Briefing Document Alice Thompson (1)

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ME TAM OR P H OS IS OF A S EASO NAL SO LAC E

A Sunset Fish Restaurant which is changes seasonally to also house a Holistic Treatment Centre for fishermen suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder in winter and providing a

habitat for Birds in the summer months.

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A marked change in circumstance

A complete change in physical form or substance

A striking change in condition or character

A biological change in the form, and often habits of an animal during normal development

A process of transformation

An alteration, as if by magic or sorcery

Marking the end of one stage and the start of another

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CON T EN TS P AG E

P R OLOGU E .6

Typology

The Oyster Catchers of Morecambe Bay

Seasonal Affected Disorder

Morecambe’s Sunsets

Seaside Attraction

P R IOR I T IE S .1 4

Alternative Treatment through Light

Hibernation and Bloom

A Natural Element

Nesting of the Birds

Medicinal Properties of Salt

Attractions of Witchcraft

CHAR A C TER S .4 0

Audrey “The Birds Lady”

Betty “The Sunset Watcher”

Charlie “Three Generations of Fishing”

P R OCEDU R A L DES IG N W OR K .4 8

Project One: Morecambe’s Sonata

Project Two: The Pier of Refracted Interactions

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P R OLOGU E

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TYP O LOGY

A centre focused on homeopathic remedies to assist retired fishermen suffering from Seasonal Affected Disorder. This treatment centre adapts common techniques and exercises which are proved to assist people suffering from this form of depression which utilises the natural phenomena and assets of the seaside town of Morecambe; combining aspects of the historic structures of the town with natural forms and materials mimicking bird habitats. In the winter months the centre will provide a residential treatment centre for S.A.D. sufferers and in the summer will become a habitat for the breeding birds in Morecambe, facilitating bird watching.

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T HE OY S TER CAT C HER S OF M OR E CAMB E BAY

Over the last half a century the UK has seen a decline in small scale, inshore fishing as the industry has been over taken by commercial fishing trawlers and imports from across the globe. In the mid-seventies an order was commissioned by the government that culling of the oystercatcher bird population must be enabled to ensure the livelihood of local fishermen along the west coast, in particular Morecambe Bay. However despite this decree the fishing industry still suffered, resulting in many fishermen having to dock their boats and take up an office job in order to survive. This radical change of activity and scenery can result in development of Seasonal Affective Disorder amongst the fishermen. Moving from a job, or vocation, as many would describe it, which involves manual labour, most of which takes place out in the open, to sitting at a desk in an office or working under artificial light for 9 hours a day in a factory can lead to depression and anxiety linked to S.A.D. Although the Oystercatcher population took a large blow in 1974 a gradual rise in bird population has been seen in the area and Morecambe Bay continues to be the largest feeding and breeding ground for these birds in England. However the expansion of the town throughout the twentieth century has destroyed parts of their natural habitat and the increase in tourism to the area has meant a divide between the bird and people populations. This building aims to provide a compromise, to rectify this situation. In the winter the centre will bloom and open up for patients to visit to receive treatment for their depression, and in the summer it will close up on itself to become overtaken by the birds of Morecambe, as it hibernates before winter begins again.

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S.A .D

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a condition which affects a whole range of people across the globe however it is more concentrated in the northern hemisphere in areas with extreme seasons. In the UK 7% of the population suffer depressive symptoms of SAD, undiagnosed and untreated between the months of September and April. This centre aims to create a welcoming salvation for people with severe symptoms, providing a natural, homeopathic solution for their condition.

Many sufferers do not have the time of the means to help themselves through the colder months and this institute aims to consolidate treatment methods with activities and procedures which highlight and uses the attributes of the seaside town in holiday fashion. Sufferers are most commonly middle aged, with symptoms being brought on by working long hours inside without sufficient natural light or fresh air. Following on the traditions of a British seaside resort the building will provide facilities accommodating 7 patients at a time for a prolonged period during the winter months. S.A.D. will present symptoms in the autumn and winter months however most severe from December to February, especially in the weeks following Christmas and New Year. It can also jade sufferers during the fading summer weeks as they live in dread of the darker months ahead. Sometimes the side effects can be so severe that sufferers can no longer hold down their job during the winter months. Understanding this issue the residential program looks to help people overcome their symptoms every year to ensure they can keep their job through winter.

