CANDY BAR place
A sweet place to live
Candy Bar Place Design Strategy
CANDY BAR place
A sweet place to live
By
Christopher Wright
In response to
JANUARY 2015
Chapter 1_STRATEGIC RESPONSE
page 6
Chapter 2_FOCUSED RESPONSE
page 28
Chapter 3_DESIGN EVALUATION
page 80
The purpose of this document is to outline the design response for the ‘Port City’ site in Northern Amsterdam. The document depicts and defines design decisions at a strategic level for the site and in the latter chapters, provides a more detailed design response putting forward a proposal for a new residential neighbourhood within the ‘Port City’ region. In the final chapter, the focused design response is evaluated against criteria set out in Arup’s ‘Cities Alive’ publication. The design responses contained within this document have been informed by research and analysis included in the ‘Site Analysis and Research Supplementary Document’.
STRATEGIC re s po ns e
The first chapter of this document outlines the strategic framework encompassing the entire ‘Port City’ development site. This framework has been deduced in response to analysis of the existing proposals outlined in the ‘Port City’ document and informed by the site analysis and case study research contained within ‘Site Analysis and Research Supplementary Document’. The strategic framework for the entire ‘Port City’ region has been included to provide a context for the Candy Bar Place residential development which is explained in more detail throughout Chapter 3.
Chapter 1_Strategic Response
IMPROVED ACCESS
KEY DESTINATIONS
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
SITE OPPORTUNITIES
NORTH
Strategic Principles
Unlocking the full potential for the ‘Port City’ region means overcoming a series of major site constraints in the form of existing infrastructure. The site is bounded by the A10 ring road to the west, the Haarlemmertrekvaart tow canal to the south, remnants of industrial activity to the north and east and a series of main train lines that dissect through the site. In order to overcome these constraints, four key principles have been adopted with the aim of creating a coherent and well connected strategy: - Improved access (integrate the proposed development within existing networks to create a seamless transition from the city centre to harbour front) - Key destinations (A sequence of key destinations will provide landmarks and act as stepping stones between central Amsterdam and the harbour) - Green infrastructure (Extend GI networks to form an unbroken ‘green’ link to the waters edge) - Blue infrastructure (Create new ‘blue’ connections extending into the heart of the ‘Port City’ region)
Ring Road
Railway
SITE CONSTRAINTS
Page9
Chapter 1_Strategic Response
Residential Commercial Promenade Leisure Wetlands Public park Green corridor Existing functions Pedestrian infrastructure Water infrastructure Vehicular infrastructure Public transport Public transport hubs
STRATEGIC FUNCTIONS
NORTH
Port City Strategic Framework
A key driver for the strategic framework is to create a balance between residential, commercial and green space. Residential areas are evenly distributed throughout the ‘Port City’ region, with adjacent commercial zones and green corridors acting as connections between. Although areas have been designated as ‘Residential or ‘Commercial’ , it is intended that these zones are mixed use while primarily functioning as one or the other. In order to create a destination of the harbour, it is proposed that a large leisure/commercial destination with a public park is located at the pinnacle of the harbour with the aim of attracting people from across Amsterdam. To achieve this, pedestrian and vehicular infrastructure has been proposed to provide direct access to the harbour, with new bridges spanning the expanse from the south. The eastern and western areas of the framework are knitted together through a green corridor, which stems from existing green infrastructure and connects with Westergasfabriek. The character for the proposed green infrastructure will come in the form of a green pedestrian corridor, wetlands and a waters edge public park. It is proposed in the strategic framework that the green areas will act as flood mitigation and water treatment zones, providing flexible and sustainable water management in the form of swales and flood-able green space.
Flood-able zones
WATER MANAGEMENT
SuDS network
Page11
Chapter 1_Strategic Response
Strategic Framework_Built Form
The objective for proposed built form is to distinguish between zone functions and create the appropriate sense of scale for the user while providing a wide range of uses to enable high quality living
AMSTERDAM WETLAND CENTRE
Residential zones are typically between 4 and 12 storeys in height, with mixed densities in order to provide a variation in character and life style. The main forms of residential accommodation are terraces, court blocks and apartment blocks. High rise apartments are located in areas close to main public spaces and key gateways with terraces and low rise areas located away from main centres, providing a ‘garden’ character and lifestyle. Built form has been orientated and located in regards to existing infrastructure networks where appropriate
ECO-BUSINESS DISTRICT
SuDS VILLAGE
A new island, Havenburg, has been proposed to the east of the site to maximise the offering of the harbour as a waterside living destination.
RI
NG
RO
AD
A new ‘Central Hub’ is proposed to the east of the ‘Port City’’ region, offering a mix of commercial, retail and leisure to the surrounding residents. A waterfront leisure and sports district sits at the pinnacle of the region, drawing people from across Amsterdam and further afield. A state of the art arena will play host to large scale events and festivals.
BUILT FORM
SPORTS AND EVENTS ARENA
WATERFRONT LEISURE/RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
COMMERCIAL/RESTAURANTS/BARS
HAVENBURG
PORT CITY CENTRAL HUB/RETAIL PROMENADE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CORRIDOR
COURT BLOCKS DIJKPARK
RESIDENTIAL
RA
WESTERGASFABRIEK
I LW
AY
Page13
Chapter 1_Strategic Response
Strategic Framework_Green Infrastructure Green Infrastructure will play a major role in knitting together the fabric of the proposed built form. The surrounding infrastructure will plug into a central green core that provides valuable environmental and lifestyle functions. The central core will act as a green highway creating an uninterrupted connection from central Amsterdam to the harbour edge. Residents of the ‘Port City’ region will have immediate access to a green route providing opportunities for play, leisure, movement and exploration. The core will connect each zone within the region and become a primary pedestrian highway for movement in between each one. A wetland has been proposed for part of the existing harbour in order to extend the green core to the waters edge and provide restorative benefits to an area heavily influenced by industry. The wetland has the primary aim of improving biodiversity and ecological value in the area, with human experience a secondary objective. However, the wetland will act as a key link to the pinnacle of the harbour and connect with a new public amenity green space that functions as a leisure resource for the surrounding communities.
