Jake Pickard

THE SECRET FACTORY

A STUDIO THESIS THAT EXPLORES WOOLWICH’S INDUSTRY, THE CREATION OF BIO-GLASS, AND THE IMPACT OF MUSSELS IN WATER FILTRATION

Woolwich town possesses a plethora of cultural and industrial history that is seemingly trapped underneath the context’s foundations. During the early 20th century, the town was known as ‘The Secret City’ for its undisputed contributions to the British Empire’s war efforts. Many argue that the factories embedded within the Secret City were some of the most influential pieces of infrastructure the British Empire had ever seen. Further research into the Secret City highlights that the prominent industrial agenda helped Woolwich stimulate community spirit and socio-economic activity.

Gentrification, contemporary developments, and the neglect of the River Thames have ultimately masked Woolwich’s authentic and industrially-driven identity. As an example, the Berkeley and Meyer housing developments infiltrate the Riverfront and act as a gentrified blockade to the River Thames. Additionally, developments plan to demolish the existing Waterfront Leisure Centre and replace it with utilitarian residential blocks. It is evident that Woolwich is exponentially losing its heritage and requires intervention to reinforce its historically enriched foundations.

The Secret Factory aims to revive the diluted historical prominence of Woolwich and aid in the filtration and cleansing of the River Thames. Through the conceptual exploration of traditional industries and crafts, this project embarks on an innovative glass-making process where each batch utilises mussel shells as a core ingredient. Through the exploration of structural, biological, economic, and sustainable properties, this project will highlight the benefits of the process and application of ‘Thames Glass’. Moreover, the project will illustrate the architectural, conceptual, and socio-economic synergies generated by the bio-glass product.

Scientific studies highlight that a single mussel can filter a bathtub of dirty water per day. Additionally, to coincide with the Loughborough Lab AAA 2023 Geostory agenda, studies suggest that mussels can filtrate microplastics from water. Furthermore, with these studies placed in high regard, this project manifests the reintegration of mussels into the River Thames’ ecosystems, furthermore reviving the polluted river and injecting life back into the iconic landmark.

To emphasise the sustainable agenda of this project, the scheme adopts existing structural components of the Waterfront Leisure Centre. This decision not only reduces the scheme’s carbon footprint but also offers a plethora of design and conceptual opportunities to reimagine the existing architectural language of the site. Whilst retaining existing structural components, the project infuses the manufactured Thames Glass into the structural skeleton to offer a contemporary identity that is influenced by the site’s existing condition and origins.

In essence, The Secret Factory’s innovative glass-production technique aims to revive Woolwich’s historical and industrial prominence. Whilst offering opportunities for community, industrial, biological, and socio-economic flourishment, this project manifests the holistic development of both Woolwich and the River Thames through a collectively synergised stratagem.