Stitching The Urban Fabric A Neighbourhood Of Shawlands
Prepared By: Aanchal Agrawal Shinjini Basu University of Strathclyde
Stitching The Urban Fabric
Preface Developing liveable urban places in a way that promotes sense of community living and enable a sustainable life- style while providing safe existence for pedestrians, bicyclist; supported by playful and rejuvenating urban realm. The following project is designed, planned and proposed in collaboration by Aanchal Agrawal (MSc Urban Design) and Shinjini Basu (M Arch- AAD, Year 5). Shinjini and Aanchal both have a diverse design focuses but are driven by the similar interest in urban design. Through this creative collaboration, the duo aims at proposing a master plan for greener, liveable, walkable and sustainable neighbourhood to facilitate better quality of life for the citizens. This project presents an ambitious yet achievable approach to redeveloping Shawlands neighbourhood of Glasgow. It combines several key attributes of urban design to create a liveable, diverse, safe and efficient and brings a sense of belonging. Shinjini took first step towards learning about urban design theories and principles by taking part in Urban Design elective class, it is the cumulative result of steady accumulation of design theories grasped from these lectures and workshops; that she has come so far in being able to develop an approach for rejuvenation of a neighbourhood through masterplan. Aanchal on other hand started studying urban design as major subject, where she was exposed to various aspects- Urban landscape design, urban design history and other subjects which involve continued interaction with tutors, workshops and other elective classes. The yearlong urban design studio focuses on developing design vision for regeneration and redevelopment of urban fabric. The studio is structured in a way that comprises of 6 phases- (Analysis, Strategy, Framework and Coding, concept Masterplan and Master Plan) split in two semesters. The students were split in groups and tasked to work on analysis phase later these groups were split again and regrouped in a way that students from different analysis groups form a new group for strategy phase. During these group activities and learning process, Aanchal and Shinjini found a common ground of interest and the creativeness of the duo was soon identified and the partnership was nurtured by Professor Ombretta and Alexandra who has been very encouraging and guiding throughout the process. After studying the case of walkability and its socio-economic impacts, Shinjini is highly interested in exploring how walkability and its attributes can be used to create places that are sustainable and liveable. Aanchal has worked hard to identify the role and importance of arts, social fabric and culture in placemaking. She advocates that playful, interesting and creative interventions in designing of public realm expands the possibilities in which public places are used.
Shinjini and Aanchal find inspirations from works of Kevin Lynch (Image of the City), Jan Gehl (Public Spaces, Public Life. Cities for People), Jane Jacobs (The Death and life of Great American Cities) and Peter Newman and Jeffery Kenworthy (Sustainability and Cities: Overcoming Automobile Dependence). The duo derives influence and tools from this rich range of approaches. This document aims at providing a visionary yet practical guidance for development of Shawlands in holistic, sustainable yet creative manner. The projects vision and guidance compliment the Glasgow city council’s development plan for the area- ‘Stitching the Urban Fabric’. The document is a comprehensive set of guidelines for all the focus areas for design to follow in order to achieve the set aim of developing a greener, connected and creative neighbourhood. This can be used as a framework or a toolkit for designing of better public places and rejuvenating urban neighbourhood.
Authors
Aanchal Agrawal MSc in Urban Design University of Strathclyde
Shinjini Basu Master of Architecture (AAD) University of Strathclyde
Stitching The Urban Fabric
Contents
01
Introduction
Shawlands in Context
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02
Preliminaries
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03
Design Process
34
04
Framework
36
Coding
05 68
06
Masterplanning
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Special Places
Key Findings : Analysis Stage
Site Selection
Local Urban Codes
Detailed Masterplan
Central Square
Key Findings : Strategy Stage
Site Analysis
Street Edges
Street Design
Pocket Parks
Key Findings : Concept Stage
Vision
Riverside Development
Strategy and Conceptualisation
Retail Park Public Space
Setting Out the Foundation Masterplan
Ecological Park
Foundation Masterplan
Special Systems
92
Bibliography
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Stitching The Urban Fabric
01
The district of Shawlands developed rapidly during the 19th century and over time the number of inhabitants in this artisanal and industrial area doubled forming a significant local businesses. With the prospering of Glasgow as the second city of the British Empire, the transport system improved increasing the outer settlements to increase drastically, leading to the further development of Shawlands area. As a consequence, Shawlands developed into an immensely vital commercial town centre for the South Side of Glasgow.
Introduction
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”
With the growing development and increasing density, rows of tenements occupied the main transport routes, showcasing the new architectural features of Glaswegian settlements. With this development along the main road and internal connections to residential areas created spaces that became a focal point for the local commerce. The retail environment reveals much about the social and cultural history of Shawlands especially along the main roads, Kilmarnock road and Pollokshaws road. It used to be a bustling and a significant shopping district for the Glasgow’s Southside. Overtime, the significance of the retail been wearing down as it fails to serve the quality of life for the community of Shawlands.
Conserving Shawlands characteristic commercial environment, and its social and cultural history, could thus make a significant contribution to the overall townscape as well as promote Shawlands as a destination for tourism, especially with a focus on the retail environment’s decline and the deterioration of residential buildings (Glasgow City Heritage Trust, n.d). In response to this, we seek to create a coherent area that helps in restoring the character of Shawlands as a whole and making it a destination filled with diversity and liveability, providing a quality of life for its inhabitants. Identifying the potential of the area, knowing about the significance and the cultural importance of the area, an important step towards development will be preserving the area’s historical character. This will help recognising the historical built environment, it changes as well as rich social and cultural history of Shawlands will help prevent further deterioration of the area. Protecting the built environment in Shawlands and designing in accordance with the social fabric will lead to success of the area and help bring life back to the neighbourhood.
Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, 1961
Fig. 1: Location of Shawlands in the Region of Glasgow 06
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02
Preliminaries
“Shawlands is a unique place in Glasgow. To develop as a destination Town Centre however, it needs to unlock its true potential, capitalise on its location, key buildings and facilities, the retail offer and the many nearby attractions.� Richard Brown, Executive Director, Shawlands Town Centre Action Plan, 2012
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Key Findings : Analysis Stage Drawing the Existing City
Residential Residential
Residential
Residential
Residential
Queen's Park Residential
Residential Residential
Residential River
Mix Use
High Street Mix Use
High Street Railway line above
Residential
Mix Use Commercial
Residential
Fig. 5: Light Map (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
High Street
Commercial
Residential Residential Football Ground
Residential
Residential River
Residential
Residential
Fig. 4: Height Map (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
Residential Residential
Residential
Residential
Residential
Fig. 3: Typology Map (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
Fig. 6: Cross Sections (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
Fig. 2: Final Output of Drawing of Existing City (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
This group was responsible for mapping of the study area to the most minute of the detail including mapping the typologies, heights, signages, streets, street furniture, open areas etc. The map produced was at a scale of 1:1000. The maps act as most helpful for the other groups and is foundation for all the next phases of urban design. This maps also studies and highlights the nodes, water bodies, existing landscape features. • •
•
• 10
The first step taken in drawing the city, it was important to get an understanding of the look and feel of the area. Before starting to map every detail as it is on the site, it was necessary to form common legend for all to follow. The initial site visit helped in narrowing down the details that were to be mapped to give an appropriate amount of information of the city as it exists. With the site being complex and vast to detail, the site was divided into parts for each member to study and the information was shared filed to ensure complete continuity and legibility. All the details jotted down by each member of the group
was compiled to give a final product of the study area. The analysis phase played an important role in understanding and highlighting the issues in the focus area. Drawing the city, the maps produced for this specific exercise, depict, building heights, typologies, built and un-built areas, street furniture as well as streetlights.
Conclusion drawn from the map show that the building height increases as we move closer to the high street. The building typologies existing in the area include commercial, retail, residential and some scattered mixed-use buildings. The mapping of streetlight shows poorly and well-lit areas in Shawlands. The study of historic context and social fabric of the area derived from actual interactions with the inhabitants of the area reflects their deep connection with the built environment. It is also seen that to maintain this feeling of belonging is maintained by preserving the ancient social fabric and architecture along the high street. It is disappointing to notice that the architectural character has not been maintained along the boundary of the area, which is 20th century development.
Fig. 7: Node 1 (Aanchal A., et al 2019) 53%
Node 1
Node 2
14% 86%
47%
Non Residential
Node 1
Fig. 8: Node 2 (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
Residential 67%
33% Open
Built Up
Non Residential
Node 2
Residential 82%
18% Open
Built Up
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Histories and Stories Stories
1795
1856
1894
1914
1935
1989
Fig. 9: Mapping Urbanisation of Shawlands (Archie P., et al 2019)
This groups purpose was to map the history of urbanisation in Shawlands, the urban fabric growth and the stories of the area. Shawlands area of Glasgow is a suburb which was mostly open field until the late 19th century, when churches and tenement blocks were built. At this analysis phase, the neighbouring area of Pollokshaws, Langside and Newlands which are supported by Kilmarnock road were all studied for better understanding and comparative study of the focus area. Pollokshaw and Shawlands were identified as areas for the Comprehensive Redevelopment Area (CDA) policy in 1950s. Under the new development old dilapidated buildings were knocked down and high-rise buildings of about 20 storeys were built. This eventually led to increase in population density by four times. Despite widespread large development work, Shawlands managed to retain its character on the other hand Pollokshaws went through many changes in its urban fabric. By mapping the histories and stories of the site area, we see how the urbanisation of Shawlands took place. The area has been through a development that has led to what the city is in the existing map. Over time the development the street layout and public networks took is form, starting with the rail line connecting it to Glasgow city centre. This rail line is still in use and is major public network for the Shawlands community. Shawlands is a result of housing redevelopments and Pollokshaws went under industrial changes. By 1900’s, urban sprawl occurred across Shawlands and the centre kept moving towards the Kilmarnock road increasing the density there forming the now high street. Social housing started 12
to appear and an arcade was constructed in the centre of Shawlands. Many of the historic buildings remain on the site but are not maintained. Today the urban fabric remains very similar in Shawlands with a very few vacant sites.
Fig. 11: Stories about Shawlands (Archie P., et al 2019)
Fig. 10: Historic Photos: Before and After (Archie P., et al 2019)
Fig. 12: Historic Photos: Before and After (Archie P., et al 2019)
Fig. 13: Strength and Weakness of Shawlands (Archie P., et al 2019)
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Planning Framework
Fig. 14: Development (Linnea S., et al 2019)
Planning Themes
Fig. 15: Public Buildings (Linnea S., et al 2019)
Fig. 16: Derelict and Vacant Land (Linnea S., et al 2019)
The group from urban design studio were tasked to create an illustrative and explanatory guide showcasing understanding of planning framework surrounding Glasgow, focused on Shawlands area. The analysis group worked on giving an understanding of the population, land uses and environmental conditions of the study area. In addition, a detailed study on the community services and facilities and socio-economic character of the area. This was a very helpful exercise through which a deep understanding of requirements and plans of principle stakeholder for development in this area. The decision makers for Glasgow city aim to be identified as a distinguished Green city, the key goal is to promote: a sustainable place, natural, efficient, resilient and connected. Glasgow city council outlines policies: efficient placemaking, sustainable spatial strategy, green belt and green network, promoting sustainable mode of transport like bicycling and walking, etc. These outlines can be implemented for a successful, functional and design of master plan for the area. This exercise also helped understand the key demographic of the sites and highlight specific areas within the area that are deprived of essential services, recreational activities, playful public places and liveable urban places.
