Masterplan Document
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3, January 2015
MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
Table of Contents: Background Research
Pages 4 - 13
Contextual Studies
Pages 14 - 23
Strategic Policies
Pages 24 - 25
Option Development
Pages 26 - 35
Precedents and Inspiration Page 36 Developing Masterplan
Pages 37 - 49
Notes Page 50
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Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Executive Summary Thamesmead currently lacks soul and aspiration, the uninspiring landscape leaves you feeling disconnected from your surroundings. The structure and texture that the buildings create are harsh on the eyes, producing a monochromatic middle ground. The sense of community has been lost through the rush of everyday life and lack of appreciable and enjoyable space. My response to this is to create a park that acts as an element of connection, through a number of connective features. This connection will aim to link residential areas together to a central point of interest, offering a destination for social, recreational and pleasurable experiences. The park will focus on incorporating functional, interactive and relaxing
areas which will aim to enhance community cohesion and provide an identity to the area. The park will look at the interesting relationship between formality and informality. The formal will be reflected by the use of geometric structure found in the surrounding buildings and hard surfaces. The Informal will be portrayed by imitating the irregularity of nature, through the use of water, landforms or plants. An increase in biodiversity will be created with the introduction of small marshes and lake’s, wildflower meadows, mixed grasslands and varied evergreen and deciduous tree planting. The importance of the promenade space around Southmere lake will be highlighted with a memorable and attractive space maintaining key views out
over the lake. In cohesion with this there will be a connection between land and water with the use of water features and boardwalk areas onto the lake. The design intentions will also focus on addressing access routes, making them more defined and interesting. Year round interest will be provided by herbaceous perennials, specimen trees and shrubs, wildflower and event orientated spaces. In the residential areas there will be elements that correspond with the park and enhance the living space with somewhere to play, socialize and unwind. The existing topography will be adapted to suit the proposed layout and will form a much more playful, dynamic, contrast to the existing surroundings.
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Site Overview Thamesmead is a district of East London, England. A vast housing estate with some peripheral industry, located in the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley on former marshland between Woolwich and Erith. Consisting of mainly social housing, built from the mid-1960s onwards, originally planned to have 60,000-100,000 residents, it is now estimated to be on target for a final population of around 50,000. The area was divided into sectors, of which Thamesmead South was the main housing zone, while Thamesmead East was initially designated for industry and commerce. Thamesmead
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Central offers the majority of the town’s retail facilities but these are woefully inadequate for a settlement of such proportions. Thamesmead North was the last of the municipally built zones, while Thamesmead West later saw private development on a major scale. The first buildings used pre-cast concrete but this was subsequently abandoned in favour of more humane materials. The location today lacks many facilities and interesting features and suffers from a high crime rate.
MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Background Research Culture and Community There are around 100 community groups in Thamesmead meeting on a regular basis, offering everything from sports, faith and education to residents of all ages and ability. The town has a large array of community based events from schools and volunteering groups. The site has also been host to numerous films shot at various locations. The 13 storey tower blocks surrounding South Mere act as a landmark feature of the area. Entertainment facilities are fairly sparse however there are a number of restaurants and cafe’s offering varied cuisines. Currently there are not many suitable open spaces for people to congregate for social, pleasure or entertainment activities. Lesnes Abbey Wood and the Ruins provide the main public space, along with the area leading up to and surrounding South Mere lake which carries on the Green Chain walk through the centre of the site.
THAMESMEAD
Soil Texture: The soil type is a mixture of loamy and clayey soils of coastal flats with naturally high groundwater and freely draining slightly acid loamy soils. pH and Temperature: The soil is acidic being close to the Thames river and Erith Marshes. The pH ranges from 4.83 - 6.42. The soil is deep and relatively moist with average annual temperatures reaching 11.83 °C Hydrology: Thamesmead has been built on Drained Marsh Ground. The whole area is low lying and ground levels are typically 2m to 3m below high water on spring tides. The area is drained by the Marsh Dykes System which includes the Thamesmead, Plumstead and Erith Marshes drainage systems. To the North of the site, Southmere Lake provides the main water catchment area for the site.
Key Loamy and clayey soils of coastal flats with naturally high groundwater. Freely draining slightly acid loamy soils
Demographics
In terms of age, the average age of persons for the entire area of Thamesmead is 33 years old. There is an even mix of age ranges from 20-64. When thinking about the master planning, the age range is important for specifying the needs, wants and uses that might be required to suit the space to all ages.
Map of Thamesmead site area, showing soil types.
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Soil Depth and Profile Diagrams representing the layers of soil within Thamesmead
Profile for area around Abbey wood and Southern Thamesmead.
1.8m - Made ground (brick, ashes etc.)
2.6m - Fill (Ashes, hardcore) Profile for area around South Mere Lake. Northern Thamesmead.
4.0m - Firm brown silty clay
2.7m - Brown sand + gravel
5.6m - Firm brown silty clay
5.5m - Brown sand +gravel+ bands of silty clay
7.8m - Very soft- soft grey silty clay- occ fine gravel
9.7m -
Brown gravel with sand
16.6m - Soft to firm dark brown + black peat 12.3m - Grey silty sand- traces of clay 20.0m - Very loose green to grey silty fine to medium sand- occ coarse sand + fine gravel
39.0m - Loose dense green- grey + brown sand + gravel- occassional cobbles
16.0m - White chalk with flints
Profile for area around Erith, Eastern Thamesmead.
0.25m - Topsoil
1.2m - Firm brown clay + grey silty clay
50.0m - Dense, becoming dense with depth green- grey sandy clay + sand -occassional gravel
1.8m - Firm brown clay + soft grey silty clay 2.3m - Soft grey silty clay Beyond
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- Peat- Base of trial pit
MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Background Research Topography
The site is situated in South East of London between the two boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley. The topography of the site is relatively flat in many areas and lying as it does on the outer fringe of London, it has some relatively large areas of open space.
THAMESMEAD
There is a ridge of higher ground that crosses much of South London and extends across the borough of Greenwich from its high point of Shooters Hill and ends above the River Thames at Belvedere. Where the land then drops down to the old port of Erith and Erith Marshes. The topography is dominated by a series of lakes and canals that serve to drain surface water as well as relieving the starkness of the built environment.
