DESIGN PORTFOLIO
ISABEL T. McCAGG
ISABEL T. McCAGG House 2, 199A Grange Road London SE1 3AA imccagg@gmail.com +44 (0)79 0096 0997
Contents Sustainability Masterplan Royal Docks, London, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood Masterplan Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
Mixed-use Redevelopment Enghave Brygge, Copenhagen, Denmark
Street Art Analysis High Line Park, New York, New York, USA
Urban Square Design Israels Plads, Copenhagen, Denmark
Transportation Analysis
Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
Urban Block Redevelopment New York, New York, USA
Sketchbook
Various locations
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1
Sustainability Masterplan
Royal Docks, London, United Kingdom *This was a group project - all graphics and text are self-authored unless referenced otherwise
About the site The Royal Docks are a situated in the East London Borough of Newham. The docks were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in order to accommodate large shipping vessels that were transporting goods and foodstuffs. Given the ease of access to transport, industries grew up around the docks. This industrial history can still be seen in the area today. In the 1980s the London Docklands Development Agency was set up to regenerate and redevelop the site. The agency promoted change through the building of new housing, rail transport, and the ExCel convention centre. London mayor, Boris Johnson and the Borough of Newham have recently begun to promote the area as a ‘green’ business hub.
Objectives Provide food for all projected 30,000 people in local area (20,000 office, 10,000
+ 20,000
10,000
residents
& +
Provide 750 calories a day of fruits and vegetables
=
15,000 tons of produce per annum
Current Conditions
long-standing historic heritage on the site has potential to be re-purposed
Public spaces are uncomfortable due to hard surfacing and lack of seating
Concepts
Combine the stages of the food cycle to reduce
Create two food production centres that coordinate
transport and waste between each
to create a closed loop food cycle
2
Sustainability Masterplan / Royal Docks, London, United Kingdom
Existing community has connection to the docks
The concept that drove this project is the creation of a site based solution at the Royal Docks that would allow for sustainable production of produce. The challenge in the project was to consider how to scale up a small scale model, while maintaining a closed loop system.
Site ite F Framing raming & & JJuStiFication ustification S food innovAtion innovation food and production production And cluster cLuster
water And and roAd road wAter connections connections
GLA owned owned LAnd land & & GLA open spAce space open
potential reseArch research connection connection potentiAL with university university with
Centre entre 1 1 -C nnovation iInnovation centre Centre
Centre entre 2 2 -C MillenniuM illennium M Mills ills M
proximity to to GrowinG growing proximity business district district business
retrofitting retrofittinG historic LAndmArk landmark,, historic MiLLennium illennium m MiLLs ills m
Dividing elements elements of of Dividing the food food cycle cycle between between the the two two sites sites made made the possible maximise maximise itit possible efficiency in in food food efficiency production in in the the production innovation centre. centre. innovation Meanwhile the the Meanwhile landmark building building landmark (Millennium Mills) Mills) (Millennium could be be developed developed as as aa could showcase for for community community showcase and educational educational and engagement. engagement.
less thAn than 2 2 km km Less between food food hubs hubs between
roximity to to Airport airport reduces reduces LAnd land vALues values pProximity for future future residentiAL residential deveLopment development At at for the innovAtion innovation centre centre site site the
existing wAste waste existinG processing centre centre processinG
he two two produce produce GrowinG growing centres centres creAte create positive positive externAL external feedbAck feedback Loops loops the the LArGer larger LocAL local systems systems -- for for exAmpLe example,, tThe the innovAtion innovation centre centre creAtes creates empLoyment employment opportunities opportunities And and m MiLLennium illennium m MiLLs ills enGAGes engages with with the the community community the ustainability m MAsterpLAn asterplan // r RoyAL oyal d Docks ocks,, L London ondon,, u United nited k KinGdom ingdom sSustAinAbiLity
33
su
mm er
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61
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Vertical Farm Operation
solar panels
r inte
w
sun
15.1
°
The vertical farm will operate according to best practice examples. In addition to solar panels, glass construction on the southern facing buildings will allow for solar gains in the growing areas. Rain water will be collected from the roof, stored and purified in underground tanks, and then utilised in the offices and greenhouses. The northern side of the units will be offices and research laboratories. These spaces will have reduced cooling bills resulting from the heat ventilation to the vertical farm. The location of the innovation centre along the dock will allow for distribution via the waterway.
