Landscape Report Luc Jones - S1405409 AD6601 - Assignment 002
Walkability & Community
St Pauls Ward
Contents Introduction 01 St Pauls Ward 03 Walkability Research 05 Resources 06 Walkability Jan Gehl 07 - 08 Walkability Precedents 09 - 12 Walking Environment Map
13 - 14
Analysis St Pauls Ward
15 - 16
Key Zones Identified for Improvement One
St Pauls Church Yard
17
Two
St Pauls Road
23
Three
North Place Car Park
29
Summary 35 References
Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
37 - 38
St Pauls Walk Honey Bourne Line
Tommy-Taylor Jct
St Pauls Medical Centre
St Pauls Church
FCH Campus
Swindon Road
Lower Highstreet
St Pauls Ward Landscape Context Map
Pittville Park Dunalley Primary
Marle Hill Parade Wellington Square
Clarence Square
North Place Carpark
Plan not to scale
Introduction Who is this for?
The University of Gloucestershire Landscape Architecture Department have been asked by the community of the St Pauls Ward to look in detail at the current state of the St Pauls area. With regards to improving the Walkability, safety, connectivity and community elements. They have requested that a radical plan be proposed in order to further enhance the currently sad environment of the St Pauls area. Therefore, with this in mind this report to will look to analyse current state of the area and using research and precedent examples propose a detailed and thorough plan that promotes the key aims stated below.
Aims • • • •
To provide a detailed and informative introduction to St Pauls, what are the key existing features that help to create the community environment at this moment. To highlight the key areas for improvement and provide a thorough and well thought rationale that is (1) radical and (2) practical. Integrate the rich hidden culture of St Pauls with the design rationale. Inform the reader of the multiple benefits of improving. Walkability and enhancing the idea of community in St Pauls Ward.
Structure of this Report • • • • • • • •
01
Detailed introduction to the area and its key community elements. Discussion of work put forward by professionals and accredited authors. Critique of potential precedents and themes for the design rationale. Key Areas for development summarised & detailed critique of the key areas for development. Design rationale for the key areas and themes. A proposed strategy for improving community cohesion, and walking in and out of St Pauls. References of the sources used to aid this projects. Finally a project review and personal reflection.
Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
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St Pauls Ward Description St Pauls, as shown on the opening spread of this report, has a mixed community of approximately 700 residents. Mostly made up of students, families, and multi-tennacy dwellings. Officially the boundary is as follows; Wellesley Rd and Monson Avenue to the East; Marle Hill Rd, Larput Place, connected by Hanover Street, to the North; Victoria Street to the West; and includes all streets between these limits running south to Swindon Road/St Margaret’s Rd. (SPRA, 2008). The St Pauls ward can be found just north west of the town centre, and its location is ideal with regards to the proximity of local amenities, such as; the Brewery Quarter, and the lower high-street. The community of St Pauls has, in recent years, begun to flourish, and movements have begun to transform St Pauls into an affluent community driven area of town. The ward backs onto Pittville Park which lies on the north boundary above Marle Hill. This is a key asset to the St Pauls area, as well as the rest of Cheltenham, as it provides opportunity for recreation as well as enhance the biodiversity inside of the towns boundary.
History Roads in St Pauls were built throughout the area in the 19th century, formulating a grid housing layout. Traditionally, the majority of the housing in St Pauls were industrial artisan terrace housing, however, through modern development it could be argued that these characteristics have begun to fade. Nevertheless, the ward still maintains a rich industrial character. There are three key buildings that help to amplify this character; (1) Cheltenham Union Workhouse (Demolished 1990s) now the St Pauls Medical Centre, (2) St Pauls Church, and finally (3) University of Gloucestershire Francis Close Hall Campus (Formerly the College of St Pauls & St Mary).
Authority The area is governed by the Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) and Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC), they are responsible for any legislation, policy, or funding with regards to maintenance, or development in the ward. Further to this The St Pauls Road Residents Association (SPRA) was established in June 2008 to provide an effective way to capture and address the common concerns of the community. Their key objectives are to assist in improving the quality of life in the area. In order to do this they look to maintain effective communication with many authorities and organisations, which will have a further impact on the quality of life in the area.
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Walkability
Research
Introduction This part of the report will summarise key information from the respective researchers specified below. It is intended that the information shown on page 6 will give greater insight to what makes a walkable neighbourhood, and how to achieve a thriving community through design. The key points will be summarised so that they support and guide the proposed rationale for the St Pauls ward.
Key Resources A. Kevin Lynch - Image of the City. B. TFL. 2005 - Improving Walkabiltiy Report C. Walk21 Lecture - Bronwen Thornton 2016 D. Hess. P; Farrow. J. 2014- Walkability in Toronto’s High-rise Neighbourhoods E. ASLA Speck & Associates 2009 - Oklahoma City Downtown Walkability Analysis & Recommendations F. Leyden. K PhD 2003 - Social Capital and the Built Environment: The Importance of Walkable Neighbourhoods.
