Booklet no.4
Experiencing and Comparing Place October 2017
Drumchapel
Stage: Analysis Group members: Xinye Gan Keith Luke Hao Meng TuÄ&#x;ba Ă–zer Amy Thorogood
Department of Architecture University of Strathclyde Glasgow strath.ac.uk/engineering/architecture/ PgDip/MArch Advanced Architectural Design (AAD) MArch Architectural Design International (MADi) PgDip/MSc Urban Design
CONTENTS
Introduction 1.Experiencing Place 1.1. Mental Maps: Students’ Perception 1.2. Mental Maps: Residents’ Perception 1.3. Character Areas 1.4. Permeability 1.5. Fear and Safety 1.6. Legibility and Imageability 1.7. Maintenance 1.8. Street Front Assessment 1.9. Summary 2. Comparing Place 2.1. Block Indicators 2.2. Vehicular Street Network 2.3. Connectivity and Accessibility 2.4. Street Network Permeability 2.5. Pedshed Analysis 2.6. Summary
4 5 6 8 10 14 16 18 20 22 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29
Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
Introduction
“To understand the role of environmental images in our own urban lives, it was necessary for us to look carefully at some city areas and to talk with their inhabitants.” - Kevin Lynch, The Image of the City
- What is the composite image of the study area that residents and professionals hold and what are the main differences? - What are the main character areas, how accessible are they and how do they link to each other? - What is the perception of safety throughout the study area?
As might be understood from the title, the “experiencing and comparing place” is a two-phased analysis: experiencing the place and comparing this given place with other three examples. The analyses in the experiencing part are composed of the perceptions of interviewed inhabitants, students, and the objective data found regarding the studied area. These findings are grounded on Kevin Lynch’s book “The Image of the City”, where he introduces the mental maps, five elements forming these maps, and the terms including legibility and imageability of a place. While doing the analyses, following questions are kept in mind in order to be answered throughout the process:
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- How legible is the study area as a whole, and what are the features that contribute or undermine its legibility? - What is the state of maintenance and repair around the study area and how does it link to urban types? The second phase of the analysis, that is comparing place, is rather objective. Comparing four areas in terms of their connectivity and accessibility, this part gives an opinion about the selected area and its position compared to the better urban areas.
Drumchapel
1. Experiencing Place
Drumchapel map with the distribution of functions. “The” place to be experienced and analyzed is Drumchapel, which is known to locals and residents as “The Drum”. Drumchapel is an area of Glasgow located in the northwest of the city. It is bordered to the east by the area of Bearsden and to the west by the town of Clydebank. Old Drumchapel is located south of the town and dates from the 19th century.
A large social housing estate was built at Drumchapel in the 1950s to address the city of Glasgow overspill policy and accommodate 34,000 inhabitants. Similar housing areas were also established around the city at Easterhouse, Castlemilk and Pollok. Though, the current population of Drumchapel is estimated to be 12,000 inhabitants.
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
1.1 Mental Maps: Students’ Perception Student 1
The main roads of Drumchapel are Kinfauns Drive, Linkwood Drive, Garscadden Road, Southdeen Avenue, Drumchapel Road. There is a railway in the south of the study area, this area is named Old Drumchapel. The edge of the city has some undeveloped land. The study area includes relatively concentrated residential areas of Cernach, Pinewood and Stonedyke. The area is easily accessible and there are many bus stops. The main landmark buildings include hospitals, schools, shopping malls, parks and leisure centers, and secondary landmarks include parking, libraries and so on. The main nodes in the study area include railway stations, city centres and schools. Student 2 The key paths in Drumchapel appear to be Duntreath Avenue which connects Great Western Road to the existing town centre and Kinfauns Drive at the town centre. Other key paths include Drumchapel Road and the railway line, which run east-west through the study area. The area is defined by many edges which take the form of limits of built develop and also undeveloped land. There appear to be several districts within the area which have common character including the more historic development south of the railway line, the industrial/retail development area, the town centre, the Garscadden Burn and recreation area, as well as the residential areas of Cernach, Pineview and Stonedyke. The key nodes in the study area include the railway station and the Kinfauns Drive/ Duntreath Avenue roundabout. Major and minor landmarks include the Linkwood Crescent tower blocks, schools, leisure centres and parks. Student 3 The main roads of Drumchapel are Kinfauns Drive, Garscadden Road, and Drumchapel Road. In the city center, there are Drumchapel high school, Drumchapel park, and Great Western Retail park. In Drumchapel, there are mostly roads with trees and undeveloped land on both sides. In Drumchapel, there is a railway in the south of the area, which connects old Drumchapel and Glasgow city center. In addition, in this area there is a great transportation system. The main nodes include railway stations, city centers, old Drumchapel, and schools. The major landmarks include hospitals, schools, railway stations, and city center. The secondary landmarks include: parks, libraries, post office and so on. Student 4 Perceiving the area as an outsider, I feel like the town is divided into two by means of railway lines. The railway acts as a sharp edge, preventing the connection between Drumchapel and Old Drumchapel. One of the main paths is Duntreath Avenue, which provides an entrance from Great Western Road. This entrance can be even noticed literally by means of a “Welcome to Drumchapel” board placed on Duntreath Avenue. Drumchapel Road as well as Kinfauns Drive can be considered as the other main paths, both having the bus lines. Although the area is composed of mostly residential units, it is possible to differentiate the districts according to the function of the buildings as well as the typology of the buildings. The commercial core has the major nodes. Crescent tower blocks can be regarded as the major landmarks as they are noticed from a distance. Apart from them, there are schools, churches, and social centres considered as minor landmarks. Student 5 When compiling my mental map the most defining factor was the oppressive edges which seem to enclose Drumchapel. This was most apparent where Kinfauns Drive turns east and around the centre of the map which comprises of large expanses of vacant and derelict land around Linkwood Drive. Although these are major paths, the sparsity of urban development beyond these roads forms major edges. In addition, the imageability of major paths and distinguishable districts is very poor due to the lack of notable landmarks, points of reference and monotonous residential development conveying similar architectural language and urban form. Finally, through carrying out this exercise, there were few nodes within Drumchapel. The major nodes which were apparent to me within the study area include the main roundabout coming off Great Western Road and the Kinfauns Drive/ Duntreath Avenue roundabout. Furthermore, there are a few minor nodes on Drumry Road East, Kinfauns Drive and where Kinfauns Drive meets Drumchapel Road.