rain water collection exhaust vent
vents drip irrigation
air flow
thermal concrete spine
LED grow lights SOUTH
NORTH gray water tank
clean water tank
Innovation Centre Building System 8. rainwater is collected from the roof
7. excess heat
9. internal drip irrigation system distributes water when needed
transferred to greenhouses
11. southern facing 10. glass construction ensure offices are well lit from sun
buildings increase solar gains
6. waste collection and transport to the ‘waste to energy’ facility
12. on site processing of the produce
filtration tank
purified tank
5. underground grey water purifiers collect, clean
4. office building /
3. high quality outdoor spaces
research labs
and store excess water
4
Sustainability Masterplan / Royal Docks, London, United Kingdom
2. intensive vertical farming greenhouses
1. proximity to docks for ease of distribution between centres
Phasing Phase 1 - The innovation centre will be constructed of modular buildings, allowing for efficiency while developing the site, as well as lower development and maintenance costs. This first phase will require the highest construction and design cost for the modules, so one test unit will be constructed. In this phase, the ground floor of Millennium Mills will be redeveloped and re-purposed as a temporary eatery and community centre. Phase 2 - After the trial module, further modules can be built at exponentially lower costs per unit. In this phase a large portion of the budget will be allocated to the retrofit of Millennium Mills. Phase 3 - The final phase where all modules are completed and Millennium Mills is fully functioning. At this stage the boat distribution along the dock could be including in the site operations.
This scheme would render the Royal Docks fully self sufficient (for growing produce) and would solidify its brand as a ‘green’ business district. This model of local food production and procurement, would reduce each consumers carbon footprint by 275kg C02 per year. For the entire residential and business population of the Royal Docks, this would amount to a total reduction of 8250 tonnes per year or the equivalent of carbon footprint of 103,125 flights per year between London and Zurich. This model of changing the food production and consumption behaviour of a community has the potential to profoundly impact the environment.
Sustainability Masterplan / Royal Docks, London, United Kingdom
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2
Neighbourhood Masterplan
Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom *This was a group project - all graphics and text are self-authored unless referenced otherwise
About the site Hammersmith is located in west London on the north side of the River Thames. The area has excellent transport links that connect it to central London and to Heathrow Airport, making it a popular area for residential and commercial development. Additionally, it has a rich cultural history. It is home to the Riverside studios, Hammersmith Palais, Hammersmith Apollo and the Lyric theatre, though these do not contribute significantly to the public realm.
Hammersmith City of London
Location of Hammersmith along the river Thames
The A4 flyover, built in the 1960s, cuts through the neighbourhood creating a significant north-south barrier. However, there are plans to replace the highway with an underpass tunnel, which will release this space for redevelopment and remove much of the through traffic from the neighbourhood. Although Hammersmith is situated along the Thames, the river remains an underutilised asset due to poorly designed roads which limit permeability and access. The area is dominated by the transport network and lacks identity as a place.
Development Area
Key Weaknesses
Current Conditions
Neighbourhood is divided by A4 flyover highway
A4 Flyover is a barrier
beautiful river views
?
?
?