An Alternative Perspective Hee-Jung Jun an assistant professor in the Department of Public Administration wrote an article named ‘More walkable neighbourhoods are not necessarily better for building social capital between residents’ based on research conducted in the USA. Jun found that A neighbourhood’s social environment may not be simply improved by redesigning street patterns, mixing land uses, or developing denser neighbourhoods, which are common elements promoting walkability. Thus, this study suggests that neighbourhood socio-economic characteristics as well as physical walkability should be taken into account in enhancing neighbourhood social environments.
Summary • • • • • • • • 05
Way-finding is an important element to making a space walkable. Maintaining a good relationship, and professional cohesion with the planners to ensure that a well thought rationale can be reached. Consider socio-economic character when designing. Create the most direct routes for the user. Passive engagement in the design and planning phase will ensure that the community will use and enjoy the end product. Cater to all cultures and abilities. Ensure provision to enable physical activity, thus, improving health. Green infrastructure should be at the core of all design proposals. Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
Resources A
Lynch. 1968
Lynch paved the way for cognitive learning, which is the means of a person learning the environment they are in. He suggested 5 key cues for way finding, they are: 1. Paths 2. Edges 3. Nodes 4. Districts 5. Landmarks
B
TFL. 2005
Although this is a report for the ‘Transport for London’ it presents some key themes that can be applied to this project based in Cheltenham. This report suggested means of design for good walkability, with regards to practice, policy and developer. Further to this they suggested what they call ‘The ‘5Cs’ of good walking networks’ , they are: 1. Connected 2. Convivial 3. Conspicuous 4. Comfortable 5. Convenient This document encourages that good communication with planning will ensure the best possible outcome to benefit the public.
C
Thornton. 2016
Bronwen has been a part of the walk 21 organisation for 20 years, Walk21 is an international organisation supporting and promoting walking. She suggested that the work by Gehl, Salis, Cerin are the most influential examples of walkabililty taking priority in the design of communities. She stated that walkable neighbourhoods improve ones health, with regards to physiological and psychological health. When it came to the discussion of design, she stated that grid formats have proven the best for walkability, and areas with less footpaths lead to a reduction in walking. She also expressed people want to find the most direct route, and further to the topics discussed above in Lynch’s work, she also supports way finding as a means of assisting walkability.
E
Hess & Farrow. 2014
Pioneered by ‘JanesWalk’ this report gave great insight to the key elements of walkability. They stated for people to walk in an environment the designer should: 1. Cater to the needs of all cultures and abilities. 2. Allow for passive engagement in design 3. Create a comfortable walk 4. An Interesting walk 5. Create opportunity for Safety
E
ASLA Speck & Assoc. 2009
This report for the walkability of Oklahoma City, discussed the key features that are needed to create a walkable city. Firstly they suggested that walking improves health (Obesity, Asthma, Increased physical activity). Furthermore the positive effects on the environment through reduced carbon emissions. The report suggested methods in which to encourage walkability, they are: 1. Increase street life 2. Ensure a reason to walk 3. Create a comfortable walk 4. An interesting walk 5. Control car speeds 6. Safety 7. Limit kerb cuts 8. Street trees & Green Infrastructure F
Layden. 2003
Layden suggests that the way we design and build our communities and neighbourhoods affects social capital (The networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society), thus have an impact on mental and physical health. Results found that residents living in a ‘walkable’ neighbourhood are more likely to participate; politically, trust others and be involved socially. 06
Walkability
Jan Gehl
Introduction Whilst the research on the previous page clearly illustrates an influential way to design with people and their welfare at the summit of importance, Jan Gehl is notably one of the most influential architect/landscape architect with regards to designing spaces for people. The Danish born architect begun his journey studying the interactions between spaces in 1965 when he obtained a six month grant to study in Italy. It is evident through his work over time that he has pioneered environments for communities to thrive and develop. In Particular this part will look at Gehl’s written work, and summarise the key elements that can be taken and applied to the St Pauls design rationale, in order to design for the people.
Life Between Buildings: Using Public space. 2006 This is one of Gehl’s earliest published texts, and it stresses the importance of designing urban public space with the idea of people as guiding principles. Gehl explains why places like, Venice, New York, or Buenos Aires have an active street life. He states that they are inherently attractive to people and they are most likely to walk and linger in the space. Attracting people into the public realm with festivals, shopping, and dining is as important in an active street as keeping their interest to linger there. He also goes on to suggest that mixed-use zones can have a wider appeal and create more dynamic spaces.
