ACADEMIC Blackpool Link Masterplan ......................... 4 Blackpool Link Intersection ......................... 6 Manchester Town Hall ................................ 10 Zero Carbon Villa ........................................ 12 Refugee Housing ........................................ 14 Camden Courtyards .................................. 16 Toxteth Primary School .............................. 19 Woolton Cinema ........................................ 19
PROFESSIONAL Warmingham Housing ............................... 20 The Grange Masterplan ............................ 22 Mosscare Ofices ....................................... 24
BLACKPOOL LINK MASTERPLAN
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Blackpool Central Link is a master planning and landscaping project that depicts the theory Integral Urbanism by Nan Ellin in Blackpool’s town centre context. It is a mixed-use development designed as part of the town’s framework and as a response to the goal of the thesis: ‘Strengthening Blackpool’s Connectivity by improving the primary roads’ territory via Hybridity, Vulnerability and Authenticity.’ This framework is irst applied at a city scale, at a thirty-hectare masterplan scale and inally at a detailed key space located at the heart of the masterplan shown in the following pages.
Framework: strengthening Blackpool’s primary roads.
VERTICAL & HORIZONAL CONNECTIVITY Types of routes become identiied within their surrounding context. Vertical connectivity is achieved by transforming an isolated bridge into a main junction at the heart of the masterplan soon to be designed as Blackpool’s main entrance.
PUBLIC SPACES & CONNECTIVITY Open public spaces enhance connectivity. Incorporating them at certain intervals elevates the masterplan’s quality, inviting the users to take mini stops throughout the plan and experience memorable space up until they reach their destinations.
1. Seasider’s way is a signiicant key space, since it is exposed to a large number of people passing through to or out of Blackpool. It is organized and well cared for, lined with appropriate vegetation, cycle lanes and generous pavements. 4
MIXED USE BUILT FORM Mixed uses are proposed in the different parts of the masterplan, relating them to surrounding context, street hierarchy and Blackpool’s authenticity. The uses include lats or houses, ofices, B&Bs, shops and community buildings.
2. The landscape facing Blackpool FC Stadium is meant to be a vibrant welcome to the residents and visitors arriving to Blackpool. This space will contain a water fountain, some seating space and weather appropriate vegetation.
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BLACKPOOL
Blackpool Central Link: proposed masterplan.
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BLACKPOOL LINK INTERSECTION The inal part of the inal year thesis development involves a more detailed approach to a key space in the masterplan. Blackpool Links’ main intersection lies at its heart, portraying qualities of openness, multiple choices of direction and its demand for attention when crossing and moving about. It is an interesting space due to its potential to inluence choice of routes for all types of users, leading them to the main attractions like Blackpool Tower and Central Pier. Its landscape strategy includes an engagement with Blackpool’s identity by creating a special corner for a Blackpool Rock store, promoting active frontages to engage the users, and increasing connectivity and popularity by a heavy mix of uses.
BLACKPOOL
TOWER CENTRAL
PIER
The Intersection inluencing users to take speciic routes towards town.
Gradual colored paving is exciting to children Colourful paving draws children to the store. running towards the Blackpool Rock store.
Gradual colors in thepaving shapes of Blackpool the promenade users to the PromeGradual guidesIluminations users tolead the
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Proposed plan for Blackpool Links masterplan intersection
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Current site
1 Perspective view of Seasider’s Way high street
The result is a masterplan and a junction located at the main entrance of the town, transforming the current space from dull, highway like routes, isolated from the surroundings and abruptly ending at the promenade into a vibrant space that welcomes the visitors and residents, enriching the town’s overall experience, supporting the local residents with opportunities for economic growth, forging a renewed and reemphasised identity for Blackpool, and adding to the rich nostalgia of this beloved British seaside town.
2 A user usersitting sitting Blackpool Linkcoffee localshop coffee can viewWay Seasider’s Way high A at at the the Blackpool Link local can shop view Seasider’s high street, engaging street, engaging with socialPeople interaction watching. Blackpool Rock storeish is feeding into the town’s identity. waitng and at thepeople Blackpool Link bus stop can view the local expected to be the junction’s attraction and parts of it can be viewed from this space.