Fig. 17: Planning Applications and Local Initiatives (Linnea S., et al 2019)
Fig. 19: Planning Themes as given by Glasgow Authorities (Linnea S., et al 2019)
Train Stations
Bus Stops
Fig. 18: Local Transport Services (Linnea S., et al 2019)
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Socio-Economic Character
Community Services
Churches
Retails
Green Facilities
Fig. 20: Socio-Economic Character of Shawlands (Linnea S., et al 2019)
Schools
Through the study of planning framework for the area and familiarising with the key planning themes and guidelines set out by stakeholders it was easy to understand the future direction development in the Shawlands area. As clearly mentioned in the outlines set by the stakeholders, the planning framework must include strategy to strengthen local businesses and improve the access to essential services, transport links and connectivity, improve housing conditions and increase the housing density while maintaining the overall quality of life. The following shows the socio-economic character of the area with relevant data. It is important to understand the future needs of the area and its population. The data shows the population composition by age groups. The income statistics reveals that income deprivation is less than that compared to the other areas and the percentage of children in poverty is less in comparison. Shawlands has varied dwelling types on the site, from terraced to semi-detached to flats. This study helps in understanding the character of the residential buildings. The data zone shows that the number of dwellings is higher along the Kilmarnock road and this is quite low in the south side. The percentage of population living in the proximity of derelict site is higher on the south side of the site, thus indicating that the development of Shawlands in the centre is intact.
Healthcare
All services combined with barriers
Fig. 22: Community Services (Linnea S., et al 2019)
The study on the community services was to understand the diversity of the study area. The site has a good rail connectivity and is easily accessible. The bus stops marked show that the along the long stretch of the Kilmarnock the bus stops could be increased at every 200m to have more accessibility to the public transport. The area as a good number of churches contributing to the heritage of the site. The retail is concentrated all along the Kilmarnock road with high intensity. The site has access to a major park, the Queen’s Park, at the north of the site and along with that the site has a few residential green spaces. The site holds 2 major schools, a primary and a secondary. A study on the access to services in Shawlands all combined show that there are multiple barriers e.g. the Arcade, the high street traffic, White Cart water and the railway.
Fig. 21: Population and Dwellings (Linnea S., et al 2019) 16
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Experiencing and Comparison
Permeability and Street Front Analysis In order to check the accessibility to the other several areas, permeability between the areas is signified by nodes, paths of movement and barriers. Shawlands has a strong boundary of railway and river in the south. The park in the north is not perceived as a boundary and the arcade turns out to be the biggest internal barrier which makes movement in the eastwest direction difficult. The outcomes show that Shawlands has a significant disparity in the quality of the street fronts. The buildings are well maintained in Shawlands and have good proportions to the street width, but there are vacancy and ill-proportioned shop fronts leaving the area to feel bare and dull. Some area has distressing facades, especially the arcade which is at a height leaving an empty wall facing the street. Taking the entire length of Kilmarnock road into account, the overall experience reveals that most street fronts could increase their uses and activities on the streets. Fig. 25: Street Permeability (Emma C., et al 2019)
Fig. 24: Residential Mental Map (Emma C., et al 2019)
Fig. 23: Mental Maps by Group Members (Emma C., et al 2019)
Cities have always fascinated human beings. Cities are built by inhabitants or visitors. It is the people who turn them into vibrant, dynamic and multifaceted places for activities which manifold lives and experiences. Cities have seen a lot of changes and lived through ages. The architecture, streets, landscape, all the built and unbuilt features hold thousands of stories which unfold as people inhabit and use these places. The city is more than it meets the eye, every person living has its own perception about looking at the architecture. Buildings and open spaces both hold memories, they hold secrets, dreams, memories and passing moments. It is very important to study the context and understand the social fabric of the area, to design good quality urban environment. Through analysis of experience in the area where the group tried to evaluate the sense of social connectivity, associability and accessibility of the area, maps were generated to depict the urban grid and highlight the link-to-node-ratio, the connected-node-ratio and the street usage density. The study area was compared with cities like Amsterdam and Paris to understand the difference and compare the success or failures of policies. Through various calculations and equations, the urban make- up of the area was evaluated. 18
The group worked first experiencing the place by taking a walking tour and from the memory of that drew their own maps of how they perceived the place. In street front analysis, the group approached the buildings visible along the high street to determine the quality of its appearance. A common rating system was formed the group members to categorize the aspects of the street fronts. • • • • • •
Grain of the Urban Fabric Enclosure and Proportion of the Street Detailing and Texture of Architecture Maintenance and Personalization of the Buildings Eyes of the Street Uses and Activities on the street
Fig. 26: Street Front Analysis (Emma C., et al 2019) 19
Stitching The Urban Fabric
Comparing Places Urban Grid Pattern
Internal Connectivity
External Connectivity
Accessibility
Betweenness
Closeness
Straightness
Global
Satellite Pictures
Network Analysis
Local
Fig. 27: Comparing Places (Emma C., et al 2019)
Fig. 29: Network Analysis (Shinjini B., et al 2019)
Fig. 28: Calculations for Comparing Places (Emma C., et al 2019)
To effectively compare the area of Shawlands, two additional cities with the similar density and high street but still different in nature were chosen. The outcome for comparing places shows that all the three cities have commonalities and they differed when their urban make-up was defined. Shawlands has as grid pattern and good internal connectivity similar to Amsterdam, but the external connectivity was less in comparison. Shawlands proved to have good accessibility and walkability within in the 5-minute walk radius.
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The study of centrality and network analysis of streets is important as it helps in better understanding of how the city street network functions. With help of understanding of betweenness, closeness and straightness centrality helped identify specific areas which need regeneration and redevelopment. With the use of centrality analysis of the study area, it facilitated the understanding of network potential of the area. The team used computer aided tools like momepy (urban morphology measuring toolkit) and GIS based software to study the street network, density and evaluate the centrality of the neighbourhood. With the help of collected data, the team in collaboration devised a set of scenarios by altering the existing street network in order to achieve better and improved betweenness, closeness and straightness centrality. While alterations made in the study have improved the centrality for Kilmarnock road and the nearby area, other small changes in walking habit and support from the inhabitants will be responsible for the success of proposed changes.
masterplan will have a carefully designed street network which takes into consideration all the findings from the analysis. One of the authors being part of Network analysis group, does have a special interest in exploring alternate mode of transport in the area and how to promote sustainable means of transport in the Shawlands area.
Providing direct access, better signages and road safety all improve the centrality of the area. It is very important for any neighbourhood to be central, between as well as have straight direct connections between the points of start of journey and end points. The more the area is central it is more pedestrian friendly. Also having straightness centrality in the street network provides a sense of navigation in the area. The proposed 21
Stitching The Urban Fabric
Key Findings : Strategy Stage SWOT Analysis
The most important stage in the design process was to develop a strategy for the development of the area. The group was tasked to come up with a plan for redevelopment of the area through a 25- year period. So, the design strategy should be an innovative, modern and a sustainable yet achievable set of goals to be applied for the proposal of masterplan for the area. Firstly, it is important to establish a vision statement. The next part of study and analysis includes SWOT analysis, in order to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in form of limitations to the project. The strategy phase aims at noting strategic projects and relevant successful precedents where design principles can be derives from these precedents in order to provide best possible design solution and projects for the area. It is essential to identify the key stakeholders as to which project will be of interest to what developer thus also finding a client to make the whole proposal tangible. The exercise is also helped in getting hands on the guidelines and requirements of the stakeholders for respective projects, this is very helpful in keeping the design proposal in check with the practicality of the field. The basic of the vision for re-development of the area is to modify Kilmarnock road and formulate a strategic plan to develop it into a corridor- a destination filled with community, character and area that promotes a sense of sustainable living. To achieve this goal in the areas of actions, design proposal focuses on movement, infrastructure development, playful public spaces and community. The main projects for development of this area is to modify and improve public transport connectivity, linking two main urban streets in order to provide easy access to public places, traffic calming and improving the pedestrian environment. With sustainability at the core of the whole design process one of the objectives in the design proposal is developing a greenway which connects major destinations in the area. In the very next phase, when a vision was finalised for the area, a concept plan was proposed for Shawlands which is a graphic representation of implementation of vision on the focus area. The model of Emergent Neighbourhood Model is used for the concept masterplan which analyses the existing urban nodes, urban density, street network, transit network and ecological network. The existing concept plan is derived by mapping all the urban features- nodes, density, street network, transit network and ecological network. The concept master plan lays foundation for the development of Shawlands as it highlights the density of services and urban features in certain areas while also clearly depicting the voids/ deprived areas. The area of Shawlands has the potential to be a bustling, vibrant destination that has a unique identity and thriving community. The strategic phase, concept masterplan and development of foundation masterplan is a holistic approach towards developing a very tangible and achievable design proposal for the re-development of area of Shawlands that promotes sense of community living and is based on sustainable principles of development and planning.
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Strengths
Weakness
Fig. 30: Strengths (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
Fig. 31: Weakness (Emma C., et al 2019)
1.
1.
Proximity of the River. White Cart water river is an important environmental feature in the area to improve the quality of life. 2. Kilmarnock Road functions as a main corridor connecting the Glasgow city centre to the southside. 3. Queen’s Park in the neighbourhood serves as a focal point for the surrounding community as an open space for gatherings, markets and events and has a positive impact on the environment. 4. Generally, the housing development in Shawlands has been steady leading to defined urban fabric along the high street. 5. The blocks created in favour of the intact urban fabric leads to good connectivity with the high streets. 6. Pollok Country Park is a valued ecological site, which brings in visitors not only from Shawlands but also from the neighbouring areas, thus increasing the footfall in the park as well as the Shawlands area. 7. Taking advantage of being a high street, it accommodates a mixed-use development on the street that helps the business and retail. 8. Having the academy in the vicinity is a benefit for the neighbourhood children. The academy has a primary and secondary school which is an asset for the community as they don’t have to go outside the Shawlands area. 9. Having a mixed development in Shawlands means having an income mix which encourages to have a diverse economy. 10. Pollokshaws east station on Kilmarnock road serves as a main connection from the central city. But also, there is another route which caters to the north of Kilmarnock road, thus having good rail connectivity in the area cover the north and south sides of Shawlands.
2.
3. 4.
5.
The river, White Cart, in the Shawlands area is not properly used and maintained. Being a main urban street, the entire length of Kilmarnock Road lacks trees and greenery which makes it look unenthusiastic. Whilst it is a main road, Kilmarnock Road does not feature a diverse active frontage. More specifically, there are many commercial spaces present along the high street, although, the type of shops available are often homogenous. Lack of lights in the Queen’s park and in some parts of the residential areas encourage vandalism. The arcade, though it is situated on the busy main street, fails to provide people with a sense of community and vision. This is considered to be one of the important landmarks of the Shawlands area, yet it fails to bring in the character of the high street. Missing pedestrian link between Kilmarnock Road and Pollokshaws Road from through the arcade, one has to travel the entire way up to the road junction to get to Pollokshaws Road or Kilmarnock Road. The residences face poor connectivity with the high streets.
