multi-functional architecture

 multi-functional architecture

Introduction

Architecture refers to the process and product of designing and building structures such as roads, parks, and houses[1]. In the past, buildings or structures were designed to serve particular specialized functions.  However, this has changed over the years with the introduction of multi-functional architecture, which involves the creation of structures or spaces that can serve various purposes concomitantly or simultaneously¹⁴. Besides, multi-functional architecture aims at providing solutions to some problems experienced by those in urban centers and rural communities¹⁴.  It creates spaces that can have social and cultural relevance to the people around them. Multi-functional architecture began in the 20th century, and it has become a vital concept in the 21st century14. Contemporary trends such as eco-technology, sustainable architecture, and minimalism have led to its evolution. Multi-functional spaces play a crucial role; they are appropriate in representing the rapid and continuous evolutionary changes in architecture.  They are also practical in showing how society is adapting and responding to the changes ¹¹. Besides, the multi-functional architecture develops spatial possibilities for communities such as communication and social-cultural relations, hence reviving the ‘spirit of the community’¹⁴.

Primarily, the multi-functional architecture combines recreational, residential, and commercial usage of spaces or structures ¹³.  Multi-functionality is a vital principle when designing or creating contemporary community centres. The essay is a case study of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, which is privately owned by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) ⁵. It outlines how well the architects achieved multi-functionality while creating the park. It will also evaluate whether the architects adhered to the RIBA standards that are related to sustainability. Therefore, this essay will advocate for the proposal that architects should design structures or spaces that are multi-functional rather than ones that have a singular function. The article will evaluate how the multi-functionality of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park promoted sustainability, community growth, and inclusion.

Background Information

Multi-functionality has become a common and essential technique in architecture.  It helps architects to maximize their skills in creating spaces that have multiple purposes. The architects of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park achieved this by creating a park that can serve both the disabled and those who are not disabled ⁷.  People visit the park for various reasons, including relaxations, visiting the attractions, attending events, engaging in physical activities, and it is also used as a sports facility. 40% of the people who visit the park have specific motivations, while the motives of 50% of the visitors are unspecific ⁷.  10% of the people visit the park for other reasons such as work.  The multi-functionality of the park has attracted visitors from various cultural backgrounds ⁷.  The Olympic Park was created in a way that would accommodate every person who went to the park.

The park attracts all types of visitors, including the local ones who live about 2.5 miles from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.  19% of the visitors are local, and another 19% are from East London ⁷.  Besides, 23% of other visitors come from the greater London, 10% from the South East region of London, 9% from the eastern region of England, 12% from other parts of the United Kingdom, and 8% from overseas ⁷.  Large numbers of people who have disabilities or health issues visit the park during summer. Multi-functional public spaces were vital during ancient times, and they are still essential today.  The places serve as an area where people meet for both formal and informal activities. People can visit these places for business ventures, political demonstrations, and recreational events such as concerts. Therefore, architects have the responsibility to create spaces that can be used for several functions.

Discussion

The first thing that the architects and LLDC wanted to achieve while creating the park was sustainability.  They were guided by several policies and principles in their design and construction activities. One of these policies is the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which offers a framework for the implementation of local housing and community plans ⁹. The policy requires that construction plans and decisions should reflect the significant international obligations and state requirements.  The use of this NPPF helped the architects of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to create something that fulfilled and sustained the environmental, social, and economic needs of the local community. The Greater London Authority (GLA) identified Stratford as a significant town with the potential of becoming a metropolitan center ⁵.  Thus, they believed the creation of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park would help in transforming the area.

The architects who designed the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park also adhered to several RIBA codes that are linked to sustainability.  The park was developed in a way that it would deal with particular environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, over-exploitation of essential resources, and changes in climate ⁶.  Nevertheless, sustainability in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park goes beyond environmental conservation.  It involves promoting social equality, employment, and economic growth. Notably, the park adhered to the RIBA code,” members must use reasonable endeavors to minimize whole-life carbon and energy use ^12:16. This clause aimed to promote environmental sustainability by reducing pollution and preventing the over-exploitation of non-renewable resources.  The London Legacy Development Corporation worked with other stakeholders to achieve high levels of energy performance at the park.  To minimize the production of carbon, the architects designed properties at East Wick and Sweetwater that were meant to meet the LLDC objectives of Zero carbon homes requirements ⁴. The construction of these buildings reduced the production of carbon by 60% ⁵. They also came up with Carbon Offset Supplementary Planning Guidance that offered practical solutions to the surrounding communities on how to minimize Carbon ⁵. They also implemented smart home heating controls in the East Village. The heating controls were essential in helping the residents to have more informed and controlled heating in their homes ².

