Bermondsey Retrofitting: Sensorial Path Calila Ponte
Calila Ribeiro da Ponte . k1557060 . Studio 10
Fig.1 Derived from Waterways and flood map, Thames Basin in MArch unit 4 and MA Landscape, Thames Edge Transitions, Kingston University London (2015)
Bermondsey Retrofitting: Sensorial Path
How can landscape architecture lead to socially cohesive places and add ecological value to cities?
6
Abstract
Having as a starting point London and the River Thames, the intention is to explore the urbe in order to identify a site to test the research question. The River Thames is the heart of London, through the eras it has been a fulcrum element of the urbe. Its functions are immensurable, from a means of transport to a defensive barrier, not forgetting the water cycle regulation functions and a source of aliment for fauna. The river is London’s identity, it would never be such a metropolis without the presence of this great tidal river. ‘It is the golden thread of our nation’s history’ 1
How can landscape architecture lead to socially cohesive places and add ecological value to cities?
Having this question in mind the methodology of ‘derive’2 is used to perceive the space and explore the city. This valuable analysis methodology tool induce several registers namely: video, annotations, drawings, photos. Through this project a spontaneous flow was a constant in order to discover a sector of the city that had the characteristics to answer the proposed design question: Bermondsey – South East London.
1 - Winston Churchill 2 - Careri Francesco, Land & Scape series, Walking as an aesthetic practice, Barcelona (2002) - see full definition in glossary
7
Table of Contents Abstract Research Question 10 Informing the Project 01 13 Chapter one: Derive Methodology
15
Derive I
16
Derive II
16
Thames River Section
18
Urban Voids
20
Identified Typologies
22
Study Sections
23
Informing the Project 02 27 Chapter Two: Test Bed Site Context 29 Bermondsey Disconnected Open Spaces
30
Identified Edges and Nodes
31
Dominant Land Use
32
Pedestrian Movement
34
Impermeable Surfaces
34
Permeable Surfaces
35
Surface Water Circle
35
Phasing Plan and Design Drivers
37
Informing the Project 03 39 Chapter Three: Bermondsey Linear Park 41 Existing Fragmentation
42
Proposed Connectivity
43
Existing Intervention Sites
44
Existing Sections
46
SWOT Analysis
52
Design Concept : Osmosis
53
Proposed Character
54
Proposed Programs of Use
55
Design Evolution
56
Master Plan
60
Proposed Shrubs and Herbaceous
62
Existing and Proposed Trees
64
Proposed Hard Surfaces
66
Birds Eye View . Existing
68
Birds Eye View . Proposed
70
Cherry Gardens a Playful Promenade
72
The Street Market
74
The Sensorial Garden
76 8
Informing the Project 04 79 Chapter Four: Focus area A - Wetland Pier 83 Existing Context
84
Design Evolution
86
Master Plan
88
Wetland Pier facing West
90
Wetland Pier facing South
92
Wetland Pier facing North West
94
Section DD and Details
96
Planting Plan
100
Seasonal Sections
102
Chapter Five: Focus area B - Social Hub 107 Existing Context
108
Design Evolution
110
Master Plan
112
Overview . 1
114
Orchard . A
114
Contemplation Area . C
115
Water Bodie . D
115
Overview . 2
116
Art exibition . Multi-purpose Space
117
Contemplation Area . Productive Climbers
118
Section FF and Details
119
Orchard and Productive Climbers . Section GG
120
Reflection 123 Appendix 01: Wider Context 124 Appendix 02: Test Bed Site Context 132
9
Research Question
How can landscape architecture lead to socially cohesive places and add ecological value to cities? As a landscape architect my focus lies in several different points that can lead to a more sustainable urban environment. As I see it designing spaces for people encompass social inclusion, pedestrian areas, playscapes (p.147-149)3 and ecological sustainable spaces because people need all of those factors in equilibrium in order to be fully functional and integrated. Our environment shapes us in the same proportion that we shape our environment. Our typical city is built around the car, massive viaducts, busy streets and parking lots. It is time to change and to give place to more walkable cities, as designers we can lead the way to integrative projects. The aim with this project is to identify an urban area in a transitional situation, Bermondsey is the perfect bed test site due to its inherent characteristics and the current development occurring. It is a mixed development neighbourhood that is being gentrified at a fast pace. The dominant land use is diverse, from schools to light industrial developments. It is a multicultural and intergenerational ward, full of potential. The investigation interest lies in create connections and interactions, provide a communal space for all, that use the existent infrastructural web of the urbe and enhances it.
