Liquid livingproject process journal

byLaura Aho

contents pagepage

Introduction

Research

Insights

Brief

Research romance

First concepts

Light testing

Research at the Clyde

Concepts

Research public space

Concepts

Conclusion: concept rain shelter

Refining

First model

User journey mock-up

Sketching: refining form

Testing

Sketching: defining ways of alteration

Outcome conclusion

Form

Materials and maintenance

Placement

Impact

User journeys

4

5

12

17

18

22

24

25

28

30

33

40

42

46

50

54

57

58

60

62

66

68

70

72

3

brief Liquid Livingpage

You are asked to investigate the contemporary urban landscape and its relationship to water in order that you can identify situations in which a design

intervention will improve the user-experience, to ascertain where innovation in an existing system is possible or outright transformation desirable, to re-think the

relationship to and experience of water on behalf of the inhabitants of Glasgow.

especially, it is crucial to the experience of modern life in large cities. In contemporary Glasgow life is entirely dependent upon this liquid and its flows, in every aspect of daily

existence. Indeed, Glasgow in its current form could not have existed without the powerful mediating and shaping influence of water, in the shape of the River Clyde, the power it provided for the industrial or the ships and railways that provided employment for the inhabitants of the city. The city you live in is built of and upon water, your daily

experiences can be seen as being made of water – how might you as a designer explore and respond to this situation?

Water falls from the sky, collects on the ground as lochs, rivers or puddles, we use it bathe,

to exercise, to have fun, power our domestic goods or provide employment in factories, to sail, cook or even just drink: it is fundamental to all life on the planet

a n d ,

This project, Liquid Living, asks you to explore the way of life described above and to respond through the design of new artefacts, services, interactions or experiences based around the relationship between people, the city of Glasgow and water in all its guises and manifestations.

introductionriver for the citizens

cc Clyde canopies

This project is built on the insight that the Glaswegians are not making the most of their river, because they are not provided with the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate what a river can to offer for a city. The Clyde used to be an industrial site and is now being regenerated for business. The Clyde Canopies would provide a river site visitor with a calm personal space on a public realm located by the urban river.

5

research

Glasgow is built on two rivers, it would be mad by the city, to turn its back to these rivers.

To start the project we, as a class, mapped out areas of research. We then divided into smaller groups to research these topics. My group’s focus was on health, wealth and education.

Here’s some key points from my interview with Rosemary Watt, the head curator of the River Side Museum.

The quality of water is constantly improving and monitored. The rivers are also a part of primary school education.

The river Kelvin is kept in a more natural state while the Clyde is regenerated to serve the city.

There has been popular events organized by the Clyde such as cycling. There are also boats running up and down the river.

“

”

? an answer

Glasgow GlasgowClyde Clyde

Christina Black, the lead engineer of the River Side Museum made the point that Glasgow used to be one of the richest cities in the UK, because of the industries by the Clyde. Now Glasgow has some of the highest levels of poverty. There’s hope that regenerating the river would revise the trend.

MoneyMoney

wealthresearch

7

People who have the money, still use the Clyde for their boats.

- Patrick gym receptionist

The associate architect Johannes Hoffman on Glasgow’s economics: ”There are now more people working in tourism than have ever worked in ship building. Tourism is the new major employer. The Museum and other buildings along the Clyde are a major contributor towards tourism.”

There’s definitely nicer places in Glasgow than the Clyde banks. Parts of it are ok. - Sara sales assistant

For sitting outside and relaxing I would rather go to Georges Square.- Charlotte sales assistant

Most expensive flats tend to be by the water front. There has been new flats build by the Clyde, with this idea in mind. Some good hotels are also located right by the river. Major part of the water front is reserved by offices and private companies.

? an answer

“

”

Public art is a way for a city to show it’s wealth and make a public space more interesting for citizens and tourists. I looked into some water related art work in cities and nature.

Andy Goldsworthy Antony Gormley

a bridge in Toronto

researchwealth

Zoltan KecskemetiLondon Inc

9

I wanted to improve the experience by the water front; the missing atmospheric spaces. I took a romantic scenario as a guideline, since a romantic situation also needs to be relaxing, safe, comfortable... It outlines a good experience typical for a waterfront.

