Individual Urban Design

2021 | MArch Year 1 Semester 1

Building on the masterplan generated during the group stage of the project, I sort to explore the lower portion of the site which had been named the Community Hub. Seeking to investigate how this area could become a hinge for the scheme and possibly the wider area of Dingle the space was considered as comprising of two elements performance and spectacle.

The performance element of the scheme would be the main driving force behind encouraging community engagement on a wider scale to hold events and performance for the community to enjoy. With a lack of community engagement identified in the earlier phases of the project, this has remained a key driving force throughout the process. An outdoor performance space also relates strongly to current global issues as many indoor venues are forced to close. The provision of this space as one of the only outdoor venues within Liverpool will help to create a hinge drawing people into the area.

The spectacle element of the scheme offers visual connections to the surrounding area whilst also providing views over the scheme itself. Consisting of a network of terraces connected via a walkway which allows users of the area to negotiate the cliff present on-site allowing free movement from the upper areas of the group masterplan and Dingle down into the performance space, further connecting onto Sefton Street.

Proposed Masterplan

Concept Sketch

Section A-A

Performance

The performance aspect of the scheme is centred around the idea of community engagement allowing the wider community to come together throughout the year.

This is done through the use of a performance space which can be used by community groups to hold events and shows alongside hosting movie screening events throughout the year. The area also incorporates space for rehearsal and the production of any props required for the performances. The amphitheatre itself is capable of being run all year round with the provision of a removable canopy to allow performances to continue during adverse weather conditions. Supporting these events are a selection of food markets run by local community members who manage the entire process of food production from crop growth in the vertical farms to food preparation then to point of sale.

Performance Diagram

Performance Visuals

Spectacle

Spectacle within the scheme is considered as the views obtained whilst traversing the ramp through the artificial forest. The artificial forest is created to provide glimpses of four key vistas through the trees: Herculaneum Key, Port Sunlight River Park, Welsh Mountains, Rock Ferry Promenade. Each of these vistas offers a different visual stimulant throughout the journey which will constantly change throughout the seasons and as the artificial forest matures.

Along the route are five platforms positioned to capture the aforementioned views and allow points of rest. These platforms are home to several covered seating pods allowing occupants to inhabit for smaller social gatherings. The artificial forest is produced by transplanting a series of trees such as Maple, Elm and Oak the diagrams to the right show the planting locations for each of these species and the height of each specie considered for transplanting alongside project growth.

Rock Ferry Promenade Port Sunlight River Park

Scheme Herculaneum Quay