3 - Lacovini in Colafranceschi Daniela, Land&ScapeSeries: Landscape + 100 words to inhabit it , Gustavo Gili, Barcelona (2007) - see full definition in glossary
10
Retrofitting is a concept that generates this intervention along with connectivity and the creation of spaces for people. The aim is to create an integrative design, a linear park connecting the urban tissue to the river front, having in mind the situationist movement 4 and the wayfinding theory by Tim Ingold 5 this linear park intends to be interactive and playful, a journey that stimulates the senses.
4 - Sadler Simon,The situationist city, MIT, London (1998) - see full definition in glossary 5 - Ingold Tim, Being Alive Essays on movement, knowledge and description, Routledge, Oxon (2011) - see full definition in glossary
11
12
Informing the Project 01
Analysing the wider regional context6 it is possible to apprehend that the focus area is rich in terms of effluents and small water bodies, in regards to the type of soil is mainly flood plain soils and low level gravels. It is a highly urbanized area with some green open spaces and many park opportunities. In terms of health there is an average of 72% of healthy population in the borough nevertheless the percentage of homes with poor access to nature is very high reaching almost 80%. The main pedestrian paths are the Thames Path and the Greenway walk it has several museums, galleries, theatres and world heritage sites such as the London Bridge and the Tower of London among others. It is an extremely floodable area having almost 50.000 dwellings at risk. Considering the data available it is possible to conclude that the area in study would benefit with an increase of green and permeable spaces allowing people to have access to nature in their neighbourhood and connecting this spaces with the existing green grid framework. These permeable and biodiverse places are an important component towards mitigating flood risk, they allow water to complete its circle replenishing the aquifers and avoiding runoff and consequent flash foods. Creating this connections will stimulate the establishment of green corridors necessary for the avifauna proliferation and subsistence. Generate spaces for people, integrated in their context and tailored for their necessities.
6 - Refer to appendix 01 for further information on the regional context
13
14
Chapter one: Derive Methodology
Driven by the interest of designing spaces for people the derive was a major component of the project analysis. Influences such as the situationist movement and the act of dwelling by Tim Ingold were determinant when identifying a test bed site and perceiving the space in study. Walking as an intentional movement and psychogeography as a perceptive tool towards a more site specific design. Derive is an act that not only aims to define the unconscious zones of the city, but also with the help of psychogeography attempts to investigate the psycho effects of the urban context on the individual. ‘The Derive entails playful – constructive behaviour and an awareness of psychogeographical effects; which completely distinguishes it from the classical notions of the journey and the stroll (p.98).’7 Derive methodology used by the author:
Roughly decide a boundary to explore in this specific case the Borough of Southwark Take film material and walk. Stop when something stands out in our own perception of space and register it. Draft conclusions that lead to a better intervention on the urban space through direct observation of patterns, reactions and behaviours.
7 - Careri Francesco, Land & Scape series, Walking as an aesthetic practice, Barcelona (2002) - see full definition in glossary
15
Derive I Videos Link: https://vimeo.com/163396875 https://vimeo.com/163396874
Author’s derive
Derive II Videos Link: https://vimeo.com/169263541 https://vimeo.com/169263542
Author’s derive
16
00:03:07
00:10:77
00:32:20
01:09:60
01:28:90
01:31:97
03:39:07
01:40:23
01:55:70
01:58:20
02:04:60
02:06:07
02:07:93
02:12:43
02:14:37
02:20:30
02:31:83
02:44:00
02:47:40
02:51:47
03:02:67
03:04:03
03:11:30
03:20:50
03:28:63
03:32:10
03:36:27
03:38:77
03:41:70
03:48:17
03:51:93
03:53:00
03:54:07
04:26:13
09:09:30
09:19:00
09:42:00
09:51:07
10:07:17
10:10:27
10:25:37
11:41:67
13:24:83
13:35:93
13:40:77
13:52:10
14:00:50
14:20:67
14:31:00
14:39:13
14:54:03
14:55:50
15:23:57
15:35:13
17:30:11
17:44:60
17:40:97
17
15:54:60
16:54:00
16:60:32
Thames River Section St Paul’s Cathedral to Tate Modern, not at scale
18
19
Urban Voids Not to scale
Identified void spaces Potential intervention areas
20
21
Identified Typologies Not to scale
1
1
1
4
3 1
1
3
3
3
1 1
3 1
1
Open Spaces
2
1
Tidal Beach
3
Chanel
22
4
Edge
1
Study Sections Not to scale
3
Chanel
1
Open Spaces
1
Open Spaces
23
2
Tidal Beach
24
25
Fig.1 ‘Naked Southwark’
26
Informing the Project 02
The act of derive prove to be a very useful tool when it comes to site analysis. By approaching the city in a different perspective, bearing in mind the concepts of wayfinding and derive, it is possible to achieve great results in defining intervention areas and perceiving the ‘site specific’. The movement of our bodies, with conscience of our being as a part of an integrated world, allows us to understand our surroundings in a very rich way. For example through the derive methodology zones where there was a lack of urban play inducing devices, hence individuals were improvising play, where identified. Which is good from a social perspective of interaction with the environment but from an architectural point of view there is a potential for creating a ‘Situation’ where subjects will then have more ways of indulging and interact with their surroundings. This method incites a sensorial measure of the places explored, the wind, the smells, the noises, the colours and the textures. By allowing oneself to consciously be part of a place it is conceivable to register it in a far-reaching way, to feel it. Through exploration there were identified several urban voids8 and generic green spaces, without apparent function, disconnected. Bermondsey was the identified test bed site to create a project that would unify this voids.