Cities for People. 2010 Cities for People delineates an important dynamic for urban life: a city survives only if its residents make use of its public spaces on an ongoing basis, and those residents will only do so if the city feels clean, safe, and interesting to them. Gehl’s emphasis on starting with people instead of traffic when designing or redesigning urban areas can greatly impact this proposal. Gehl argues that because humans look straight ahead most of the time, what is at eye level should catch a pedestrian’s interest enough to want to linger a while on a city street. Such spaces must also be safe, sustainable, and healthy for human occupation.
How to Study Public Life. 2013 This is the latest texts produced by Gehl, and it provides a thorough means of how to study people in public spaces. One of the key themes to come from this piece was ‘good Places to Stand’ The studies presented in this book clearly show what Gehl described as the edge effect: the fact that people were more likely to stay at the edge of spaces. This naturally means that when a space is too big and open people still hug the edges and the places that are at a more human scale. 07
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12 key Principles Below are 12 key principles when designing public space taken from the three pieces written by Jan Gehl.
01 Protection from Traffic 02 Protection from Crime 03 A Place to Walk 04 Protection from the Elements 05 A Place to Stop and Stand 06 A Place to Sit 07 Things to See 08 Opportunities for Conversation 09 Opportunities for Play 10 Human-Scale 11 Opportunities to Enjoy Good Weather 12 Aesthetic Quality 08
Walkability
Image 1
Precedents
Image 1 - AVALON Alpharetta, Georgia, USA Designers: Wakefield Beasley & Associates, Site Solutions, Dwell Design Studio Key Walkability & Community Aspects: • Densely circulated pedestrian walkways throughout the property foster walkability and shorten distance perception. • Multiple entrance points to the community via biking paths, walking trails and vehicular roads. • Wide sidewalks allow for a heavily trafficked pedestrian area • The plaza is strategically located along all pedestrian routes to engage the public from every angle.
Image 2
Image 2 - The Yard at Mission Rock San Francisco, California, USA Designers: Rebar, Gehl Studio San Francisco Key Walkability & Community Aspects: • Interim measures can enliven the street before construction takes place. • Bringing people and activity seeds future development with foot traffic and generates interest. • Cultural programming plan will bring life to the site every day of the week. • Early activation projects invite the people of cities to be part of developing the culture of a new neighbourhood. • Flexible physical environment of the container village creates usable, intelligent spaces that improve the quality of public life.
Image 3 - Residential Intersection Portland, Oregan, USA Designers: Community project, initiated by Portland Department of Transport. Key Walkability & Community Aspects: • Encourages more intersection repair points. • Allows for community gathering points . • Projects like this have enhanced social cohesion and furthermore, there have been reports better general health. 09
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Image 3
10
Walkability
Image 1
Precedents
Image 1 - Public Street San Francisco, USA Designers: San Francisco Pavement Park Programme Key Walkability & Community Aspects: • This design encourages physical activity for people of any age or ability, even more, it enhances social interaction within this space. • As a knock on effect from the the social interaction this creates a more positive environment, thus, creating a safer space. • This is a prime example of attracting more people into a space.
Image 2
Image 2 - Streetscape Development Los Angeles, California, USA Designers: Project lead by Los Angeles Department of Transport Key Walkability & Community Aspects: • This site allows for passive engagement with the design process by allowing the community to by involved the design, and production of the project. • This is another example of a space that invites people in to the space. • The pedestrian priority created by this space increases the public safety, (1) from vehicles and (2) natural surveillance.
Image 3 - Thornton Place, Plaza Seattle, Washington, USA Designers: Mithun, SvR Key Walkability & Community Aspects: • Effect site design can turn constraints, like storm-water and parking needs, into opportunities. • Natural systems can be returned to long degraded environments and provide welcome amenities even in dense urban development. • Public-private partnerships can deliver efficient solutions that serve policy goals. • Parking can be shared among compatible uses, reducing costs and site impacts 11
Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
Image 3
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Walking
Environment Map
Good
Important Community Gathering Area Commercial Area Adequate Public Seating Good Walking Space
Satisfactory
Important Play Space Broken/Uneven Pavements Short Crossing Signal Missing Pavements Informal Paths/Desire Lines Bus Service Fences & Barriers Public Restrooms
Negative
Unsafe or poor walking conditions Safe Play Space Needed Fast Moving Traffic Dark Spaces at Night Percieved as Dangerous No Public Seating No Provision for the elderly, therefore needed.
This map is intended to be an illustrative display of the current experience of walking in St Pauls. It highlights the areas that create a negative (Red) and satisfactory (Yellow) walking environment that could be improved to benefit the user, as well as the areas that present a good (Green) walking environment. The information shown on in this diagram will justify the selected zones for improvement later on in this report.
Plan not to scale
Analysis Description
St Pauls Ward
Taking into account the information presented on page 13 and 14 previously, 3 key areas/nodes have been selected that will have greater effect on the area for the near future. They have been identified by this report as areas with most potential/importance within the area and are in need of improvement to further enhance the community and the safety of the people that use these spaces. The key theory behind the development of these areas will be walkabiity, and user safety, which as discussed (p05 - 10) are key elements to the improvement of the zones.