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Drumchapel
Composite Mental Map
Path
Edge
Node
District
Landmark
Major element Minor element
Kinfauns Drive
Central vacant land
The Composite Map represents the combined perception of the Drumchapel area as perceived by the five students. The major elements in the Composite Map were perceived by two or more of the students. These include Kinfauns Drive, Drumchapel Road and Duntreath Avenue; the edges of large areas of vacant land; Drumchapel Park, the shopping centre and major road junctions; residential and industrial areas; and landmarks including the tower buildings and railway station.
Drumchapel Park
Southeast Residential
Tower Blocks
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
1.2. Mental Maps: Residents’ Perception Resident 1
She is a local female resident from Drumchapel Road area. She grew up in Drumchapel. Now, she jointly runs a business in the area and appreciates that there are opportunities to develop businesses in Drumchapel. She considers Kinfauns Road and Drumchapel Road as the main paths, which circulate the town. She considers the vacant land, Garscadden Burn, and the tower blocks area as an edge to development and a boundary to movement and circulation. Regarding shopping centre as the main node, she states that this is the main meeting places for residents including adults, children, and teenagers, but there is a lack of activities in general for children and teenagers. She regards “The Hill” - located in the northwest around the Lawrence Gardens area – and “The Glen” located in the north around the Ladyloan Avenue and Peel Glen Road area – as the key residential districts. She considers shopping centre, Drumchapel Park, water tower, Linkwood tower blocks, the Donald Dewar Centre, Bluebell Woods, and the Colquhoun Park ‘frog pond’ as the landmarks. Resident 2 She is a local female resident from Drumchapel Road area and has grown up in Drumchapel. For her, the paths are Kinfauns Drive and Drumchapel Road, which circulate the town, and also Peel Glen Road, which provides access to the town from the north. She travels around Drumchapel by vehicle. She regards Garscadden Burn as an edge, which restricts access from north to south. She considers shopping centre as the main node. According to her, the key districts are “The Hill”, “The Glen”, “Scheme 1” - located north of the railway line and south of Garscadden Burn, including Cloan Avenue, Glenkirk Drive, and Belsyde Avenue -, and vacant land between Kinfauns Drive and Summerhill Road. She lists shopping centre, Drumchapel Park, Chapel, water tower, Bluebell Woods, Colquhoun Park and the ‘frog pond’, the Donald Dewar Centre, and the railway station as the landmarks. Resident 3 She is a local female employee, travelling to Drumchapel by vehicle from neighbouring area to work. She regards Peel Glen Road, Kinfauns Road, and Drumchapel Road as the main paths. She considers Landscape north of Ladyloan Avenue as an edge. For her, the main nodes are the shopping centre and Drumchapel Park, which are used as a meeting place for residents including teenagers. She adds that the park is also used for community events on several occasions. She defines several residential areas similar in type and appearance, the town centre and shopping centre area, and the Great Western Retail Park as the districts of the area. She lists schools, funeral care centre, Drumchapel Park, shopping centre including pharmacy and post office, swimming pool, and the Donald Dewar Centre as the landmarks. Resident 4 He is a local male employee and a resident of the Old Drumchapel area. He travels around Drumchapel by vehicle, but notes that there are good services including bus service and train service. and usually visits the Great Western Retail Park. He considers Kinfauns Road and Drumchapel Road as the main paths. He regards Drumchapel Road between Old Drumchapel and Drumchapel as an edge. He considers Shopping centre as a node, which is frequented by children and teenagers. He defines Old Drumchapel, vacant land, and residential areas in Drumchapel as the districts. He lists schools, old police station, library, Donald Dewar Centre, water tower, and Linkwood tower blocks as the landmarks.