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SWOT Analysis
Areas of Action and Strategic Projects
Opportunities
Threats
Fig. 32: Opportunities (Linnea S., et al 2019)
Fig. 33: Threats (Shinjini B., et al 2019)
1.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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The waterway in Shawlands offers an opportunity to bring uniqueness and character to the site as a valued ecological asset. The waterway could help development to the site if it were cleaner and played a more important role in the urban realm. Kilmarnock Road, though already a bustling high street, could generate a steadier economic and communal development to bringing a feeling of unity to Shawlands. Creating a streetscape better suited for pedestrians along this corridor would benefit residents greatly. Queen’s Park is already a valued ecological site to Shawlands and is accessible, but it has the opportunity to be a safer and more desirable space if more lighting and recreational space were introduced into the park. The space where the arcade currently is could be used to regenerate community space such as to create a town square, bring back the Shawlands cinema, and have an area that helps link Kilmarnock Road and Pollokshaws Road. This space could help connect the missing links in Shawlands. Pollokshaws Road is a secondary road in Shawlands but could be an interesting streetscape that is more complimentary to Kilmarnock Road. If Pollokshaws Road was more integrated into the high street, it would benefit from more commercial and social activity. Pollok Country Park is the third valued ecological site, but it lacks pedestrian accessibility from the Kilmarnock Road. Creating a corridor for active travel to the Queen’s Park increases overall connectivity.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The White Cart Water has a high river flood risk according to SEPA (2019). Therefore, it imposes a great threat to the area in the future. There are a few vacant commercial properties throughout Kilmarnock Road in addition to a high commercial turnover on the street. This may be a persistent threat despite efforts to regenerate the area. Results from the analysis revealed that crime and perceptions of crime has been a continuous issue for the area. This was prevalent in a high crime rate in the data zones around Queen’s Park, in addition to accounts from residents in Shawlands noting that they felt unsafe in areas that are not well lit, such as Queen’s park. This threat may be resistant to change. The maintenance of the social housing is considered an ongoing issue for Shawlands. The present social housing (facing Pollokshaws Road) indicate a division between its design compared to the rest of the residential developments in the area. Therefore, this factor is a threat to equity and needs to be addressed. Drug abuse - From results gathered in the analysis phase, drug abuse was reported as an issue. This stemmed from news articles and accounts from residents in Shawlands. This was generally concentrated in the residential development to the east of Kilmarnock Road. Vacant and derelict land to the west of Kilmarnock Road may not be easily addressed. The South West of the site area is planned to be developed in the future as it is noted as a Transformational Regeneration Area (TRA) by Glasgow City Council (2017). However, this may not necessarily spill over on the vacant areas to the West of the site.
Movement
Infrastructure
Fig. 34: Movement (Linnea S., et al 2019)
Fig. 35: Infrastructure (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
Movement is a main area of action for Shawlands. Naturally, this would refer to Kilmarnock Road as it is a primary road. In addition, improving movement between Kilmarnock road and Pollokshaws road allow for more internal connectivity between the neighbourhoods surrounding the high street. Special attention is given to transportation modes which promotes for sustainable travel. Investment in active travel, public transport and railway stations will help improve overall movement, allowing people to arrive to the site through many modes of travel and establish a sense of arrival, supporting our overall vision.
The strategy is to improve and maintain the green and blue infrastructure along the main streets. These initiatives include strengthening and securing streets and public areas and implement nature-based solutions such as SUDS. One measure will be to upgrade and store water runoff from residential areas, which can be used to maintain ecological infrastructure. In addition, street safety, parks, and transit hubs are important to bring forward and unite the community with a sense of well-being. Safety and Green Infrastructure were chosen as infrastructure because the network that green spaces and safety measures provide should be viewed as an important service to the public.
Landscape
Community
Fig. 36: Landscape (Emma C., et al 2019)
Fig. 37: Community (Shinjini B., et al 2019)
Landscape was noted as a main area of action for Shawlands. This refers to hard and soft landscaping. These initiatives may be introduced on public and open areas such as the high street, parks, and along the waterway. Additionally, landmarks help signify the importance of the area and provide an opportunity to strengthen community identity. Soft landscaping can be used as Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) which further enhances Shawlands as a place of sustainable living, as noted in the vision statement.
Community was noted as a main area of action for Shawlands. This refers to the implementation of projects like public squares, retails, restaurants, active frontage, pubs, education, community pockets for the area along the high street. These features will attract and engage more people and enhance the sense of community living. Executing these attributes for the public realm will promote the existing businesses, improve the experience of working, visiting and shopping in this area. The aim is to transform the place as a one-stop destination for the residents of the area and for the people visiting from outside. 25
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Proposed Strategic Plan
Fig. 38: Strategic Plan Map (Shinjini B., et al 2019)
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Key Findings : Concept Stage Existing Plans
Urban Node and Intensity
Public Networks
Fig. 39: Urban Node and Intensity (Shinjini B., et al 2019)
Fig. 41: Existing Public Network (Shinjini B., et al 2019)
Street Networks
Ecological Networks
Fig. 40: Existing Street Network (Shinjini B., et al 2019)
Fig. 42: Existing Ecological Network (Shinjini B., et al 2019)
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Existing Concept Plan
Fig. 43: Existing Concept Plan (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
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Proposed Concept Plan
Fig. 44: Proposed Concept Plan (Aanchal A., et al 2019)
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Detailed Masterplan
03
Foundation Masterplan
Design Process Strategy and Conceptualisation
The Design Process identifies the layers that are supported to have a Detailed Masterplan. It breaks the process of Masterplanning into key stages, and when taken together represents a holistic approach to the design.
Vision
Site Analysis
Site Selection
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Site Selection Location The framework for the Foundation Masterplan initiates with choosing a design area from the study area of Strategy and Concept Stage. We have chosen an area that is bounded by Kilmarnock road and Pollokshaws road on the south side of Shawlands. The selected area is located approximately 3 miles from the city centre of Glasgow, with Pollok Country Park in proximity. The area is bisected by White Cart River.
04
Framework
“We believe that cities should be well designed, be more compact and connected, and support a range of diverse uses- allowing people to live, work and enjoy themselves at close quarters--within a sustainable urban environment which is well integrated with public transport and adaptable to change.�
The area has a mixture of building styles and land usage. A large portion of the area is occupied by retail park, including commercial facilities and services, enclosed by river on the back side and vacant land on the other side. This vacant land is a result of demolishing linear high tower blocks in 2015. It is an area with fragmented urban blocks as compared to the north of Shawlands which has an intact urban structure. Apart from the major retail park, the area has no other local services to cater to the community. The area is completely isolated lacking in complete communities and connectivity. On a positive note it has opportunities with a good number of listed buildings and the amount of openness can serve to create a space that is community oriented, distinctive and legible in the context of Shawlands.
Fig. 45: Location of the Selected Site in Glasgow
The Framework for the selected area envisions the process of transformation that will help create an urban area which is compact, connected, balanced and has a distinctive character to it.
Lord Rogers of Riverside, Towards an Urban Renaissance, 2005
Fig. 46: Location of the Selected Site in Shawlands (PBA) 36
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Site Analysis Historic Context
1860
1980
Community Services and Facilities
1920
2005
1950
Churches
Community Buildings and Schools
Retail
Cafe and Bars
2012
Fig. 46.1: Historical Maps: Showing the Urbanisation on Site
The selected area is a neighbourhood of Shawlands that aopeared on the the historical maps around 1747. The area was thriving community of shops, businesses, and housing tenements and cottages with a local economy driven by the textile industry located along the river. The area became a Burgh in 1812 and has remained as such until the 1912 where it merged into the Glasgow City. The historical maps above shows the development and changes in the urban fabric that took place to give what is existing of it now. The area underwent residential development post war housing crisis, which demolished much of the original urban fabric in 1957 under CDA. The housing redevelopment resulted into linear high-rise buildings spread out all over the site along with development of large factories along the river. This development of factories along the river has led to a disconnectivity of the community from the river, which is the case in the existing site. But, in 2015 these tower blocks were completely demolished to leave a vacant site. The site has been under a constant transformation and this has led to a neighbourhood that has lost its character and historical importance and seems to not exist on the maps of Glasgow.
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The selected area has a population of approximately 4376 people, with about a total of 2583 dwellings as per the Scottish Government data. The residents are a mixture of middle class and working-class society. The density of the area at present is low. The employment level is low and the residents that are working, travel to work outside of the area.
The site holds a major retail park park on the south side and some basic amenity shops on the north which is part of the high street. The remaining area does not provide any facilities to the community. The site has almost to no public spaces and interaction spaces for the community. The is one cafĂŠ in the retail park and one on the north.
The community services and facilities are mapped for the selected area to understand the community needs when designing the area. As seen, we have mapped the four basic facilities that help deliver a quality of life to the community. The area has good number of churches spread out all the area. The site has community buildings but lacks the density to serve it. There is one primary school and one preschool on the site. 39
Stitching The Urban Fabric
Site Images- The Look and Feel How a place feels is important so as to see how it functions, what story does it tell and how the structure looks in its context. Taking pictures helps us convey and understand the need for transformation and in what areas does this transformation takes place.
1 : Listed Building - Bell Tower
2 : Shawbridge Arcade
3 : Listed Building with weak street edges
4 : Back facade facing the main road
5 : Derelict land with neglected pedestrian and cycle routes along the river
4 3
2 14
13 10
5
14 : Listed Building - Church
1
6
6 : Listed Building - Pollokshaws West Station
11 9
12 7 8
13 : Fairly new development
12 : Auldhouse Park 40
7 : Vacant land after demolishing the tower blocks in 2015
11 : Fairly new development with flood defence wall
10 : Pollokshaws Library
9 : White Cart River with a small weir
8 : Retail Park 41
Stitching The Urban Fabric
Vision
“Stitching The Urban Fabric”
The proposed projects for the redevelopment of the area is to ensure a sense of arrival by uniting neighbourhoods with lively and creative communal spaces which celebrates everyday life. The proposal caters businesses and promotes the local economy. The design aims to develop a safe and healthy environment for pedestrians and ensure active living. The aim to be sustainable and achieve a functional ecological balance. Through careful design of public spaces and street networks, the design proposal aims at providing a unique character to the neighbourhood to make an everlasting impression on the user.
Core Principles: To support the set vision for the neighbourhood, a set of overreaching yet practical principles have been developed in order to guide the designing of Shawlands: Improve the Street Edges: Have street facades that are aesthetically appealing yet functional and unique. The street facades should be dealt carefully, so that there is a sense of belonging and compliments the surrounding architecture to maintain the overall harmony. Active Frontage: Develop active frontages to house with appropriate infrastructure for the local services to boost and improve the way how humans interact with the built environment. To make sure essential services are available at regular distances and are easily accessible. Active streets and frontage can also help improve safety as supported by Jane Jacobs in her theory “eyes on the street”. Improve Pedestrian Environment: Have pedestrian desired environment that ensures sustainable lifestyle, active and safe travel. Celebrate and Reinforce the Local Character: Create spaces and network which compliments and reflects the local character. Encourage Sustainable Living: Encourage the inhabitants with active living by improving the street and public networks. Reclaim Public Spaces: Develop public spaces to engage social interactions and activities. This involves infill developments with pocket parks, street transformations and temporary public settings.