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S.A.D. is most severe in cases where peoples work day consists largely of desk work, often at a computer or taking part in repetitive, mundane tasks such as in a factory, and effect people more commonly at the extreme latitudes. Working in environments with little to no natural lighting are also the worst conditions for sufferers. An increase in large scale commercial fishing has meant that many independent fishermen have not managed to sustain themselves against the competition so have sought work elsewhere, often their expertise has resulted in them working in fishing factories and markets. This centres aims to reconnect these fishermen with the sea and through returning to Morecambe Bay’s waters and the past time that they left behind, treat their winter depression. Treatment advised for S.A.D. include dawn stimulation, light therapy, ionisation therapy, outdoor exercise and activity, individual and group therapy, vitamin D supplements. One of the most effective treatments for depression including S.A.D. is using light therapy. It is critical that natural spectrum light is used and this is most effective when the working plane is lit from diffuse natural light. The most important light falls just after sunrise and just before sunset. However cases of patients with S.A.D. often require much higher doses of natural light, around 5 times the required average, and therefore stronger lights is required. Especially with this form of depression it is essential that the early morning light is utilised to waken up the patients and stimulates them to wake up and encourages proactivity throughout the day.

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MOR E CAM BE’ S SU N SE T S

Morecambe bay is famous for its spectacular sunsets. Maybe it if the orientation of the bay, or the vast expanse of water creating the illusion of two sunsets, or maybe that the mournful tone of a sunset so greatly reflects the current dilapidated state of the once elegant seaside resort.

A sunset occurs when the suns last rays of light are refracted. The Raleigh effect of refraction scatters the shorter wavelengths of blue and purple light meaning sunsets are made up of reds, oranges and yellows. More particles and further distance of light travel ,through the atmosphere, results in higher refraction and thus more vivid sunsets of more intense red/orange colour.

Therefore scientifically sunsets are more spectacular when viewed across a bay or an ocean as not only does the water reflect the fading light from the sky but the larger distance of sight means the sunset is viewed through a greater amount of air particles allowing for maximum refraction of light and colour.

Sunsets are also thought to be more beautiful than sunrise as there is a higher density of particles in the evening after the build-up of the day. This is especially the case in Morecambe where the sun rises over Lancaster but sets over miles of water, therefore a greater volume of particles and a larger surface area upon which the sky is reflected.

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SEA SID E AT TR A C TI ON

Since the expansion of the seaside resort in the 1900s much of the extensive nature reserve on land, which played host to hundreds of thousands of wildfowl each year has been destroyed. However Morecambe’s unique expanse of inter tidal flats and salt marshes still provide some breeding, feeding and resting ground for thousands of birds however these areas are set apart from the popular tourist haunts and journeys through the town and are daily submerged by the incoming tides.

In addition the building will be accessible throughout the year for the local people, in particular the older generation of Morecambe who have experienced both the summer, in the 50s, and the current winter of the seaside resort, as an extension of the promenade. The structure will encourage this alternative route along the shore, along the stone jetty from the promenade, providing a more peaceful experience yet allow people to become more in touch with the sea, skies and especially the breeding, feeding and migration of the birds. The project also aims to refurbish the present café at the end of the Stony Pier as a larger scale, dine in fish restaurant, providing much needed vitamin D for the patients but also an enhanced viewing platform to watch the sunset for diners and patients all year round. It also proposes that the end of the stone jetty is replaced with a more aesthetic pier which enhances ones route along the pier.

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P R IOR I T IE S

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ALT ER NA T IV E TR EA TM E NT T HR OU G H L IG H T

“In the evenings, those who love to see the mantle of the night as it gradually clothes the earth can here watch the last rays of the sun disappearing behind the hills, and catch a final

glimpse at the twilight shaded bay”

Two of the most common non pharmaceutical techniques for treatment of S.A.D. are light box therapy and negative ionisation therapy. These involve staring into an artificially created natural light whilst inside an area of high density negatively charged ions. It has been scientifically proven that a higher density of ions in a space can not only improve depression but also creates more spectacular sunsets. The aim is to provide a, more successful, alternative treatment method to severe sufferers as opposed to sitting alone at home in front of a light, as well as for less severe sufferers whom otherwise would not seek treatment but would benefit from it. This building will seek to create a space where people, both suffering depression from S.A.D. and non-sufferers, can come to seek solace in the sunsets of Morecambe whilst being relieved of depressing thoughts and feelings.

