Rivierenbuurt, Den Haag
Densification; Public space design proposal cracking the grid
Divya Gunnam 5099218 Msc Urbanism 1 TU Delft
Contents
2
• Reflection
.... p3
• Site Analysis
.... p4
• Site study
.... p11
• Densification strategies
.... p16
• Public space design
.... p27
Rivierenbuurt , Den Haag Cracking the Grid Sustainability; a synergy of flexible systems Rivierenbuurt is a quaint little neighbourhood in the central district of Den Haag, Netherlands. The first visit of the studio involved walking around the place on foot to get a sense of the neighbourhood. The entrance from the central station is sudden and unexpected. The walk is fairly simple, owing to its natural grid pattern. The dependence on the car and the constant reminder of the hustle-bustle of the city is evident through traffic and noise. However, the neighbourhood has an intriguing quality where it suddenly transitions into a quiet area towards its heart. Each street is its own, each district of the neighbourhood is unique. There is an order to everything, clearly stating their purpose. This rigidity also leads to inflexibility. Being a predominantly residential neighbourhood with a small number of car service shops, the place doesn’t offer much to its visitors. The presence of the canal is calming but no infrastructure would allow the residents to loiter in its streets. This sense of structure often makes it very difficult for future interventions without significant energy loss. The assignment of densifying the eneighbouhood needs to do more than just adding quantity. It needs to add quality to the life of its current and future residents. This report addresses the idea of sustainability in terms of flexibility of space. The grid is a metaphorical term that represents rigidity and strong barriers between different elements of the neighbourhood. This includes public and private, built and nature, vehicular and pedeestrian and volumes and eye level. The densification strategy addresses this rigidity at multiple levels attempting to crack it and achieve these niches which in turn promote livability and quality.
Introducing possibilities by cracking open an axIs, a plane or a mass.
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an urban island surrounded by the sea of infrastructure and mobility networks
Rivierenbuurt is flanked on all four sides with busy infrastructure. The pedestrian permeability through its edges is relatively less due to the viaducts, railway tracks and the canal. The neighbourhood is only used by its residents and the people attempting to reach the station or the central business district. This leads to a lot of through traffic and also high levels of noise and air pollution. The edges which are heavily influenced by fast-moving transport are very defined and strong which obstruct the pedestrian movement. This is a pity because the neighbourhood is located at an ideal location for pedestrians. The edges need to be softened and lines blurred to increase the pedestrian permeability.
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Viaduct on the southern side inhibits pedestrian movement and also fragments the neighbouhood
The motorway and the railway tracks to the eastern side contribute to the air, heat and noise pollution
The large office space and the viaducts block the view of the neighbourhood, hinders movement.
The western side has a beautiful canal but the edge treatment prevents people from lingering
Aerial photo of the neighbourhood, Rivieren buurt
Photo courtesy - Alex Gaio
Infrastructure 0 250
500
Green and Blue networks
Zones
1000
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fragments through order disconnected array of neighbourhood islands
The neighbourhood has a very dominant grid due to its heavy dependence on cars. This, in turn, influences the tangible and intangible aspects of the neighbourhood. The fragments act independently with very little interactions amongst them. This vehicular grid characterises the rigidity and the inflexibility of the neighbourhood to allow organic growth and natural flows.
main vehicular access
strong edges, no hierarchy of street network
main axes , dividers of the neighbourhood
isolated and inward looking fragments
streets mainly for parking, limited cross movements
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very diverse districts no social cohesion
masterplan scale - 1:500
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stresses and oppurtunities disconnected array of neighbourhood islands
For densifying, it is imperative to understand the problems that the neighbourhood is currently struggling with. Bearing in mind the current paradigm of environmental instability and climate change, important issues of the neighbourhood are identified. A SWOT analysis is made to formulate an intervention plan that can simultaneously address today’s issues and future aspurations.