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
PUBLIC PARK
WATERFRONT PUBLIC PARK AND LEISURE PROPOSED WETLANDS
PEDESTRIAN HIGHWAY LOCAL PARK
MAIN PUBLIC SQUARE
PUBLIC ALLOTMENTS GREEN/BLUE CORE
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Chapter 1_Strategic Response
RAIL STATION EXISTING BUSINESSES APARTMENTS
FOUR STOREY HOUSES EXISTING CARRIAGEWAY
NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE
EXISTING COLLEGE
SUDS NEIGHBOURHOOD
Character Area_SuDS Neighbourhood
Water management is a key driver to the form and function of the neighbourhood. A distinctive character for the area is created through medium density housing with the incorporation of green roofs, street swale systems and local rain gardens. The system plugs into a ‘green corridor’ that connects the neighbourhood to its wider context. The neighbourhood aims at creating a sustainable community with provision of walk-able streets, local recreation opportunities, shops and a local centre.
1_Contemprary terraced houses
2_Green street character
3_Designated cycle and pedestrian routes
4_Social and active local centre
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Chapter 1_Strategic Response
PUBLIC GREEN ROUTE
COURTYARD FIVE STOREY RESIDENTIAL BLOCK COMMERCIAL/RETAIL/RESIDENTIAL
CANAL
CANAL
ALLOTMENTS
CANAL NEIGHBOURHOOD
Character Area_Canal-side Neighbourhood
The character of this area is representative of that found in Amsterdam’s city centre. A series of canals sourced from the existing port area divide the neighbourhood into nine medium density courtyard blocks, each with an internal private green space. Bounded by Allotments, a public green route and waterfront promenade, the development is well integrated into its wider context.
1_Amsterdam canal side street character
2_Reflecting city centre architecture style
3_Existing allotments
4_Active and lively harbour promenade
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Chapter 1_Strategic Response
HIGH RISE CONTEMPORARY APARTMENTS
HAVENBURG
THEATRE PUBLIC SQUARE
EXISTING APARTMENTS OFFICES
RETAIL/BUSINESS CENTRE
EIGHT STOREY APARTMENT BLOCK
CENTRAL HUB
COURTYARD
Character Area_Port City Central Hub
The district centre forms the focal hub for Port City, providing an active forum for the surrounding neighbourhoods. The hub provides retail, commercial and office space along with contemporary apartments. The area also functions as the cultural heart of the port city region with provision of space for arts and creativity and a new public square. The area features a new island, Havenburg, comprising of low rise residential houses overlooking a central green Space and perimeter canal system with the aim of providing a high quality, active lifestyle.
1_Large public square & events space
2_Lively centre for cafĂŠs/ bars and shopping
3_Modern metropolitan living
4_Open public park on new island
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Chapter 1_Strategic Response
RETAIL/COMMERCIAL/LEISURE SPORTS AND EVENTS ARENA CROSS RIVER CABLE LINE OFFICES
WATER SPORTS
WATERFRONT LIVING PARK-SIDE LIVING
LEISURE DISTRICT
Character Area_Waterfront Leisure District
The waterfront district has the key objective of becoming a popular city wide destination within Amsterdam. The area features provision of high quality sports/leisure and events facilities to stage both local and large scale events. The development also includes provision of prime waterfront apartments and office buildings along with a new public park along the water’s edge. The aim is to integrate the area into the cities framework through a series of pedestrian bridges, vehicular and cycle routes, tram network and a new cable river crossing.
1_Large scale events and convention centre
2_Waterfront leisure destination
3_Waterfront public park
4_Cable line connecting to North Amsterdam
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Chapter 1_Strategic Response
BUSINESS PARK
WETLAND CENTRE
PROPOSED WETLANDS
WETLAND CENTRE
LEISURE DISTRICT
Character Area_Wetland Centre
Part of the old port will be demolished in order to create a large new wetland habitat at the gateway to the leisure district. As-well as enhancing local ecology and biodiversity in the area, the wetland centre will improve the ports appeal as a destination providing amenities for education, ecology, tourism and leisure. The wetlands also play a key role in integrating the port development into the regional green infrastructure network and providing an unbroken green link from the city to the waters edge.
1_Ecological wetlands overlooking harbour
2_Immersive ecological experience
3_Feature pedestrian harbour crossings
4_Wetland planting to treat water runoff
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Chapter 1_Strategic Response
EXISTING BUSINESS PARK SuDS VILLAGE
GREEN CORRIDOR
SPORTS CENTRE RAILWAY LINE
GREEN CORRIDOR
Character Area_Green Corridor
The green corridor functions on multiple levels. Locally as an accessible green space for the surrounding neighbourhoods to plug into, a connecting green route at a city district scale, regionally as a key sector in the green infrastructure network and environmentally as a flood mitigation and water management resource.
1_Flood mitigation swales and ponds
2_Natural play and educational features
3_Safe cycle highway network
4_Enhancing ecology and ecosystem services
Page27
FOCUSED re s po ns e
This second chapter provides insight into a design response at site level, providing more detail on a residential area outlined in the strategic framework. The chapter shows developmental reasoning and place character for the proposed neighbourhood and how it is integrated into the wider strategic level response.
Chapter 2_Focused Response
SITE CONTEXT
NORTH
Site Location
The chosen site for a new residential neighbourhood is located in the south western corner of the ‘Port City’ region. The site is located next to a series of railway lines and major roads and currently functions as a business park for light industry. The strategic framework below outlines how the development fits within the proposal for the ‘Port City’ region, however all of the fundamental infrastructure for the development to succeed is already in place, therefore the following proposal can stand alone while alternative phases are completed.