“Integrating the neighbourhood of Shawlands into a destination filled with diversity and liveability by developing a neighbourhood that promotes community living while maintaining its own unique identity and character thus, bringing a sense of place and supporting sustainable lifestyle.”
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Connect and Grow Green Links: Connecting the green link using the street network to have a neighbourhood with great ecological diversity. Be Community Oriented: Encourage the community to take part in everyday development and maintenance of the public realm. Active participation from the inhabitants will lead to a strong sense of belonging to the area while strengthening the sense of community living and coexistence amongst the locals.
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** Ref Image: ARUP, 2016 pp. 12-13
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Strategy and Conceptualisation Existing Conditions
Proposed Strategy and Concepts
Strengths Weakness Existing Conditions showing the Strengths and Weaknesses (PBA)
The existing conditions for the selected area of Shawlands faces various issues and challenges. The overall area has a fragmented urban fabric which disintegrates it from the rest of the Shawlands. There are a few new developments in the area but due to the lack for street edges it does not bring character to the area. There is no distinctive feature to the retail park which is major commercial space for the locals and surrounding areas. It is enveloped with car parking spaces and only has a single narrow street in and out of the place. The major feature of the area is the White Cart river, a natural ecological feature with weak accessibility and no connectivity for the people to enjoy the nature. The area also faces flooding and surface runoff water which gets accumulated in low lying areas. There are some missing internal links and no public spaces for the community. The existing area has vacant and derelict land. Some of the existing structures are in good conditions whereas the rest have dead facades and rear end faces the main roads. The junction on the Pollokshaws road is dangerous and has led to serious injuries (Crash Map, 2020). That road has a major issue of vehicular speeding and the pedestrian crossing are insufficient. The site has a few listed buildings contributing to the heritage of the area, but all have lost its value due to lack of preservation. 46
Opportunities Proposed Strategies showing the Opportunities (PBA)
The proposed plan is to address the current challenges and issues identified in the selected area. The first step is to bring life to the streets and increase the connectivity within and beyond the area. This would allow for better movement and will increase the accessibility to the site leading to a more reinforced public network. Increasing the connectivity and redeveloping the commercial space to mixed use development gives the potential for it to be established as a district node with supporting density. By retrofitting the facades around the main streets with active frontages will attract more business and make the street more lively. Improving the street edges of the fairly new developments in the area would be more beneficial than proposing new development. The vacant and derelict land is proposed to be used for new developments which will help increase the density of the area and will give the urban fabric its compact form. The junctions and the streets are proposed to be revised with traffic calming measures and active street edges that encourages pedestrian zones. There is potential to have public spaces in the area that will attract the locals and visitors, increasing the social interactions and community well-being. The heritage value is to be increased by proposing existing listed building as a landmark. Thus, proposing to create an area that is filled with character, community and heritage. 47
Stitching The Urban Fabric
Setting Out the Foundation Masterplan Confirmation and Transformation Areas
The Foundation Masterplan augments and builds upon the strategies and concepts formed during the analysis. It focuses to transform the urban area following the vision to stitch the urban fabric giving a complete balanced and connected urban fabric. At this stage, the steps of translating the strategic and conceptual ideas are delineated to give a more concrete and realistic form to the design area. It will contain all quantitative and spatial information needed to move ahead for the final design. It spatially details hierarchy of streets, blocks and public networks. The plans are produced will be more concrete and used for bringing life to the area. A physical implementation of the Concept Plans will help in chalking out a preliminary network of streets and propose a will connected urban neighbourhood. It is important to mark the area within the selected site that needs to be transformed and the area that is intended to be contained. These will be defined in first step of setting out the Foundation Masterplan.
Confirmation and Transformation Areas (PBA)
The intent for defining the confirmation and transformation areas in the selected design area is to distinguish between the areas that will undergo physical alterations and the areas that will remain intact but will influence the transformation process. The confirmation areas have been determined with careful considerations of the physical structure giving a practical and realistic meaning to selected area. They will act as barriers and will have an impact on the new proposal. Whereas, the transformation area is those which will be transformed and intervened in, in terms of density and its use. The areas undeveloped or derelict is selected under the transformation process as with the new proposal they have a potential to serve the form of urban fabric. Also, the listed buildings have been marked out as they are of historical importance and play a role in developing the community.
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Site Analysis : Topography
Topography of the Site (PBA)
The design area has low contours. Most of the physical features is present near the rail line and the river course. The area under the transformation, mostly is uniform and on the same contour level. The topography is a not a challenge in the design area but is taken into account during the transformation process.
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Site Analysis : Flood Map
Flood Map and the Existing Flood Defence Wall of the Site (PBA)
As seen in the topography map, the contours gradually lower near the river, thus water runoff occurs in the low-lying areas and therefore, the surface runoff is higher. The area has a flood defence wall developed in 2011 (White Cart Water Flood Prevention Scheme, GCC). Even though the flooding has reduced but it still faces the issues of surface water runoff.
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Site Built Up : Existing Typologies
Existing Buildings (PBA)
The existing typologies have been identified in the design area with the intent to understand the distribution of use of buildings. The typologies marked is as per the ground floor usage. As seen in the map, the buildings along the rail line are more consistent and have a compact urban form whereas, on the lower side of the area the ratio of commercial to residential is high. The commercial buildings are clustered in different areas and the residential buildings are fragmented all over the lower side. The site has good number of community buildings and has a primary school as well. We can also identify the ratio of open and built with this map, saying that the ratio of open spaces is higher compared to the built up.
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Confirmation Buildings in Transformation Area
Confirmation Buildings in the Transformation Area and Listed Buildings (PBA)
Shawlands has quite a few number of listed buildings, mainly churches, contributing to the heritage and community values of the area. Therefore, it is imperative to retain the buildings as it will preserve the historical significance and social value. The site also has a cemetery which is a part of the heritage. In addition to the listed buildings, certain existing developments in the design area is proposed to retain due to its potential physical nature and usage of the building. It is not feasible to demolish the buildings that possess the ability to adapt to the proposed transformation. The idea is to allow existing buildings to sustain their structure as they are with alterations to the street edges or public realms. For instance, the clock tower in the centre of the area is a listed building but the public realm surrounding it is not maintained. Thus, keeping the tower intact the transformation will take place around the historical building.
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Node : Existing
Nodes Identified in Concept Stage (PBA)
The nodes identified during the Concept Stage shows that the study area comprises of a district node and local node. These nodes are mapped by inscribing a circular perimeter of 200 m and 400 m from the centre of the node. The first circle has higher density and gradually decrease as we move out to the second circle. The local node in on the high street which serves the neighbourhood with all the basic amenities and facilities, and the district node is identified at the retail area serving a wider neighbourhood. The density around the district node is high and it smoothly spreads out from medium to low. Whereas, at the local node the density merges seamless with the medium density of the district node to low density.
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Node : Proposed
Proposed Nodes (PBA)
As seen in the existing node, the district node is located at the retail area but the issue with this is, it lacks to serves the required density. Since most of the existing structure surrounding the node is proposed to be retained and there is no scope for development, therefore, it is proposed to move the district node to the commercial hub in the proximity. This commercial space is a retail park which caters to large neighbourhoods beyond the selected area. It has the potential to go under transformation with a mixed-use development serving a higher density. Similarly, after studying the existing building usage it is identified that the Pollokshaws road have the potential to serve the neighbourhood with basic amenities and thus it is proposed as the new local node of the design area with the required density.
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Street Network Process of the Development:
A number of sketched iterations of the street network were drawn before finalising the layout. At first the existing urban structures were identified and studied to finalise the confirmation buildings in the design area. The hierarchy of streets has been studied before laying out the network. The next step was to define the principle routes that is the urban main streets. Studying the importance of Pollokshaws road it was proposed to be urban main along with the existing urban main Kilmarnock road.
Layout 1 (PBA)
Layout 3 (PBA)
Then to connect the two urban mains running parallel to each other, a network of connections was required which is fulfilled by the existing streets proposed to be local mains. Next was to connect the north and south of the selected area, for which again an existing street is proposed to be local main. But this existing street is redirected to cut through the retail park as it is identified as potential district node thus requiring a street to connect it to the rest of the place. Lastly, majority of the local streets have been retained and any new ones introduced have been laid out with careful considerations of the confirmation buildings.
Finalised sketch for Street Layout (PBA)
Layout 2 (PBA)
Layout for the Proposed Local Main (PBA)
The street network is the skeleton of the urban form and in this transformation of the design area it is integral to strengthen the connectivity and accessibility both internally and externally to have an urban fabric that is distinctive, walkable and easily accessible. A street layout should be permeable in which it is well connected and offers a choice of route to the destination. It should also be legible which is structured to have places and spaces distinctive in nature. This being understood, we’d like to stitch the missing links and reinforce the existing streets with a more compact and regular network that gives a form to the current fragmented urban fabric. A careful thought has been given to the current conditions of the selected area- the existing urban structures and existing streets. The hierarchy of streets has been studied to lay a street network that will be the foundation for the density structure. In the process, we have retained a bulk of the streets in the area as they form the backbone of the network but lack character which will be looked upon when designing the streets. The two main streets, Kilmarnock road and Pollokshaws road run parallel to each other before joining to meet at one point on the high street. They are identified as the urban main roads and to connect them local main streets are used which will run east-west within the designed area. Also, to provide a northsouth connection another local main is proposed. The remaining streets are the local streets that will fill in the gaps in the residential areas. 56
The names of the existing streets have been shown, as this is will be used in the Detailed Masterplan. As many of the streets have been retained, so will be the names of the streets. The street development is mainly finishing the loose ends to increase the connectivity and straightness of the area. Some new streets that are proposed are mainly a local main street and will be named during the master planning process. Existing Street Names (PBA) 57
Stitching The Urban Fabric
Street Network : Existing
Existing Street Network (PBA)
The existing street network consists of an urban main, the Kilmarnock road that is a connecting corridor to Glasgow city and a high street. This urban main street branches out into the selected area with local main streets that connects it to the Pollokshaws road running parallel in the site. But this has missing links at the end. The rest of the connections are local streets which, as seen also have missing links and loose end connections. This leads to have a disconnected urban block wearing down the walkability and accessibility within the area.
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Street Network : Proposed
Proposed Street Network (PBA)
The proposed street network has been established through the process of street layout development. The sketched interventions have led to the finalised street network that has assessed and worked out giving a more compact and connected neighbourhood. Existing streets and the confirmation buildings in the area have been kept in mind while laying out the street network. Hierarchy of streets has been determined and will cater to the density accordingly. In the proposal we have two main urban streets and four local main streets as internals connections. The remaining streets are the local streets that complete the residential connectivity ensuring a more dense, walkable and accessible area.
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Public Networks : Existing
Existing Public Networks (PBA)
It is important to understand the different modes of transport within and beyond the area. The site has a good rail connectivity and is easily accessible from outer areas of Shawlands. There are three railways station in the design area within the proximity of each other. The site has bus routes which ensures internal accessibility, but the frequency is quite low. For the cycle routes, there is no determined lanes for cycles and the connectivity is weak. The ecological features are the river and the Pollok Country Park. The connectivity to the river is weak and inaccessible on the other hand the park is sufficiently accessible from the Pollokshaws road. The green corridor only happens to be along the river and the rail line. The rest of the area has low ecological connections. The vacant and the derelict land are of low ecological value thus lowering the biodiversity.
