Mersey Parklands Landmarks Project

Mersey Parklands Landmarks Project proposals of landscapes for prosperity

Bรกrbara Scorsulini Jota | Cristina Besen Muller | Guilherme Iseri de Brito | Henrique Pimenta Lucas Larissa Miranda Heinisch | Laura Lima Guaitolini | Mariana Ramos Borges | Thiago Barbosa Lima | Sue Kidd

Mersey Parklands Landmarks Project

proposals of landscapes for prosperity

Bรกrbara Scorsulini Jota | Cristina Besen Muller | Guilherme Iseri de Brito | Henrique Pimenta Lucas Larissa Miranda Heinisch | Laura Lima Guaitolini Mariana Ramos Borges | Thiago Barbosa Lima | Sue Kidd

University of Liverpool

INSTITUTION School of Environmental Sciences

SCHOOL Department of Geography and Planning

DEPARTMENT Science without Borders

PROGRAM Gordon Stephenson Building Liverpool L69 7ZQ United Kingdom

ADDRESS Sue Kidd

ADVISOR Bรกrbara Scorsulini Jota Cristina Besen Muller Guilherme Iseri de Brito Henrique Pimenta Lucas Larissa Miranda Heinisch Laura Lima Guaitolini Mariana Ramos Borges Thiago Barbosa Lima

STUDENTS

UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL School of Environmental Sciences Department of Geography and Planning Science without Borders Summer Project

Mersey Parklands Landmarks Project proposals of landscapes for prosperity

Liverpool, September 2014

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This project is set in the context of the launching of the Atlantic Gateway initiative and draws attention to the Mersey Parklands area. It consists on the development of detailed landmarks proposals for five sites in the area, which are: Crosby Beach (Sefton), Port Sunlight Park (Wirral), Everton Park (Liverpool), The Dream (St Helens) and Pomona Docks (Trafford). The intervention strategies were based on sustainable principles supporting economic growth focusing on long-term gains for the city-region.

The main key concept proposed in each one of the sites is to develop sustainable assets.

Other overall guidelines were set, including: relate the landmarks with natural elements and with each other; Interact with the human senses; Use the potential of each site and understand its contexts; Catch attention

of the community for the area; Simple solutions with quick answers. The landmarks proposed could be summarised as following: • Crosby Beach: it represents the entrance of the “Atlantic Gateway”. A vertical element visible and establishing visual and physical links with its surroundings. Its hexagonal shape refers to the memory of the old radar tower. This structure also incorporates photovoltaic glass to harvest solar energy, which can be used to the self illumination of the tower during night, allowing the landmark to be maintained in a sustainable way.

• Port Sunlight: the landmark proposed is the incorporation of wind sculptures throughout the park, to enhance and promote the idea of clean energy and provide accessible public art to all visitors. A unique experience

is provided to each visitor since several factors affect the sounds of the structures and these also allow people to interact.

• Everton Park: the park is divided in two zones: the South would be destined to a tourist use — where the Sky Pier is planned to be built — whilst the North part is destined to a community use, with the possibilities of local interventions such as a community garden. There is also self-lit pathways, that would call attention to the park at night, park benches that provide charging stations and WiFi hubs, charged by solar energy.

• The Dream: the Suttor Manor site was separated in three areas: a site for housing development, to connect the woodland with St Helens; A park infrastructure, with a variety of coloured vegetation and lightning schemes;

A site specific mountain biking structure as a training site in the Lake District context.

There are also new established perspectives at special viewpoints surrounding the area.

• Pomona Docks: the site was separated in three areas: the south-east medium-high density area, next to the Metrolink line; the middle low density area with family housing developments; the area closer to the river was defined as a waterfront park. The park has a filtering garden and permeable pavement which is based on eco-landscaping techniques.

Other infrastructure such as schools and commercial establishments may be included.

LIST OF CONTENTS 1| Introduction 11 1.1 The project 12 1.2 Justification 13 1.3 Objectives 13

1.3.1 General Objective 13

1.3.2 Specific objectives 13 1.4 Methodology 14 1.5 Report structure 14 2| Theoretical background 17 2.1 Atlantic Gateway 18

2.2 Atlantic Gateway Parklands 19

2.3 Landscape and Landmark 20

2.4 Sustainable development 21

3.3 Design meetings 34 3.4 Conclusion 34 4| The sites 37

4.1 Crosby Beach, Sefton 40

4.2 Port Sunlight Park, Wirral 46

4.3 Everton Park, Liverpool 52

4.4 The Dream, St Helens 58

4.5 Salford Quays, Manchester 64 5| Final considerations

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6| References 75 7| Annexes 79

3 | The project development 23

3.1 Case studies analyses 24 3.1.1 Emscher Park 24

3.1.2 Thames Gateway 28

3.1.3 Fresh Kills Park 30 3.2 Field visits 33

1| INTRODUCTION

1| INTRODUCTION 1.1. The project

This report presents a project originated from a partnership between the University of Liverpool and the Atlantic Gateway initiative. It was developed within a summer placement scheme by a group of eight undergraduate Brazilian students from the Urban Regeneration and Planning degree sponsored by the Science without Borders program. The group was oriented by the Professor Sue Kidd from the Department of Geography and Planning through a working period of approximately six weeks beginning in early June of 2014.

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The project is part of the plan to launch the Atlantic Gateway Landscape Park, the Mersey Parklands, and consists on the development of detailed landmarks proposals for some five sites within the Atlantic Gateway area (Figure 1), comprehended among the cities of Liverpool and Manchester, United Kingdom (UK). The selected sites were: Crosby Beach (Sefton), Port Sunlight Park

(Wirral), Everton Park (Liverpool), The Dream (St Helens) and Salford Quays (Manchester).

The intervention strategies were based on sustainable principles therefore supporting economic growth through an integrated environmental improvement focusing on long-term gains for the city-region.

Figure 1: the Atlantic Gateway area and the five selected sites. Source: adapted by the group from <http://www. atlanticgateway.co.uk/our-vision> viewed on 11/06/2014

1.2. Justification

1.3. Objectives

The Atlantic Gateway it is an initiative that will bring significant impacts for the current and future contexts of the area comprehending not only Liverpool and Manchester city regions and its surroundings but also within the UK panorama.

1.3.1. General objective

Therefore, it is proved relevant to apply the knowledge acquired on the academic environment on a real urban regeneration scheme, leading to study based proposals.

Also, international experience (as those shown on the examples drawn by the group in this report on section 3.1.) shows that linking iconic landmarks together on a landscape scale generates levels of interest that add up to far more than the sum of the parts, and that major public art installations can play a major part in attracting public interest. Thus, the Mersey Parklands strategic development of landmarks could have a major positive impact on creating interest on stakeholders for specific sites of the scheme and also on the Atlantic Gateway initiative as a whole.

• Understand the Gateway initiative, its vision, and already developed

Produce proposals for landmark development in the Atlantic Gateway area.

1.3.2. Specific objectives Atlantic priorities works;

• Comprehend the definition of some important concepts within the approached theme such as landmarks and sustainable development; • Provide case study examples of strategic development of landmarks in other parts of the United Kingdom and worldwide; • Analyse some specific sites within the Atlantic Gateway area through field visits and bibliographic research in order to obtain base for future proposals; 13

â&#x20AC;˘ Define an intervention strategy for the selected sites and elaborate illustrated ideas through design meetings;

Chapter 1 - Introduction: presents the project and its justification, objectives, used methodology and the structure of the report

â&#x20AC;˘ Elaborate a report, poster and presentation to show the achieved results from the project process.

Chapter 2 - Theoretical background: brings the summary of the performed bibliographic research for project basement and definitions of some important concepts as landmarks and sustainable development

1.4. Methodology

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The development of this work was organised through some steps that can be divided in five: theoretical basement and bibliographic research, search for case studies, performance of field visits, and evaluation of the sites and elaboration of proposals. These steps were interconnected and performed by all members of the group, not necessarily following a linear order. The explanation and the outcomes from each step will be presented through the sections of this report.