Proposed Site Boundary
Page31
Chapter 2_Focused Response
SKETCH EXPLORATION
Page33
Chapter 2_Focused Response
SITE MASTERPLAN
NORTH
Candy Bar Place
Candy Bar Place is a proposal for a lively, diverse and balanced community neighbourhood. The urban fabric of the neighbourhood is formed by a series of ‘candy bars’ orientated perpendicularly to an existing highway that bisects the development in two, a northern zone and southern zone. Each zone provides residents with a variation of living quarters; apartment blocks, terraced streets and low rise flats. The built form is knitted together by a coherent and legible public realm, with variation expressed in a sequence of connecting green courtyards, community homezones and garden streets. Key pedestrian routes radiate from public spaces, providing a safe and attractive network that ties the northern and southern zones together. The southern zone is formed around a central core dubbed the ‘Local Centre’., with the candy bar blocks offset outwards from the centre. The neighbourhood is predominantly a residential area, however ground floor units feature mixed uses such as restaurants, cafe, shops and local services, in order to provide a well rounded and active community feel. The character of the neighbourhood will be created through spaces that are safe, well used, and heavily ‘greened’ with large street trees and thoughtfully planted streets.
CANDY BAR place
A sweet place to live
Page35
Chapter 2_Focused Response
CONTEXTUAL VEHICULAR NETWORK
SITE VEHICULAR NETWORK
A series of major roads provide good connections to the city and beyond. Railway lines to the north and south of the neighbourhood integrate the development into the public transport network, with a newly proposed tram system broadening the modes of transport available to future residents.
The proposed site level vehicular network responds to existing access points, with both the northern and southern zones of the neighbourhood each having a series of: - Circulation roads (direct movement around the built up areas) - A central high street (access to the heart of each zone) - Pedestrian orientated Residential streets (access to properties)
FRAMEWORK REASONING
Site Framework
The site is bounded by prominent transport infrastructure networks in the form of railway lines immediately north and south of the development and busy vehicular roads to its east and west, with a multiple lane carriageway splitting the site in two. Although this restricts the potential of development, there is opportunity to integrate any proposal into its context and create a residential neighbourhood that provides strong connections, both vehicular and pedestrian, into the city as-well as to the future port destinations that form part of the overall strategic master-plan.
CONTEXTUAL PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
SITE PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
The development site plugs into a series of existing pedestrian and cycle routes, that each expand out into contextual neighbourhoods. The key pedestrian link will be a new green corridor outlined in the strategic masterplan that will tie into existing green infrastructure networks and provide an uninterrupted positive connection from the harbour waterfront to the centre of Amsterdam.
The key objective for the site was to allow provision for free and safe movement throughout the site, with direct routes integrating the contextual pedestrian framework. A main link from north to south creates a strong connection between the northern and souther zones, providing access to the rail station in the north and Westergasfabriek to the south.
Page37
Chapter 2_Focused Response
Residential terraces Residential apartments Ground floor mixed use apartments Community centre Offices/Commercial School
URBAN FUNCTION
NORTH
Built Form
The built form has been designed with two key considerations in mind; integrating the new development within the existing infrastructure and creating a neighbourhood that feels as a whole in spite of the main road splitting the site in two. The proposed response to these considerations achieves this through the extension of building orientation across the main road, allowing views along the whole length of streets. The orientation also creates permeability to the edges of the zones either side of the main road and creates a strong visual and physical connection. Building functions have been designated on how they could compliment the adjacent public realm. Residential terraces feature heavily within the development, however buildings surrounding key public spaces and routes are typically apartment blocks with mixed used ground floor functions in order to help activate the spaces. Form and function of built form has been designed to improve legibility though creating landmarks and active routes.
4m
URBAN HEIGHT
26m
The majority of built form is represented by 4 storey residential terraces. However, taller apartment blocks of 7 to 10 storeys help to define key movement routes and public spaces. These taller blocks improve legibility within the neighbourhoods and help to improve security in key public spaces. To retain a sense of human scale, no buildings will exceed 10 storeys.
60/ha
URBAN DENSITY
100/ha
The proposed neighbourhood is designed for medium density living. The 4 storey/2 dwellings terraces will provide a density of 60-80 dwelling per ha. Higher density areas around key public spaces and movement routes will feature densities of 80-100 dwellings per ha. This mix helps to cater for variation in desired lifestyles, providing accommodation for families, the individual seeking a small apartment or young couples after a first home. Page39
Chapter 2_Focused Response
BUILT FORM
High rise apartment at gateway to development Roof terrace access at midway point of apartment block
Tall apartment blocks aligning key pedestrian route
High rise corner block at key gateway into local centre
One/two storey school building
Four storey terraces form large percentage of built form
Mid rise apartments overlooking public green
High rise apartments align key pedestrian link into neighbourhood
Apartments bridge void to enhance gateway characteristics f the pedestrian link
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
Legible Movement
Social Streets
Community Hub
Active Involvement
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Green Streets
NORTH
Public Realm Key design Principles:
LEGIBLE SPACES
SOCIAL STREETS
A legible public realm will be provided throughout the development, allowing pedestrians to understand their position within it and its relationship with the surrounding infrastructure. The design will draw on the importance of integrating with the existing local urban fabric to create a regenerating effect and provide a clear cohesive link with the surrounding social structures The proposal seeks to develop busy neighbourhood spaces and environments of high quality, both in their materiality and design. The public realm follows the concept of creating a ‘serial vision’, in that environments are experienced as a dynamic, emerging, unfolding temporal sequence, with delight and interest being stimulated by contrasts. This will be achieved through a variation in street typologies intertwined with a journey of sequential spaces that weave through the site, each with its own individual character.
Streets must be social spaces, not just spaces for moving traffic. Well designed streets can encourage informal meetings and build and strengthen communities by providing space for all kinds of activity and promote civility. Streets will be designed with pedestrians as a priority.
ACTIVE NEIGHBOURHOOD Activity can be classified under two main types: activities which are necessary for everyday tasks such as access to buildings, and activities which are optional and include social and active participation. Both forms of activities are encouraged through placement of landscape elements in relation to built form.
GREEN CHARACTER The design will use planting in a variety of ways within the landscape to: - Define key routes and desire lines through the use of structure planting and tree species. - The use of specimen species to create a focal point within a space. - Reinforce the spatial definition of a space. - Establish and reinforce key views. - Improve the micro-climate through air quality and reduction in noise levels in problem areas, for example tree planting along roads. - Provide shelter from climatic effects such as wind and rain. - Demarcate different uses, for example between traffic and pedestrian routes. - Low level planting to allow natural surveillance through the site. - The use of planted swale systems and rain gardens in order to support sustainable water management.
COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENTS Comfort can be defined by a spaces physical properties, such as providing a range of seating types, shelter from rain and sun etc. Comfort can also be defined by psychological effects such as the perception of safety, a sense of refuge, the character and ambience a place creates. The design for the public realm will address this by acknowledging that people have different requirements and that by providing diversity within the design a range of people’s needs can be accommodated. The design of the public realm will foster perceptions of safety and a degree of self-regulation of behaviour through encouraging active, positive uses by a diverse mix of users, while offering specific places for young people to meet.
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
Pedestrian Street Homezone Local Centre Circulation Road High Street Hybrid Street Shared Street Residential Street
SPACE TYPOLOGIES
NORTH
Public Realm_Space Typology
In order to meet the requirements of residents in the community and create a diverse range of experiences, the neighbourhood consists of different space typologies that each serve a different function and work together as a whole to create a successful and quality living environment. The space typologies are: - Pedestrian Streets (solely for pedestrian use, consisting of pathways, courtyards and play) - Residential streets (providing defined pedestrian and vehicular access to properties) - Shared Streets (providing undefined pedestrian and vehicular access to properties) - Hybrid Streets (providing a mix of property access and pedestrian through links to key public spaces) - High Streets (main pedestrian and vehicular access roads into the neighbourhood aligned with active spaces) - Circulation Roads (predominately functioning as vehicular transition roads in and out of the development) - Homezones (key communal gathering points providing doorstep level amenities) - Local Centre (central core of the neighbourhood, providing local level amenities)
1_Pedestrian streets
2_Local Centre
3_Shared space homezones
4_Garden character residential streets
Page45
Chapter 2_Focused Response
Pedestrian Street Homezone Local Centre Receptor Viewpoint
NATURAL SURVEILLANCE
NORTH
Public Realm_Secure By Design
Public realm and built form have been designed in response to one another, with the function and form of both chosen to enhance the other. ACTIVE FRONTAGES Many of the public spaces within the neighbourhood will be surrounded by ground floor active frontages rather than dominated by residential access. The active frontages will vary from bars/cafĂŠs and restaurants around the local centre, to convenience stores and commercial premises at the base of apartment blocks. The aim of designated active frontages is to improve footfall and use of the public spaces throughout the year while improving the social aspects of living within the neighbourhood. Improved use of public spaces will help to enhance the quality of life in the community and improve the sense of security felt by its residents.
3_Well used active spaces feel safe
4_Low plants improve natural surveillance
VISUAL FIELDS The built form surrounding key pedestrian spaces has been designed to provide optimal fields of view from buildings in order to improve the sense of security felt by those using the spaces. Where possible, a 270degree field of view from surrounding architecture has been achieved. Landscape characteristics will also improve the sense of security, through minimising obstructions at eye level caused by planting or street furniture in order to enhance the viewing distance experienced by the receptor.
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
1
2
4
3 6
5
7
9
LOCAL CENTRE
8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Primary Pedestrian Link Community Centre/Garden Rain Gardens School Water Feature Active Frontages Raised Crossing Table Public Green Shared Street
NORTH
Public Realm_Local Centre
The Local Centre will become the active heart for the community. It will consist of a central rain garden and public square, with a periphery of shops, services, cafĂŠs and restaurants, a community centre and garden and a public school. The Local Centre will also have a large public green to create opportunities for events, leisure and play. The area will become a daily destination for local residents and a key public connecting route for central Amsterdam to the harbours north of the neighbourhood.
1_Public square allows social interaction
2_Rain garden planting
3_Active edge around perimeter of Local Centre
4_Public open green space
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
LOCAL CENTRE
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Link to existing cycle way Public Rain Gardens Raised Crossing Table Homezone Parking Primary Pedestrian Link Defensive Planting Buffer Defensive Planting Existing Main Road
9 NORTH/SOUTH CONNECTION
NORTH
Public Realm_North-South Connection
A key aim for the development is to expand the limits of the city north towards the existing industrial harbours, as such the residential development will be a key link in connecting the two. The development will integrate into its current and future demands through a direct pedestrian link that spans the existing main road and connects the southern zone of the neighbourhood with the northern zone. The link connects with existing cycle routes, providing a safe route across infrastructure that currently acts as a major barrier to pedestrian movement. The link is strengthened through the use of large tree species and a series of small rain gardens help it function as a staying destination for local residents as-well as functioning as a clear movement route.
1_Planted central highway
2_Pockets of seating to encourage activity
3_Defensive planted buffer to street edge
4_Shared pedestrian crossing points
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
1
2 3
4 5 3 5 6
1 2 3 4 5 6
PEDESTRIAN STREET
Raised Crossing Table Parking Communal Roof Terrace Swale Planting Public Courtyard Key Contextual Link
NORTH
Public Realm_Pedestrian Street
1_Green public courtyard
2_Communal roof terrace for residents
These have multiple functions, serving as pedestrian links in and out of the neighbourhood, but also as communal green courtyards for residents in the adjacent apartment buildings. They are designed as heavily ‘greened’ spaces to signify their importance as pedestrian spaces but also to provide key roles in the provision of local ecosystem services such as water attenuation, heat island mitigation and improving ecological value.
3_Shared pedestrian crossing points
4_Green character garden streets
A series of pedestrian streets intersect the development, providing direct access to the centre from pedestrian networks outside of the neighbourhood.
Communal roof terraces have been located to overlook public spaces in order to improve security and to foster a social community.
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
1
2
4
3
5 6
7
8 7
9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
PEDESTRIAN STREET
Gateway Courtyard Green Wall Courtyard Overhang Play Swale Planting and Parking Courtyard Shared Street Homezone
NORTH
Public Realm_Pedestrian Street
The Northwest link is key in providing access to the neighbourhood from an existing business/commercial district. The built form in this area mainly consists of 8-10 storey apartment blocks and offices. In response to these characteristics, the pedestrian street functions as a key movement route, play and amenity green space for residents and leisure and spill out space for office workers. Due to the wide variation in uses and users, the whole Northwest corner is designed as a shared space, giving pedestrians priority over vehicles. The Northwest pedestrian street is envisioned as a piece of high quality, green, active public space.
