Why tower blocks are being condemned to demolition?

With the above as the leading question this master's thesis explores the ideas of utopias and heterotopias through the history and origins of what was considered to be a great achievement of the modern movement: the state sponsored, multistory housing estates. Moving away from the utopian vision of solving architecturally difficult social problems, the thesis introduces heterotopia as an alternative way of reading space by establishing relationships in it. Through the ‘alterity’ and ‘otherness’ flourishing in heterotopias, a new utopia might be possible.  

 

Heterotopias are places where life is experienced differently. Following this, the thesis explores ways in which the Norfolk Court tower situated in Lauriston, Glasgow, can be hypothetically and conceptually transformed into a non-ordinary public space that can be understood as a vertical public square. The interior acts like a threshold through which the exploration of the building becomes possible. As a metaphorical threshold it opens up the present into the past by preserving a fragment of urban history. Simultaneously, it opens up the present to the future by offering to people a chance to envision a ‘not yet’ utopia. This project aims to empower people with the ‘tools’ to create: moods, memories, relationships, communities.

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PROJECT: Master's Thesis for MDes in Interior Design

INSTITUTION: The Glasgow School of Art

YEAR: 2015