Chapter 3 - The project development: shows the development and outcomes of the cases studies analyses, field visits and design meetings

1.5. Report structure

Chapter 5 - Conclusion: final considerations and reflections regarding the project process and its outcomes

The report it is divided in seven chapters.

To a better understanding of this structure, each one of them it is explained below:

Chapter 4 - The sites: presents the analyses of the selected sites based on bibliographic researches and field visits, summarised through the elaboration of SWOT tables and also includes texts and illustrations presenting the final landmarks proposals for the Atlantic Gateway parklands

Chapter 6 - References: a list of the used bibliographic resources for this project Chapter 7 - Annexes: includes the poster presented at the summer Science without Borders conference and the presentation elaborated to show the project results for the client (a representative from Atlantic Gateway Mersey Parklands team).

2| THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

2| Theoretical background

In this section will be presented the results of the bibliographic research developed to acquire theoretical basement of some relevant themes for the project. The three topics covered were the understanding of the Atlantic Gateway initiative, comprehension of the Landscape definition and its related concepts and also an analysis of sustainable development concepts. A summary of this study will presented to follow.

2.1. Atlantic Gateway

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The Atlantic Gateway Parklands project was idealised by the Atlantic Gateway, which is a framework for collaboration between the Manchester and Liverpool City Regions. Its main purpose is to set out guidelines for development in sectors which are likely and ought to be growing in order to benefit the region and “overcome the barriers to unlock the full sustainable growth potential of the area, focusing particularly on those issues which cannot be fully resolved within the administrative

geography of either city region.”(Atlantic Gateway Framework, 2010, p. 10/11).

The main concept of this framework is to bring together the administrative regions along the River Mersey between Liverpool and Manchester (including Warrington, Halton, Chester and Northern Cheshire) to guide these future developments to take place in a sustainable way and to unlock the full potential of England’s Northwest Region and rebalance the UK economy to other regions outside London.

Four key themes for action were considered in order to tackle the development challenges within the region (Atlantic Gateway Framework, 2010): Theme 1 – Innovation in Key Sectors: There is a great interest in establishing the region as leading centre for innovation in a limited number of key, high-value markets, which are investments in: • Transport and Logistics; • Digital and Creative Industry; • Life, sciences and health;

• Green energy.

technology

and

renewable

Theme 2 – Global Gateway: Due to the strategic location of these regions in the UK, there is a great potential in growing its logistic and international trade potential in a sustainable way, reducing carbon dependency and helping decentralise the already saturated transports of the Southeast region.

This theme supports the construction of “key investments” such as the Liverpool SuperPort, High Speed 2 and plans for both Airports – improving the sustainable movement of people. Securing these investments will greatly improve the North West region economy as well.

Theme 3 – Sustainable Infrastructure: Providing investments in the increased energy, water and waste infrastructures that are going to be needed with the growth intended for the region is a key point tackled by this framework. The investments in renewable energy generation, water management and treatment and flood risk mitigation are no longer an option, but an obligation in

achieving the growth intended without the carbon and environmental costs that has happened in the past.

Theme 4 – Creating places that attract and retain talent: Considering these new developments that are going to take place and the regional economy boosting, it is expected that more people will be moving to this new development corridor. One of the proposed ideas is to create and provide a good number of quality and accessible recreational and green spaces. The Atlantic Gateway Parklands was conceived under the fourth theme, and its main objectives will be discussed in the following topic.

2.2. Atlantic Gateway Parklands

The Atlantic Gateway Parklands is focused in environmental investments do be made to help support the region’s economic growth, considering the landscape character, need of leisure and recreation areas, the heritage assets, the topography and views and the connectivity between these areas (sustainable transport and movement).

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Taking into consideration the rich and diverse range of landscapes in the MerseyManchester region, the Atlantic Gateway Parklands was able to produce a prospectus with the key strategies for these kinds of developments. This study was our main source of information to better understand the quality of spaces in the region and the importance of creating places that would attract more people to the region and enough assets that would favour for they return many times, also considering the improvement of life quality for current and future residents.

With this in mind, five sites were chosen to start these studies and strategies that would begin a transformation of the area’s character. Therefore, a further understanding of what is a sustainable development and how landscape and landmarks can work together to spark these changes are going to be the subject in this chapter, in order to describe how the work was developed from case studies to the proposals for each site.

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2.3. Landscape and Landmark

The built landscape of our cities and green spaces, when done with wisdom and taking into consideration the different factors of the townscape construction, generate interesting spaces that are the scenario for people’s lives and memories. Cullen (1971) affirms that there is an art behind the construction of these landscapes and, when this is comprehended and put into practice, could avoid some “disasters”. Therefore, it is proved that quality and well based landscape interventions lead to a more enriching urban experience and consequently also to a better comprehension of the city elements.

According to Lynch (1960) the formal types of image elements into which we can conveniently divide the city image are: path, landmark, edge, node, and district. Regarding the landmarks, focus of this study, the same author defines it as a kind of an external pointreference. Lynch also highlights that: “they are usually a rather simply defined physical object: building, sign, store, or mountain.

Their use involves the singling out of one element from a host of possibilities”.

In this project, the concept landmark was interpreted by the group as anything that could call attention to each site, generate interest and/or attract people to come to these places. Regarding the landmarks of each of these five site, some were already existing (the “Another Place” land art in Crosby beach and “The Dream” sculpture in St Helens), emergent (the Sky Pier in Everton Park) or to be created (Port Sunlight and Pomona Docks) Therefore, the approaches for each specific site took this into consideration, either creating a new landmark or valorising existing and emergent ones. The proposal development for these landmarks intervention can be seen on the following sections.

2.4. Sustainable development

Its common sense that Sustainability is simply being “environmentally friendly”, but actually Sustainability is a multidimensional concept and without one of its components can’t be fully understood. Sustainable

Development1 is a systemic concept that can be translated into a model of development which incorporates the aspects of environmental development and can be theoretically divided in environmental, economic and social sustainability.

The environmental sustainability consists in the functions maintenance of the environment by the preservation of the resources. It designated as the capacity that the natural environment has to maintain life conditions and quality to people and to the other species.

During the project we focused in creating possibilities for observation and interaction between people and the environment to improve their comprehension of sustainability. We gave uses for the environment and public spaces so that the community could value it and take profit of it. We intended to integrate the principles of sustainable development in the guidelines and policies and to combine aesthetics and environmental function in the features we created for each site.

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3| PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

3| The project development

The development of this project counted with some previous steps, besides the theoretical basement, in order to give base for a more conscious evaluation of the selected sites and consequent elaboration of the final proposals. These steps were three: case studies analyses, field visits and design meetings, which will be presented on the following topics.

3.1. Case studies analyses

The search for case studies had the aim to learn from the experience of similar land regeneration programmes and other initiatives related with the current project in some aspect (e.g. strategic development of landmarks, derelict areas, post industrial renovations).

The analyses of these examples were based on the concepts of the four main themes of the Atlantic Gateway initiative: Sector Growth, Connectivity, Infrastructure, Sustainability.

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There were mainly three study cases, comprehending examples within other parts of the United Kingdom and also overseas projects. These were: the Emscher Park, the Thames Gateway and Fresh Kills Park.

The other studied cases are more related to specific issues of each of the sites.

The outcomes of this research is summarised on the following sections.

3.1.1. Emscher Park

The Emscher Park is one of the main inspirations for the development and proposal of the Atlantic Gateway Parklands. It is a continuous system of connected parks in the Ruhr Valley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Germany, a former industrial corridor and one of the most populated areas in the country. The Emscher Valley was highly industrialised, and remains highly urbanised, but nevertheless 60 per cent of it comprises green space of various types and qualities.