Located between three main transit points, Rivierenbuurt has the highest urban island heat effect in Den Haag.
The neighbourhood is grey due to the paving for the cars. This leads to flooding and water clogging at certain areeas during monsoons.
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SWOT analysis
enclosed from all sides
location
existance of the canal
less vegetation
accessibility
predominantly residential
Flat roof Sloping roofs
flat roofs
Attic slope and Flat roof
Flat roof
Flat roof
Sloping roofs
Sloping roofs
Attic slope and Flat roof
Attic slope and Flat roof
grey surfaces ;parking areas
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densification; cracking the grid densifying the place by adding value and quality The flexibility of a space can be measured at different scales and in terms of how various elements interact with each other. The sustainability of a place relies on its ability to function efficiently in the long run. The capacity of a place to adapt itself to new demands and constantly evolve in this regard attributes to its sustainability. The densification strategy of rivierenbuurt is built around the same principle. The area epitomises rigidity and wholeness which in itself can be a challenge. This order that is seen at every level is mapped and questioned. The idea that when something is broken open, new things can be generated is largely at play here. These new instruments can then organically weave with the existing adding value to the place. This theory is applied to breaking visual continuity, creating interest, introducing hybrid zones to smoothen the public-private realm and also making space for the new influx of residents.
Introducing possibilities by cracking open an axIs, a plane or a mass.
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people of rivierenbuurt existing trends and future projections rivierenbuurt in numbers
RivierenBuurt Noord Total homes - 1989 Total Population - 3690 RivierenBuurt Zuid Total homes - 494 Total Population - 850
Total homes - 2483 Total population - 4540 New housing units proposed under the new densification strategy - 4500 (derived from the Hague resilience strategy) Projection After densification
Current 2019 10%
15% 25%
35%
65%
50%
0 - 25 25 - 65 65 -
Target Groups - By Age 10%
10%
20%
30%
45%
60%
students middle class upper middle class upper class
35%
Target Groups - By Income • Deriving typologies based on new target groups • Balancing the quality after considering the needs of different target groups • New diverse population - Families, kids, Elderly, Students, Immigrants, Singles Current Projection Residential
Retail
Commercial
Recreational
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rigidity in activities introducing vibrancy to the neighbourhood The map shows the distribution of activities across the neighbourhood. These activities are not attractive and do not contribute to active street life. These are mostly car repair shows, service-oriented offices that do not cater to a wider range of inhabitants. The rigidity in the function I;e the residential should be mixed with active community-building functions.
Residential only Residential + Amenities Residential + Shop + office Residential + shop Without residential
The streets are presently used for mobility of cars. Introduction of community-related functions like studios, gymnasiums and other sports facilities would attract people and contribute to active streets filled with people walking. It also makes people cross isolated fragments and increase interactions.
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rigidity in activities
Under the strategy, each street will have a unique purpose that helps modulate the movement of people. It proposes a pedestrain network on top of vehicular networks.
Not changed Low rise housing Mid rise housing High rise housing Sky scrapers
The edges of the neighbourhood are vulnerable to noise and air pollution. Towers and skyscrapers with multi functions are proposed and thee heart of the neighbourhood is relatively quiet.
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Each street is flanked by functions varying from local amenities like a community centre to retail functions that act for the whole city.
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rigidity in volumes lack of visual stimulation
Existing
Top - up
Cracking the mass
different terraces and microclimates
The neighbourhood predominantly consists of row houses that have an average height of 10 mts. This rigidity gives very little scope for micro climates and dynamic functions. The strategy breeaks this rigidity by offsetting the massed to give way to these platforms that can be claimed by residents. It adds a sense of visual stimulation while walking.