It is on the pier that the final natural phenomenon of Morecambe bay can truly be appreciated: the Sunset. The evening performance from the sun, sky and stars will bring together all the elements of the programme as well as provide a spectacular viewing platform for locals, engaging the people once again with their town. It is hoped that this spectacle will also attract more tourism to the area; rejuvenating Morecambe as a holiday destination.

Giving this space a functional purpose as a fish restaurant gives sufferers more of a purpose as opposed to sitting alone with an artificial light but also engages the local people of Morecambe and tourists. The fish restaurant also provides sufferers with a high vitamin D diet which is also critical for overcoming S.A.D. This restaurant will provide increased demand for fish in the area thus supporting the diminishing local fishing trade in the area.

The patient’s journey through the building will follow the path of the sun throughout the day, based on the positioning of the suns path from September 21st though to March 21st with a focus on January 21st: Blue Monday, scientifically the ‘most depressing day of the year’. Patients will be woken at first light, mimicking dawn stimulation, which is proven to aid sleep patterns and encourage sufferers to be more productive throughout the day. Midday, when the sun is at its highest, light box treatment will take place as part of the group therapy. A room for this treatment must maximise available natural lighting, it would be advisable for the lighting conditions on the journey up towards this room to gradually increase. Sufferers are also encouraged to spend plenty of time outdoors, partaking in activities and exercise, therefore private spaces for the patients will be available for patients to fish in the bay. These must provide shelter for them whilst still allow them the benefits of being outdoors, in the fresh air and natural light.

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HI BER N AT IO N AND B LOO M

Just like the condition S.A.D the building should have two seasonal states, which result in two different functions, facades and overall atmospheres dependent on the season. However unlike the traditional winter hibernation the building will open out and ‘bloom’ in the winter months between December and March, then retract back into itself becoming more closed off for the rest of the year, disappearing into the landscape providing a resting ground for birds. This idea of ‘bloom’ will be created through opening and folding architecture and techniques. By using materials which can reflect light and weather this effect will be different for both the user and the viewer at different times of day and year.

Since the boom of tourism to the area of Morecambe the habitats of the bird population has suffered and thus by creating an ‘abandoned’ perching structure for them in the summer months encourages the birds to rest closer to the publically accessible land without interference from humans. Currently at high tide in Morecambe there is little space for birds to perch totally undisturbed therefore they will seek rest upon the east part of the structure during its estivation; state of hibernation during warmer, summer months.

This seasonal metamorphosis will also define the boundaries of private and public space. The public spaces will be accessible throughout the year, with a similar function all year. The private spaces will transform bi annually from a private treatment centre to an inaccessible habitat for the birds. The base and foundation for the structure should aim to be very solid and offer support for the pier structure also. Historically at this site many pier structures have succumbed to the power of the sea and the only surviving pier; the stone jetty, has stood the test of time.

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NATU R A L E LEM EN T S

The building uses the natural elements available at a site along the shore of Morecambe, in particular natural day lighting, shading and solar power but will also aim to utilise wind and tidal power, to create a holistic environment which uses some form of renewable methods to power an environmentally sensitive building. The effect of this enhances the natural and homeopathic nature of the treatment methods and ethos of the clinic. This theme will extend further within the design and these elements will also be used to create different comfort conditions and touch sensitive environments inside the building. Within these conditions e.g. tides, wind direction and speed and sunlight there is an element of anomalies within our ability to predict them. Therefore spaces and detailing will be set up in a way that highlights and exhibits these anomalous conditions. To ensure visitors get an enhanced experience as they move through the building of being at the seaside and above the sea details of these elements and the seaside conditions and spectacles will be seen throughout e.g. weathering of the materials, formations of cockles, build-up of marine flora. This will also account for the disturbances to wildlife and their habitat throughout construction of the project and its footprint on the site. In this way the building will effectively begin to estivate in the months when it is not acting as a clinic (March 21st – December 21st).In these months the building will become ‘overgrown’ and provide a rest bite for birds as opposed to people. Allowing the building to be overcome by the elements and thus encourage growth of marine flora and fauna will in turn encourage birds to perch.

