BLUEPRINT FOR DRUMCHAPEL May 2018
Drumchapel Booklet 1: Preliminaries & Foundation Masterplan
Stage: Masterplan Group members: Patarova, Aleksandra (AAD) Thorogood, Amy (UD)
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
Blueprint for Drumchapel
CONTENTS
I. Introduction
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II: Analysis III: Strategy & Concept IV: Foundation Masterplan
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V: Bibliography
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
I: Introduction Context Drumchapel is an area of Glasgow developed as part of the overspill policy of Glasgow City Council in the 1950’s. Drumchapel was developed as a modern satellite town , revolutionary of its time, comprising modernist architecture which boasts large plots, high rises with wonderful views and large expanses of green open space as far as the eye can see. However, throughout this project the great failures of this design and form will be realised . Drumchapel, built for 30, 000 inhabitants, today is only home to around 13, 000. Its suffers heavily from high levels of deprivation and its demographic lacks diversity. Drumchapel is a poster child for the failures of urban sprawl and its blatant disconnect between residential areas, its services and amenities , Glasgow’s urban core and neighbouring settlements, was clearly designed with a huge reliance on car ownership, but in reality only 38% of Drumchapel’s inhabitants own a car, and thus, this further isolates its inhabitants. Despite its problems in the physical sense, Drumchapel does have many unique and
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valuable attributes which defines its character. Having spent some time in Drumchapel whilst undertaking this project , it quickly becomes very apparent that there is a overwhelming sense of unity and community . This is quite clearly something that is not built with bricks and mortar , but the sense of pride and ownership in which the inhabitants feel towards Drumchapel is indisputable . This now presents us with a challenge. There are some integral issues with Drumchapel ‘s urban form which contribute to a variety of factors such as well-being, employment opportunities and social diversity. However, although originally intended to house 30,000, Drumchapel is still home to 13, 000 people who truly value and have long running ties to the area, often going back generations. It is therefore our task to assess the current situation, identify the key issues and propose interventions which will provide solutions to some of the major issues without hindering the already well established sense of place and community which makes Drumchapel, Drumchapel.
Blueprint for Drumchapel
THE STUDIO PROCESS Booklet 1: Preliminairies & Foundation Masterplan P h ase 1
Phase 3
Phase 2
Booklet no.3: Planning Framework
Analysis
Strategy & Concept
Framework & Coding
Five areas of analysis were undertaken to provide a holistic background of Drumchapel as it is today, considering both physical and social attributes. Conclusions drawn in this phase should identifies issues to be addressed in the next phase.
This phase complies the research undertaken in the analysis phase to produce both an existing and proposed concept plan which is then built upon to develop a strategy which delivers the outlined vision for Drumchapel 2050.
This phase involves the physical application of the proposed strategy, within a more focussed masterplan area. This involves coding blocks to set a framework for the development of the detailed masterplan in the next phase.
P h a se 4
Booklet 2: Detailed Masterplan
Masterplanning
Booklet 3: Special Places
This final phase provides specific detail regarding housing typologies, street design, character areas and special places, once again within a more focussed masterplan area.
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
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Blueprint for Drumchapel
II: Analysis EXISTING DRUMCHAPEL
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
XT E T N O
Y
EXT NT CO 8
MCHAPEL IN T H DRU E C IT
CHAPEL IN THE M CIT U DR Y
C
Area of Study
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Blueprint for Drumchapel
KEY ISSUES
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?
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Fig:
URBAN FORM
ECOLOGICAL NETWORK
STREET VIBRANCY
LOW DENSITIES
POOR DIVERSITY IN TYPEOLOGY
POOR WALKING / CYCLING LINKS
POOR RANGE OF FUNCTIONS
BLOCK SIZE
POOR CONDITION
SEVERED GREEN NETWORK
DISCONNECTED CENTRE
FLOOD RISK
LACK OF ACTIVE FRONTAGES
POOR LINKS TO NATURAL HERITAGE
POOR QUALITY PUBLIC REALM
VACANT LAND
?
HOUSING STOCK
UNDEFINED SPACES
CONNECTIONS & ACCESSIBILITY POOR WALKABILITY POOR QUALITY PEDESTRIAN PATHS
POOR MAINTENANCE OF GREEN SPACE
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
Urban Form As existing, Drumchapel is comprised of large expanses of low density development which fails to accommodate the anticipated capacity of 30,000 inhabitants. This is mainly a result of restricting housing typologies, plots which are equiproportional to the buildings and vast blocks within the developed areas. Furthermore, it was also found that due to unforeseen economic circumstances in recent years, development has been stalled in Drumchapel and this has left a significant quantity of vacant development land. This not only contributes to the issue of density, but it also creates unsafe and undefined spaces and large stretches of street with little or no activity at all.