8 - Corner in Shane, Grahame, ‘The Emergence of Landscape Urbanism’, Harvard Design Magazine (2003) - see full definition in glossary Fig.1 - ‘Naked Southwark’, inspired on Guy Debord and Asger Jorn, The Naked City, Sadler Simon, The situationist city, MIT (1998), p.60
27
Fig.2 Southwark birds eye aerial view
28
Chapter Two: Test Bed Site Context
Bermondsey located in the Borough of Southwark9 (South East London) is an urban tissue in current metamorphosis. Gentrification is installing itself at a medium high pace, nevertheless the richness and variety of the neighbourhood is enormous. In a dense urban environment such as London, public realm intervention must take in to account the features of the urban tissue and enhance their potential. Bermondsey has the desirable urban characteristics to test this type of retrofitting approach: It is a mixed development area at a grave risk of exponential gentrification (Let’s keep the open spaces public). It has a busy, with high volume of traffic, main road – Jamaica Road. It is one of the most ethnically diverse district in the borough and in London. In terms of land use there is a variety from light industrial to schools, churches and health services. The existing framework of green spaces is vast, although they are in a majority sterile, just a layer of generic grass and some trees, and disconnected; without apparent function besides framing a building.
9 - Refer to appendix 02 for further information on Southwark Borough Fig.2 - Southwark birds eye aerial view, source: Google Earth © , accessed on 23/07/2016
29
Bermondsey Disconnected Open Spaces Not to scale
River Thames
Generic Green Spaces
Urban Voids
Thames Path
Fig.3 Thames Path
Fig. 3 - Thames Path, derived from http://www.annierak.hoofbags.me.uk/thames.html, acessed on 23/07/2016
30
Identified Edges and Nodes Not to scale
Edges: the line along which two or more surfaces meet where the characteristics of each overlay performing changes, interacting, sharing the specificities and increasing richness and variety. Nodes: Confluence of one or more edges.
Road Edge
River Edge
Rail Edge
31
Natural Edge
Dominant Land Use Not to scale
1
1 - Brownfield Site - Future sub/station for Thames Tideway Tunnel
Building Area Pavement Green Areas Private Green Areas Services Existing Trees Light Industrial and storage Units 32
33
Pedestrian Movement Not to Scale
Walkable impermeable areas
Impermeable Surfaces Not to Scale
Impermeable mass including buildings
34
Permeable Surfaces Not to Scale
Public green spaces Private green spaces
Surface Water Circle
40 % evapotranspiration
30 % evapotranspiration
55 % runoff
10 % runoff
25 % shallow infiltration
10 % shallow infiltration
25 % deep infiltration
Natural Ground Cover
5 % deep infiltration
75% - 100% Impermeable Cover Fig.4 Stormwater runoff values according to the permeability of a surface
Fig. 4 - Stormwater runoff values according to the permeability of a surface, derived from http://www.oseh.umich.edu/environment/storm.shtml, acessed on 23/07/2016
35
36
Phasing Plan and Design Drivers Not to scale
Permeability
Biodiversity
Connectivity
2 1
1
Phase I Total area: 3.7 ha
2
Phase II Total area: 0.8 ha
37
Spaces for People
38
Informing the Project 03
Considering the existing framework of disconnected open spaces and existing voids with unexplored potential, the aim is to create connections and increase the level of permeability and biodiversity. Having as a text bed site Bermondsey waterfront allowed the identification of disconnected pocket open areas with potential to create a linear park, connecting not only these spaces but also the inner urban tissue with the river Thames. Moreover this surgical intervention will improve a total of approximately 5ha space, increasing its functionalities and sustainability from the ecological and social integrative points of view.
39
Fig.2 Southwark birds eye aerial view
40
Chapter Three: Bermondsey Linear Park
Perceiving edges as liminal spaces where the percentage of interchange is high, creating nodes of confluent activities and characteristics10, the intention is to explore these nodes potentialities and enhance connectivity in the urban mass. Reclaim the public realm to people. Post identifying Bermondsey as test bed site, a series of disconnected spaces are analysed in order to create a sensorial path heading for the River and Thames path. Organic and curvilinear forms are used to induce perambulation creating little pocket hubs along the way, with distinct functions, and connecting the main dynamic centres (nodes). The space is thought to be metamorphic, not compromising its permeability and consequently ecological functions in terms of water circle, air purification, carbon sequester and habitat.