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3 Thebus busstop stop inspired Blackpool’s amusements. It suggests theoffeeling The is is inspired by by Blackpool’s amusements. It suggests the feeling waiting of for waiting a fun ride, for a fun feeding into People the town’s People Link waitng be view drawn the feeding intoride, the town’s identity. waitngidentity. at the Blackpool bus may stop can the to local ish intesection during this time.
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People at the local ish Road and chips are drawn tolocal the ish views when having their meals. The corner retail store naturally directs people to the main high street. Users walking down Rigby theshop retail store andthe the and chipsstore storewhich when they People at the local ish and chipssee shop can clearly see cafe and the candy are thereach live Users walking down Rigby Road see the retail store and the local ish and chips store when they reach at the local ish and chips shop can clearly see the cafe and the candy store which are the live the intersection. A corner store naturally directs people to the main street, inluencing their choice of People the intersection. A corner store naturally directs people to the main street, inluencing their choice of
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One or Two Uses
Three to Four Uses
The intersection is a major hub designed to increase connectivity across the masterplan. Testing the junction’s uses is shown in the images below. One to two uses attracts a small number of people, mainly the residents, a few visitors and passers by. The junction is not at full capacity.
As more uses such as social space get added to the buildings’ ground levels, more users start to approach the junction. This change increases the level of connectivity with an increase in popularity. More visitors are drawn to the place and the junction approaches its full capacity.
3D view of the junction at full capacity.
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After incorporating ofice spaces, retail and an attraction (Blackpool
Five to Six Uses
After oficeofice spaces, retail and an attraction Afterincorporating incorporating spaces, retail and an (Blackpool attraction
(Blackpool Rock shop), the junction becomes a live and a vibrant hub, inviting all types of users and popularizing the space, which in turn contributes to higher levels of connectivity. The intersection is now at full capacity.
Movement
Enclosure
Vegetation emphasizes the fast moving nature of the junction, allowing for a variety of plants to animate the space whilst reinforcing a sense of linearity and movement. The green lining also acts as a buffer between the vehicles, the cyclists and the pedestrians.
It is important to provide for the pedestrians a proper sense of enclosure and a designated space for their varying activities along the way. The Common Alder is a popular British tree, able to prosper in Blackpool’s coastal atmosphere and provide this desired effect.
Sense of enclosure felt by the pedestrians
Quality of Space Vegetation not only softens the space but it can also induce a feeling around those experiencing it. In the case below, the Spindle bushes help promote a relaxing atmosphere, in addition to their main function of separating the cafe space from the main pavement.
Dangling Spindle provides a sense of relaxation & freshness
ment
Sense of low & move
Local Vegetation: using the UK’s native plants such as the Alder, the Spindle, and Thrift lowers, thus, minimizing transport costs. Lighting: Using energy saving LED lights with daylight sensors
Natural Daylight: creating outdoor spaces with the most exposure to daylight, improving its quality and attractiveness, especially in Blackpool’s windy weather.
Proximity to Amenities: users reduce their need for vehicles when they are in close proximity to their amenities. This is a key sustainable factor of a mixed use development.
Cycle Routes: providing adequate infrastructure for cyclists, encouraging them to use the masterplan to get to the town centre. The demand for slow trafic also contributes to the bikers’ safety.
Sustainability elements incorporated into the landscape strategy.
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MANCHESTER TOWN HALL CORONER’S COURT The Town Hall restoration project involved retroitting a coroner’s court along with ofices, meeting spaces and Coroner Coroner Coroner waiting rooms for the users and staff members. My underlying concept was to restore a Grade 1 listed building with minimum intervention and maximum eficiency. Hence, the three design drivers of: environmental priority, user needs as well as building opportunities. In my opinion, good conservation architecture is applied by oberving existing conditions, highlighting spaces of interest, and adapting them to current day standards. In this case, both acoustics of the court and lighting of ofices were vital in bringing back the town hall to life and running delicate protocols as such.
The jury may not always be present. Accommodating them on the fourth isdue ideal to its low use and loor is ideal due to low use and loor isloor ideal todue itsits low use and distance from the court.
The witnesses would have their waiting areas and services on the thrid loor. Just like the public, they loor. Just like the public, they will will loor. Just like the public, they will be guided by staff members to the hearing
Both courts will be formed on this It is therefore anaccess easy access loor. It therefore is therefore easy access loor. Itloor. is anan easy to the corner and employes if their ofices were acommodated in the ofices were acommodated the ofices were acommodated in in the same area. The second closest access level to the relatives and the public is the irstTheir loor. Their waitng rooms irst loor. Their waitng rooms and and irst loor. waitng rooms and bathrooms will be adapted on this level.