Weaknesses & Issues • • • • •
The St Pauls area has on recorded 723 reported crimes between, Dec 2015 & Nov 2016. This is considerably high compared to other wards of Cheltenham. 355 of the crimes recorded were for antisocial behaviour. The main St Pauls road is a popular cut through to avoid the traffic throughout the town. There is limited funding from the local borough and council for improvements. There is limited public transport throughout the area, the only bus connections run adjacent to the site boundary.
• • • • • •
The area has a strong student population, this can have a benefit on potential community projects. The area has a strong industrial character to be enhanced. There are numerous potential spaces for green infrastructure. There is already existing commercial units, however, there is provision for more commercial development in the area. As discussed above there is definite opportunity for the introduction of a new bus connection along the St Pauls road. The Honey Bourne line presents an existing strong connection with other areas of Cheltenham, as well as the Cheltenham Spa Station.
Strengths & Opportunities
Key Zones Identified for Improvement: Zone one - St Pauls Church Yard
Zone two - St Pauls Road; Tommy Taylors Ln - Monson Ave. Zone three - North Place Car Park
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Zone one
St Pauls Church Yard Description St Paul’s was built in 1831, as part of the an initiative set out by the then vicar to provide a free church to worship God. The Church is built from Cotswold stone, and is a real asset to the St Pauls area. Currently, it also provides a place for community gatherings and as well as a place of worship.
Weaknesses & Issues • • • •
Due to the lack of lighting at night, and small budget, the space is subject to antisocial behaviour. The front of the church has a large grass lawn, which amidst the parking issues throughout the area, it is often damaged through parking. The site is fenced off which creates an idea of seclusion. All be it, the building a beautiful piece of Cotswold stone architecture fitting with the Cheltenham character, the site is aesthetically failing to achieve its potential.
Strengths & Opportunities • • • • •
The Church provides great opportunities for communities to come together. It gives the St Pauls Ward a strong Character through its architecture, making it a focal point. The location is central to St Pauls making it a way finding landmark, thus, it presents a could opportunity to be a key node of St Pauls. The existing commercial development shows that the area would thrive from development. Access too and from the site is good, with sufficient road widths and clear open gateways.
Reason for Identification? As discussed above the site presents a great opportunity to act as a key way finding landmark, meaning that this site will become a node to force people to gather. This therefore means this can become the heart of the community.
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Design Solution 1
Zone one
• • • • • •
It is intended through this proposal to create somewhat of a central plaza, to provide a large, communal multifunctional space for the community. Reminiscent of a European renaissance plaza perhaps. In order to do this the surrounding barriers will be removed, to create an open space. Ensuring that the monument is retained and made a focal point of the space. Expand the old school house round into the site, introducing more potential restaurants, shops, bars and cafés. By doing this, it will have a knock on effect by increasing the financial returns for the space. The Site will have some additional parking, nonetheless, pedestrians will take priority. It is intended that parking bays will be designated only to disabled, and deliveries to ensure people walk to the space. Moveable planters and street furniture can ensure that the space can be interpreted by the user, and allowing the community ownership of the space.
Radical Strategy
Community Benefits & Perspectives • • • •
By introducing moveable furniture and planters, this allows the community ownership of the space. The proposed site could be used for, potential fayre, local productions, of music, or any other events to encourage community interaction. The addition of more commercial units, will encourage more business into the St Pauls ward, and potentially the development of more independent shops, cafés and bars. Thus, this will provide more jobs for the area. Perhaps the Introduction of a nursery into the newly developed school house.
Walkable Aspects • • • • • 19
The use of furniture and planters will help to provide security from the road, however, still create an open inviting space. By increasing the lighting at night, alongside the buildings looking on into the site, will assist with deterring crime through natural surveillance. The will be plenty of places to sit in the site, as well gathering points, plenty of things for people to do. The aesthetic quality will come from the old school house red brick, which will complimenting the proposed glass extension, therefore, it is essential that and landscape remain minimal. As discussed above, the site presents its self as a way finding landmark. Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
Radical Design Proposal
Planning Considerations Under the authority of Historic England, there are three listings on this site: The Church, The War Memorial, and the boundary railing. For purpose of this design, the railings have been removed to further improve and enhance this historic site. Historic England state that listings are not a preservation, therefore, the removal of the Grade II listed railing can be achieved with ‘Listed Building Consent’ from the Gloucestershire County Council. Multifunctional Open Space, hard surface,
Single Storey Extension • Cafe, Restaurants, Bars • Green Roof • Glass Front
Tree Planting natural security Disabled Parking & Deliveries
Public Seating
Old School House
Service access point for funerals, maintenance and potential parking if needed
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Design Solution 2
Zone one
Feasible Strategy • • • • • • • •
The aim of this space, is to create a community node, that can be interpreted and used by the community giving them a sense of ownership over their space. To do this, it is proposed that a smaller alternative to design solution 1, would be smaller units for independent commercial units. This would be done through the installation of shipping containers. The immediate thought, would be that the church would not appreciate such objects in front. However, i would like to insist that it will compliment the church in a new and modern way. (please see image 2, p09) The church will remain a focal point, the containers can be dressed with a facade that the owner feels is appropriate. The use also of a temporary artificial lawn, rolled out during summer for people to use, relax, play etc. Involving existing surrounding properties, such as; ‘Coconut Tree’ to use the space as outdoor seating during warmer seasons. The key focus from this space is to make it multi functional and left to the user to dictate how the space is used.