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movement; lack of hybrid zones providing transitional realms to crack the movement
building foot cycle road
park
road cycle foot building
building
semi cycle
lingering walk cycle semiprivate building
Proposed situation
Present situation
Car free neighbouhood - The roads of rivieren buurt are littered with car parking and moving vehicles. There is hardly any place for pedestrians to walk, let alone linger and have conversation. Once the streets are rid of cars, hybrid zones or transitional areas are created to soothe the transition between public and private zones.
rigid edges, built and nature introducing vibrancy to the neighbourhood
building foot cycle road car
canal
car road foot building
building
semi cycle lingering
canal
walk cycle foot building
The canal has a very strong edge which is currently being used for parking. The car parking areas should be repaved and seating arteas created for the residents of the neighbourhood. The edges between the nature and built should be softened.
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densification strategies open spaces - fringes, courts and open spaces
The neighbourhood is very dense with existing buildings. Proposing 200 percent densification comes is challenging when the existing scenario and the limitations are examined. New densification strategies have to keep this in mind while proposing for addition. Taking inspiration from densification strategies in Sweden and Germany, unique approaches weere created for each type of area. The limitations and constraints have been identified to examine the scope of these strategies. Demolition is a major source of environmental pollution and hence is only restricted to already dilapitating buildings or buildings with high energy labels. This is also used to break the rigidity of a block to facilitate pedestrian permeability. Most of the density is acheived by topping up on existing buildings and restructing urban blocks to add more volumes. The neighbourhood will be perceived as a car free neighbourhood and all the parking areas will be converted into communal gardens, walking paths and meeting points. C - Constraints V - Variations E - Effects Transform Small changes the function of a public space Pedestrianize
Green patches
C - traffic flow
C - sidewalk space V - ‘geveltuintjes’, remodeled parking spaces
V - broader sidewalks, complete pedestrianization
E - greening of streetscape - increased surface porosity
E - loss of space for car traffic
Space Large modifications of public spaces to intensify use C - availability of space
Greening of spaces
Integrate ecology
V - green square , garden park, sports
C - location near water system V - rain buffer, canal overflow buffer, urban farming
E - greening of streetscape - increased surface porosity
E - water buffer
Mass Addition of building mass on open space Build in public spaces C - availability of space, pollution V - pavillion, tower, block E - loss of public space
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Build in courtyards C - availability of open spaces, sight lines V - low block, tower E - loss of (parking) spaces
densification strategies built spaces - existing buildings, footprints and functions
Transform Preserve the mass but change the program C - floorplan
Transform function
Split dwellings
V - office to apartments, school to family homes
C - floorplan V - portico, central lobby
E - loss of non-residential function
E - change in dwelling type
Extend An extension to an existing building Build in gardens
Top up
C- availability of open spaces
C - roof types - historical/morphological value, ownership
V - dwelling extension,addition
V - setback, multi-storey
E- loss of private gardens
E - changing streetscape
Add A larger addition to an urban block Build over buildings
Top up infrastructure
C - daylight, span
C - safety regulations, budget V - park bridge, sky street, neighbourhood on tunnel
V - build over and through existing buildings
E - crossing the setback
E - changing streetscape
Restructure A restructuring of a part of the urban block C - sight lines , ownership, historical/ morphological value
Towers
Break through
C - historical/morphological value, ownership V - build for the same residents, new typologies
V - skyline accent, skyscraper E - changing streetscape
E - displacement
Rebuild Demolition and new construction of an entire block C - historical/morphological value, ownership V - demolish building, E - create new walking routes, access to new areas
Demolish
Convert to public space C - historical/morphological value, ownership V - park, square, street E - loss of mass
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strategy applied to the plan
Preserve Demolish Add/ extend Restructure Transform
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block; analysis and proposal providing transitional realms to crack the movement
Visions 1. Car free Neighbourhood 2. Greenification 3. Cracking the Grid 4. Inclusive Neighbourhoods Each block is studied in its demographics, vulnerabilities and suitable interventions are provided. The cark parking areas are removed and the surfaces are repaved with permeable materials to allow water percolation. These new courts will act as focal points for pedestrain movements and help increase social cohesion.
