The Wilderness: Tech Report ENVT-1096 2019-2020 Professional and Technical Practice
ALTAN R. DERVISH
Introduction Site Location & Context Project Brief
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Project Summary Survey & Analysis Analytical Photography Site Ecology Design Concept Design Process & Development
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Contents Professional Practice Landscape Character Assessment Landscape Quality Assessment Visual Assessment Planning Guidance Risk Assessment Legal Framework
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Technical Practice Landform & Grading SuDS Strategy & Water Management Planting Plans Technical Detail Design Development Lighting
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Site Location & Context Greenwich Park occupies a 75 ha within close proximity to the River Thames, the park has a remarkable views of the city skyline. The park is of international importance as a Grade I listed park on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, and one of the Royal Parks of London. A Buffer Zone surrounds the area of the World Heritage Site which has complementary legal restrictions placed on its use and development,
educational facilities for the public, and a padlocked grassland area where wild fallow and red deer roam. In 1515 King Henry VIII introduced free roaming deer to the park for the purposes of hunting, and were seen grazing the park until 1927. Today the deer are a wildlife attraction; due to the increase in motor traffic and dogs within the park, the deer were restricted to the lightly wooded area to the southeast and fenced off from the
adding an extra layer of protection. It holds great significance in British Maritime Heritage contains the Old Royal Naval College, the Queen’s House, and the Royal Observatory as the origin of the Prime Meridian. Archaeology on site reveals what is estimated an AD 43 - AD 410 Roman temple, and 6-7th century AngloSaxon Barrow Cemetery.
public, and accessible only through the Flower Garden.
Introduction
The site itself is within the boundaries of the Greenwich Park Wilderness Area a lightly wooded area that provides habitat to various species of invertebrates, birds and bats. It contains an enclosed bird sanctuary, a Nursery for Landscape Maintenance, The Wildlife Centre providing
Image on the right: Aerial photograph of Greenwich Park and its context Image below: The site location in relation to the United Kingdom
[UK]
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The area of focus pertains to the boundary and the relationship between the deer and visitors of the park. Redefining the edge that is obscured by hedge and fences, limiting spaces for observation and experiencing the Wilderness Area.
[LONDON]
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World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site Buffer Zone
Project Brief The project framed under disruptive ecologies, ran as a concept competition that would last an eight week period, then presented to the Greenwich Royal Parks and Zaha Hadid Architects who were currently in the process of planning a development for the site. The brief, inspired by Greta Thunberg‘s TED talk; will need to act on the climate emergency that would initiate and deliver an act of protest to influence public opinion and government policy with direct action. Taking into consideration the direct impact of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity, the design located on the edge of the deer park will be raised to observe surroundings and overcome boundaries. Engage and respond directly to the surroundings of the Deer Park with permanent but transformative, structures. Relating it to the contemporary political discourse of Direct Action and the Environmental Crisis that encapsulates current culture. Image on the right: The Oak tree that the tree house will be constructed around, within the buffer zone between the deer enclosure and the public Image below: Greenwich Park 1905 while the fallow deer were still free to roam the park, image by Royal Parks
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The Royal Parks expressed their desire for the design to be a place to view the deer - part of an experience that immerses the public in nature, reflection, tranquillity, listening and awareness. The structure is required to be at least partially sheltered but
open to the elements, and it is not an ‘indoor’ heated space. The structure must not adversely affect the health of the Oak tree in any way including the root zone, and consider linking up existing built and natural elements, activities and experiences. These include the new learning centre, natural play opportunities and outdoor learning. The structure has specific dimensional requirements as it must be able to accommodate fifteenth children and two adults or groups of twelve adults in one contained space for story telling or ‘sharing’ activities, while being DDA (Disability, Discrimination Act) compliant to some degree. Material sustainability will play an important role on design, prioritising locally sourced or recycled.
Survey & Analysis Initial studies of the site revealed key concerns and opportunities that could be addressed in the design. I. Accessibility The Wilderness Deer Park would benefit from improvements to accessibility, being better known about and working more actively to improve visitor experience. The publicly accessible area provides a sort of woodland garden walk with
was part of the Nursery is an extension of the deer park. III. The Wildlife Centre The centre is run by the Royal Parks with assistance from volunteers from the Friends Group. Educational services are provided in partnership with the Field Studies Council. The area to the rear of the centre is the extended deer paddock area and the wooded area called the bird
were kept within enclosures known as ‘vivaria’. According to genetic analysis these Roman fallow deer went extinct in Britain following the collapse of the Roman Empire. In the 11th century fallow deer were reintroduced. Initially, they were kept in parks as rare exotica but gradually their populations increased as they became an important source of venison for aristocratic dining tables. Native red deer species having migrated to Britain
Project Summery
grey slate paths and log edging; but the zone is uncertain of its own identity and purpose and while it contains some good subject material it fails on presentation particularly on the alignments of paths, choice of surfacing material and obtrusive fencing.