Lesnes Abbey Park
Abbey Woods
A
South Thamesmead
South Thamesmead
Topographic model of the site showing level change from south of the site to north. Relativley flat area in north of the site compared to south where the level changes to 40 meters above sea level. (Not to scale)
Lesnes Abbey Park
South Thamesmead
Green corridor
Lesnes Abbey Park
South Thamesmead
A Topographic map of South Thamesmead and Abbey Wood showing 5 and 25 meters interval countour lines. (Not to scale)
South Mere Image showing difference in topography of the land of South Thamesmead and Lesnes Abbey Park. (Not to scale)
Image showing land undulation with in green corridor linking south and north of Thamesmead. (Not to scale)
Section A-A 1: 6000 shows a significant level change from southern part of the site and relatively flat areas to the north of the site. 7
MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
Background Research Climate Temperature: The average temperature high peaks in July and August at 23°C, Winters are cold but do not reach extreme levels. The average temperature in the winter is 5°C. The average min. temperature is 7.8°C and the average high temperature is 15.3°C
Wind: Prevailing winds come from the west and south west whilst cold winds emanate from the north east. The annual average wind speed is 9.7mph. The multi-storey buildings along the east, north and west side of the site offer some shelter and dictate the airflow passage
NE
Cold Winds
Average Temperatures Min. temp (°C)
18.1 11.6
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Max. Temp (°C)
23.4 23.1
20 15.5
14.6
11.3
8.4 11.8 13.7 13.8 11.4 8.8 8.9 5.8 3.4 3.1 2.7 4.6 5.9 8.1 8.6
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Rainfall: Despite a reputation for being as a rainy city, London along with Thamesmead receives an average of 557mm of rainfall per year. In the summer and autumn brief thunderstorms and heavy rain showers can be common. Statistically late autumn is the wettest time of the year in London with October being the month with the highest rainfall. Rainfall (mm) 70
61.1
60 50
54.3 41.6
40
36.3
40.3
40.1
44.9
47.4
51
57.5 48.4
34.6
20 10 0
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Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul
Prevailing Winds Mist & Fog: The London area has always been prone to fog and mist because of the tidal Thames River, which opens to the ocean. Many mornings have at least some fog or mist by the river. Away from the centre of the city and the river there is much less fog. Mist is more frequent, but is not as thick and does not stay around as long. Most London fogs happen in winter, when the air can’t hold as much water vapour. Foggy mornings in the city usually occur on average around 5-10 days per year.
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Jan
SW
Aug Sep
Oct Nov Dec
With Thamesmead being located close to the Thames and above sea level by around 6-7m it is not uncommon for it to suffer some foggy and misty days throughout the year. Sunshine: Thamesmead receives an average of 1410 sunshine hours per year. The sunniest month is August with an average high of 186.1 hours and the darkest month is January with an average low of 44.7 hours.
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Background Research Micro climate Frost: The site undulates slightly and the large green spaces at Southmere Park and Erith Marshes are prone to frosts with large open expanses.
Warm and Cool Areas: The areas in red show the parts of the site that are built up with housing and commercial buildings which retain heat due to the urban heat island effect. The blue areas are made up of softer organic material and therefore dont retain as much heat caused by people, buildings, vehicles and Co2.
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Research carried out by Fight the Flights shows people living underneath the Thamesmead flight path from City Airport face noise levels of up to 83 decibels. Water In August 2010 there was a major water contamination incident in the Southmere boating lake caused by bluegreen algae. Other pollutants include litter and waste dumped in the water by people.
Lesnes Abbey Woods are protected somewhat from the significant woodland but the soft grass area surrounding the Abbey ruins are exposed. On average there are 28 air frost days annually within the Thamesmead site.
Air Co2 from road and air traffic is the largest air pollutant in the area, generally carbon dioxide levels are low - medium at the location of the site.
Shelter: The high rise residential buildings and commercial buildings provide some shelter from the wind. The woodland at Lesnes Abbey also offers a degree of protection from the South.
Light In the more built up parts of the site light pollution is a common problem, caused by highways, street lighting and residential lighting. To the south at Lesnes Abbey woods and east at Erith marshes the intensity of light pollution is reduced thanks to the large green spaces.
NOISE POLLUTION
WARM AREAS COLD AREAS
Pollution
FROST POCKETS SHELTERED AREAS
Noise: The majority of noise emanates from the A2041 and A2016 which are both dual carriageways and so produce a greater amount of traffiic noise up to and exceeding 75dB. Single lane highstreet roads also produce around 60-70dB. The second biggest noise pollutant to the site is from the air traffic caused by the flight path to London City Airport.
70 - 75+ dB 65 - 69.9 dB
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Background Research Spatial Character TThamesmead Area has mainly homogeneous repetition type of houses. The building structures facilitate a spatial character of enclosure around the areas surrounding them. It has a few open spaces. The largest public open space is found along the Green Chain walk. Other open spaces are Lesnes Abbey Park, Abbey Wood Recreation Grounds, and Erith Marshes. The Photographs show the spatial organisation of Thamesmead. It is mostly confined with narrow paces between the buildings. Most areas around the built up area have little or no green spaces. Some houses do however have back gardens. The use of space in this area is rather monotonous. Along the Green Chain Walk there is a larger portion of green space which creates a contrasting spatial character to that of the built up area. Much of the residential areas are overlooked by two or three storey buildings which limit privacy. In parts, the skyline is dominated by the towering blocks of flats which are difficult to ignore.
Confined
Enclosed
Sloping
Undulating
Angular
Open
Overlooked
Shared
Expansive
Linear
Tall / Dominant
Multi-levelled
The majority of trees in Thamesmead are deciduous species and so the quality of space will change throughout the seasons in wooded areas. More light will penetrate through in the winter with less light and more shade in the spring or summer months, creating a greater sense of height and density.
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Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Background Research Landscape Character
Chaotic, Busy and Fast-Paced
Still, Quiet and Serene
Lesnes Abbey ruins
View of a hill near South Mere lake
Southmere lake
View to the nearby street
Playground along Green chain walk
Horse garazing close to the footpath
One side of Thamesmead in areas of Lenses Abbey and Southmere lake feel quiet and remote, with feelings of serenity these landscapes give a bold impression. Some areas contrast with this causing a chaotic and busy feeling. This is induced by a mixture of different activities happening, with open public space, free roaming and grazing horses, busy roads and a nearby playground.
Monochrome, Dull and Uninspiring
Rough, Cold and Neglected
Walking over a worn, deteriorating bridge
Bassketball court along the path
Bridge with graffiti close to Lesnes Abbey
Looking to South Mere lake
Concrete tower buildings
View to the main road and the apartments on the side
Thamesmead character is very quiet during the working hours of a day, but during weekends the activity increases and changes to the character emerge. The built up areas give a sense of density and the lack of warm colours makes it feel cold. The exposed concrete gives a rough textural feeling, the colours are monochromatic and reflect a dreary day. A repetition of building forms surrounds the landscape around South Mere lake, with the infamous 13 storey tower blocks dominating skyline creating an enclosed feeling. 11
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Background Research Land Use
Green Chain Walk: Section one of the Green chain walk goes from the north of Thamesmead near Castilion primary school. The walk is 3.65km and continues south to Lesnes Abbey Ruins. The green walk connects Thamesmead and runs along the River Thames through Woolwich and Greenwich all the way to London Bridge and the Tower of London. It cuts straight through the centre of Thamesmead and where my chosen site is based.
A map of the Thamesmead site with different areas of Land use shaded.
