Urban planning Project

WILDLIFE SENSATION

REWILDING THE UPPER DON AND PARK WOOD SPRINGS LSC5010

ATHANASIOS TSALIKIDIS

LIKUN FAN

LINSHAN LU

MIN WU

RUOHAN SUN

BASELINE DATA ANALYSIS Open space and green network

Habitats

Biodiversity sensitivity

Longley park View link

Hillsborough park Habitat link

Reo Woods Habitat link Burngreave Cemetery and Abbeyfield Park Culture link

Inside the site Amenity Greenspace Cemeteries and Churchyards Natural and Semi-natural Green space Outdoor Sports Facilities Outside the site Allotments Amenity Greenspace Cemeteries and Churchyard Natural Semi-natural Greenspace Outdoor Sports Facilities Parks and Gardens Provision for Children and Young People

Transport and circulation

Park wood springs has a series of sensitive fragmented biodiversity hot spots.

An existing heathland patch

River Don A target habitat in the local bio-action plan Surroundings Semi-natural woodland Plantation woodland Heathland Acid grassland Improved grassland Tall herbs and fern - tall ruderal Tall herbs and fern - bracken

Land use of built environment

The cargo train line that seldom in use has the potential to be train tour line.

Low: 0.2

Topography and hydrology

Most flooded area Potential to be a flood plain compensation

Industry and business is the dominant usage along the river.

Employees in the industries need recreational green space.

Super tram line A61 core road Train line Trails in parkwood springs Road inside Road outside River Don Existing entrance to parkwood springs Tram stop Places lack of accessibility

High: 4.3

To the east of the site are massive dwellings.

The residents there is one kind of the main potential users.

Vacant and derelict places along the river provide space for the new usage.

More entrances are needed at west.

Potential new entrance

Cemetery with woods and brackens High value in biodiversity

Make the area more accessible with minimum human interference on wildlife.

Exsiting trails provide a various of spatial experience thus need to be kept and extended.

River Don and adjacent field has the highest value of biodiversity sensitivity.

Commanding spot Excellent view point for panoramas of the site and city River Don Medium risk of flooding High risk of flooding Flat area Commanding spot Ciff 380m

River Don Residential Vacant and derelict Industry and business Community service Recreation and leisure Retail Transport-car park Utilities and infrastructures

40m

1&2. Cliffs and steep slopes Not suitable for route, and limited tolerance of plants.

CONCEPT GENERATION: Wildlife Sensation OPEN SPACE AND GREEN NETWORK

HABITATS

TRANSPORT AND CIRCULATION

BIODIVERSITY SENSITIVITY

TOPOGRAPHY AND HYDROLOGY

LAND USE

Activate the biggest green patch Make use of vacant and derelict Improve the resistance stability of river among the surrounding green spaclands Don by introducing wetland habitats.

Connect the fragmented habitats Limit the accessibility of vehicle in Provide new recreational functions es. and make an integrated eco-system eco-rich zones. according to the land use.

Enlarge the precious heatherland Enhance the pedestrain accessibility and fernland between River Don and park wood springs.

Rewilding the area by enhancing the ecological network.

Solve the flooding issue in a landscape way.

Use the topography to provide various recreational experience.

Create opportunities for people to sense the wildlife.

WILDLIFE SENSATION HEARING

TASTE

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

1. Capitalize on Upper Don’s vast scale to improve regional nature resources

SMELL

TOUCH

SENSATIONAL WILDLIFE

SIGHT

ACTIONS

INSPIRATIONAL IMAGES

• Improve the existing habitats; • Enhance or establish green links within the site and connect the site with surrounding green infrastructures; • Preserve and attract local wildlife.

Proposed green links Surrounding green space

2. Consider the flood prediction, prevention and mitigation.

3. Cherish the cultural and natural heritage on the site

• Develop flood plain compensation by extending the wetland in most-flooded area; • Create pocket parks in densely-built area along the river to collect hard surface runoff; • Provide green roof to some service buildings, and sustainable drainage system.