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Public Networks : Proposed
Proposed Street Networks (PBA)
As the site has a good rail connectivity, it would be feasible to focus strengthening the connectivity of other modes of transport. The aim is to have an area that encourages public transport rather than privately owned vehicles. And for this reason, the bus and cycle networks are looked upon to increase the internal and external connectivity. Now the street network has been laid out, the next step is to identify the routes for public transport. The existing bus routes and stops have been studied and marked out on the plan and further new routes have been proposed to increase the connectivity within the area to the urban mains. The existing internal bus route has been redirected along the proposed local main street with bus stops and increased frequency. The cycle routes have been laid out along the major routes with a proposed dedicated lane which will ensure the safety of the cyclists. The deisgn area is proposed with green corridors along the streets so as to increase the ecological network as well as a traffic calming measure.
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Density : Existing
Existing Density (PBA)
The density of the area has been calculated to study the number of units per hectare. Firstly, the special areas have been marked in the selected area. Further, the density is calculated for each demarcated urban type giving a range of densities. The area has mostly low to medium density. The only high density is where the tower blocks are constructed. With this we can identify that the density of the area does not follow a seamless flow and thus does not bring out the significant character of the urban fabric.
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Density : Proposed
Proposed Density (PBA)
The proposed density aims to create areas with distinctive character and have a seamless transition of densities. The proposed density has been determined based on the hierarchy of streets and nodes. The density is determined as High, Medium and Low. Once the street edge is established, these densities are assigned to the edges keeping in mind the nodes. The density has three levels +, = and –, which is then assigned to the density of each edge based on the hierarchy of streets. This ensures a smooth transition of densities from node to the other.
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Foundation Masterplan
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Phasing Plan The intention for phasing of the development is due to the scale of the proposed development that is complex to achieve all together. Therefore, it requires to be planned over the years in order to achieve the vision. The completion of the proposed development is anticipated to take place between 20-30 years and a future development plan is also proposed. Phase 1: In this phase, the development starts with the district node which is transformation the area of the area park and introducing the proposed local main street. Developing the node will act as magnet for businesses and in turn will attract more density. Phase 2: With the district node transformation, the next phase will focus on developing residential areas on the vacant and derelict land. In addition, developing the central square around the clock tower at the junction of Shawbridge street and Ashtree Street would serve as an attraction to the landmark. Phase 3: The third phase proposes widening of the Pollokshaws road from its junction towards the Shawlands train station. This requires active frontages along the road and some new development to bring in more life to the street. Phase 4: This phase proposes development of single-family housing and a special building along with riverside development. And by this time major multi-family housing will be completed for the density to increase. Phase 5: This phase incorporates on transforming the remaining proposed developments and by this time the area would have been uplifted creating a lively neighbourhood. Development After 30 years: After all the areas have been developed, it is estimated that the existing retained structures would require to be looked upon. Areas like the tower blocks and other residential areas will need redevelopment.
Development After 30 years
Phase 5
Phasing Plan (PBA)
Phase 1
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Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
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05
Coding
Upon completion to the Foundation Masterplan where we have identified the street networks, street edges and distribution of densities in the block structures. The produced Foundation Masterplan is still indicative and for masterplanning a more concrete design, the Local Urban Codes are used. The Local Urban Code will give us tools for the Foundation Masterplan to turn the design into a more detailed masterplan. A multitude of indicators are derived to define a plot based on the density, block structure and street edges. These are studied by identifying the blocks and street edges of the existing urban blocks. These are compiled to form a library of different cases for different blocks which is then used to translate it into the final masterplan. The Codes give a flexibility to design the plot and reflect an essential relationship between the urban form and the street edge.
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Local Urban Codes
Precedents
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Street Edges Privacy Level
Setbacks
Hierarchy of Privacy Level (PBA)
Hierarchy of Setbacks (PBA)
Street Edge Passport
Once our coding for the masterplan has been defined, we attempted to define the ground street edges based on their activities and privacy along with the setbacks as it moves from urban to local. This defining of the street edges is directly based on the usage of the plot. The higher the density, meaning the building sits on important street and more congregated setting, the higher is the active frontage and thus indicating the building has no setback. Similarly, as hierarchy of streets reduces the level of privacy increases at the street edge and deeper the setbacks.
Active Frontages
Low Level of Privacy
A street edge passport is used as a guide for master planning. They are used as an interpretation to explain the possibilities and requirements of each type of density range, including the active fronts, scale and the relationship between the public and private. With these set of rules, it is easier to design the street edges. Street Edge Passport for Density Ranges (PBA) ** Ref: Martin Fleischman, et al 2017
Moderate Level of Privacy
High Level of Privacy
Type of Street Edges (PBA)
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Masterplan
For a masterplan of this size and complexity it was necessary to divide the work between two authors. We have delineated 2 areas equally complex and discrete in the masterplan. Aanchal dealt with an area which has a central square with a landmark and a special building, public library, connecting it to the urban main, Pollokshaws road, also an identified neighbourhood node to revive the area by proposing an active street and filling in the missing gaps in the existing urban structure with pocket parks. In addition to this, proposing a public space on the riverside to enable connectivity to the nature. This area mainly consists of existing buildings whose street edges will be revised and refined. Shinjini on the other hand emphasised on the main district node of the area, detailing the public realm of the retail park which is a major commercial district for the community and the surrounding areas. In addition, repaired the street edges of the retail park and densifying the district node. The edge is repaired through alleviating the facades of the retail park to bring character to the area. To have a resource efficient and sustainable public space, ecological park is proposed along the river connecting it to the riverside development. The two main public spaces are an integral part of the design area and therefore will be linked with a passage of green corridor sustaining visual connectivity. Throughout the process the Foundation Masterplan was the guide through which this detailed masterplan has been produced. We have worked in coordination and connected on weekly basis to ensure that there is a smooth and uniform transition between each space.
Masterplan Responsibility (PBA)
Aanchal
Shinjini
Confirmation Area
The Detailed Masterplan is a feasible communication of our Foundation Masterplan. It manifests a complete and an overall change in the urban fabric which was envisioned in the development process. The vision to “Stitch the Urban Fabric� has been sufficed in this transformation presenting an area which is more connected, filled with distinctive character, sustainable and brings the community together.
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Detailed Masterplan
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Street Design Thus, it is important to strike a balance between these two as there will be no movement if there is no place. In order for a designed led approach to have a successful place, the street design follows the key qualities as mentioned in the policy statement for Scotland- Designing Streets. Distinctive: The street design should respond to the local context and existing urban structures in the area to deliver a distinctive place.
“It is all too easy to forget that streets are not just there to get people from A to B. In reality, streets have many other functions. They form vital components of residential areas and greatly affect the overall quality of life for local people.” Manual for Streets, 2007
Street Names for the Proposed Masterplan (PBA)
“Streets are a catalyst to urban transformation” (Global Street Design Guide, 2016). Streets are the arteries of our communities and communities benefit from how well it is connected to the local services and the surrounding context. ‘It is only in the last few decades that the car has come to dominate every street. Streets are (or ought to be) living spaces, an integral part of the community and the focus of many activities that link together people’s lives. The way in which streets are managed and used promotes or discourages a sense of community and makes them an attractive or unattractive place to live. This imbalance must be reversed if urban communities are to revive and prosper.” (Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets, 2013)
Curb bulbs: Curb bulbs are a strategy to not only shorten the pedestrian crossings but to improve safety by slowing down turning vehicles. In addition to improving safety, curb bulb can provide spaces for public amenities such as seating, bike parking or bike sharing points, transit stops and green infrastructure.
Temporary street transformations: The initiative of temporary street transformation is proposed by opening streets to only pedestrians to support physical activity, social interactions and can strengthen the community. Temporary elements can as barriers to stop the vehicles from using the street.
A place-based design is the character or atmosphere of a particular area. It measures the tangible elements of a place and relates it to connectivity, the quality of the built environment and how this built environment interacts with the surroundings and users. Whereas, movement is modes of travel in a particular place. To encourage more sustainable travel pattern and safer streets, prioritising pedestrians and cycling will make a positive contribution to the overall character of a place encouraging social interaction, public health and better environment. Fig. 47: Characteristics Place Based Design and Hierarchy of Users
Welcoming: The streets should be designed that encourages positive interactions within the users as well as with the place. Adaptable: The street design should be flexible accommodate any changes as per user satisfaction.
to
Resource efficient: The streets should consider environmental benefits by using sustainable measures.
Street Design Strategies
Traffic calming: In order to make streets safer and inviting for all the users, different traffic calming measures are adopted to slow the vehicular traffic. Various strategies have been used such as raised intersections, shared streets, chicanes, medians, etc.
Recognising the importance of streets in urban transformation of stitching the urban fabric to its context, we seek to promote the best ways to enforce the streets to create an environment that is walkable, accessible, connected and brings a sense of belonging in the neighbourhood. Therefore, our considerations for the street design are focused on place and movement. (Designing Streets, 2010)
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Safe and Pleasant: Street design should be safe and should take into consideration the well-being of the users, prioritising the pedestrians over motor vehicles.
Easy to move around: The streets should be well connected for the users to move around within the place.
Shared streets Shared street is a traffic calming measure that will invite pedestrians, cyclists and cars to use the street space to safety and care. This strategy is used in the design area where the pedestrian priority is high.
Cycle tracks Dedicated cycle lanes are proposed in the design area running along the pedestrian pathways. For the cycle traffic safety and comfort, a clear buffer space is marked on the streets between the cycle lane and the roadway or parking spaces. Triangular plaza The triangular spaces created at the junction in the design area are strategised to be used as public spaces. This will help in creating good social interactive spaces, bringing in more pedestrian movement and encourage slow vehicular speed. Tactical Urbanism The strategies of tactical urbanism are used to advance the street safety and enhance the placemaking efforts for the existing streets in the design area. Rather than redesigning the streets, methods and material of tactical urbanism for the purpose. Elements like barriers, surface treatment, landscaping and street furniture are used for the refining the existing streetscape. Parking The design area prioritizes pedestrians and cycles, but it is important to consider parking spaces in the public realm. Parking is required for both locals and visitors. Provision of parallel parking arrangements is provided in the design area. On-street parking is also a way of reducing traffic speed. Therefore, the design area incorporates limited parking spaces on the street with a change in visual impacts by using island SUDS, bus stops or public spaces. 79
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Urban Main Pollokshaws Road Pollokshaws is an existing road which meets the high street of Shawlands, Kilmarnock road. This road is a connecting local main road which transitions into urban main connecting to other areas. The existing road has problems related to vehicular speeding. The pedestrian crossings are weak and insufficient leading to speeding of vehicles. The road has no character and street activity, therefore does not cater to pedestrian desire. We aim to alleviate this issue by making it an active street. The street is proposed to be transformed into Urban Main Street as it is identified as a potential neighbourhood node. The pedestrians are prioritised, and the carriageway width is of minimum requirement including the bus lanes on both sides giving no right of way for the vehicles behind to overtake but to rest behind. This means the speed of vehicles reduces making the street safer and pleasant to inhabit walkability. The street also adopts to on-street parking required for the proposed street activity. In addition, we have integrated a dedicated and safe cycle lane along the main transit route to encourage cycle traffic within the designed area and beyond. The street is well lit with street lightings on both the side along with lighting for pedestrians.