Besides, there is a clause in the RIBA code that states that members should consider the environmental impact of their professional activities, including the effects of each project on the natural environment ^12:16.  This code helped the involved professionals to identify and use local materials that were environmentally and socially friendly in their constructions.  They were also against using hydro-fluorocarbons in their constructions where acceptable and environmentally friendly alternatives could be easily accessible.  20% of the materials used for construction were from recycled or re-used sources ⁵.  The LLDC also ensured that 100% of their timber products were from sources that were sustainable and legal ⁶. The professionals who were constructing the park adhered to the code by ensuring that no waste was deposited on landfills. They achieved this through reduced waste production and increased waste stream recycling ¹⁰.  They have plans of using the Waste and Resources Action Program’s (WRAP) online reporting tool to monitor the amount of waste produced from their construction sites ⁶.   The waste reduction strategies would be effective in reducing the loss of diversity that mainly results from the disturbance of their habitats ¹⁰.

Additionally, there has been the implementation of unique and innovative water management systems in the park whose aim is to conserve and manage water. The park designers came up with several strategies that would help them to save water during the construction processes ⁵. The stakeholders involved also initiated strategies that would help the community members to reduce water wastage.  For instance, there was the incorporation of Greywater recycling in homes that were located at Chobham Manor⁴.  An aquatic center was also set up within the park, and it reduced the consumption of potable water by 11.2% ⁵.  The use of clean water also decreased by 17.5% in Copper Box Arena ⁵. Therefore, the Grey Water recycling system and the aquatic center were effective in reducing the wastage. The community members were encouraged to re-use their water for various domestic purposes. The strategies would be effective in reducing the loss of animals and plants that thrive in natural waters.  There was also decreased disturbance of these areas, which helped in the conservation of the aquatic animals and plants. Besides, they encouraged the substitution of potable water with non-potable water for everyday residential activities that require water.

Consequently, they reduced the amount of potable water that was used within the park. The strategy was also significant in helping people to come up with effective ways of dealing with drought in times when there is inadequate water ⁶. Such decisions aimed to ensure that the natural environment was safe for human beings, animals, and plants.

Secondly, the architects of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park also ensured that the park would improve the lives of the community members. They achieved this by adhering to particular RIBA Codes such as the one that states that members shall have a proper concern and due regard for the effect that their professional activities and completed projects are likely to have on users, the local community, and the society ^{12: 16}.  The code helped in the creation of a park that benefits the community both socially and economically. The closure of several docks in London in 1960 led to many people losing their jobs ⁴.  The docklands were regenerated between 1981 and 1998, and they profoundly improved the lives of the people 4.  Stratford, which is found in the northern part of the London Docklands, also benefited from the regeneration.  The most vulnerable communities are found here, with most people being unemployed. Besides, most of them did not have access to quality health care services and infrastructure.  However, after the 2012 London Olympics, the lives of these people took a positive turn.  The games led to the regeneration of the park, which was later referred to as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Primarily the park had a positive influence on the lives of the society and the local community members.  Most of the programs in the park aimed at improving the wellbeing and lifestyles of the ethnically diverse and vulnerable communities that live there. The creation of the park in Stratford has created employment for most people in the local community. After its regeneration, the park employed more than 5000 people, with 30% of them being the local community ⁶. It also generated a total of 60 apprentices from the local community ⁶. The park officials expect that by 2025 they will have created more than 15,000 job opportunities within the park ⁶. The creation of such opportunities will raise the living standards of the people and help them to lead sustainable lives.   The park also enhanced the transport and social infrastructure in the area. It became easier for people to access the park. The improved transport also reduced the need for visitors and the community members to use public transport and car while moving within the park ⁴.The reduced use of vehicles led to decreased noise and air pollution.

The park authorities also collaborated with industries and non-governmental organizations to help the local people to adopt behaviors that would help them to lead healthy and sustainable lifestyles. The professionals have plans to initiate an occupant engagement program that can help them to reduce the emissions by 15% in the next five years ⁶. Besides, they have implemented the Estate Management Strategy, which will help them to develop incentives and programs that can improve the lives of the community members. Moreover, they have improved IT infrastructure by installing Wi-Fi and superfast broadband, which would help people to work from home or within places that are within or around the park.

