1.8 Prospective impact

POSITIVE FOOTPRINT OF THE WEB

Proposed intervention for Leeds Innovation District will create a welcoming hub forum space and green lungs of Leeds, empowering social collaboration within the variety of LID industries. Thoughtful landscape design of the Web will bring people closer to nature and promote pro-environmental behaviour as an example for the younger generation dominating in Leeds. This regenerative approach will meet all climate, social and economic related challenges of Leeds and become a 21st-century scientific park, regeneration hotspot for investment, and place that have the potential to change the city and its economy.

TO A PLACE FOR PLANET, PEOPLE AND PROFIT

PICNIC AREA AND URBAN MEADOW COVERING INNER RING ROAD

Through its main function of covering Leeds Inner ring road with green roof canopies systems, the Web will connect previously divided neighbourhoods, reduce air pollution levels and heat island effect, revive natural ecosystems, and enhance residents’ thermal comfort and wellbeing.

CITY FOREST FUNCTIONING AS NATURAL POLLUTION BARRIER

The selection of native trees species planted at the edge near Woodhouse lane will shape a green screen limiting pollution and noise levels. Naturalistic planting below the tree canopies will create shady enclosed tranquil space in the city centre and enrich site biodiversity. Site species selection appropriate to sun level and rain gardens planting supporting natural urban drainage within the design area.

ATTRACTIVE FRONTAGES AND ACCESSIBILITY ON DAY & NIGHT

Attractive lightning, amphitheatre stairs as a primary connection with the top ground, additional ramp and thoughtfully designed circular layout will provide accessibility for everyone day and night. Stairs and benches integrated into planters giving many seat opportunities with long open views onto the central node of the area.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Innovative solutions, sustainable urban water management and investment into renewable energies will result in annual saving with economic input. Switchable to create an open plan in case of events, Smart water feature with rainwater re-use system and colourful lighting controllable by public app and creative solar sculpture rotating in the direction of sunlight will create main site interest attracting community and investors to Leeds Innovation District.

2. DESIGN WITH COMMUNITY

Live project of Leeds East Academy school grounds

As Landscape architect students of Leeds Beckett University, we have worked in a group in correspondence with Leeds East Academy to help better the environment surrounding the school's landscape with an ultimate aim to provide tranquillity for the pupils of LEA.

Our work with the client and students took place during the challenging time of lockdown. As a group with the great support of LEA staff, we created online workshops with a compilation of photographs and questions to understand the pupils and client’s needs.

Below are the chosen photographs that kids chose as particularly interesting.

Meditate – Dream – Think – Float Making sounds/wind chimes – Play with colours Private – Sit down - Relax Sight – Smell - Touch – Sounds Mounds- Natural-Trees- Natural- Shelter Grow it yourself – Pick your own food – Learn healthy eating

LEA students expressed several desires.

• Grass mounds, hammocks, comfy seating. • Private, shady space with interesting sounds and smells (flowers) • Facilities to grow food and have outdoor education • Sounds of water and stepping stones. • Area similar to goApe.