Following the decline of coal mining and steel industries, the area began to become derelict with many brownfield sites and abandoned industries, leaving scars of environmental contamination.

The concept of the Emscher Park was created during the International Building Exhibition (IBA) at Emscher Park in 1989. Over the course of a ten year period, IBA Emscher Park was to encourage the ecological, economic, and urban revitalisation of the Ruhr Valley and the Emscher River through several collaborative partnerships. After the expiration of IBA in 1999, “Project Ruhr” took over the task of managing the regeneration (DAC & Cities, 2014).

A crucial vision for the redevelopment under the IBA was an Emscher Landscape Park that would act as a “green connector” between the settlements of the Rhur Valley, following the path of the Emscher River and using the abandoned industrial areas along it as a unique form of green space.

Also using different scales, the specific projects that created the park system ranged from the development of large fallow land areas to small scale construction schemes to installations of biotopes to the simple planting of trees (DAC & Cities, 2014).

“The master plan for the region specifically targeted abandoned industrial sites so as to improve the quality of the undeveloped areas surrounding them and to save money by making use of the existing infrastructure. The region’s massive and muscular structures are now filled with art, culture, housing, commerce and offices.”

(DAC & Cities, 2014).

“Concerts are staged in the ageing steel frames of former factories. Grassy recreational areas, complete with hiking trails and climbing walls, have been sculpted from the old hills of coal pilings. Paths through glades of trees linking the many different components of the park follow the former industrial roads and rail line.” (DAC & Cities, 2014)

The Emscher Valley was highly industrialised, and remains highly urbanised, but nevertheless 60 per cent of it comprises green space of various types and qualities.

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Figure 2: Source: http://www.gardenvisit.com/ uploads/image/image/164/16440/duisburg_nord_ landschaftspark_1627_jpg_original.jpg

Figure 3: Source: http://www.nordsternpark.info/ de/Funktionsnavigation/_doc/Karte_Nordsternpark_ english.jpg

Projects inside the Emscher:

Nordstern Landscape Park

Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park

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• Example of a landscape park shaped by industry. The heart of the park is a disused Thyssen Steelworks now a place of industrial heritage and at the same time a venue for different leisure-activities; • It covers about 200 hectares, mainly brownland

• The former Zeche Nordstern coal mine have been turned into an outstanding example of an industrial landscape park; • Modern commerce, services and a science park under the motto of “Working in the Park” with the following quality goals: landscape quality, urban development quality, architectural quality and ecological remodelling of unused industrial sites for leisure-seekers;

Figure 4: Source: http://www.historytrips.eu/images/ ruhr/Zollverein_Schacht_Thomas-Robbin.jpg

Figure 5: Source: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/ pictures/50000/nahled/tetraeder-bottrop.jpg

Zollverein Coal Mine

Tetrahedron at BOTTROP

• UNESCO World Heritage Site designation; • The British architect Norman Foster was commissioned to turn one of the mine’s old boiler-houses into a museum.

• The city’s landmark is the Tetrahedron, a work of art located upon one of the most beautiful slagheaps in the Metropolis Ruhr; • Offers a unique view of the landscape along the Emscher River, and can be seen from a great distance; • Symbolises the chance the Ruhr area has gone through: the steel tubes represent the region’s steel industry.

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3.1.2. Thames Gateway

The Thames Gateway Parklands vision is part of the Thames Gateway project, which aimed to regenerate the East London area and improve the connections between this area and central London. Economic transformation was focused in four key areas (Canary Wharf, London Gateway, Ebbsfleet Valley, and the Olympic Park with Stratford City), there was also housing developments, and the proposal to invest in skilled workforce and making the Thames Gateway an Eco-Region (a Government ambition), by the Thames Gateway Parklands initiative.

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The document that present it is more of a propaganda to show some of the things that were already being done to improve the area by several public and private agents.

The Parklands vision was for a coherent and sustainable initiative that could be implemented over time and in any sequence.

Therefore, it comprises just a few detailed information, more general maps and schemes, giving ideas to stakeholders and photos showing some of the ongoing developments.

The general goals of the Thames Gateway Parklands were: improve perceptions of the area; improve the quality of life for 1,500,000 existing residents; create long term value by reconnecting communities to the exceptional landscapes of the Estuary; encourage a greater number of visitors to the area; and help to attract investment, jobs and people to the Thames Gateway. The project is separated by themes, and its area include the blue, green and brown landscapes of the Thames Gateway. â&#x20AC;˘ Sustainable development

Since it is based on the Thames River, water is considered as a major environmental, recreational, transport and economic asset. Its development is focused in improving biodiversity, protecting and enhancing the Estuary, helping with flood control, dealing with likely future changes in sea levels and improving water quality.

One of the most interesting actions of this theme is to reveal lost tributaries, since many have been piped underground or channeled into artificial river channels,

particularly in urban areas. There is also the goal to improve wetland areas, and to activate under-used docks and canals as public realm.

Besides that, there is also the idea to create new connections across rivers, to arise new economic opportunities and communities connections.

• Connectivity

One of the main goals is to provide access to communities to significant landscapes of the Thames Gateway, since those are able to positively influence on surrounding areas and help to strengthen pride of place, social and cultural benefits and help reinforce local identity. This means increase accessibility and make clear links between communities and green and open spaces. There are opportunities to create continuous links based on pedestrian and cycle links, served by public transport wherever possible.

The idea is to create a connected Parklands landscape with the ‘green grid’, the Thames Estuary Path and visual and environmental improvements to major transport corridors.

• Infrastructure

The Parklands Green Grid follows natural features such as water courses, woodland and topographic features. It also includes existing bridleways, footpaths and agricultural land in rural areas. It will provide a recreational and environmental resource for local people and visitors, and can include new nature trails, footpaths and cycle routes, and restored and enhanced landscapes.

The Thames Estuary Path links ‘city to sea’, and certain sections already exist. The path passes a number of major landmarks including the O2 Arena, the Thames Barrier, the Estuary forts, and the ‘minsters’ (churches) among others.

There is also the proposition to develop visually and environmentally strategic transport corridors, to improve perceptions of Thames Gateway and the experience of travelling through it. Particular attention should be paid to making improvements at points of arrival and departure, for example at important stations. Also, introduce art and landscape art along these transport corridors.

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Within urban areas improvements are proposed to public realm including promenades, river walkways, ‘urban beaches’, squares, high streets, avenues, streets, civic spaces, local parks and play areas.

• Sectoral Growth

By integrating urban parks with parklands, and relate them with key housing sites, the scheme helps the surrounding communities to signify those places, and to add positive value to housing in the area. This is also encouraged by developments related to the historical landscape of the area to provide a clear identity for each community.

3.1.3. Fresh Kills Park The area where this project is located used to be a Staten Island’s out-of-commission landfill. It was closed in 2001 and then the Department of City Planning along with New York Department of State’s Division of Coastal Resources developed a 30-year master plan (Figure 6) to regenerate the site.

Agriculture land is also considered as parklands, and the project propose to enhance their biodiversity and provide opportunities for more local food production.

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By helping to deliver the Parklands vision, government departments, local authorities and the private sector will help to ensure that the Thames Gateway becomes synonymous with low carbon regeneration and growth all over the world.

Figure 6: overall view from the Fresh Kills’ masterplan area . Source: <http://www.nycgovparks.org/parkfeatures/freshkills-park#plan> viewed on 15/06/2014

This planning is divided into three ten-year phases and shows the importance

to preserve coastlines as a way to ending up also protecting inland areas. Its project includes “five main areas that encompasses natural habitats for wildlife, the resurgence of natural topography, programming for a variety of activities and circulation through the 2,200-acre expanse” (Vinnitskaya, 2013).

The five areas will be composed by cultural and recreational waterfront parks that includes areas for gathering and recreation, sports fields, event spaces, vast natural settings featuring footpaths and trails of scenic overlooks, active recreational areas, nature education centres and an earthwork monument on a vast hilltop.

