The vision that drove me was one where people who had never built before could leave their mark on the city.
Because I know that it changes the perception of the importance of participation in the city and encourages you to continue to improve the city and your life. It can give you the confidence and motivation to start your own projects.
Because I know that it changes the perception of the importance of participation in the city and encourages you to continue to improve the city and your life. It can give you the confidence and motivation to start your own projects.
The offline programme consists of face-to-face meetings between teachers and participants.
The programme requires participants to work 4-5 hours a day. Materials are provided and participation is free.
The programme requires participants to work 4-5 hours a day. Materials are provided and participation is free.
For students and graduates of architecture, design, engineering, carpentry, urban planning and sociology.
For urban activists, artists and socio-cultural planners.
For urban activists, artists and socio-cultural planners.
CONCEPT
FORMAT
WHO IS IT FOR
AND ALSO FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO...
The aim of the project is to train 25 people to build 5 small architectural objects, united by a concept.
These objects will be designed and built by ordinary people, but under the supervision of an architect.
The idea is to bring together 25 people who are not architects to create a large socio-architectural project.
These objects will be designed and built by ordinary people, but under the supervision of an architect.
The idea is to bring together 25 people who are not architects to create a large socio-architectural project.
Take part in a big project;
Improve skills in drawing, designing or working with wood and metal;
Realise idea;
Understand how architectural projects are born and carried out;
Meet and spend productive time with creative people.
Improve skills in drawing, designing or working with wood and metal;
Realise idea;
Understand how architectural projects are born and carried out;
Meet and spend productive time with creative people.
URBAN CHANGE LABORATORY
EVENTS UCL 2020
02-03 aug
06 aug
07 aug
15 aug
08-14 aug
22-30 aug
30 aug
30 aug
MODERATION
PRESENTATION
OPENING
CLOSING
LECTURE DAY
CONSTRUCTION
DESIGNING
BONUS:SKATING OF THE RED HORSE
The first offline event of the project.
At this event, together with experts, we analysed what the public urban space should look like in the 21st century, we talked about the objects that we are going to build and we identified scenarios and internal motivations.
At this event, together with experts, we analysed what the public urban space should look like in the 21st century, we talked about the objects that we are going to build and we identified scenarios and internal motivations.
The participants presented the designed objects to the invited audience.
It is also the beginning of work on projects. We got to know each other better, played team bonding games, and figured out our next steps.
Last day of the project. We finish and show the objects, say goodbye, listen to live music.
Before starting the work, mentors provided participants with the necessary material in an interesting and interactive way.
We built, painted and tested new objects in an open park.
The most creative and free phase of the Lab. Together with mentors, participants freely designed future objects.
We decided to put wheels on the middle horse and have a ride around the town.
Road map was:
Victory Park > Sovetov Square > Pushkin Square > Children and Youth Square > Embankment > Chudes Park > Sovetsky Prospekt > Drama Theater > Philharmonic Society
⠀
The horse is happy, the passengers are happy, the audience is happy, the main moments are caught on camera.
Road map was:
Victory Park > Sovetov Square > Pushkin Square > Children and Youth Square > Embankment > Chudes Park > Sovetsky Prospekt > Drama Theater > Philharmonic Society
⠀
The horse is happy, the passengers are happy, the audience is happy, the main moments are caught on camera.
ORGANIZERS
PARTICIPANTS AND MENTORS (not all)
TEAMS
ABOUT OBJECTS
The basis of the design methodology of the workshop on the development of urban objects is based on the principle of the development of already existing plots and styles in the city. The revealed plots, styles become an addition and development of the already existing urban fabric, without tearing it. This in turn supports the successful developments already existing in the city, made by previous generations of designers and showing an urban character. At the same time, without creating a long-term stylistic conflict with the newly introduced objects.
