Briefing Document [Transplant and Rehabilitation]

Laura Brett Unit 5b Hybrid Territories Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

“ ... all the money goes up top, while the infrastructure wastes away from neglect. The famous skyline is a cheap trick now, a sleight-of-hand to draw your eye from the truth, as illusory as a bodybuilder with osteoporosis... ”

[Andrew Vachss, Mask Market]

[Introduction] Page 1 [Introduction] Page 2 The Ring chesh-ire

A collection of post-industrial places stitched together by a circuit that knows no boundaries. The circulatory canal system connects to microcirculatory waterways from in and around Cheshire and venturing further, terri- tories of . At the edge of the ring remains a place [], once the backbone of industrial trade, fundamental for its prosperity that so heavily depended on its waterways. Now, stands a fragile town lingering on distantly dissipating memories. The prognosis would advocate [Runcorn], a case of abandonment.

[The Site] Page 3 Cheshire Ring Atherosclerosis Discourse The Site_Runcorn

[The Site] Page 4 Project 1 Project 2 Dissection Stent An investigation of the compo- A device of plastic or sprung nent parts of a whole and their metal mesh inserted into a relations in making up the tubular structure, such as a whole. blood vessel, to provide support

Project 1 provided an opportu- Project 2 advanced the knowl- nity to explore a place [site] edge and experience acquired more in depth than before, by dissecting and furthered this basing its ideals on the concept by intending a design to form of peeling back information and that would alter the site itself. I dividing pieces up throughout designed a ‘tidal community’, an analytical process. Funda- using the disused from mentally, corresponding with the project 1. With the intention of definition of dissection. changing the face of the docks, My site led exploration at a from a clouded, grey industrial disused canal lock and through association moving towards a historical research I devised a greener society utilising the piece that would reflect and surrounding natural processes. express artistically and techno- logically the route and chain reaction that took place in the lock.

[Project Dialogue] Page 5 Project 3 Transplant

Transplant vb [træns’pla:nt]

[Medicine / Surgery] To transfer [an organ or tissue] from one part of the body to another or from one person or animal to another during a grafting or transplant operation

[Project Dialogue] Page 6 Transplant and Rehabilitation Historical Site Study Built Runcorn was a

Timeline- Key Dates holiday makers front for summer remote, idyllic river- Saltwater Bath House

1750s 1800s 1822 1850s

Industrial Revolution UK

[Timeline] Page 7 Transplant and Rehabilitation Historical Site Study crossing Proposed for new housing development Opened Opened The opening ceremony for the new was closed Opening of the Ship Canal Work began on a new high level road Ellesmere Street estate was demolished Closing Ceremony for Transporter Bridge New Mersey Gateway

1868 1894 1905 1956 1960s 1961 1970s 2016?

[Timeline] Page 8 Industial Process

[Industrial Research] Page 9 Transplant and Rehabilitation Industrial Heritage

1. Brief Overview

Runcorn was the hub of The were a vital lifeline for The docks were utilised to industry; chemical and soap the residents and companies transport goods all over the works, tannery and ship situated in Runcorn. Transporting world. Mainly, dealing with building were the main goods from the Tannery work- shipments of china, clay and industrial processes, in addi- shops, coal, chemical/soap pottery and still do today. tion to iron foundry and products and ship Now it deals with powders engineering skills that were parts/materials. used for the manufacture of responsible for the siting of the Runcorn and Weston sandstone china and pottery goods. main workshops for Ship was used widely and is said to Canal Companies. Tannery have been used in the construc- was a huge industry in tion of the New York Docks. The Runcorn. The demise of rich pink or red coloured sand- tanneries occurred with the stone was extremely popular with introduction of cheap man- architects and features in made substitutes. Runcorn buildings such as the old Police Station

[Industrial Overview] Page 10 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

2. Industrial and SocialDevelopments [The Bridges]

The consistent need to ‘bridge the gap’ across the , has been one of a technological advancement yet it has been at the expense of the residents of Runcorn. The instalment of the Transporter Bridge in 1905 resulted in the first batch demolished homes and shops. The residents facing demo- lition were posed with two locations of low budget housing to relocate to. The people of Runcorn had no desire to leave the town, as their families had resided there for years. After the transporter bridge was dismantled in 1960s the Silver Jubilee Bridge was being developed for build. For the second time residents would face losing their family homes. The Expressway that would connect to the bridge would mean more demolition. Yet again the overtaxed residents will witness another proposal for a new bridge, The New Mersey Gateway...

