Reprogramming Sydenham

TM Bouchier

Reprogramming Sydenham
TM Bouchier

This work was done in january 2014 as coursework for Studio Christchurch. Its aim is to explore and develop an urban and/or architectural plan for Sydenham, a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. Special thanks go out to Camia Young and the staff of Studio Christchurch for their continued support and encouragement.

Introduction
Sydenham is beautiful. It may be a wasteland of concrete and steel, but its industrious nature has led to a complex urban fabric that is evidence of a culture that has been and may continue to be of vital importance to the development for greater Christchurch. Reprogramming Sydenham is about embracing this heritage, and inspiring new futures with the physical and historical material that constitute the area today.

Motivation
Over the course of a more than a century, Sydenhams industrial activity has resulted in a pattern that is like a work of art. Today, this maze of warehouses and roads has immense potential as an inspirator for new forms of development, thus deserving to be cherished and built upon. The re-use of existing structures would be environmentally responsible too, as vasts amounts of energy (and money) are saved by breaking the cycle of demolition and reconstruction.

Strategy
Guiding this project will be design strategy that uses what is already present, adding new material only if it makes spatial sense and potentially enables new types of occupation. First, an entire block would be stripped of its lightweight materials to reveal its structural base. Then, spatial complexity would be introduced that is guided by existing walls and foundations. Finally, major trusses would be reconfigured to create new roof typologies and better natural lighting, making new types of use a real possibility. Existing project site

Spatial complexity

Stripped down

New roof typologies

Structure

New spaces within old spaces create more defined floorplans

Reconfiguration of trusses result in new roof typologies and better lighting

Flying walkways connect previously seperated buildings

Program
Primarily, the goal of this design strategy is to enable the growth of any form of occupation in Sydenham, be it housing, a market, or even a farm. Whatever society wills, this strategy only exists to accomodate, rather than direct. But for the purposes of this paper, a program is proposed that is rooted in Sydenhams history as a place of creation. Blurring the line between business and education, it would enable individuals from diverse backgrounds and interests to realize product ideas in a focused environment with all the facilities they require: A Center for Art & Technology.

Plan
1 Shared workspace 2 2b 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 Computer lab Electric engineering Audio room Metal workshop Engine works / Junkyard Timber workshop Conference room 3D printing & milling Lecture theater Reception / Exhibition space Leisure in upper walkway Public workshops

3b Atelier

7b Study 9 Robotics 11 Foyer

15 Cafeteria 16 Gardens 17 18 19 Testing ground Outdoor exhibition Leisure / sports

N
0 10m 20m

Section

Existing concrete foundation

Reconfigured steel truss New timber frame internal wall

New insulated roof

Pratt truss walking bridge

Existing cinder block wall filled with soil

Shared workspace

Interior impression

Exterior Impression
Testing grounds & outdoor exhibition space

Conclusion

The point of this work is not so much about proposing a design as it is about finding new ways of doing things. This may have all sorts of outcomes, but always builds on that which is already built. Sydenham, with its interesting pattern of concrete and steel, roads and warehouses, would be ideal for this kind of development. It could be applied throughout the area, over the span of several decades, and become as spatially inspired as the base on which it is built.

Sydenham is beautiful; lets not throw that away.