10 - Refer to edges diagram, p.31
41
Existing Fragmentation Not to scale
Void space - Future Thames Tideway Tunnel Sub Station
Cherry Gardens Pier
Thames Path
College
Street shopps
Pub
Primary school
Church Nursery
Light industrial units Pub Railway The Kernel Brewery Sports Centre
High-end housing Social housing Disconnected green spaces 42
Proposed Connectivity Not to scale
Streets to close
New green spaces Streets to Pedestrianize 43
Existing Intervention Sites Not to scale
Chambers Street potential void facing West
Bevington Street sterile green space facing East
Bevington Street sterile green space facing North
Jamaica Street pedestrian acess facing South
St James Churchyard facing East
Dockley Rd light industrial complex facing South 44
Fountain Garden Thames Path stretch facing East
Cherry Gardens facing West
Cherry Gardens facing West
Cherry Gardens facing East
Jamaica Road Street shopps facing West
Jamaica Road facing East 45
Existing Sections Section AA
Section BB
46
47
Section CC
Section EE
48
49
Section FF
Section GG
50
51
SWOT Analysis Strengths Great location next to the river Thames Part of the London Docklands history Diverse and interesting: . mixed development . services . community structures . open spaces . green spaces . small industry settlements Weaknesses . Manage traffic, vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles . Lack of urban play and interaction spaces . Drainage solutions Opportunities Connecting the urban fabric with the River Link the existing edges in effective ways, physically and visually Create more permeability between and inside the edges. Making space for the river and create more permeable and biodiverse spaces The identified edges and points where they naturally merge: . River Neckinger . Existing open spaces . Thames tideway tunnel site, Chambers Wharf . Enhance cultural and natural flows Threats . Manage traffic, vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles . Lack of urban play and interaction spaces . Drainage solutions
52
Design Concept : Osmosis ‘The p rocess in plants and animals by which a liquid moves g radually from one part of the body or the plant to another through a membrane‘11 Edge seen as a rich condition, where two or more realities reach each other; a space where the intensity of interchange is high. Design Drivers • • • •
Permeability Connectivity Biodiversity Enhancement Spaces for People
Design Goals Create a connection with the river by constructing different situations and ambiances for people Preserve the existing trees Enhance the biodiversity by adding a panoply of vegetation and inducing the emergency of new habitats for wildlife Increase the level of permeability and water absorption
11- http://dictionary.cambridge.org/, acessed on 10/01/2016
53
Proposed Character Not to scale
Fig. 6 - Source http://www.family-fitness.co.uk/outdoor-gym-dem onstration/, acessed on 25/07/2016
54
Proposed Programs of Use Scale: na
Interaction with water Resting amenity areas Water retention Urban play Promenade Biodiversity enhancement Multi-purpose area, public activities Main Sensorial experience: Waterscape
Outdoors exercise Resting amenity areas Urban play Promenade Multi-purpose area, public activities Biodiversity enhancement Main Sensorial experience: Play Resting amenity areas Urban play Promenade Biodiversity enhancement Main Sensorial experience:
Colour
Resting amenity areas Multi-purpose area, public activities Main Sensorial experience: Exchange
Interaction with water Resting amenity areas Urban play Biodiversity enhancement Main Sensorial experience:
smell
Interaction with water Resting amenity areas Food and drink Production Main Sensorial experience:
55
taste
Design Evolution
56
57
58
59
Master Plan Not to scale
60
A - Wetland Pier B - Playful Promenade C - Sensorial path D - Informal street market E - Sensorial garden F - Social hub 1 - Multi-purpose area 2 - Outdoor gym 3 - Water play 4 - Playground 5 - Orchard
Proposed planting Bushes and perennials Wild-flower turf Existing Trees Prunus ceracifera cv pissardi | Black cherry plum Salix Alba | White Willow
Proposed pavements
Prunus avium | Wild cherry
Sandblasted
Wood deck
Imprinted concrete
Wetpour Rubber Surface
Popolus tremula | Aspen Carpinus betulus | Hornbeam
River pebbles Betula alba | Silver birch
Pavers set
Acer campestre | Field maple
Stone set grey Dark pebbles
Alnus glutinosa | Alder
Grey pebbles Ailanthus altissima | Tree of heaven
White pebbles Stone set white
Proposed Trees Prunus serrulata var snow goose | Japanese cherry Quercus palustris | Swamp Oak Betula alba | Silver birch Prunus domestica var jefferson | Plum tree Pryrus communis var black worcester | Pear tree Prunus avium var black oliver | Cherry tree Malus domestica var genet moyle | Apple tree
61
Proposed Shrubs and Herbaceous Not to scale Colourful perennial planting _Yellows | 1416m2
Colourful perennial planting _Whites and Browns | 1889m2