Resident 5 She is a local female employee. She travels to Drumchapel for work purposes. She notes that most services are 10-15minute walk from shops back to housing and there are a good range of shops at the Great Western Retail Park. She also mentions that there is a good bus service around Drumchapel. She considers Drumchapel Road and Hecla Place as the main paths and Peel Glen Road as an edge. For her, shopping centre and main road junctions/roundabouts are the nodes. She defines some residential areas as districts. Noted that some areas are not well maintained. There is an issue with fly-tipping and also the presence of bins along street fronts in the Stonedyke area. She regards “Care home” at Drumchapel Road as the landmark.
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Drumchapel
Composite Mental Map
Path
Edge
Node
District
Landmark
Major element Minor element
Drumchapel Road
Northern vacant land
The Composite Map represents the combined perception of the area as perceived by the residents interviewed. The major elements in the Composite Map were perceived by two or more of the interviewed residents, including Kinfauns Drive and Drumchapel Road; the central vacant land and Garscadden Burn; the shopping centre and major road junctions; the ‘Scheme 1’ residential area; and the Donald Dewar sport centre and tower block buildings.
Shopping Centre
“Scheme 1” Residential
Donald Dewar Centre
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
1.3. Character Areas
Character areas have been identified by students’ and residents’ perceptions according to their similar properties, land use, and building typology. Six distinct character areas have been defined as so: Area Area Area Area Area Area
1 2 3 4 5 6
— — — — — —
Old Drumchapel Industry, Retail, and Services Tower Blocks The Hill Residential The Glen Residential Scheme 1 Residential
The properties that make each area distinguishable and recognisable are listed below: Building Type
Housing Type
Environment
Residential Building
Detached
Quiet Environment
Industrial Building
Semi-detached
Noisy Environment
Civic Building
Terraced
Sense of Community
Commercial Buildings
Flat
Segregation
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Drumchapel
Area 1 – Old Drumchapel This is a residential area located south of the railway line and Drumchapel railway station and east of the Yoker Burn. The area is located north of the A82 Great Western Road and the Forth and Clyde Canal. The eastern half of the area primarily consists of 2-storey terraced housing. There is also a small services centre and nursery and Blairdardie Primary School. Prevalent building material includes brick, stone, tarmac surfaces, pebble-dash render and tiled roofs. Boundaries between public and private space include stone walls, hedges and metal or wooden fences. There is a variety of vegetation throughout the area and maintained gardens. The western half of the area primarily consists of single storey detached villas and 2-storey semi-detached houses. The area also includes Drumchapel Tennis Centre, a small services centre and a nursery. Building materials include stone, pebble-dash render, timber and tiled roofs. Boundaries separating public and private space include brick walls, hedges and metal fences. There is a variety of vegetation throughout the area and well-maintained landscape and gardens.
Area 2—Industry, Retail, and Services This area is situated north of the A82 Great Western Road and both north and south of the railway line. The area includes the large Great Western Retail Park south of the railway line, which combines a variety of large stores including Sainsburys, B&Q and Argos. A range of industrial buildings are located north of the railway line including the Edrington distillery complex and the Dalsetter Avenue commercial properties. The area also includes the retail and services town centre south of Drumchapel Park, which combines a variety of shops, Drumchapel Pool, Drumchapel Library, Police Station, Drumchapel Social Work Area Office, Garscadden Burn Medical Practice and The West Centre for Children’s Health. The building typology in the area includes large to medium scale industrial units and medium to small scale modern buildings. Prevalent material includes blockwork, brick, tarmac, steel, glass and metal cladding.
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
Area 3 - Tower Blocks The area is located within the centre of Drumchapel and includes a series of large detached buildings and other isolated developments which are disconnected from each other and the settlement of Drumchapel. The area currently includes two residential tower blocks at Linkwood Crescent, which are 17 and 19 storeys in height. The buildings have recently been refurbished and the exteriors over-clad with insulated cladding material. Further buildings in the area include the 2-storey semi-detached cul-de-sac development at Dewar Drive, Drumchapel High School, Drumchapel Community Centre and a range of former community buildings, which are currently vacant or in different use. The area is also characterised by vacant land and empty urban blocks. Prevalent building material in the area includes brick, roof tiles and metal cladding. Private and public space is delineated by wooden and metal fences and brick walls.
Area 4 - �The Hill� Residential The area is located northwest of the existing town centre and Drumchapel Park and includes a number of residential streets such as Halbeath Avenue, Inchfad Drive and Achmore Road. There are few services and amenities within the area. The area is connected to key roads including Kinfauns Drive, Dunkenny Road, Halgreen Avenue and Antonine Road. West of Dunkenny Road the building typology is primarily 2-storey semi-detached and terraced properties arranged around a series of cul-de-sacs. The area contains the Kendoon, Cernach and Kingsridge Clellans Housing Association properties. This area is located on a hillside with views south and east towards Drumchapel. Public and private space is divided by brick walls and metal fences. East of Dunkenny Road the building typology includes 2 and 3-storey terraced and properties and flats. Prevalent material includes brick, tarmac, timber, pebble-dash render and tiled roofs.