The design of the park actively incorporates sustainable energy infrastructure. For example, natural gas collection from the decomposing waste will be used to heat approximately 22,000 homes.

Also “photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, and geothermic heating and cooling will be considered for the parks’ development to keep to the city’s sustainable energy commitments” (Vinnitskaya, 2013).

Another interesting feature from this project is the competition hosted by the Land Art Generator Initiative to look for ideas of sustainable infrastructure for Fresh Kills.

The proposals seek to combine design with sustainability exploring ways to address these topics throughout the park. The first four winners are shown on the following pages (Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10).

Figure 7: the proposal winner, named “Scene Sensor”, works as a channel screen, harnessing the flows of wind and staging crosswise pedestrian flows through the park, the two acting in combination as a mirrorwindow, reflecting and revealing the scene of Freshkills’ fluctuating landscape back to itself. Source: <http://www.archdaily.com/289653/winners-announcedof-the-2012-land-art-generator-initiative-competitionfor-freshkills-park/> viewed on 15/06/2014

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Figure 8: “Fresh Hills”, inspired on the shape of the topography, relates energy and land with an artificial landscape that lifts higher at levels of increased energy potential where more predominant wind speeds and duration exist. Source: <http://www.archdaily. com/289653/winners-announced-of-the-2012-land-artgenerator-initiative-competition-for-freshkills-park/> viewed on 15/06/2014

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Figure 9: the third place, named “PIVOT” is a floating metal mesh platform on aluminum pontoons and a piezoelectric canopy structure that frame the watercourse. The canopy is a prototype for clean energy generation which captures wind energy through fluttering piezoelectric fabric and flexing piezoelectric support ribs. Source: <http://www. archdaily.com/289653/winners-announced-of-the-2012land-art-generator-initiative-competition-for-freshkillspark/> viewed on 15/06/2014

3.2. Field visits

The field visits were an essential part of the project development, since it was possible to really see and understand the reality of each site within the Atlantic Gateway scheme.

Figure 10: “99 Red Balloons” is a proposal for a metaphorical souvenir — proof that something redeeming and beautiful can rise out of the ‘dust’ that has been placed on the land by human activity and the accumulation of society’s waste. Source: <http://www. archdaily.com/289653/winners-announced-of-the-2012land-art-generator-initiative-competition-for-freshkillspark/> viewed on 15/06/2014

The first visit happened in 3rd of June 2014, when four of the five sites in this report were visited — Everton Park, Crosby Beach, The Dream and Port Sunlight Park. This visit was guided by Sue Kidd — the coordinator of the project — Walter Menzies — board member of the Atlantic Gateway Partnership — and Richard Tracey — Investment Manager of Liverpool Vision — who explained the history and what were the peculiarities of each of the sites.

In 1st of July 2014 happened the visit to Pomona Docks, when it was possible to understand the complexities of its location — something that will be described later on this report. Finally, there was a last visit to Everton Park, in 10th of July 2014, to understand the uses of the park.

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Figure 12: Site visit to Everton Park. Source: Authors’ personal archive.

Figure 13: Design meeting. Source: Authors personal archive.

3.3. Design meetings

3.4 Conclusion

To put everything that we research together and to create concepts for each site, a great number of Design meetings were held in the Sidney Jones library. They started as weekly meeting and as the process evolved they began to happen every working day.

All sites chosen to be part of the Atlantic Gateway Parklands were analysed in order to better understand their potentialities to generate more interest from the public to these areas. But what does these 5 different areas that are fairly distant from each other with different realities and concepts have in common that can attract people’s attention and make them feel that each site is part of a whole?

With those meetings it was possible to plan the whole project and to organise each member’s ideas, aiming to produce greater and more creative interventions.

Following the Emscher Park’s example, the answer is to not think as individual sites,

but as the connection corridor between Liverpool and Manchester as the park.

The main theme proposed in developing strategic landmarks in each one of these sites where the main key concept is sustainable assets, proposing that less or no energy is used (and in some of them even produced) by these proposed ideas and specially having features where each visit to these places will always be a unique experience, where people would always want to come back.

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4| THE SITES

4| The sites

This section will present the analyses and also the consequent proposals for each of the five sites (Figure 14) selected within the Atlantic Gateway scheme: Crosby Beach (Sefton), Port Sunlight Park (Wirral), Everton Park (Liverpool), The Dream (St Helens) and Salford Quays (Manchester).

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Figure 14: the five selected sites. Source: adapted by the group from <http://www.atlanticgateway.co.uk/our-vision>.

Accessed in: 11/06/2014.

Before each individual proposal was developed, there were defined overall guidelines based on the previous researches and group discussions.These aimed to established connections and a consequent unity among the sites, including:

Therefore, the proposals for each individual site were based on this general approach. The results of each intervation can be seen on the following sections.

• Explore the idea of route (entrance, transition, end); • Relate the landmarks with natural elements (water, wind, vegetation) and with each other; • Interact with the human senses (vision, smell, sound); • Use the potential of each site and understand its contexts; • Incorporate sustainable energy for the landmarks self maintenance; • Catch attention of the community for the area (create events and uses); • Simple solutions with quick answers; • Changeable structures that create distinct scenarios and atmospheres along the different seasons and parts of the day.

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FRACTAL TOWER

Crosby Beach

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Figure 15: the Seaforth radar tower.

Source: Authors’ personal archive.

Crosby Beach is part of the Merseyside coastline, located in Sefton. The beach stretches about 3 miles North-West from the Seaforth Dock, in the Port of Liverpool, through Waterloo.

The beach has only really been stabilised in the last half a century or so. Previous to this at high tides the sea could come in as far as the first row of houses. Dune management, which is still ongoing to the present day (including the planting of old Christmas trees) and the building of a sea wall have now reduced the problems.

“Another Place”, an artwork located on this beach, was done by Antony Gormley. It is made up of 100 cast iron figures situated across an area of sandy beach over 3 km long (approx 2 miles).The “Another Place” figures - each weighing 650 kilos - are made from casts of the artist’s own body and are shown at different stages of rising out of the sand, all of them looking out to sea, staring at the horizon in ‘silent Figure 16: the “Another Place” land expectation’.

art. Source: Authors’ personal archive.

Strenghs • Tourist character; • Natural potential from the sea.

Weakness • Integration with the city fabric is poor; • Lack of support establishments (food stores, souvenirs, etc.)

The Seaforth radar tower, which stands at the south end of the beach, is an example of 1960s architecture, an amalgam of corrugated iron and grey bricks set alongside wind turbines and rusting piles os scrap metal. It was used to monitor vessels using the Mersey shipping channels.

The main findings regarding the site were summarized on a SWOT (strenghts, weakenesses, opportunities and threats) table, that is shown above.

Opportunities • Identity (unique place); • Marine activity; • Demolition of the tower gives place for other developments; • Cruises return to Liverpool (water-front view).

Threats • Weather (windy and cold); • Distance from other areas; • Accessibility.

Based on this analysis, were establish some specific guidelines for a landmark for Crosby Beach. These key-design strategies are: • Vertical; • Related to ‘another place’; • Accessible; • Visible; • Changeable (regarding features as the sea water).

natural 41

The way these key-design strategies were incorporate in a landmark proposal can be seem in the next section.

42

The proposal

A structure that works as a monument, observatory and connector, establishing visual and physical links with its surroundings (water, “Another Place”, Seaforth Nature Reserve).

A landmark at Crosby Beach represents the entrance of the “Atlantic Gateway”. A vertical element visible at the iconic waterfront skyline and accessible for potential visitors.

The memory of the old tower previously located there must not be forgotten and this is assured through the maintenance of an hexagonal shape, repeated through a fractal logic and also the same high of the previous tower.