[Industrial Overview] Page 11 [Industrial Overview] Page 12 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

Runcorn’s civic coat of arms :

The coat of arms signifies prosperity and commerce and is an illustrated symbol of Runcorn’s history. The lion and crown are a reminder of the local link with the monarchy through the Barony of Halton. Within the main shield of the arms are two playing knives, a sym- bolic reminder of the prosperous tanning industry. The main emblem of the shield is the galley ship with the Cheshire sheaf on its sail. This ship and the motto: ‘ Navem Mercibus Implere’ signify a time when Runcorn’s prosperity was heavily dependant upon local water- ways. The motto is latin translated as: ‘fill the ships with goods’

[Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 13 “ Construction is the art of making a meaningful whole out of many parts...”

[Peter Zumthor, Thinking Architecture]

[Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 14 Transplant and Rehabilitation Past and Present

Simpson Davies

A busy boatyard in Heath Road, responsible for the building and repairing of countless narrow boats. The company owned a large fleet of vessels. The image above was taken in 1958 when pleasure crafts were beginning to make an appearance on the canal as trade on the canalways declined. Todaythe public house, the Union Tavern is the last remaining feature of the site’s past and buried beneath the Expressway lies the body of the old boatyard.

[Industrial Places] Page 15 Transplant and Rehabilitation Past and Present

The Town Warehouse

The photograph (above) depicts a busy scene of a barge being unloaded with goods for local businesses. The cranes and machinery have now gone yet the garage (left) was occupied for years after as a workshop. It’s now derelict, empty and awaiting its fate. There are a few sites similar to this located along the side of the Bridgewater Canal that have potential for develop- ment.

[Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 16 Social

“ Where we once dwelt our name is heard no more “ Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

More than one in five Halton households jobless Sep 13 2012 by Daniel Mckenzie, Runcorn and Weekly News ALARMING new figures show more than 20% of Halton households do not have a single person with a job. The latest available figures, for 2011, show that 8,000 homes in the borough are classed as ‘workless’. A regional breakdown of national data showed that had the highest percentage of so-called workless households in 2011 at 31.6 It was the fourth year in a row that Liverpool had the highest rate, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Areas with the highest rates were generally heavily industrialised in the last century, with industries such as coal mining and shipbuilding, which have long been in decline.

“Instead we need an industrial strategy and proper investment to create jobs and give hope to these communities.”

[Trade Union Congress general secretary Brendan Barber]

[Media and Runcorn] Page 18 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

“...The newly proposed bridge will destroy Run- corn, it is heavily op- posed by the residents and will turn Runcorn into roundabout...” Runcorn Resident: Liz Howard

When revisiting Runcorn, I stumbled into an old book- shop ‘Curiosity Bookshop’ owned by Brian and writer Liz Howard, both residents of Runcorn. Residing in Runcorn her whole life and knowing past generations had been in the town for over 100years, Liz gave great insight into the changes the town had seen over the years. I have used her knowledge alongside research to build my briefing report. Liz recalls childhood memories of watching huge vessels gliding into the docks every day, presenting books that demonstrated changes from past to present she outlined beautiful, pink sandstone buildings that were demolished in way for roads, supermarkets and health centres. When discussing the project and asking her opinion of what industry would benefit the town best, she was insistent that reopening the Bridgewater Canal [previously used for transporting coal and goods] and designing a place that could be accessed by tourists would benefit the town immensely, ensuring Runcorn’s survival.

[Runcorn Resident] Page 19 “Man loves everything that satisfies his comfort. He hates everything that wants to draw him out of his acquired and secured position and that disturbs him. Thus, he loves the house and hates art. ”

[Adolf Loos]

[Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 20 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

“There is no room for any more industry at the docks...”

[- Peel Ports Staff]

[Revisiting The Docks] Page 21 The

Revisiting the Docks I returned to the docks with the knowledge I had acquired from project 1&2, accompanied by a series of questions. Health and Safety precautions prevented access directly to the site, however I spoke with staff that dealt with the incoming and outgoing goods. The staff’s [Manchester Ship Canal-Peel Ports] working experience of the Runcorn Docks environment varied, ranging from 14months- 29years, yet their responses were virtually the same. On enquiring about future industries joining the docks, I received a negative response similar to that when querying the relationship with the docks and the Runcorn residents. I was advised there was no room on the docks for more industry and that the people and the port had become two separate entities, the negative connotations that corre- sponded with the discussion suggested a siting another industry at the docks would be a mistake, socially, economically and technologically.