Thamesmead covers around 4 km2 and consists of over 31,00 people. Most of this sits at the lower end of the social economic level. This is supported by the percentages of terrace housing and apartments. Housing and Educational Areas: Housing and Schools dominate a large part of the land use in Thamesmead. Gallions Housing Associations are the registered landlord in much of Thamesmead and are responsible for all social housing stock as well as management and maintenance of open lakes, parks, a range of road, bridges, sewers and historical infrastructure. There are also local businesses which rent and own buildings. Roads and Transport: Much of the land is covered main and side roads, the A2016 and A2041 cut directly through Thamesmead.
Grazing Rights: There are currently horses that graze on some of the Thamesmead land surrounding South Mere lake. They have been part of a 400 year old tradition where Henry V111 gave the travellers the land to breed horses which they also supplied to him. Gallion Housing trust currently permit land to the travellers at a cost. These areas have currently been fenced towards the back of South Mere Park.
Green Spaces: The green spaces within Thamesmead are entrusted to the Gallions housing association and Trust Thamesmead. They are underused due to fear for public safety. Young children are heavily supervised and there is little in the area to attract older children and teenagers which opens up to vandalism and other crimes. The entrances and accessibility restrict use of the green space from young children and those with disabilities as well as the elderly. South Mere Park and Crossness Park are sites for nature conservation with large areas of grassland and blocks of deciduous trees.
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Key: Green space
Residential flats
Educational
Retail
Water
Community places, buildings and play
Residential houses
Ruins
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Background Research
THAMESMEAD
Lighting: The site consists of galvanised steel and tall, painted steel street lighting, this has also been added to the open green spaces in an attempt to improving the security of the space.
Materiality
Metal barriers: Metal barriers are used in the site as a way to control the type of vehicles that use the paths and to divide spaces as security measures against vandalism and negative use of the space.
Concrete: Thamesmead’s housing schemes were designed in the 1960’s when the Modernist movement was at its pinnacle and functionality was explored by the use form, along with the exploration of new materials, especially concrete. Following these concepts a new architectural style emerged, known as Brutalism which dominates the site. This style is characterized by roughly finished, exposed concrete in buildings. These buildings are set out in modular arrangements and are organized according to their function. Brick: In the South of Thamesmead there are 2 storey family terraced houses that make use of a red clay brick construction, although some now have re-rendered façades. Some of the Concrete residential buildings also have ground floor garages which are also a red clay brick laid facade to stretcher bond. A few of the pathways are also surfaced with a red clay brick with mortar joints.
MASTERPLANNING
Permeable surfaces: Most of the sidewalks and pedestrian routes are in permeable materials such as pre-cast concrete slabs or in concrete hexagonal units. In the open green spaces it is used as the most common material for paving.
Exposed concrete tower blocks
Red clay brick facade on garage level of houses. Impermeable surfaces: Tarmac The majority of surface material for roads and some of the paving is tarmac, as well as some tree pits. Some of the tarmac has deteriorated due to water and soil movement, tree roots and weathering.
Street Furniture: There is a limited amount of types of street furniture in the site and they mainly refer to bollards, a few seats, rubbish bins, playground and sport facilities, behind the majority of these elements are created with painted metal and concrete.
View of the concrete bridge connecting the two sides between a main access road
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015 Fauna
Contextual Studies Site Land Use Analysis
Amenity grass land set in school grounds.
Retaining walls with amenity grass and mature trees on top.
Residential Areas, 3 storey houses and flats, along with
Hydrology/Drainage Lines
Obviously land use is not just defined by human use and there are a number of other species surrounding the site. Most of these are commonly found elsewhere in the country. However there are a few species of water bird that use South Mere lake particularly, including the Greylad Goose, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Cormorant and Mallard. The habitat of these animals should try and be retained as much as possible when considering how to adapt the site in the masterplan.
Main roads, A2041 and side roads cut through residential areas.
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Amenity grass land, currently used for grazing by horses.
South Mere lake, used for boating and host to water birds and other wildlife.
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Contextual Studies Transport Links Roads: Thamesmead’s main roads are the A2016 & A2041 which cut through the centre and provide main access to the road networks, as well as linking to the M25. Trains: Rail routes provide good east – west links through the borough but it is much more difficult to travel north – south. The River Thames presents a barrier in this regard but also provides potential for transporting passengers and freight.
Sloped access from side road and path.
Ramp from tower block housing slopes down to a gate connecting to the site.
Buses: There are also a number of Bus services and stops in Thamesmead that connect with the surrounding boroughs. There are two bus stops close to the entrance of the site.
Public Access There are around 10 ways to access the site, but 5 of these are main direct access routes with pathways and/or steps entering the site.
The main access is the bridge which links residential areas and the Green Chain Walk.
Sloped access from side road, gates open for small vehicle access.
Steps on Eastern side lead from residential area into main site.
Gates act as an access point for residents of tower blocks and around South Mere lake.
Tarmac pathway leads into/out of the site along the Green Chain Walk, connecting the wider landscape. 15
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Looking closer at the chosen area of the site in Thamesmead. I have as part of a site survey plan, mapped the spot heights and contour lines shown below in red along with existing trees in green. The building, road, back garden and bridge context is also shown.
- Existing Trees
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- Contour Lines
Contextual Studies Survey Plan, Topography, Trees, Roads & Buildings (Not to Scale)
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
3-D Digital Model I have created a 3-D model using Sketchup to represent the contours of the specific site l am working on.
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
The land at the site currently creates a large enough visual barrier, splitting either sides of the housing estates. The photos below help to show how there is a bowl effect in the centre of the site and a level area along the promenade. The area fronting South Mere Lake in the image below is relatively level. However the grazing land to the East gradually introduces more inclines.
The topography of the site is not vastly undulating and the highest points range from 5-6m. The most prominent areas of topography are in the centre, where the Green chain walk cuts through.
This area features undulating grass land that is currently used by the horses to graze on. There are subtle height changes of 2-3m.
Level area along the promenade, in front of Southmere lake
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Contextual Studies Site Analysis
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Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Contextual Studies
Frost Pocket areas indicated by shading. These open, soft grass spaces are susceptible to frost during the night and day.
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Secondary pathways run alongside the site acting more as transitional paths than primary routes.
Existing Circulation and Frost Pockets
Primary Circulation Secondary Circulation Tertiary Circulation Access Point
Tertiary paths are used to link primary or secondary pathways.
Primary circulation follows alongside the main road and on the Green Chain Walk. It also follows the main desire line through the site.