Figure 17: the site plan

Figure 18: the concept plan

As walking through the tower, the circular ramp allows changeable views, framed by panels that also have a hexagonal design pattern and that incorporate photovoltaic glass to harvest solar energy. This can be used to the self illumination of the tower during night, allowing the landmark to be maintained in sustainable way.

Figure 19: view of the new tower and detail of its pannels with photovoltaic glass and with a hexagonal pattern

Figure 20: the tower conception scheme

Figure 21: the landmark on the waterfront

43

44

45

WIND SCULPTURES

The Port Sunlight River Park is located on the shore of the River Mersey on the Wirral. It is currently replacing the previous Bromborough landfill site. The site was part of the Bromborough Dock which was once the biggest private dock in the world and operated for over 50 years until officially closed in 1986. It was formerly used to dump silt dredged from the Albert Dock.

Portsunlight Park

The site retains high historical significance and it is an area of a rich industrial heritage. It is located between silent area the historic model village of Port Sunlight, the conservation riverside area of Bromborough Pool and the residential settlement walk of New Ferry.

picnic area

wind instruments area

46

Figure 22: the site plan

In the late 1980s, an application was made to turn the former dock and the adjacent silting ponds into a major landfill facility. Tipping operations began in 1991 and ceased in August 2006 and only the northern end of the site was not tipped on, this being allowed to develop as a pond which is now home to variety of wildlife. The land now is managed by the Land Trust.

Strenghs

Weakness

• It is one of the only sites left unoccupied on the riverside; • The site offers unique views of the townscape of Liverpool.

• The site has unstable ground as it was used as landfill; • The connectivity between the site and its surroundings is weak.

Opportunities • The site as a missing puzzle piece; • Historic industrial importance of the region.

Threats • High velocity winds; • Poor accessibility.

Being a former landfill site, some specific key strategies for Port Sunlight were considered on the development of new landmarks: • Several lightweight structures other than one heavy monument; • Resistant to the strong winds on the local; • Enhance and add to the view of the Mersey; • Consider the different aspects of each area within the park.

47

The proposal

Port Sunlight holds one of the most fantastic views to the Mersey – from its summit it is possible to experience a unique and fantastic view of the Liverpool skyline.

Not only that, the place itself is an example of sustainable regeneration, having being transformed from a former landfill site into a green park with a marsh area rich in wildlife, a scenic waterfront and also produces electricity from landfill gas.

The main concept of the Port Sunlight Wind Sculptures is to enhance and promote the idea of clean energy and provide accessible public art to all visitors.

Figure 23: wind spinners

Every visit to the park will be a unique experience – the time, wind strength, weather conditions – all of these factors will affect the sounds and movements in the park.

48

Another feature is the human interaction with these sculptures. Touching, closing, opening, walking around them will always provide a new experience.

Figure 24: kinect wind spinners

Figure 25: sculptures systems references

Figure 26: concret slab as a technical solution to suport the landmarks on the soil. Source: <http://static. skynetblogs.be/media/92522/dyn002_original_800_600_ pjpeg_2596076_47e3c4563e406a2d2151f5807092d2a1. jpg> viewed on 10/08/2014

Figure 27: detail of the concret slab. Source: <http:// poloservicos.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/2_8.jpg> viewed on 10/08/2014

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50

51

CITY OVERLOOK

Everton Park

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Everton Park is located in Everton, in the North-east of Liverpool. It has an area of approximately 693 acres, being around 2km long in the North-South direction, and about 1,6km West-East. The foot of the hill in which the park is located is considered the western boundary.

Everton, one of the first residential merchant village, was considered during the beginning of the 19th century “a very favourite residence of the gentry of Liverpool, for the salubrity of its air and its vicinity to the sea” because of its strategic position on top of the hill, offering a view of the city.

This situation, however, changed around the middle of the century, because of the industrial growth Liverpool was going through: with

the insurgence of chemical and riversides industries, Everton became a working class district, having its large houses replaced by small terraces, increasing the region’s density.

A large sandstone quarry occupied the northern slope of Everton Brow.

Around mid-20th century, the region, considered cramped, suffered an urban intervention with the demolition of the houses and construction of high-rise flats. The process of demolition was nearly finished around 1978, and two of the areas, known as Rupert Recreation Ground and Whitley Gardens had been cleared, and, later, redeveloped as Everton Park.

After visiting the park, the group has noticed the poor condition of the facilities, such as lack of quality street furniture and basic ambience care. Since Peel Group has already planned developing a landmark for the park – the Skypier, aiming to create a panoramic viewpoint and attract tourist attention to Everton Park –, the group discussions have focused on improving the park’s infrastructure, looking for greater integration between the park and the surrounding neighbourhoods and trying to create a sense of place and identity.

Strenghs • In a high spot of the city; • Interest of redevelopment from local community and authorities.

Weakness • Poor mix of uses, mostly residential area; • Lack of support establishments (food stores, souvenirs, etc.); • Inadequate integration to the surroundings.

Opportunities • Panoramic view of the city; • Sky Pier’s construction brings attention to the park, creating multiple other intervention possibilities.

Threats • Distance from other areas.

Key-Design Strategies: • Panoramic view • Sustainability and Renovation • Light+Visibility

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The proposal

Our project has defined some the key themes defined by the group to the area, which are sustainability, accessibility, integration between park and surroundings and mix of uses.

After discussions, the group decided to divide the park in two zones: the north area of the park, where the Skypier is located, would be destined to a tourist use, whilst the south part is destined to a community use, with the possibilities of local interventions, such as a community garden and the renovation of the playground.

As a form of attracting people as well as being sustainable, we have proposed self-lit pathways, which absorb solar energy throughout the day and light up at night; another piece of street furniture proposed are park benches, provided of charging stations and WiFi hubs, charged by solar energy.

tourist use community use

Figure 28: site plan and zone separation. Source: adapted by the group from Edina Digimap.

Š Crown copyright/database right 2014. Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

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Scale 1:5000 0

50

100

150

200

250

300

Jul 04, 2014 04:23

350

400

450

500 m

Guilherme Iseri de Brito Liverpool

Figure 29: Skypier development. Source: <http:// i4.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article7123298.ece/ alternates/s615/Sky-Pier.jpg> viewed on 01/08/2014

Figure 30: stools with table facing the city view

Figure 31: self-lit pathways, which absorb solar energy throughout the day and light up at night

Figure 32: park benches with charging stations and WiFi hubs, charged by solar energy. Source: <http://www. webnews.it/2014/07/03/soofa-la-panchina-che-ricaricalo-smartphone/> viewed on 01/08/2014

Figure 33: playground area to attract people from the community. Source: < http://www.pequenasescolhas. com.br/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/diana-memorialplayground-2_.jpg> viewed on 01/08/2014

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56

57

SUTTOR MANOR PARK

The Dream

Figure 34: Merseyside context

58

Figure 35: Bold Forest context

Located next to the Junction 7 of the busy M62 — between Liverpool and Manchester — sited on the former Sutton Manor Colliery in St.Helens, The Dream is a great landmark sculpture which represents the local community’s dream of a forwardlooking piece of art that would provide a beautiful, inspiring, contemplative space for generations to come.

The site where the The Dream sculpture is located used to be a mine — closed in 1991 — which was regenerated by clean soil from the construction of the Trafford Centre in 1997 to cap the spoil heap and make it fit for tree planting. Since the site regeneration more than 50.000 trees have been planted in conjunction to the Merseyside Forest.

“Over and above honouring the human heritage of the site, the artwork is also intended to symbolise the area’s positive postindustrial transformation, become an iconic new regional landmark, generate significant economic benefits, and enhance local pride.”

Strenghs • Site surrounded by beautiful views; • Community engagement in developing the artwork; • Successful reforestation on the area.

Weakness • Poor amusement infrastructure.

Opportunities • The site is part of the Bold Forest Park; • Located in the middle of the way between Liverpool and Manchester; • Local interest.

