof suspended above your head. The entirety of the room feels very light, clean and spacious because of this, in contrast with the white, shiny, marble floor reflecting light around the room. The choice of using glass as a material for the roof is a very effective energy saving technique, as very little powered lighting will need to be used. However, I'm sure there are complications with the escape of heat during the winter, or when the sun is not shining down on the glass roof. Heat is less important in this sort of room, as people generally wont settle in this room, and use this area as a junction to different parts of the building.

Finally I decided to sketch a Gothic styled window in the newton atrium. The atrium space is the area you walk through to get from the old, historic Arkwright building, to the newer newton building. it id a difficult task for an architect to join these buildings together because of the massive contrast in styles. however, I think that the job has been done very successfully. Although the newton building is built out of a modern looking, pale brown brick, the use of Gothic windows and older style is almost a half way step between the styles of both buildings, and allows the transition to be more gradual.



References: All photos and sketches were done by Matthew Parsons on 30/04/14

Task 2 - Plagiarism

'Plagiarism is intellectual theft' (Breach, 2009, 124) is a quote that pretty much concludes plagiarism. Plagiarism is where you use someone else's words, ideas, or work without referencing it, and therefore pass it as your own. This is viewed as stealing some one elses ideas and work, and is met with serious consequences. Although its inevitable some words, and phrases may match between certain texts, long paragraphs that are identical or of similar structure can be detected by software to prevent people, especially students from cheating.  Although using someone's work isn't technically, or physically stealing, there is a zero tolerance in nearly all institutions, and if found guilty, in serious cases you can be expelled. In addition to this, you may be infringing copyright laws, and could be prosecuted. There is no problem in using quotes and information for other people, as long as you reference it, giving the author of the information credit for there work.

http://www.awesomelyluvvie.com/2012/01/protect-your-blog-content-know-your-rights.html/cartoon_plagiarism_444045

Plagiarism is a new thing for me. I've always been aware of it, I new it was cheating, but Its never really
effected me. I've always noticed the reference under information I've found on the web as well but never took much notice. In fact, I'll be honest, and throughout high school, and much of sixth form, I and plenty of people I know would copy information of the internet, especially Wikipedia, as well as sharing work with friends. I even remember using Google translate in much of my French and German lessons. the teachers would tell us not too, but we did, and that's the last we heard of it. even if we did get caught we would probably just get a small detention or something.
However, coming to university I new it was a different story. I completely agree with referencing information taken from other sources, and its only fair you don't receive credit for some one else's work. I also agree that there should be a set amount of information given in a reference, although I was surprised on how strict the order a reference must be in, and that I even have to reference my own photos, which I even got capped at a low third in one of my projects for.
And now I've been at university for a while, and I've had to use lots of different resources to get information, I feel now I fully acknowledge how important it is to reference out of respect for the person who's ideas you are using.

References : Dissertation writing for scientists and engineers, Mark Breach, 2009, accessed on 28/04/14

Task 2 - Critical thinking

If asked what I thought critical thinking is before reading 'critical reading' by Jennifer Moon, 2008, depending on the time of day, the mood I was in and who I was asked by, I would struggle, and I probably wouldn't be able to give a straight answer. It almost feels like I know what it is, but cant explain it.  However, now I have read 'critical thinking', and I must say I'm even more in the dark on how to explain it. its a very vague phrase, as people go about it in different ways but try and end up and the same conclusion, something better! The idea of critical thinking is to improve, and work towards a perfect conclusion.

http://www.comprofessor.com/2012/09/critical-thinking-and-
how-we-see-world.html

Defining critical thinking can be made as complicated or as simple as you like, and it depends on the persons brain process on what they believe it really is. Personally, when reading through my own work, a peers work, or having a conversation with someone, I constantly question in my mind what I understand, what I don't, and weather I believe things are correct or not. In fact writing this blog post alone has had me delete sentences only minutes after writing them because I have critically analysed it and found its not what I mean, or isn't good enough. I think this is brain function everyone has, when concentrating, which is needed in order to learn, and progress.
Critical thinking also requires common sense, and interest in the topic. someone who believes everything that's
told to them will massively struggle when it comes to critical thinking, and if there is a lack of interest in the topic, there is no real motive for the person to criticise the work and try and improve it.
To conclude, I believe critical thinking follows the 'its gotta get bad before it gets good' idea where you have to initially think slightly negative about something in order to solve a problem, or improve resulting in a more positive out come.