Fig. 48: Main Commercial Street, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow
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Local Main Greenview Street Greenview street is an existing street with a gradual slope and had a missing link at its end. It is proposed to link the two main roads, Kilmarnock road and Pollokshaws road, to complete the connectivity and straightness in the design area. It is an important internal connecting street which passes through the proposed landmark in the central square. The street is designed to have with limited parking space as it travels through existing residential areas with already have dedicated parking spaces. Reaching the proposed active section of the street, a highly pedestrianised zone, the street is proposed to have surface treatment and chicanes to reduce speeding and higher the level of safety for pedestrians. This local main is proposed with dedicated cycle lanes on both sides with bike racks and bike sharing system. This street meets the urban main street Pollokshaws at a major intersection.
Fig. 49: Shared Street, Market Street, St. Andrews
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Local Main Shawbridge Street Shawbridge street is an existing street that runs through the residential area. The street starts from the junction of the central square crosses the river to another proposed junction before transitioning into a local street again travelling through residential area. The local main street is part of a green corridor connectivity in the design area. The width of the carriageway is reduced, and more area is given to the pedestrians and the cycles. The street has a median used as a measure for traffic calming in the residential area. In addition to slowing traffic, median is used for storm water drainage. The street is important as it links the two main public spaces of the designed area. The street has on-street parking spaces, bus stops and separate cycle lanes. The street has residential pocket parks on along the pedestrian ways as resting places or gathering spaces. The street lighting is posted on the medians for the carriageways and separate pedestrian lightings are proposed.
Fig. 50: Residential Thoroughfare, Octavia Boulevard, CA
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Local Main Auldhouse Street - Proposed New Street Auldhouse street is a proposed local main street that cuts through the existing retail park to lay a more connected and accessible place. It is the continuation of the green corridor of Shawbridge street. The retail park is an identified potential district node in the design area but is lacking in density. Therefore, this street is an integral part of area that is enveloped with high density and distinctive public spaces bringing in more people and character to the design area. The street has been designed with a median which calms the traffic and used as SUDS. In addition to this, giving a quality visual connectivity along the street. The street also encourages high pedestrian movement and cycle traffic thus the carriageway width is to the minimum. The street is proposed to have a good public transit connectivity within and beyond. The street has two junction nodes and these nodes are proposed to have special architectural featured buildings at it corners to have a good vantage point and legibility. The street is designed to cater mixed use development, including residential, commercial and offices.
Fig. 51: Commerical Thoroughfare, Ven Ness Avenue, CA
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Local Residential Local Streets These local streets build up a bulk of the neighbourhood. Some of the streets are existing and others are proposed. The existing two-way streets had some issues related to pedestrian pathways and on-street parking, where the cars use up the pedestrian pathways for parking. These issues have been tackled by keeping it a clear and designated spaces for each type to movement. The pedestrians are at higher level and vehicles last. These are the streets where vehicular traffic is encouraged to slow down and for this reason the residential local streets are proposed to be one-way streets with chicanes. This is also to keep the cyclist safe. The street is tree lined on intervals acting as visual warnings.
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Fig. 52: Residential Streets, Greener Grangetown, Cardiff
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Legibility
Street Junctions Street Junction at Pollokshaws St
Fig. 53: Landmark Proposed Legible Buildings (PBA)
“Structuring and identifying the environment is a vital ability among all mobile animals” (Lynch, 1960). The concern of legibility is important in this new development, be it paths, edges or landmarks. With the clear perception for street design and giving a basic coding to street edges it is vital to have an image for the street corner buildings unifying the urban space. As said by Lynch, “junction nodes occur automatically at the intersections, and by their form should reinforce those critical moments in a journey. These nodes, in turn, are not only strengthened by the presence of landmarks but provide a setting which almost guarantees attention for any such mark.”
Street Junction at Shawbridge St and Auldhouse St Fig. 57: Raised Junctions, Bexley Town
Fig. 58: Street Junction Plaza, Brisbane
Centre
Fig. 54: Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow
Fig .55: Kilmarnock Road, Glasgow
The new development follows a more modern architecture and in order sustain the contextual character of the area, the street junctions and corner buildings on major streets are given importance. In addition to sustain the character, corner buildings are of significance as they are generally at the intersections, and they are the places where people are most likely to congregate, thus the legibility of these structures increase.
Fig. 59: Parklets
Fig. 60: Public Space Canopy
These buildings may be not necessarily be focused on having architectural elements but rather it stands out of all the surrounding buildings and makes an impact on the pedestrians. Fig. 56: New Bond Street, London 90
Fig. 61: Plaza at Bethesda Central Park, Maryland 91
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Special Places
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Special Area
By Aanchal Agrawal
Maclean Square/ Pocket Parks/ Riverside Development
Fig. 63: Example for the Pocket Parks. Paley Park, NY
Fig. 64: Example for the Pocket Parks. Makers Quarter, San Diego
Fig. 62: Example for the Pocket Parks. Community Gardens, NY
Fig. 65: Example for Temporary Street
Existing Urban Form: The Mclean Square is the central square of the neighbourhood named after the famous pioneer of Shawlands. There was a memorial dedicated to him which has not been maintained. This space also has a listed building, a clock tower which serves heritage of the area. The square has a slight topography. The square is bounded by a vacant arcade and some commercial shops. On the opposite side of the square is a public library at the street corner but lacks legibility. The Riverside Development takes place on the bank of the river. The area is surrounded by vacant and derelict lands. The existing area has a pedestrian route which is neglected due the conditions of the site. Thus, there is no connectivity to the environment that the neighbourhood has. The idea with the pocket parks is to infill the gaps in the urban structure. At present the space between the buildings is neglected and this has the potential to embody socialising and interacting urban spaces. Therefore, the vision for the special place is to introduce a series of public spaces that are diverse in its activities which will help improve the quality of the environment enveloped around the urban structures. The aim is to engage people in social interactions and active walking while, creating active edges and increasing the legibility of the public spaces. Opportunities: • Creating spaces for walking that is safe and an efficient mode of transport, encourage liveable environments and a sense of place. • Opportunities to revive the lost landmark that makes up the historical background of neighbourhood. • Opportunities for the residents of the neighbourhood to
• • • •
utilise the spaces with flexibility. Opportunities for the local economy to flourish. Opportunities to be more interactive with the natural environment. Opportunities to use the topography and play with the levels to give good viewpoints and legibility. Opportunities to create community orientated development, that includes cafés, restaurants and interactive community buildings like the library.
Transformations Fig. 66: Example for the Green Public Space on the slope. The Passage Chattanooga, Tennessee
People and Activity: With the design of the special places the idea is to create flexible spaces for the community to use the space as needed. Shops, restaurants and other facilities are proposed at the ground floor and residential housing above. Seating areas are provided in the public spaces which will allow people to stay for a longer period of time and enjoy the environment, observe, interact, eat, etc. In addition, outdoor café seating is proposed to make the street edge active. This will ensure a lively neighbourhood and bring a sense of belonging to the place. Materials: To create diverse and attractive public spaces a varied material palette has been used. This ensures that the public spaces are not monotonous and gives different frames on each turn, this includes incorporating green spaces as well. Use of traditional pedestrian lamps is proposed to give a sense of local character. Trees are used a natural canopy in the public areas and water is treated with care on the slope to create waterfalls that can be enjoyed by the community and the visitors.
Fig. 67: Bioswale
Fig. 68: Example for Riverside Development. River
Fig. 70: Example for Central Square. Assembly
Fig. 71: Example for Central Square. Mission
Quay, Brisbane
Row, Somerville, Massachusetts
Rock, CA
Fig. 69: Example for Riverside Development. Riverside Lunen, Germany 94
Fig. 72: Central Square Step Lighting
Fig. 73: Central Square Seating
Fig. 74: Pocket Park Communal Seating 95
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Mclean Square- The Central Square
Clock Tower
Public Greens
Mclean Square
Pollokshaws Library
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Mclean Square- The Central Square Views
View of the Square
Square with Street Transformation and Evening Lightings 98
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Mclean Square- The Central Square Views
Interactive Facade and Public Space at the Library
View of the Square 100
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Mclean Square- The Central Square Views
View of the Square with Play of Levels
View on the Passage 102
View of the Public Greens
View from the Public Greens with an axial view of the Square 103
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Pocket Parks Views
Pocket Parks within the Existing Structures
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Pocket Parks at the intersection with Kiosks and Green Spaces
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Pocket Parks Views
View of Pocket Park with restaurant seating
Pocket Parks along the Shared Street
View of Pocket Park for multi-purpose use
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Riverside Development
Public Spaces Overlooking the River
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Special Area
By Shinjini Basu
District Node/Public Realm/Ecological Park The design guidelines set out in the booklet for master planning will act as concise set of rules and strategies for designers. The design is based on principles of urban design: placemaking, design for movement, sustainable urban drainage systems, integrated landscape and open spaces and strategy to cater to parking needs. The set-out guides are result of extensive research, analysis and discussion with the current inhabitants of the area. Special areas in the newly designed master plan are characterised as areas of special interest developed to provide unique identity to the neighbourhood. As identified in the masterplan, the areas that need specific attention have been allocated special characters. Natural slopes in the area can be creatively used for the development and design of sustainable urban drainage system. The design manifesto mentions the development of ecological network in order to connect green open spaces a design planted green corridors to achieve ecological network in the neighbourhood thus supporting the sustainable means of development. New streets should provide an attractive environment for pedestrians and bicyclists by using traffic calming methods. This strategy can be achieved where possible by a combination of urban form, junction and carriageway design. The guidelines provided by key stakeholder- Sustrans will prove highly useful in the area.
Fig. 76: Ecological Park
Fig. 75: Example for the Public Spaces surrounded by
Fig. 77: Along the Riverside
Commercial Blocks
Fig. 78: Bioretention Ponds
Street trees play an important role and are thus encouraged as part of street design to enhance biodiversity and bring habitants closer to nature. They help provide and maintain human scale of the proportions of the street. Street trees also have traffic calming effects. Fig. 79: Seating in the Ecological Park
Fig. 80: Example for Public Spaces and Interactive Frontages Fig. 82: Example for Temporary Community Markets
Fig. 83: Example for the Passage between the Retail Park
Fig. 81: Example for Public Spaces and Interactive Spaces 110
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District Node/Public Realm Views
Section AA
Section BB 112
Masterplan 113
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District Node/Public Realm Views
Proposed Commercial and Office Block Opposite Retail Park 114
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District Node/Public Realm Views
Public Spaces in the Passage of Retail Park (Green Corridor) 116
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District Node/Public Realm Views
Retail Supermarket - Before
Proposed Parking Area
Retail Supermarket - Proposed Facade
Bioretention Pond
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District Node/Public Realm Views
Ariel View of the Retail Park
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District Node/Public Realm Views
Public Square for Temporary Markets
Through the Green Corridor 122
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Special Systems SUDS
Flood Management
Climate-change and the need to consider the capacity of the existing sewer infrastructure are the key factors have driven the need to identify more sustainable drainage solutions for all forms of new development (Cameron & Coleman, 2013). Drainage system can contribute to sustainable development and improve the places and spaces in the city that have been inhabited, we need to contribute by finding a balance between different challenges that influence urban design and the development of communities.