As a result of a preliminary study of the history of urban planning in Kemerovo, it was found that the city was designed as a modernist city from the very first general plan. At its core there are several layers that merge into one another - the Garden City, Sotsgorod, the city of late Soviet modernism (the Zaiskitimskaya part). Each of these layers had a clear development plan that provided a convenient framework for its development. Despite the simplicity of the forms of architectural structures, successful solutions in landscaping, huge public spaces and separation of objects of the urban environment at a considerable distance from each other created comfort of living on a scale comparable to a person. Thus, the following characteristics were noted: simplicity and size of the forms delimited by landscaping; open "wide" space filled with light; absence of "arbitrary" / subjective design.
Participants were asked to start their work with a 'drift' through the city, identifying four groups of objects: landscape, playgrounds, monumental art/sculpture, modern artefacts, street art. The identified objects were mapped and documented. In the groups of participants, work was carried out to categorise the objects found - objects that could be further developed were identified. A typology was also drawn up, which showed that in Kemerovo the design of urban facilities was based on the principle of
Functionalism, and from the point of view of design - simple geometric shapes - an arc, a rectangle, a hexagon and a zigzag line. Such principles ensure good compatibility of objects and ease of perception. The materials with which the participants were to work were also identified - wood as a pre-war material, metal and concrete as post-war materials.
As part of the evening lectures, discussions and walks in the "key" places of the city, a list of understandable, easily perceived urban legends and stories was compiled. On the basis of Russian and international experience the participants got acquainted with the principle of combinatorics of urban stories/plots and their formalisation. During the lectures the participants also discussed the local artistic context.
The following components were identified: plot + form + material.
As a result of a preliminary study of the history of urban planning in Kemerovo, it was found that the city was designed as a modernist city from the very first general plan. At its core there are several layers that merge into one another - the Garden City, Sotsgorod, the city of late Soviet modernism (the Zaiskitimskaya part). Each of these layers had a clear development plan that provided a convenient framework for its development. Despite the simplicity of the forms of architectural structures, successful solutions in landscaping, huge public spaces and separation of objects of the urban environment at a considerable distance from each other created comfort of living on a scale comparable to a person. Thus, the following characteristics were noted: simplicity and size of the forms delimited by landscaping; open "wide" space filled with light; absence of "arbitrary" / subjective design.
Participants were asked to start their work with a 'drift' through the city, identifying four groups of objects: landscape, playgrounds, monumental art/sculpture, modern artefacts, street art. The identified objects were mapped and documented. In the groups of participants, work was carried out to categorise the objects found - objects that could be further developed were identified. A typology was also drawn up, which showed that in Kemerovo the design of urban facilities was based on the principle of
Functionalism, and from the point of view of design - simple geometric shapes - an arc, a rectangle, a hexagon and a zigzag line. Such principles ensure good compatibility of objects and ease of perception. The materials with which the participants were to work were also identified - wood as a pre-war material, metal and concrete as post-war materials.
As part of the evening lectures, discussions and walks in the "key" places of the city, a list of understandable, easily perceived urban legends and stories was compiled. On the basis of Russian and international experience the participants got acquainted with the principle of combinatorics of urban stories/plots and their formalisation. During the lectures the participants also discussed the local artistic context.
The following components were identified: plot + form + material.
1/ Urban research, identification of dominant styles and analysis of typical design techniques in the city;
2/ Development of objects;
3/ Technical study of the objects and purchase of materials;
4/ Realisation of the objects.
2/ Development of objects;
3/ Technical study of the objects and purchase of materials;
4/ Realisation of the objects.
DESCRIPTION
WORKSHOP STEPS
Anton Karmanov, "Kemerovo: Mastering the Modernist Heritage".
HAMMOCKS
The original design was for a large one-piece hammock with 18 sections, but as the pieces were made it became clear that it would be better not to connect them at all.
This gave greater freedom of placement in the park, reduced the weight of the structure for transport and speeded up production.
This gave greater freedom of placement in the park, reduced the weight of the structure for transport and speeded up production.
HEXAGON
In general, the series consists of a flowerbed, a bench, a table and their combinations.