Colourful perennial planting _Mixed | 3000m2
Wetland planting | 1018m2
Wildflower turf planting | 7645m2
62
|Edible;le Planting 578m2
Buffer planting | 2514m2
Aromatic planting | 1547m2
Colourful perennial planting _Purples | 685m2
63
Existing and Proposed Trees
EXISTENT TREES 1 Prunus ceracifera cv pissardi | Black cherry plum
Not to scale
17 Salix Alba | White Willow
30 Prunus avium | Wild cherry
176 Popolus tremula | Aspen
3 Ailanthus altissima | Tree of heaven
3 Proposed Prunus serrulata var snow goose | Japanese cherry
7 Proposed Betula alba | Silver birch
11 Proposed Quercus palustris | Swamp
64
7 Carpinus betulus | Hornbeam
17 Betula alba | Silver birch
3 Proposed Prunus avium var black oliver | Cherry tree
29 Acer campestre | Field maple
23 Alnus glutinosa | Alder 6 Proposed Malus domestica var genet moyle | Apple tree
4 Proposed Prunus domestica var jefferson | Plum tree
4 Proposed Pryrus communis var black worcester | Pear tree
65
8 Proposed Quercus palustris | Swamp
Proposed Hard Surfaces
Sandblasted concrete | 578m2
Not to scale
Graphic concrete 2514m2
River gravel 1547m2
Stone paver set | 685m2
Grey cobble set | 1416m2
66
Black aggregates | 1889m2
Grey aggregates 3000m2
White aggregates | 1018m2
White cobble set | 7645m2
Wood deck | 7645m2
Play rubber surface
(1 - Brian Yale
| 7645m2
1972)
67
Birds Eye View . Existing Not to scale
68
69
Birds Eye View . Proposed Not to scale
70
71
Cherry Gardens a Playful Promenade Not to scale
• Create a resting platform to contemplate the river, along with informal urban play and an outdoor gym
72
Sensorial Path Not to scale
A A
Section AA Not to scale
• Using herbaceous perennials to create a profusion of colour and movement along this path, providing pocket hubs for play and resting
73
The Street Market Not to scale
• Providing a multi-purpose area in a busy commercial street to hold informal seasonal markets, fairs and small events
B
B
Section BB Not to scale
74
75
The Sensorial Garden Not to scale
• Enhancing St.James Churchyard with aromatic planting, sustainable drainage, amenity resting areas and informal play.
C
C
Section CC Not to scale
76
77
Organic Shapes inspired by the water movement of a tidal river
Creating amenity areas protected and at the same time providing a micro-climate
Little pocket spaces to allow multi-activities
Platforms to extend views
Providing different types of sitting accordantly to numerous possible functions
78
Informing the Project 04
Inspired by the premises of Situationism the aim is to construct situations in the urban mass. The project intends to allow free flow and informal play to stimulate the senses. The use of organic shapes to formalize de design is based on the river movement and terraces, a perambulatory path to indulge the senses and connect the intervention nodes. The vegetation choices are an important tool to provide this sensorial journey, aromatics for their odour, perennials for their movement, texture and colour; productive species for their taste, utility and beauty. The material choices are made in order to increase the ratio of permeable surfaces and simultaneously be diverse engaging with the sensorial character of the park. By connecting this fragmented urban open spaces, provide them several functionalities this sector of the city is revitalized. Six main spaces were created, connected by the perambulatory path that holds, per se, pocket spaces to rest and play. The social hub A previous light industrial area becomes a dynamic urban plaza, with local shops, a brewery with respective beer garden and a small productive area. The sensorial Garden Enhancing St.James Churchyard with aromatic planting, sustainable drainage, amenity resting areas and informal play. The Street Market Providing a multi-purpose area in a busy commercial street to hold informal seasonal markets, fairs and small events.
79
Playscapes
Multipurpose spaces
Productive spaces
Social engagement
80
The sensorial path Using perennials to create a profusion of colour and movement along this path, providing pocket hubs for play and resting. The Wetland Pier Create a pier that gives the illusion of being on the river shore, planting a small wetland and providing spaces for events, resting and play. The water is retained to create a river edge and released slowly back to the Thames accordantly with the tides. Cherry Gardens a playful promenade Create a resting platform to contemplate the river, along with informal urban play and an outdoor gym. The Bermondsey linear park intends to acknowledge the existent potentialities and enhance them, without being too intrusive. Furthermore the existing trees, in amazing conditions and size, are kept and the design is created taking them into account. Mainly is intended to generate a place for people, encompassing a panoply of activities and possibilities, enhance biodiversity and increase permeability.