Housing Stock Currently the predominant housing typologies within Drumchapel are flats (68%), semi-detached (17%), terraced (13%) and detached (2%). Although this is comparable to that of Glasgow City Centre, the main issue throughout Drumchapel is the strategic placement , or lack there of, these typologies to create diverse neighbourhoods which vary in density, housing type and tenure. Using typologies, varying heights and thus, the capacity of blocks can be used to add density to little pockets across the study area, which will become centres of activity. Furthermore, introducing more variety, with regards to variation of these typologies in design, height and ensuring that housing tenures are thoroughly mixed throughout will create more socially diverse communities which are inhabited by residents from a range of backgrounds and demographics. In addition, the existing housing stock is, in some cases, of incredibly poor quality and is close to reaching the end of its anticipated lifestyle, thus, intervention is imminent, whether this is through infill redevelopment or through the means of demolitions and rebuild.
Connections & Accessibility An analysis of local and global centrality highlighted that Drumchapel poorly performs in both aspects. Within Drumchapel itself we see a street network which is instructed by steep topography, resulting in long and indirect routes which hinder permeability. Furthermore, the majority of pedestrian paths, which could greatly improve permeability for those of foot or by bike, are poorly maintained and are often in isolated areas which lack natural surveillance meaning they could be perceived as unsafe by some residents. This greatly impacts the walkability of Drumchapel, placing a large dependence of private vehicles as the main form of transportation. In addition, great western road wraps around Drumchapel rather than connecting through it. Consequently, unless travelling to Drumchapel there is no reason to pass through Drumchapel as an intermediary to connect to surrounding settlements.
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Blueprint for Drumchapel
Vibrancy An analysis of street fronts throughout Drumchapel identified consistent failures to meet the criteria which constitute vibrant streets. This is due to a combination of contributing factors, for example, one of the most overwhelming findings was the monotony of functions along streets, residential areas are almost entirely comprised of housing alone and within the centre, there is no housing, resulting in complete segregation from residential and the centre which houses almost 100% of the services and amenities available. This monotony results in streets which are void of activity and thus the street is environment is dead and disengaging. Furthermore, there is little variation in design within typologies, and once again there is a significant feeling of repetition as there are almost no notable variations within developments which have taken place in the same area in terms of detailing, heights, width or materials. In addition, most buildings across Drumchapel feature large set backs which instantly severs the relationship between buildings and the street and inhibits the formation of active frontages which are a key concept in establishing vibrant streets.
Ecological Network Drumchapel is situated within close proximity to Glasgow’s greenbelt and therefore has the advantage of a beautiful natural setting. However, these natural resources are not currently integrated within a cohesive green network. Within Drumchapel there are a few notable locations, i.e. Garscadden Wood, which boast thriving biodiversity and quality greenspace which has the potential to be used for recreational purposes and for exploring and learning about natural heritage. Furthermore, there is a pepper potting of undefined and poor quality greenspaces throughout Drumchapel which, in their existing state do not add to the environment in any way as they are not utilised by residents due to the poor state of repair and lack of definition and purpose given to the spaces and, they are completely disconnected from one another and not integrated into the wider green network.
Direction of Water Flow
SURFACE WATER FLOODING RISK
RIVER FLOODING RISK
High
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Medium
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Finally, 3 main areas of concern have been identified with regards to flood risk as shown in figure???. This is largely a result of a very varied and steep topography, however, despite such problems posing high flood risks, there has been little intervention to help mitigate against future flooding. It must therefore be noted that in the redevelopment of Drumchapel, and the subsequent inevitable increased urbanisation, extra SUDs measures should therefore be integrated into streets and the use of soft landscaping to maximise absorption is recommended.
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
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Blueprint for Drumchapel
III. Strategy & Concept VISION FOR DRUMCHAPEL 2050
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
VISION STATEMENT Economy Drumchapel has a sustainable and resilient local economy. It is an economically vibrant place which supports local enterprise, providing diverse entrepreneurial opportunities and aspirations.
Our vision for 2050 is for Drumchapel to become a place with a strong and cohesive community, a place where the streets are vibrant and bustling with activity, a distinctive place which offers its inhabitants diverse range of choices of places to live and work and a place which grows and integrates seamlessly into its beautiful natural surroundings.
Environment Drumchapel is seen as a gateway to nature, developed sustainably, in harmony with the natural environment by integrating natural features and the green network within the built context. Users will have access to a variety of green spaces, thus encouraging outdoor activity and recreation, celebrating natural heritage whilst creating an environment which allows biodiversity to flourish.
CONNECTIVITY
VIBRANCY
Social Drumchapel is a socially sustainable, diverse and vibrant place. The population will have increased due to an increase in the densities and creation of new urban centres. However, the urban form and built environment captures and enhances an already strong sense of community spirit, identity and belonging within its urban communities.