Threats • Noise from the motorway; • Poor public access.

Key design strategies: • Improve accessibility; • Provide diversified leisure infrastructure; • Reinforce the character of the sculpture; • Use the site to mark the middle point in between Liverpool and Manchester.

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The proposal

The Suttor Manor site was separated in three distinctive areas: â&#x20AC;˘ A prospective site for housing development, to connect the woodland with the urban tissue of St Helens and benefit from the increased land values generated from the whole scheme â&#x20AC;˘ A improved park infrastructure, to provide a quality open green space for the surround community, with a variety of coloured vegetation and lightning schemes. â&#x20AC;˘ A site specific mountain biking structure and related facilities as a profit centre, as a training site in the North West and Lake District context; The proposed structures would provide quality space for the community to benefit from the surrounding woodland.

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Figure 36: Suttor Manor strategic position in between the two biggest Merseyside cities and the Lake District context in the North West UK region

There are also new established perspectives reinforced with distinguished vegetation at special viewpoints surrounding the area – on the main transport routes-, to call attention to the distinctive character of the site.

Figure 37: overview of the modifications in the Suttor Mannor area. Source: adapted by the group from Google Maps

The vegetation used on the site should change throughout the year, attracting interest to the park all year long. Recommended species, selected by their distinctive colour and are native and non-native British trees:

•

Copper Beech

•

Red Oak

•

Wild Cherry

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62

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URBAN OASIS

Pomona Docks

Pomona Docks is located west of Manchester. There is a metrolink station around 200 metres away from the area, making the place easily accessible with public transport. There is also a car and pedestrian access which are currently unused since the whole island is pretty much an empty land: although being near the city centre, Pomona Docks is in a state of abandonment, and, despite of the current situation, it is an area of great hidden potential.

64

The Pomona Docks are part of the Manchester Docks, numbered from 1 to 5.

The Pomona name comes from the site they were build in, the Pomona garden. After years of development, most of the docks were

infilled, the number 5 (across the Manchester canal) being the first one, having an end even before finishing itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s construction, in the early 20th century.

The other docks were slowly declining in use since docks 6-9 were built. The only one that was somewhat maintained was the dock number 3 which houses the Pomona lock constructed in the 90s, a connection between the Manchester Canal and the Bilgewater Canal. The others were infilled and forgotten by the end of the century.

Strenghs

Weakness

Opportunities

• After many years of being ignored, the area has become a clean slate for a project; • The large site has nice views of the canal; • Is also the point of connection between the Manchester canal and the Bilgewater Cannal.

• The site has been infilled and forgotten for many years, leaving behind very few traces of the quayside it once was; • The Pomona lock runs through the site, cutting it in half.

• New development of the metrolink, making the Pomona Station a new connection station and closeness to the city centre make the site appealing for investment; • Historic importance of the site for the region; • Betham Tower view from the site.

Threats • Few ways to move across the river which makes going by foot from Pomona to Salford Quays and MediaCityUK, or to the city centre a difficult task.

Key design strategies: • The water and the cannals; • Connections; • Historic quayside.

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The proposal

After long discussion, since Pomona is easily accessible and close to the city centre, we reached the conclusion that the area is too valuable to be exclusively explored either as public or private space. Through zoning, we defined three areas: the south-east area, next to the Metrolink line, would be a medium to high density area, comporting around 500 flats; the middle part would be a low density area, with family housing developments, creating high value areas; the area closer to the river was defined as public space, creating a sustainable waterfront park. Other infrastructure such as schools and commercial establishments may be included as well, aiming for a more diverse, mixed area.

Since Manchester is a city that lacks green spaces, we proposed a linear park in the public zone of the area. The importance is to actually connect the park with another park to the North, creating a green corridor.

The park also has a filtering garden which is based on eco-landscaping techniques. The connections inside the housing development will be made from permeable pavement and gutters from natural materials.

Figure 38: overview of the area with proposed park and new residential areas

Figure 39: plan of the site: green areas are the proposed park with new floating decks, filtering gardens and bridge; blue areas are new building developments with low density; purple areas are new building developments with high density

Figure 40: section of the filtering gardens

Figure 41: waterfront of the proposed cityscape for the area

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Figure 42: section west-east from the area; from left to right: park, low density, high density

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Figure 43: detailed sections of each area

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5| FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

5. Final considerations

With the interventions presented in this work, we strongly believe that the potentials of each site could be fulfilled and that the community â&#x20AC;&#x201D; both in the local and the regional scale â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is going to be benefited since a great infrastructure will be provided. It is, also, not possible to ignore the number of different uses that will be practical and the urban regeneration that will be eminent, since much more attention will be giving to those areas.

72

Having said that, it is understandable that those plans contribute to the sustainable development of the areas regarding the economic role, which is the conscious deliberations of land to the right activity, on the right time, in order to establish the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy and support innovations; the social role, which aims to provide a great infrastructure to the people living in the planned areas by making sure that all local services and housing are accessible in order to meet the local needs and expectations; and finally, the environmental role, which intends to protect the natural, built and

historical environment, preserve biodiversity minimise waste and pollution and contribute to the conscious use of the natural resources.

With that approach we hope that, not only the sites, but the Atlantic Gateway area will be in the spotlight to future investments and innovations.

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6| REFERENCES

• Atlantic Gateway (2010), ‘Atlantic Gateway Framework’, available on < h t t p : / / w w w . k n o w s l e y. g o v. u k / p d f / PG26_AtlanticGatewayFramework. pdf> accessed 18th June 2014.

• Atlantic Gateway (2014), ‘Atlantic Gateway Parklands – The Gateway for Prosperity’, available on <http://www. atlanticgateway.co.uk/_assets/downloads/ AG_Prospectus.pdf> accessed 30th June 2014.

• Bottrop (2011), ‘The Tetrahedron offers a panoramic view’, available on <http://www.bottrop.de/en/leisure/sp_ auto_228.php> accessed 20th June 2014.

• CABE - Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (2011), ‘Landscape, waterways, buildings, and culture’, available on <http://webarchive. nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110118095356/ http:/www.cabe.org.uk/housing/emscher/ projects> accessed 20th June 2014.

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• Cullen, G. (1971), ‘The Concise Townscape’, Architectural Press, Oxford.

• DAC & CITIES (2014), ‘Emscher Park: From Dereliction To Scenic Landscapes’ available on <http://www.dac.dk/en/daccities/sustainable-cities/all-cases/green-city/ emscher-park-from-dereliction-to-sceniclandscapes/> accessed 20th June 2014.

• Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord (2014), available on <http://en.landschaftspark.de/theparkk/introduction> accessed 20th June 2014.

• of

Lynch, K. (1960), ‘The Image the City’, MIT Press, Cambridge.

• Sefton Council (2014), ‘Antony Gormley’s Another Place’ available on < h t t p : / / w w w. s e f t o n . g o v. u k / a r o u n d sefton/antony-gormleys-anotherplace.aspx> accessed 10th June 2014.

• Stiftung Zollverein (2014). Available on <http://www.zollverein.de/service/ english-page> accessed 20th June 2014.

• United Nations (1987), “Our Common Future”, availabe on <http:// w w w. u n - d o c u m e n t s . n e t / o u r- c o m m o n -

future.pdf.>

accessed

19th

June

2014.

• Vinnitskaya, I. (2013), ‘Landfill Reclamation: Fresh Kills Park Develops as a Natural Coastal Buffer and Parkland for Staten Island’, available on <http://www.archdaily. com/?p=339133> accessed 19th June 2014.

• Visit Liverpool (2014), ‘Another Place by Anthony Gormley’, available on <http://www.visitliverpool.com/things-to-do/ another-place-by-antony-gormley-p160981> accessed 11th August.

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7| ANNEXES

1| FRACTAL Crosby TOWER Beach A landmark at Crosby Beach represents the entrance of the “Atlantic Gateway”. A vertical element visible at the iconic waterfront skyline and accessible for potential visitors.