1_Green public courtyards and links
2_Green character garden streets
3_Green walls in key public spaces
4_Doorstep play facilities
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
3
7
1 2
5 4
8
9
6
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
HIGH STREET
Apartment Spill-out Parking Homezone Overlooking End of Terrace Apartment Spill-out Homezone Raised Crossing Table Coloured Asphalt Neighbourhood Gateway
NORTH
Public Realm_High Street
Public high streets form a central core from east to west in both zones of the neighbourhood, with residential streets running perpendicular to it. The high street consists of a vehicular road on which traffic speed is controlled by a series of raised crossing tables at junction points. The road is constructed from coloured asphalt in order to distinguish the change in environment upon entering the neighbourhood. Car parking spaces align the road, with wide, tree lined pedestrian avenues running along the length of the street. The pedestrian avenues provide spill out space in front of apartment blocks, areas for seating and socialising and homezones that provide space for play and gathering.
1_High quality tree lined street with wide, pedestrian friendly footpaths.
3_Well integrated provision of parking
4_Community homezones
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
1
5 3 2
4 6 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
NEIGHBOURHOOD HOMEZONES
Natural Play Parking Raised Crossing Table Apartment Spill-out Defensive Planting Doorstep Play Overlooking End of Terrace
NORTH
Public Realm_Homezones
Homezones are located at key points throughout the development. These provide communal spaces with provisions for play, socialising and activity. They also act as reference points within the development, bringing each area a distinctive character that helps to create diversity in the public realm.
1_Natural Play features
2_Doorstep and community play
3_Shared pedestrian crossing points
4_High quality tree lined street
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
1
2
3 4
5
6
1 2 3 4 5 6
RESIDENTIAL STREET
Raised Crossing Table Swale Planting Parking Pedestrian Footpath Break in Swale Contextual Pedestrian Link
NORTH
Public Realm_Residential Street
Residential streets are the most common in the neighbourhood, providing green attractive environments with the primary function of allowing access (both vehicular and pedestrian) to residences. Planted swale systems running the length of the street provide a buffer between the road and pedestrian footpaths. An avenue of trees either side of the street along with the planted swales give the neighbourhood a unique character. The ‘garden street’ feel will help to slow traffic and create a more pleasant and sociable environment for residents, planting at eye level has been limited in order to allow visual surveillance throughout the street.
1_Typical section of Residential Street
2_Planted edges to footpaths
3_Garden character
4_Shared pedestrian crossing points
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
1
2
3
4 5
1 2 3 4 5
HYBRID STREET
Raised Crossing Table Swale Planting Key Pedestrian Link Coloured Asphalt Defensive Planting
NORTH
Public Realm_Hybrid Street
Hybrid Streets are called such as they function as key pedestrian movement routes, access to residences and spaces to socialise. These streets are located where there is a strong need for pedestrian movement, for example where streets meet an existing external cycle route or connect to an important public space. Hybrid Streets consist of a central pedestrian highway, marked by an avenue of large species trees, providing a clear route for cycling and walking. The highway also features buffer planting and seating areas to create opportunities for leisure and socialising Slow traffic roads run either side of the pedestrian highway, with smaller footpaths providing access to aligning residences.
1_Typical section of Hybrid Street
2_Pedestrian core at the centre of the street
3_Core encourages social interaction
4_Shared pedestrian crossing points
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
N
S
Swale System Private roof gardens
Local Centre/ Spill out
Residential Block
Defensive Planting
Cafe/Bars/ Restaurants
Existing Main Road
Citywide Cycle Route
High Street
Circulation Road
S
NORTHSOUTH SECTION
Public Realm_Scale
The main north-south axis is defined by taller apartment blocks with mixed use ground floor functions to create active frontages facing out onto a predominantly pedestrianised street. The southern end of the axis features a mix of residential apartments, bars, cafés and shops all overlooking an open public green space and a public square. This area is defined as the ‘Local Centre’ of the neighbourhood; an active heart from which residents can socialise, relax and play. The northern section consists of a direct pedestrian avenue, connecting the local centre with the residential zone north of the main road. The avenue is overlooked by a mix of apartment blocks and residential terraces, with areas of mixed use ground floor functions such as convenience stores. This section features a lush rain garden in the centre of the street, strengthening the pedestrian avenue and providing public amenity space.
Private Roof Gardens
Defensive Planting
High Street
Public Amenity Space
Ground Floor Shops
Key Pedestrian Route Street Parking
SuDS Planting
Perimeter Pedestrian Route
N
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
E
W
Private gardens Citywide pedestrian network
Shared street
Private gardens
W
EASTWEST SECTION
Shared street
Private roof gardens
Shared street
Residential Street
Public Realm_Scale
The east-west axis consists predominantly of a series of linear SuDS streets bounded by 4 storey/ 2 dwelling houses. Taller apartment blocks overlook public space at key interchanges and pedestrian routes, improving legibility and security within the neighbourhood while enhancing the diversity of occupancy featured within the development. The ‘Local Centre’ is at the heart of the east-west axis, and provides an active heart from which the built form and public realm run parallel too. The built form to the east and west of the local centre is a mix of both taller, high density residences and lower density terraces. The variety of built form is complimented by the mix of public realm and street typologies, creating a diverse and dynamic neighbourhood both in terms of its activity and architectural qualities.
Private roof gardens
Rain Garden Pedestrian High Street
Public Square
School
Private gardens Hybrid Street
Hybrid Street Residential Street
Private gardens
E
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
Outer development trees Inner development trees Key pedestrian route trees Residential Street Trees Local Centre trees
TREE STRATEGY
NORTH
Public Realm_Tree Strategy
1_Outer street tree character
2_Key pedestrian routes tree character
OUTER DEVELOPMENT
3_Residential Streets tree character
4_Inner development tree character
The proposed tree strategy has been designed to enhance the legibility and coherence of the neighbourhood, with species chosen for their ability to respond to specific conditions and for their inherent visual character.
