JAIMIE NEAL
‘Future In Hand’ Clune Park Community Housing Retrofit // Port Glasgow
Retrofit represents a fundamental shift from established ways of realising and maintaining housing projects, it is at the end of the day, for the benefit of the people, not just the structures. In a current global context, ideals of transitions within climate change are being held back by policies and those who enforce them, culminating in unjust ways of thinking.
The project explores the [Re]Generation of these ideals through the low-impact [Re]Growth of Clune Park, an area consisting of post industrial tenement blocks located in the port town of Port Glasgow. The structures were constructed as a by-product of the shipping industry, however with the closure of the yards came the removal of the workers. The tenement blocks were left frozen in time, virtually abandoned.
The proposal begins with the creation of a community land trust, run by the residents, for the residents. The trust will provide a platform for the voices of the residents to be heard, whilst also producing a number of employment opportunities. Community centric programmes, involving the integration of a workshop for local groups, sports facilities, community gardens and kitchens and a nursery provide public spaces encouraging collaboration. Existing dwellings are [Re]Imagined as per the needs of the residents. Ultimately, knowledge gained from initial developments will be shared through the creation of a master plan vision for the area, regenerating local sites, inspiring cross generational sharing of memories, creating a friendly environment in a just manner.
Edouard Morena
“A [JUST TRANSITION] is a transition focussing on social justice in the shift towards a low - carbon future”
Port Glasgow // Context
The chosen site is located in the town of Port Glasgow, which gains its name from the heritage as the Port town for Glasgow city. Early research highlighted the connections to the ship building industry, particular focus is paid to the residual effects on the people and places following the demise of the industry.
Clune Park is a housing development created in the 1920’s to fulfil the demand for the industries. 430 flats across 45 four storey tenement blocks were created by the workers, for the workers.
Today however, occupancy rates are at an all time low of 10%.
There are strong connections into neighbouring areas such as Glasgow which can be reached in just 35 minutes by train.
What are the impacts of climate change on the population?
Retrofit represents a fundamental shift from established ways of realising and maintaining housing projects, it is for the benefit of the residents, not just the buildings.
Climate change demands a proactive response. The built environment must adapt in a transition away from processed, extractive methods of construction towards low impact material and energy sourcing which contribute to the local region in a JUST MANNER.
Retrofit with social justice at the forefront of design
Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point. If you sell something, use this space to describe it in detail and tell us why we should make a purchase. Tap into your creativity. You’ve got this.