From the first stage of research I noticed the clear difference between the river Clyde and Kelvin: Clyde for business and Kelvin for free time activities.

Other cities use the river site for events, not only because it’s beautiful, but because of open space.

Even central rivers can have intimate and relaxing places along them.

The Clyde isn’t used by the citizens for leisure.

When walking by the Clyde signs of nature can be seen, after all the river is a peace of wild nature within the city.

researchthe Clyde as my focus

After presenting the group research I chose to focus on the Clyde.

Even though Glasgow has a vast amount of rain fall, the city is not making the most of water’s relaxing and atmospheric qualities: sound of flowing water is used as white noise or for relaxation. Seeing water is also considered beautiful and atmospheric, used in gardens and parks for example. Glasgow’s rain and puddles are mainly viewed as a negative.

water & cityresearch

11

I asked the people on the street for opinions on the Clyde. Only one person recommended me to take a walk by it. Most people do not regard the Clyde as a pleasant area. Several people told me that it’s really dangerous to go to, even at day time.

I go for a run by the Clyde every now and then. There’s a running club also, they start from Kelvingroove park and make a loop by the river. - Patrick gym receptionist

“Urban roller blading is more creative than being in a skate park. Here the police will not mind us practising and there are no people on the way.- Ben skater

Glaswegians do not value their river, in Venice where I’m from people would never throw a cigarette into the water. Here people don’t respect their city, it’s dirty.. Maybe also the military base by the Clyde makes it less tempting for a walk.- Alessandro waiter

”

? an answer

interviews

history

old landmarks

industry

still linked with

regeneration

attitudes

general

no knowledge

answers

negative

unsafe

dirty

no interest

industrial

armynot a pleasant

walkun

tempting route

on the edge of the city

positive

tourismmuseums

localhousingoffices

hotels

events

work

sports

running

running route

running club

roller-blades

scate boards

distancerelationship

no police

marks

space

seating

trees

the Clyde

income

research & insights mind map

experience

to other cities

uses attitudes

central location

interviews

to river Kelvin

physically

the feel

answers

peaceful

city meets nature

distance from river

old / modern

decayed

marks of water every-

where

quietwindy

rubbish

impressive architecture

fresh

signs of nature

bridges

nice walks good for

reading

peace

historical

gives air fo the city

romanceleisure

best views

13

holiday atmosphere

markets

swim

parties

sports/ cultural events

public/private

transport

natural

calm

residential

wild life

romantic

in comparison

taking a walk (centre)

to addresskey insights

dist

ance

from

wat

er

regeneration for financial profit

the public has a negative impression

illogical walkways due to private landowners

citizens do not make the most of their waterfront

rain fall has potential

15

users

Primarily I wanted to increase the use of the waterfront in the Glaswegians daily life. Citizens don’t see a reason to visit the Clyde and often have more negative impression of it than what it is in reality.

The financial regeneration should have a social aspect to it; for the citizens.

my users: the Glaswegians

river romance

When comparing the Clyde to other European urban rivers it was obvious that something was missing: the Clyde isn’t romantic. The link between romantic and relaxing scenarios is rather obvious, I think. (Sitting by the sea, by a fire, red wine, candle light...) I searched for features for romantic settings, this meaning it’s also relaxing.

research

“It’s a nice walk to take, the best in the city.”

“The river provides fresh air and space to the city.”

Space for refreshment; ? an answer

19

Personal good memories of a place emphasize a good overall impression of that space. Creating a romantic scenario might encourage people to use a single spot by the Clyde, maybe it’s reputation as a whole would also improve.

? an answer

I asked people which places are the most romantic in Glasgow, I also read some internet conversations about nice locations for a date. The Botanic gardens and the river Kelvin by it were seen as the most romantic Glasgow.

wind

open

space

rain

encourage use

memorable

wind

rela

xed

cold

fresh

opportunity

daily

occasional

single experience

Emotional

dam

p

Phys

ical

Tour

ist

Local

Feel

Users

Romance

scared

MINDMAP

threat

seas

ons

time

evening

events

14.2

snow

sprin

g

guidesm

arkschange

love

locks

add

dull

lack of privacy

ugly

view

water sports

alterinstallation

installation

soundlight

light

enco

urag

e

Structures

Bridges

Bridges

Walkway

Walkway

Fencessigns of nature

on the riverreflections

The river

underpasslight sound

crossing

many

cyclists

animals

vegetation vegetation

lower

wal

kway

boats

art

CONCLUSIONopportunities

wind

open space

rain

encourage use

single experience

using natural resources, altering existing structures or by adding in something to create a romantic scenario.