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NES T ING OF T HE B IR DS

Traditionally the expansion of a coastal town as seaside resorts resulted in a decline in wildlife in particular the population of birds, due to the sport of capturing them in nets along the coast in Victorian times. The building should aim to resolve this history and enhance the experience for both bird and bird lovers migrating to Morecambe. Migration of birds is often thought of as the journey south of birds over winter in search of warmth however their movement has evolved from the search for resources to exploit. For example birds will often withstand colder climates in winter in search of food, thus Morecambe tidal flats, although extremely cold in winter, encourage thousands of birds every winter. However this journey is not without perils; with so many hungry predators hovering in waiting, the smaller birds must travel in tight flocks for protection and to puzzle the predator. This movement, which can often be viewed from land, is a convergence of birds, each tracking six others, as they move through the sky.

Morecambe is currently the largest expanse of inter tidal mud flats and salt marshes making it one of the UK’s prime spots for birds as a migration destination, or as a resting spot as they continue down south. Although there is a huge expanse of land available for migrating birds every spring and autumn they are reluctant to rest around the town centre. By designing the building to encourage birds to rest amongst human activity it is both providing additional space for the birds, allowing prime viewing for bird watchers and engaging the public with this seasonal activity. In particular this hopes to provide an attraction which encourages the older generations of Morecambe to venture outside and maintain a daily routine of exercise. During winter months, when it is spring tide the sea level is higher than average and many of the sand banks which bird use as resting grounds at high tide are submerged. The process that birds undertake of building their nest before roosting should also be inherent in the design. In particular the idea that patients can personalise their residential pods during their stay however in the summer months the shell of these ‘nest’ remain, with the imprint of the patients who have resided there. The public areas will be fixed structures however will look upon the oyster catchers nesting techniques of building out from a scraped depression with collected materials, a little away from the water where they may choose to perch during feeding.

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MED IC INA L P R OP ER T IE S OF SA L T

The natural salt marshes which form along the biomes in Morecambe encourage and sustain the habitats of all the migrating species. The formation of salt flats occurs at the junction between marine and terrestrial ground. The salt crystals have a range of applicable uses for the programme of the building; a cooking preservation, a role in the ecosystems and thus bird population, refraction of light from crystals. Traditionally crystals are used in mystic and tarot readings at seaside resorts however reading and aligning people’s crystals can also be used as a treatment process. Salt water is also used in modern day to assist those who are in a weakened state physically, emotionally or spiritually, in particular those possessed by negative energies. It is said that the salt water can exhume the black energy which is causing the distress, lethargy, stress, anger or depression. Historically in Morecambe the salty waters enabled healing of lame horses, commissioned to assist in shrimp farming but also urban dwellers would travel to Morecambe to bathe in its supposedly ‘magic’ waters which became known as Balneology. The action of watching the movement of the sea’s waves is universally considered soothing and thus can act as a stress reducer. Anxiety and stress are symptoms of S.A.D, and are found most severely in those whom suffer S.A.D. for longer proportions of the year, therefore the soothing nature of the building must be emphasised and enhanced in the design. Most practical of all remedies are the properties of salt as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent. Salt’s benefits can also be seen in people suffering arthritis or joint pain as it dehydrates the body thus reduces swelling. The building will acknowledge the range of scientific and mystical healing properties of salt and movement either inside or upon entry to the building will utilise the concept of bathing in salt water as a treatment process. In the case of the fishermen the saline waters of Morecambe can also be distilled to collect salts which can be used to preserve the fish caught therefore a stock of fish can be obtained which will last throughout the summer months whilst there are no resident patients. Once fish are caught, eviscerated and washed then they can be packed in salt as a way of preserving them over a long period of time but this also adds to the flavours of the fish by drawing out the brine. The salt prevents the growth of bacteria within the fish however they need to be sufficiently dry before salting to ensure they do not decay and become rancid.

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AT TR AC T ION OF W I TC H C R AFT

"We honour, revere and give thanks to nature. We celebrate the seasons. It's not all blood and gore. In spring, we celebrate life and rebirth then in the winter, decay and death to

make way for new life”

Magic, in particular psychics, used to be a common attraction at seaside resorts. Morecambe would have had many psychics in business for sceptics and believers alike. However the link to witchcraft runs deeper in the county of Lancashire, in particular the Pendle witch trials of 1612 where 11 ‘witches’ were tried for crimes upon the public, resulting in HOW MANY been hung.

In modern day witches do not have such evil connotations and are associated more with celebrating the seasons; the death and decay of winter giving way to new life and rebirth in spring, and less with evil enchantments.

