Urban Fallows

Urban Fallows: Architecture as a catalyst for regeneration of marginalised urban land

Kartselin, Ventsi (TU Delft Architecture and the Built Environment)

Alkan, A.S. (mentor)
Fokkinga, J.D. (graduation committee)
Furlan, C. (graduation committee)

Delft University of Technology

Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Architectural Design Crossovers

2023-06-28

In the face of rapid urbanisation, population growth, and environmental degradation, there is an urgent need to rethink the design and construction of urban spaces. The thesis investigates the potential of architecture as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area surrounding the Abbey Mills Pumping Station in London, UK. The process is symbolically viewed through the lens of cyclical agricultural fallowing as a method of urban renewal. This perspective positively interprets the dormant state of the site, perceiving the temporary cessation of capitalistic activities as an opportunity for other ecosystems to thrive. Drawing from cultural landscape theory and incorporating the idea of architecture as an accelerator in urban ecosystems, the thesis culminates with the notion of "the incomplete". It suggests a framework for progressive change and eventual occupation of the post-industrial site over time. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research aims to uncover the potential and challenges of urban transformation as part of a more socially and environmentally conscious architectural practice.

fallow
terrain vague
palimpsest
scarcity
cyclical time

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:5e4613cc-a3be-458c-81ef-0602947c900f

51.530014, -0.001278

Student theses

master thesis

© 2023 Ventsi Kartselin