81
82
Chapter Four: Focus area A - Wetland Pier
The intention is to bring the river edge close to the people, available for all, enhancing the subject relationship with water and wildlife. The Thames being a tidal river, with an average of 7m of water variation per day, is the perfect source for the wetland which at the same time increases the space of expansion of the river. Therefore this proposal intends not only to provide a quality place for people to enjoy the city but also to create symbiotic flood mitigation, where space for the river is created by a concealed water bodie for people and wildlife to enjoy. This place is thought to be multi-purpose and have interested trough the seasons . A wondrous place of interaction and contemplation on the intended sensorial journey.
83
Existing Context Not to scale
Thames Path Offices Void space - Future Thames Tideway Tunnel Sub Station
Cherry Gardens Pier
Cherry Gardens
College
Proposed pedestrian links Existing pedestrian links Focus area boundarie High-end housing Social housing Disconnected green spaces 84
85
Design Evolution
86
87
Master Plan Not to scale
Proposed pavements Sandblasted concrete River pebbles Imprinted concrete Pavers set White pebbles Stone set grey Proposed planting Wild-flower turf Wetland planting Colourful herbaceous Buffer planting Existing Trees Prunus avium | Wild cherry Popolus tremula | Aspen Carpinus betulus | Hornbeam Acer campestre | Field Ailanthus altissima | Tree of heaven
Proposed Trees Prunus serrulata var snow goose | Japanese cherry
Quercus palustris | Swamp Oak Betula alba | Silver birch
88
89
Wetland Pier facing West
90
1
91
Wetland Pier facing South
92
2
93
Wetland Pier facing North West
94
3
95
Section DD and Details Not to scale
500 mm h. metal edge Concrete paver set (600x80), stretcher bond 50 mm mulch 50 mm sand bed 450 mm topsoil Subsoil
200 mm Type 1 sub base
Well compacted subsoil
96
D
D
500 mm h. metal edge 50 mm mulch 450 mm topsoil Subsoil 50 mm mulch 450 mm topsoil 1000 mm h. metal edge 200 mm Type 1 sub base 150 mm river pebbles
Irrigation system with PE perforated pipe, double inlet for primary Dead-man guying 150 mm gravel
Tree pit 1.5m
97
Hardcore
Precast concrete edging Wildflower turf Topsoil Subsoil Insitu concrete
Weldmesh
Dowels at 900 centres
Insitu concrete steps
10mm expansion joints at 6m centres formed through the full depth of the slab, filled with approved mastic filler
Insitu Concrete sandblasted Sub base granular
Detail 5 High Tide
Detail 4 High Tide 98
Detail 4 Detail 5 Detail 6
Asphalt Wildflower turf Precast concrete edging bull nosed
Sub-base granular material
Sub-grade shaped and compacted
Topsoil
Compacted ground
Subsoil Concrete base and surround
Detail 6 High Tide
Detail 4 Low Tide 99
Planting Plan Not to scale
RIVER THAMES
12
FOCUS AREA 1 PLANTING AND SEASONALITY
FLOODABLE AREA / NEW RIVER EDGE
Scale: various
Betula alba
Quercus palustris
100
Wetland Mix 1 7 plants m2 Carex comans Carex phyllocephala sparkler Carex pseudocyperus Juncus effusus spiralis Juncus effusus Scirpus lacustris albescens
Spa- Spartina pectinata aureomarginata, allow for 2 plants per symbol,2l pots
20% 15% 10% 20% 20% 15%
Ca- Cyperus alternifolius allow for 2 plants per symbol, 2l pots Al- Aster laterifolius, allow for 2 plants per symbol, 2l pots Sg- Stipa gigantea, allow for 2 plants per symbol, 2l pots
Wetland Mix 2 7 plants m2 Iris pseudacorus Alisma plantago Persicaria amphibia Pontederia cordata Potentilla Palustris
Pa- Perovskia atriplicifolia, allow for 2 plants per symbol, 2l pots 30% 10% 30% 10% 20%
Seasonality chart 1
Wetland Mix 3 7 plants m2 Orontium aquaticum Myosotis scorpioides Ranunculus flamula Rorippa aquaticum
Species 25% 25% 25% 25%
Colourful perennial planting Mix 1 7 plants m2 Stipa tenuissima Luzula nivea Lysimachia ephemerum Sanguisorba officinalis Allium caeruleum
30% 20% 20% 20% 10%
Colourful perennial planting Mix 2 7 plants m2 Panicum virgatum Briza media Eupatorium perfoliatum Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ Allium christophii
30% 20% 20% 20% 10%
Colourful perennial planting Mix 3 7 plants m2 Deschampsia cespitosa Melica uniflora Angelica gigas Allium mont everest Geranium rozanne
30% 20% 20% 10% 20%
Colourful perennial planting Mix 4 7 plants m2 Phalaris arundinacea Foeniculum vulgare purpureum Digitalis purpurea Brunera macrofila Centaurea montana
Flowering and flower colour S S A W
Stipa tenuissima Luzula nivea Lysimachia ephemerum Sanguisorba officinalis Allium caeruleum Panicum virgatum Briza media Eupatorium perfoliatum Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ Allium christophii Deschampsia cespitosa Melica uniflora Angelica gigas Allium mont everest Geranium rozanne Phalaris arundinacea Foeniculum vulgare purpureum Digitalis purpurea Brunera macrofila Centaurea montana Miscanthus sinensis Baptisia australis Anthriscus sylvestris, ‘Raven’s Wing