Transit oriented neighbourhood lacks identity
Public Spaces are underused 6
Few high quality green spaces
Neighbourhood Masterplan / Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
Strong East-West/ Weak North-South Connection
Inspiration
Areas with unique identities
Interconnected green network
Objectives The objectives of this masterplan are to restore and strengthen the identity of Hammersmith as a dynamic ‘place’ - to capitalise on the value and potential of Hammersmith’s key districts and streets, connection with the river, monuments, public spaces and nodes. The masterplan establishes a strengthened and unifying strategic vision, aiming to drive forward change that delivers short and long term benefits across several dimensions. The goals of the redevelopment are: 1. Create a new cultural quarter and theatre that will have a distinct identity
Buildings relate to water
Public play spaces
2. Create a new green space that ties Hammersmith together and links the neighbourhood to surrounding areas 3. Redevelop the street to attract more active pedestrian use and social gathering spaces 4. Create high quality residential developments and provide alternative housing options, i.e. self-build 5. Give residents the opportunity to rethink streetscapes as new social spaces
Biodiverse areas
Streets as social places
Shared Street Space
Theatre District
Cultural Quarter
Central public space
Green Ribbon
Alternative Residential Waterfront Residential
Concept for Different Nodes of Redevelopment Neighbourhood Masterplan / Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
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Key Redevelop Refurbish
Key Proposed Development Areas Links between development areas
Key
Key Redevelop
Key
Residential
Key
Refurbish Redevelop Refurbish
Key
Commercial
Redevelop
Civic (court house)
Refurbish
Cultural (theatre)
Proposed Development Areas
Key
Proposed Development Areas
Proposed Development Areas Residential
Key
Key
Links between development areas
Key
Key Links between development areas
Links between development areas
Key
Commercial Civic (court house) Residential
Residential
Cultural (theatre) Commercial
Commercial
Civic (court house)
Civic (court house)
Cultural (theatre)
Cultural (theatre)
Existing buildings for redevelopment and refurbishment Key Key
Primary roads
Green network
Primary roads
Primary roads
Secondary roads
Secondary roads
Proposed land use plan
Key
A4 Motorway
Key
A4 Motorway
Green network
Key
Primary roads
Secondary roads A4 Motorway
Secondary roads Green network
Primary roads
Primary roads
Secondary roads
Secondary roads
Key
Key A4 Motorway
Green network
Primary roads
Primary roads
Secondary roads
Secondary roads
Primary road network
Proposed road network
Green ribbon park network Connect to existing park Pedestrianised high street Theatre
Live/ Work Units
Proposed masterplan at 1:10000 scale
New residential 8
Waterfront residential Focal Public Space
Neighbourhood Masterplan / Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
Wetland/ Self Build
Phasing Development 2015 Complete pre-construction work Redirect traffic and change traffic flow patterns
Begin construction of live/work units and theatre
Begin landscaping the Green Ribbon and 2015 - 2020
2020
the water feature
King Street becomes a partially shared space
Continue to build the Green Ribbon Complete theatre construction and exterior plaza landscaping
Begin to construct the wetland 2020-2025
2025 King Street becomes a fully shared space Relocate courthouse to allow for wetland development
Construct Wetland Cottages, Riverfront Development, and residences along park Finish Landscaping the Green Ribbon 2030
Complete development
2025-2030
About the Proposal The Hammersmith Masterplan focuses development around a linear urban park that will take the place of the A4 flyover. The plan strives to create a vibrant, permeable and dynamic neighbourhood by improving links to the river, revitalising the shopping street, and developing new connections and nodes along the green ribbon.
Abstract view from the central fountain Neighbourhood Masterplan / Hammersmith, London, United Kingdom
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3
Mixed-use Redevelopment
Enghave Brygge, Copenhagen, Denmark Process
1) Add canal: create distinct identity, separate from the city 2) Develop parks: highlight historic infrastructure and connect the city to the site
About the site Enghave Brygge is located south of the Copenhagen city centre. The site has a rich industrial history that could be highlighted through considerate design. The large scale H.C. Ørsted Energy Plant, which has been designated as a Danish Industrial Heritage Site due to its significant architecture and place in Copenhagen’s history, dominates the local skyline. Railroad tracks running through the site are a visual reference to the city’s industrial past. The rowing club, built on the site in the 1940s, maintains the function of connecting the people to the harbour. To the south of the site, there is a wall that is a popular canvas for graffiti artists to experiment with technique and style.