“...There isn’t really a rela- tionship between the people and the docks anymore...”

[Revisiting The Docks] Page 22 “Government is like a baby: an alimentary canal with a big appe- tite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.”

[Ronald Reagan]

[Bridgewater Canal] Page 23 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse Heritage: The Bridgewater Canal Opened in 1761 and named after it’s The landmark, Waterloo Bridge owner, Francis Egerton the third Duke signifies the modern end of the of Bridgewater who built the canal for Runcorn Arm of the Bridgewater transporting goods. Canal. Prior to the construction of The canal transported coal and other the A533 and the High Level Bridge industrial goods from mines at Worsley the canal once flowed through to industrial hubs of the country. and beyond the bridge leading to the River Mersey. The other direc- tion was a British Network of canal passages linking with other towns and cities in England. The approaches on the Runcorn side blocked the Bridgewater Canal at Waterloo Bridge and the line of locks leading down to the Mersey were filled in.

[Bridgewater Canal] Page 24 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

Bridgewater Canal The area was once a busy inland port and the canal was widened to acco- modate a large amount of traffic. The middle arch of the bridge was once a dry dock, where boats were repaired. Bringing an industry back from Runcorn’s memorable industrial era and siting it along Bridgewater Canal would revive the canal as both a lesuire and industrial facility simulta- neously. It seems that the sandstone that supported the canal still remains on the other side of the boarded up bridge. So scope for a revival is possi- ble.

[Bridgewater Canal] Page 25 [View Across The River Mersey] Page 26 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

The Changing Face of Runcorn

Dave Thompson highlights the intricate heritage of Runcorn’s life. He deals with changes in particular areas such as social, vernerative, the indus- trial waterways and bridging the gap. Thompson provides a range of histori- cal knowledge with consequential factors and effects accompanied by relating quotes and photographs from the past for better insight.

“ A meager, uninteresting, shabby brick town with irregu- lar streets, looking like a dwarfed stunted city... “

[Nathaniel Hawthrone, Our Old Home]

[Literature about Runcorn] Page 27 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

“... to evoke fond memories of the past for those old enough to remember and to show the younger generation how the town looked in days gone by...”

Runcorn Through Time

Roy Gough demonstrates with photographic evidence the drastic alterations the town has seen with indication of the historical advancements that affected the surroundings both positively and negatively. The exploration of the town’s change with photographs give insight into views of the past.

[Literature about Runcorn] Page 28

Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

Define Revival:

Re-vive \ri-ˈvīv\ transitive verb 1. to restore to consciousness or life 2. to restore from a depressed, inactive, or unused state

Re-vive \ri-ˈvīv\ intransitive verb 1. to return to consciousness or life: become active or flourishing again

[Reviving Runcorn] Page 30 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

Project 3- Transplant and Rehabilitaion Intentions

The New Mersey Gateway has had permis- My intentions for this project is to sion to build accepted and building plans are develop an old industrial process in motion, meaning Runcorn will become a that will be a part of the canal, ‘roundabout’ [Liz Howard], an abandoned introducing industry back to the town branded ‘residential’ by the council. A town but more importantly tourism, town that had docks before the city of through the encouragement of Liverpool. lesuire crafts. Although the plans for the bridge has Consequently transforming and frustrated and enraged many of Runcorn’s reviving Runcorn as an exhibit for residents, positive results can evolve from tourists to discover its rich industrial negative situations. As the new bridge will past relive traffic crossing the A533 Expressway. The 80,000 vehciles that take that route will now cross the New Mersey Gateway. There will be no need for the roads leading into Runcorn, so the council have proposed to reopen the Bridgewater Canal. Prior to closing the canal the coucil had ensured the sandstone structure of the canal was protected to ensure re-use at some stage. The reopening of the canal will give scope for a new industry process to emerge.

[Project Intentions] Page 31 Kintsukuroi (n.) (v.phr) “to repair with gold”; the art of repairing pottery with gold or silver lacquer and understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken

[Project Intentions] Page 32 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

If holidays and trending holidays are to stay in the UK (’staycationers’) then more UK towns and cities will become tourist destinations or points of interest on the map. By introducing an industry of interest and an old industrial process visitors to Runcorn can learn about its old industrial era, leading them to venture further into the town. This could promote and reopen lost business as custom would return.