A structure that works as a monument, observatory and connector, establishing visual and physical links with its surroundings (water, “Another Place”, Seaforth Nature Reserve).

The memory of the old tower previously located there must not be forgot and this is assured through the maintenance of an hexagonal shape, repeated through a fractal logic and also the same high of the previous tower.

As walking through the tower, the circular ramp allows changeable views, framed by panels that also have a hexagonal design pattern and that incorporate photovoltaic glass to harvest solar energy. This can be used to the self illumination of the tower during night, allowing the landmark to be maintained in sustainable way.

hexagonal shape refering with the previous tower

repetion of the form through a fractal scheme

location of the site circulations: circular ramp and elevator

path connections

site plan

view inside the tower

panels with a hexagonal pattern for covering

photovoltaic glass can be applied to harvest solar energy

concept plan

tower conception scheme view of the tower on crosby beach

the landmark on the waterfront

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Poster presented for Atlantic Gateway’s representatives on 23rd Juy 2014: 1 of 5.

2| WIND SCULPTURES Port Sunlight holds one of the most fantastic views to the Mersey – from its summit it is possible to experience a unique and fantastic view of the Liverpool skyline. Not only that, the place itself is an example of sustainable regeneration, having being transformed from a former landfill site into a green park with a marsh area rich in wildlife, a scenic waterfront and also produces electricity from landfill gas.

The main concept of the Port Sunlight Wind Sculptures is to enhance and promote the idea of clean energy and provide accessible public art to all visitors.

Every visit to the park will be a unique experience – the time, wind strength, weather conditions – all of these factors will affect the sounds and movements in the park.

Another feature is the human interaction with these sculptures. Touching, closing, opening, walking around them will always provide a new experience.

Portsunlight Park

location of the site resonating pipes

stringed resonators

wind spinners

kinect wind sculptures

silent area riverside walk

picnic area

wind instruments area site plan

sculptures systems references

Poster presented for Atlantic Gateway’s representatives on 23rd Juy 2014: 2 of 5.

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3| CITY OVERLOOK

Everton Park

location of the site Jul 04, 2014 04:23

450

community use

site plan and zone separation

300 250

Community use with garden and grass area

Skypier development

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Š Crown copyright/database right 2014. Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

0

50

100

150

Scale 1:5000

350

400

EvertonZoom_A2_5000

tourist use

After discussions, the group decided to divide the park in two zones: the north area of the park, where the Skypier is located, would be destined to a tourist use, whilst the south part is destined to a community use, with the possibilities of local interventions, such as a community garden and the renovation of the playground and green areas.

with table facing the city view

500 m

The key themes defined by the group to the area are sustainability, accessibility, integration between park and surroundings and mix of uses.

Stools

Guilherme Iseri de Brito Liverpool

As a form of attracting people as well as being sustainable, we have proposed self-lit pathways, which absorb solar energy throughout the day and light up at night

200

After visiting the park, our group noticed the poor condition of the facilities, lack of street furniture and lack of ambience care. Since Peel Group has already planned developing a landmark, the Skypier (in the central part of the park, aiming to create a panoramic viewpoint and attract tourist attention) for the park, our discussions focused on improving the infrastructure, looking to create a sense of place.

Another piece of street furniture proposed are park benches provided of charging stations and WiFi hubs, charged by solar energy

Poster presented for Atlantic Gatewayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representatives on 23rd Juy 2014: 3 of 5.

Renovated playground area to attract people from the community to spend the day in the park with their families

2| SUTTOR MANOR PARK

The Dream

Suttor Manor site is located in the middle of the Atlantic Gateway scheme, on a privileged elevated site. The Dream is the sculpture already on the site, and the proposed structures provide quality space for the community to benefit from the surrounding woodland.

There are new established perspectives with distinguished vegetation at special viewpoints surrounding the area â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on the main transport routes-, to reinforce the distinctive character of the site.

The Suttor Manor site was separated in three distinctive areas: 1| A prospective site for housing development, to connect the woodland with the urban tissue of St Helens and benefit from the increased land values generated from the whole scheme.

Create and reinforce perspectives Whinlatter, Cumbria

Grizedale, Cumbria

Gisburn Forest, Lancashire

Suttor Manor, Merseyside

Quality open green space

Suttor Manor strategic position in between the two biggest Merseyside cities and the Lake District context in the North Merseyside context West UK region.

Site specifc trail to mountain biking

The vegetation should change throghout the year, attracting interest to the park all year long.

Recommended species:

2| A improved park infrastructure, to provide a quality open green space for the surround community, with a variety of coloured vegetation and lightning schemes.

3| A site specific mountain biking structure and related facilities as a profit centre, as a training site in the North West and Lake District context;

Prospective site for housing development

Location of the site

Copper Beech Red Oak Wild Cherry

Bold Forest context

Overview of the modifications in the Suttor Mannor area Mersey Forest Plan

Poster presented for Atlantic Gatewayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representatives on 23rd Juy 2014: 4 of 5.

context

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5| URBAN OASIS

Pomona Docks

The Pomona Docks were once an important asset to the Manchester Docks. Nowadays, of its 5 original docks, only one it is still used. Therefore, the Urban Oasis is proposed as a mixeduse development, designed and built to achieve sustainability, and it will be built alongside a linear park.

The importance is to actually connect the park with another park to the North, creating a green corridor. The park also has a filtering garden which is based on eco-landscaping techniques. The connections inside the housing development will be made from permeable pavement and gutters from natural materials.

The proposal divides the site into three different areas, one exclusively destined to be the park. The buildings are planned to take place in the other two areas, one of which much denser and more vertical than the other. The ground floor, in every building is thought to be place of comercial use and offices.

the park

the site location

a section of the development

a section of a filtrable garden

the smaller buildings

Pomonadocks

27.1m

view of the development 25.7m

26.6m

25.7m

25.6m

29.2m 29.1m

24.8m 29.5m 24.6m

23.7m 29.3m

30.8m 29.4m

25.6m

24.0m

24.5m 28.6m

28.5m

29.8m

30.6m

25.0m

23.5m 23.8m

the taller buildings 23.2m

25.2m

29.3m

30.5m 23.5m

29.9m

30.8m

30.5m

30.5m

30.2m

30.2m 30.5m

30.8m

29.9m

32.0m

30.8m

Š Crown copyright/database right 2014. Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

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skyline

Poster presented for Atlantic Gatewayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representatives on 23rd Juy 2014: 5 of 5.

31.7m

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

30.8m 31.1m

Scale 1:2500 0

Jul 02, 2014 03:46 160

180

200 m

Guilherme Iseri de Brito Liverpool

WIND SCULPTURES

CNPq sponsored students, Brazil | Science without Borders summer placement The Mersey Parklands Landmarks Project | Coordinator: Ms. Kidd, S. Jota, B. | Muller, C. | Brito, G. | Lucas, H. | Heinisch, L. | Guaitolini, L. | Borges, M. | Lima, T. University of Liverpool, 23rd July 2014

concrete slab

Poster shown at Port Sunlight River Park opening event on the 12th August 2014

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MERSEY PARKLANDS

LANDMARKS PROJECT

| INTRODUCTION

PROPOSALS OF LANDSCAPES FOR PROSPERITY BÁRBARA SCORSULINI JOTA . CRISTINA BESEN MULLER GUILHERME ISERI DE BRITO . HENRIQUE PIMENTA LUCAS LARISSA MIRANDA HEINISCH . LAURA LIMA GUAITOLINI MARIANA RAMOS BORGES . THIAGO BARBOSA LIMA . SUE KIDD

The project is part of the plan to launch the Atlantic Gateway Landscape Park, the “Mersey Parklands”, and consists on the development of detailed landmarks proposals for some five sites within the Atlantic Gateway area, comprehended among the cities of Liverpool and Manchester (United Kingdom). The selected sites are: Crosby Beach (Sefton), Port Sunlight Park (Wirral), Everton Park (Liverpool), The Dream (St Helens) and Pomona Docks (Manchester). The intervention strategies were based on sustainable principles therefore supporting economic growth through an integrated environmental improvement focusing on long-term gains for the city-region.