Image on the right: Site overview Image below: Views of site
II. Recycling The southern section of the Nursery will necessarily remain as the Landscape Maintenance Contractor’s base and servicing yard. The area also provides essential space for delivery and temporary storage of materials and bedding plants. Part of the area is now used for leaf storage and mulch recycling. The Wilderness area that
sanctuary, including the Nature Trail which is maintained by the Friends of Greenwich Park Wildlife Group. IV. Underused Buildings Opportunities to take-in the redundant areas and reuse existing buildings for other purposes. The Old Nursery and Store-yard situated in the south-east corner of the park, contains a number of utilitarian structures including workshops and glasshouses. Some of this area is now disused and the buildings lie derelict.
from Europe 11,000 years ago. They were used extensively by Mesolithic man as a source of food, skins, and tools (bones and antlers). However, the development of agriculture by Neolithic man cleared swathes of forest to make way for fields and this loss of forest encouraged the decline of red deer populations, which became confined to the Scottish Highlands, south-west England and a few other small, scattered populations.
V. Fellow Deer & Red Deer Fellow deer were first brought to Britain from the western Mediterranean during the Roman period when they
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Canopy Cover Building Water Body Wilderness Boundary Site Area
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Analytical Photography In order to understand the characteristics of the boundary, a methodology to convey site characteristics through imagery was developed. Three unique typologies were observed, and confirmed by referencing the Park management documents where three different maintenance programs were in affect, the high maintenance parkland, the ecological woodland and the urban street-scape.
of sky, void and earth. The structures relate to the habitat’s created by the landscape within these categories; twig and branch, bark and cambium, root and stone.
The typologies of space were further split into subcategories of the experiential planes explored in ‘the scene’; sky, void, and earth. The photographs on the right organise three images to a word that describes the frame.
Image on the right: Collection of images representing site typology Image below: Identifying the typologies around the boundary & method of taking photographs
Images were taken according to a grid limiting each square to a single photograph ensuring equal coverage of a given area, and limit bias. The diagram below describes the method of taking photographs to maintain rigger and consistency of this process. The method was found to explore spatial qualities and materiality as evidence grounding the project in its context. This interrogation of the site inspire the three structures proposed, centralised around the three planes
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Site Ecology Being on the boundary to the deer park, the site deals a rich verity of ecological habitats, and opportunities to enhance the ecosystem services. Red deer and fallow deer naturally graze the poor semi-improved grassland, of the enclosure restricted from human activity, this allows small mammals like voles to live without the threat of dogs. This area is allowed to develop natural with minimal human maintenance. Many sections in this document refer to the Greenwich Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in identifying priority habitats and priority species: Bats, Black Poplar, Black Redstart, Hedgehog, Stag Beetle, and Water Vole. Dead wood provides a critical food source for Stag Beetle larva buried below the ground, they take a sevenyear period to grow into adulthood from rotting felled logs and tree stumps, and are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Image on the right: Habitat study base map Image below: Reference maps from the Greenwich Park Biodiversity Enhancement Strategy depicting a habitat enhancement plan & habitat map
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Management of acid grassland typically relies on grazing or mowing to maintain characteristic species and prevent scrub invasion. Grazing is preferable to mowing due to more varied results of structure. The current
conservation management applied to most areas of acid grassland in the park is a single cut in September. Bordering a majority of the deer park is semi-natural woodland area, a key habitat for diverse species including woodland birds, bats, insects and fungi. Migrating species ike birds and bats from as far as Eastern Europe and South Africa require nesting habitats provided by the woodland canopy, crevices in bark and human structures. Flagship species such as the small copper is a butterfly that feeds largely on sheep’s and common sorrel growing on site enjoying the acidic grassland. The woodland biodiversity enhancement strategy aims to provide additional nest and roost sites for birds and bats; while increase the quantity of standing and fallen dead wood. Bordering the woodland is the planted shrubbery area, a vital habitat for small birds and insects, and natural boundary between grassland and woodland ecologies. Flagship species like Chiffchaff, common whitethroat and Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) are associated with woodland and woodland edge scrub habitats that provide suitable structure for foraging and nesting.
breeding ground for insects, frogs and newts. Providing ample food for birds and bats, it can also be a place for play for deer and education for children on the wildlife trail. It has a very shallow depth resembling a swale, but presents an opportunity to improve this habitat. Amenity grassland make up the majority of the park and are highly maintained mown grass for human pleasure. This area of the park is encompassed by the flower garden has a pet animal restriction increasing biodiversity opportunity. The oak tree depicted in green on the right is the centrepiece of the project, thus care will needed to be taken not to disrupt the root system or canopy, while enhancing species like the Favonius quercus (purple hairstreak butterfly) that rely on the habitat provided by this oak tree.