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Drumchapel
Area 5 - “The Glen” Residential The area is located in north Drumchapel around the streets of Peel Glen Road, Summerhill Road and Kinclaven Avenue. To the north of the area is Hutcheson Hill, Gardscadden Wood, Bearsden Golf Course and a series of paths and tracks. South of the area is a large vacant site around Ryedale Place. The area is residential and includes the Drumchapel Housing Association properties. Facilities include St. Clare’s Primary School, Camstradden Primary School, Chesters Nursery and Drummore School. The building typology is 2 and 3-storey semi-detached and terraced properties. Prevalent material includes brick, block, roof tiles and metal cladding. Public and private space are divided by metal and wooden fencing and brick walls.
Area 6 - Scheme 1 Residential The area is located to the east of Drumchapel and is divided through the centre by a linear section of landscape which contains the Garscadden Burn, woodland and grass. The area is bordered to the south by the railway line and to the east by the boundary with East Dunbartonshire. The overall area contains the residential areas of Stonedyke and the Pineview Housing Association properties. Within the area there are also a limited range of facilities, including local shops, Cloan Nursery, Stonedyke Neighbourhood Centre, Drumchapel Womens Aid, Drumchapel Essenside URC Church, Surehaven Glasgow Shaw Healthcare and Almond View Care Home. The building typology of the residential properties is primarily 3-storey tenement flats and 2-storey houses, which date from the 1950s development of the overall Drumchapel area. Prevalent building material includes brick, block, stone, roof tiles and pebble-dash render. The private space includes grassed front and back gardens, hedges and metal fencing. The public space includes grass and trees; and tarmac, slab or brick pavements.
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
1.4. Permeability
Permeability Key The perception of permeability between districts of the study area has been identified through the site visits and interviews with local residents. This section describes the degree of connection and accessibility between and within all the identified districts. Each identified district is analyzed according to the certain characteristics regarding connection and accessibility, which are provided in the permeability key.
Key Access Point to Area
Road as Boundary
Poorly Defined Boundary
Key Movement and Connections
Railway as Boundary
Public Space
Barrier to Movement
River as Boundary
Enclosed Space
Landscape as Boundary
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Drumchapel
Area 1 – Old Drumchapel
The area is well defined by transportation route boundaries including the A82 Great Western Road and railway line (1.1). There are few connection points from other areas in Drumchapel to Old Drumchapel. The main points are via Garscadden Road from the north and also Kirkhope Drive to the east. Both roads cross the path of the railway line. The area is perceived as enclosed due to few connection points and strong boundaries.
Area 2—Industry, Retail, and Services
The area is bound to the south by the A82 Great Western Road. Dunreath Avenue also forms a boundary within the area. Garscadden Road and Drumchapel Park (2.1) form boundaries to the north of the area. The Yoker Burn forms a physical boundary between the area and Old Drumchapel. The north and south of the area are perceived as open and connected. The centre of the area is formed of private industrial, enclosed development.
Area 3 - Tower Blocks The area is bound by Airgold Drive and Kinfauns Road and a ridge of steep land. There is limited development in the area and it is perceived as isolated and enclosed. There are few routes through the area except for Linkwood Drive (3.1). The area is perceived as unsafe due to the extent of vacant land. This creates a significant barrier to pedestrian movement through the area.
Area 4 - ”The Hill” Residential The area (4.1) is bound to the west and north by landscape, hillside and the Cleddans Burn and to the south by the town centre and industrial land. There are several connection points to the area from the centre of Drumchapel and many routes through the area. Parts of the area are located on hillside which creates a perception of the separation of these areas from other areas in Drumchapel.
Area 5 - “The Glen” Residential The residential areas to the north of Drumchapel are bound by Drummore Road, hillside and landscape to the north and vacant and derelict land to the south. Access points to the area from Drumchapel are via Kinfauns Drive at Peel Glen Road (5.1) and Summerhill Road. There is limited access from the area to Drumchapel due to an extensive area of vacant land.
Area 6 - Scheme 1 Residential The area is defined by Kinfauns Drive and Drumchapel Road to the north, east and south. The boundary is less defined to the west. The Garscadden Burn and a linear section of landscape run through the centre of the area (6.1) which creates a boundary to movement from north to south. The main access points to the area are from Kinfauns Drive and Drumchapel Road.
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
1.5. Fear and Safety
The degree of safety and personal comfort of the area are analyzed according to the the perception of the inhabitants and the students and crime statistics. According to the inhabitants, there are no specific zones or streets that can be considered as unsafe or dangerous. Besides, it is mentioned that all the streets and roads are well lit, decreasing the chance of uncomfortable conditions. The only distracting events are considered to be the anti-social behaviour of the youth occured mostly in the Drumchapel Park and also around the Shopping Centre.
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During their visits, the perception of the group analyzing the area is mostly positive. The residential areas are perceived to be safe areas The residential blocks do not seem to be abondened, which shows an indication of life. What is more, there are no signs of vandalism on the streets and there are no boarded-up windows. The industrial and service areas, on the other hand, are regarded as uncomfortable as these areas seem mostly deserted. In addition, there are some roads having few or no buildings around, which makes these areas less safe.