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MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
Contextual Studies
KEY: Berberis Hedge
Field Layer
Shrub Layer
Tree Layer
Plant Survey Plan Acer psuedoplatanus
Quercus robur, Acer psuedoplatanus, Betula pendula, Platanus x hispanica Acer psuedoplatanus, Populus nigra Acer psuedoplatanus
Taxodium distichum Acer campestre Platanus x hispanica, Acer psuedoplatanus
Gledistia triacanthos ‘Sunburst, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii, Sorbus aucuparia Aesculus hippocastanum
Alnus glutinosa
Fraxinus excelsior Acer psuedoplatanus
Acer psuedoplatanus, Acer campestre, Betula pendula, Carpinus betulus, Fraxinus excelsior Acer psuedoplatanus
Acer psuedoplatanus, Acer campestre
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Populus nigra
Fraxinus excelsior, Carpinus betulus
Populus nigra, Fraxinus excelsior, Salix alba, Betula utilis var. jacquemontii
Acer psuedoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Alnus glutinosa
Fraxinus excelsior
Populus nigra, Fraxinus excelsior
Tree Layer Acer campestre Acer psuedoplatanus Betula pendula Betula utilis var. jacquemontii Fagus sylvatica purpurea Fraxinus excelsior Gledistia triacanthos 'Sunburst' Populus nigra Sorbus aucuparia Platanus x hispanica Quercus robur Aesculus hippocastanum Carpinus betulus Alnus glutinosa Salix alba Taxodium distichum
Shrub Layer Buddleja davidii Cotoneaster horozontalis Crataegus monogyna Ligustrum ovifolium Prunus laurocerasus Rosa canina Rubus fruticosus Berberis vulgaris Field layer Achillea milliefolium Anthriscus sylvestris Cerastium fontanum Chamerion angustifolium Festuca rubra Geranium robertianum Glechoma hederacea Hypochaeris radicata Jacobaea vulgaris Leucanthemum vulgare Lolium perenne Medicago lupulina Picris echioides Plantago lanceolata Poa annua Rubus obtusifolius Rumex crispus Trifolium pratense Vicia cracca
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015 Lighting provided for pathways, area accessible and used during the night.
Contextual Studies
Tarmac pathway leads out towards Erith Marshes provides a direct route to and from the site.
Site Photo Analysis
An electricity box that feeds power to lights is blatant and undisguised.
THAMESMEAD
Undulating topography provides vistas out of the site and breaks up ugly views of housing estates on the West side.
Deciduous trees open up views through their crowns in colder months and expose the landscape beyond. Seasonal colour created from these trees offers an interest.
Tower blocks symbolize the Thamesmead area but dominate the skyline. Housing estates to the East of the site steal the background views providing unpleasant scenery.
MASTERPLANNING
Key views out towards the lake provide relief from the urban surroundings. Trees recently felled to open up views and allow more light into the area. Compacted grass tracks show signs of desire lines.
Topography creates a desire to explore what lies beyond. Bollards and boulders reveal the need to stop vehicles driving over the grassy areas and are incoherent with one another.
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MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
Vantage point offers good views of the surrounding area but is exposed and overlooked from both sides.
Tarmac pathways provide a suitable surface material and follow the desire lines.
Seating area is uninspiring and limited providing little amenity. The wall seems pointless due to its height and only acts as a divider.
An old cannon signifies a possible historical link but seems out of context with the rest of the site and with no clear signage.
Contextual Studies Site Photo Analysis
Wooden planter’s filled with stone shapes have no relevance and dont offer any aesthetic benefit.
Steep change in levels creates an interesting transitional area.
Flooding of paths shows lack of drainage at specific points. 22
Entrance is lacklustre offering no enticement.
Road adjacent to site creates noise and is visible from inside the site because of the low hedge height.
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Contextual Studies Site Photo Analysis
Open areas are heavily overlooked by housing, there is nothing that defines the space between the houses and the site.
Pathway running alongside houses appears neglected and primitive but provides access links from residential areas.
Bare, unmaintained areas of grass show evidence of vehicle, animal and pedestrian traffic. A drab central plaza offers nothing to promote social interaction.
Bridge connects site to green walk route and is pivotal entrance/exit point. Land drops away dramatically towards the roads and acts as a visual and acoustic barrier.
Distinctive views of tower blocks framed by willow trees, lake provides interaction with wildlife.
The only bench found along the paths is located inconveniently facing towards a housing estate and placed underneath tree canopies.
Pathway follows route of desire line, the large exposed view of the houses is unattractive with nothing to obscure or enhance the space.
Looking into the site there is little to entice people in, the drab buildings behind are clear to see. The boundary hedge looks ragged and dull and offers little function.
The bank drops away quickly to reveal uninspiring views of a side road.
Views out to the wider landscape and towards Erith Marshes. The industrial fumes and wind turbines in the distance act as land markers.
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Strategic Policies Microclimate: The site suffers from a wind tunnel effect caused by the buildings on eastern and western sides. This should be addressed by introducing more blocks of trees and the use of topography and landforms to break the flow. Access: There is the potential to introduce at least 3 - 5 more access points around the site allowing for a greater connection between all the layers (Street, residential, green chain walk). These entrances will have some feature to make them more interesting upon entrancing/exiting. Circulation: The desire lines run directly through the site in a conveniently following the existing pathways. Pathways may be adapted to better suit a design but the desire lines will be retained. Vegetation: The vegetation should aim to attract attention and increase biodiversity. With the use of more wildflower meadows, lakes and marshes. Introducing a large variety of different deciduous and evergreen tree species will help to create a more interesting landscape as well as lure in new and previously unseen species of bird, insect or mammal to the area. Some of the existing tree blocks can also be retained. Use and Function: The park will seek to entice all members of the community and create a central hub for activities, entertainment, events, relaxation, social structure, recreation and environmental and biodiversity concern. It will also maintain a good connection with the Green Chain walk and aim to enhance the stage 1 section which Thamesmead is a part of. The Green Chain will also help create a link to other parks which are set on different stages of the walk.
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Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Strategic Policies Ecology and Biodiversity: Following the Bexley Biodiversity Action Plan 2010-2015, the design will use some of the actions laid out by introducing more: Great Crested Newts - an endangered species which can be further protected with the use of suitable habitats such as marshes, lakes, ponds and reed beds.
SUDS - Sustainable urban drainage systems: There is a good opportunity to introduce SUDS into the site, with the use of marshes, lakes and ponds as a drainage source location as well as using Southmere lake.
Reed Bed Habitat - Introduce reed bed habitat’s to the parts of the park that have lakes, ponds and marsh.
Community Engagement: There are over 100 community groups in Thamesmead as described in the background research, which would make finding volunteers or people for events quite easy. There is a large potential area on the west side of the site which is part of a school, there is an opportunity to transform this land to include more diversity. The school could integrate a curriculum project with wildlife conservation in mind and help with planting trees and plants in the park.
Black poplar - The native black poplar is becoming scarcer in London and so planting more of these trees helps to preserve their numbers Water Vole Species - With the inclusion of further smaller marsh, lake or pond areas it could increase the number of water vole species within the area creating an attraction for visitors.
There could be channels on both the east and west sides of the park which would catch water flow and divert it to these suggested water sources.