The pond on site is an important
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Design Concept The concept evolved with research that framed a personal statement into a specific argument on sociopolitical change, which is then further synthesised into a Placard that conveys the essence of the project. Engaging with ideas of Social-Ecology; that is the focus around the social structures we as humans form in relation with the environment, and rewilding which seeks ecological restoration through increased biodiversity. The language used in the placard echoes the protests of Extinction Rebellion who were occupying the streets in London, bringing attention to the global crisis of environmental complacency. The effect of human extinction is made trivial in the placard, de-constructing our perceived supremacy of nature as something for us to manipulate. However, nature adapts and evolves with or without our consent, as shown by the deer consuming polyethylene pollution. By trivialising human extinction, it becomes more conceivable as a result, bringing it down from an abstract concept reminding us that the world doesn’t revolve around us. Image on the right: Protest Placard ‘NATURE WILL ADAPT. CAN YOU?’ Image below: The development of the imagined landscape ‘Scene’
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In essence, the project calls for a revaluation of the way we design the landscape; prioritizing the gentrified inhabitance of the park -
the wilderness. What if we release our control over the landscape, and let it dictate the design? This is the underlying thesis behind the design, allowing organic growth and evolution of a structure, to then rot and decay, exposing us to this process. The collages below are the first interpretations of this concept represented on site. It distils the idea into a provocative scene, developed over iterations.
EXTINCTION REBELLION
HUMAN EVOLUTION
WE NEED TO STICK TOGETHER . JOIN THE MOVEMENT & EVOLVE . GREENWICH PARK ‘THE WILDERNESS’
Design Process & Development The initial sketches focused on three key views into the deer park: One overlooking the pond to which would now be accessible to the deer by the removal of the second boundary, another looked out into the centre of the clearing where deer are often seen basking in the sun, and the last faces out across the field into the wider reserve. A strong emphasis was placed on wrapping the structure around the oak tree in a way that includes the canopy of the oak tree as a natural roof to a path up to the highest platform. In this way the structure outwardly orients itself from the centre of the tree, and the climb to the top is negotiated with the lowest branch. Also the structure tried to help support the parks proposal for future programming of the wilderness with children’s nature walks along the inner boundary of the reserve.
Image on the right: Development of growth and decay as integral parts of the design and operations Image below: Initial sketches, ideas, and programming
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Referring back to the concept of adaptation: ‘the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment’, the structure is thought of something living and reactive. This is made possible by the way in which it will be constructed. The park is currently dealing with
horse chestnut loss along Blackheath Avenue due to bleeding canker and leaf miner, park management intends to replace these trees with more versatile species. This presents an opportunity to use the timber from these felled trees as building material for the project. Due to this unorthodox sourcing of building material, irregular timber shapes will create an organic growth of the structure, while using provisions offered out by the parks ecosystem. These ‘Xeno-Structures’ meaning structures for the other, are made with the consideration that all elements of the structure support the biodiversity of the environment, giving species a habitat to thrive. Emphasising the life cycles of different species in the ecology, for instance the seasons in which different birds migrate and nest, or the period in which the stags shed their antlers creating a phosphors rich environment. As the ecology changes over the decades, humans will metamorphosis the structure to emphasis the environmental changes into the public experience, giving direct exposure to the wilderness. The structure will grow after each year as nature goes through its seasonal
cycles. Twigs and branches collected by highly maintained areas of the park are woven into the structure, providing nesting opportunities and perches for colonisers. Meanwhile what doesn’t grow decays, putting the structure under constant change and transition. Below are perspectives of the three structures connected by a walkway, each embodied a habitat in the environment. The main structure represented the twig and branch, where seating is angled to get a vantage over the wilderness, and the main gathering area for activities supporting a maximum of 15 people. It’s design was influenced by creatures of the canopy - birds, its tall open funnel shape allows the free movement of birds to pass overhead, there has been 70 species of birds sightings, 30 of which breed within the park. While young oaks growing below will eventually penetrate the structure and blur the line between natural and artificial landscape. The second structure located halfway up overlooking the new proposed deer feeding area embodies the bark and cambium, the habitats created by crevices in the trunk of trees used by bats (Common pipistrelles, Nyctalus noctula, Myotis daubentonii, Nyctalus leisleri and Myotis nattereri), small birds and some insects. It is made with overlapping sheets of timber to create
Image on the right: Masterplan and explosion of the structures Image below: Isometric and views from structures
tight narrow pockets that is hard to reach by predators. The structure at the base represents the root and stone. Here the focus is on the invertebrates. The planting scheme that surrounds the structure was selected based on flagship species indicated by the Greenwich Park Biodiversity Action plan, and is selected to improve the ecosystem rather than visual aesthetics. Facing the pond that will now become a deer wallow, inviting more opportunities to bring humans and deer into contact. The waters surface area will be increased by directing the runoff from the hard-scape of the root and stone structure, and shifting the contours to direct and contain more rain water. The design brings to the forefront the unpredictability of the ecological processes that enact on the landscape. The proposal is indicative of the outcome, and would need to be built according to the materials on hand. It embarrasses this unpredictability allowing the landscape to imprint itself on the design. The project looks to create a source of rich cultural ecosystem services through an avant-garde method of ecological landscape design.
