Urban Design Portfolio by ciarancsy

CIARAN CASEY URBAN DESIGN

PORTFOLIO

PERSONAL PROFILE

I have recently completed my studies of Msc Urban Design and International Planning and currently awaiting degree classification outcome, having recieved a distinction for my dissertation. Previous to this, I studied BA(Hons) Human Geography with International Study at the University of Leeds, which included a year abroad at the University of Bergen - Norway, and graduated in 2019. In the period between concluding my undergraduate studies and the start of my Msc in September 2021, I worked in purpose built student accommodation for a major provider whilst completing my TEFL qualification to teach abroad. During my part-time masters studies I have worked as a primary school tutor, within purpose built student accommodation, and most recently as a Planning and Development officer for a local authority within Greater Manchester.

CONTACT DETAILS: ciarancasey1@icloud.com

07920723657

www.linkedin.com/in/ciaran-casey-803069180

I am passionate about the role that Urban Design plays in creating healthy, sustainable, and equitable urban environments and am a strong advocate for context-driven, high- quality design due to the direct role that this plays in making positive contributions to the the quality of life for various communities and user groups.Throughout my studies, I have undertaken urban analysis at varying scales and used this to inform final design delivery, taking projects from the initial stages through to completion. I have also had the opportunity to work on sites at varying scales and have worked on a number of self-guided, independent design projects as well as collobrative projects with my colleagues. During this time, I have culivated the necessary skill set in software and have a proficiency in Abode Creative Suite (inclusive of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign), AutoCAD, SketchUp, and TwinMotion. At the outset of my career, I am enthusiastic to pursue an urban design role within the built environment sector.

EDUCATION

The University of Manchester - Msc Urban Design and International Planning (Sept 2021- Dec 2023) Awaiting Outcome University of Leeds- BA (Hons) Human Geography with International Study (Sept 2015- July 2019) 2:1 with International Study Year at The University of Begren, Norway (Pass) Temple Moor High School Science College and Sixth Form (Sept 2008- July 2015) A Level: English Language (A), Geography (B), and English Literature (B) GCSE: 12 GCSEs A*-C including Geography (A*), English (A*), and Maths (B)

CONTENTS

International Urban Design Project - Walkability and Public Realm quality in Jakarta Visual City Report

Urban Design Studio Project - Marble Arch Analysis

04 05 07 08 10 11

Urban Design Project Project - Marble Arch Design Masterplan Studio Project - Belle Vue Strategic Framework Masterplan Studio Project - Belle Vue Design Design Dissertation Project - Leeds Cultural Quarter Analysis Design Dissertation Project - Leeds Cultural Quarter Design

INTERNATIONAL URBAN DESIGN

VISUAL CITY REPORT

The Plight of the Pedestrian: Walkability and Quality of the Public Realm in Jakarta, Indonesia. PROJECT SUMMARY

As part of the International Urban Design module, an individual study was required which focused on a dominant theme within urban design and how this was an issue within our chosen setting. Having a keen interest in sustainability, the public realm, and the pedestrian experience I made the decision to focus my study on the issue of walkability and the quality of public realm. After conducting some initial research, I selected Jakarta as my study focus due to the car-centric design interventions and policies , lack of quality pedestrian environment and low levels of walkability. After identifying the main urban design challenges at both the macro and micro scale in Jakarta, best practice was then sought and considered how this could be applied within the context of Jakarta. In doing so, best practice within a comparable setting which addressed a similar issue was investigated in order to ensure that it was appropriate and applicable to the study. To complete this project, several software were utilised to create a 12 page document that presented the findings in an engaging, concise and professional manner.

EXTRACTS FROM VISUAL CITY REPORT

Left: An investigation into the issues surrounding walkability on the macro scale across Jakarta. Research was conducted to understand the conditions which led to car-centric design in the city and the preference for large-scale vehicle infrastructure over high-quality pedestrian environments. Above: Considering the issue of walkability and the quality of the public realm on the micro-scale. Kota-Tua, Jakarta’s Old Town and tourist hotspot was chosen for this element of the study due to the lack of pedestrianisation and poor-quality pedestrian environment. However, the area also features recent examples of design interventions that have been carried out in order to address these issues making the selected micro case study an interesting one due to this contrast .