SENSE OF BELONGING
DIVERSITY
IDENTITY
Connectivity SUSTAINABILITY
Drumchapel is well connected by the means of a variety of transportation vehicles with an emphasis on walking and cycling, reducing the dependency on the car as the main mode of transport. Connectivity is efficiently established both within its boundaries, with increased neighbourhood permeability and local centrality and externally, to neighbouring settlements and Glasgow’s City Centre.
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RESILIENT
Blueprint for Drumchapel
PLOT BASED URBANISM The principals of plot based urbanism have been applied throughout the entire design process for the redevelopment of Drumchapel. This involves incorporating a strong mixture of land uses and housing tenures to ensure diversity within the urban environment, establishing steady growth and economic resilience whilst encouraging informal participation from locals to ensure that the design respects and embodies local culture and heritage (Romice & Porta, 2014).
Core Design Objectives Connecting Nodes and Centres Ensuring all residents have access to a variety of services and amenities - Promotes a strong and resilient network of centres To ensure stable and sustainable economic growth in the future.
Establishing the Connections • • •
Ensuring that Drumchapel is connected to wider settlements by both public and private transportation methods. Establishing a grid network of streets to improve centrality and walkability of Drumchapel, thus reducing the reliance on car ownership.
Establishing a Green Network To create visually appealing streetscapes through street greenery which also acts to manage flooding in high risk areas and mitigating against potential increased flood risks associated with increasing the population and subsequent further urbanisation of Drumchapel.
Managing Densities - Interventions to strategically increase densities in local and district centres, this will both improve the diversity of the Drumchapel’s demographic whilst also ensuring the economic activity and new development within these higher density centres remains viable in the long run.
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
IL RA GT KIN L A W LL
DISTRIC APEL TC CH M
DRU MC DISTRICT C PEL OR HA
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AN TO NI EW A
PROPOSED STRATEGY
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AGRICULTURAL LAND
HISTORIC SITE: ANTONINE WALL
MAJOR INTERSECTION
DISTRICT CORE
WOODLAND
“GATEWAY” POINT
PROMINANT ENTRANCE
DISTRICT AREA
PARKLAND
GREEN ROUTE
STRONGER LINKS
CHARACTER AREA
SPORTS GREEN
PEDESTRIAN PATH
WATER NETWORK
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GREEN CORRIDOR
NEIGHBOURHOOD NODE LANDMARK
Blueprint for Drumchapel
Strategic Interventions Connectivity
New hiking routes
Widen and reinforce Peel Green Road as a northwad link
Connecting Outwards • •
New bus route
New links to Bearsden
Link to regional cycling routes
New links to Bearsden
Extend Garscadden Rd
Creating a strong North-South and East-West axis Create prominent entrances to establish and stronger gateway to Drumchapel.
Internal Connections
Straight westward connection to Great Western Road
• •
Relocate Tra in St atio n
rth Fo
&
de Cly
Establishing a grid network Improving walkability and strengthening the cycle network
l na Ca
New bus route
Proposed Connectivity Strategy Public access to historical sites
Environmental
New hiking routes
Integrating the Green Network
Acess to Green Belt
Clear New access to Green Belt
Urban
Edge
Cleddans Burn
Ga
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add en Woo d
• • •
Clear point of entry to common woodland
Hierarchy of green spaces Create parks with individual identity Community Gardens
Integrating the Blue Network
Link to regional cycling routes
•
Implementing SUDs to minimise flood risks
Improved Access to Canal
rth Fo
&
de Cly
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Canalside Regeneration
Forth & Clyd e Can al
Proposed Environmental Strategy
Urban Form Housing • •
Creating distinctive and vibrant neighbourhoods Establish diversity and variety within housing typologies
Nodes • •
Densification and extension of existing centre to form new district node Ensuring diversity in uses within new neighbourhood nodes.