Floodplain

Green roof

Habitat on site

Riverside pocket park

• Celebrate cultural heritages : cemetery, industrial remains and landmarks, the River Don; • Preserve natural heritages : Heathland, ancient woodland, wetland habitat, local dominant species.

Existing industrial remain (Pipes, Gas holder)

4. Establish strong connection between nature and people, wildness and visitors

• Create recreational and educational opportunities, by providing eco-educational workshops, allotments; • Make the wildness more approachable and sensational by awakening 5 senses of people.

5. Introduce development into site to make a self-sufficient urban wildscape

• Provide wildflower allotments to let people grow their own wildflowers • Build wildflower nursery and shop sell the ‘wild products’ to public; • Develop within the Upper Don and Parkwood Springs of multi-functional uses to make income from the site; • Change the existing sport field into a multi-functional event lawn for rent.

Existing heathland

Cemetery

Eco-educational work- Wildflower allotment shop

Edible forest

Wildflower to sell

Event lawn

Art studio for rent

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WILDLIFE SENSATION

REWILDING THE UPPER DON AND PARK WOOD SPRINGS LSC5010

ATHANASIOS TSALIKIDIS

CASE STUDIES

LIKUN FAN

LINSHAN LU

MIN WU

RUOHAN SUN

LandschaftsPark Duisburg Nord Duisburg, Germany

DESCRIPTION Former industrial land transformed in a wildlife park epitomizing innovative approach to the urban cultural landscape.

Nature Park Sudgelande Berlin, Germany

AIMS - Highlight industrial heritage - Reestablish ecological functioning as habitat for wildlife.

- Keep & reuse existing industrial structures - Reduce maintenance costs & keep energy inputs low.

DESCRIPTION Former switchyard inside the urban cloth.

AIMS - Combine natural dynamics & controlled processes.

- Public access without endangering habitats & wildlife.

STRATEGIC KEY ELEMENTS - Site is not accessible throughout, with complex network of paths with different surfaces.

- Program of bioremediation & on-site materials recycling.

- Fields of vegetation- woodland-like groupings of tres, pioneer plants & prairie meadows.

- Former workers participate in parks operations.

- Create environmental art installations.

STRATEGIC KEY ELEMENTS - Conserve industrial remains, landmarks & artifacts - Urban-industrial nature is both protected & managed.

- Areas are divided in nature conservation site & landscape protection site.

-Strategic masterplanning following 3 principles: Space typology, Access, - Preserve natural & cultural elements.

Fresh Kills Park New York, USA

DESCRIPTION - Former largest worldwide landfill area.

- 45% landfill & 55% creeks, wetlands & open fields.

AIMS - Combination of wildlife & engineered beauty - Public access - Economic development - Biodiversity conservation & enhancement - Present high environmental character & emphasize ecological factors.

STRATEGIC KEY ELEMENTS - 3 coordinated systems: Habitat, Program/Actions, Circulation - Vegetation development is part of the design process.

- Designated paths and trails provide access in protected areas.

- Allow resources for long-term aftercare of the landscape.

Shelby Farms Park Memphis, USA DESCRIPTION One of the largest urban parks in USA with rich biodiversity, which was previously used as a farm.

AIMS - Improve pedestrian circulation - Enlarge wetland habitats - Ecological improvement & biodiversity (One Million Trees Project) - Diversity & richness of different areas.

STRATEGIC KEY ELEMENTS - Maintenance operations promote sustainability.

- Dynamic & flexible masterplan according to realistic phases, make the park adaptable to changes.

- Program of public & large-scale recreational activities.