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Ultimately, the realisation of a design that removes humans strict control of the maintained landscape, shifts the human-centric design of public architecture to the natural evolution of space. Eventually, the structure will become so decayed, that it would no longer be safe for people to use. At which point, structure continues is evolution as a living environment, collapsing in on itself. Nourishing fungi, lichen and larva until nothing is left but topsoil.
Image on the right: Migratory birds that pass Greenwich and the nest structure providing habitat over time Image below: Perspective of the project from the deer park and operational drawing
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Landscape Character Assessment An key historic view corridor passes through the axis of Blackheath Avenue, through General Wolfe Statue looking out to All Saints Church and Island Gardens across the Themes. The site sits in close approximation to many places of historic heritage: National Maritime Museum opened by King George VI in 1937 as a museum to pay homage to the rich navel heritage of Greenwich and Britain as a
would be disrupted by the use of iron in the other facility. Peter Harrison Planetarium opened in 2007 is 120 seat digital laser planetarium. Ranger’s House is a red brick Georgian mansion dating back to 1722. It stands behind the rose garden and houses the Wernher Collection of art. The John Roan School built in 1677 through a charitable endowment by John Roan, Yeoman of Harriers to King Charles I. All Saints Church constructed in 1867
Professional Practice whole. Queen’s House is a former royal residence for Anne of Denmark built between 1616 and 1635. It is the first consciously classical building to have been built in England. It is centred on an important view line from General Wolfe Statue. Flamsteed House built in 1676 played a huge role in the history of astronomy and navigation, as the prime meridian passes through it establishing Greenwich Mean Time. A time-ball is located on the roof that signals 1pm each day to help mariners at the port to synchronise their clocks. The adjoining Old Royal Observatory was developed to house the dome we see today in 1893. Altazimuth Pavilion completed in 1896, was built to house sensitive magnetic instruments that
Image on the right: Landscape character assessment Image below: Important features
as the new parish church for the village of Blackheath. It now stands along an important view line that stretches out down Blackheath Avenue to General Wolfe Statue. Old Royal Naval College original built in 1692 as the Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich by Mary II. In 1873 the buildings were converted to a training establishment for the Royal Navy. Today, the buildings are used as facilities by the University of Greenwich.
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Landscape Quality Assessment Being within the world heritage boundary, there has been careful control to maintain the quality of the area. The areas of very high quality relate to historic heritage sites and museums. These spaces operate with strict rigour and maintenance regimes. The surrounding suburban tissue is quaint mix period detached and semi-detached residential districts, supporting long gardens predominately green with large swaths of tree canopy. The poorest area is the parks service area that houses heavy equipment and storage. It is used to as a nursery and a composting area, with a few building underused or abandoned.
Image on the right: Landscape quality assessment Image below: Aerial view showing site completely surrounded by thick foliage
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Visual Assessment The London Panorama located within Greenwich Park is designated and has St Paul’s Cathedral as its focus. There is one viewing location, within Greenwich Park that includes two Assessment Points. The view from Wolfe Statue, as a axial arrangement between Greenwich Palace, and the Queen’s House. The view also includes Greenwich Reach and the tall buildings on the Isle of Dogs. The other from Wolfe Statue to All Saints Church south-east across Blackheath Park. Compliant with Policy DH(g) Local Views, the site is visually isolated, as it is surrounded on all sides by dense canopies and thick branches. The outward looking east facade is exposed to the deer park, but being restricted to the public, their are no sight lines within the boundaries of the park. The outer wall of the park is 3.5m tall and between the structure and the wall are layers of 15-25m tall trees, making it impossible to see the structure even during winter when trees are bare. The under-story is packed with evergreen brambles and shrubs, impairing the structure from even localised viewpoints from the west, but visible in parts only during the winter season.