URBAN DESIGN STUDIO Marble Arch, Manchester PROJECT SUMMARY

During my studies, I have had the opportunity to conduct a range of urban analysis on a number of sites that have varied in scale and contexts. In the first module of my masters, Urban Design Studio, I was assigned a 3ha site known as Marble Arch. The site was located on Rochdale Road, approximately a 10-minute walk from Manchester Victoria station. Throughout this module I conducted an in-depth analysis of the site, its surrounding and context at the Strategic, Area, and Local spatial scales. A number of site visits were conducted as well as visits to the proximate areas in order to better understand the functions of the site and its role within the wider urban fabric. Analysis of the site highlighted that although the site benefitted from good vehicular connectivity on the city-wide and regional scales, it suffered from a lack of high-quality pedestrian connections. Furthermore, the site had poor visual and environmental quality and a lack of activity and uses. The following examples show software generated and hand drawn analysis extracted from this particular project.

ROUTE HIERARCHY ANALYSIS

ANALYSIS PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT AND ACTIVITY ANALYSIS

PICCADILLY TO EXCHANGE SQ. SERIAL VISION

Although the work presented is of a lower quality and requires improvement, it does provide a good indication of the improvements made in terms of my software capabilities and confidence in graphical presentation throughout my studies. Examples of the improvements made to the work I am able to produce is available in the following pages. This module has been pivotal in my personal progression in the Urban Design field as it provided me with a basis in urban analysis, fieldwork and analysis skills, and graphical presentation. Such skills that I did not already possess having come from a geography background.

DESIGN

URBAN DESIGN PROJECT Marble Arch, Manchester

Integrated GI as part of the GI pedestrian link responds well to edge conditions with Angel Meadows, similar tree and planting species used to create cohesion.

PROJECT SUMMARY Analysis of the site in the previous module identified several issues including a lack of diverse use and activities, poor building and environmental quality, urban fragmentation and a lack of high quality public realm. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to address these issues and create a mixed used design intervention which would revitalise the site on the edge of Manchester City Centre. Driven by findings from the urban analysis, a design which was rooted within its context and supported by the MUDLAB urban design process was created. The design aims to be reflective of the site’s rich history whilst creating an attractive development. The design also aims to respond effectively to its edge conditions by creating a green infrastructure link between Rochdale Road and Angel Meadows Park.

MARBLE ARCH MASTERPLAN Integrated GI throughout the site and along main pedestrian route, providing a GI link between Rochdale Road and Angel Meadows Park.

Arrangement of blocks have been used to manipulate spaces and routes, creating a clear hierarchy of routes and spaces.

This project was the first opportunity to design during my studies and my abilities have since improved, as evidenced by following examples shown in this portfolio.

PUBLIC REALM DETAILING A

A space for recreation and socialisation for a range of user groups.

SITE LONG SECTION

The primary focus for activity on site, the new public space creates a focal point for the site and is adaptable and provides opportunity for small-scale events. Supported by nearby active frontages, the public space also features seating, lighting and planting to create a high quality and attractive environment which encourages use.

Seating and lighting creates feelings of comfort and safety, ensuring use across all hours of the day.

B E

Grid street pattern has been incorporated into the design, creating a seamless transition between Angel Meadows development and the site.

F C

Retail and leisure frontages have a setback of 3-4m, to allow for access and spill out spaces without impacting upon the main pedestrian routes.

Chamfering of corners create an obvious gateway into the site from Rochdale Road, signalling the beginning of journey sequence and creates a sense of arrival into the site.

DESIGN

URBAN DESIGN PROJECT Marble Arch, Manchester USE AND ACTIVITY

BLOCK TYPOLOGIES OFFICE/COMMERCIAL BLOCK

H B

Ground floor uses include a restaurant with spill out spaces, office units and residential dwellings which creates a wealth of activity around the site.

Retail ground floor uses.

Leisure uses e.g. bars and restaurants encourage night time use and creates sustained activity across AM and PM.

A range of uses were included within the final design delivered, in order to create a dynamic environment that would both encourage and support a diverse range of activity. Ground floor uses typically featured retail and leisure uses and were supported by spill out spaces which animate key streets and spaces. Upper floors included residential and commercial uses which aided in the establishment of a mixed use development.

BUILT FORM AND CHARACTER

Landmark building uses a range of materials that touches on the former Gasworks which once populated the site. pays homage to the former Gasworks that the site now sits. Aluminium has been used to clad the facade of the structure, to replicate a gas tower - similar to what would have been featured on the site until the late 1960s.

A large-scale office block was placed at the north-eastern edge of the site with increased building height to mitigate noise pollution from nearby railway viaduct. At the block interior, semi-public space has been created which provides a quieter alternative to the primary public realm on site. Landscaping, planting, blue infrastructure, and seating aim to create a high quality and attractive space. The manipulation of the block configuration allows for a separation between the parking/service area and the semi-public space.