- Mosaic of habitat types

ASPECTS OF STRATEGIC PLAN Five senses strategic plan

Programs strategic plan TASTE Edible forest species: - Chestnut trees - Oak trees - Crab apple trees - Elder trees - Hawthorn trees - Blackberry - Fig trees

Taste: Edible forest In the cemetery Taste: Edible forest

Cemetery

Taste: Edible forest Smell: Fragrant meadow in ecological restoration area

Taste: Edible forest

Hearing: Event activities(fireworks) Sight: Panorama view point

Touch: Eco-educational workshop Hearing: Wetland bird fauna Touch: Wildflower allotment & nursery

Smell: Wildflower meadow Taste: Edible forest & allotments Sight: Art installations

Touch: Industrial park TOUCH Provide different materials on pathways (mud,gravel,bricks, wood,leaves) to make people feel different spaces.

‘Sight’ node

Event lawns

Water leisure parklets

Eco-educational workshop wildflower nurseries Picnic area

Industrial park/ Art installations

‘Taste’ node ‘Smell’ node

High intensive area Active recreation areas Passive recreation areas Waterfront experience Train tour stations

‘Hearing’ node

Program features Visitor centre

‘Touch’ node

Habitat strategic plan

Eco-restoration area Hilltop overlooks

Wetland centre

Circulation strategic plan

Land use of buildings strategic plan

EXISTING River Don Residential

Multi-layered woodland Light high woodland Fernland( braken) Tall ruderal Grassland Meadow Heathland Wet woodland Fenland Wet meadow Landfill( restoration details on page 3)

• Turn landfill into an ecological restoration area providing a vital biodiversity hot spot for rewilding the broaden area.

• Link patches of fragmental woodland together and extend existing grassland and heathland, forming an ecological network between the site and the surrouding gren spaces • Enhance the green corridor along the River Don, creating a series of wetland habitats to provide leisure and recreational prevent the flooding risk.

Train station Main entrance Entrance Primary vehicle Secondary vehicle Primary pedestrian Secondary pedestrian Trail Board walk Bridge Rail line

• New entrances provide easier vehicular and pedestrian accessibility into the site, focusing on the connection of Upper Don with Parkwood Springs as a whole.

• Provide pedestrian routes with recreational paths along the River Don and elevated boardwalks above the ecological restoration (landfill), enhancing the circulation from west to east.

Vacant & derelict Industry & business Community service Recreation & leisure Retail Transport (car parks) Utilities & infrastructures PROPOSED Industry & business Recreation & leisure Retail Transport (car parks)

• Light industries in Neepsend are introduced to encourage the industrial heritage, without affecting the biodiversity network.

• New land uses in derelict buildings focus on ecology, multi-functional recreations,education and research.

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WILDLIFE SENSATION

REWILDING THE UPPER DON AND PARK WOOD SPRINGS LSC5010

ATHANASIOS TSALIKIDIS

LIKUN FAN

LINSHAN LU

MIN WU

RUOHAN SUN

STRATEGIC MASTERPLAN

5 Senses

Legend Main entrance Secondary entrance Existing road Strategic road Car park Strategic path Path along river Railway Proposed rail stop Existing landmark

Circulation

River corridor Proposed flooding plan Green corridor Enhanced activity node Proposed activity node

Program

Existing buildings Surrounding green space Proposed commercial area Proposed office/works area Proposed industrial park Enhanced industrial area Enhanced commercial area Existing woodland Woodland extension Existing heathland Heathland extension Existing acid grassland Proposed grassland & meadow Existing sport patch Proposed wetland Landfill (ecological conservation area)

Land use

Strategic key elements

Scale 1:10000

• Contrasting nature with artistic elements highlights both nature & culture • Diversity in potential ecotypes & plant species with native plantings.

• Improve and reuse historical remains, making them landmarks for the area (Wardsend Cemetery, Gas Works ). Refine the surrounding landscape, providing new experiences for visitors.

• Celebrate areas industrial past by integrating vegetation, industry and recreation, promoting sustainable development & maintaning the spirit of the place.