Larger tree species will define the boundary of the neighbourhood, these will reflect the species used in the immediate context of the development and have been arranged to create strong formal avenues circling the site as a definite transition from the context into the development. INNER DEVELOPMENT Smaller trees of the same species as the outer development will be used to line the main vehicular routes into the heart of the neighbourhood. These will help to create a more human scale experience to evoke the notion that you have now entered a residential area. PEDESTRIAN ROUTES Trees will improve legibility along key pedestrian routes in order to help orientate and direct movement throughout the neighbourhood. The species will be chosen due to particular visual characteristics that help the tree stand out in order for pedestrians to subconsciously identify key movement routes within the development. RESIDENTIAL STREETS Trees within the residential streets will help to provide an intermediary scale between humans and built form. The species’ will create a garden like character in order to improve the ‘greenness’ of the streets and their function as an amenity space along with access. Planters will act as SuDS’s, therefore the trees will need to thrive in wet conditions. LOCAL CENTRE The strategy for the Local Centre is to use trees that compliment the park/plaza character of the space and can withstand the climatic conditions of being sited in an open/ hard environment. The trees in this area will provide the overriding character for the space and will make it unique from the rest of the neighbourhood.
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
Private gardens SuDS planting Public space planting Outer development planting Inner development planting Rain garden Community garden
PLANTING STRATEGY
NORTH
Public Realm_Planting Strategy
1_SuDS garden character planting
2_Public courtyard planting character
PRIVATE GARDENS
3_Street end defensive planting
4_Local Centre rain gardens
The proposed planting strategy has been designed to create distinguishable character zones while enhancing quality of life and environmental functions within the neighbourhood.
Private gardens belonging to adjacent properties allow space for residents to use and maintain as desired. These will be planted with small trees along with fruit trees and shrubs to create a series of ‘green spines’ that run into the development.
SUDS PLANTING Planted swales run parallel along the residential streets to aid in water management across the site. The swales will help to retain and filter water as it is directed through an integrated sustainable urban drainage system into the adjacent Green/Blue Corridor. PUBLIC SPACE Planting in public spaces will help to distinguish the character of the neighbourhood and enhance the proposed green character of the area. The planting will be resilient and will aim to increase biodiversity while supporting existing local flora and fauna. OUTER/INNER DEVELOPMENT The ends of terraces will feature areas of defensive planting in order to prevent access to private gardens while providing a green buffer along the streets. The planting will consist of low level shrubs and small trees that form a dense screen while allowing views out of property windows. Hedges will form defensive green buffers along building façades to soften architectural edges and create a comfortable proximity between pathways and building entrances. RAIN GARDEN A diverse rain garden will form a central focal point for the local centre. While improving biodiversity and ecosystem services, the garden will act as a key destination within the neighbourhood for congregation and activities. The garden will collect rain water from the development to improve water management and the neighbourhoods sustainability credentials.
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
Residential Roof Gardens Communal Roof Terrace Extensive Green Roof Biodiverse Roof Green Wall
ROOF STRATEGY
NORTH
Public Realm_Green Roof Strategy
The development features four types of green roofing systems: - Private roof gardens for the top floor dwellings of the terraced properties, these will provide small outdoor spaces for residents. - Communal roof terraces for provision of immediate access to semi private green space for residents in apartment buildings. - Extensive green roofs in the form of sedum planting and similarly easily maintained species in order to provide an attractive viewable aesthetic in situations where a non accessible roof is overlooked. - Brown/biodiverse roofs in situations where a non accessible roof isn’t overlooked in order to develop protected diverse habitats for local ecology. - Green walls have been selectively located on the façades of buildings that face onto key public spaces in order to improve the legibility and environmental credentials of the public realm.
1_Communal roof terraces
2_Sedum planting and native species
3_Biodiverse roof garden
4_Green wall planting character
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
WATER HARVESTING ON GREEN ROOFS WATER COLLECTED AN USED TO IRRIGATE OR IN BUILDINGS THEMSELVES
WATER DIRECTED TO PRIVATE GARDENS HELD IN PRIVATE GARDENS AND SLOWLY RELEASED
DIRECTED TO URBAN SWALES IN STREETS SWALES PROVIDE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR WILDLIFE AND START WATER CLEANSING
SWALES DIRECT WATER TO LARGER STREAMS ALONG ROAD STREAMS ENHANCE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND STREET CHARACTER
STREAMS TAKE WATER TO A BLUE/GREEN CORRIDOR FLOOD-ABLE AREAS STORE WATER TEMPORARILY CREATING DIVERSE HABITATS, MITIGATING FLOOD RISKS AND PROVIDING A LOCAL LEISURE RESOURCE
BLUE/GREEN CORRIDOR DIRECTS WATER TO WETLANDS WETLANDS CLEANSE WATER, PROVIDE VALUABLE HABITATS AND HIGH QUALITY LEISURE RESOURCE
WETLANDS DIRECT WATER TO RIVER IJ
MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
Public Realm_Water Management
Planting characteristics will provide environmental functions along with creating a unique character within the development. The proposed built form and public realm with play a role in storing, treating and reusing water runoff. Water will be managed within the development through a series of linked systems such as roof gardens and swale systems. The local water management network will be connected to a wider sustainable drainage system that directs excess water to the adjacent blue corridor with the aim of alleviating flood risks within the ‘Port City’ region.
1_Rainwater retained in roof gardens
2_Street swales hold and direct rain water
3_Adjacent blue corridor swale system
4_Regional wetlands treat water runoff
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Chapter 2_Focused Response
PUBLIC GREEN
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DESIGN
eva l uatio n
The final chapter evaluates the focused design response against criteria outlined in the ‘Cites Alive’ publication by Arup. The design is also evaluated against the ‘Building For Life 12’ publication to determine how well the proposed development compares with ideals outlined within the publication concerning the design of successful neighbourhoods.
Strategies for Designers
Chapter 3_Design Evaluation
appendix 1
CHECKLIST FOR LAN AND CITY DESIGNER
The need to make green spaces more than just aesthetic demands multifunctionality
Multifunctional spaces works when the potential for multiple end users is considered
q Acknowledge geo characteristics
q Take account of w
MultiplePurpose & Multi-Function Spaces Multiple Functions
LANDSCAPE CONTE
q Note current land Multiple Users
q Consider ecosyste
q Review history of a
How & For Who?