RESIDENTIAL BLOCK

A conscious effort was made to select a materials palette which was sensitive to the existing built form nearby but also which was reflective of the site’s rich industrial heritage. The majority of structures on site were constructed in red brick which pays homage to the mills, factories, and terraced houses that once sat on the site. Building heights, scaling, and massing all sought to respond well to existing conditions nearby to create a well integrated development that would complement the existing urban environment.

The decision was made to create a large-scale residential block typology which featured underground parking and servicing. This meant that the block interior could be utilised as a space for recreation and socialisation for residents. The interior features landscaped areas, play spaces and an outdoor gym to improve the user experience of residents. Lighting and passive surveillance afforded by overlooking residential dwellings create a safe and comfortable environment.

MASTERPLAN STUDIO Belle Vue, Manchester

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT FRONT COVER

VISUALISATION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT SUMMARY

As part of the Masterplan Studio module, a strategic masterplan framework was created for the assigned site known as Belle Vue on the eastern periphery of the city centre. This was a collaborative project between my colleagues and I which presented our findings from in-depth urban analysis. The document presents several analytical graphics ay varying scales as well as several investigations into the historical, socio-economic, and political contexts of the site. The document, which consists of 36 A3 pages, tells the narrative of the site, and highlights the key findings from analysis and provides a design program consisting of opportunities and constraints plan, vision, actions, and objectives. The design program was informed by the varying layers of analysis and is used to consolidate future design interventions and development. Teamwork was a key aspect of this project, and each member of the team drew on their own strengths in this collaborative approach in order to produce the final document. The document was then presented to a panel of tutors and peers.

EXAMPLE OF INDIVIDUAL ANALYSIS Throughout this project, my main role was to collate all material produced by my colleagues and present this in a cohesive and engaging manner. Therefore, I developed a graphical style and strong identity that is consistent throughout the entire document. For the front cover of this document, a range of images that highlighted the site’s rich and varied heritage were selected as this is a vital aspect of the narrative of Belle Vue.

DESIGN ACTIONS

A key theme that was highlighted during the analysis stage was the lack of activity on site, creating an urban void within the landscape.This is particularly important when considering the historical context of the site which once featured a zoo and theme park and was therefore a hive of activity. In this particular piece of analysis, I sought to highlight the existing active and semiactive frontages and areas of activity on the site when compared with the context surrounding the site. Adobe Illustrator and InDesign were utilised to present these findings and synthesise key takeaways. In order to ensure a sound understanding was achieved, several site visits were conducted across different days of the week and at varying times of the day.

Making further contribution to this collaborative project I was responsible for the creation of much of the design program but in particular in the writing of the actions and objectives that would serve as a toolkit for future design interventions and development. Having formulated the actions and objectives, I also created the infographics for the design actions in order to convey simply and effectively what each action intended to achieve.

DESIGN

MASTERPLAN STUDIO Belle Vue, Manchester

BELLE VUE MASTERPLAN

PROJECT SUMMARY

Utilising the Strategic Framework document, a community-focused, public realm and GI led design was produced. The design, which was delivered as an individual, took the design program presented in the Strategic Framework and realised them in order to establish Belle Vue was a community hub within its wider context and provided a range of community amenities in order to cater for the local community. Celebrating the heritage of the site was a key aspect of the design, ensuring that creation of a new character and identity of the site was reflective of the site’s past whilst also creating a new and distinctive development on the eastern edge of the city centre. Taking advantage of the site’s strategic position along a major route running into the city centre, a key aspect of the final design was to establish the site as a gateway into Manchester City Centre and required an appropriate mix of uses (inclusive of residential and commercial uses) which were deemed as appropriate within its context.

KEY STREETS

CENTRAL BOULEVARD SERIAL VISION

CENTRAL BOULEVARD SECTION Office Space

Residential

Office Space

Residential

Office Space

Residential

Office Space

Residential

Office Space

Residential

Office Space

Residential

At the South-East gateway GI and architectural Clear sight lines towards key public realm draw users along route. Street animated via spill out. form manipulate movement into the site.

Play equipment along key route promotes “play on the way” and encourages recreation.

Visual permeability into key public realm and active frontages create a safe space to stay in.

Visualisation of proposed local street featuring terraced townhouses and integrated off street parking.

LOCAL STREET SECTION

E Residential

Residential

Local streets are found within residential zones Although these routes are small in scale and used prodominantly by those who live around them they benefit from passive surveillance, street greening and high quality materials which create an attractive and comfortable pedestrian environment.