References: Critical thinking, an exploration into theory and practice, Jennifer Moon, 2008

Task 1 - Phenomenology

After reading 'place' by Christian Norberg-Shulz, 1980, I have started to get an idea of what phenomenology is. The way I interpreted it is Phenomenology is the build of of objects, both natural and man made, creating a place, or an area with context. Within this place there are conditions that our senses react too, giving us a feeling or emotion.For example, if you read my recent blog post on the park tunnel, I explain how I felt when I entered the tunnel. At the time, it was sunset, and the light created shadows, and the yellow sandstone illuminated. Also it was very cold, and the greenery outside was dark, and this gave me a certain feeling. However, if it was a summers day, much warmer and the bright sun shone down on the tunnel creating a very dark interior, with bursts of light either side, my experience would be very different. This could be further changed if someone put lighting inside the tunnel, and if there was some sort of constant noise or music in the background.  In relation to architecture, phenomenology is very important as an architect usually wants to create an emotion when some one enters the room, and they must structure the size, dimensions, aesthetics and atmosphere inside the room so that you arrive at the intended emotion.
In addition to this, it is important that a building fits in its location, and becomes part of the landscape, rather than on the landscape. with a good study of the site, the building can be designed using the correct shape, size and materials to either keep the existing natural experience of the place or to create a new one.
 There are also more practical implications, for example, building a farm where the land is fertile, building a settlement, village or town near a river so there is water, on flat land so the foundations are firm, or raised above the ground so that the buildings aren't affected by floods. This means building so that the building and nature can compliment each other, and work efficiently together.

'Our every day life-world consists of phenomena. It consists of people, of animals, of flowers, trees and forests, of stone, earth, wood, and water, of towns, streets, and houses, doors, windows, and furniture. And it consists of sun, moon and stars, of drifting clouds of night and day and of changing seasons. But it also compromises more intangible phenomena such as feelings' - 'Place', by Christian Norberg-Shulz, 1980

Although the above quote is the initial quote in 'place', I found it the most powerful, and the most meaningful as it is listing all the material things our lives are made up of, weather they be natural or man made. However, these material things are only important due to the feelings and emotions they give us, and furthermore, the reason for living is because of the feelings we receive.

References: -  'Place', Genius loci: Towards a phenomenology of architecture, London academy editions,  Christian Norberg-Shulz, 1980
 - Pallasmaa, Juhani, 'multi-sensory experience', The eyes of the skin: Architecture and the senses, Chichester, Wiley academy, 2005

Task 1 - The park tunnel, Nottingham

The park tunnel, built in 1855 was traditionally made as a tunnel for horse drawn carriages to pass through from derby road to the castle. However this purpose was over ridden, when the Duke of Newcastle, who owned the Nottingham Castle Mansion, specified the gradient of the tunnel must be 1 in 14, but was actually made at 1 in 12, which was considered too steep and impractical for the horse drawn carriages so other routes had to be made. Since then, the Tunnel was used by wealthier members of the public, as the park was turned into a recreational area for the wealthy city occupants. Built in a yellow sandstone, in a very green area, the Park Tunnel has proved a respected feature of Nottingham. The tunnel's origin dates back to 1827, where design proposals where found by the architect Peter Frederick Robinson, although the construction of the tunnel was overlooked by the architect Thomas Chambers Hine, who worked for the Duke of Newcastle.
When approaching the tunnel, it almost seems to appear out of no where! However, when I walked down the stairs, and the view gets better down the tunnel, and the bursts of lights break through the darkness, I got a sort of unusual feeling which almost made me feel slightly uncomfortable. Weather it was due to the fact I was on my own at dusk; or that I'm from an area where walking through a city tunnel at night probably isn't the best idea; or it could even be because of the large range of contrasts of light which project unusual shaped shadows onto the walls, which was the most interesting part about the tunnels, as I found the sandstone almost illuminates parts of the tunnel, when the light enters at a certain angle and a certain time of the day.

references:
-http://www.nottshistory.org.uk/whatnall1928/park_tunnel.htm - accessed on 28/04/14
-http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscriptsandspecialcollections/exhibitions/online/park/tchine.aspx - accessed on 28/04/14

Task 1 - The Malt Cross, Nottingham

The Malt Cross, another pub situated in Nottingham's city centre was built in 1877. Although it became a public house, and a venue for musicians and comedians, its original blue print was in fact meant to be for an ice-rink and public house. However, during the construction of the building, there was a large boost in the interest of music, and entertainment alike, so instead, the architect Edwin Hill, decided to add a stage to the blue print and create such a venue. However, Edwin Hills most famous work on this building is the enormous arched roof, which had been designed to be held together entirely out of glue. Due to the sheer size and shape of this roof, an unbelievable atmosphere is created by echo's of the musical talent, or the giggles of the crowed laughing at the comedian stood up on stage. The venue quickly attracted many famous acts due to the builder, Charles Weldon, who was also the initial proprietor, and also owned the Alhambra Music Hall, where many large acts had already played.