Flood management and determining any potential flood risks is a key consideration in any new development or while proposing any redevelopment plans. All developments must pass through the initial phase of analysis and screening to determine the possible risk from following source (Cameron & Coleman, 2013): 1. Flooding from rivers 2. Rainwater ponding which does not entire any drainage network, this is supposed to occur in low lying regions. 3. Inappropriate/ Failing sewer system 4. Unmanaged surface water 5. Flood routing
Approach to manage surface water that take account of water quantity (flooding), water quality (pollution) biodiversity and amenities are collectively termed as sustainable drainage system (SUDs) (Susdrain, 2020). SUDs mimic nature and typically helpful for managing rainfall close to where it falls. To convey surface water, manage runoff before it is transported to watercourses, SUDs can be designed in a way that this water can be stored with help of natural topography and contours. SUDs can also be used to allow gradual seepage, and to allow water to infiltrate into the ground which can help improve the underground water table. This kind of drainage system has environmental benefits, causing minimal or no long-term detrimental damage (Susdrain, 2020). SUDs are regarded as a sequence of management practices and strategies designed efficiently and appropriately drain the surface water while minimising pollution and managing the impact of water quality of local water bodies. There is a legislative requirement to provide SUDs in new residential developments (Cameron & Coleman, 2013).
Fig. 86: SUDS at Curb Bulbs
Density Density for all typologies in the area is calculated as number of units per hectare, where 1 unit measures approximately 300 m3 in volume. The number of units in a building is determined based on its volume.
Fig. 87: SUDS in Residential Area
The design of new residential developments should take into consideration all the following principles: 1. SUDs should be developed in concurrence with the design on roads and landscape strategy. It is essential to consider sensitive environmental receptors and SUDs must be integrated with the wider ecological network. 2. All the designed SUDs and parts of surface water system for roads must have flexibility to adopt future changes. 3. SUDS must be an integral component of the design from its concept phase and must be given utmost priority and care during execution.
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Volume = Area x number of floors x height. Area - built area and Height - height of 1 unit, 3m In order to calculate volume, the work done during the analysis phase contained all the information on built area and heights. This information is then used to identify the urban types and group them into one layer by tracing the boundary on the urbanised land. Thus, the volume for each urban type is calculated. Following that, the number of units for each urban type is calculated.
Fig. 88: SUDS in Commercial Open Parking Area
Fig. 89: Catchment Graphical Demonstration. (Source: www.susdrain.
If any of the above sources are identified in or around the area of development, it is necessary to make appropriate design changes in order to manage the flood risk. The council’s flood management team must be brought in for consultation and guidance in the matters of surface water management. While it has already been established swales, SUDs can be helpful in managing this, it is important to consider both right from the conceptualisation of design.
The following graphic representation tries to demonstrate the impacts of urbanisation on a catchment area by reducing the permeability and increasing surface water runoff. It also demonstrates how surface water pollution can be reduced and potential to reduce flooding. Sustainable drainage is a modern approach towards designing, where traditionally sewage was treated as nuisance, and runoff is regarded as un-useful, whereas the surface water is a valuable resource and should be managed for maximum benefit (Susdrain, 2020).
No. of units = Volume / 300m3, where 300 m3 is the volume of 1 unit Further, to measure density, units per hectare is calculated for each corresponding urban typology, which is done by finding the area of the entire urban type in hectares (1 hectare= 10,000 m2).
Area of urban type (in hectares) = Area of urban type (in m2) / 10,000 Units per hectare = No. of units / area of urban type (in hectares) At the end of the process we get the different urban density distributed over each urban type which is then grouped into categories according to the intensity. The density is categorised as low, very low, scarce, high, very high, medium and so on, we get high and moderate density along the high street. The south of the area has low density and moderate on the north side. The density around the identified global node is low and along the local node is medium-high spreading to low density, thus, satisfying the purpose of it being a local node. The existing node is left sub-serviced due to low density. It is essential to increase density in such areas so as to increase the footfall in the area. It has also been found in a study that there is increasing housing demand in Scotland. By concentrating density in a specific re-developed or newly developed area we bring it back to life. Humans being the living organism in the city, humans are responsible to bring memories, experience and liveability to the city. A community is necessary to create a functioning built environment.
Fig. 90: Representative module for different density typologies. (Source: https://www.google.com- google images)
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Neighbourhood Parks Glasgow aims to be the greenest city in UK and Europe. The open space vision from Glasgow city council is: “To ensure Glasgow continues to be a dear green place for both residents and visitors by integrating open spaces into all aspects of the city’s activities in ways that promote sustainability, equality and enhance quality of life� (Glasgow City Council, 2017). The city council policy is being supported in the proposed master plan by proposal of developing neighbourhood parks. According to Chapman (1999) a place where diverse needs are met without having to travel a long distance, a place which is able to provide rejuvenation along with recreational activities for all its users is classified as neighbourhood park (Malek, et al., 2012). The need for parks has long been realised and certainly have been discussed and explored extensively looking at a wide context in the past decade. Parks are designed for recreation and can give enormous benefits to the neighbourhood and community by improving health, boost spirituality, social well-being and enhance enjoyment for the local people. The most essential role of urban open space is to provide place for public gatherings and social events. Pertaining to the current pandemic situation we have been forced to stay away by maintain social distance but does not mean that the community living is to be avoided. In the limited time span though it was not possible to explore the side of design where social design guidelines can be implemented in the design since conceptualisation stage (Malek, et al., 2011). A lot of people share common needs among each other, but each person also has unique needs and ways in expressing and satisfying these needs (Malek, et al., 2011). Quality of
Fig. 91: Chicago Neighbourhood Park, Illinois
Ecological Network open spaces in a neighbourhood is associated with better life quality for the citizens. Thus, it is important to provide environmental attributes such as the natural recreation resources, environmental quality, man-made recreational facilities as well as infrastructure that promote the sense of liveability, sustainability and healthy lifestyle. Neighbourhood parks present opportunities for individuals to interact with other inhabitants, it helps increase the level of physical activity and to participate in sport and recreational activities. Physical activity contributes to improved health in natural environment and green spaces have a calming effect and rejuvenating effect on humans. Design consideration for neighbourhood park can should be as stated below (Healhty Spaces & Places, 2013): 1. Neighbourhood park/ parks or green spaces can be distributed throughout a neighbourhood providing easy access to all residents. 2. Parks should be in a walkable distance i.e. up to 400m or a 5-minute walk or a pocket park can be up to 800m or a 10-minute walk, for majority of the residents. 3. Neighbourhood parks can be designed in a way that they are accompanied by daily essential services or facilities so, they serve multiple uses in a single trip. e.g. playground facilities can be located near a multipurpose hall. 4. A green corridor can be developed connecting the open spaces- neighbourhood parks so as to promote walking behaviour as well as from a safety point of view for the users of parks.
Throughout the design process, the aim has always been developing long term strategies and policies, rather than single effort that get lost over time. The city develops with, by and for its inhabitants. The city needs ecology to exist, and economy to thrive (Bosschaert, 2000). Without natural elements the city will become a dead space, continuous demanding efforts and expenses in order to improve health and living quality. The industrial revolution has led to accelerated urban growth where the role of open spaces focused on public health and transport. The principle role of corridors is identified is to support natural habitat rather than to act as connectors of nodal habitats (Ignatieva, et al., 2010). SUDs and treatment wetlands provide various ecological benefits and serve as bio-diversity corridors. Green networks can simply be looked upon as having obvious visual function- providing green arteries rather than having a continuous urban concrete jungle.
As the cities grew and urban sprawl expanded automobiles became integral part of lives and city planning. Most of the cities today are developed with automobile transport as core principle. This became a major barrier in connection of green spaces. The ecological network scattered more and more with these design principles. Climate change, rising pollution and its ill impacts have made everyone aware about the urgent need to improve the ecology of the cities. Green areas have been crucial component of city planning last decade. Green areas can improve climate conditions and help add aesthetic value to the city while it also meets all the principles of sustainable design and life style choices (Ignatieva, et al., 2010).
Planning an urban ecological network can reduce landscape fragmentation and increase the shape complexity of green space and landscape connectivity. The health benefits of green corridors have been demonstrated to be psychologically as well as biophysically beneficial (Ignatieva, et al., 2010). The connected isolated patches are linear green structures that function as corridors between them are very important. Such greenways benefit residents by providing various regulating and cultural ecosystem services e.g. experiencing nature in its most pure form and improved health and wellness while supporting natural biodiversity. Most of the cities throughout the world, undergo densification process which result in depletion of natural resources and scattered open spaces.
Fig. 92: Neighbourhood Park with Play Areas
Fig. 95: Proposed Green and Blue corridor at New Orleans, Louisiana,
Fig. 96: Concept Green Corridor, New York
U.S.A
Fig. 93: Neighbourhood Park. (Source: google.images.com) 126
Fig. 94: Neighbourhood Park. (Source: google.images.com) 127
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Self Sustaining Neighbourhood The increasingly unavoidable facts about global warming, population growth, global food crisis and constant depletion of resources lead the project proposing duo to consider how a holistic approach towards design can eliminate and reduce the consequences of human exploitation. One of the major factors responsible for environmental destruction and the loss of biodiversity remains inappropriate agricultural industry, use of automobile, inappropriate waste management so the team has aimed at proposing a model which promotes healthy and sustainable lifestyle. The concept is an amalgamation of varied range of innovative technologies such as energy positive housing development. Promoting use of renewable energy and means to store energy, provision for a neighbourhood farming facility to grow organic food. Improved water management and implementation of waste- to- resource system ideology. The project design team tries to apply existing technologies into an integrated community design proposal which aims at providing clean energy alternative and promote use of clean energy, water and improved methods of waste management and waste energy disposal.
Fig. 100: Existing Physical Conditions (Aanchal A., 2020)
Fig. 111: Proposed Physical Conditions (Aanchal A., 2020)
With the proposed development of the site is proposed to be a self sustaining community. The density is increased by development on the derelict site. For the Proposed Site Selected:
As a Final Assignment for the Urban Landscape Design course, taken by Aanchal, a systems proposal was developed for a small portion of the site to study the self sustaining ability of the neighbourhood.
Area of the site: 164671.47 m2 Density: 71 un/ha
Fig. 97: Bo01, Malmo Sweden
The aim is to utilise as much as the resources that can be used by the community. The water can waste are proposed to be reused that go waste in the present conditions. And for the study, a 2 person household 100m3 is considered.
Fig. 112: Area Distribution of Proposed Development (Aanchal A., 2020)
The existing Urban Cycle had been studied for the selected site and understand the amount of primary resource system that is being used and that being wasted. The aim was to propose a system that synchronises with the primary resource system to make a positive impact on the urban cycle. For the Existing Site Selected: Area of the site: 164671.47 m2 Density: 38 un/ha Fig. 113: Existing Pattern of Urban Cycle for 2 person household (Aanchal A., 2020)
Fig. 98: Site Selection (Aanchal A., 2020)
Fig. 99: Area Distribution for Site (Aanchal A., 2020) Fig. 114: Proposed Pattern of Urban Cycle for 2 person household (Aanchal A., 2020) 128
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Public Buildings
Immediate Response to Current Situation
A success of any neighbourhood is dependent on existence and availability of services, public amenities and built infrastructure. As design proposal aims at increasing the housing density in the area, number of inhabitants will increase and so does the increase in demand to be served with public buildings like community halls and sports centre. The public buildings are host to various socio-economic events. They bring a diversity in the land use of the area while adding a recreational value to the place. Over period of time public buildings usually become an identity for its community, it is literally a reflection of the community’s existence. They absorb the character and social fabric of people around them who built them and who inhabit the place for years to make these areas what they are. Public buildings facilitate the sense of community living and promote co-existence. It is said that a better public building can be a proud legacy for the future of the neighbourhood.