Image on the right: Visual impact on key views Image below: Visual inhibitors
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Planning Guidance Greenwich Park is Crown Land and TRP complies with standard procedures and local authority planning policies. Greenwich Park is wholly within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The boundary with the adjacent London Borough of Lewisham runs across Blackheath, just to the south of the park. The project aims to meet and exceed expectations of the relevant policies: I. London Environment Strategy 2018 This is the first strategy to bring together approaches to every aspect of London’s environment, integrating the following areas: - air quality - green infrastructure - climate change mitigation and energy - waste - adapting to climate change - ambient noise - low carbon circular economy II. Royal Greenwich Local Plan Core Strategy
Image on the right: Wildlife deficiency areas in the borough of Greenwich from Royal Greenwich Local Plan Image below: Open space deficiency areas in the borough of Greenwich from Royal Greenwich Local Plan
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Policy DH1 Design -provide a positive relationship between the proposed and existing urban context; -promote local distinctiveness by providing a site-specific design solution;
-maximise energy conservation, through effective layout, orientation, use of appropriate materials, detailing and landscape design; -benefit Royal Greenwich by helping mitigate and adapt to climate change; -enhance biodiversity consistent with the Greenwich Biodiversity Action Plan; -demonstrate on-site waste management including evidence of waste reduction, use of recycled materials and dedicated recyclable waste storage space; -wherever possible, ensure building materials are responsibly sourced and minimise environmental impact; -demonstrate measures that reduce surface water flood risk and landscape the environment in a way that provides for permeable surfaces. Policy OS4 Biodiversity Royal Greenwich’s rich biodiversity and geodiversity will be protected, restored and enhanced, including the priority habitats and species identified in the Greenwich Biodiversity Action Plan. Retaining areas of natural habitat is important to enable the protection of rare and at risk species of plants and animals. Biodiversity has significant intrinsic value and should be conserved for its own sake. Many
natural features and habitats cannot easily be created elsewhere and should be conserved where they are found. Policy OS(c) Public Open Space Deficiency Areas The Royal Borough will seek to increase the provision of public open space and improve public access in areas of open space deficiency. Policy OS(f) Ecological Factors -Consideration of the biodiversity and geological features of the site and the surrounding area, including protected species. These features should be respected and the area’s natural character enhanced; -The retention of trees and the protection and enhancement of natural and ecological features, tree ridge lines, green corridors, wildlife habitats, boundary walls, surface materials, hedges and other features where these will contribute to the biodiversity. Policy E1 Carbon Emissions -carbon emissions will be reduced requiring all development to reduce demand for energy through its design.
III. Greenwich Park Management Plan
Conservation
Policy CON4: Biodiversity -any ecological monitoring carried out in the park aims to collect standardised, repeatable information to allow managers to detect changes in the ecological condition of the park. Monitoring of parkland bird populations; -management should aim to encourage a diverse woodland structure, including a ground flora. This will involve selective thinning and removal of ornamental species and replanting with native woodland shrubs. Dead wood and leaf litter should be retained within these areas. -management should aim to enhance its potential as a wildlife habitat where this is consistent with landscape objectives. This should include management of the waterfowl population to encourage bankside vegetation to flourish, improving water quality, and realising opportunities for bathing/drinking of songbirds; -the interpretative potential of the park’s ecology and wildlife is high and it is recommended that further information is available to the public. NAT3.2: Habitat Creation -viable opportunities for habitat creation shall be taken, including
the development of further areas of conservation grassland and the diversification of existing grassland, native species hedgerow creation, the retention of decaying wood in suitable areas, the erection of bat and bird boxes, and the development of marginal and aquatic vegetation in the Flower Garden Lake. CHA.18.2: The Wildlife Centre Education -The Field Studies Council is the partner organisation delivering educational programmes in the park. The wooded area to the rear of the centre has been made accessible for bird walks and education activities.
Risk Assessment to be able to create a stable frame using unstandardised pieces.
Methods of Work 1. Temporary Deer Boundary: The deer boundary will be erected using modular 2m steel fences, inserted into wholes in concrete blocks. The barriers will be carried by light vehicle on existing tracks from the nursery area. 2. Removal of Existing Fence: The steel tensile fence will need to be unbolted to the steel posts, then the posts will be dug out of the soil with shovels. 3. Timber Reclamation: Trees along Blackheath Avenue selected for felling will need be cut for long branches and full length trunk. The trunks will be sawn to size by an on site sawmill, then transported to site. 4. Foundations and Structure of Elevated Tree Path: Reclaimed timber is staked into place with a pile driver. Assembly of steel scaffolding, then the frame for the path is bolted in place and decked.