Serratula seoanei Convallaria majalis Persicaria amplexicaulis Eragostis curvula Salvia × sylvestris ‘Mainacht’
Structural Interest Leaf Colour S S A W S S A W
W W
W
W W W
W W W
Spartina pectinata aureomarginata
30% 20% 20% 20% 10%
Cyperus alternifolius Aster laterifolius Stipa gigantea
W
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Blue Spire’
Seasonality chart 2
Colourful perennial planting Mix 5 7 plants m2 Miscanthus sinensis 30% Baptisia australis 20% Anthriscus sylvestris, ‘Raven’s Wing’ 20% Serratula seoanei 15% Convallaria majalis 15%
Colourful perennial planting Mix 6 7 plants m2 Briza media Persicaria amplexicaulis Eragrostis curvula Salvia × sylvestris ‘Mainacht’ Allium caeruleum
30% 20% 20% 20% 10%
Species Carex comans Carex phyllocephala sparkler Carex pseudocyperus Juncus effusus spiralis Juncus effusus Scirpus lacustris albescens Iris pseudacorus Alisma plantago Persicaria amphibia Pontederia cordata Potentilla Palustris Orontium aquaticum Myosotis scorpioides Ranunculus flamula Rorippa aquaticum Quercus palustris Betula alba
101
Flowering and flower colour S S A W
W
W W
Structural Interest S S A W
S
Leaf Colour S A W
Seasonal Sections Not to scale
Section EE Winter
Section EE Spring
102
E E
103
Seasonal Sections Not to scale
Section EE Summer
Section EE Autumn
104
105
106
Chapter Five: Focus area B - Social Hub
The aim is to transform a small light industrial area into a social Hub. Informed by the existent Kernel Brewery the intention is to create a multifunctional beer garden that at the same time produces the bare ingredients to conceive beer and cider. A place where people can gather and relax, after going to the gym12or on its way back from the river front. The stores underneath the railway are kept and integrated on the design. The objective is to create a space for community network that allows several events to take place such as workshops or art exhibitions. A place for children and adults to play and connect with nature. I see this place as a catalyst of community engagement where people can enjoy and also take advantage of the sub products of the space, for instance generating small local business opportunities. The main sensorial experience explored is taste.
12 - Refer to p.108, for local context
107
Existing Context Not to scale
Medical practice
Pub
Church
Railway The Kernel Brewery
Pub
Sports Centre
Light industrial units
High-end housing
Proposed pedestrian links Existing pedestrian links
Social housing
Focus area boundarie
Disconnected green spaces 108
109
Design Evolution
110
111
Master Plan Not to scale
Bakery
Coffee
Food 1
Brewery
Produce Store
Food 2
Multi-purpose Space Art gallery Farmers Market Flee Market Parties Theathre
112
Proposed pavements White pebbles River pebbles White cobble set Wood deck Stone set grey
Grey Gravel
Proposed planting Wild-flower turf Wetland planting Colourful herbaceous perennials Buffer planting
Edible planting
Grasses Ground cover plants
Edible climbers Existing Trees Popolus tremula | Aspen
Orchard Ailanthus altissima | Tree of heaven Proposed Trees Quercus palustris | Swamp Oak Betula alba | Silver birch Prunus domestica var jefferson | Plum tree Pryrus communis var black worcester | Pear tree Prunus avium var black oliver | Cherry tree Malus domestica var genet moyle | Apple tree Pond
‘Better Bankside colourful crossing Benches / Rocks
113
D
Overview . 1
Orchard . A
114
C A
Contemplation Area . C
Water Bodie . D
115
Overview . 2
116
Art exibition . Multi-purpose Space
117
Contemplation Area . Productive Climbers
118
Section FF and Details Not to scale
F
F
500 mm h. metal edge
Ground cover planting Stone set (60x60), stack bond 50 mm sand bed 200 mm Type 1 sub base
50 mm mulch 450 mm topsoil
Subsoil
119
Orchard and Productive Climbers . Section GG Not to scale
120
G G
121
122
Reflection
Bermondsey a Sensorial Path developed into a wide cognitive opportunity of learning through the process of a psychogeographical journey of unplanned spacial choreographies. Perception of space, urbe and people allowed the conception of places, using different methodologies and architectural approaches. The voids and sterile spaces that acted as stimulus and opportunities are an example how underused neighbourhoods can become more interactive and ecologically valuable. Through this Master Project the subject of study, the ‘Derive as a tool for Design’ and the Situationist Movement were widely tested in different contexts and subjects, always gathering information and widening the spectrum of investigation. The Situationist movement is immensely inspirational and its principles of social justice, adaptability and flows of creativity are very much pertinent today as they were in its flourish time! Let us dream and hope for better cities, let us break the norm and advocate for a city for all, humans and wildlife, not for cars or classes!