Design Spill over functions, private green pockets, hierarchy of volumes, community gardens, introduction of swale for climate moderation Demographics Total dwellings - 455 units Avg ht - 10-40 mts Types - Mixed user groups
Issues High noise level Vehicular domination Cluttered planning Paved parking areas
Strategies Demolish, add, transform Target Groups Students, Singles, Middle and Upper middle class
Functions Offices, Residential, Amenities, Religious Densification - 800 units Heights Top up - 55 - 75 mts
Strategies Top Up, Restructure
Demographics
Target Groups Families with kids, Elderly
Total dwellings - 597 units Avg ht - 10 mts Types - Single family units
Functions Amenities, Residential, Retail
Issues Rigid structure Vehicular domination Grey surfaces Paved parking areas
Densification - 675 units Heights Top up - 10-15 mts Design Spill over functions, private green pockets, some multifunctional buildings, community gardens, introduction of swale for climate moderation
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block; analysis and proposal providing transitional realms to crack the movement
Demographics
Strategies Top Up, Restructure
Total dwellings - 421 units Avg ht - 12 mts Types - Family units, Shared units
Target Groups - Students, Elderly, Single Functions Amenities, Residential, Retail
Issues Closed block Vehicular domination Dense and cluttered buildings Paved parking areas
Densification - 675 units Heights Top up - 15-20 mts Design Spill over functions, mixed use building, main pedestrian axes, wandering pathways, community courtyards
Strategies Add, Top Up, Restructure Demographics
Target Groups - Families, , Singles, Students
Total dwellings - 416 units Avg ht - 12 mts Types - Family units, shared units
Functions Mixed, Residential, Amenities, Cafes, Retail markets
Issues Noise Pollution Vehicular domination Busy and noisy infrastructure Via duct, no place to cross
Densification - 1200 units Heights Towers - 40-52 mts Top up - 10-15 mts Design Reintroducing canal, clusters with green pockets, people’s edge, commercial activity
Strategies Add, Top Up, Restructure Demographics
Target Groups - Families, Elderly, Single
Total dwellings - 322 units Avg ht - 10 mts Types - Single family units
Functions Mixed, Residential, Amenities
Issues Noise Pollution Vehicular domination Busy and noisy infrastructure Paved parking areas
Densification - 675 units Heights Towers - 24-30 mts Top up - 10-15 mts Design Overlooking terraces, towers to block the noise pollution, introduction of a swale for micro climate moderation, spill over areas for community building
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new masterplan scale - 1:500
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schenkviaduct the economic centre of rivierenbuurt
Cracking the existing road network. The viaduct will be transformed into a pedestrian bridge. The width of the road will be used to reopen the canal. This road will become a vibrant city centre that will attract people from all around the cit giving the necessary economic boost.
key plan
current
proposed The platerijstraat will be transformed into an important pedestrian promenade. The ground level spaces will be transformed to host neighbourhood amenities like laundry, stationery, cafes, gyms to attract people. It acts as an important catalyst for movement and interaction.
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pletterijstraat the vibrant centre of rivierenbuurt
Cracking the existant order of functions. The platerijstraat will be transformed into an important pedestrian promenade. The ground level spaces will be transformed to host neighbourhood amenities like laundry, stationery, cafes, gyms to attract people.
key plan
current
proposed The platerijstraat will be transformed into an important pedestrian promenade. The ground level spaces will be transformed to host neighbourhood amenities like laundry, stationery, cafes, gyms to attract people. It acts as an important catalyst for movement and interaction.
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densification of rivierenbuurt
Section before densification
Section post densification
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Section courtesy - Jort , View courtesy - Kinga muwraska
new additions top up
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introducing water streams regulating microclimates
The rigid surfaces of asphalt are broken open and vegetation and water are allowed to take over. This brings down the heat stress of the place and acts as a magnet for pedestrian activity.
key plan
schenkviaduct - plaza in front of the historical monument
Maastraat The social housing will have front gardens and community gardens that will acts as proponants of environmental and social sustainability. These swales and green pockets reduce the air pollution and bring down the heat complex of the neighbourhood. The surface treatments are permeable.
