A CITY-SITES PRESENTATION
In the west end of Glasgow, just off Byres Road, is tucked away, a small quaint little Meditteranean lane called Ashton Lane.
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Context:
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university avenue
It possesses such a strong identity that considering its miniscule scale, even when placed in the context of Glasgow’s oh-so-British streets, like her neighbouring, dominating & intimidating Byres Road & University Avenue; it manages to hold its own, and with style.
A commercial street, it is home to several pubs, restaurants, a movie theater and has found its way to becoming a must-see on the tourists itinerary.
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A cobbled street with a very Mediterranean feel to it, it generates (ironically, considering all the commercialism) a sense of intimacy that all the establishments thrive on.
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Cheers:
Ashton Lane hosts its own Beerfest every October, when the road is closed off to vehicles. There are farmers markets, tasting sessions, cocktail classes, street entertainers, live bands, mobile bars & foodstalls galore.
A picture of completeness - Ashton lane has an introduction, a development and a climax.
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ConďŹ guration:
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keyplan showing the 3 stages
1a. mystery
1b. deection
1c. vista
2. development
3. climax
Character: The buildings along both sides of the street come across as surfaces rather than three-
dimensional masses, thus giving the street importance over themselves. The anking walls of the buildings are slightly higher than the width of the streets, thus giving the place a sense of enclosure & at the same time, heightening its sense of exclusivity. Ashton Lane is at once - both a Path & a Place. Some establishments have the doors open all through; allowing for interior-exterior interaction & making the outside lane an obvious participant even in the inside activities.
A cobbled street with a very Mediterranean feel to it, it generates (ironically, considering all the commercialism) a sense of intimacy that all the establishments thrive on.
A commercial street, it is home to several pubs, restaurants, a movie theater and has found its way to becoming a must-see on the tourists itinerary.
Connectivity:Situated right next to the subway station, Ashton Lane Cheers:
is an important link to the students that use the subway to go to the University of Glasgow & also connects the pedestrian to Great George Street & Byres Road. A deserted Ashton Lane during University hours (center) & crowded at other times (left & right)
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narrow to accomodate pedestrians as well as vehicles. It should be closed off permanently to vehicles to increase the saleability of the street by acknowledging the return of the pedestrians street.
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Check:Ashton Lane is too
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ConďŹ gur
3.
keyplan showing the