Another option open to development is the chance to create an events area in the form of a stage or concert where the local community can enjoy live music or displays. This could be attached to Southmere lake.
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Master Plan Concept Stage Brief:
For the initial master planning stage the brief was to create 3 proposals using 3 indicative words, which were; Celebratory, Reactionary and Connectivity. There were not many constraints to the site other than the fact that it is surrounded by housing which means expansion and removal of buildings or features would have to be sensible and justified.
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These 3 concept mood board sheets helped me develop an idea and understanding of how I would progress my ideas.
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Celebratory
Fun
Organic
Occasion
Commemerative Vibrant
Waves
Flowing
Movement River
Dry
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015 Design Vision:
Celebratory
Original Sketch Concept
The design celebrates the form and flow of a river, reflecting on the close proximity of the majestic River Thames. Organic shaped beds and pathways define the randomized channels that are created from a river. The idea is that it would be a dry river that had receded back into Southmere lake leaving behind boulders and allowing planting to grow as it receded. The design would intend to create an interesting, vibrant communal space that could be enjoyed all year round and enhance upon the first stage of the Green Chain walk
Key Features:
• Boulders - these have a relationship to the dry river bed scenario envisaged in the design vision. They would be scattered in a random formation. • Planting Beds - Dense waves of colourful herbaceous perennial, ornamental grass, wildflower and deciduous and evergreen trees would flow through the park in a soft curvaceous pattern. • Winding Paths - flexible paved paths would meander through the swathes of planting with numerous trails to follow, there would never be a straight line in sight. • Faux Quay - joining onto Southmere lake there would be a quay that contained a restaurant and dining area along with a separate building with a stage for hosting events.
Second Stage Concept
Inspirations:
The designs inspirations come from the artist and garden designer Burle Marx. His bold, extravagance and organic flowing work inspired me to create something similar with the use of swathes richly coloured planting. The other inspiration came from river networks and their channels and the way they form when viewed from above.
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Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Development Stage Final Rendered Plan
Islands of mixed tree and perennial planting give create an interesting dynamic movement through the park allowing for varied routes. Island set into the South Mere lake has floating deck areas used for seating and viewing platforms. Glass structures provide shopping experience and cafe dining.
Mixed deciduous and evergreen trees are dotted in a naturalistic style not following any structured theme.
Curved pathways meander through the park representing the pathways of a river, a symbolic celebration of the River Thames. A Flexible paved surface creates a cheap and easy to maintain pathway that is suitable enough for large pedestrian traffic volume.
A mix of perennials, small shrub and grasses provide an interesting display of flora throughout the park. With hot and cold colours clashing with each other to produce great displays from Spring through till Autumn. In Winter mass bulb planting creates a sea of colour interest.
An array of large to small boulders are sporadically placed and represent a link with what is left behind in a dry river bed. They provide a contrast and a break between the swathes of planting.
Areas of finely cut grass provide a soft alternative to the hard paving surface and coincide with the smooth flow design leading down to South Mere lake.
Thamesmead Project Master Plan Concept Scale: 1:500 Concept No. 002 Ben Skelley, BA Garden Design
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Reactionary
Curved
Repetitive
Radical Odd
Progressive
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Revert Rebellious
Circular
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Reactionary Original Concept Idea
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Inspirations:
The inspirations for this design came from an architectural movement known as Blobitecture which focuses on buildings, forms and structures that are organic in shape and amoeba like. The line of trees act like the walls of a cell, enclosing the nucleus in the centre.
Second Stage Concept
Design Vision:
The design reacts to the harsh geometry that currently exists within Thamesmead and softens it with curvaceous lines. The intention would be that the domed buildings could offer extended shops, business use or be used as bars or restaurant’s. Large grass areas would provide areas for recreation and relaxation whilst a large boardwalk area would offer interaction with the water. The lines of the design expand into the wider residential areas which would act as a connection element to entice and draw people into the park space.
Key Features:
• Domed Buildings - could be used for shops, restaurants, bars, cafe’s, libraries and businesses in a niche location offering a central service to the community. • Grass Circles - would offer a grass amenity space for people to sit and relax. • Tree lines - would break up the skyline and create compartments in which different activities would be screened from view. They would have openings between them to allow for vehicular access if required. • Boardwalk - joining onto Southmere lake and offering extended views of the surrounding landscape this would provide a point of interest for visitors. • Planting Circles - would be filled with wildflower meadows and perennial planting. • Marsh Circles - would be planted with reeds and tie in with the context of Erith Marshes and provide a habitat for certain species. 31
MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
Development Stage
Final Rendered Plan
Theme carries through to residential areas. Trees create height and block out some of the views of the buildings.
A wildflower meadow designed to increase biodiversity and act as an attraction for pollinators.
Taxus baccata hedges, 2.5m high act as a buffer to the roads surrounding the site. Floating deck crosses the South Mere lake and invites visitors to experience the views looking across the lake whilst enjoying refreshment at the glass domed cafe. Wooden boardwalks cross from island to island, with seating situated all around the boardwalks. Grass islands provide a lounging space to relax on a soft surface
A line of deciduous trees follows a black paving line, their organic movement reacts against the geometric structure of the surrounding buildings. Gaps are specifically placed to allow access through to different compartments.
Glass domed buildings provide a space for shops, restaurants and cafe’s to establish. Glass to be tinted somewhat so the sunlight does not become harmful.
Seating circles made from concrete offer a resting point, somewhere to soak of views and outdoor dining space.
Marshland areas create a connection back to the Erith Marshes to the East. Planted with aquatic plants and bamboo around the edges.
Grand lawn areas offer views into South mere Lake and offer space for recreation and relaxation.
Thamesmead Project Master Plan Concept Scale: 1:500 Concept No. 002 Ben Skelley, BA Garden Design
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Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Connectivity Contrasting Linked Shared
Formal
Gateway
Playful
Communal
Biodiverse
Grid Wild
Reflected
Informal Nature
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015 Key Features:
Connectivity Design Vision:
The design acts as an element of connective features, linking residential spaces to a central point of interest within the local area. It is intended to provide an interesting interaction between formality and informality. Taking the formal features of the surrounding building geometry and linking it with the informality of nature and the surrounding landscape of Erith Marshes and Southmere lake. It aims to offer a destination for social, recreational and pleasurable experiences. The park will focus on incorporating functional, interactive and relaxing areas which will aim to enhance community cohesion and provide an identity to the area. A key priority in the design was to maintain the link with the Green Chain walk, to also enhance it by producing somewhere that is worth walking through and taking the time to explore further.