3) Create stream and esplanade: blur the lines between land and water
4) Add business: develop mixeduse edge
5) Increase connections: increase accessibility to the city centre 6) develop housing pattern: decrease scale of buildings to allow for open views over the canal 7) Shift housing grid: create intimate public spaces between houses
canal
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Mixed-use Redevelopment / Enghave Brygge, Copenhagen, Denmark
commercial and housing complex
park
Urban design Precedents
Amager strand inner harbour, outer beach
Bryggen syd bring the beach to the people
Brøndby haveby centralise public space
Existing Conditions
Vision for activities along stream
About the project The redevelopment of Enghave Brygge into a mixed-use residential community will add vitality to the area, while also connecting the site to the city both physically and conceptually. The development will address and reflect the site’s context and history by connecting land and water, while also preserving and highlighting the industrial and artistic identities that are present.
housing
stream
esplanade
harbour
beach
harbour
Mixed-use Redevelopment / Enghave Brygge, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Vision for Activities along Canal
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Mixed-use Redevelopment / Enghave Brygge, Copenhagen, Denmark
Mixed-use Redevelopment / Enghave Brygge, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
Street A art A analysis naLySiS
High igH Line Park, N new York, N new York, USA USa Location: Graffiti on High Line*
u w h /
41%
h f lb
Graffiti arrests in area*
36%
of thE Graffiti-rELatEd arrEsts within a two bLock radius wErE within 300 fEEt of thE hiGh LinE
*3 month record of police reports, mapped using GIS 14
Graffiti Locations
Street A art A analysis naLYSiS / High igH Line Park, N new York, N new York, USA USa
k
Loc
1b
u
uhw uh hwhuu wu huwh
of thE Graffiti within a two bLock radius was within 300 fEEt of thE hiGh LinE
Crime:
h uh /ww
EntrancEs
h w Graffiti rELatEd arrEsts
Views: Exterior walls visible from High Line
So what’S the difference?
Graffiti
strEEt art
$$$
$$$
bottom UP
toP down ad Hoc/ bY tHe PeoPLe
Commissioned Art: Funded Street Art on the High Line
about the Study
/
PLanned/ for tHe PeoPLe
/ / wu
w u wh w
As a re-purposed elevated train track, the High Line provides a unique vantage point for seeing the city. Artists and planners have responded to this by increasing the amount of art that targets pedestrians walking along the park. The aesthetics and politics of the High Line are intriguing. It has attempted to create an “untamed” space within the city, through design, landscape, and artistic elements. The art commissioned for the High Line is clearly influenced by graffiti and street art movements, though local graffiti artist’s work is still viewed as vandalism and prosecuted as such. Ironically, the park has commissioned outside designers to produce an aesthetic that references the local community street art, while stripping individual citizens of their ability to express their own aesthetic.
/
wu
Street A art A analysis naLYSiS / High igH Line Park, N new York, N new York, USA USa
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5
Urban Square Design
Israels plads, Copenhagen, Denmark Analysis:
Pedestrian Activity hubs
Analysis:
traffic volume
Site Analysis
Site Context
Pedestrian Activity Hubs
key vehicular bike
Site Location highilighted in pink
Analysis:
traffic volume key
Site through History About the site Israels Plads is a large square in central Copenhagen, located near Nørreport Station. The area is part of a band of parks, called the “Fortification Ring”, due to the historical relevance as the ramparts of the city. The site was once the physical boundary between the fortified city and the rural landscape beyond. Throughout history the space has been the setting for a variety of activities, from political and social demonstrations, to urban farmer’s markets. Today, the space is the physical link between the Torvehallerne Gourmet Food Marketplace and Ørestedparken. Due to a lack of identity, the space is underutilised by the general public. It is frequented by school children as a play area, but remains vacant during many hours of the day.
