Within the context of future changes to Havana's economy, competing land uses and population growth in the city; what role(s) can urban agriculture...
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Architecture
Abstract
(UPA) have as an integrated part of new urban design and housing?
My Masters thesis was concerned with the concept of 'Urban Agriculture' and it's amalgamation within Architectural and urban design discourse as a design tool within cities of the developed North. This study deeply scrutinised the contradictory origins, motivations and emergence over the last two centuries and the fragmentation of this re-current paradigm. This study also analysed how architectural proposals could relate to current land use patterns within Glasgow and Edinburgh rather than as a form of futuristic reinvention of the city. As part of this study, Havana was researched within the framework of its developing economy, adopting the practice at a time of crisis. Within the context of future changes to Havana's economy, competing land uses and population growth in the city; this research aims to study the role(s) that urban agriculture (UPA) as an integrated part of new urban design and housing. The study will involve secondary research to establish a critical framework; this will build upon research carried out at masters level, research by others related to aspects of the present condition of urban agriculture in Cuba and its relationship to the city. This will be supplemented by a visit to Havana to document aspects of existing sites around the city, and primary research through meetings and discussions with those who practice and administer the process. It is proposed that a written thesis will incorporate elements of research by design at three scales.
My Masters thesis was concerned with the concept of 'Urban Agriculture' and it's amalgamation within Architectural and urban design discourse as a design tool within cities of the developed North. This study deeply scrutinised the contradictory origins, motivations and emergence over the last two centuries and the fragmentation of this re-current paradigm. This study also analysed how architectural proposals could relate to current land use patterns within Glasgow and Edinburgh rather than as a form of futuristic reinvention of the city. As part of this study, Havana was researched within the framework of its developing economy, adopting the practice at a time of crisis. Within the context of future changes to Havana's economy, competing land uses and population growth in the city; this research aims to study the role(s) that urban agriculture (UPA) as an integrated part of new urban design and housing. The study will involve secondary research to establish a critical framework; this will build upon research carried out at masters level, research by others related to aspects of the present condition of urban agriculture in Cuba and its relationship to the city. This will be supplemented by a visit to Havana to document aspects of existing sites around the city, and primary research through meetings and discussions with those who practice and administer the process. It is proposed that a written thesis will incorporate elements of research by design at three scales.
People |
ORCID iD |
Felipe Hernandez (Primary Supervisor) | |
Michael Collins (Student) |
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ES/J500033/1 | 30/09/2011 | 01/10/2022 | |||
1964574 | Studentship | ES/J500033/1 | 30/09/2017 | 30/12/2022 | Michael Collins |
ES/P000738/1 | 30/09/2017 | 29/09/2028 | |||
1964574 | Studentship | ES/P000738/1 | 30/09/2017 | 30/12/2022 | Michael Collins |
Description | Findings so far: (not yet complete) -The transformative potential of urban agriculture within architectural discourse requires a new conceptual framework -Emerging subject areas of urban theory can be used as a means to broaden existing frameworks. -A study of existing urban agriculture sites across London illustrates a highly diverse range of activities beyond agriculture that are arguably beyond the current definitions of urban agriculture. |
Exploitation Route | As a means to frame new arguments and discussions within the subject area of urban agriculture. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Communities and Social Services/Policy Construction Energy Environment Leisure Activities including Sports Recreation and Tourism |
Title | Design based research tools through integration with my architecture practice |
Description | I am undertaking a range of research by design projects these include`; - Feasibility studies relating to urban agriculture projects in South London. - Involvement with local authorities to advise on similar projects. - Development of urban agriculture consultancy services with partnered architectural practices. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | This is currently in development and the impacts will be disseminated as part of my research. |
URL | http://www.michaelcollinsarchitects.com |
Description | Nature Heath and Built Environment Group Cambridge |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Department | Nature, Health, and Built Environment |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This involved monthly seminars, group webinars with partnered organisations/institutions and lectures involving an interdisciplinary research group. My research has informed the direction of lectures and current research interests/themes of the group. This included: - Green facades - Mental health issues and the built environment -Potential collaborations with the Cambridge Institute of public health Interdisciplinary Research Group which is being initiated. |
Collaborator Contribution | N/A |
Impact | This collaboration is interdisciplinary involving - Land economy resesrchers - Forestry and architecture - Architecture - Geography |
Start Year | 2019 |