Development Stage
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• Landforms - used to create a connection of informality and provide a buffer and activity space whilst providing an interesting change in heights. • Tree Grids - a formal connective element used to highlight entrance/exit points and provide a unity within the park. • Grand Steps - create an iconic walk down to the promenade and produce a connection between the highest point of the park and the lowest along with sharing a parallel connection with the boardwalk. • Boardwalk and Pier/Stage- joining onto Southmere lake and offering extended views of the surrounding landscape this would provide a point of interest for visitors. There is also a stage area at the end with seating, providing a place to host events. • Promenade - acts as a gathering point with finely cut lawns for relaxation and activity, while a central rill runs through the centre linking the grand steps with the boardwalk and Southmere lake. The area is flanked by grids of trees which define the location. • Small Lakes/Marshes - would be planted with reeds, grasses and bamboos and tie in with the context of Erith Marshes whilst providing a habitat for certain species. • Woodland Walk - with mixed deciduous tree planting and specific autumn interest species.
Second Stage Concept
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Development Stages
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
The finalised plan before rendering was drawn by hand using the development stage sketches and drawing plans as a guide.
Finalised Plan (Before Render)
I progressed the original concept by expanding the landforms to make them more organic in appearance and increasing their size. The centre of the site changed to create a more connected space than the original with the mixing of formal and informal spaces.
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Precedents And Inspirations
Park Riemer
This German park was interesting to me because it provided a similar scheme to what I had intended to introduce. Many of its features I feel are perfectly executed to meet the needs of the community surrounding the area and beyond. The park meets the needs and functions of most people, providing recreation, leisure, play-park areas, a swimming lake and large open spaces for activities and events.
Parc Belleville Parc Citroen
Set in Paris, this park is a formal, modernistic style that makes great use of repetition, grid lines, tree grids and large open spaces.
The grand steps and formal outline of Parc Belleville helped me to envisage how I would go about creating the grand steps in my design and how i could get it to connect to the promenade.
The large square blocks inspired me to introduce them into my design creating an interesting buffer that would provide a landmark feature. The tree grids found in the park also made me think how I could adapt these to my connectivity brief. The clean lines and bold features make this park stand out to me.
The tree grids, land formation, wildflower meadows, and land form play-park were especially influential in creating my design.
Palouse Hills
These hills in North America are naturally occurring landforms that inspired me to create something similar using landmass. The hills are used for farming and In my design the landforms I have created function as buffers, activity areas and aid in biodiversity.
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Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Sketch Development
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Grand steps provide a interesting alternative to a paved slope.
The use of play park landforms made me think about how I could incorporate something similar this into my design,
These mounds will create a place to sit, a visual barrier, a directional flow, leading circulation around a sculptural element in the landscape.
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Hydrology Drainage System
Using SUDS and perforated pipes, to carry surface water run off into lakes, marshes and pond areas.
Circulation
The circulation will be changed to meet the needs of the new access points, however most of it follows the same existing circulation and desire lines.
Primary Circulation Secondary Circulation Tertiary Circulation 38
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Proposed Topography and Contours
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
To demonstrate how I plan to change the levels I created a proposed contour plan. This helped me to understand how I would develop my Sectional drawings using the contours and spot heights.
I wished to change some of the existing levels within the site, to better suit the format of my design intentions. For instance the landforms that I seek to incorporate will create much more diversity to the topography and landscape that is currently there.
The landforms were in keeping with the angle of repose. Based on a 1:3 - 1:5 soil slope ratio to determine their height. 1 Meter height to every 3 or 5 meters length per side.
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MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
Proposed Topography and Landform 3-D Sketchup Model with Contours A 3-D model was created in Sketchup using the proposed contours and levels found in the proposed levels plan. This allowed me to envisage how the landforms and changes would play out on the ground.
Ground Line
5m 4m 3m
2.5m 2.0m
The highest point in the centre of the site is 5m above sea level. The domed shape is subtle but clear to see Around the landforms and lakes the ground sinks and rises, to create more of a dynamic surface and to try avoid the GOLF COURSE syndrome!
The central part of the site maintains a domed topographical appearance. Following similarly to the original contour lines but having been adapted to suit the proposed scheme more effectively.
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Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Proposed Topography and Landform 3-D Sketchup Model with Contours
The small marsh/lake areas would be around 2m deep in the centre, the land surrounding them falls away towards the edges of the lakes.
The topography caused by the landforms creates a valley-like effect whereby the user is walking engulfed into the centre of this valley. The heights of the landforms range from 1 - 6m depending on their size.
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Strategies
Grid of Malus and Prunus fruit trees providing edible planting for residents to enjoy, central space has amenity grass and wooden benches.
Landforms covered in an amenity grass, to be left to grow long as to encourage more wildlife and wildflower. A buffer to the road and sound dampener. Marsh with mixed bamboo, reed and grass margin planting. Providing a habitat for wildlife and an area for surface drainage
Mixed herbaceous perennial planting in raised beds, cold and warm colours mixed together. Planted in a matrix with the use of local Volunteer groups.
Autumn interest tree planting creating a vibrant colour scene, using a mix of Acer, Gledistia, Robinia and Gingko. Tree planting around lakes to be water tolerant, some willow and Poplar.
Large flat amenity grass area suitable for use by the school thats situated next to this part of the site. Functional area for recreation, events and play.
Finely cut amenity grass for relaxation and recreation Large Yew Squares to be clipped square and densely planted to try avoid patches.
Carpinus tree grid at entrance, Y shaped bridge seperates onto two different paths, bridge to be made from concrete to match existing.
Grand steps with central water rill to be made from white in-situ concrete.
Clipped Carpinus trees in grid formation, spherical form to be maintained regularly. Landform provides a buffer to the road noise. Woodland walk area covered in mixed deciduous and evergreen trees, with random spacing. Autumn interest species planted around Cafe area, using Ginkgo, Acer and Robinia. Ornamental grasses, densely planted and overhanging the pathway. Used to enclose the space and create movement. To be left to grow naturally with no pruning providing a suitable habitat for wildlife.
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Ornamental Grasses lead up the path, to be planted randomly and left un-pruned.
Timber framed Cafe, with tiered timber floating deck, to be treated annually.
Mixed indigenous woodland screening belt to be planted by local residents using some trees that fall under Bexley’s Biodiversity action plan.
Mixed wildflower and herbaceous perennial planting beds, separated by angular pattern. To be left to grow naturally, perennials pruned when required. Beds will aim to attract pollinators and increase biodiversity.
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Strategies Mixed woodland screening belt to disguise the houses in view and provide a backdrop.
Made using some of the existing woodland species in the park and added to with similar or identical species.
Permeable, flexible paving surface used as a cheap and low maintenance option with good drainage.
White concrete steps lead up to centre of park, they are flanked by rows of pleached Fagus creating a disguised approach.
Raised planter filled with herbaceous perennials and square yew topiary, to be planted by local residents and volunteers. Playground offers a space for children and parents to congregate and expend their energy in a community environment. Large grass area offers space for recreation and relaxation, to be amenity grass cut finely through the year. A tree grid next to it provides some shade and privacy.