bike
Traffic Volume
2 min 0.5 min 1 min
before
1859
Analysis: wind
Walking times
key wind speed wind frequency
Analysis:
wind key wind speed
1890s
wind frequency
Analysis: Wind Speed sun and Directions
1930
Analysis: context
Solar Path
key food venues schools public space
Analysis: context key food venues schools public space
2012 16
vehicular
Analysis: movement and connecivity
Urban Square Design / Israels plads, Copenhagen, Denmark
Surrounding Context
concept: Make a relationship to the
concept:
historical context of the site
Design Concepts
Concept:
develop a stronger connection btw. the park, the markets, and the israels plads square
Develop a stronger connection between Israels Plads and Ørstedparken, as well as between the square and Torvehallerne Markets.
Create a plan that references the context of the site, reflecting the historic rampart between the city and the countryside.
varied topograpy
Play with topographical forms to create a variety of experiences and vantage points.
Programme be
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LAWN
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path
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flowers
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path
HI
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N ROO F
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Urban Square Design / Israels plads, Copenhagen, Denmark
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N
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Urban Square Design / Israels plads, Copenhagen, Denmark
About the project Analysis of the site revealed that the areas adjacent to Israels Plads were heavily travelled by pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic. However, the square itself was rarely used due to poor access and lack of comfort that invited people to remain in the space. The square is open to the elements, creating an inhospitable, windy and cold environment in the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The markets to the north of the site have received a positive response from city residents and are visited throughout the day. While offering a great selection of food, they offer little seating opportunities; by redeveloping the south site, this issue could be resolved. The design was developed considering versatility of use throughout the year. For instance the sunken arena could function as an outdoor movie screening area, a football court, an ice skating rink, or a small amphitheater. The overall design concept, was inspired by the site’s history as the boundary between city and country. The eastern portion of the square represents the city in its angular features, while the western half represents the countryside, through its more undulating forms.
Urban Square Design / Israels plads, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
Transportation Analysis
Springfield, Massachusetts, USA About the study Does the bus system effectively serve the users?
Appropriate walking distance to bus stop?
Who rides the bus?
< $25,000 $25,000 - 50,000 > $50,000
In the United States, 43.4% of bus users have a household income of less than $25,000, and 75% of users have a household income of less than $50,000. 68.2% of all users walk to the station and 86.5% transfer less than twice. The U.S. suggested standard for walking distance to “a slow local-stop service” is 400 meters (¼ mile). Springfield, Massachusetts is a city with a high percentage of residents living under the poverty line. For this reason it was an opportune place to conduct a study on the efficiency of the bus system. Utilising geographic information system (GIS) software to map the areas of concentrated poverty and the existing bus network, enabled for a thorough determination of the underserved districts.
Legend Springfield Bus Stops Springfield Bus Lines Existing Roads
Who are the underserved People in Springfield?