Proposed Urban Form Strategy
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
Existing Concept Map
LOW DENSITY
SPECIALIST AREA FARMLAND / PASTURE WOODLAND
MEDIUM DENSITY
PARK SPORTS GROUNDS VACANT LAND RIVER BANK
HIGH DENSITY
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LOCAL NODE GLOBAL NODE POTENTIAL LOCAL NODE
HIGH SPEED ROAD URBAN MAIN STREET LOCAL MAIN STREET LOCAL STREET NATIONAL CYCLE ROUTE LOCAL CYCLE ROUTE LOCAL CYCLEPATH
BUS ROUTE 60 BUS ROUTE 3 BUS ROUTE 6A BUS ROUTE 16 BUS ROUTE 1C BUS ROUTE 400 BUS ROUTE M60 BUS ROUTE CB2 TRAIN LINE TRAIN STOP
Blueprint for Drumchapel
Proposed Concept Map
LOW DENSITY
SPECIALIST AREA FARMLAND / PASTURE WOODLAND
MEDIUM DENSITY
PARK SPORTS GROUNDS VACANT LAND RIVER BANK
LOCAL NODE GLOBAL NODE POTENTIAL LOCAL NODE
HIGH SPEED ROAD URBAN MAIN STREET LOCAL MAIN STREET LOCAL STREET NATIONAL CYCLE ROUTE LOCAL CYCLE ROUTE LOCAL CYCLEPATH
BUS ROUTE 60 BUS ROUTE 3 BUS ROUTE 6A BUS ROUTE 16 BUS ROUTE 1C BUS ROUTE 400 BUS ROUTE M60 BUS ROUTE CB2 TRAIN LINE TRAIN STOP
HIGH DENSITY
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Blueprint for Drumchapel
IV. Foundation Masterplan
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
SELECTING THE MASTERPLAN AREA
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CONFIRMATION AREA
3 STAGE REDEVELOPMENT
PARKLAND
TRANSORMATION AREA
DEVLOPMENT OF VACANT LAND
WATERCOURSE
SPECIALIST AREA
EXISTING LANDMARK FEATURE
Blueprint for Drumchapel
Key Selection Criteria Greatest Potential for Change Overall, it we wanted to select an area to develop in detail which would have the largest potential to have a significant impact on the future success of Drumchapel and so, when selecting the area within Drumchapel to develop our masterplan, these interventions were prioritised and the resulting masterplan area comprises of a variety of these interventions with variation in priority and includes a variety of new landmarks, public spaces, residential development and the development of public buildings such as a new library and school campus. Mapped details are shown to the left, of all of the proposed areas of intervention and the areas which will remain relatively untouched throughout the period of this masterplan as outlined in the strategy phase (2020-2050).
Action Areas and Confirmation Areas
Diversity and Variety The selected masterplan area also includes portions of the district and local nodes, our strategy outlined the importance of connecting and strengthening nodes thus both these nodes will be included in the masterplan area which is comprised of high, medium and low densities ensuring that a range of densities are accounted for within the masterplan, thus this should provide scope to design a range of housing typologies.
To Faifley
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DIS T
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Additionally, the same can be said for street hierarchy. The masterplan area includes most of the new proposed streets which contribute to the establishment of a new grid network of streets. This includes all classifications of streets including, urban main roads, local main roads and local streets, this will provide ample opportunity to set the tone for development standards of streets, as well as providing details on special exceptions, for example the main green artery which forms the north south axis of the masterplan site.
L CA O
To Bearsden
L CA O
To Glasgow To Yoker
Proposed Nodes and Connections
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SPECIALIST BUILDINGS Library
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
STREET NETWORK The Street Design Process
Stage 1: Defining the Principle Routes
Stage 2: Extending existing street network
Stage 3: Breaking down the plots
For the process of developing the proposed street network of the masterplan area, we have followed the design framework set in Designing Streets policy statement. The first step was defining the principle routes. Due to its social significance and central location, Drumchapel Park was taken as a reference and the streets running to its south and north were extended to form east-west link.
As stated in Designing Streets: “integrating new developments into the existing urban fabric is essential� (Scottish Government, 2010: 19).
In order to achieve a street network with a compact and walkable layout, larger blocks were further broken down by introducing more streets.
Thus, as a second step in the development of the street network, existing streets were extended to form intersections that would become the base for the establishment of a grid pattern within the area.
Consideration was given that all of them connect to the established grid pattern and dead-end streets or culde-sacs are avoided completely.
The street hierarchy of the masterplan areas corresponds to that established in the proposed concept plan: a new urban main that forms part of a north-south axis by connecting Kinfauns Drive and the district node with Peel Glen Road, which then leads to Faifley. Due to the process of extending and connecting existing streets, the block pattern is mostly rectilinear, with the layout taking a slightly irregular form south of Linkwood Drive. As noted previously, establishing a tight street network through the introduction of a grid pattern was a priority. A well connected street network increases the attractiveness of walking and minimises delays for cars since it offers to opportunity for taking multiple different routes. The street pattern also sets a base for developing perimeter blocks with a positive interaction with the public realm. Proposed Street Hierarchy
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Blueprint for Drumchapel
Public Transport As established in the existing Concept Plan of Drumchapel, the current public transport network of Drumchapel excludes many residential areas and there are no existing direct routes to the proposed district node from the SCHOOL residential areas around Peel Glen and Summerhill COMPLEX Road, and the hill south of Garscadden Burn.
RESIDENTIAL AREA Summerhill Rd
RESIDENTIAL AREA Summerhill Rd
COMMUNITY CENTRE
COMMUNITY CENTRE
SCHOOL COMPLEX
DIST
RE ENT TC
SPORTS CENTRE
DIST RIC
RE ENT TC
RE NT CE
RE NT CE
RIC T Glen Rd and The proposed new urban main between Peel Howgate Ave would be able to accommodate new bus routes that would significantly shorten the travel time to the district centre and train station. SPORTS CENTRE
DIST RIC
Crucially, the larger population resulting from the development of the selected area, necessitates improved and more regular transport, and bus stops along the urban TO STATION main will provide safe and direct access to a proposed & GLASGOW new community centre and expanded school campus.
