The Group project this year focused on an investigation of the Thames Estuary. Originally our group wanted to respond to the Thames 2050 vision report and critically analyse the spatio-economic framework and key areas of development the framework proposed. This scope then expanded to look more broadly at the role of the river and the communities that surround it.

"Process itself was speculative as we had no way to realise our initial plans for the project, we had to think of interim ways to research and make best use of the resources we had."

Goals of the Research

Although specific measurable goals were not defined for the research project we were interested in developing novel ways of working together as a group and understanding the Thames from its wider social, ecological and economic surroundings. We wanted to better understand local communities interaction in and around the river, the economic forces shaping its development and some of the more neglected but crucial environmental factors.

Roles and Responsibilities

We designated a project management & facilitation group which was responsible for the overall management of the project. From here various clusters were organised around research interests. Upon documenting the project findings and its delivery another set of groups were designated to oversee findings, process, design etc.

Methodology

Our overarching group methodology was Interpretivist and exploratory as we wanted to allow the multiple ontologies and social realities of the Thames to emerge through our observations. From here we split into smaller groups which defined their own research approaches and theoretical paradigms, this allowed multiple, rich readings of the Thames as a subject to emerge through each group.

Audience

Given the rich context of the Thames and its wider social and ecological context we wanted to engage community groups in surrounding areas to engage with the context of the river in new participatory forms. During the initial group meetings we expressed the desire to hold a speculative participatory workshop which engaged community groups on the presents and futures of the river.

Research Design

Because of the size of the group our research design was largely flexible and decided by smaller clusters. Overall we decided on a research model that allowed for divergent and convergent thinking with groups engaging in divergent exploratory research covering a lot of ground then converging around specific ideas and insights. Process wise we implemented a 'Research Sprints' system in which small research clusters would conduct exploratory research in week long 'sprints', sharing their findings at the end of each week.

Project Scope

As the project began with such a wide scope and large and diverse group of participants scope was decided in smaller research clusters each determining their clusters scope around a question or aim and then the resulting scope of work for the upcoming research sprint week.

Evaluation and outcomes

At the end of each weekly Research Sprint each research cluster came together to present and evaluate findings from the weeks field trips and investigative studies. Unfortunately due to the events over the final weeks we were not able to properly evaluate and wrap up the project.


First Phase

Introduction to the project brief

Jan 21st

Ifor introduced us to the yearly brief for the C&N group project with this years group focusing on the Thames Estuary

As C&N projects go, we began with a focus area determined by our tutors. Ours was generally, "the Thames Estuary"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKMf6o0tQnE

We were given an introductory presentation on the Thames

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/22210017-2194-4bd5-beaa-5cb8c94cc377/THAMES.pdf


Initial Exploratory Field Trip: Chalkwell Beach

Feb 1

We took a field trip to the outer edge of the Thames + Attended Southend: 800,000 tonnes: Waste Management and Recycling in Essex

Iain Sinclair, Downriver, p.492 On typewriter he carries with him on a visit to the Essex foreshore - this is quite eccentric so how much is to be taken with a pinch of poetic salt is to be kept in mind - 'I buried it [the typewriter] at low tide, with a vision of Southend(that fault cloned Miami) away across the water, rising from its archipelago of untreated sewage. A bone-white jewel in a bisto sea. I ate a lively breakfast (still squirming on the fork), and returned by the next available train - taking care ot work my way through a pack of zany local history pamphlets.'

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/fd1a5789-f93c-4f26-86dd-cb53c496ec16/WhatsApp_Image_2020-04-24_at_10.08.47.jpeg

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/cb14d5fe-08c7-4d14-ae22-d1453af7acaf/20200505_192948.jpg

Photogrammetry Models (viewable in Augmented Reality):

Crowstone.usdz

Seaweed.usdz

Sand.usdz

Rocks+Shoe.usdz

Footsteps.usdz

Sand+Footprints.usdz

https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/playlists/1046556091%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-DZtF59u6UA0&color=%23f72d19&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe>

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/961bce5c-4e34-4c06-9c46-79252b8d246e/6fa45d15-4aec-4938-b376-727cf73e90c4.jpg

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Gallery Visit and Talk Attended whilst in Southend: 800,000 tonnes: Waste Management and Recycling in Essex.