Drumchapel
Having no buildings around, this One may not feel safe walking part of the Duntreath Avenue is throughout the industrial area. not perceived comfortable.
As they are connected to Great Western Road, Garscadden Road and those other parallel roads are considered to be safe.
According to the inhabitants, There are no buildings around. youth make noise and disturb These areas seem deserted, which may make one feel unsafe. people in the Drumchapel Park.
Surrounded by residential build- This area is on the bus route and ings, the area is regarded as safe. also surrounded by residential buildings, making one feel safe.
Although there are many cul-desacs in the Residential West, this area is quite peaceful, showing no indications of danger.
Crime Statistics The crime statistics, created through UK Crime Statistics. (https:// crime-statistics.co.uk/), justify the perceptions mentioned before. The crimes listed are displayed within a 1 mile radius of the given location. Therefore, Drumchapel Shopping Mall (G15 7TG) is chosen to create the statistics. From September 2014 to January 2016, there were 10 crimes reported. 5 of 10 are considered as anti social behavior, 3 are violence and sexual offences, and 2 are reported as other crime. Referring to these reports provided, a crime being committed in Drumchapel area has a slight chance. The crime statistics of Drumchapel are compared with the crime statistics of Glasgow city center (G1 3SL) and Clarkston (G76 7JX) to provide a comparative analysis. According to the results, Glasgow city center has more than 30 crimes monthly including anti-social behavior, burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, violence and sexual offences, and other crimes. Clarkston, on the other hand, has few crimes reported, which is like Drumchapel.
Crime Statistics
The number of crimes 80 70 60
65
71 58
61
62
55
50
54
40
40
62
71
69 60
50 42
49
42
34
30 20 10 0
1
1
4
2
1
Glasgow
1
Drumchapel
5 1
13
1
Clarkston
Crime rates in Drumchapel
From another source, Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (http:// www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/SIMD/SIMDInteractive), 2016 Crime Statistics of Drumchapel is obtained. According to SIMD, the crime rank in Drumchapel varies from 100 to 4700, demonstrating a huge difference between the districts. As shown in the map on the right, the Old Drumchapel has the highes crime rates, which was not plausible to guess during the site visits. The industrial area has a crime rate around 2200 and it is reasonable. In general, though, most of the areas of Drumchapel has a crime rate less than 1000, making Drumchapel almost be deprived of crime. Glasgow city center (G1 3SL), on the other hand, has crime rank between 3500 and 5000, proving once again that city center has more potential to have crime being committed. From these results, it is possible to argue that Drumchapel is safer than Glasgow city center, which should make the degree of safety high.
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
1.6. Legibility and Imageability
Kevin Lynch discusses the concepts of legibility and imageability, which define the ease in which users can naviagte through an area based on the influences of both the physical and perceptual elements within their surroundings. This section aims to outline the elements which improve and hinder imageability of the study area.
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Drumchapel
Visual Barriers It was found that most of the streets within Drumchapel are set back from the street and public and private space is often defined through the means of fencing, hedges or a change of height. These elements (as in the case of the sections shown at points 1,2 and 3 on the map) are often very high and act as a barrier in that it disrupts the visual link between the buildings and the streets. This visual link is important in creating a strong sense of imageability within a place as users may refer to the functions and detailing of a building as a point of reference and is therefore a critical aspect of wayfinding.
1 High fencing and hedges create visual barrier.
2
Lack of landmarks or anchor points Monotonous residential development of similar style within this area partnered with the lack of landmarks, nodes and visual barriers from the street inhibits proves the area to be far from imageable, thus, posing a negative impact on wayfinding for it’s users. Additionally the change in height acts as a visual barrier between buidlings and the street.
3
Urban Form and Undefined Spaces Low density development and large expanses of vacant and derelict land within Drumchapel means that detail is not “packed� into the urban fabric, therefore impacting the overall image quality of Drumchapel. Undefined spaces and vacant/derelict land can also confuse and disorientate users whilst passing navigating through an area due to the lack of percieved ownership over the space, furthermore the lack of defined functions results in poor imageability.
4 further separation of pedestrian hierarchies road often busy
5
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
1.7. Maintenance
The degree of maintenance within the six Character Areas of Drumchapel was assessed in terms of: • Quality and maintenance of the built environment • Quality and maintenance of public and private space • Level of personalisation The findings of the group as well as residents’ perceptions are presented in the map analysis and photographs, highlighting the variations in levels of maintenance throughout Drumchapel.