The park authorities also allowed the setting up of an academy within the park that would help in improving the literacy skills of the children living close to the park. The LLDC opened the Mossbourne Riverside Academy that became an essential part of the new residential community ⁶.  The academy offers education for the Early Years Foundation stage and stage 1. sThe LLDC is working towards improving the standards of the school so that it can also begin providing primary school education.  Education is fundamental in changing and enhancing the lives of the people.  Pupils who attend this school excel in sporting and art fields. The professionals adhered to the code as most of their activities aimed at improving the lives of the local people and the park users. It offers a variety of activities that are socially and culturally

Furthermore, LLDC collaborated with the architects to create a park that would promote inclusion. They achieved this by adhering to the RIBA code that states that in performing professional services, members should promote stronger communities and improve equality, diversity, and inclusion in the built environment ^12:17.  The LLDC that was responsible for the regeneration of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics games were focused on promoting inclusion. They supported inclusion in several ways, such as closely working with various people to successfully construct and develop the park. LLDC closely worked with the central government, the mayor of London, the Greater London Authority, local organizations, and the residents of the local community ⁶.  They also worked with international cultural and sporting organizations.   The inclusion of these stakeholders helped LLDC to create a park where a variety of events that range from concerts to the construction of new permanent neighborhoods took place. Besides, including different people and organizations in the development of the park ensured that the needs of every potential visitor were addressed.

The LLDC worked towards promoting and achieving permanent accessibility and inclusion. They achieved this objective by initiating projects and activities that created new opportunities for the vulnerable, poor, and most neglected neighborhoods within Stratford ³.  The Development Corporation was working towards creating an accessible and inspiring public space that had the highest standards of inclusive design.  They focused on the physical developments that were taking place in the park, and they jointly worked with transformational partners and developers to come with an inclusive public space.  They focused on using an inclusive design strategy that would ensure the elderly and the disabled could easily access the parklands and social infrastructure. The concept of inclusive design is concerned with designing and constructing facilities or structures that can be accessed by all people regardless of their race, gender, disability, and age ⁸.  Everyone should independently and confidently access most areas in a public multi-function space.

The inclusive design concept was demonstrated in the creation of the London Aquatics Center. The center was designed to be used by people of all abilities and ages. It has a system for lowering those who use wheelchairs into the pool. The Timber Lodge and Tumbling Bay Playground also has several inclusive design features. The features include prayer rooms that can be used by people of different faiths, automatic doors, proper signage, and a playground that can be used by people of all races, ages, and abilities ⁸. They also researched social infrastructure and housing to ensure the needs of the diverse communities in the East were met during the construction of several structures within the park.

The LLDC also achieved inclusion by initiating programs that would promote community sport and elite disability sport for people with disabilities. The corporation achieved this by developing events and programs that include games and activities that can attract disabled people from diverse communities ³.  The corporation even took part in the designing and development of a submersible pool lift. The lift made it easier for people to access the pool; hence, it motivated the older people and those with disabilities to visit the London Aquatics Center. The pool lift can be operated independently, and it is easy to move, and thus the elderly and those with special needs can efficiently operate it ⁸. Besides, it was designed in a way that it appeared like sports equipment rather than medical equipment. The design ensures that these people did not feel as they were being isolated from the other ordinary people.

The architects used inclusive innovation to establish the Global Disability Innovation Hub in the park ⁸.  The hub brought together people who have achieved different levels of academic excellence and architectural practice.  These professionals aimed to impact the lives of people with disabilities positively.

The Development Corporation also initiated projects that would help them to promote cohesion and integration between the future residents of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the local communities or neighbors.  The projects focused on creating opportunities that increase awareness about the ownership of the park, which would later unite the new and old communities ³.  They are implementing accessible cycling projects in the local schools that would bring together the young people as they try new activities. The strategies would be useful in ensuring everyone is included in the events that take place within and around the park.

Therefore, it is clear that LLDC achieved multi-functionality while creating and developing the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Multi-functional architecture has several benefits for designers, users, and community members.  Multi-functionality aids the efficient use of resources, especially land.  The land is used efficiently to accommodate all people as they fulfill their social, economic, and cultural needs ¹³.  Creating public spaces that serve a singular function leads to the consumption of large pieces of land compared to creating one that serves multiple functions.

