GROUP 1
Eynsham GARDEN VILLAGE WHY A GARDEN VILLAGE? TODAY
Fig 1 & 2, hand drawn and edited, depicting the future we see with is less cars, and more sustainable and healthy transport methods.
2031
Ebenezer Howard in his book ‘To-Morrow A Peaceful Path to Real Reform, published in 1898 set out the Garden City Concept. The ideas from Howard’s book had a profound impact on urban design and the creation of new towns and cities, and has influenced many developments in England and across the globe. ‘The idea was to alleviate poverty through the provision of good-quality housing, access to green space and fresh air and the provision of community activities and facilities’ (TCPA, 2018). We plan to adapt the Garden Village Concept for the 21st century within our proposal, but many of the most important principles will be the same; to provide good quality housing, access to green space and fresh air along with the provision of community activities and facilities. The main changes that we propose involve an increase in density, as this promotes the economic and social success of a village. Furthermore, as we see a future no longer dominated by cars, we have designed the site as walkable as possible.
WHY DEVELOP THIS AREA? Identified as a “strategic location for growth”, this site has the potential to create a new rural service alongside Eynsham. Eynsham Garden Village will then provide a response for : THE FUTURE THE LOCAL AND WIDER ECONOMY THE ENVIRONMENT - Eynsham Garden Village will provide a comprehensive green infrastructure network and community gardens for local sustainability needs with two aims : enhancing natural environment arguably the most important garden village principle, and ensure climate resilience.
- EGV will be willing to support predicted demographic growth by providing high quality housing to fulfil a minimum of 2,200 homes and two primary schools to welcome the next generations.
- Eynsham Garden Village will be an area for additional business land provision to support its current economic role and increase it. - Employment on site will have positive effects on the local community employees and beyond.
LOCATION
Eynsham, the fourth largest settlement in West Oxfordshire, half way between Oxford and Witney, located just north of the A40 and neighbouring the western edge of the Oxford Green Belt. The site proposed next to Eynsham, has been identified as a ‘Strategic Location for Growth’, having a potential to create a new rural service centre alongside Eynsham. Eynsham Garden Village, according to the Council’s suggestions, is a scope for additional business land provision to support the current economic role; the place provide an excellent opportunity to deliver this alongside the provision of a large number of new homes.
Fig 3, UK map
Fig 4, West Oxfordshire
Fig 5, Eynsham OX29 area
Fig 6, The site for Cotswolds Oxfordshire Garden Village
COMMUNITY FORUMS AND SITE VISITS The community forum and visits to existing garden Towns and Villages, provided us with a greater understanding of the local peoples’ expectations and also help underpin our design choices. The main points that were raised and we have used as a basis for our master-plan are: HOUSING • Lifetime homes i.e. adaptable for intergenerational purposes • Connected and walkable green spaces • A diverse mix of housing types; interesting design of allotments and complementary to the existing community • Buildings for Life principles
Fig 7, We noticed the public realm prioritised pedestrian access, and buildings overlooked these areas making them feel safe.
Fig 8, Visiting Fairfield Park, Letchworth. A new development expanding the Original Garden City.
ENVIRONMENT & CHARACTER • A need for good Air Quality • Integration of Natural topography • Green Corridor retension • Preserved historic lane • Archaeological site • Minimal building on the high points
CLIMATE CHANGE • Passive House design which exceeds current building regulations • Land capture for the local community • Energy efficient housing • New and advanced technology i.e. smart controls for housing, 5G and superfast broadband. • Integrated Micro-grid • Eco-Village HEALTHY COMMUNITIES • Health and community centre • Designing walkable and cycle friendly neighbourhoods to encourage wellness • Community gardens and allotments • Well developed and accessible Education facilities
GROUP 1
Eynsham GARDEN VILLAGE BIG SCALE SITE ANALYSIS LONG HANBOROUGH KIDLINGTON NORTH
CHURCH HANBOROUGH
LEIGH YARNTON
CLASSINGTON
OXFORD WITNEY
EYNSHAM
Fig 11, This map shows Eynsham and the site, within its wider context. Both Oxford City and Witney are major settlements that the site has great access to; via the A40. FARMOOR
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
• A connection to Oxford, Witney and beyond • Connectivity to local hanborough station • Connections to the UK sustrans routes • A shared economy with Eynsham
• Damage to the overall appeal and quality of the landscape • Possible addition to air pollution, and noise especially during construction
STRENGTHS
CHALLENGES
• Housing to fulfil the ever increasing demand • More local facilities and amenities • Connectivity to local Hanborough station and beyond • A boost for the local economy • Enhancement of green infrastructure • Enhanced wildlife protection • A connection to the UK Sustrans routes • Facilities for a new generation i.e. schools, health facilities
• The nearby A40 provides several disadvantages including noise and pollution • Flood risk at several locations on the site • Well known area, for its high grade agricultural land • New large development located on the west side of Witney, and the area specified within the local plan to the south of the A40 will add more pressure onto this major route in and out of Oxford
SCALE SITE ANALYSIS OPPORTUNITIES • Mature and regularly used footpaths and bridleways including an ancient path • Wild biodiversity on the blue and green infrastructures • A boost for the local economy, social relations, new facilities • Modern and flexible architecture • Eco-friendly community living CHALLENGES • A historic landfill on the site • Loss of high grade agricultural land • Possibility of lack of comunity acceptance
Fig 12, This map shows the connectivity throughout the site, it recognises the major architectural and open space landmarks that ensure the site is navigable and memorable.
DESIGN OBJECTIVES & ACTIONS To deliver the vision objectives have been identified, created using spatial design layers and then considered the positive social impact these would have on the occupying communtiy and the wider neighbourhoods. DO1- Responsive Mastplan for the future Place-Making
SOCIAL IMPACT
a). Prevent the Garden Village from unplanned urban growth b). Create a walkable urban layout with a well thoughtout infrastructure network c). Provide employment opportunities and promote ‘live-work’ principles
Economic Feasibility
DO2- Life Between Buildings
a). Create a varied sensory experience
Street Detail
Public Realm
b). Main neighbourhood open spaces are cores for the area’s identity c). Build safe, permeable pedestrian & cycle (SusTrans) networks across the site DO3- Spaces that the Community Love a). Include Community centres, workshop spaces and studios b). Provide open space for local-based outdoor activities c). Ensure the provision of vital facilities, amenities and affordable Housing
Buildings
DO4 - Healthy and Efficient Living Sensory Richness
a). Integrate greenery, with the built environment b). Modern and sustainable living in interesting and well-designed communities c). Provide opportunities for residents to grow their own food
Energy Efficiency
*See supplementary document for a more in-depth explanation of these design actions
Fig 14 & 15, show the design concepts we envisage for the Garden Village, green neighbourhood spaces that encourage social interactions and safe play for children.