Local eventsby the

Clyde

Initial ideas for creating an atmosphere by the river.Using the sound and sight of flowing water, the water being from the tidal river or rain. Walking next to or even on flowing water is a relaxing experience and can create an intimate space.

conceptsrain & bridge

23

Another atmospheric effect on a space is illumination. I looked into ways of combining water and light to create moving patterns of light.

Lights could float in the river or hang down from the bridges. Small sources of light could look lovely as moving a little with the wind or floating on the river.

water & light

I did testing on how could light be combined with water. Obviously this lightning should be much stronger for the underpass areas. The effect has potential,when asking people they did not say it is romantic but relaxing and ‘cool’. However the effect could be combined with other installations for a romantic ensemble.

testingwater & light

Big scale effect of light through water (lamppost on a sidewalk)

25

I went back to the river to tests light and explore the water front in detail. When walking under the bridges some very fascinating reflections appeal on the surface of the river, this of course depends on the weather and light. At times you can see things mirrored on the water you couldn’t see otherwise.

research

The most charming part of the Clyde is the impact of the rain and the tide on the structures. This is special and characterizes Clyde as the Glaswegian river.

A lot of graffiti can be found from by the Clyde as well as written names and messages. This tells something about the users of the riverside.

researchmarks by water and by people

27

I went to see a protest against one of the Clyde regeneration projects. Broomielaw is an open space where people can for example have pack lunch out of the office. This is where I had interviewed the skaters earlier. This public realm was build on 2009 costing 7.7 million pounds and is now been torn down for indoor restaurant buildings.

“People are only starting to use the space and get to know to it. The new buildings will block the river from the city even more.”

Broomielaw

? an answer

After looking into Clyde water front in detail I started to think about some new ideas for drawing attention to these details and for adding details for the aspect of romance. Marks of things happened in situ / means of providing an opportunity to alter the space, temporarily or permanently could create ownership and link positive feeling to the Clyde.

Moss graffiti

Guide the viewer

conceptsexperience

29

Flowing rain water and light

...concepts

Lamps filled with water

need for something more engaging

PPAG architects designed this public furniture with the idea of individual and combined use. The creators come up with a new assembly every year. “In the most modern cultural area in Vienna you can sit, lie, chill, eat and relax on Enzis. This has also made the restaurants in the MQ (square) more attractive. Since 2007 the visitors have been asked to vote for the new seasonal colour of the Enzis.”

I wanted to engage the public in a similar manner, but so that the users could have a stronger personal influence to the object than just the colour. The texture, light and so the story behind the shelter could be decided by the users by voting.

engaging citizensEnzis

A normal city square got transferred into a public living room, where groups of friends of all ages gather both day and night time.

31

I looked at other projects where space has been reinvented for the public. A place that I find impressive (pictured below) the High line in New York; old subway tracks can still be seen on the walkway that is surrounded by skyscrapers and vegetation. I also viewed on other projects to see how to create an ambiance.

reinventing space

Aberdeen Union gardens concept

CACS competition of recreating Public Space

lovelocks

Distance from the water (caused by the tide) could be compensated by using rain water. This could also outline a space for the locks.

research

The idea of lovelocks is that a couple leaves a lock on a bridge or by a water front and throws the keys into the water as a symbol of eternal love. This is a way to gain public space for personal use. Clyde has an opportunity for a romantic spot for leaving the locks. This could then encourage visits and so the use of a site.

ParisMoscow; a ‘tree’ made

for lovelocks

33

small locks big feelings

concepts

The charm of the decaying structures combined with the idea of leaving locks led me to this concept. The feeling expressed by leaving the lock would be so ‘heavy’ it would distort the structure.