TO RESIDENTIAL & BEARSDEN
DISTR TO RESIDENTIAL ICT & BEARSDEN
“THE HILL” RESIDENTIAL AREA Glenkirk Dr
“THE HILL” RESIDENTIAL AREA Glenkirk Dr
TO STATION & GLASGOW
Fig ??: Bus Network Concept Scheme
District Centre
Residential Area
Community Facilities
Bus Stop
District Centre New Bus Routes Community Multiple Routes Single Bus Facilities Routes
Resi Area Bus
Redundant Route
Cycling Network GARSCADDEN WOOD
With our masterplan, we want to challenge the supremacy COMMUNITY of the car and make a case for cycling ORCHARD as a primary mode of transport. Since the selected area is underdeveloped, we have the opportunity to integrate an extensive cycling network from the very outset of the street design and TO CLEDDANCE use it to connect public green spaces and community SCHOOL WOOD COMPLEX facilities.
GARSCADDEN WOOD COMMUNITY ORCHARD
COMMUNITY CENTRE
WOODLANDS PARK
TO CLEDDANCE WOOD
Segregated one-way bike lanes can be provided along the urban main and the proposed green corridor running PEL CHA from Garscadden Burn to Garscadden Wood. With the M U DR PARK proposed new school campus located at the intersection DISTRICT CENTRE of those routes, children would be encouraged to cycle SPORTS SKATE to school. Due to restrictions posed by the existing CENTRE street PARK design and building line along Kinfauns and Linkwood Dr, segregated bike lanes can only partially be provided, soGARSCADDEN a BURN /PARK two-way lane system can be adopted instead. TO STATION The proposed cycle routes will feed into the existing Local Cycle Network in Garscadden Wood and from there they can connect to the National Cycle Route along the Forth and Clyde Canal, establishing Drumchapel’s position as Glasgow’s “Gateway to Nature”.
COMMUNITY CENTRE
WOODLANDS PARK
SCHOOL COMPLEX
EL HAP MC DRU PARK
DISTRICT CENTRE
SPORTS CENTRE
SKATE PARK
GARSCADDEN BURN /PARK TO STATION
Cycling Network Concept Scheme
District Centre
Public Open Green Space
Community Facilities
Sports Facilities
Cycling Network: Segregated District Lanes Centre Two-way Lanes Community On-Street Lane Facilities
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Pu Gr
Sp Fa
Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
Accessible Neighbourhoods
ted/ Accessible Neighbourhoods
alking distance within 5min d based on average speed = 1.4 m/s enter and introduce new routes local nodes
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Drumchapel: actual 5min walking distance from center of proposed local & district nodes.
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5 MINUTES WALK FROM LOCAL NODE
LOCAL NODE COVERAGE AREA
5 MINUTES WALK FROM DISTRICT NODE
DISTRICT NODE COVERAGE AREA
L CA O
Blueprint for Drumchapel
Walking Distance The map to the right shows walkability of the street network in relation to the proposed local and district nodes outlined in the strategy. Walking distance has been calculated as the walkable distance within 5 minutes walking at an average speed of 1.4 metres per second. Our strategy has outlined that walkability will be increased through repair of the existing centre within the district node catchment area whilst also establishing a grid network by implementing new roads which follow pedestrian orientated design principals as outlined in documents such as Design Streets, Creating Places and the Urban Design Compendium. Our proposed Masterplan therefore now guarantees that all local and district centres are connected by some means within 5 minutes walking distance which satisfies the aims of our strategy in the previous phase. Furthermore, the establishment of a grid network also has a positive impact on closeness centrality, thus improving the connectivity and strengthening the ease of movement throughout Drumchapel both my vehicle and active transportation methods.
Existing network at 5 min walking distance from district node
A closer comparison between the existing and proposed catchment area of the district node on Figures ?? and ??, demonstrates that adoption of our proposed masterplan will significantly improve its accessibility. Currently, the large blocks of the tower and slab blocks to the east of Kinfauns Drive obstruct permeability, even when the pedestrian pathways through them are taken into account. By breaking up those blocks, permeability is increased by almost 200%, which is vital if the area is to be established as a pedestrian friendly centre. It should be noted that the comparison was made with reference to the existing neighbourhood node at Drumchapel Shopping Centre and does not take into account the proposed expansion of the node into a linear one, as outlined in the proposed concept plan. This would increase the catchment area of the distinct centre even more.
Proposed network at 5 min walking distance from district node
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
Topography
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Fig:
ALTITUDE
Low
30
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Blueprint for Drumchapel
Street Design and Topography Overall Drumchapel has a very varied topography which has rendered some of its areas inaccessible due to existing development and the layout of existing roads. During the development of our foundation masterplan, a lot of consideration has been allocated to managing development within this challenging topographical context. As a rule of thumb it was decided that new development should adopt an organic approach towards the topography, working with it to create distinct places with a unique character, instead of working against it. Fig ??: General principle for designing streets in consideration of topography.