More Than Just a Pretty Place
q Note social and ec New Functions
Future Users
q Review implication
q Consider plans an New techniques + technologies will enable new uses + functions for a space
New Techniques, New Technologies
New Needs
FutureProofing
Future-proofing will demand the use of new tools + techniques
q Review similar pro The design process must consider how users might change or grow over time + what their future needs might be
SUSTAINABLE MAS
q Conserve historic
q Prioritize developm q Protect natural he q Reuse redundant
q Design for socially
q Plan compact dev Chart mapping the relationships between the design strategies outlined in the ‘Cities Alive’ report and how each effects the other, drawing out specific needs to be considered. This chart has influenced decisions throughout this design document, helping to improve the role of Green Infrastructure in the final proposals.
CITIES ALIVE
q Cater for wide spe
q Site buildings to m
q Ensure site is part
q Develop design ro
Design Evaluation_Cities Alive
The sustainability credentials for Candy Bar Place have been assessed using the ‘Checklist for Landscape Architects and City Designers’ contained in the appendices of the ‘Cites Alive’ publication. The checklist provides an insight into how well the proposal could meet demands of modern city developments. In regards to the sites context, the proposal responds well to existing and futures uses of the neighbouring areas and takes note of current plans for the area such as those outlined in the ‘Port City’ document. The Candy Bar Place design incorporates a majority of the points outlined under the ‘Sustainable Master planning’ section, providing particularly strong responses to social inclusion, catering for a wide spectrum of users, integration of the site into blue/green infrastructure, pedestrian networks and permeable space and designing for a multiple range of uses. The general principles have been outlined for ecological design, in terms of the incorporation of roof gardens for wildlife, water sensitive planting and on site water retention, however this would need considering in a more detailed level than achieved in this document. The same is to be said for ‘Green Technologies’ and ‘Landscape Management’ and although many of the points in the checklist for these sections have not been specifically incorporated, the proposal for the site allows for integration of these at a later stage.
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Chapter 3_Design Evaluation
appendix 1 CHECKLIST FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND CITY DESIGNERS
appendix 1 (cont’d) CHECKLIST FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND CITY DESIGNERS
LANDSCAPE CONTEXT AND ASSETS
q Acknowledge geographic setting and landscape characteristics
q
Take account of water catchment/supply
q
Note current land uses and design responses to locality
q
Consider ecosystem services and implications for biodiversity
q
Review history of area and any heritage implications
q
Note social and economic factors influencing landscape
q
Review implications of climate change, energy needs, population growth
q
Consider plans and any design proposals to date
q
Review similar projects/case studies and project approaches
SUSTAINABLE MASTERPLANNING
q
Conserve historic landscape, built form and significant aesthetic features
q
Prioritize development on disturbed land wherever possible
q
Protect natural heritage and enhance biodiversity of site
q
Reuse redundant structures and adapt existing landscapes for new uses
q
Design for socially inclusive community and neighbourhood safety
q
Plan compact development to optimize land development potential
q
Cater for wide spectrum of users and communities
q
Site buildings to minimize energy use
q
Ensure site is part of green and blue infrastructure
q
Develop design rooted in local context
q
Encourage local use through ease of access
Arup
CITIES ALIVE
q
Design networks for walking and cycling and permeable space
q
Ensure connections to public transport
q
Respond to the ecology of the place
q
Design social gathering spaces and active frontages
q
Integrate overall vision with detail design
q
Engage local community/stakeholders
q
Enhance biodiversity
q
Incorporate productive landscapes
q
Create unique, comprehensible and memorable places
q
Plan for the inclusion of public art
q
Encourage local business opportunities
q
Design for multiuse and range of uses
q
Sustain landscape from economic and social perspectives
q
Design for health of all ages
q
Connect people to places/destinations
q
Include information and interpretative facilities
q
Provide amenities for diverse range of users
q
Provide for flexible space for future change of uses
q
Provide shelter and shade with large trees
147 148
Cities Alive Rethinking green infrastructure
appendix 1 (cont’d)
appendix 1 (cont’d)
CHECKLIST FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND CITY DESIGNERS
CHECKLIST FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND CITY DESIGNERS
ECOLOGICAL SITE DESIGN
GREEN TECHNOLOGIES
q
Generate green energy on-site
q
Use recycled materials
q
Use indigenous and/or non-invasive plant species
q
Green structures/buildings
q
Use ecosystem services and enhance site ecology
q
Use timber from sustainable sources
q
Minimise night light pollution
q
Use durable products
q
Incorporate homes for wildlife
q
Minimize mowing/use of machinery
q
Extend local plant communities
q
Use organic compost, fertilizers and mulches
q
Balance cut and fill of soil on-site
q
Decompose waste on-site
q
Minimise floodplain development
q
Use phytoremediation on contaminated sites
q
Use water-sensitive urban design
q
Use porous paving
q
Maximize water retention on-site
q
Procure local construction products
q
Restore and create wetlands
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
q
Reduce impervious surfaces
q
Facilitate education for sustainability
q
Take measures to reduce air pollution
q
Establish a landscape management plan
q
Incorporate site nursery and composting
q
Ecological monitoring to inform change
q
Ongoing design and conservation
q
Minimize use of pest/herbicides
q
Site-based maintenance/park manager
This guide/checklist was developed initially with particular reference to the Sustainable Sites Initiative developed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center / American Society of Landscape Architects in 2007.
Considered in part
List provided courtesy of Chris Royffe, Leeds Metropolitan University
Directly considered and achieved in proposal
Arup
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Cities Alive Rethinking green infrastructure
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Each question is complemented by a series of additional questions that we suggest are useful questions to ask at the start of the design process.
Chapter 3_Design Evaluation
We’ve provided a series of five recommendations within each question. Based on good practice, these recommendations are designed to stimulate further discussion with local communities, the project team, the local authority and other stakeholders to help you find the right solution locally.
Integrating into the neighbourhood 1 Connections Does the scheme integrate into its surroundings by reinforcing existing connections and creating new ones; whilst also respecting existing buildings and land uses along the boundaries of the development site?