Community Benefits & Perspectives • • •
It is intended through a community project that the ground central to the site potentially be a painting canvas, allowing residents do contribute to the aesthetic of the area. The space, as specified above, should be used for community functions, events and potential markets. A small additional initiative for this proposed site would be to create an event during race week, for those who do not wish to buy tickets to the event, this would bring money into venues, and create a fun party atmosphere.
Walkable Aspects • • • •
21
The space will be occupied more, thus inviting more people, therefore creating a safer space thorough increase population. The proposal provides ample opportunity for social interaction, rest, and interesting features that the user can find engaging. The artificial lawn allows the residents to enjoy the good weather in summer months, say for example, a big screen during sports events. Natural surveillance through opening the site and creating more views into the space.
Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
Feasible Design Proposal
Open Multifunctional space, summer time, potential events, and winter markets.
Development on existing tree line, through the introduction of more tree species.
Old School House
Informal Parking provision
Informal Pub Benches
Commercial units, cafe, etc.
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Zone two
St Pauls Road Description St Pauls road is the main artery running through the ward. As previously discussed the St Pauls road is used frequently as a popular cut through, avoiding the traffic in the centre of town. The identified runs from Tommy-Taylors Lane to Monson Ave. This road has a high volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It is also within close proximity to town and Pittville Park providing great connections to the Brewery Quarter, Marle Hill and Clarence square area. The Speed limit is set at 30mph, which is the standard speed limit for a built up urban area. Although, councils are beginning to favour 20mph speed limits.
Weaknesses & Issues • • • • • • •
The site has a high volume of vehicle traffic, mostly travelling over the standard speed limit. The speed limit in this area is set at 30mph which considering the number of pedestrians is too fast. Road Surface is uneven and there are numerous pot holes. The Pavement widths around the roads are too small, and the surfaces are uneven and damaged. The volume of leaf fall will inhibit drainage, meaning more maintenance for the council (GCC) There are limited safe allocated crossing points (p13-14) The noise from the cars is prominent inside houses.
Strengths & Opportunities • • • • •
The area is exposed to a high level of sunlight which presents an opportunity for plant growth. The high volume of pedestrian traffic increases the population of the area meaning the space has potential to always be used if developed. The surrounding houses looking onto the space provide a satisfactory level of natural surveillance. There are numerous key views into the site. The existing trees all ready show the potential for habitat life.
Reason for Identification? As a resident of St Pauls, i understand the impact that speeding cars have on the area. It is also clear to appreciate that the road is unsafe and a risk to pedestrians. Therefore, as a main artery of St Pauls, it should be improved to improve the users safety & experience. 23
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Design Solution 1
Zone two
• • • • • • • • • • • •
This Strategy is potentially very exciting, the many new instalments will assist with creating a safer, pedestrian experience. Priority of the road will go to the pedestrian, although cars are allowed access to the road. Road materials will be changed, and varied to create a more interesting experience, and it has been proven that a variance in pattern psychologically forces the driver to reduce their speed. The Tommy-Taylors lane Junction will become a shared space round about, this will slow traffic, and create a safe crossing environment. Safe crossing points will be installed, to cater for the needs of all abilities. The newly named ‘St Pauls Boulevard’ brings needed change of perspective for the environment, and compliments the proposal. Street trees will be installed to support green infrastructure, and assist with creating a more pedestrian welcome road. Street furniture also will encourage residents into the road, and provide resting points. Lower lighting, potential up lighting of the trees, will be a new an intuitive way of street lighting, and further reduce light pollution. In addition to this, possible waist high bollard lighting as well would force the priority away from the motor vehicle. ‘raised table’ speed humps, are better for the environment as they reduce the car from slowing and speeding up. In areas the road level will be even with the pavement. Closing off the Monson ave junction will reduce people using the road as cut through, there should still remain emergency access. In its place will be a pocket park named ‘Four Trees Corner’ connecting to Clarence Square name.
Radical Strategy
Community Benefits & Perspectives • •
The proposed road layout, will encourage more people to enjoy being in the street, thus, encouraging residents to socialise out side of their homes. The increase in planting will improve the psychological perspectives of the user, which in turn will improve mental and physical health.
