Design and research: Critique

Is there a place for children in the city?

A critique.

The article very accurately breaks down the question into relatable parts and then very succinctly answers each part. The issue is very well argued as a problem that needs addressing and the article keeps the points on the topic well. The paper is very closely related to our research where we are looking to explore ways in which the city of Brisbane can adapt to the children of the city, this article questions the validity of encouraging children into our cities.

The material is rational and flows in a correct and logical manner. The goals and rationale are explicitly explained and argued. This article does not often go into basic premise or assumption and often references basic knowledge based around the subject. This information is indeed quite relevant and interesting.

This article does not provide any new information but instead summarises and references previous knowledge to form a rational argument. This information is timely as it is a growing concern with a consistently expanding population and it is a growing trend for children to live in the city.

all assertions are strong and well supported. All of the research and referencing is appropriate. All sources that are cited bring new evidence to support the argument and each is referenced in a agreeable manner within the article. This paper is relevant for practice because it highlights very important issues about the practices involved around the design of cities.

The research method is diverse and sources information from research data as well as documents. One weakness may be that there was no research done by the author into the issue and rather just references made of other research previously completed. Secondly, this research is very general. While it paints an accurate picture of most cities around the world, the research is referenced from sources with no common geographical location. This often makes the research hard to completely believe in some areas as the reader compares the research with Brisbane city.

The discussion flows well from the results and the article is well defined. The conclusion argument is strong and highlights the argument clearly. Some ethical issues may arise with data from interviews with mothers about their children bring referenced but, the issues lie with the original gatherer of the raw data and not the author.

K2 Apartments

K2 Apartments

Water

Rainwater is collected, treated and stored in rooftop tanks to supplement domestic supply. Grey water is recycled for gardening and toilet flushing.

Water-efficient fittings and fixtures such as AAA showerheads reduce water consumption, and water meters are installed in each unit to monitor water use and educate tenants. 'Water smart' gardens have been designed that need little water.

All these measures will reduce mains water use by approximately 53 per cent compared to an average apartment of similar size.

Materials

Materials were chosen because they were recyclable, robust, non-toxic, and did not produce much waste.

Timber was either reused or came from sustainable managed forests, and fly ash (a coal combustion product that is more durable and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than cement) was used instead of cement in concrete. Non-toxic paints and floor finishes were used, assuring high indoor air quality, while natural finishes reduce maintenance needs like painting and varnishing.

Energy use and solar power

Exposed concrete ceilings and heavy walls provide thermal mass to help maintain a stable temperature indoors, while insulation, double-glazed windows and shading prevent heat loss and gain. Energy-efficient fittings, such as fluorescent light bulbs, are installed throughout the apartments.

Summer

Cross-ventilation will cool the apartments and fans and ventilators will carry away built-up heat.

Winter

The buildings are oriented so that all units receive northern sun, reducing the need for heating. There are a limited number of windows on the south, east and west sides of the buildings to reduce heat loss through the glass. The buildings are well sealed and insulated, and screens beside the access balconies provide protection from the weather.

Solar power

Roof tops are angled to face the sun so that photovoltaic panels can collect the maximum amount of energy, and also provide some shade. Solar power heats at least 50 per cent of the buildings' hot water.

Landscaping

Approximately 20 per cent of the K2 site is dedicated to landscape gardens. 'Water smart' gardens drain water to areas where it is most needed, and filter stormwater before discharging it from the site. The gardens use drip irrigation from the grey water supply.

Mostly hardy native plants were chosen that suit Melbourne's dry conditions and the amount of sunlight in each space. A mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees was chosen to provide shade or allow sunlight in, as needed.

Torbreck Tower

Torbreck Tower building. a high density residential apartment block in Brisbane.

The private open space features customisable shading depending so the occupant can control the climate of the room.

The outdoor balconies are personal spaces that one can customise to suit privacy, views and temperature.

Centre for subtropical design

rule of thumb 1 – temperature control

• use elongated or segmented floor plans
• isolate heat generating functions
• shade outdoor living areas
• let the heat escape at the highest part of the roof
• capitalise on cool night-time temperatures

rule of thumb 2 – sun control

• reduce radiation of heat into covered or enclosed spaces
• control the entry of direct sun
• exclude summer sun
• welcome warm sunshine in the cooler period of the year

rule of thumb 3 – air movement and humidity

• air movement is essential
• provide cooling paths for breezes by keeping external surfaces shaded or use grass instead of hard materials

Unite d’Habitation

Diagram from Le Corbusier's Unite d’Habitation.

colours show dwellings.

note dwellings are multi level tesalations.

Byker Wall and Highpoint Typology

Highpoint appartments.
the rooms are criscrossed for maximum lighting in all the rooms and the corridors.
Ralph Erskine, Byker Wall appartment Floor plan