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public space - design community space inside the social housing
The selected site is the courtyard between social housing units. It is predominantly used for car parking currently. After the neighbourhood becomes car free, the these grey courts can be designed to become something of great value.
The view shows the heights and the grey surfaces for parking and lack of vegetation at the site.
The courtyard will become a semi public plaza that caters to the needs of different inhabitants as well as the neighbourhood as a whole.
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densification around the block Building information
Existing Dwelllings - 85 units Proposed - 185 Units Retained buildings - 69 Restructed buildings - 7 Demolished buildings - 9
Concept Juxtaposition of grids to create spaces
Existing grid
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New movement pattern of residents
Overlapping the grids
densification built - new mass additions
Top - up
Existing
Restructure
Proposed
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evolution of design applying the concept to the public space; cracking the elements
Vehicular Private
Existing path
Semi Private
New path
Semi Public
Lobby
Public/open
Common activities
Pedestrian
Vehicular
Existing Highly vehicular, grey courtyards and very little transition place
Private Semi Private Semi Public Vehicular Public/open Private Pedestrian Semi Private
Breaking the mass to facilitate movement
New path Lobby Common activities Existing path New path
Semi Public
Lobby
Public/open
Common activities
Pedestrian
Residential
Add/ Top up
Lobby
Transform
Amenities
Restructure
Water flow
Demolish
People flow
Residential
Add/ Top up
Lobby
Transform
Amenities
Restructure
Water flow Residential People flow Lobby
Demolish Add/ Top up Transform
Amenities
Restructure
Water flow
Demolish
Densification strategy
Existing path
Natural and human flows
People flow
Residential
Residential
Lobby
Lobby
Main axis flow
Cracks/ Fragments
Secondary flow
Residential
Residential
Lobby
Lobby
Main axis flow
Cracks/ Fragments
Secondary flow Residential
Residential
Lobby
Lobby
Main axis flow
Cracks/ Fragments
Secondary flow
movement patterns and axes
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formation of clusters by cracking the grid
plans of each floor restructuring the urban block
Row houses
Row houses
Stairwell / Lift
Towers; Studios
Cycle parks/ Storage facilities Row housesfunctions Community
Row houses
Community functions
Waste collection areas/ Stairwell / Lift Retail Cycle parks/ Storage facilities Community functions
Towers; Studios Community functions
Waste collection areas/ Retail Row houses
Ground Floor Lvl - +00
Stairwell / Lift Cycle parks/ Storage facilities Community functions
Row houses
First Floor Lvl - +3.00mts
Towers; Studios Community functions
Waste collection areas/ Retail
Row houses
Towers; Studios
Towers; Studios
Apartments
Apartments
Terraces; Green roofs
Row houses Viewing Gallery
Towers; Studios
Towers; Studios
Apartments
Apartments
Terraces; Green roofs
Viewing Gallery
Row houses
Towers; Studios
Towers; Studios
Apartments
Apartments
Terraces; Green roofs
Viewing Gallery
Second Floor Lvl - +6.00 mts
Fourth Floor Lvl - +12.00 mts
Third Floor Lvl - +9.00mts
Towers; Studios
Towers; Studios
Apartments
Apartments
Terraces; Green roofs
Terraces; Green roofs
Towers; Studios
Towers; Studios
Apartments
Apartments
Terraces; Green roofs
Terraces; Green roofs
Towers; Studios
Towers; Studios
Apartments
Apartments
Terraces; Green roofs
Terraces; Green roofs
Fifth Floor Lvl - +15.00mts
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people flows ownership and claim of the people
Vehicular Private Semi Private Semi Public Public/open Pedestrian
6:00
8:00
10:00
12:00
2:00
4:00
6:00
8:00
10:00
flows of people - time based movement Vitality of the space depends on how well and how efficiently it is being used by the residents of the area. The community space caters to people of all age groups all around the day. It acts as a catalyst for social cohesion and belongs to each and everyone. Vehicular
Vehicular
Private
Private
Semi Private
Semi Private
Semi Public
Semi Public
Public/open
Public/open
Pedestrian
Pedestrian
openness of the block - rearranging the open areas of the block
Vehicular
Vehicular
Private
Private
Private
Semi Private
Semi Private
Semi Public
Semi Public
Semi Public
Public/open
Public/open
Public/open
Pedestrian
Pedestrian
Semi Private
Existing - Backyards with sheds
Claimed land for densification
Providing both front and backyards
The rowhouses currently have long backyards with garages. In the new proposal, half of this area will be taken up for the community space and front gardens are proposed. This maintains a public to private hierarchy around the house and also helps greenify the roads.