The material of the structure chould bend more as the amount of locks increase. This could be done by the use of telescopic structure, bendy material or by a maintenance service.

small locks big feelings

35

The locks themselves could be changed to something more specific to Glasgow. I started exploring alternatives. The ship building industry links into knots. Couples could tie a piece of fabric with their names on it onto the bending object. The couple would then literally tie a knot.

locks or..?

test knottest knot

I also looked into the Celtic mythology, focusing on the god of love Aengus who according to the legend had to turn himself into a swan to be with his loved one. When he was still in his human form he had little birds flying around his head. Each of the birds represents a kiss and their singing made lovers kiss or helped them overcome their troubles.

If the birds would be placed close enough to each other they would create sound when the wind blows. This would then create a kissing scene both for the Glaswegians and tourists.

researchspecific to Clyde?

something bigger and useful?

37

You know what a Glasgow kiss means?

Maybe it should mean something different.

37

I took a step back from the little objects and started thinking about designing public furniture with a symbolic link to the mythology or history.

public furnitureconcepts

St. Mungo fished a salmon with a ring in it’s stomach. Finding the ring saved an unfaithful queen from execution.

A story progressing in little bits. or riddles followed by answers.

Sculptural use of rain or sheltering from the rain.

Throwing something into a water installation.

39

The effects that I have been researching earlier could be applied onto the shelter. Such as the sound and visual for flowing or falling water. The reflections of water and the light through water. I was also thinking about the marking, but rather than a permanent mark sound could create an interaction with the users.

sheltering

A shelter from rain interested me since I had focused on the underpass areas. Rain is a rather poetic way for outlining a space. Rain doesn’t only symbolise sorrow, but cleansing and rebirth. To provide the citizens an enjoyable riverside experience and so hopefully ownership and pride of Glasgow’s river this shelter is not only from the rain, but also the privatisation of the land by the Clyde.

Engage people with the waterfront by providing an enjoyable experience.

Emphasize and make use of the good qualities that the river side has.

If a scenario could be romantic, it also then has enjoyable qualities for a solo experience.

Rain water has potential, since water has suitable qualities for creating an atmospheric space. public

furniture offers a solution.

Glasvegian experience should be inspired by Glasgow.

Rain shelter

Sheltering from the rain as enjoying the open space and fresh air by the Clyde could provide a pleasent experience, especially if combined with a story and

some water effects.

41

I moved onto sketching forms that allow the use of the water effects tested earlier trying to include features linking to the mythology or history.

conceptsketching

43

I hoped that the shelter might encourage use of the site and above all offer a place to relax and enjoy the peace that Clyde provides to the city.

experience

45

I was looking for a logical placement by finding out about walkways, offices, museums and the regeneration. The way between the riverside museum and the science centre became my favourites. This Photoshop image is by Glasgow Central, most people however seem to just cross over the bridges rather that walk by the river.

Shelters could also be located on the bridges or through out the centric waterfront.

placementresearch

testing1. model

I made the first model to test the effects of the light in an approximate form and the flow of water from the tail of the bird. However I found it was too tall to be protective enough for a user, I made it tall in order to avoid vandalism.

47

refinement

Second model further explored the shape considering manufacturing process more. This top bit is made by bending one sheet of Perspex. It also provides more of a intimate space by height.

Half-scale cardboard model was for testing the location, height and the feel under the shelter.

testing½ scale

I kept the model by my desk in the studio and what I noticed was that as people came to talk to me they would either stand under or outside the shelter. Normal talking distance felt more intimate because of the feel of the shared space. If the person would stand outside the shelter I felt like it outlines my personal space.

4949

based on typical waterfront usersseen and chatted to at the start of the project

Susan 32

Kevin 17

Brie 40 Matt 45

Susan works at a gym just one block up from the Clyde. She never goes to see the river because she does not have any need to. Co-workers have been talking about the new installation so one day after work she goes to see it.

Kevin is having trouble with school as well as his family. He spends most his time hanging out with a pack of friends. He meet friends by the Clyde at times. He sees the Riverbird but doesn’t bother to take a closer look He couldn’t be less interested in the regeneration process of the Clyde.