The world is facing some uncertain times and everyone around the globe is been trying to survive the pandemic situation and making constant efforts to rise ahead of the adversity. “The best medicine available for COVID-19 is made by Architects and developers”- anonymous.
Fig. 115: Proposal for Community Sports Centre, Fathom Architects
Looking at the situation, we have also tried to take a dip in trying to find solution and adhere to the social distancing guidelines. It has been established by researchers and informed by WHO, that the world will have to learn to exist with corona virus until a permanent cure has been found. The concept of social distancing will have to be incorporated in design, planning and our everyday lifestyle with immediate effect.
Fig. 119: Time Utilisation to Increase Green links
Here are some precedents that we find will be highly useful to be incorporated in the design in order to tackle the pandemic situation and will ease things when lockdown is lifted. We are hereby trying to showcase some illustration for measures that need to be adapted in design for safety and well being of users.
Fig. 116: Example for Open Playing Fields and Courts
Fig. 120: Restaurants with Pods
Fig. 117: Example of Community Library with active facades, Woolston Library,
Fig. 121: In Parks
New Zealand
Fig. 118: Example of Community Centre, Bicester, UK
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Fig. 122: Concept Social Distancing Park, Studio Precht
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Herriot, R., 2016. The Topological Relations of Corner Buildings with Street Junctions. Journal of Architecture and Urbanism, Volume 40. 322-334. 10.3846/20297955.2016.1246988. [Accessed: May 2020] The Street Plans Collaborative, 2016. Tactical Urbanist Guide to Materials and Design. n.p GreenBlue Urban, 2019. Case Studies. [Online] Available at: https://www.greenblue.com/na/case-studies/ [Accessed: May 2020]
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Glasgow City Council, 2011. White Cart Water Flood Prevention Scheme. [Online] Available at: http://www.whitecartwaterproject.org/ [Accessed: January 2020] Scotcities, n.d. Pollokshaws and Auldhouse: Illustrated Guide. [Online] Available at: http://www.scotcities.com/cathcart/pollokshaws_auldhouse.htm [Accessed: March 2020] Tachieva, G., 2010. Sprawl Repair Manual. Washington DC: Island Press
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Scottish Government, 2010. Designing Streets, Edinburgh: HMSO
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Government of Ireland, 2013. Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets. n.p NACTO, 2016. Global Street Design Guide, Washington DC: Island Press Ramos, S., 2015. Why Corner Buildings are Important. Buildings Are Cool. [Online] Available at: http://www.buildingsarecool.com/new-blog/corners-are-important [Accessed: April 2020] Lynch, K., 1960. The Image of the City. Massachusetts: MIT Press EPOA, 2018. Layout Details. The Essex Design Guide. [Online] Available at: https://www.essexdesignguide.co.uk/design-details/layout-details/legibility/ [Accessed: April 2020]
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Department of Transport, 2007. Manual for Streets. London: Thomas Telford
Glasgow City Council, 2017. Glasgow City Council- Open Spaces. [Online] Available at: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/21282/Open-Spaces [Accessed 20 April 2020]. H. S. &. P., 2013. Healthy Spaces and Places. [Online] Available at: https://www.healthyplaces.org.au/site/open_space.php [Accessed 23 April 2020]. Ignatieva, M., Stewart, G. H. & Meurk, C., 2010. Planning and Design of Ecological Networks in Urban Areas. Landscape and Ecological Engineering, January, pp. 17-25. Malek, N. A., Mariapan, M. & Mohd Shariff, M. K., 2012. The making of a Quality Neighbourhood Park: A Path Model Approach. Procedia- Social and Behavioral Sciences, 19 July, pp. 202-214.
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Malek, N. A., Mariapan, M., Mohd Shariff, M. K. & Aziz, A., 2011. Assessing the Needs for Quality Neighbourhood Parks. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, October, pp. 743-753.
List of Figures
Susdrain, 2020. Susdrain. [Online] Available at: https://www.susdrain.org/delivering-suds/using-suds/background/sustainable-drainage.html
All the maps are Published By Authors (PBA), otherwise listed.
Glasgow City Council. 2018. [online] Available at: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/home [Accessed: March 2020] Transport for London. 2017. Better Streets Delivered 2. London: n.p Scottish Places. 1882. Map of Auldhouse. [online] Available at: https://www.scottish-places.info/towns/townmap987.html [Accessed: March 2020] Scottish Government. 2018. Shawlands. [online] Available at: https://statistics.gov.scot/atlas/resource?uri=http://statistics.gov.scot/id/statistical-geography/S02001870 [Accessed: April 2020] Collective Architecture. 2011. The Burgh of Pollokshaws. [online] Available at: https://www.collectivearchitecture.com/projects/projects-the-burgh-of-pollokshaws [Accessed: March 2020] ARUP, 2016. Cities Alive: Towards a Walking World. n.p, pp.12-13 Agrawal, A., 2020. Urban Ecosystem. Urban Landscape Design. GCC, 2013. Design Guide- New Residential Areas. n.p Glasgow City Heritage Trust. N.d. Historic Shawlands. [online] Available at: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=30235&p=0 [Accessed: March 2020] Aanchal, A., et al 2019. Analysis Booklet. Drawing the Existing City. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde Archie, P., et al 2019. Analysis Booklet. History and Stories. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde Linnea, S., et al 2019. Analysis Booklet. Planning Framework. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde Emma, C., et al 2019. Analysis Booklet. Experiencing and Comparison. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde Shinjini, B., et al 2019. Analysis Booklet. Network Analysis. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde Aanchal, A., et al 2019. Strategy Booklet. Put It On the Map. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde Shinjini, B., et al 2019. Concept Booklet. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde Fleischman, M., et al 2017, Preliminaries. Masterplanning. Glasgow: University of Strathclyde
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Fig. 1: Location of Shawlands in the Region of Glasgow Fig. 2: Final Output of Drawing of Existing City (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 3: Typology Map (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 4: Height Map (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 5: Light Map (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 6: Cross Sections (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 7: Node 1 (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 8: Node 2 (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 9: Mapping Urbanisation of Shawlands (Archie P., et al 2019) Fig. 10: Historic Photos: Before and After (Archie P., et al 2019) Fig. 11: Stories about Shawlands (Archie P., et al 2019) Fig. 12: Historic Photos: Before and After (Archie P., et al 2019) Fig. 13: Strength and Weakness of Shawlands (Archie P., et al 2019) Fig. 14: Development (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 15: Public Buildings (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 16: Derelict and Vacant Land (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 17: Planning Applications and Local Initiatives (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 18: Local Transport Services (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 19: Planning Themes as given by Glasgow Authorities (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 20: Socio-Economic Character of Shawlands (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 21: Population and Dwellings (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 22: Community Services (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 23: Mental Maps by Group Members (Emma C., et al 2019) Fig. 24: Residential Mental Map (Emma C., et al 2019) Fig. 25: Street Permeability (Emma C., et al 2019) Fig. 26: Street Front Analysis (Emma C., et al 2019) Fig. 27: Comparing Places (Emma C., et al 2019) Fig. 28: Calculations for Comparing Places (Emma C., et al 2019) Fig. 29: Network Analysis (Shinjini B., et al 2019) Fig. 30: Strengths (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 31: Weakness (Emma C., et al 2019) Fig. 32: Opportunities (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 33: Threats (Shinjini B., et al 2019) Fig. 34: Movement (Linnea S., et al 2019) Fig. 35: Infrastructure (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 36: Landscape (Emma C., et al 2019) Fig. 37: Community (Shinjini B., et al 2019) Fig. 38: Strategic Plan Map (Shinjini B., et al 2019) Fig. 39: Urban Node and Intensity (Shinjini B., et al 2019) Fig. 40: Existing Street Network (Shinjini B., et al 2019) Fig. 41: Existing Public Network (Shinjini B., et al 2019) Fig. 42: Existing Ecological Network (Shinjini B., et al 2019) Fig. 43: Existing Concept Plan (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 44: Proposed Concept Plan (Aanchal A., et al 2019) Fig. 45: Location of the Selected Site in Glasgow Fig. 46: Location of the Selected Site in Shawlands (PBA) Fig. 46.1: Historical Maps: Showing the Urbanisation on Site Fig. 47: Characteristics Place Based Design and Hierarchy of Users
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Stitching The Urban Fabric
Fig. 48: Main Commercial Street, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow Fig. 49: Shared Street, Market Street, St. Andrews Fig. 50: Residential Thoroughfare, Octavia Boulevard, CA Fig. 51: Commerical Thoroughfare, Ven Ness Avenue, CA Fig. 52: Residential Streets, Greener Grangetown, Cardiff Fig. 53: Landmark Fig. 54: Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow Fig .55: Kilmarnock Road, Glasgow Fig. 56: New Bond Street, London Fig. 57: Raised Junctions, Bexley Town Centre Fig. 58: Street Junction Plaza, Brisbane Fig. 59: Parklets Fig. 60: Public Space Canopy Fig. 61: Plaza at Bethesda Central Park, Maryland Fig. 62: Example for the Pocket Parks. Community Gardens, NY Fig. 63: Example for the Pocket Parks. Paley Park, NY Fig. 64: Example for the Pocket Parks. Makers Quarter, San Diego Fig. 65: Example for Temporary Street Transformations Fig. 66: Example for the Green Public Space on the slope. The Passage - Chattanooga, Tennessee Fig. 67: Bioswale Fig. 68: Example for Riverside Development. River Quay, Brisbane Fig. 69: Example for Riverside Development. Riverside Lunen, Germany Fig. 70: Example for Central Square. Assembly Row, Somerville, Massachusetts Fig. 71: Example for Central Square. Mission Rock, CA Fig. 72: Central Square Step Lighting Fig. 73: Central Square Seating Fig. 74: Pocket Park Communal Seating Fig. 75: Example for the Public Spaces surrounded by Commercial Blocks Fig. 76: Ecological Park Fig. 77: Along the Riverside Fig. 78: Bioretention Ponds Fig. 79: Seating in the Ecological Park Fig. 80: Example for Public Spaces and Interactive Frontages Fig. 81: Example for Public Spaces and Interactive Spaces Fig. 82: Example for Temporary Community Markets Fig. 83: Example for the Passage between the Retail Park Fig. 86: SUDS at Curb Bulbs Fig. 87: SUDS in Residential Area Fig. 88: SUDS in Commercial Open Parking Area Fig. 89: Catchment Graphical Demonstration. (Source: www.susdrain.org) Fig. 90: Representative module for different density typologies. (Source: https://www.google.com- google images) Fig. 91: Chicago Neighbourhood Park, Illinois Fig. 92: Neighbourhood Park with Play Areas
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