MA A+U | STUDIO A

Revival of the Castle Square, Ludlow River | Wall |Town

STUDIO A intervention

MA A + U Heena Jameel Ahmed Shaikh University ID: 21429764 MA Architecture + Urbanism | 2022 Manchester School of Architecture

Tutor: Eamonn Canniffe MA Architecture + Urbanism Manchester School of Architecture, UK

Copyright @2022 Manchester, United Kingdom ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Manchester School of Architecture Copyright reserved by Heena Jameel Ahmed Shaikh MA Architecture and Urbanism

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Introduction

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Site visit

The Parish Church, Ludlow

The Broad gate, Ludlow

Feathers hotel, Ludlow

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Design concept- A walkable neighbourhood

Pedestrian first

Nature trail

Social gathering

Community farming

5 mins

3 mins

4 mins

2 mins

Leisure walkway

Riverside recreation

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Concept Zoning- forming a pedestrian loop

Legend: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

The Avenue The Parking lot The Castle square The Castle trail The River Recreation The Green cover

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Master Plan-Ludlow

In order to respect the existing heritage of this quaint medieval town, our design approach is to infilter with subtle interventions.The idea is to convert this walkable city with nodes that connect together to form an interesting pedestrian trail. The main intervention of pedestrianizing the key avenues further lead to bringing in more people to appreciate its beautiful landmarks. This further leads to the castle square which is the main market hub. WIth intention of respecting the local utilisation, design value is added to enhance it by providing a distinct character. Further provisions are made to convert existing car park into farmland that will involve the local inhabitants. Other activities such as a castle trail, riverside tree walk, shaded seating pavillion are provided to bring in more people and put Ludlow on the tourist map.

The Castle square The Parking lot

Upper Broad street Upper Mill street Marketstreet

Inner Circle

Main spine

Water edge

Greens

Castle trail Tree walk Riverside shelter

INNER CIRCLE

MAIN SPINE

GREEN ZONE

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Introduction to site

Ludlow has held street markets since the twelfth century. Nowadays, a traditional open-air market, managed by Ludlow Town Council, takes place in the town square throughout the year.

Historic view of the Market square

The town hall that stood on site was demolished in 1986

More than forty stalls selling a range of goods including fresh produce, cheeses, books and a selection of local crafts.

In addition to the regular market, most Sundays see the market stalls being used either as a flea market (usually fortnightly), or for various specialist themes, such as books, gardens or crafts.

Present day Market square image

Present day Market square overview image

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Observations:

Precedents Czech Republic street plaza, Prague

The Castle Square 1.

2.

1440 sq.m 690 sq.m

Observations:

Few benches near castle entry

● ● ● ● ● ●

Character-Medieval Use- Multipurpose Function- Flexible Aesthetic- Bare minimal Economy generator Hosts Festive celebrations and fairs

Piazza Santo Stefano, Bologna

Krakow-main-market-square, Poland

Bare flooring pattern

Vehicular access all around 8

Strategy:

CastleExisting

site movement

The site is surrounded by visually appealing medieval built form that serves as a historic canvas. The design aims to preserve this medieval character of the square which lies in its flexible, multipurpose use. No additional built form is proposed, and focus is provided in beautification of the existing design character by minimal intervention.

As a tribute to the town hall building that stood on the site, a display model is accommodate towards an edge which does not interfere with the market movement.

Proposed Strategic layout

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Intervention: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Castle ●

Redirection of vehicular movement Expansion of the plaza Medieval Flooring design Central floor motif symbolising Ludlow Display model of the demolished town hall Organised market space Addition of benches Movable flower pots.

Town Hall model display

Tudor Rose symbol

Realigned market stalls Proposed Concept plan

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The proposed alignment for market shelters around the central plaza.

The Christmas tree located on the central pattern during the festive market.

Christmas Market view with central pattern 11

Material palette

01 Light grey mosaic flooring

02 Dark Grey square pavers

03 Burnt ochre herringbone paver

Market view- indicating central flooring material

Overview of the market square looking towards the castle entry.

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Site model

Final model Study model

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Model making

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‘Respecting the heritage of the city with subtle infiltration of contemporary design interventions, thus creating a contrast which enhances both the past and the present’

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Copyright @2022 Manchester, United Kingdom ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Manchester School of Architecture Copyright reserved by Heena Jameel Ahmed Shaikh MA Architecture and Urbanism

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