• • •
More areas for rest. The Proposed ‘St Pauls Boulevard’ will create an interesting walk for the user. Trees will be made into focal points, and the reduced speed limits and traffic calming measures will make the experience safer.
Walkable Aspects
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Radical Design Proposal
St Pauls Boulevard
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Design Solution 2
Zone two
Feasible Strategy • • • • • • • • •
Further to the previous proposal, some elements can be retained and are feasible. Speed Limit of the St Pauls Road to be change to 20mph and enforced. Reduce some of the parking bays along the road, in order to reduce congestion and road rage. Introduce ‘Raised Table’ speed humps as a traffic calming message. The placement of safe crossing zones to help when crossing the roads. Alternate the flow of traffic on the Monson Ave junction so it only flows a one way east towards St Pauls. The introduction of moveable street furniture in parking bays, see precedents (p11-14). The introduction of roundabouts; Tommy-Taylors Lane Jct, and St Pauls ST North Jct. Expanding Pavement widths where they are dangerously thin.
Community Benefits & Perspectives • • •
Its is intended that a community project with the schools and youth clubs and local residents, be conducted to design a wall length mural along the wall backing on to the St Pauls medical centre. This will allow for community engagement for the improvement of St Pauls. Further to this encouraging street art on public walls will add to the edgy industrial culture that clearly exists in the ward. The Introduction of street trees will improve mental health for the residents.
Walkable Aspects • • • • •
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Way finding signage of particular wards, parks etc. will assist the user with guiding them around the ward. The painting mural will be and interesting feature for the residents and those who use it. Improved lighting will make the ward safer at night. The road will become an more exciting and interesting walk for those who use it. The Use of traffic calming measures will create a safer environment.
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Feasible Design Proposal
Raised Table Speed Bumps
Street Art Community Project
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20
20 mph Zone Begins
Areas indentified for the installation of raised tables
Proposed Direction of Traffic
Existing Parking Bays Retained
Existing Parking Bays Proposed to be Removed 28
Zone three
North Place Car Park Description The North Place Car Park area is currently a pay and display car parking site on the edge of the main Cheltenham town area. The site is currently unmaintained and aesthetically an unpleasant environment. Predominantly gravel based ground covered land, with limited vegetation development. The site has previously been subject to numerous development proposals, for potential hotels, supermarkets, and other commercial property. However, for financial and planning reasons the development proposals have failed to take off.
Weaknesses & Issues • • • • •
The site is poorly maintained and the materials, such as concrete, gravel & tarmac are either broken or uneven. Currently poorly lit at night, inviting anti-social behaviour and potentially damage to cars. Dominated by personal motor vehicles, and the limited mixture of plant life, prohibit bio-diveristy throughout the site. With regards to walking the ground surface could present an issue such as; trip hazards, and floor contamination from vehicles. The high demand for parking in Cheltenham suggests that the site will still need to be provided.
Strengths & Opportunities • • • • • • • • •
This site has a lot of natural sunlight throughout the day. It is very open, and accessible from all areas of the boundary. Relatively level site with no drastic gradient changes. There is a potential link between this space and the high-street of Cheltenham. Opposite the site is the Brewery quarter development which indicates that the site will most definitely be habited and used. The existing retail, restaurants, and church, present a great opportunity to justify a green space development. This Site presents a great opportunity for community space, recreational space, and a gate way to encourage more people into St Pauls and the Zone three development proposed by this report (p25). This site sites location also presents a great opportunity to create a link between the town and Pittville Park.
Reason for Identification? This site was chosen due to its location and potential links to Pittville Park, and will act as a gate way to the St Pauls ward. 29
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Design Solution 1
Radical Strategy
Zone three
• • • • • • • •
The intention for this proposal is to create, green urban park that is combined with a secure car park. The Car park will be designated to residents of the St Pauls area, (area shown on page 1 of this report). This will in turn mitigate the parking issues in the ward. Each Resident will be allocated one permit on their respective street. all visitors and second car associated to each resident will have to be parked in the secure ‘Green Urban Park’. The Introduction of green infrastructure will enhance the bio-diversity of the site, thus improving the quality of the area. The park will also provide areas with outdoor exercise apparatus. There will be a focus upon the main road, by changing the road mate rial this will help reduce the speed of the vehicles. The installation of trees will help to protect the site from wind, once fully mature. This space will provide a space to rest, relax and walk for example residents, and workers on lunch.
• • • • •
Meetings were held with residents to voice their concerns regarding the area and what they would most like to improve. The key element in this proposal is that it is a solution to the parking issues throughout St Pauls. By ensuring that a ‘one car per resident’ strategy is implemented by the council for this ward, this will reduce the number of cars on the streets. Thus freeing up the roads. This proposal also presents an opportunity for the area to become a communal space/gate way to St Pauls, where the community can show case, through fayres and markets etc.