Landforms and undulations provide a playground and activity area with people able to climb, roll down and sit on them with views out into the wider landscpae.
Wooden boardwalk and Stage building, with galvanised steel hand rails, creates a platform for views and events. To have regular orchestrated events by local groups.
Raised rill provides a cool retreat in hot weather and follows the lines of the grand steps. To have drainage surrounding it that links with the rill in the great steps and pumped to circulate water flow.
Grand lawn area provides a place to sit and watch. Finely cut grass maintained through the year. White Concrete paving surface, provides hard, flat area which contrasts with the green planting. Tree grid opens and closes views as you walk through, it defines the area and reflects the geometry of the surrounding buildings. Its use is to screen views and add height to a flat area. Clipped Carpinus formed into spherical shapes and cut when required.
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MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
Final Masterplan Seating Area with wooden rectangular benches fixed to a stone paving surface. Surrounded by a grid of trees to block out views of the houses and create a quiet space to reflect. Finely cut lawn on two sides opens up usage for relaxation and recreation.
Tree Grids are one of the defining connectional features within the park, linking the different entrance and exit points and tying the informal with the formal. These aid in replicating the geometry created by the surrounding resedential buildings. (See Key).
Raised Planting Beds are filled with colourful herbaceous perennials, connecting the resedential housing together through a shared theme. (See key)
Play and recreation area has a finely cut sward and is large, flat and clear enough for play and enjoyment.
Pier and Boardwalk act as a connection of water to the land, a roof top stage overlooks the South Mere lake offering extensive views across the lake and surrounding areas. This would be used for events and as a social meeting place with an open stage area with seating. The structure would be constructed of oak to cohere with the boardwalk. The boardwalk would feature wooden seating areas so that visitors can absorb the views.
Taxus Cubes reflect a connection with the formality of the surrounding buildings through geometry. They act as a dramatic visual buffer to the road and houses whilst adding height to the centre of the site. Designed to be a recognised statement feature.
Grass Squares follow the geometric theme and are kept finely cut and used by people as a soft surface to sit on and enjoy the views looking North towards the lake and South at the blocks of trees.
Grand Steps and Rill create a line of connection with the water. A large statement feature the steps are made from concrete and have shallow walls either side following the route of the steps down to the promenade. The rill in the centre gently drops with the steps allowing the water to flow to the bottom where it is then recirculated back to the Promenade with grids of trees define a it as connectional space whilst finely cut lawns offer a soft surface to sit in on and play. In the centre is a refreshing, raised water Rill that follows the lines of the Grand steps through to the Pier and Boardwalk. Fixed, rectangular stone seating is situated around the edges of the rectangular lawns. The paving surface is a white/grey stone that is level with the rest of the promenade.
Concrete Bridge entrance follows on from the green walk chain and enters the site via two seperate bridges, creating a choice for the visitor. The entrance is dominated by a grid of trees on three sides. These signifiy the start of the connection between, formal and informal, as well as connecting the surrounding resedential areas with the park and nature.
Perennial and Wildlfower beds juxtaposed to produce a ea of hot and cold colours leading down to the promenade. It highlights and defines the grand steps when looking back towards the park from the boardwalk. A great attraction for pollinators.
Woodland Walk flows into a mixed Deciduous and Evergreen swathe of trees. A seperate band of specific Autumnal interest is created by Acer’s, Gingko’s and Robinia’s that highlight the landscape with fiery reds and yellows. Along the pathway up to the Cafe are ornamental grasses that produce an interesting dynamic.
Landforms act as another defining connective feature. Seeking to replicate the natural undulations created by surrounding hills and valleys and to bring nature back into Thamesmead. They are covered in a amenity grass surface and the sward is left long as to encourage more wildlife and wildflowers, but also keep maintenance costs lower. Their heights vary upon the size of the landform and are based on a 1:3 - 1:5 gradient.
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Cafe and Floating Deck provide an idyllic rest stop and social hub. Placed intentionally at the highest point in the park with views looking straight towards the lake. The floating deck offers an outdoor seating space with two levels. Raised Planting Bed lead up to the main park, filled with herbaceous perennials creating various scents as you walk past. Square topiary hedges segregate different sections of the bed. (See Key).
Concrete Steps lead up to the main park, providing a key connection point with the resedential areas signified by the grid of trees. Either side of the steps is a row of pleached Fagus which create a grander entrance approach obscuring the views into the park until the user is a the top of the steps.
Pier Boardwalk made from oak boards connecting the water with the land. A gap in the centre reflects the water rill leading from the grand steps.
Raised Planting Beds with mixed Herbaceous Perennials, a cool colour pallete enhances the resedential spaces drawing people into the main park.
Amenity Grass
Mixed trees of Deciduous and Evergreen species define, screen and connect areas within the park.
Ornamental Grass bands create a smooth flow of movement and reflect the colours of the sunlight at dusk and dawn.
Autumn Interest Trees consisting of various Acer, Ginkgo and Robinia. Add a dramatic effect to the landscape and a statement feature with fiery foliage.
Tree Grids using clipped Fagus or Magnolia, 3-4m high shaped cylindrically.
Marginal Planting consisting of mixed grasses, ferns, reeds and bamboos. Providing a soft edge to the lake, whilst creating a habitat for wildlife to thrive.
Playground made using plastic and wooden materials, situated within a resedential space that leads up towards the main park.
Small informal lake flanked by landforms. The margins are planted with water tolerant reeds, grasses, ferns and bamboos to add interest and soften the edges. An enticing and serene location for wildlife to inhabit. It creates a connection with the Erith Marsh land in the distance. The land around the lake is undulating creating a playful and interesting contrast to the level promenade.
Thamesmead Project Master Plan Proposal Scale: 1:500 Drawing No. 002 Ben Skelley, BA Garden Design
MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
1:2000 Concept Master Plan Th a Re me s se de mea nt ial d an & d Co Ab be m m er y W cia o l C od E on x ne ten d cti on ed
Thamesmead Extended Resedential & Commercial and Industrial Connection
CONNECTIVE CONCEPT: A connection between formality, informality and nature that links direct resedential areas through the use of connective elements. The park is situated in a convenient position as it connects South Mere Lake to the Green Chain walk.
CONNECTIVE ELEMENT: TREE GRIDS
A series of Tree Grids are positioned at key locations within the site. They reflect the formal structure of the Thamesmead buildings and structures. The grids are found at entrances/exits and hotspot locations to signify the connection between the park and its surroundings.
Direct Resedential Connection
Connection Abbey Wood Extended Resedential & Green Walk
Ab be yW Co oo mm erc d Ex ten ial an de dI nd d Re us sd tria en ti lC on al & ne ctio n
The Landform features immitate the undulations and irregularities of the natural landscape. They are designed to connect different areas of the park with nature and informality.