[Media Research] Page 33 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

“We know that the trend to holiday at home is still popular but we have to work very hard to sustain this and ensure that Britons are inspired by the events of 2012 to choose England next year as their number one holiday destination”

[James Berresford] [VisitEngland Chief Executive]

[Media Research] Page 34 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

1.The Canal’s Built Environment The Canal House

I found this place on my way home from my site visit to Runcorn and having experi- enced being beside Bridgewater Canal most of the day, I found inspirational design by fate. Located in Nottingham within a short walk of the station, the Canalhouse is a strong example of integrating architecture and waterways. The building has an internal canal basin with two static narrow boats moored inside the venue. The entrance of the building involves experiencing the canal by venturing over the bridge to reach the bar.

[Canal Architectural Precedents] Page 35 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

Reflection

Throughout the exploration of the indus- trial era and processes of Runcorn’s past, I was looking specifically at the ship build- ing process with the intention of recreat- ing something of a similar nature, possibly for narrow boats. Yet, this would not attract the attention of tourist enough to succeed and bring custom back to the town. Other industries of appeal were explored and a decision was made to further my exploration and research into the soap and chemical works. The sand- stone industry still remained an interesting and memorable industry and I considered combining the two industries. This would create a new product using two old industrial processes and materials with the intention of somehow drawing tourists back into Runcorn to explore this and the town further.

[Reflection] Page 36 “Upon the river which washes the shore of the town innumerable craft spread their sails, and, neating the time to the ceaseless murmur of the waters, and heard the whirr of wheels, the rattle of machinery, and the loud hum of com- merce”

[Charles Nickson, History of Runcorn]

[Treatment] Page 37 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

Angioplasty an•gi•o•plas•ty

Noun 1. (Medicine / Surgery) a surgical technique for restoring normal blood flow through an artery narrowed or blocked by atherosclerosis, either by inserting a balloon into the narrowed section and inflating

2. Surgical repair or unblocking of a blood vessel, esp. a coronary artery.

Runcorn is in dire need of a new indus- try that will pump blood back through the circulatory canal system. The industry needs to attract attention from a tourist point and introduce a dual transport system for both industry and leisure.

[Treatment] Page 38 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

1. The Sandstone Industry 2. The Soap Industry

Sandstone was a popular natural The Johnson and Hazlehurst families were resource quarried for a number of uses. well established in Runcorn’s industrial Allegedly used to construct the docks of era. Both families shared a common New York, the natural stone was once in ground in the’ soapworks’ industry. For high demand. The stone was transported the Johnson family poor decisions during via the waterways [canals]. Many of the the American Civil War led to the loss of town’s architecture features Runcorn’s countless vessels, resulting in bankruptcy, memorable and industrial past with the financial losses and closure of the com- implementation of sandstone into the pany. building’s facade. The Waterloo Bridge Similarly, the Hazlehurst family [that was built using sandstone, as was the established the Camden Works soap viaduct which stands on a sandstone factory on the north bank of the Bridge- infrastructure. It seems that industries water Canal] had suffered the loss of [such as coal, tannery, pottery/clay and family members/business partners leaving salt] were popular and memorable, yet the company to be overtaken by a soap and sandstone were less publicised board of directors in 1891. The business however just as crucial and fundamental was later sold to the Lever Brothers and to Runcorn’s prosperity and commerce. soap production at the factory ceased as it became a tannery.

[Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 39 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

Sandstone in Runcorn: Geology

Runcorn’s bedrock is primarilary made up of sandstone, formed 250million years ago from the deserts that covered the town once. Quarrying for the stone was a huge industry throughout the 18th.19th Century and large quarries were introduced to the small town.

There are still areas that are able to be quarried today. An old quarry, ‘Frog’s Mouth’, as extracation ceased in 1850, it was filled with residues of newer quarries.

The sandstone was a popular choice in building material in the town, the photograph [right] is Runcorn’s first Town Hall. Nowadays more associ- ated with being an old police station, the buildings facade is an excellent display of sandstone.

[Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 40 [Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 41 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

1. Soap Manufacture: Ingredients

You Will Need: Lifebuoy Soap

Main ingredients Established when William Lever tried to irradicate 900ml water cholera in England. 295g caustic soda (make sure you buy pure sodium The Lever company are hydroxide and not something caustic soda based, that assosciated with Runcorn and might include other ingredients) the development of their 615g coconut oil (or vegetable fat) soap has become a world 800ml sunflower oil wide product that is now not 800ml olive oil manufacture in the UK sandstone anymore.

