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RETAIN RETHINK REASSIGN REUSE
Sustainably using the existing metal framework to introduce community based activities and identity to replace the stagnent and polluting activity of parking
URBAN SPACES IN MANCHESTER Manchester’s Gay Village has a historic influence on the social, architectural and urban identity of the city’c centre. The location of The Village is crucial in the inclusion of various user groups.The design, activities and the heritge element of the neighbourhood requires integration and preservation with its patrons and the communities especially with the rapidly developing periphery and the inclusion of taller and denser residential units around the site.
Recycled glass
Parking spaces within this urban district has an environmental effect on the quality of air and urban life. The parking spaces in the form of multi storey building and ground are located centrally in this site. Accumulation of parked vehicles produce pollution through cold starts and oil evaporation due to hot engines. These pollutants released in the vacinity of parking spaces remain in the atmosphere and constitute the city’s air quality index. This intervention aims to reuse parking spaces to be ulitised for the community that identifies itself through the space of The Gay Village
The neighbourhood has a visual identity of brightly coloured community themed murals.The texture of brick walls along with murals is retained and emphasised while introducing street furniture elements.
For public spaces
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Retained metal frame
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Individual pubs lay out temporary outdoor seatings in the alley creating uneven maintenance with garbage bins and unkept sidewalks between pub entrances. Introduction of customisable and movable parklets between the alley provide a chance of maintenance and multiple usage options.
For public spaces
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Reducing the effects of inward traffic flow into the site and the pollution caused by stationary vehicles within the site.
Recycled wood
Reclaimed concrete
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3 What are parklets? ‘Parklets are public seating platforms that convert curbside parking spaces into vibrant community spaces. Also known as street seats or curbside seating, parklets are the product of a partnership between the city and local businesses, residents, or neighborhood associations. Most parklets have a distinctive design that incorporates seating, greenery, and/or bike racks and accommodate unmet demand for public space on thriving neighborhood retail streets or commercial areas.’ - NACTO (www.nacto.org)