Public spaces that have mixed-uses such as Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park can benefit many people at the same time.  Different people involved in diverse communities can highly benefit from a multi-functional space or structure compared to one that has a specialized function ¹³. For instance, the Development Corporation set up an academy that would fulfill the educational needs of the young people in the community. Nevertheless, the same school created employment for teachers and other casual laborers.  The local community members could even begin sewing uniforms for the school children. Thus, multi-functional spaces are practical for killing two birds using a single stone.

Multi-functional facilities, especially those that are found in urban centers, are crucial in improving the lives of the community members. They also offer opportunities for promoting sustainability and energy conservation. Those who are responsible for such facilities have to come up with strategies that can attract both international and local visitors ¹³. In their efforts to maintain the right image, they can initiate projects that improve the lives of community members. They can even encourage the members to avoid over-reliance on non-renewable sources of energy. It is also cheaper and affordable to maintain multi-functional facilities compared to the ones meant for a singular function.

However, the main challenge of designing and developing multi-functional facilities are the financial costs involved. It is expensive to create and complete quality and reliable multi-functional spaces. It requires a lot of capital or finances, which may be challenging to acquire. The responsible corporations may need extra funds from government and non-governmental organizations. However, it is challenging to get such help, which makes the construction of multi-functional facilities seem impossible. Besides, the construction of multi-function spaces is time-consuming.

On the other hand, although LLDC and its partners adhered to several RIBA Codes, I feel they did not comply with a code in the third principle about relationships that states that the contribution of others to members work shall be appropriately acknowledged ^12:17. I feel that the LLDC did duly appreciate the efforts of its partners, such as the Greater London Authority and the East London Host Boroughs.  These organizations played significant roles in ensuring the park was successful in promoting sustainability, community growth, and inclusion.  They guided the Development Corporation in determining the best projects to initiate and develop within the park. Besides, they helped in designing some of the properties that were put up within the park. However, their efforts are rarely recognized, and I feel that LLDC took all the credit for creating the multi-functional park. They should acknowledge that without particular partnerships, it would have taken them longer to achieve the things they have achieved so far.

Conclusion

Multi-function architecture is vital in creating facilities that can offer multiple functions to diverse communities.  It involves several professionals collaborating to design and develop a facility that can solve the social, economic, and cultural problems of societies.  One fashionable multi-function public space is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. It was regenerated after the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics, where architectures and other professionals came together to design a Multi-function Park.  The park can serve people from all walks of life despite their age, race, gender, disabilities, religion, and sexual orientation. They achieved multi-functionality by promoting sustainability, community, and inclusion.  Sustainability was achieved by initiating projects that would improve the lives of the people while conserving the environment.  They also ensured that the local community benefited from the creation of the park.  For instance, it created employment and learning opportunities for the local people and children, which improved their economic status. The park promoted inclusion by using the inclusive design to establish most facilities within the park.  The inclusive design concept was vital in ensuring that most facilities in the park were accessible to all people, including the elderly and those with disabilities. The initiation and implementation of most projects and activities within the park were following most RIBA codes.  Thus, most of their projects were legal and acceptable to society. The adherence to RIBA codes helped architectures to achieve multi-functionality, which has both advantages and disadvantages.

Recommendation

There is no clause in the RIBA code that advocates for the multi-functionality of public spaces. Such provisions must be incorporated, and this would be more appropriate in stage 2of the RIBA plan of work, which concentrates on concept design[2]. The stage involves an initial proposal of the structural design, the building services, and specifications[3]. Having a principle that explicitly supports multi-functional architecture can help compel architects to create structures that are more beneficial to society as opposed to one that only serves a single purpose. A policy that promotes multi-functionality can offer the architects with tangible evidence that they can use to support their architectural designs.  The architects can also easily understand the cost that is related to their plans and factor in affordability in order not to incur huge debts in their efforts to make multi-functional architects. Thus, there should be a clause that informs investors about the costs that may arise from such projects. However, the provision should not compel architects to create multi-functional spaces if they cannot meet the financial requirements.  In addition, this responsibility should not only focus on architects but also various stakeholders involved in the designing and construction of public spaces. Working together will help them come up with regulations that are favorable to all parties involved. An excellent RIBA principle can help in creating spaces that promote social cohesion and cultural unity in the affected communities.

References

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[1] 1

[2] royal Institute of British Architects. RIBA: Code of Professional Conduct. 2019: 1-27

[3] bid, 1-27.