Image on the right: Construction access and zoning Image below: Risk Assessment
Location / Activity
5. Construction of Independent Habitat Structures: Branches reclaimed are bolted together and lifted by light crane atop separate piles. The assembly around the path requires workers skilled in carpentry,
Hazard
6. Habitat Structure Envelope Installation: Twigs collected from felling are woven into a lattice that covers the nest structure. Reclaimed timber logs are peeled into veneer and bolt irregularly onto the structure frame. Timber railings are bolted in place along the path and around the structures edges. Then scaffolding is disassembled. 7. Topography and SuDS: Soil transformation is limited enough for shovels, and pipe system is set in place. 8. Replacement of Ground Path: Existing block pavers are manually removed, and replaced by reclaimed bark and wood chips that are shovelled into place. 9. Construction of Base Structure: Base structure is erected with timber posts nailed to a decking framework suspended 0.5m over floor. Reclaimed pavers are used under the structure along with any leftover matter from tree felling before nailing down the deck.
tensile fence is re-bolted to the posts. 11. Planting: Plants are carefully inserted into the soil in order of largest size, in a manner that maximises root spread, then watered to stimulate root growth. 12. Removal of Deer Boundary: The modular fence is disassembled and carried for transport out from the nursery area. Existing Hazards -Weather (local conditions) -Slips trips & falls -Wildlife interference Work Specific Hazards -Manual handling -Heavy machinery -Sharp Tools -Pollution -Accidents -Slips trips and falls
10. Re-Installation of Fence: Steel posts are driven back into place
Risk
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Risk Control Measures
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General site work
General construction site hazards
Personal injury and ill health
All personnel on site to wear a hard-hat, safety boots and high visibility vest or jacket. Overalls, goggles, gloves, ear protection, boots, The equipment will be monitored for damage and wear and tear and replaced as necessary
Machinery
Overturning, environment damage, interface with public, interface with wildlife
Personnel injury, pollution to water bodies and surrounding land
Trained operators, biodegradable oils well maintained vehicles, signage, flashing lights to machines, barriers
Erection of elevated structures
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Personnel injury or others, head injuries, broken limbs
Safety harnesses and life lines to be fixed to posts, highly visible safety barriers attached to scaffolding perimeter
Site access
Traffic accident
Injury to self & deer
Slow speed while in Wilderness area
Tree felling
Environment damage, high elevation, high velocity particles
Personnel injury, cuts and splinters
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Trained operators, hard hats, gloves and goggles to
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Legal Framework Health and safety pertaining to the deteriorating habitat structures: The proposals emphasise the natural growth and decay of the structures. This means that the public are brought onto structures with deteriorating structural integrity. In addition, the public are taken up to 7 meters above ground level in open air structures, presenting fall risks. Precautionary measures must be taken to prevent slips, falling off and potential collapse while in use, and causing injury. Signs will be used to alert to the dangers of falling from the structure, and proximity to wildlife. The structural integrity will need to be constantly monitored to allow public access. Railings of minimum 1.2m will be used where there is a fall risk. Steps and ramps will use non-slip finishes and be permeable to water so that rain can drain away.
Deer Quarantine Zone Construction Zone Deer Barrier Permanent Boundary Removal Temporary Boundary Removal Vehicle Access
Landform & Grading The topography in this area of the park is quite flat, with subtle mounds and depressions that gather water, the structure itself sits on narrow depression in the landscape. The changes to landform are equivalent in excavation and fill, therefore no external soil will be required. Shifts were made with the intent to buffer the existing pond and expand its potential capacity in a controlled manner to
slightly above standards. This was a conscious decision to make the platforms longer were people are more inclined to be aware of their surroundings. The second reason was to reject the leisurely complacency incline of human centric design, allowing us to grapple with our environment as creatures must do.
Technical Practice allow both rainstorm management and a play area for deer. The regular depth of the pond is 10cm with the capacity to increase beyond 20cm. The base habitat structure has been made DDA (Disability, Discrimination Act) compliant with a 5% ramp, and raises the public 0.5m of the ground level to view the wilderness area. The pathway up into the canopy and the two other habitat structures are non-compliant with DDA as the small structures reaching heights of 4.7m above access level, make such infrastructure too dominant.
Image on the right: Topography 0.1m Image below:
The steps up to the habitat structures were designed with a 30cm rise,
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0.8
0.9
1. 0
1.0
0.5
0
1.
0.5 0 1.