123
Appendix 01: Wider Context
Brief analysis of GLA natural signatures and how they relate to the potential intervention site. The aim is to understand the Landscape value of the space in study and explore its connections and interactions within a broader scale. Landscape must always be perceived as a complex and dynamic system which integrates several dimensions namely: the ecological concerning the physical and biologic sectors of ecosystems, the cultural addressing historical meaning, the socio economic relative to human activity that permanently interacts and changes the landscape and the sensorial connected with the way landscapes are perceived. This interaction allows the growth of the identity and narrative capacity of a landscape.
124
Fig.2 London Cityscrape Skyline Aerial View, source: http://www.gtreview.com/, accessed on 14/07/2016
125
Thames Bassin Waterways and flood map,from MArch unit 4 and MA Landscape, Thames Edge Transitions, not to scale
Ecological and Landscape Zones Plan derived from All London Green Grid, not to scale
126
Green Grid Areas Plan derived from All London Green Grid, not to scale
Framework Plan Plan derived from GiGL data 2011 © Crown Copyright; not to scale
127
Healthy Communities Plan derived from GiGL data 2011 © Crown Copyright; not to scale
% Health Population by Borough Plan derived from National Statistics Census data 2011 © Crown Copyright; not to scale
128
Relationship between Green Spaces and % of Healthy Population not to scale
% Of Homes with Poor Access to Nature Plan derived from LondonMapper, 2012, not to scale
129
London’s Walking Map Plan derived from AlanBaxter LNS and TFL Walk London, not to scale
Thames Riverside Spaces Plan derived from All London Green Grid, not to scale
130
London’s Flood Risk Map Plan derived from Geoinformation Group ltd 2009 © Crown Copyright; not to scale
350 sq km land area 55 sq km designated habitat sites 1.25 million residents (plus commuters, tourists and other visitors) Over 500,000 homes Percentage at risk
40,000 commercial and industrial properties
Dwellings at risk (in thousands)
Hammersmith and Fulham Newham Southwark Tower Hamlets Barking and Dagenham Greenwich Richmond upon Thames Wandsworth Bexley Lewisham
£200 billion current property value
59.228
Key Government buildings
59.228
over 3100 hectares of sensitive heritage sites
46.173
400 schools
34.018 25.752
16 hospitals
23.224
8 Power stations
20.031 19.827
More than 1000 electricity substations
19.818
4 World Heritage sites Art galleries and historic buildings
16.525
167 km of railway 35 Tube stations 51 Rail stations (25 mainline, 25 DLR, 1 international) Over 300 km of Roads Fig.3 Flooding risk in London, source: http://www.independent.co.uk/, Lizzie
Table.1 Assets and people at risk in the tidal Thames floodplain, source:
Dearden article from 11/02/2015 accessed on 16/07/2016
Environmental agency TE2100 Plan
131
Appendix 02: Test Bed Site Context
Analysis of the test bed site specificities, constrains and opportunities. Bermondsey is a district of the London borough of Southwark is believed to be one of the oldest parts of the ward. Historic facts 13 During medieval times the leather industry was a prominent factor of the district economy, later on the XVIX century the tinned food industry took over. Due to its industrial character and docklands proximity, it was always a place with extreme fluctuations of population and consequently poor salubrity conditions. During the Second World War it was heavily bombed.
13 - http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200159/history_of_southwark/1009/bermondsey_history, accessed on 07/08/2016
132
133
Southwark Surface Water Flood Risk Plan derived from Southwark local flood risk management strategy not to scale
Test bed Site Borough administrative boundary Critical drainage area Permanent water bodies Main river Ordinary Watercourse Culvert watercourse <0.1 m 0.1m to 0.25m 0.25m to 0.5m 0.5m to 1.0m 1.0m to 1.5m >1.5m 134
Southwark Conservation Areas Map derived from land registry index not to scale
Conservation areas Woodland TPO zones Test bed Site
135
Southwark Green Spaces Map derived from land registry index not to scale
Tree canopies( proximi tree) Parks and open spaces Test bed Site
136