Erith M arshes Exten & Res ded W dentia ildlife, l Conn Industr ection ial
CONNECTIVE ELEMENT: LANDFORMS
Thamesmead Project
Concept Master Plan Scale: 1:2000 Drawing No. 001 Ben Skelley, BA Garden Design
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MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
Sketches A landform to the left hides the view of the road and buffers noise.
A large grid of trees greets you as you come over the bridge. The modified bridge is shown with two entrance/exit points that lead on different paths.
Sketch 3: Residential Connection
Sketch 1: Entrance
Following the right side of the Y shaped bridge entrance, you come to the woodland walk which has a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees, as well as autumnal interest from Acers, Gingko’s and Robinia.
In the background is the Cafe and a large Yew square.
Flexible paving path is flanked by dense, ornamental grass planting, spilling over the path.
Finely cut lawns in the centre follow the lines of the Grand Steps down to the promenade. This is the highest point of the park overlooks surrounding areas with great visual vantage of South Mere lake
There is a grid of trees to the left linking in with the other areas, directly ahead are 3 Yew squares which tower above everything else in the park
Sketch 2: Woodland Walk 46
Sketch 4: The Centre
A large set of steps creates a grand approach, flanked either side by pleached Fagus to obscure views into the park until you have reached the top.
Coming from part of the residential housing estate you are greeted with a grid of trees that signify an entrance point into the park.
A gradual slope for disabled access to and from the promenade along with a mix of perennial and wildflower planting spilling over from the left.
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Yew Squares which contrast with the organic movement seen to the right with the wildflower and landforms.
Sketch 5: Grand Steps
A finely cut lawn either side of the raised Rill makes for a great space to relax and enjoy both the views and weather.
Sketch 6: The Promenade
Grand steps lead down to the promenade and are in direct alignment with the Pier/Stage and Boardwalk.
A central rill flowing down the centre which follows the same line all the way through to the lake, a raised section is sat at the top of the steps.
Promenade has a raised Rill which follows on from the central rill in the Grand Steps.
A landform in view to the right with mixed trees in the background. A grid of trees follows the lines set out on the promenade with openings for people to walk through to the lake area beyond.
Looking back at the Grand Steps down the boardwalk, there is a clear view through the centre of the park.
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD Tree grid defines area, creating a buffer between the road and a point of interest at an entrance/exit to site.
Sketch 7: The Boardwalk
Meandering paths lead around the park and through to Erith and following the Green Chain walk.
A view looking East showing the landforms acting as an imitation of a natural hilly landscape. Deciduous trees grace the tops and background of the landforms
Sketch 6: Landform and Lake
The boardwalk is made of treated timber, with the hand rails made from galvanised steel.
Small lake with margins covered in grasses, reeds, ferns and bamboo planting. 47
MASTERPLANNING
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
THAMESMEAD
Sections A-A & B-B (Not to Scale) Marginal water tolerant grasses, ferns and reeds surround the lake creating an ecological habitat as well as softening the lake edges. The still lake is to be around 1.5 - 2m deep, it offers a tranquil setting with weeping Salix gently rustling in the wind.
Blocks of deciduous and evergreen trees surround the lake obscuring views into and out of the area, some overhang the pathway providing walks with shaded periods. The trees help to add some height to flatter areas surrounding the pathways and recreational grass areas.
Landform buffers views of resedential buildings, sounds and unsightly views of the road producing a rolling hill/valley picturesque landscape. The grass would have a relaxed maintained regime to allow for increased biodiversity. Undulating ground surrounds the landform making its appearance more in keeping with a naturally formed mound.
Flexible paving pathway leads around a lake and takes visitors from the road on a nature walk through, blocks of deciduous trees, grassland, and recreational grass spaces. Focal points along the pathway can be seen through openings in the blocks of trees that look over the lake and beyond.
Section A-A
A grove of mixed deciduous trees which seperate two sides of the park. They are a defining feature in Autumn and Winter with an explosion of colour as the leaves begin to fall. An immersive woodland walk experience is possible with a path meandering in between two groves of trees that connects both sides of the park.
Native deciduous trees create a subtle backdrop that screens the view of the houses beyond. A mix of different sized trees allows for height fluctuations which would induce a sense of movement reflecting that of the ornamental grass layer below.
Landform acts as a visual and acoustic buffer to the road whilst creating a sense of enclosure from space outside the park. The surface is layered in a amenity grass sward which would be left to grow longer to provide a more naturalistic feel and allow for more biodiversity from insects and wildflowers.
Dense band of ornamental perennial grasses either side of the pathway lead up to the cafe. They create a sense of flow and movement in the wind as they wisp back and fourth subtly glowing in the setting sun. Pathways to have lighting for night time walks through the park.
Thamesmead Project Section B-B
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Sections A-A & B-B Scale: 1:100 Drawing No. 004 Ben Skelley, BA Garden Design
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Sections C-C & D-D (Not to Scale)
A gradual slope with flexible paving leading up to the centre of the site providing an alternative access route thats compatible for the elderly and disabled. Flanked by a grass landform and trees on one side and a sea of wildflower and Herbaceous Perennials on the other.
Herbaceous Perennials and wildflower planting beds follows the countours of the site and offer peak seasonal interest from Spring through till Autumn. A mix of rich, cool colours and lighter, hot colours create an interesting visual point best viewed from a distance. The wildflower provides an ecological source for pollinators to thrive and is low in maintenance.
Grand steps lead a dramatic descent from the centre of the site down to the main promenade. The view from the top offers great views of the surrounding site and beyond. Separating the two sides of the steps is a wide and shallow cascading rill which leads down to the waters edge.
Section C-C
Mixed marginal planting creates a habitat for wildlife and provides an attractive blanket of texture along the borders of the small lake.
Grid of deciduous trees 3-4m in height, cut and formed into cilindrical shapes adding uniformity, height and a connection with the other areas of the site. Laid out on finely cut amenity grass surface. They provide a key connection following the geometric, rigid, formality of the surrounding building structures.
Paved walkways in white/grey stone provide a level surface through the tree grids which is juxtaposed with the surrounding grass surfaces and trees.
Part of one of the grand lawn squares that offers a visual contrast between the paving, and offers a soft finely cut sward for recreation and relaxation. Set on level ground with good drainage leading away from the promenade.
Section D-D
Thamesmead Project
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Sections C-C & D-D Scale: 1:50 Drawing No. 005 Ben Skelley, BA Garden Design
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MASTERPLANNING THAMESMEAD
Ben Skelley - BA Garden Design - Year 3 January 2015
Acknowledgments/Notes
References: Thamesmead Group Document - Ben Skelley, Carlos Pinto, Chrissy Fitzpatrick, Gwen Macheka, Lukasz Wisz, Ewa Quiroga Carvajal, Rob Beckett, Stuart Towner & Theo Kidman Bexley County Council. (2011). Bexley Biodiversity Action Plan 2010-2015 . Available: http://www.bexley.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=9251&p=0. Last accessed 18/01/2015.
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