MASTERPLAN STUDIO

DESIGN LINEAR PARK DETAILING

PUBLIC REALM DETAILING

King’s Plaza with the new King’s Music Venue featured in the background. Community Orchard Seating and water feature

Outdoor Gym

F G B

Linear provides a range of uses within the design in order to create a diverse and dynamic space at the centre of the site. The park is networked with the rest of the site via street planting and trees on multi-scale routes.

The park is intended to be open at all times of the day and provides connection between the sites edge conditions, meaning that the park is intended for the local community and not just the new residents of Belle Vue. Community orchard, play parks, outdoor gym and seating areas ensure that the community is at the heart of the design of the park. The park features wide shared spaces to ensure ease of movement, as well as street lighting and furniture to create a comfortable and safe environment. Local tree and plant species have been selected in order to enhance local biodiversity. The natural elements chosen also encourage local wildlife, in particular local birds species, to make the park their habitat.

King’s Plaza forms major public realm on the site and acts as an important node. Named King’s Plaza due to its relationship with the newly established King’s Music Venue. The new music venue pays homage to the Kings Hall which once stood on the site and hosted the likes of The Who, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones. The space acts as an adaptable plaza style space that becomes activated when events take place. Music centred play is featured including outdoor musical instruments, responding to the proximate building uses and hinting at the site’s musical heritage. Seating is provided which also acts as informal play equipment. The playful nature of the space contributes to the community-focus of the design and encourages socialisation and recreation for users of all ages. The trees feature podiums at their base inscribed with the name and date of musical icons who once played at the Kings Hall. The podiums also feature a speaker which plays a sample of a song performed at the previous King’s Hall. This design feature contributes to the construction of a strong character of the site and establishes the site as an attractive destination to visit.

DESIGN DISSERTATION The Cultural Quarter, Leeds

ANALYSIS OPPORTUNITIES PLAN

PROJECT SUMMARY

For my design dissertation I considered the role of Urban Design in increasing access to culture and the arts, with a focus on groups who would not usually have access to cultural events and activities. A 16ha site on the eastern edge of Leeds’ city centre was selected to focus the study. To fulfil the requirements of the design dissertation, 6 x A1 boards were produced which documented the full design process inclusive of initial urban analysis, creation of design program and strategic framework through to the delivery of the final masterplan and design detailing. A 5000-word technical report, a 30-minute defence to a panel of experts, and a 3D model all accompanied this work. The following examples have been extracted to show varying examples of analysis conducted as part of the dissertation process. Again, the MUDLAB Urban Design Process was utilised to ensure an in-depth and robust analysis of the site which would inform a culture-led design which would establish an inclusive cultural quarter.

ANALYSIS EXAMPLES PUBLIC REALM NETWORK ANALYSIS

CONSTRAINTS PLAN

Leeds has a strong public realm network which is well integrated via established pedestrian routes. There is a clear hierachy with different uses, offering a range of experiences for users. The provision of public realm on site and in close proximity is small in scale and use is largely dependant on time of the day.

The opportunities and constraints plans have been presented as they provide a concise synthesis of a variety of analysis conducted and show the design potential but also barriers which had to be overcome in order to ensure the success of the design.

DESIGN DISSERTATION The Cultural Quarter, Leeds

DESIGN

PROJECT SUMMARY

The site, which houses the existing cultural quarter in Leeds also sits at interesting strategic location as three of Leeds’ most deprived neighbourhoods are situated within close proximity. This created the opportunity for a design intervention which will draw users from these areas into the site and interact with an increased cultural offering. Secondary research throughout the dissertation process highlighted that those from lower-socio economic groups were far less likely to access culture and the arts. Having conducted a full analysis of the site and its surroundings (inclusive of historical, socio-economic, and political contexts) there were a number of dominant themes and design opportunities which arose and were considered integral to the design of a successful cultural quarter. Public realm, green infrastructure, diverse uses and activity, and the availability of cultural institutions/venues were all understood to be central to a cultural quarter which had the capabilities to increase access to culture. Therefore, the provision of a varied public realm network was a primary focus of the design, providing the conditions for cultural events and activities to be enjoyed by a range of user groups. More information on the public realm network is provided in the following pages, however, the final design ensured that the public realm network was mutli-scalar and offered a range of user experiences. Another key element of the study was the desire to create a cultural quarter which had a strong character that was reflective of the culture, heritage, and identity of Leeds in order to celebrate the city. Therefore, a strong character was established through the effective re-use of existing heritage assets, use of local materials, creation of new landmarks and inclusion of local, public art. More detail on the creation of character and identity for the site is available in the following pages.