Brie and Matt both work hard so their holidays are normally short and packed with activities. The couple only has one day in Glasgow. In the evening they ask the hotel reception if there’s something they could see on the way to dinner. Riverbird is only 10 minutes from the hotel so they go see it..

relating to potential users

mock-up of the user journeys for explaining them to others and for defining possible scenarios to aid the design process

Rain

The experience

approach

approach

approach

walking away

walking away

walking away

experiencing

experiencing

experiencing

While walking in the rain, Susan wonders if the experience is worth the hassel. As she approaches the shelter she feels relief. Standing by the river and seeing the effect of the rain has on the structure, as well as the ground surrounding it, she feels its relaxing impact. She stays, still observing it for few minutes before heading home. She now goes for a walk by the river every now and then if she needs some peace.

Kevin is on his way to meet friends when he sees something new by the river. He looks at it from the distance with some curiosity. As he is unable to understand the purpose of this new element he continues his journey, thinking he might ask if his friends knew what it is.

Leaving the hotel Mark and Brie both feel anticipation. As they get closer to the river Brie feels glad that Mark is close, holding her hand. They can see the Riverbird and Mark feels exited about seeing something new. As the couple stands under the wings they cuddle and listen to the sounds of the rain. Brie feels cold so they head off to find the restaurant. Mark turns back to get one last sight of the illuminated Riverbird from another angle.

relating to potential experiences

anticipation

anticipation

sheltered

observation

focus on eachother

notice

noticecold

anticipation

reason

thinking

asking a friend

Brie can’t wait fo

r

the dinnfer and a

glass of wine Mark studies

the water and

projections

relaxation

relief (no rain)

observation

positive feelrevived

feel exposed

relaxation &

observation

deep breath

exposed to the rain

observe from the distance

enjoycold

scepticism

observe

unsecure

confusion

notice

Mark thinks

of the use of

rainwaterBrie’s

thoughts

wonders

53

I made a short animation in order to explain the experience I am trying to provide.

testingexperience mock-up

Feedback from this made me reconsider the shape and function;

Would this shelter provide an intimate enough space or enough protection from the weather to be comfortable?

Everyone who commented would have added a chair.

For my purpose of using the water front series of canopies would have a stronger influence.

Exploring the form not only considering the factors above, but in order to find a shape that could be altered for different themes still maintaining similar outlines.

sketchingwind, intimacy, light, coverage, themes

55

sketchingshaping

I considered different materials, but to make a trail not only the shape should be considered, but also the material and so the effect; light and water which is a part of the concept. Use of clear acrylic sheet would still be the most suitable material and for consistency all shelters alongside the path should be out of the same material.

57

testing

I wanted to maintain some open space, but achieve a more intimate space than what i had first proposed. As testing an art student commented: I would be happy to sit so close to my boyfriend, but then it’s just a friend it feels a bit too intimate. I feel more relaxed because having a wall behind my back makes me feel safer.

I was thinking to have a time line of the Clyde as a route of rain shelters, that could run between the SCC and the Riverside Museum for example. However as I wanted to encourage the use of the site for personal life, I thought that mythology, stories and shapes relating to the environment would be more interesting and communicate leisure whereas history might associate with learning in an official manner.

sketchingwind, intimacy, light, coverage, themes

59

Outcome

Clyde canopiesprovide a calming experience by the urban river for the

citizens of Glasgow. Series of the Clyde Canopies will create a public realm, that can then be enjoyed for having a water front moment

together with someone or alone. Each CC is of a different theme and a new one will be chosen by

the citizens yearly.

cc Clyde canopies

61

final shaperefining

The bird that represents love and kisses in Celtic mythology, legend of St. Mungo and the salmon, shipbuilding history

63

Within the trail of canopies, each one would be based on a different story. As I had decided the principal shape I applied characteristics that would link to the Clyde.

Instead of characteristic details (tails and such) I started to explore textures. Texture would add to the effect created by the flowing rain.

Testing by vacuum-forming to find a pleasant texture.

seatingfinal shape

I wanted the seat to add to the relaxing, timeless feel which is why it can slide back and forth. It’s also to enable space for just standing; the seat can be pushed back, off the way. Incase the seat is wet in can be turned to another side, hence the triangular shape.

Metal rails and plastic seat.

65

structure

The shelter would be made from polycarbonate and be founded inside the ground. The form is created by heating up the material over a desired shape that has the required texture on its surface. Different textures can so be alterable and just placed over the actual moulding peace.