Habitat

LANDFILL RESTORATION PLAN

The area was severely destroyed by landfill operations, creating a completely barren land. In the first stage, pioneer species for meadows (Leymus arenarius & Agropyron pungens) are introduced to improve the soil condition. Tree plug planting, in overlapping ecotonal bands on existing soil, is introduced in order to start building the woodland rim and diversify the grassland ecotopes. Accessibility is not provided at that stage in order to minimize the impact in the ecological restoration.

protected area

accessibility scenic area

The site phasing strategy has 4 main objectives: • Increase soil quality and quantity while ensuring structural stability.

• Reintroduce native plant communities capable of building a diverse seed bank and establishing a robust cover.

• Create a compelling and achievable development that will provide access and circulation through the site & initiate broad-based active use of the landscape.

• Minimize maintenance requirements and costs, while complying with regulatory requirements.

With the soil condition improved, the pioneer trees expand and heathland appears as secondary phase.

Circulation is restricted to a specific part, in order to bring visitors to the site but not affect habitats creation, especially heathland which is very vulnerable.

protected area

Phase 1 Visualization

accessibility scenic area

DIVERSIFICATION OVER TIME

protected area

When the soil is improved and the woodland habitat is stabilized, local species, like Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) and Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa ), begin to reconstruct the ecosystem and enrich biodiversity. Elevated boardwalks bring people closer to different habitats providing natural experiences and biodiversity protection.

Phase 2 Visualization

Phase 3 Visualization

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WILDLIFE SENSATION

REWILDING THE UPPER DON AND PARK WOOD SPRINGS LSC5010

ATHANASIOS TSALIKIDIS

LIKUN FAN

LINSHAN LU

MIN WU

RUOHAN SUN

SUBSITE MASTER PLAN Legend

Grassland

Train line

1

Industrial plaza

7

Light industries

13

Picnic glade

Woodland

Vehicle circulation

2

Restraunt / Cafe

8

Administration offices

14

Sport field

Heathland

Pedestrian circulation

3

Art studios

9

Bridges/tunnel

15

Train station

Proposed new buildings

4

Visitor centre and ecoeducational workshop

10

Parking

16

The "Boy and the Bird" sculpture

Existing buildings

5

Wildflower shop

11

Park facilities

17

BMX Park

Hard surface

6

Art galleries

12

Event lawn

18

Pipes

Wildflower meadow Wildflower nursery Wildflower allotment

14

9 2

15

1 10

10

4

11 3 6

3 6

3

2

4 12

6

9

11

10 8

13 5

18 3 3

3 3 3

7 7

17

9

7 7

7 7

16

10

Scale 1:2500

Building density plan

Circulation plan

low

high

space utilization proposed building footprint existing building footprint

Building footprint Parking area Vehicle road Primary pedestrial path Secondary pedestrial path Pedestrial trail Railway Surrounding vehicle road

Before

After

Pipe: The area around the pipes is developed into an industrial park with art installations. Art studios and recreational facilities will form a new artistic and cultural centre on the site. The site is a transition point from the dense built environment of Neepsend to the Parkwood Springs Park.

Before

Aerial View After

Event lawn: The sports field is changed into a multi-functional event lawn. By providing more accessibilities and surrounding facilities (such as cafĂŠ and parking area), the field could be rented out for a variety of events.

Before

After

Meadow zigzag: The wildflower meadows on the south-faced slope form a dramatic view from Upper Don. A zigzag pedestrian through the meadow according to the existing landform provides an amazing experience through the wildflowers and a glimpse of the heathland. The wildflowers and seeds are also available for visitors in the wildflower shop.

Before

After

Allotment: The wildflower allotment on the site allows people to rent land to cultivate their own plants, providing recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors. People will be able to sell their products in the wildflower shop in order to reduce maintenance costs. In this way, not only the relationship between nature and people will be promoted, but also sustainability achieved.

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