GREY TO GREEN RECLAIMING INDUSTRIALISED LAND

This project aims to provide a functional green space for the local community which will serve both important ecological functions, in an area that suffers from heavy industrialisation, and provide a green space for nearby residents and visitors.

Design Statement

The design centres around tackling prevalent issues on site such as noise, lack of biodiversity, security, and poor aesthetics. The forest mounds form the central component of the design, acting as biodiversity hotspots, while simultaneously acting as noise and pollution barriers. The mound planting will feature native forest species to provide an ecologically benficial habitat which will be left to develop naturally with little interference. With the addition of the new apartment blocks currently under construction, the transformation of the existing scrapyard into a green space will benefit the immediate residents as well as the wider community and environment is integral.

Night

Illuminated path

At night, steel gates will be closed rendering the park inaccessble to the public to avoid unwanted loitering and anti-social behavior. As security is an imporant issue in Leith, particularly in perviously secluded areas, nighttime safety is an important factor in ensuring that the intended longevity of the site is achieved.

Small lights will line the accessible path that runs between the forest islands and the ornamental planting sections to provide a visually pleasing nightime atmosphere. This additional route will open up the previously restrictive footpath giving night-time pedestrians more options to move safely around the site.

Closed gate