When walking into the Malt Cross, the enormous size and space is almost breathtaking, and in seconds my eyes where gazing all around the room. Rich gold beams and banisters, together with the royal red features give an upper-class Victorian feel. I also found it fairly unusual, although very practical how the stage is raised massively of the ground so that's its an even distance between the ground floor and the first floor balcony. Weather this was done because of the way sound dissipates in the room, or just so everyone gets a fair view of the stage, its obvious great thought has gone into the position of it. I get the impression that this venue is a more expensive venue, and not a local pub you attended in your building gear after a hard days work.

Reference's: http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/title/a-potted-history-of-the-malt-cross/id/3879 - info accessed on the 28/04.14

Task 1 - The Hand in Heart pub, Nottingham

The Hand in Heart pub is a local real ale pub situated on the busy derby road. before it became a pub, it was traditional Georgian house, with stables at the rear of the building, and a large cave down below. however, in 1866, this was converted into a pub, where the beer was brewed in the stables and the cooler caves where used for storage. shortly after, the Victorian shop front was added and the horn in hand became a public house. above the shop front was a terrace facing derby road, which, in the 1960's, was covered in a glass conservatory and used as a restaurant area.

On arrival to the Hand in Heart, my initial thoughts were that this pub had some character, and some history, despite the modern alterations on the building, such as the glass conservatory, and the more commercial colours and fonts on the advertising boards outside, which almost convert any building into a weather spoons lookalike!
However, walking inside, the spacious room felt cosy, and old! I wasn't too sure on how I felt about the glass conservatory at first, but after walking inside, there would be a lack of natural light without the conservatory, and it works well with the rest of the building layout. Also the use of the caves is something I have very rarely come across before and is very unusual for me, and because of this, I really liked it! Just sitting there with a old brown ale in the caved seating area almost made me feel like I was back in the times of robin hood!

References: http://www.thehandandheart.co.uk/ - accessed on 28/04/14

The Newton Building

I also sketched the Newton building, Nottingham, as part of my sketchbook at the start of the year. I spend a lot of time in newton for my lectures. Now, from being a child, and like any other child, I hated the idea of going to school. We used to refer to school as a prison, when in fact looking back I enjoyed school and liked the building and the reference of a prison was usually targeted to the staff and the rules which I naturally wasn't a custom too. BUT LOOK AT THAT! In my opinion this is THE prison of educational buildings. Thank god my lectures are on the ground floor of this bland, industrial looking tower! Not one part of me wants to go in there, and especially not sit and learn in there! If you took this photo again with a grey sky, and the trees on fire it would look like something out of lord of the rings! And imagine if every building in a city looked like this, walking through an urban council estate in a London suburb at night would feel like a holiday destination! And to think on the other side of this hideous eye sore is the famous Arkwright building, which I prefer because I find it has much more character! However, I have to give credit on how the architect has joined the buildings together, because I feel as if when I walk from one into the other, there is some sort of flow, where it feels like it works!
Although I can understand that there can only be a limited amount of windows, due to noise pollution in the middle of the city, I don't like the very plain use of greyish brown stone. There is no decoration, and I find the style reminds me of a commercial bank building, or a government building rather than an educational facility.



References: Photo and sketch was sourced by myself, Matthew parsons, taken on the 28/11/13

The Marco Island, Nottingham

The Marco Island is a very modern hotel/apartment complex that has been built close to the city centre in Nottingham. I came across it while doing my sketchbook at the start of my first year in architecture technology. This particular building caught my eye because its completely different to other apartment blocks. In my opinion, its very apparent the entire complex has been designed around a large ferry or cruiser, with its curved 'bow' and a more square 'stern'. White prefabricated cement boards have been used in contrast with tinted windows as an outside finish to represent the slick, silk white finish of a normal cruiser ship.  Also the upper 3 levels have a tired system where balcony space becomes available which also replicates the average build of a boat. This is what i found massively unusual! Every flat and apartment block I ever see is an ugly tower of grey or brown cement, where every square inch of space is used to make some sort of income of its residents. So why, in a country famous for its terrible weather waste plenty of space which could be used for additional apartments, a gym, a residential cafe or some other profitable scheme? although this may compromise its external appearance, when did that ever matter? And some sort of balcony could still be used on the top floor, if the other floors where filled. Although i ask these questions, i must say i prefer a unique design like this, and wish this approach was used with many of the other apartment blocks around British city's!

References: Image and sketch sourced by myself, Matthew Parsons, taken on 24/04/14

Architecture in Nottingham (place of study)

Architecture in Birmingham (hometown)