The dimensions of the bases of the objects are taken from the dimensions of already existing hexagons, which "grow" upwards, creating the effect of continuous development of the "urban fabric".
The dimensions of the bases of the objects are taken from the dimensions of already existing hexagons, which "grow" upwards, creating the effect of continuous development of the "urban fabric".
SWING
Welding a 6-metre triangular structure is a very difficult task, which was helped by a very experienced gas-electric welder from KemEkoStroy - Kuziv Vladimir Mikhailovich.
Many thanks from us for the invaluable contribution to the project.
Many thanks from us for the invaluable contribution to the project.
DUCK
During the construction process, before we had time to fix the duck in the ground, it managed to become the most exciting attraction in the park, attracting both children and adults.
Without any hints or clues, everyone recognised it as a giant balancer.
⠀
It was impossible to leave it in this form and soon we reinforced it in the ground with 4 piles.
Now, in the interior of the duck, which looks like a small house, you can stay, take shelter from the rain, have a picnic or put on a little show, without having to fear that everything will roll in one direction.
Without any hints or clues, everyone recognised it as a giant balancer.
⠀
It was impossible to leave it in this form and soon we reinforced it in the ground with 4 piles.
Now, in the interior of the duck, which looks like a small house, you can stay, take shelter from the rain, have a picnic or put on a little show, without having to fear that everything will roll in one direction.
LITTLE HORSE
Everyone really enjoyed working with wood, but after a week of building, there was a certain amount of fatigue.
A decision had to be made.
The days went by and the desire to see the little horse did not diminish.
A decision had to be made.
The days went by and the desire to see the little horse did not diminish.
BIG HORSE
The functionality it got was a closed pavilion with a secret entrance.
MIDDLE HORSE
The first building gave a very important feeling: to make an urban object possible.
What was drawn in the picture - now you can touch it with your hands.
What was drawn in the picture - now you can touch it with your hands.
OBJECTS
1.7 meters
2.5 meters
1 meter
6 meters
3.75 meters
0.5 meters
1.5 meters
\\\
\\\
BONUS: FIXING THE SPACE A BIT
BONUS 2: OBJECTS IN THE WINTER
⠀
Later, the collective idea emerged that we needed the same thing, but 1.5 times bigger and with horns!
On the same trip we assembled and painted a large deer in 4 days.
Later, the collective idea emerged that we needed the same thing, but 1.5 times bigger and with horns!
On the same trip we assembled and painted a large deer in 4 days.
The swing is the Laboratory's most daring project. Both in terms of form and execution.
⠀
This work shows the commonality of the global modernist context and the existing urban environment in Kemerovo, which can be called modernist without a doubt.
⠀
A conceptual design by the Japanese architect Isamu Noguchi was developed within the framework of the Urban Change Laboratory and implemented in Kemerovo.
⠀
This work shows the commonality of the global modernist context and the existing urban environment in Kemerovo, which can be called modernist without a doubt.
⠀
A conceptual design by the Japanese architect Isamu Noguchi was developed within the framework of the Urban Change Laboratory and implemented in Kemerovo.
Once the big stag was built, it became clear that a third element was needed. But we did not know until the last moment whether it would be built at all.
⠀
Everything was decided by the following dialogue, which took place one day:
- Are we going to make a little horse?
- We will!
After that it was clear: there will be a third horse.
⠀
Everything was decided by the following dialogue, which took place one day:
- Are we going to make a little horse?
- We will!
After that it was clear: there will be a third horse.
Hammocks - three steel frames with stretched nets placed under the trees in the green areas of the park. They provide new opportunities for relaxation and contemplation in the park.
⠀
Hammocks have proved to be comfortable and practical. You can sit or lie down in them.
⠀⠀
Result: we have 3 hammocks in 3 different places.
1 hammock was not stretched because we want to monitor the wear and tear of the two existing hammocks and test other types of mesh and stretch in the future.
⠀
Hammocks have proved to be comfortable and practical. You can sit or lie down in them.
⠀⠀
Result: we have 3 hammocks in 3 different places.