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Maintenance Elements
Clean, Tidy Well-Kept and/or Personalisation Maintained Buildings and/or Land
Photograph Examples Dirty, Litter and/or Vandalism Run-Down and/or No Personalisation Vacant Buildings and/or Land
Good Maintenance Average Maintenance Poor Maintenance
1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 11 2 2 2 2 22 2 2 2 2 22 3 3 3 3 33 3 3 3 3 33 4 4 4 4 44 4 4 4 4 44 5 5 5 5 55 5 5 5 5 55 6 6 6 6 66 6 6 6 6 66
Drumchapel
1.41.4 1.41.4
1.11.1
1.31.3 1.31.3
1.21.2
1.31.3
1.41.4
1.11.1
1.21.2
1.31.3
1.41.4
1.21.2
1.31.3
1.41.4
1.21.2
1.31.3
1.41.4
2.12.1 2.12.1
2.22.2 2.22.2
2.32.3 2.32.3
2.12.1
2.22.2
2.32.3
2.42.4 2.42.4 2.42.4
2.12.1
2.22.2
2.32.3
2.12.1
2.22.2
2.42.4
2.32.3
2.42.4
2.12.1
2.22.2
2.32.3
2.42.4
3.13.1 3.13.1
3.23.2 3.23.2
3.33.3 3.33.3
3.13.1
3.23.2
3.33.3
3.43.4 3.43.4 3.43.4
3.13.1
3.23.2
3.33.3
3.43.4
3.23.2
3.33.3
3.43.4
3.23.2
3.33.3
3.43.4
4.14.1 4.14.1
4.24.2 4.24.2
4.34.3 4.34.3
4.44.4 4.44.4
4.14.1
4.24.2
4.34.3
4.44.4
4.14.1
4.24.2
4.34.3
4.44.4
4.24.2
4.34.3
4.44.4
4.24.2
4.34.3
4.44.4
5.15.1 5.15.1
5.25.2 5.25.2
5.35.3 5.35.3
5.45.4 5.45.4
5.15.1
5.25.2
5.35.3
5.45.4
5.15.1
5.25.2
5.35.3
5.45.4
5.15.1
5.25.2
5.35.3
5.45.4
5.15.1
5.25.2
5.35.3
5.45.4
6.16.1 6.16.1
6.26.2 6.26.2
6.36.3 6.36.3
6.46.4 6.46.4
6.16.1
6.26.2
6.36.3
6.46.4
6.16.1
6.26.2
6.36.3
6.46.4
6.16.1
6.26.2
6.36.3
6.46.4
1.21.2 1.21.2
1.11.1 1.11.1
1.11.1
1.11.1
3.13.1
3.13.1
4.14.1
4.14.1
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
1.8. Street Front Assessment
Urban Gaps
Vibrant
Roman Road in Bearsden is examplified for the vibrant as there is no vibrant street in Drumchapel.
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Pleasant
Liveable
Dull
Distressing
Drumchapel
Vibrant
Pleasant
Liveable
Dull
Distressing
A) High plot density B) Range of functions (5 or more) C) Consistently active fronts / function is well communicated D) Eye catching facades, high quality materials & a degree of detailing
A) High/medium plot density B) Range of functions (at least 3-4) C) Mostly active frontages (70-80%) D) Quality materials and some level of detail
A) Medium density of plots B) Range of functions (at least 3) C) Some active fronts but some closed frontages (50-60%) D)Satisfactory quality of materials & little detailing
A) Low plot density, few doors & blank walls B) Little or no diversity in functions (2 or less) C) Mostly closed fronts with few visual links to the street D) Unattractive facades with poor quality
A) Large single units dominate the street with very few or no entrances B) No variations of functions C) Closed frontages no street activity D) Monotonous facades with no detailing
Criteria: A) Plot size / density B) Functions C) Activity D) Detailing
Area 1 – Old Drumchapel 1. Low plot density (Roman Avenue detached bungalows with wrap around gardens) 2. Small concentration of retail on corner of moraine drive and moraine avenue Despite this, residential uses dominate this area. 3. Dwellings set back from street, hedges & fencing form barriers. No active fronts. 4. Quality of materials is generally good. However little or no detailing in most cases.
Area 2—Industry, Retail, and Services 1. Low plot density, some undeveloped land. 2. Very diverse range of functions in concentrated areas such as Kinfauns Drive and within the Great Western Retail Park contrasting with large urban gaps. 3. Most development is set back from the street, however there are less barriers between buildings and the street such as hedges or fencing, mostly fronted onto publics spaces rather than the street. 4. Quality of materials is very mixed; some buildings stand out as being particularly high quality whilst others stand out as being of particularly poor quality.
Area 3 - Tower Blocks 1. Very low plot density. Linkwood Flats follow the tower in the park form situated within large expanses of undeveloped land creating significant urban gaps. 2. No variety of functions - residential development only. 3. Dwellings set back from the street, large expanses of vacant/derelict land leave streets. Empty and deprived of any form of street activity. 4. Quality of materials is generally poor and no level of detail.
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
Area 4 - ”The Hill” Residential 1. Medium-Low plot density. Urban gaps concentrated around the mostly undeveloped area around the water tower. 2. Almost no diversity of functions. Except for one small retail unit this area is all residential. 3. Every residential dwelling that we came across during this survey was set back significantly from the street by a front garden or by a topographical barrier. 4. Quality of building materials is fairly good, however, design is fairly repetative and features little to no detail.
Area 5 - “The Glen” Residential 1. Low plot density, large expanse of undeveloped land to the east of Ladyloan Avenue. 2. With the exception of a funeral directors located at the foot of Peelglen Road where it meets Kinfauns drive, the area is purely residential. 3. All dwellings set back from the road. 4. Quality of building materials is fairly good. However, design is fairly consistent throughout and features little to no detail.