Vehicular Private
Private
Semi Private
Semi Private
Semi Public
Semi Public
Public/open
Public/open
Pedestrian
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determinance flexibility of the space
circulation area
Flexible/ open to interpretation Unspecified Fixed function
The public plaza is a flexible area that can accomodate different age groups and social groups. For this reason, the area is further divided into equal fixed and flexible areas. There are also provisions for adaptability in the future. The space can transform keeping up with the demands and this flexibility lends to a sustainable space.
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plan of the public space - 1:300 Block overview of proposals
Swale Shallow flowing wate reduce the micro cli increse the ground quali
Amphitheatre Competitive kids performance areas, and other social events. Steps for seating and reecreational purposes
Covered pergola Gathering places that are flexible in nature; community kitchens and get togethers
Community hall Houses gym, yoga area on the ground floor, sports facilities underground that opens up to the sunken garden.
A
Gardens Flexible areas for playing, meeeting and other recreational activities
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er to help imate and ity
Rainwater collection pond These water ponds are supplied by water harvesting systems and can be used for gardening and recreation purposes
Library For book clubs, and also hosts a viewing gallery on the top
Gardens Flexible areas for playing, meeting and other recreational activities
A
B Green house It houses ancillary functions necessary for urban farming and also indoor crops that need special light and heat.
Allotment gardens Soil beds are provided for growing small scale crops for inter communal consumption.
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sections of the public space - 1:300 Connections of plaza with the block
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Section AA’
Section BB’
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public space view space with the surroundings
Terraces The breaking of mass modulates the perception of overbearing buildings all aroung the plaza. The visual line is always at 10 mts to maintain human scale.
Sunken Plazas Cracking the ground plane to create different microclimates for different organsims. These also act as catchment for water during monsoons. Dubs as a waterpark.
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Towers The north houses used for installing
s the tallest towers and g solar panels
Terraces The overlooking terraces are used for terrace farming and green roofs
Viewing Galleries Maintain visual connection between the buildings and ground plane engaging social activity.
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materiality open spaces - fringes, courts
Permeable paving
Shrubs for spatial differentiation
Random rubble steps for seating
play area, light grazing
Paver blocks Swale, natural growth
material palette
Reference - images taken from google
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Detail plan materials, edges and surfaces
A
A
paver blocks
wood
curb stone
sand
permeable pavers
earth for mounds
Section A-A
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view of the sunken courts with the building space with the surroundings
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bibliography WEBPAGES https://www.pps.org/ http://www.urbanisten.nl/ wp/?portfolio=waterplein-benthemplei https://www.citylab.com/ https://streetmix.net/ http://bauland.lt/Europan-14-Productive-Angers https://www.sidewalktoronto.ca/ BOOKS The concise townscape- by Gordon Cullen The City at Eye Level- STIPO Make Your City- Eva de Klerk Urban Grids Urban Design Reader Urban Space, Public Place Flexible City
thank you
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