School Complex Exception Option 1: Straightening the road with infill to reduce gradient
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This option, however, means that the school building fails to address the street and disrupts the continuity in the building line, this is not in line with the design principals which have been set out in the development of our masterplan and will also eliminate any opportunity for active frontages. Furthermore, it could be argued that this creates issues with accessibility to the school campus and an alternative entrance would be required on the other side of this block. L-
M-
L-
LL-
L-
L=
L-
MM= L-
L= M+
ML-
H+
L=
M-
L= L=
H=
L=
L=
L-
M+
M+
M-
This option proposes to divert the main road round the perimeter of the hill, creating a crescent, in order to avoid creating a street with a very steep gradient. The top of the slope will form an urban green which will gradually merge into a green roof for one of the main school buildings. L=
M-
M+
L= M-
L-
L=
L=
L=
H+
L=
L=
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LH-
L-
M-
L=
L-
Option 2: Crescent with Green Roof
L-
L-
M-
L-
L-
L-
M+
This option proposes a direct connection to the north axis at peel glen road. Without ground works intervention, this proposal would result in a road with a 24% gradient. This option offers the most direct and functional route of the 3 options, however, it is proposed that this area is partially filled and levelled to ensure a more seamless and manageable transition between the top and bottom of the hill. Furthermore, a study of the steepest streets within Glasgow has been undertaken to determine the main impacts the steep topography can have on the functioning and design of the streetscape. This study highlights the key design features of these streets and lessons learned in dealing with difficult topographical issues. Subsequently, many of these principals will be integrated into the coding for this street later in the detailed masterplan.
LLFig ??: Urban Main along school complex: Option 2 (rejected) M-
L= L=
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31
Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
FEASIBILITY STUDY: Steep Streets KEY DESIGN FEATURES LEGEND ON-STREET PARKING
LEVELLING
HAND RAILS
STEPPED BUILDINGS
STEPS
FEW ENTRANCES
‘SUNKEN’ BUILDINGS
Schematic section through proposed urban main road at its intersection with Kinfauns Dr and Peel Glen Rd. The slope is 24%.
1:10 000
In order to asses the viability of extending the proposed urban main to connect with Peel Glen Road, we made a comparative study with some of the steepest streets in Glasgow. In its steepest section it has a slope of just under 24 degrees, which is less than that Garnet Street, so the road can be developed. In addition, it was established that steep streets do support residential and educational use as per the proposed masterplan.
Garnet Street , Glasgow This incredibly steep street cleverly uses the topography to create a unique and aesthetically appealing streetscape and appears to have very little impact on the continuity of building fronts and relationship with the street. In some cases , buildings are slightly setback from the street to incorporate basement apartments , given the appearance that the building has ‘sunk’ into its landscape, despite the setback the relationship with the street is still maintained using inviting boundary treatments and steps to create a sense of welcome and intrigue. Gradient (%)
Key Design Features
28.66
Road Classification
Main Uses
Local
Residential
Gardner Street, Glasgow Gardner Street is comparable to Garnet Street in that most of the buildings follow the same principal of the setback and ‘sunken’ affect to accommodate a basement level . One thing to be learned from Gardner Street is how to use topography to create views and vistas . This long street maintains continuity in its frontage and the rhythmic stepping of the roofs perfectly frames the view of the streets and beyond.