Area 6 - Scheme 1 Residential 1. Medium plot density terraced housing and flats. 2. Monotunous residential development. 3. Dwellings set back from the street, barriers such as hedges and fencing are prominant. 4. Quality of materials is poor and very little detail.
Conclusion The streets studied across Drumchapel have consistently failed to meet the outlined criteria which contribute to vibrant streets. This is predominantly a result of the lack of relationship formed between buildings and the street, lack of activity on the streets, visual links, low plot density, monotony of functions which dominate streets. Furthermore, the consistant lack of detailing in buildings makes each of the outined character areas relatively indistinguishable from one another from an architecturally but more so on a topographical or functional level.
24
Drumchapel
1.9. Summary The ‘experiencing place’ analysis has aimed to gain an understanding of the Drumchapel study area by assessing, comparing and mapping subjective knowledge of the place. This knowledge has been gained through the experiences of the study group and the inhabitants in the study area. The key findings of this analysis are summarised below. The composite image of the Drumchapel study area held by the students represents a combined perception of the area as perceived by the five students. The major elements were perceived to be the Kinfauns Drive and Drumchapel Road ‘paths’, which form a circular route around the settlement, and also Dunreath Avenue, which provides access from the south; areas of vacant land and natural features such as Garscadden Burn, which form ‘edges’ to development and movement; ‘nodes’ and focal points at Drumchapel Park and the shopping centre; residential and industrial ‘districts’; and ‘landmarks’ including the tower block buildings and the railway station. The composite image of the study area held by the inhabitants represents a combined image of the area as perceived by the local residents and employees interviewed. Kinfauns Drive and Drumchapel Road were also identified as the major ‘paths’ in the settlement. The areas of vacant land and Garscadden Burn were also identified as the major ‘edges’. The shopping centre area was identified as the major ‘node’ by all residents interviewed. Specific residential areas were noted as identifiable ‘districts’ and named as Old Drumchapel, The Hill, The Glen and Scheme 1. All residents interviewed noted the tower blocks and the Donald Dewar sport centre as the major ‘landmarks’ in the study area. Through the student and resident composite mental mapping exercises, character areas were identified which individually shared similar properties, land use and building typology. These were defined as 1. Old Drumchapel; 2. Industry, Retail and Services; 3. Tower Blocks; 4. The Hill Residential; 5. The Glen Residential; and 6. Scheme 1 Residential. Assessment of permeability has identified that several districts are bound by significant barriers, which restrict access to these districts
and also movement between adjacent districts. The district of Old Drumchapel for example is bound by a major road and railway line and two burns. This combined with few access points, significantly restricts access to and from the neighbouring districts. Likewise, access to the residential districts and movement between them is restricted by natural barriers and large areas of vacant land. The streets studied across Drumchapel have consistently failed to meet the outlined criteria which contribute to vibrant streets. This is predominantly a result of the lack of relationship formed between buildings and the street; lack of activity on the streets; poor visual links; low plot density; the monotony of functions; and a lack of architectural detailing which dominate the streets. In terms of the perception of safety throughout the study area, the inhabitants interviewed stated that there are no specific zones or streets that can be considered as unsafe or dangerous. The residents mentioned that all the streets and roads are well lit, decreasing the chance of uncomfortable conditions. The only distracting events are considered to be the anti-social behaviour of the youth, which occur mostly in Drumchapel Park and also around the shopping centre. During their visits, the perception of the group analysing the area is mostly positive. The residential areas are perceived to be safe areas. The residential blocks do not seem to be abandoned, which shows an indication of life. What is more, there are no signs of vandalism on the streets and there are no boarded-up windows. The industrial and service areas, on the other hand, are regarded as uncomfortable as these areas seem mostly deserted. In addition, there are some roads having few or no buildings around, which makes these areas less safe. The state of maintenance and repair is considered to be varied around the study area, with incidences of both good and poor maintenance evident in all districts. The studies undertaken by the students and evidence gained from interviews with residents indicated that a higher proportion of poor maintenance including litter, lack of personalisation and vacant buildings and land occurs throughout the central area of the settlement.
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
2. Comparing Place Blythswood Square
Newlands
Trongate
Drumchapel
Blythswood Square is a square in the Blythswood Hill area of Glasgow. It was built as a part of the westward expansion of Glasgow upon the 470 acres of the Lands of Blythswood and Woodside. It was one of the earliest residential developments on Blythswood Hill.
Newlands is a suburban area of the South Side of Glasgow. The area is mainly residential in character. It also includes traditional shops such as The Newlands Café, which is a very well-known with its ice-cream.
Trongate is one of the oldest districts in Glasgow, which is now known as “Mercant City”. Although it was formerly the residential district of the wealthy city merchants in the 18th and early 19th centuries, it has become a cultural district having art galleries, artist studios, theatres, and City Halls. Besides, the district is still used for residential purposes.