There would be a little street gully under each Clyde Canopy so that the rain water could run down it and fall into the Clyde in order to avoid the water from splashing on the user. The LED lighting would be on the roof of the shelter so that the light shines in smoothly through the sealing, and if it rains the water is lighted as well.

materials

Sean Peatfield - Materials testing - Materials Engineering Ltd

“...with regards to making it last a hurricane, given that design, provided the foundations were good, and the perspex thick/strong enough (would perhaps recommend polycarbonate instead, similar light transfer properties but a lot stronger, at the cost of being more expensive), I would imagine it would survive reasonable winds.”

“It would also be possible to put in an aluminium frame for extra support, it’s strong, rather cheap and can be painted.”

? an answer

67

The structure is strong enough to last a while, but vandalism might destroy the function sooner. If the Clyde Canopies are covered in graffiti so that one can’t see out of them or so that the light does not come trough, the experience is different. Hopefully though rather central location and lighting would make them less tempting for vandalism: they stand out. Since there’s a new Canopy each year the old ones could also be remade.

timemaintenance

Threat: vandalism

use of exhisting realmplacement

Central location; opposite to the Broomielaw where a winter garden and restaurant buildings will be built next year. Open space that has already been built for spending time offers a perfect opportunity for the Clyde canopies.

The canopies would be facing different directions to provide shelter as the direction of the wind changes. Each canopy would face an iconic architecture or other interesting features by the river bank that people might want to look at.

placement

impactownership of the water front

The users of the Clyde canopies realm would have a chance to influence the designs of the canopies. This is only logical since the site is for them, for the public. Each ‘CC’ would have a sign in front of it explaining the story or inspiration behind that particular style. One of the CC:s would be left plain so that the users could picture it however they want and then post their ideas onto the Clyde canopies webpage.

ccClyde canopies - make a wish by the fish

A king gave a ring to his wife, but the wife gave it to her lover.

Seeing a knight wearing the ring, the king stole it and threw

it into the Clyde. He then threaded to execute his wife if she would not show him the ring. The Queen turned to St.

Mungo for help, who then fished a salmon from the Clyde

with the ring in it’s stomach.

73

Clyde

As people would start to use and care for the site more, it would become safer and little local businesses could profit from more pedestrians in the area. Which is what happened with the Enziz public furniture project in Vienna (mentioned earlier).

The Clyde Canopies realm could be the first step that could then improve the reputation of the area and so more realms would be made by the water front and better walkways build for the need.

As stated earlier; the financial regeneration needs a social side to it as well. The use of the water front by Glaswegians is crucial for a successful regeneration. This also contributes to tourism.

Clyde regeneration webpage; list of projects

Users based on interviews and testing

Graham 67

Graham takes a walk everyday for fitness. This time he walks by the Clyde. He receives a text message on his smartphone. It is new and it’s raining so he wants to keep it dry. As he sees the shelter he stops to check his phone under it. He feels rather relaxed sheltering so he sits down for a little bit.

Susan 27

Susan never used to go to the Clyde, but as a friend suggests to meet her by the fish Clyde canopy Susan is curious to see the new site. As she enjoed the place, she shows it to her boyfriend the following week. Before they go for a meal at the new Broomielaw center they sit for a moment together listening to the rain

User journeys based on interviews (testing physically and by showing a Photoshop image for opinions)

Rainapproach walking awayexperiencing

Susan picks the feather textured one, because she has already red the story behind it when she last visited the CC realm; she knows it is for romance. She sits down with her boyfriend and he reads the story off the CC from the ground. They rock for a while chatting about each others days and kiss before heading to the restaurant.

Rainapproach walking awayexperiencing

After texting back Graham rocks and reads the sign, that tells him that he could influence what kind of a shape will be made next year. He rocks and analyzed the buildings and bridges and decides he will vote for colour. He thinks blue would be suitable. He gets up and keeps on walking, thinking he will check the webpage over a cup of tea as he gets home.

feeling

nervous; will

he like it?looking at

the effectschatting,

cuddling,

rocking

-> relax

feel happy about

sharing the

experience

use shelternotice

need

look back

thinking

designsreadobserve