Gradient (%)
15.21
32
Key Design Features
Road Classification
Main Uses
Local
Residential
Blueprint for Drumchapel
Scott Street, Glasgow This is an example of how topography can have a negative impact on streetscape. The street lacks vibrancy, dominated by blank walls and service entrances with only one entrance to a cafe actually facing onto the street. That being said, the way the stepping of the buildings and multi levelled projections leading onto the street emphasises the change in level and creates visual interest. A similar principal could be used to create entrances on streets with steep topography throughout our masterplan. Gradient (%)
Key Design Features
13.75
Road Classification
Main Uses
Local
Cafe
Montrose Street, Glasgow This is a good example of how institutional and Educational uses can be incorporated within steep topography. The large university building features only 2 entrances, however frequent windows and detailing creates visual interest and prevents this from becoming a dull featureless street. Furthermore, entrances are levelled with steps to maximise accessibility for pedestrians. Gradient (%)
Key Design Features
15.34
Road Classification
Main Uses
Local
Educational Retail Car Park
North Portland Street, Glasgow North Portland Street , like Scott Street appears as more of a ‘back street’ than anything else. There is one entrance to a university building which is levelled and stepped to improve accessibility, however this street does not appear vibrant. Furthermore, there one side of the street features steps broken up with some levelling which breaks up the climb to the top of the street, again improving the accessibility of the street. Gradient (%)
15.42
Key Design Features
Road Classification
Main Uses
Local
Educational
33
Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
GREEN & BLUE NETWORK Green Network Situated on the edge of the greenbelt, but distinctly urban in character, Drumchapel has a unique potential to become Glasgow’s “Gateway to Nature”, opening routes to the countryside, the Antonine Wall Heritage Trail, and potentially even connecting to the West Highland hiking route. In order to realise this potential, re-establishing and revitalising Drumchapel’s green network became the key principle in developing the masterplan. As identified during the SWOT analysis, the existing parks (Drumchapel Park and Garscadden Burn) and woodlands around Drumchapel represent an opportunity, but the vast expanse of derelict land at the centre of the masterplan area creates a hostile space in-between them. In our masterplan we are striving to enhance those environmental assets and repair the connection between them by introducing a clear hierarchy of greenery spaced amongst them. At the heart of the proposal for the green network lies a linear park with integrated SUDS that stretches between GARSCADDEN WOOD Garscadden Burn and Garscadden Wood, connecting them with each other and with recreational facilities such COMMUNITY as the sports centre and proposed school ORCHARDcampus. Street vegetation in the form of trees, vegetated curb extensions and planters maintain a green link between other parks, squares and pocket parks. SCHOOL SPORTS FACILITIES
GARSCADDEN WOOD
WOODS
WOODS
VACANT DERELICT LAND PEL CHA M U DR PARK
SPORTS CENTRE
Existing Green Network Concept Scheme
GARSCADDEN WOOD WOODLANDS PARK
COMMUNITY ORCHARD
HA MC DRU PARK GREEN BELT
PUBLIC PARKS
SPORTS CENTRE
L
GARSCADDEN BURN /PARK
E HAP MC DRU PARK
SPORTS CENTRE GARSCADDEN BURN /PARK
PUBLIC SQUARES
ALLOTMENTS & POCKET PARKS
STREET GREENERY Green Network Hierarchy
34
WOODLANDS PARK
SCHOOL SPORTS FACILITIES
PEL
WOODS
SPORT
GARSCADDEN CENTRE BURN /PARK
Proposed Green Network Concept Scheme
Woodland
Open Public Green Space
Parkland
Community Facilities
Street Greenery: Linear Park Thick Coverage Medium Coverage Woodland
Op Gr
Parkland
Co Fa
Blueprint for Drumchapel
Blue Network Overall, Drumchapel is prone to flooding, including the area along the bottom section of Kinfauns Dr, where the proposed district node is to be located. In addition, there is a risk of surface water flooding in areas that have been built-up more recently, notably along the intersection of Kinfauns Dr and Achamore Rd. Based on this, it can be anticipated that the selected masterplan area, which currently underdeveloped, will also be prone to surface water flooding upon the erection of more housing stock and pouring concrete for new roads.
RESTORED WATERCOURSES STORMWATER GREENWAY PUBLIC GREEN SPACES
VEGETATED STREET PLANTERS
Therefore, reasonable consideration was given to the blue network of the area and the ways in which flooding can be mitigated. Similarly to the green network, a hierarchy of sustainable urban drainage systems is to be established ranging from the permeable paving materials and street trees, through bioretention planters and vegetated space along curb extensions, to a stormwater greenway. The later is to become a centrepiece of Drumchapel, doubling up as the “green corridor� that connects Gardscadden Wood with the park along Garscadden Burn.
PERMEABLE PAVING SURFACES Blue Network Hierarchy
A specialised flood assessment should be carried the viability of such a scheme, but based on the natural slope of the topography it is anticipated that throughout the greenway storm water will be directed away from areas to the north of Kinfauns Drive and Summerhill Road (which are currently at high risk of flooding) and down to SPORT Garscadden Burn. CENTRE As per the Environmental Strategy from Semester 1 , Garscadden Burn itself is to be restored through the introduction of riffles and two-staged channels to allow for natural flooding and withstanding stormflow. In addition, pocket green spaces in between developments are also to alleviate flood risk since plantings and trees contribute to water management by transpiring water and intercepting rainfall.
SPORT CENTRE
Proposed Blue Network Concept Scheme
River/ Storwater Flooding Risk
Watercourse Restoration
Surface Water Flooding Risk
Public Urban Green Space
SUDS: Greenway Integrated Retrofitted
River/ Storw Flooding Ri
Surface Wa Flooding R
35
Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
INCREASING DENSITIES
DENSITY CLASSIFICATION
High
36
Low
Blueprint for Drumchapel
Assigning Densities
Layering Nodes
Adding Streets
Defining Street Edges and Applying Densities
Firstly, the proposed nodes outlined in the previous phase were mapped, this illustrates how each of the densities will relate to one another conceptually, with higher densities in the centre of nodes transitioning into lower densities towards the outskirts of the node.