Community Benefits & Perspectives
Walkable Aspects • • • • • • 31
Through this proposal the space will become a nice place to walk. There will be areas for congregation and multi functional space, furthermore there will be spaces for the user to stop, stand and sit. The integration of parking will also help to create an element of safety. The Planting implemented in the proposal will mitigate a pollutants from the vehicles. This proposal will help to encourage spaces and activity for all abilities especially with regards to Dowty House on the east boundary. By increasing more people into the site, this will deter antisocial behaviour, as well as lighting to ensure the space is well lit. Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
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Radical Design Proposal
Public Recreational area
Gate Way path towards St Pauls from town
Introduction of wild grasses and shrubs, to allow for habitats to develop and mitigate pollutants St Pauls, Residents secure parking zone
Existing car park to remain public pay & display, with the introduction of green infrastructure.
Town >
< St Pauls
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Design Solution 2 Feasible Strategy
Zone three
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Evidently it is clear that the radical proposal would require a lot of funding, which is most likely not accessible to the area. This solution is catered more to the low cost community element. Research has proven that passive engagement from the community would ensure the best possible design. This space should then become a space that is designed through consultation from the residents, schools and businesses that use this space. The emphasis on this proposal is that it is not permanent, it is a practical solution until funding is available for future development. This site currently has a lot on unused spaces, this should be retained, and planting, such as trees and shrubs should be planted. These spaces could also become urban farming spaces. By constructing raised planting beds, this could bring residents together in order to grow their own products, in the car park. Products can then be sold in a monthly or seasonal market. This brings value to the site as well as gives it a temporary purpose until funding for greater development can be implemented. Introducing raised tree boxes, along side the urban farming idea, the introduction of tree manufacturing, will help to create a pleasant environment for the user, however, when the trees reach a level of maturity, they can be sold to contractors for landscape developments in and around Gloucestershire. This would be in the interest of the GCC as it could ultimately save costs when redeveloping land, by growing their own trees. By introducing more trees, this could enhance the tree links from Pittville Park to the town, thus encouraging bio-diversity into the space.
• •
Urban farming will give people the opportunity to get involved, giving the space a communal value. The returns made through the development of tree growth, and farming products sold at market, could be returned to the community.
Community Benefits & Perspectives
Walkable Aspects • • • • • 33
By using trees and planters, this can provide a buffer and create an element of designed natural security. By introducing community driven projects this gives people activity to do in the site. There will be things to do and see. Perhaps the introduction of way finding posts throughout the space, leading people towards Pittville. The way finding posts, could also be informative and educational. Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
Feasible Design Proposal
Tree Planting for future development, or profit
Market monthly, or annual in existing car park
Communtiy Urban Farming for market.
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Summary Zone one - St Pauls Church Yard • • • •
This site is a key node for bringing the St Pauls community together. With appropriate design and rationale, this could become a great hub for social interaction and activity. The radical design strives to achieve this through the introduction of cafés, and bars and space for events and activity, along side this opening up the site allows for ease of access and the introduction of trees and furniture creates an inviting space to habit. The feasible design looks to achieve the same goals, but with a more realistic and financially viable approach. The proposal is interesting contemporary and allows the user/resident/owner to interpret the space to best suit them. Again it was key to open up the site in order to promote walkability.
Zone two - St Pauls Road • St Pauls Road is the key artery feeding the ward with regards to transport. • Currently, paths are unsafe, cars drive too fast, and their are insufficient crossing zones, for the user. • The road is simply, unsafe and a serious threat to pedestrians. • The radical design aims to direct priority towards the pedestrian, by reducing the number of vehicles, lowering curbs and creating safer crossing zones where necessary. • The feasible design look to achieve similar objectives, however, not through the variety of high quality/costly materials. • Speed limit must be set and enforced at 30mph throughout the road. • Resident must be reduce to one parking permit, with the option for temporary permits for visitors. It is feasible and it is logical.
Zone three - North Place Car Park • • • • t
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The North Place Car park was identified for its potential to act as a gateway for St Pauls, thus Inviting more people into the site. The radical design was intended to be a space for the public, owned (metaphorically speaking) by the residents and community, a space to show of the vibrant culture of St pauls to the rest of Cheltenham. The feasible design, looks more towards the future, if funding does eventually emerge for development, the trees installed can be used in that project, nonetheless, if not they can be sold on other projects. The site can still be used, even though it looks a little rough, it is what he user makes of it.
Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
Module Evaluation To Conclude this is a very interesting project, it serves a purpose and opens the eyes of us students to the importance of community and the experience of walking. This project has proven that sufficient research can help formulate a coherent and positive design that will most importantly improve the welfare of the user. It teaches us that design and landscape architecture should be for the people. Interaction with the community, also showed us students the importance of passive engagement during any design, and planning phase. Going forward, this is a beneficial module, however, it could be improved through more group engagement with the community, and perhaps a shorter time scale of completion.