Known to locals and residents as “The Drum”, Drumchapel is located in the northwest of Glasgow. It is one of Glasgow’s peripheral housing schemes built in the mid-fifties to re-house around thirty thousand people from the inner city slums.
number of blocks: 35 block area: 456.2658 block length: 1495.2058 block density: 0.5 min area: 12 | mid area: 12 max area: 11
number of blocks: 46 block area: 428.5623 block length: 1305.5847 block density: 0.7 min area: 15 | mid area: 21 max area: 10
number of blocks: 28 block area: 480.2100 block length: 1101.4412 block density: 0.4 min area: 9 | mid area: 12 max area: 7
2.1. Block Indicators
number of blocks: 62 block area: 353.9574 block length: 1514.5621 block density: 0.9 min area: 39 | mid area: 17 max area: 5
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Drumchapel
2.2. Vehicular Street Network
Blythswood Square
4 way cul-de-sac 3 way
number number number number
of of of of
intersections: 46 4 ways: 36 3 ways: 10 cul-de-sac: 0
Newlands
4 way cul-de-sac 3 way
number number number number
of of of of
intersections: 41 4 ways: 8 3 ways: 26 cul-de-sac: 7
Trongate
4 way cul-de-sac 3 way
number number number number
of of of of
intersections: 39 4 ways: 12 3 ways: 26 cul-de-sac: 1
Drumchapel
4 way cul-de-sac 3 way
number number number number
of of of of
intersections: 35 4 ways: 2 3 ways: 31 cul-de-sac: 2
2.3. Connectivity and Accessibility
strong grid pattern: 12 weak grid patter: 9 external connectivity-intersection points: 19
strong grid pattern: 2 weak grid patter: 7 external connectivity-intersection points: 15
strong grid pattern: 5 weak grid patter: 9 external connectivity-intersection points: 14
strong grid pattern: 2 weak grid patter: 9 external connectivity-intersection points: 16
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Booklet no.4: Experiencing and Comparing Place
2.4. Street Network Permeability
Blythswood Square
Newlands
Trongate
Drumchapel
street density: 0.9 street network permeability: 0.8
street density: 0.8 street network permeability: 0.7
street density: 0.8 street network permeability: 0.6
street density: 0.6 street network permeability: 0.6
percentage within 400m percentage within 800m
percentage within 400m percentage within 800m
percentage within 400m percentage within 800m
2.5. Pedshed Analysis
percentage within 400m percentage within 800m
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of area reachable radius: 62.3% of area reachable radius: 67.2%
of area reachable radius: 52.3% of area reachable radius: 41.3%
of area reachable radius: 63.5% of area reachable radius: 53.6%
of area reachable radius: 23.6% of area reachable radius: 22.8%
Drumchapel
2.6. Summary
Blythswood Square
Newlands
Trongate
Drumchapel
Connectivity Indicators Connectivity Indicators related to the street network Intersection Density
0.7
0.6
0.6
0.5
Street Density
0.9
0.8
0.8
0.6
Internal Connectivity or Connected Node Ratio (CNR)
0.9
0.8
0.9
0.9
Link-Node Ratio
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.6
Connectivity of the object
0.9
0.8
0.9
0.9
Grid pattern ratio
0.6
0.4
0.5
0.3
The strong grid pattern ratio
0.4
0.1
0.2
0.1
The weak grid pattern ratio
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.2
Street network permeability
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.6
353.9574
456.2658
428.5623
480.21
Block Density
0.9
0.5
0.7
0.4
Block Length
1514.5621
1495.2058
1305.5847
1101.4412
Distance of the object to a particular target
400
400
400
400
Rate of connectivity
0.6
0.5
0.6
0.2
Percentage of area reachable within 400 meters radius
62.30%
52.30%
63.50%
23.60%
Percentage of area reachable within 800 meters radius
67.20%
41.30%
53.60%
22.80%
Connectivity Indicators related to the urban block Block Area
Accessibility Indicators
PedShed Analysis
Drumchapel and Blythswood Square
Drumchapel and Trongate
Blythswood Square is a Victorian style area in the center of Glasgow. The area is full of grid-style roads and small blocks. There are 36 crossroads and almost no dead ends. In addition, the area is full of restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. In Drumchapel, on the other hand, there are only 2 crossroads and many dead ends. There is also a lack of public buildings in the city center such as restaurants, shopping malls, and cinemas.
Trongate is a commercial street in the center of Glasgow. The area is full of entertainment and social places. Besides, the traffic is very convenient. In comparison with Trongate, there is no perfect commercial street in Drumchapel. The whole city looks very empty and there are few pedestrians on the street.
Drumchapel and Newlands
To sum up, Drumchapel is a problematic and undeveloped area right now. In the city,lack of social and entertainment, road network is also very backward. There are also many undeveloped space in the city.
The Newlands is a suburb of southern Glasgow. The area is mainly characterized by residential areas. There are many different styles of residential buildings in this area, and it has many traditional shops. Newlands retains many traditional buildings. In addition,the percantageof area reachable within 400m is 52.3%.
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Department of Architecture University of Strathclyde Glasgow strath.ac.uk/engineering/architecture/