2 Facilities and services Does the development provide (or is it close to) community facilities, such as shops, schools, workplaces, parks, play areas, pubs or cafes?
We’ve travelled the country visiting hundreds of housing schemes. During these visits, we’ve found common problems. Our avoidance tips help you avoid these common pitfalls. Finally, we’ve added endnotes providing further detail, clarity and where appropriate, references you may find useful.
7 Creating well defined streets and spaces Are buildings designed and positioned with landscaping to define and enhance streets and spaces and are buildings designed to turn street corners well?
8 Easy to find your way around Is the scheme designed to make it easy to find your way around?
Street & Home 9 Streets for all
3 Public transport
Are streets designed in a way that encourage low vehicle speeds and allow them to function as social spaces?
Does the scheme have good access to public transport to help reduce car dependency?
10 Car parking
4 Meeting local housing requirements
Is resident and visitor parking sufficient and well integrated so that it does not dominate the street?
Does the development have a mix of housing types and tenures that suit local requirements?
11 Public and private spaces
Creating a place 5 Character Does the scheme create a place with a locally inspired or otherwise distinctive character?
Will public and private spaces be clearly defined and designed to be attractive, well managed and safe?
12 External storage and amenity space Is there adequate external storage space for bins and recycling as well as vehicles and cycles?
6 Working with the site and its context Does the scheme take advantage of existing topography, landscape features (including water courses), wildlife habitats, existing buildings, site orientation and microclimates? 1 Diagram of the 12 questions included in the document ‘Building For Life 12’, published in 2012 by the Building For Life Partnership (CABE at the Design Council, Design for Homes and the Home Builders Federation) with the assistance of Nottingham Trent University.
BUILDING FOR LIFE 12
Design Evaluation_Building For Life 12
The publication ‘Building For Life 12’ written by the Building For Life Partnership was used to inform the design proposal for Candy Bar Place. The publication is broken down into 12 chapters, each a key consideration for neighbourhood design, posing questions regarding each consideration. These questions were used and then answered within the design proposal and have again been used in the following pages to evaluate the final outcome.
Existing connections around the site have been considered, both in terms of how the proposed development integrates within them and how new connections can be formed from existing routes. A key link which has been created by the development is the north-south connection that runs alongside the ‘Local Centre’ up towards the ‘Port City’ harbour.
The proposed development includes instances of all of the aforementioned
Outlined within the strategic framework for the ‘Port City’ region is a tram system running along the main road that dissects through the Candy Bar Place neighbourhood. Tram stops have been located within easy walking distance of residences, with high quality pedestrian links providing safe and direct access. The proposed housing mix provides a variety of property types that meet requirements for different occupants. Public realm within the development has be designed to facilitate the requirements of the variation in occupants in order to compliment and encourage diversity within the community.
A distinctive character for the scheme is created through the soft planting, particularly water tolerant species, and trees within the neighbourhood and through the character of the built form. Architectural qualities are distinctive for the area, but take inspiration from contemporary Amsterdam neighbourhoods such as Zeeburg. Site specific features have largely been considered at a broad scale due tot the lack of detailed information on features such as topography. However, site orientation has been considered when developing the urban grain of Candy Bar Place, buildings were orientated as such, to provide minimal obstruction of sunlight along the streets.
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series of Chapter 3_Design We’ve Evaluation travelled the country visiting hundreds are useful of housing schemes. sign process. During these visits, we’ve found common problems. mendations Our avoidance tips help you avoid these common pitfalls.
mendations are ion with local cal authority and e right solution
Finally, we’ve added endnotes providing further detail, clarity and where appropriate, references you may find useful.
7 Creating well defined streets and spaces Are buildings designed and positioned with landscaping to define and enhance streets and spaces and are buildings designed to turn street corners well?
undings by ating new ones; and land uses site?
8 Easy to find your way around Is the scheme designed to make it easy to find your way around?
ose to) community aces, parks, play
Street & Home 9 Streets for all Are streets designed in a way that encourage low vehicle speeds and allow them to function as social spaces?
ublic transport
irements
10 Car parking Is resident and visitor parking sufficient and well integrated so that it does not dominate the street?
sing types and
ocally inspired
11 Public and private spaces Will public and private spaces be clearly defined and designed to be attractive, well managed and safe?
12 External storage and amenity space Is there adequate external storage space for bins and recycling as well as vehicles and cycles?
ts context
ing topography, rses), wildlife on and Diagram of the 12 questions included in the document ‘Building For Life 12’, published in 2012 by the Building For Life Partnership (CABE at the Design Council, Design for Homes and the Home Builders Federation) with the assistance of Nottingham Trent University.
1
BUILDING FOR LIFE 12
Built form and public realm has been designed in order to compliment one another, with each functioning as extensions of the other. Built form helps to define street edges and public spaces both through form and function, while soft landscaping and activities within the public realm help to ground the architecture within its context.
Legibility is a key consideration within the neighbourhood, reflected in both the built form and public realm. Architectural qualities such as building height and detail act as corner stones, framing key gateways, while landscape elements such as feature trees and homzeones help to direct movement and define location.
The use of raised crossing tables at junction points and key pedestrian spaces, soft landscaping, the positioning of landscape elements and variation in hard materials has been coordinated in a way that encourages vehicles to navigate slowly in built up areas of the development. Visual and physical perceptions of the impact of vehicles on the street environment have been minimised through the use of street trees and large planting buffers. Parking bays have been integrated within planting along the edges of streets to help screen cars and separate them from pedestrian pathways where appropriate. There is a mix of private, public and semi public space within the scheme. Private areas, such as roof gardens and rear gardens have clearly defined boundaries, with dense planting buffers preventing unauthorised access. Semi public courtyards that form spaces within pedestrian streets use detail in planting and hard materials to create a sense of ownership by the adjacent apartments, eliminating the need for defined boundaries around them. Storage space for bins and cycles has not been considered in detail, however, street widths were designed with provision of these elements in mind and could quite comfortably facilitate these elements without becoming cluttered and overcrowded.
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CANDY BAR place
A sweet place to live
By
Christopher Wright