1 hammock was not stretched because we want to monitor the wear and tear of the two existing hammocks and test other types of mesh and stretch in the future.
Horse / Elk / Deer - three bright red figures of different sizes refer to the petroglyphs of Tomsk. The rock carvings have been transformed into three-dimensional figures with clear silhouettes, each with its own functionality.
⠀
The middle horse is the first object made by the participants.
It was not difficult: it was cut, assembled and painted in 3 days.
⠀
The middle horse is the first object made by the participants.
It was not difficult: it was cut, assembled and painted in 3 days.
The series of hexagonal concrete figures in Hexagons is based on a hexagonal concrete tile that has served and continues to serve as a paving material for public spaces in Kemerovo for the past fifty years.
Now the tile is beginning to disappear, to be replaced by less functional and long-term solutions.
⠀
In August, the most complex module of the designed series was implemented: a flower bed with two benches.
Now the tile is beginning to disappear, to be replaced by less functional and long-term solutions.
⠀
In August, the most complex module of the designed series was implemented: a flower bed with two benches.
The duck is one of the most attractive and vivid images in Antoshka Park. Many ducks live near Iskitimka until late autumn. Residents of all ages, who gather in large groups in the park, love to feed the Iskitim ducks.
⠀
The object uses this image and applies to it a typical plastic technique characteristic of small architectural forms of Kemerovo - an arch.
⠀
The object uses this image and applies to it a typical plastic technique characteristic of small architectural forms of Kemerovo - an arch.
We had time, energy, materials and desire, and we repaired some parts of the space where it was possible.
Objects feel great in any weather.
TOUR OF THE OBJECTS
MEDIA
FEEDBACK
It was much lighter than my first two events in terms of personal feelings and a thousand times more in terms of the volume of feelings realised. I am very grateful to everyone involved. To the assistant organisers, to the experts who made a very cool workshop, and of course to all the participants who were willing to spend a whole month in the park amidst the noise of saws and the smell of paint.
Together we made a great project, good objects, and we definitely will remember this summer as not so bad, despite the pandemic.
Together we made a great project, good objects, and we definitely will remember this summer as not so bad, despite the pandemic.
MY CONCLUSION
IT WAS GREAT
For all participants this month has become a very important time.
Everyone found something that helped or guided them. The project gave a lot of people the opportunity to learn, to spend a month with very cool people and to create something that will last. You can say that you were part of the creation.
Everyone found something that helped or guided them. The project gave a lot of people the opportunity to learn, to spend a month with very cool people and to create something that will last. You can say that you were part of the creation.
What we didn't build, but would like to make in the future?
What problems did we encounter?
Impressions from the interaction with the participants?
A large tree in the central area or a 5 metre long pergola.
Common problems in the realisation of objects, which were always solved in a surprising way. From delivering the wrong length of metal to delivering and moving huge objects around the space.
General impressions of the project?
What is the feedback from the participants?
This project has brought together incredibly responsive, creative, determined, fearless and selfless people. We all had a wonderful horizontal management structure with no teams. Everyone could help each other and ask for help. People took on the most daring and unbelievable tasks and, strangely enough, they always managed to solve them.
Almost all the people came with us on this long journey that lasted a month. There were many young people left - students, as well as some adult professionals who found the strength and desire to finish. About 10 people were regularly involved in designing and building. Often more than 10.
Almost all the people came with us on this long journey that lasted a month. There were many young people left - students, as well as some adult professionals who found the strength and desire to finish. About 10 people were regularly involved in designing and building. Often more than 10.
Despite all the obstacles and circumstances, everything was moving steadily towards realisation.
All the final objects seemed to want to be created as soon as possible and were almost created by themselves.
A large team was formed of people who felt part of the city, perhaps even rediscovered it and fell in love with it.
All the final objects seemed to want to be created as soon as possible and were almost created by themselves.
A large team was formed of people who felt part of the city, perhaps even rediscovered it and fell in love with it.
MY REFLECTION