G A

F C

Green infrastructure also played a key role in this design, as the role of GI was realised as an effective tool in promoting social culture through providing landscaped areas for socialisation and recreation. Green infrastructure within this design provided further benefits to the desired aims, acting as adaptable space to host cultural events and activity. The final masterplan featured provides further information on the final design delivered in order to establish in new cultural quarter in Leeds that is both inclusive and celebrates the city. All 6 A1 design boards are available to view on request.

DESIGN DISSERTATION The Cultural Quarter, Leeds

DESIGN

BUILDING HEIGHTS AND KEY VIEWS KEY VIEW ALONG THE HEADROW

SITE LONG SECTION

BUILDING HEIGHTS - WESTERN SECTION

BUILDING HEIGHTS - EASTERN SECTION

Building heights increase outwards towards the edges of the site , creating a good transition between the site and its edge conditions. The decision to keep building heights low around the cultural hub is intended to create a feeling of vibrancy and to provide good enclosure around key spaces and routes.

CHARACTER AND IDENTITY LANDMARKS HILL HOUSE

MATERIALS AND COLOUR PALETTE

LEODIS EXHIBITION CENTRE

LEEDS ALTERNATIVE MUSEUM

HERITAGE SENSITIVE DESIGN

A terminating view has been established along this key route, providing an end point to The Headrow but also visual connection with the city centre. Key view of Leeds playhouse is retained through scaling and massing of new built form. The use of public art and signage creates visual interest and signals to the user that this a gateway into the site. The addition of these details also aids in the creation of character and celebrates local identity.

The site has a rich industrial heritage, highlighted by the number of mill structures and factories that were present on the site, and provided the opportunity for re-use in order to build a strong character and celebrate the industrial heritage of the city. The dis-used mill in this example was re-used to create visual interest within a key public space and acts as landmark for the site. Heritage sensitive design was utilised in order to ensure that the urban context surrounding the heritage asset was attractive and appropriate.

DESIGN DISSERTATION The Cultural Quarter, Leeds PUBLIC REALM NETWORK

DESIGN PUBLIC REALM - ADAPTABILITY

Smeaton Square, named after famous Leeds engineer John Smeaton, forms the only piece of major public realm on site. The space is left largely undefined, with flexible seating and planting in order for it to be removed from the space as needed. Permanent elements such as street trees and lighting are located at the edge of the space, allowing the square to be fully adaptable to encourage both everyday use and for large scale cultural events. The space has a strong relationship with proximate uses due to transparency at ground floor level. Furthermore, the space is located at the meeting point between three of the most important uses on site which creates natural meeting point for recreation and socialisation. Spill out spaces activate the square’s edges.

Public realm is varied to provide a range of experiences for users, encouraging diverse activity. The largescale major space is deliberate in order to be able to host large scale cultural events and to serve everyday requirements of users in the public realm. The use of public realm network strengthens the relationship between existing cultural institutions and it is hoped that the provision of easily accessible public spaces achieves the aim of increasing access to a culture and the arts through occupying these spaces.

SMEATON SQUARE SECTION

EVERYDAY USE

SMALL SCALE EVENTS

LARGE SCALE EVENTS

Everyday ‘expected’ functions of public realm are supported here through the use of seating, however, fixed elements such as trees and lighting are located at the space’s edges. This allows for the central space to be fully adaptable in order to host a variety of cultural events and activities. The seating and planting featured in the central space is not fixed, meaning that it can be removed as required. Active ground floor uses animate the edges of the space, encouraging sustained activity.

The adaptability and location of the space within the site makes it an obvious space to host a range of events. In this example, small scale events such as a maker’s market are able to take place. With such events taking place within the public realm, actual and perceived barriers to access to culture are removed and encourages users to participate. The primary public space is deliberately located on the primary pedestrian route in order to draw users into the space.

The primary public space provided is also capable in holding large scales events, in this example a concert is taking place. Again, the adaptability of the space has ensured that such events are able to occur and the required elements to be put in place. The decision to make this space fully adaptable was done so to ensure the longevity of the cultural quarter as it allows for variety of events and experiences to occur.

LINEAR PARK DETAILING

The focal point of the main park area is the adaptable seating area. The central space is able to hold cultural events and the seating provided is appropriate in accommodating crowds/ audiences. Public art is also featured in the centre, produced by local artists and is reflective of the culture and identity of the city. The adaptable seating area also serves as informal spill out for nearby commercial uses.

CIARAN CASEY URBAN DESIGN

PORTFOLIO

Further examples of work are available upon request and via my LinkedIn profile.