Coroner
Jury
Witness
Public
As part of the program protocol, the coroner, the jury, the witnesses and the public are not allowed to meet before the inquest. Witnesses and public Witnesses and public Witnesses and public
The ground is most theexposed most exposed The ground loor is the exposed The ground loor isloor the most area to visitors and the public. Acloor is ideal due to its low use a comodating court users will not be feasible here.
The basement has a low quality of to operate ofices and public light to operate ofices and public light tolight operate ofices and public rooms. Archives here they w loor.may Justbe likestored the public, and accessed securely by the coroner and the staff members.
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Town Hall Section showing the court room, two waiting halls and main corridors.
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The second loor is divided into the oficial court section ofice section - shown in detail the ofice and court spaces on the second loor insures
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Project Number Project Number Ofice spcace AFTER: Ofice spcace AFTER: 300+ lux300+
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Court space before: 60 - 70db Large Court BEFORE: 60dB - 70dB
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Court Room Plan
Coroner’s Court render
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ZERO CARBON VILLA This project focuses on rediining the historic ‘villa’ typology by examining its relevant design principles and adapting it into a twenty irst century, zero-carbon housing development in addition to using it as a test-bed of energy analysis and creating a prototype for the site: Brooklyn, New York. To the left, the stages taken to achieve a zero-carbon building are portrayed. With each improvement, energy is further conserved in the building and renewable energy is created to equate the required use and, in the longrun, create surplus energy to be saved or traded. The concept revolves around three key concepts: adaptability, community and ecology. The architecture integrates design considerations that tackle these motifs, creating a prototype capable of meeting the needs of its futue inhabitants and promoting a sustainable lifestyle for the planet’s regeneration.
North Courtyard Elevation
South Courtyard Elevation
Render of interior courtyard
North Elevation
Render from public road side
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South Elevation
1. Existing building with no sustainability considerations
6. Mechanical ventilation and recycling of indoor air
2. Timber vertical shading added to minimize overheating
7. PV solar panels on the roof area to generate energy from a renewable source
3. Concrete thermal mass used to keep the building cool
8. Improvements in home equipment speciications
4. Eficient LED lighting with physical activity sensors
9. Option for manual cooling due to warm summer climate.
5. Ground source heat pump to regulate the temperatures
10. Calculation of inhabitants and times of use for accurate energy needs
Building images and graphs showing energy changes from a deicit to a surplus towards the end of the zero- carbon journey.
3D section showing the environmental mechanisms such as air movement, sunlight shading, thermal mass and photo-voltaics.
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TEMPORARY REFUGEE HOUSING This work was the starting project of third year. It involves exploring architecture responsive to London’s growing population and urban housing concerns. My project particularly deals with the current humanitarian refugee crisis, with the consideration of the lats being a temporary lexible space. In an architectural language, I try to bring my users closer together, and as a result, strengthen connections in the family, adding life and warmth to today’s busy home. Thus my concept intoduces a modern courtyard design as a connection of activities. The project is discussed and done within a design team, with colleagues sharing the same site. The lats are designed on a challenging area in Shoreditch - London.
Section showing three projects with the site shared by three students. Refugee housing shown on the right
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Design Foundation Strategy
Typical Floor Plans
Front Elevation
Progress Models
Front Section
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CAMDEN COURTYARDS As a thesis project, this brief imposed a challenge in terms of merging old and modern architecture. A housing scheme was required in the same location as that of of Camden Market in London. Much research was required around the existing structure including use, history, rationale and conservation strategy. A concept was formed around the iconic views on site, where the house became a live screen of entertainment and a personal lens to the busy city. As habitants make their way to their lats, interruptions by large courtyard spaces open views out to Camden, and invite them to look outside; perhaps to a certain event or to appreciate the scene. Physical and digital models helped drive the process, along with outcomes gained from the previous housing brief in the irst half of my third year.
Collage outlining the concept of indulgence with the city life via lat views, access and market- living lifestyle.
Design Streategy showing intervention and adaptation. H for housing. C for circulation core.