0.0
SuDS Strategy & Water Management The structure is completely elevated in order to prevent compaction and damage to the soil ecology. 0% of the ground cover is made impermeable by the project, 271m2 of the site is made of elevated permeable timber. Permeability allows rainfall to flow through the joints, infiltrating directly into the soil. The structure itself acts like a canopy that retains water with its large surface area that eventually evaporates.
Water contaminants are not a concern on this site. Ideally these flood prevention systems try to effectively deal with as much stored storm water as possible to protect more vulnerable areas of the park. Northern areas of the park close to the Thames are at lower altitudes and are at risk of floods.
The soil the structure sits on is built of sandy gravel which has an extremely high water permeability (m/s) 1x10-3 effectively absorbing large quantities of water reducing flood risk. The shallow pond sits in a slight dent in the landform. An existing feature, which in order to make this a permanent feature in the landscape, a sub layer of clay lines a portion of the area. This increased biodiversity with wetland habitats, and biodiversity due to more wildlife activity. The proposal exaggerates qualities of the topography to create a dry basin the pond and expand into. This is to store potential runoff water from slopes across the site, and water accumulated on the surface of the soil. The basin can store 30,000 L of water in the event of a flash flood.
Image on the right: SuDS strategy plan Image below: SuDS sections and calculations
a. direct infiltration
b. dry basin water storage
water max. water min.
highly organic plant matter free-draining sandy gravel soil SuDS outlet pipe into pond
95mm of rainfall in 1hour +40% for 1 in 100 rainstorm & climate change 133mm/h
31 32
clay layer
Hard surface (permeable) 133 mm/h x 271 m2 36,043 L/h
Dry basin volume 30,000 L
Direct infiltration under structure 271 m2 x 10-3 (m/s)
Infiltration through dry basin 200 m2 x 10-3 (m/s)
b
a
Existing Impermeable Paving Proposed Permeable Decking Proposed Wood Chip Paving Large Existing Pond Detention Basin Green Spaces related to SuDS Natural Flow Paths Surface Water System Contours
Planting Plans Species were selected primarily for their value to the ecosystem, a woodland edge environment that gradually transitions from amenity grassland, woodland, wetlands and grazed grassland. The listed species all have tolerance to acidic soil conditions. Euonymus europaeus, Sambucus nigra, and Viburnum opulus are shrubs that reach around 3 meters high, and provide essential hedge land habitats for small birds, insects and hedgehogs. They require no routine pruning, but for the first 2 years horizontal growth should be encouraged by pruning shoots that are growing in unwanted directions, congested or crossing. Where diseased or damaged pruning may be necessary. Agrostis capillaris and Gentianella amarella are dotted out throughout the scheme to give some continuity between spaces. Plants within the deer enclosure were also selected based on their resilience to grazing as both species are known to be. As is Cynosurus cristatus. Cattle and sheep will eat the young leaves eagerly, but leave the stiff, hard stems alone. It also is a food-plant for the skipper butterfly and brown butterfly families. While Eriophorum angustifolium or common cottongrass is a hardy wetland
Image on the right: Planting Plan Image below: Planting specification
Name
Family
Specification
Euonymus europaeus
Celastraceae
root-balled, 2m width
Sambucus nigra
Adoxaceae
root-balled, well spaced branches
Viburnum opulus
Adoxaceae
root-balled, well spaced branches
Agrostis capillaris
Poaceae
fully rooted, bushy
Gentianella amarella
Gentianaceae
fully rooted
Eriophorum angustifolium *
Cyperaceae
fully rooted
Cynosurus cristatus
Poaceae
fully rooted, bushy
Dryopteris dilatata
Dryopteridaceae
fully rooted, bushy, unspoiled leaves
Anemone nemorosa
Ranunculaceae
fully rooted
Anemone nemorosa
Ranunculaceae
fully rooted
Luzula pilosa
Juncaceae
fully rooted, bushy
species, used as an experimental species to deter grazing. Dryopteris dilatata is a semi-evergreen fern that grows well in the shaded areas along the fence, and characterises the transition of woodland to woodland edge. Luzula pilosa is a subtle base layer that begins to break up the neat amenity grassland into patchy hedge land. While Anemone nemorosa is used as a intermediary to blur the edges of the two areas, and increase insect density. For the first 2 years, watering and weeding are encouraged. However, the ultimate goal is to create a selfsustaining ecosystem and allow natural succession and growth to occur with little to no maintenance, except in cases where planting is spreading into amenity grassland, in which case normal park maintenance practices apply to restrict expansion.