Next, a 3 tiered hierarchy was assigned to the streets; urban main, local main and local roads. These road classifications define the capacity for activity on each of the streets and thus, the overall density or activity in which each street can support throughout the masterplan area.
Lastly, the indicative allocation of densities is applied to the street edges in response to the established hierarchy defined by the streets. Thus, the allocation of densities is dependant on 2 factors: proximity to a node and the classification of the street in which the edge faces, i.e. + densities are situated on urban main roads, = on located on local main roads and - on local roads.
Caluclating Densities Our strategy outlines that densities should increase to support a population of around 30,000 inhabitants, thus the masterplan should be developed to accommodate a population increase of circa. 17,000. Given the large quantities of vacant land within our selected area and considering the area contains both the district and a local node, it was determined that our outlined area could therefore accommodate development which will support a large portion of this population increase, estimated at around 9000 inhabitants.
Code
Area (ha)
Density (u/ha)
H+
2.74
175 -190
H=
0.33
160-175
H-
2.97
145-160
Based on this information we were able to determine the required amount of units was 4090, thus, the average density should be 120units/ha. However, as detailed above, the densities assigned to street edges relate to a hierarchy and so the number of units/ hectare was adjusted to reflect this, as shown to the right
M+
2.93
130-145
M=
2.70
115-130
M-
5.78
100-115
Finally, these allocations were translated into the number of physical units which could be developed within each block. This was calculated multiplying the number of units / hectare by the area of each street edge. This determined that we had achieved 3930 units, which could accommodate a population increase of 8646, based on a household of 2.2 inhabitants / unit.
L+
0.63
85-100
L=
5.67
70-85
L-
13.34
55-70 Fig:
37
Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan LL-
L-
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38
L
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Blueprint for Drumchapel
M=
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Higher
DENSITY
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AREAS
LConfirmation Area
L-
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Specialist Area Public Green Space
L=
Specialist Building
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Shared Street
L= LL-
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Existing Building
L-
ROAD NETWORK Urban Main Street
L-
Local Main Street
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Pedestrian Street
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Access Lane
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Cycling Network
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Bus Route
L-
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NODES District Node
Local Node
L-
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L-
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SPECIALIST BUILDINGS Library
LLLL-
LLL-
Public Park
LSports Centre
Public Services
Specialist Retail / Light Industry
Place of Worship
Educational
Community Centre
39
Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
40
Blueprint for Drumchapel
V. Bibliography
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Booklet 1: Preliminaries and Foundation Masterplan
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Blueprint for Drumchapel
Anon, (2014). [ebook] Bristol: Sustrans. Available at: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/sites/default/files/file_content_type/ sustrans_handbook_for_cycle-friendly_design_11_04_14.pdf [Accessed 30 Apr. 2018]. Firley, E. and Stahl, C. (2011). Urban Housing Handbook. 1st ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Glasgow City Council (2013). Design Guide New Residential Areas. Glasgow: Glasgow City Council. HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND 2018. Sandstone: History [Online]. Available: https://www.engineshed.scot/ buildingHOMES AND COMMUNITIES AGENCY 2000. The Urban Design Compendium. (Homes and Communities Agency, 2000) NACTO (2017). The Urban Street Stormwater Guide. Available: https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-stormwaterguide/stormwater-elements/green-infrastructure-configurations/stormwater-median/ National Association of City Transportation Officials (2017). Blueprint for Autonomous Urbanism. New York: NACTO. National Association of City Transportation Officials. (2018). Global Street Design Guide (GSDG) - National Association of City Transportation Officials. [online] Available at: https://nacto.org/global-street-design-guide-gsdg/ [Accessed 30 Apr. 2018]. National Association of City Transportation Officials. (2018). Transit Street Design Guide - National Association of City Transportation Officials. [online] Available at: https://nacto.org/publication/transit-street-design-guide/ [Accessed 30 Apr. 2018]. National Association of City Transportation Officials. (2018). Urban Street Design Guide - National Association of City Transportation Officials. [online] Available at: https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/ [Accessed 30 Apr. 2018]. Romice, O and Porta, S. (2014). Plot-based urbanism: a roadmap to masterplanning for change. Available: https://pure. strath.ac.uk/portal/files/41624351/Romice_Sergio_JAOU_2015_Plot_based_urbanism_a_roadmap.pdf. Last accessed 19th Nov 2017. (Romice and Porta, 2014) Tarblatt, J. (2012). The plot. London: Riba enterprises. THE CITY OF GLASGOW COUNCIL 2013. Design Guide: New Residential Areas. Glasgow. (The City of Glasgow Council, 2013) THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT 2010. Designing Streets. (The Scottish Government, 2010) Urban bikeway design guide. (2014). 2nd ed. New York: National Association of City Transportation Officials.
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Department of Architecture University of Strathclyde Glasgow strath.ac.uk/engineering/architecture/