Camden Courtyards’ lats built above the existing market structure, retaining the origincal use fo the building and integrating it into the new proposal.
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Elevation showing the retained structure and the new housing build.
Ground Floor market plan
First Floor plan including lats and courtyards
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TOXTETH PRIMARY SCHOOL
Render of school corridor
The irst project of second year focused on group studies of precedents as well as massing on the given site. Blocks of different volumes and shapes were tested. The linear design responded most to the existing conditons and brief. Toxteth school incorporates classes, a main hall, staff served areas as well as an open playground. At irst, a small scale wall design project was done on what would soon be the site’s playground. It had to do with playful material experimentation, taking into consideration the use of the walls by the students at primary school. To the right is a drawing of one of the walls taken apart for a structural view, and underneath are wall sections and elevations. terms of massing and planning, all of which led to the optimum architectural proposal. Blue diagrams on the right show signiicant site observations, each with their appropriate design responses below in red. More extracts from the projects are shown on the right.
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WOOLTON CINEMA
Render of cinema cross sections
The second project was of a cinema desired in Woolton Village in the Liverpool suburbs. The site was a challenge due to its high level change and congestion of trees, but the most eficient design was produced based on the largest view points, the most economic use of space and the most convenient and pleasurable experience for the cinema visitors. It was an important, yet fun excercise in terms of using BIM and in the later stages Photoshop. A number of changes were made throughout the design process in terms of massing and planning, all of which led to the optimum architectural proposal. Blue diagrams on the right show signiicant site observations, each with their appropriate design responses below in red. More extracts from the projects are shown on the right.
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WARMINGHAM HOUSING
3D North East View showing the inal housing layout.
Warmingham housing project is one of the irst schemes I worked with as an architectural assistant at BTP Architects. The client has initially requested a feasibility study for the give plan, with the aim of maximizing the number of plots while abiding by the council’s planning regulations. Our role was to insure an affordable yet robust quality of space with which we can meet the shortage in local housing. Challenges on site included the retention of existing plantation as well as the design of an adequate response to the access road and context. My irst task was to insure a good visual representation when the proposal is viewed in elevation. I was also assigned to later create renders showing key images from the scheme such as the images to the right. As discussion took place between the team and the planners, improvements were done to the layout, which eventually formed our design process and led to the inal project submission. Site border
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Housing types ranging from two to four bedrooms
Site Plan Progress
View towards cul de sac.
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THE GRANGE MASTERPLAN Blackpool council has decided to develop a land to the west of the Blackpool coast, due to the need for more affordable housing. As a start, BTP was asked to examine the site, which is made up of three green pitches surrounded by housing and other service buildings. I helped with bringing inspiration to the site from a masterplan precedent study, in addition to drawing up the initial 3d massing on Revit. After a couple of meetings with the council and housing stakeholders, the project progressed forward with the purpose of adding more detail to the plan with more information being approved. This was a particularly exciting project due to its scale and importance in the region. A large number of people would be able to beneit from the development. There is also an opportunity to improve the neighbourhood in terms of funciontality, security, and quality of lifestyle. Masterplan Concept Development
3D view showing the start of the masterplan massing strategy
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House Massing
Greenery and Public Space
Road and Path Strategy
Initial Combination Masterplan with Local Shops
Masterplan Analysis
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MOSSCARE ST VINCENT’S OFFICES REFURBUISHMENT
Render of initial proposal
Mosscare St Vincent’s is a registered provider in Greater Manchester. They’ve requested to have their ofices completely refurbished and rebuilt to accommodate an additional level. Now, the existing building is made primarily of brick. Our proposal is to envelop it with new modern cladding and eliminate some walls in the middle to create an enhanced view and improve the quality of their ofice space. Finally, there will be an extra level added above, along with extra steel support going down to the ground loor and aligning with the frame of the glass and the walls of the building. This project was particularly interesting to me because it was a challenging brief for the ofice to begin with since a lot of work is required to overlay the old and new architecture to recreate an existing building. I was excited to be given the task to handle a large scope of work in this brief and progress the project forward. Even though the design is still undergoing changes, the planning application has been submitted showing the main concept, structure and services requirements in terms of massing and planning, all of which led to the optimum architectural proposal.
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Ground and First loor plan overlays of existing and proposed designs.
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