The building should aim to reflect this in its design and function. In the wintery months the building shall look to inspire a new lease of life within its patients, who come April, flock from the building rejuvenated from their treatment. For the following six months the building is closed up and in a sense abandoned to make way for the birds of Morecambe to nest. It is common for birds to inhabit decaying and DESTROYED structures and this action will be mimicked in the summer months.

The concept of designing a new pier structure in Morecambe following the defeat of two previous piers, however learning from example mimics the concept of decay leading the way to new life.

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CHAR A C TER S

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AU DR EY “ TH E B IR DS L ADY”

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BET TY “ TH E SU NS ET WA TC H ER ”

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CHAR L IE “ T HR E E GE NER AT ION S O F F IS HER ME N”

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P R OCEDU R A L DES IG N W OR K

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The ATONAL City To fully immerse oneself within a city and experience something other than its facade, one

must awaken the melodies that lie dormant in the occupants’ memories. It is only once these melodies are interspersed with rhythms and harmonies that a true reflection of the city can

be composed. One may then obtain one's own sonata for a city determined by those melodies, harmonies and rhythms one has been fortunate enough to have awakened

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P R OJE CT ONE : MOR ECA M BE’ S SONA TA

Conducting an anthropological study of the town through interaction with people throughout our journey through Morecambe, influenced our experience and interpretation of the town. Defining the people we met as instrumental components in the makeup of the history and present condition of the town allowed us to elicit memories of the town which could not be obtained from the physical presence alone.

The overall interpretation of the town was saddening. Many who still resided there were trapped within their memories of the thriving seaside resort and could not see the present condition of the town.

Some saw the town to be dead, but the spirit remained if one looked deep enough however once the last few remaining ‘sandgrowns’ passed on this spirit too would be gone.

However the festive memories of the town cannot now be recreated as they once were. Times have changed, as have pastimes and holiday activities, and the fairground and theatrics of the 1970s are no longer sustainable.

This is why Morecambe needs to take advantage of its natural and historical resources that are, and will always be available to it. By engaging local people in the activities, and encouraging tourists around the UK and beyond to visit the old holiday destination for new and current attractions the spirit of Morecambe can be regeneration.

Although this experience section is specific to our own view of Morecambe based on one day spent there, and our interpretation of people’s memories and opinions shared then, it has allowed us to analyse the town and its spirit; both past and present. This education was then carried forward into how project two was approached.

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The CHORDANT City When the constant city of the native and the migratory city of the tourist align the melodies of the individuals combine to reveal the Chordant city. This unity jerks the indigenous away from their mechanical existence and allows the tourist to penetrate into the real metropolis

behind its mono dimensional facade. Both creating and releasing memories tying both individuals to that space and time.

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P R OJE CT TW O : T H E P I ER OF R E FR AC TED IN T E R AC TI ON S

In this project the natural phenomenon of the spectacular seaside sunsets were explored. During the site visit and interviews conducted both in the day and at dusk the topic of the sunsets featured numerous times and it became apparent that Morecambe Bay is particularly famous for its beautiful sunsets. The project aimed to create a space where people could come to experience one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles.

The site chosen for this was the end of the stone jetty for numerous reasons. Traditionally pier structures ended with a main building which commonly housed a theatre or stage where grand performances would be held throughout the summer. In the case of the stone jetty the walk along the pier currently comes to an abrupt stop without any enhancement of the surroundings or the view, however it would be a prime spot for the sunset to be viewed. Its position jutting out to sea allows for the Pier of Refracted Interactions to curve around to position in the direction of the sunset at Morecambe and its isolation and sea location enhances the sunset with a 360 degree reflection of the sky.

Upon visiting Morecambe it became apparent that many people, both local and tourists would wander routinely along the promenade and up the jetty however upon reaching the end would simply turn around and walk straight back without a pause due to the hostile surroundings and conditions of the jetty. The Pier aims to enhance ones experience along it, coming to a grand finale at the end where a place is designed to allow the visitor to fully experience the sunset.

The vehicle for this took the form of a pier, a structure sensitive to the historical settings for a ‘performance’, and through the architecture linked the metamorphosis of the town as it expanded from the three hamlets in the form of three transitional pier structures.

The pier also aimed to engage people with the site and with each other; linking both locals with tourists as well as locals with each other. It was hoped that through interaction, old and new memories would combine to keep the old spirit of Morecambe alive in present day.

Briefing Document Alice Thompson (1)

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Transcript of Briefing Document Alice Thompson (1)