For the fragrance

Essential oils Other additives (dried herbs, petals and fruit depending on what soaps you want to make) For decoration

Pastry cutters Ribbons Bows

[Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 42 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

2. Soap Manufacture:

Step 1: Splitting Step 3: Cooling and The first step involves splitting natural Finishing fat into fatty acids and glycerin. Now the soap is ready to be The equiptment needed for this is a poured into moulds and hydrolizer [a vertical stainless steel allowed to harden into a column with the diameter of a moulded slab. barrel] It can also be frozen in a special Molten fat is pumped into one end freezer. of the column, while the other end The slab is cut up into smaller water at high tempterature [130°C] individual pieces which are is introduced. wrapped and stamped. This splits the fat into its two compo- The entire continuous process, nents. The fatty acids will be later from splitting to finishing, can be distilled for purification. accomplished in several hours

Step 2: Mixing Step 4: Milling Toiletry soap then undergoes The purified fatty acids are then additional processing. The mixed with a precise amount of milled bar lathers up better alkali to form soap. and in comparison to non- Other ingredients are added at this milled soap it has a finer stage [such as abrasivers and consistency. fragrance] The cooled soap is now fed The hot liquid soap is then whipped through several set of heavy in order to incorporate air. mills [rollers] that crush and knead it.

[Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 43 Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

The Concept: Combining two forgotten industrial process that once The day-spa could be a place of alterna- supported Runcorn’s commerce and trade will remind tive medicines/treatments using minerals the people of Runcorn as well as public spectators of of the earth. the significance of Runcorn’s past. The produce could be manufactured on site and could even become a specicle The combination of soap and sandstone to create a itself, in that visitors could watch the ‘spa product’ could led to any typology in terms of the making process and the canal’s water Built Environment from a factory to a spa retreat. The could be integrated as a part of the company Lush has already produced a similar product, process. indicating that it has been previously tested for the The produce will become a symbol of general public. Runcorn’s historical and industrial past, whereby visitors could learn more about The Spa Retreat appeals in a sense as it would create and venture into the town further. tourism and with strong transport links [canal, railway, motorway] Runcorn would become a place to go to as opposed to a through-route or a roundabout.

The materials/ingredients could be brought from the docks of Liverpool up the canal and shipments of the products could be shipped out via the canal and Runcorn docks.

“Made in Runcorn”

[Image above of Sandstone Soap]

[Atherosclerosis Discourse] Page 44 1. The Process of Soap Manufacture 2. The Process Vegetable Oil Manufacture Furthering my research into the process of soap manufacture, I considered the materials that I would have to import onto my site and considered generating some of my own produce, such as substituting animal fat for vegetable oil/fat. So I then exlored the process of producing this for my manufacture. In the manufacture room/space I will be producing oil and then using it to produce soap.

Transplant and Rehabilitation Atherosclerosis Discourse

Mapping Analysis In order to further my under- standing of my site, I will con- duct a series of mapping analysis; this will effectually provide a more in depth understanding of my site. My mapping series will look at contextual features of my site, such as points of interest, brownfield and derelict spaces, transportation links, the existing infrastructure and the change when the canal in implemented to the site. Existing Infrastructure The existing infrastructure map explore existing Industrial buildings within the town and what typology the structure falls under. It is evident there is a divide Residential between residential and industrial [docks], there is also a vast amount of residential buildings in Commercial the area, supported by commercial buildings. The majority of the commercial buildings are now vacant and boarded up Mapping

My site visit to Runcorn provided me with information about the residents, the infrastructure, the industry but also the land. When visiting again I was looking at potential sites that I could build on that would work well with my scheme but also with the design’s surrounding environment. + + C + B A

+ B A marks my proposed site on the map, a brownfield site at the edge of the canal. Through mapping analysis I will explore further what existing infrastructure there is surrounding my site.

My site is located within a near distance of both the Runcorn docks and Runcorn Hill.

[Runcorn Docks will be used to trans- port in goods from outside the UK.]

[Runcorn Hill will be used to quarry sandstone]

The bridge water canal reconstruction will make my project possible as I will use the reopened canal to transport goods up and down the canal, whilst using the waterways to ensure narrow boating tourists can visit the site. “Like medicine [architecture] must move from the curative to the preventive.” [Cedric Price, The Square Book] Laura Brett Unit 5b Hybrid Territories