Personal Reflection This project allowed for great insight for myself as a designer, to consider the community elements when designing. I found this module fun and it gave me an opportunity to play with the brief, and submit a project that best refelected me and the views portrayed by the members of community we met. The end result i feel is good and there have been definite factors that i have learned and can use in the future. Nonetheless, in order to improve the project i would suggest a shorter timescale, perhaps a submission in november, as this began to impact on Dissertation, and other modules.
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References Page 03 SPRA. 2008. Available from: http://www.spra.moonfruit.com/ About St Pauls. 2013. Available from: www.stpaulscheltenham.com/ St Pauls Cheltenham. 2013. Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Pauls,_ Cheltenham. About the Council. 2016. Available from: http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/resident Planning & Development. 2016. Available from: https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/12/ planning_and_development.
Page 05 - 06 Kevin Lynch. 1960 - Image of the City. TFL. 2005 - Improving Walkabiltiy Report Walk21 Lecture - Bronwen Thornton 2016 Hess. P; Farrow. J. 2014- Walkability in Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High-riseNeighbourhoods ASLA Speck & Associates 2009 - Oklahoma City Downtown Walkability Analysis & Recomendations Leyden. K PhD 2003 - Social Capital and the Built Environment: The Importnace of Walkable Neighborhoods.
Page 07 - 06 Gehl, J. 2006. Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space. Island Press. Gehl, J. 2010. Cities for People. Island Press. Gehl, J & Svarre, B. 2013. How to Study Public Life. Island Press. Kilner, J. 2016. A Walkable City Needs...Good Design. Living Street (Pedestrians Association) [online] Livingstreets.org.uk.
Page 09 - 11 Design for Walkability. SPUR. Available from: https://designforwalkability.squarespace. com/. Date Accessed: 02/01/2017.
Page 15 GL50 4ES. 2011. UKCrimeStats.com. Cheltenham. 2011. UK Census Data. Available from: http://www.ukcensusdata.com/chel tenham-e07000078#sthash.E04j6gqf.dpbs. Date Accessed: 02/01/2017.
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Walkability & Community | St Pauls Ward | Report | February 2017
Images Pages 01 - 02 Images 1, 2 & 3 - Authors Images Image of St Pauls Church: https://cherryseed.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/st-pauls-church-cheltenham-gloucestershire.jpg. Date Accessed: 21/10/2016 Images 5 & 6: Google Earth 2016.
Page 04 Image - Joe Jackson. 2017. Available from: http://www.lakedistrict-walks.co.uk/2014/April/10.04.2014_ Cleeve_Hill.html. Date Accessed: 18/01/2017
Pages 09-10 Image 1 - The Wilbert Group. Accessed from: http://www.designforwalkability.com/avalon. Date Accessed: 26/12/2016 Image 2 - Gehl Studio San Francisco. Available from: http://www.designforwalkability.com/avalon. Date Accessed: 26/12/2016 Image 3 - Photo by City Repair Program via Flickr. Available from: https://www.pps.org/reference/actions-streets-places-government-makes-happen/. Date Accessed: 26/12/2016.
Pages 11 - 12 Image 1 - Photo by San Francisco Planning Department via Flickr. Available from: https://www.pps.org/reference/actions-streets-places-government-makes-happen/. Date Accessed: 26/12/2016. Image 2 - Photo by Los Angeles Department of Transportation via Flickr. Available from: https://www.pps.org/ reference/actions-streets-places-government-makes-happen/. Date Accessed: 26/12/2016 Image 3 - Mithun-Solomon and SVR. Available from: https://designforwalkability.squarespace.com/caseone. Date Accessed: 26/12/2016.
Page 24 Authors Image. October 2016
Pages 27 - 28 Image 1 - Available from: http://www.artcap.net/. Date Accessed: 02/01/2017 Image 2 - Image from HUB Surfaces Systems. Available from: http://hubss.com/solutions/traffic-calming-streetscape-improvement. Date Accessed: 02/01/2017.
Page 30 Authors Image. October 2016.
Page 34 Image 1 - West Coast Micro Greens Inc. 2017. Available from: http://westcoastmicrogreens.com/. Date Accessed: 17/01/2017. Image 2 - TownTalk. 2017. Available from: http://www.gloucester.towntalk.co.uk/events/d/73145/gloucesterquays-orchard-street-food-craft-market. Date Accessed: 17/01/2017 Image 3 - Sustainable Cities Collective. Available from: http://www.sustainablecitiescollective.com/bigcity/84081/impact-urban-farming-berlin-and-hong-kong. Date Accessed: 17/01/2017.
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AD6601_002_LR_St Pauls Ward _Walkability & Community
January 2017 Module Tutor: Bob Moore University of Gloucestershire Landscape Architecture BA/Hons