Emscher Park - Germany

Fresh Kills Park - USA

The development of the work was organized through some steps that can be divided in five: theoretical basement and bibliographic, search for case studies — such as Emscher Park, Thames Gateway and Fresh Kills Park —, performance of field visits, evaluation of the sites and elaboration of proposals.

Sites Location

site plan

kinect wind sculptures

silent area riverside walk

photovoltaic glass can be applied to harvest solar energy picnic area

tower conception scheme

view of the tower on crosby beach wind instruments area

sculptures systems references

After discussions, the group decided to divide the park in two zones: the north area of the park, where the Skypier is located, would be destined to a tourist use, whilst the south part is destined to a community use, with the possibilities of local interventions, such as a community garden and the renovation of the playground and green areas.

site plan

the landmark on the waterfront

5| URBANPOMONA OASIS DOCKS

4| SUTTON MANOR THE PARK DREAM Suttor Manor site is located in the middle of the Atlantic Gateway scheme, on a privileged elevated site. The Dream is the sculpture already on the site, and the proposed structures provide quality space for the community to benefit from the surrounding woodland.

There are new established perspectives with distinguished vegetation at special viewpoints surrounding the area – on the main transport routes-, to reinforce the distinctive character of the site.

The Suttor Manor site was separated in three distinctive areas: 1| A prospective site for housing development, to connect the woodland with the urban tissue of St Helens and benefit from the increased land values generated from the whole scheme.

2| A improved park infrastructure, to provide a quality open green space for the surround community, with a variety of coloured vegetation and lightning schemes.

3| A site specific mountain biking structure and related facilities as a profit centre, as a training site in the North West and Lake District context;

86

with table facing the city view

Guilherme Iseri de Brito Liverpool

Jul 04, 2014 04:23

Another feature is the human interaction with these sculptures. Touching, closing, opening, walking around them will always provide a new experience.

path connections

450 400 350 300 250 200

Every visit to the park will be a unique experience – the time, wind strength, weather conditions – all of these factors will affect the sounds and movements in the park.

panels with a hexagonal pattern for covering

Stools

500 m

The key themes defined by the group to the area are sustainability, accessibility, integration between park and surroundings and mix of uses.

Scale 1:5000

view inside the tower

tourist use community use

site plan and zone separation

150

circulations: circular ramp and elevator

wind spinners

The main concept of the Port Sunlight Wind Sculptures is to enhance and promote the idea of clean energy and provide accessible public art to all visitors.

100

repetion of the form through a fractal scheme

concept plan

After visiting the park, our group noticed the poor condition of the facilities, lack of street furniture and lack of ambience care. Since Peel Group has already planned developing a landmark, the Skypier (in the central part of the park, aiming to create a panoramic viewpoint and attract tourist attention) for the park, our discussions focused on improving the infrastructure, looking to create a sense of place.

Skypier development

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As walking through the tower, the circular ramp allows changeable views, framed by panels that also have a hexagonal design pattern and that incorporate photovoltaic glass to harvest solar energy. This can be used to the self illumination of the tower during night, allowing the landmark to be maintained in sustainable way.

Port Sunlight holds one of the most fantastic views to the Mersey – from its summit it is possible to experience a unique and fantastic view of the Liverpool skyline. Not only that, the place itself is an example of sustainable regeneration, having being transformed from a former landfill site into a green park with a marsh area rich in wildlife, a scenic waterfront and also produces electricity from landfill gas.

0

A structure that works as a monument, observatory and connector, establishing visual and physical links with its surroundings (water, “Another Place”, Seaforth Nature Reserve).

3| CITY OVERLOOK EVERTON PARK

Pomonadocks

© Crown copyright/database right 2014. Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

hexagonal shape refering with the previous tower

A landmark at Crosby Beach represents the entrance of the “Atlantic Gateway”. A vertical element visible at the iconic waterfront skyline and accessible for potential visitors.

The memory of the old tower previously located there must not be forgot and this is assured through the maintenance of an hexagonal shape, repeated through a fractal logic and also the same high of the previous tower.

2| WIND SCULPTURES PORT SUNLIGHT RIVER PARK

EvertonZoom_A2_5000

1| FRACTAL TOWER CROSBY BEACH

Community use with garden and grass area

Renovated playground As a form of attracting people as area to attract people well as being sustainable, we have from the community to proposed self-lit pathways, which spend the day in the park absorb solar energy throughout with their families. the day and light up at night

Another piece of street furniture proposed are park benches provided of charging stations and WiFi hubs, charged by solar energy

| FINAL CONSIDERATIONS

27.1m

25.7m

26.6m

Create and reinforce perspectives Whinlatter, Cumbria

The Pomona Docks were once an important asset to the Manchester Docks. Nowadays, of its 5 original docks, only one it is still used. Therefore, the Urban Oasis is proposed as a mixeduse development, designed and built to achieve sustainability, and it will be built alongside a linear park.

25.6m

29.2m 29.1m

29.5m

29.3m

30.8m 29.4m

25.6m

24.0m

24.5m 28.6m

28.5m

29.8m

30.6m

25.0m

23.5m 23.8m

23.2m

25.2m

Grizedale, Cumbria

With the interventions presented in this work, we strongly believe that the potentials of each site could be fulfilled and that the community — both in the local and the regional scale — is going to be benefited since a great infrastructure will be provided. It is, also, not possible to ignore the number of different uses that will be practical and the urban regeneration that will be eminent, since much more attention will be giving to those areas.

25.7m

24.8m

24.6m

23.7m

29.3m

30.5m 23.5m

29.9m

30.8m

Gisburn Forest, Lancashire

Merseyside context

Prospective site for housing development

The importance is to actually connect the park with another park to the North, creating a green corridor. The park also has a filtering garden which is based on eco-landscaping techniques. The connections inside the housing development will be made from permeable pavement and gutters from natural materials.

30.5m

Suttor Manor strategic position in between the two biggest Merseyside cities and the Lake District context in the North West UK region.

Bold Forest context

The vegetation should change throghout the year, attracting interest to the park all year long.

Recommended species: Copper Beech Red Oak Wild Cherry

Quality open green space

the park

30.2m 30.5m

29.9m

32.0m

30.8m

© Crown copyright/database right 2014. Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service. FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY.

Suttor Manor, Merseyside

30.5m

30.2m

30.8m

31.7m

Scale 1:2500 0

20

40

60

80

100

30.8m 31.1m

view of the development 120

140

160

180

200 m

Jul 02, 2014 03:46 Guilherme Iseri de Brito Liverpool

a section of the development

Site specifc trail to mountain biking

The proposal divides the site into three different areas, one exclusively destined to be the park. The buildings are planned to take place in the other two areas, one of which much denser and more vertical than the other. The ground floor, in every building is thought to be place of comercial use and offices.

the smaller buildings

Having said that, it is understandable that those plans contribute to the sustainable development of the areas regarding the economic role, which is the conscious deliberations of land to the right activity, on the right time, in order to establish the area’s economy and support innovations; the social role, which aims to provide a great infrastructure to the people living in the planned areas by making sure that all local services and housing are accessible in order to meet the local needs and expectations; and finally, the environmental role, which intends to protect the natural, built and historical environment, preserve biodiversity minimise waste and pollution and contribute to the conscious use of the natural resources.

With that approach we hope that, not only the sites, but the Atlantic Gateway area will be in the spotlight to future investments and innovations.

Mersey Forest Plan context

the taller buildings

skyline

Poster presented on the Science Without Borders project end day at the University of Liverpool, on the 26th August 2014

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