¯ 0
0.5
1
2
Miles 4
3
Existing Bus Routes and Stops Where are new stops most needed in the city? Household Income < $25,000 $25,000- $50,000
Can they be added to existing routes? Average household income (2010 Census Data) 20
Transportation Analysis / Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
Legend Housing Density People per Square Mile
Legend Housing and Income Overlay
81 - 200 201 - 300 301 - 400 401 - 500 501 - 600 601 - 700 701 - 800 801 - 900 901 - 1000
¯
1001 - 1100
1201 - 1300
Legend 0
0.5
1
2
¯
1101 - 1200
0
0.5
1
2
3
4 Miles
Miles 4
3
Housing Densities within Springfield (2010 Census Data)
Density and Income Overlay showing areas with the highest density of low income households
Suggested Additional Bus Stops Legend
Legend
Underserved Color gradation based Population on assessed need
Springfield Bus Stops
Target Demographic
Walkable Distance to Bus
Median Household Income 9200.000000 - 25000.000000 25000.000001 - 50000.000000
¯ 0
0
0.5
1
2
0.5
1
2
3
Well-Served Areas that lie within 1/4 mile (400m) of a bus stop
Underserved Areas cannot easily access a bus stop Additional Recommended PVTA Bus Stops Suggested Additional Bus Stops
Suggested Additional Bus Stops Color gradation based on assessed need
0
0.5
1
2
3
4 Miles
Miles 4
3
Additional Stops Color gradation based on assessed need
4 Miles
0
Areas with Highest Demand For Additional Stop
0.5
1
2
3
4 Miles
Additional Stops to be added to bus routes
Conclusion As the mapping of 2010 census data on household income indicates, many residents of Springfield live in poverty and this low income population is concentrated in pockets throughout the city. After mapping the existing bus stops, I determined the areas that were not well-served by the transport system. I used this data, along with income and density data, to designate the locations most in need of additional bus stops. There are many areas within the city of Springfield that are underserved by the current transport network; with increased funding the city could develop routes to address this issue.
Transportation Analysis / Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
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7
Urban Redevelopment
New York, New York, USA
Objective to develop site as:
A) attraction
B) education centre
About the site The project was to design a one block development along the High Line Park in New York City. The site is located between 19th and 20th Streets and 10th and 11th Avenues. This is currently trendy, mixed use district in Chelsea, Manhattan. The area has undergone a massive transformation in the past decade, with the High Line attracting over 3.7 million additional visitors a year. The High Line itself has been a catalyst for gentrification and redevelopment of the community. However, local residents and businesses are being pushed out by increasing land values. This project attempts to blend the lines between the new identity of the area with its past identity, while also focusing on creating an accessible space for the local community.
C) living building
... and create:
D) new views
F) private & public spaces
E) circulation
Programme: functions and overlap
sketches:
HOTEL/ RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
HIGH END LOCAL RESTAURANT “NOMA” STYLE SUBSISTENCE FARM TO SUPPLY THE FOOD USED ON SITE
COMMUNITY GARDENS
OUTDOOR GATHERING SPACE
MARKET
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Urban Redevelopment / New York, New York, USA
CASUAL LOCAL FOOD RESTAURANT
Development of Form
1) undeveloped site
2) build up
3) central sunlight
About the project The development transforms the block into a public venue, while exploring forward-looking concepts of urban farming and livestock husbandry within the city. The design focuses on blending the functions of space. In order to provide an integrated community resource, the development highlights the past history of the neighborhood as a meat packing district, while anticipating the need for future generations. Referencing the High Line, the building is designed to continue the linear parkway up to the rooftop, through a series of ramps that expose pedestrians to a new urban experience. As well as a productive urban farm, the site is intended to educate visitors about farming practices. The building itself is designed to be a living system, with the waste from one component serving to fuel another. The concept addresses mounting issues of instability in urban infrastructure, by providing a greater amount of autonomy and selfsufficiency to city dwellers. hotel
accessible rooftop gardens
community centre
urban farm
4) solar gain
5) wind protection
food market residential
high line
platforms allow visitors to gather and enjoy views over the Hudson River 6) green roof
exterior ramping system creates new views of the city and allows pedestrians to view the vertical farm, while they ascend the roof
7) roof garden
8) flood protection
Urban Redevelopment / New York, New York, USA
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8
Sketchbook various locations
About I actively keep a sketch journal as a place to consolidate and explore my ideas about architecture, landscape, urbanism, and design. I use it to keep notes about the way that spaces function, and compile my thoughts. The sketches here are part of a series exploring urban design, which I compiled while travelling and living in Western Europe.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Deia, Spain
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany
Copenhagen, Denmark 24
Sketchbook / Various locations
Essen, Germany
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, Denmark Sketchbook / Various locations
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