Quantity
Pot Size
1
50 L
3
20 L
11
20 L
58
2L
73
9cm
30
2L
8/sqm
2L
1/sqm
5L
3/sqm
9cm
6/sqm
9cm
5/sqm
9cm
* 3 in cluster
NATIVE
JFMAMJJASOND
Prune
Flowering
Euonymus europaeus
Sambucus nigra
Viburnum opulus
Agrostis capillaris
Gentianella amarella
Eriophorum angustifolium
Cynosurus cristatus
Dryopteris dilatata
Anemone nemorosa
Luzula pilosa
33 34
Technical Detail Design Development The proposal is an indicative design that's construction relies heavenly on procure materials from the site. Stated by Royal Park officials; the horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) on Blackheath Avenue will be felled due to disease, and replaced by more durable species. The projects primary construction material and finish is chestnut timber, a specie well known for its durability and sturdiness, often viewed as an alternative to oak.
Image on the right: Technical details of construction Image below: Isometric view of the two independent structure & categorising of reclaimed timber
Initially reclaimed irregular branches will need to be categorised to help speed up the construction process. The length of the large trunk will be preserved to be sawn by a saw mill on site into more regular geometries, and parts of the trunk will be peeled to get a thin veneer for use as an outer envelope. Every part of the tree will be utilized, from the roots as insect habitats beneath the structure, the bark as a foot path, to the twigs as an enveloping membrane. A six month period should be given for the timber season in the nursery area. The structure will be erected in two phases: the elevated pathway and decking, then the habitat structures which are held up independent of the pathway. This is done to extend the lifespan of the pathway to reduce public risk.
encourages communities, the wider public and birds to be involved in the creation of space. Twigs removed from the amenity grassland can be placed near the walkway and used in this nest making process.
An elevated foundation is used for the base structure, while piles are driven using timber stakes to carry the rest of the structure. The elevated path and base structure are constructed with regular, standardised timber, using conventional techniques; joints with heavy timber nails and bolts. Railing attached to the walkway are skewered on the edges, and given rigidity with cross tension steel wire joints beneath the decking. The framework for the habitat structures are put together using reclaimed branches. On site decisions will be required to settle the asymmetrical pieces in their place. To join these pieces; 40% diameter of touching edges should be witted down to ensure snug fit, then bolted together with a flat finish. The Bark & Cambium habitat envelope is made by fastening veneer sheets across the framework with steel wire that is thread through small holes in the sheets and frame. Sheets should create a patchwork of juxtapose pieces to naturally create small cavities. The Twig & Branch habitat envelope is a woven matrix of twigs collected from the felling. This aspect of the construction is an ongoing process that continues while in use, and
Structure A: public walkway
Structure B: habitat framework
i
ii TWIG COMPILE TWIG COMPILE
vii
iv
OBSERVATORY
v
OBSERVATORY
iv iii ROOST SPACES
ROOST SPACES
BIRD PERCH
vi
LICHEN COLONY
v
ii iii
POND CROSSING
XENO-STRUCTURE
BIRD PERCH
vi
i
DISABLED RAMP
BAT CAVE
BAT CAVE
INSECT HAVEN
POND CROSSING
EVENING FLOWERS
EVENING FLOWERS
DISABLED RAMP
XENO-STRUCTURE
i. twigs
35 36
ii. branch a
iii. branch b
iv. branch c
v. timber planks
vi. timber post
vii. timber veneer
3.20m
7.10 6.60
6.10
8.50m
A semi-open TWIG structure COMPILE hoarding twigs, embodying the habitat of the branch and canopy OBSERVATORY
BAT CAVE ROOST SPACES
BIRD PERCH
LICHEN COLONY
INSECT HAVEN POND CROSSING EVENING FLOWERS
DISABLED RAMP XENO-STRUCTURE
A timber sheet structure, imitating the enclosed habitat between the bark and cambium
A walkway wrapping around the oak tree, giving perches for predatory birds
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0m
Lighting The lighting scheme here is proposed under the circumstances Greenwich Park decides to lift its no lighting policies and need a plan for the proposed structure. The lighting restriction was put in place to reduce nocturnal wildlife disruption, and because there has been no necessity for public lighting since closing hours of the park are changed to match the time of dusk. The proposal offers protection against light flooding on sensitive areas where nesting occurs like the bird sanctuary and woodland areas, and also the elevated woodland habitats within the deer area. The scheme uses lights at relatively low lumens that mark the edges of space.
Image on the right: Lighting plan Image below: Lighting details
o
0
10
o
70
radial 300 lm shielded LED
37 38
o
cone 100 lm hooded LED
cone 150 lm shielded LED
Nests slightly sensitive to light
Bat coves highly sensitive to light
E0 Dark Zones
Altan R. Dervish University of Greenwich