The archipelago framework
Within a current battleground of capital wealth, smaller unknown worlds, flourish as independent time capsules of a vibrant waterfront that was. Hidden rituals thrive amidst the wreckage of the waterfront, quietly manufacturing their own day to day routines and customs – the steep layers of the waterfront providing sheltered fissures and caves for a ‘human reef’. Addressing these existing habitats becomes an extremely sensitive job. How then, may we allow for a level of interdependency to develop between these invisible worlds that, while providing the stage upon which these worlds may flourish, maintain their level of intimacy? In collaboration with Jonathan Lettmann, Mo NaitCharif, Samuel Cooke, Sophie James and Eleanor Mott.
Historic shifts
film 01_parallels
Symphonic pockets of activity
film 02_silent worlds
The sub-worlds of the waterfront edge
How may we allow for the continual development of interdependency between these sub-worlds that, while providing the stage upon which these worlds may flourish, maintain their level of heterogeneity? Through 4 analytical phases: inter-world connectivity, wider urban influences, catalytic reflection with Mount Batten, and finally the utilization of the waters surface as inhabitable common ground.
Existing encounters
Encountering a fractured site, with edges and boundaries setting up a disconnection of the urban realm. Moreover, this translates into a site of fragmented relationships of citizens built on a fabricated image of the past as well as future developments which neglect the present. However, these fractures enable sub-worlds to emerge, defying the commodification of the waterfront.
Imposed imagery
film 03_projections
Liquid urban surgery
To address Plymouths complex identity crisis of juxtaposing edge, the explored framework allows a liquid integration into existing layers. The urban grid is extended to the body that is water, where the identified invisible worlds that co-exist along the waterfront are enabled prominence without loss of meaning and values. Spectacles are to begin to bleed back amongst the everyday vernacular, where traces of Plymouths ‘true’ identity can be influx without confinement from governing bodies; who are creating selective imagery to represent Plymouth.
A vibrant waterfront that was
With the aim of building a resilient waterfront, the framework strategy begins to build social links, reconnecting districts and enabling people to gain a haptic connection with water. By establishing links and opening up local industries the proposal seeks to improve Plymouth’s maritime economy. Moreover, the idea is to work with existing industries as well as aligned to current plans of development.
