Urban Acupuncture Proposal for the Fountainbridge, Union Canal

URBAN ACUPUNCTURE AT THE UNION CANAL MADISON SACRAMONE

LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING (2020 - 2021) [SEM2]

1

BREIF

CONTENTS

Using techniques lead by Urban

1 PRE-SITE SURVEY / DESK STUDY

Acupuncture, research will inform design proposals to regenerate the Union Canal, located in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh.

Urban Acupuncture uses minimal

Overall and respective lengths on site Accessbility Social analysis Historical analysis

4 PRECEDENT ANALYSIS & STUDY 6 7 8 15

3 SITE ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS

design intervention for a maximum effect to improve an area.

The Union Canal has a rich history that should be celebrated. It is currently neglected in multiple areas and the design propposals will aim to resolve these.

Climate analysis Solar analysis Habitat analysis Wildlife

18 19 20 21

2 THE SITE SURVEY / FIELDWORK Fieldwork Section typology Public survey Key user personas Activities Anti-social activities Information and education Visual condition Visual quality Non-visual aesthetic

23 25 26 31 32 34 35 36 37 38

Safety and security Nightscape lighting

39 41

Access and circulation

42

Accessibility for disabled

44

Terrestrial recreation

45

Water access and recreation

46

Site management

47

How can urban acupuncture regenerate?

Precedent Study

56 59

5 IDEATION TO PROPOSAL Ideation Proposal Design Development

61 66 68

6 DESIGN INTERVENTION Human & Nature Design Plan Design Design Elements Heritage Connections Design Plan Design Design Elements

71 72 73 74 75 76

7 SUMMARY OF OUTCOMES Summary References

78 79

4 PROPOSAL GUIDANCE / SUMMARY 2

GROUP REPORT MADISON SACRAMONE XIONGXIN XIAO SHIMENG DAI YINAN LIU ZHUOJUN JIAN

Pre-site survey / desk study Site Ecological Aspects Site Survey / Fieldwork Proposed Guidance / Summary

LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING (2020 - 2021) [SEM2]

THE UNION CANAL, EDINBURGH

Lochrin Basin

Boroughmuir High School

The site was partitioned into four sections by the overall use and feel of each area. This helped us to achieve a more clear understanding and analysis of the condition and activity around the Union Canal.

Residential

Harrison Park

Section 3 Section 1

Section 4

Section 2

4

The Union Canal

PRE-SITE SURVEY DESK STUDY GROUP RESEARCH 5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

The Union Canal

SITE ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS GROUP RESEARCH 17

CLIMATE ANALYSIS Climate Overview - Edinburgh is in the Köppen Climate Classification CFB - Marine West Coast Climate - Temperate climate with significant precipitation . The average temperature for the year in Edinburgh is 9.1°C. The warmest month is July, average temperature of 19°C.

Precipitation

Jan 57

Dec 58

Mar 51

Oct 65

Annual Precipitation

The wind rose demonstrates the direction and speed of wind on site. It is noted that the most productive wind is from the South west and secondly, the South.

Rainfall in Edinburgh is relatively low, totaling about 749 mm annually. Precipitation occurs over the year averaging 129 days.

Feb 42

Nov 63

Wind

Apr 41

(mm) Sep 67

May 51 Aug 65

Dec 7|1

Jul 57

Jan 6|0

Jun 51

Feb 7|0

Temperature

15

Nov 9|2

Mar 9|2

10

Oct 13 | 6

Apr 11 | 3

Sep 16 | 8

May 14 | 6

Jul 19 | 10

High & Low temperature by month in celcius.

5

Aug 19 | 10

Dec 39

Jun 17 | 9

Jan 46

Feb 66

Daylight Hours

150

Nov 61

Mar 99

100

High Temp Low Temp

Total daylight hours per month.

The longest days in Edinburgh run between May to July at an average of 166 daylight hours per month.

50

Oct 87

Apr 133

Sep 110

May 168

Aug 145

Jul 162

Jun 170

18

SOLAR ANALYSIS The longest day of the year is in June at nearly an 18 hr day, the shortest day is in December, 7 hrs.

Summer Equinox

Winter Equinox

June 21st - noon

December 21st - noon

Azimuth 173 °

Altitude 57 °

Annual Day Lengths

Azimuth 177 °

Altitude 11 °

Sun Path Analysis

The angle of the sun in Edinburgh varies greatly from summer to winter. Winter days are very short with a low solar angle, causing dim daylighting for a shorter period of time. Summers in Edinburgh experience long days with a higher solar angle therefore, the days are longer and brighter.

Solar analysis will help us design functional and safe environments. We may base our design decisions on how they are used throughout the year and this will be influenced by the number of daylight hours.

Shading Analysis Reference this link to view the on site shading analysis which animates a day length for summer solstice and winter solstice.

Click here to view animation > https://youtu.be/doExvW_9ncY

19

20

21

The Union Canal

THE SITE SURVEY FIELDWORK GROUP RESEARCH 22

23

24

SECTION TYPOLOGY

25

PUBLIC SURVEY This survey is intended to conduct research on how people use the Union Canal, Located in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, UK. The survey will remain anonymous and will be used in a design research project conducted by postgraduate students at the University of Edinburgh. The course, Landscape Design for Health & Wellbeing, has been tasked to propose small-scale design interventions that will improve the functionality, safety, use, activity and more on the Union Canal Walkway.

Who was surveyed?

A diverse group of 150 people, coming from a variety of household types, ages and locations within Edinburgh responded to the survey in a 5 day period.

This portion of the survey is intended to identify who is filling out these answers to get a general idea of their household type and assess where they are located in relationship to the site.

AGE OF SURVEYED INDIVIDUALS

NUMBER OF PEOPLE PER HOUSEHOLD

PERCENT OF PEOPLE WHO OWN OR LET THEIR HOME PERCENT OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE STUDENTS

1

4+

OWN LET

3

STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONS

PERCENT OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS

HOUSEHOLDS WITH ADULTS AGE 65+

HOUSEHOLDS WITH A PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSON

2

HOUSEHOLDS WITH CHILDREN

Survey data collected via Google Forms and distributed to Online community platforms in Edinburgh.

March 9th to 13th, 2021

5% of surveyed individuals said they've (themselves or a companion) had trouble accessing the site due to a physical 26 disability.

ue

Q

o Un r les ion s f Ca rom na l P the ath

(

fie ga er May Ox th ill, rry, O Sighthensfe

llo be rto Po

PUBLIC SURVEY Cr

ai

Da

lry

Surveyed individuals were asked to identify the closest general area to their place of residence in Edinburgh. The majority of people claim to live 500 meters of less from the project site at the Union Canal Path. This information helps us to identify how far people are traveling to the site and how likely the site is to impact their daily life.

Sla

gs

0m 50

st

d, ) oo ton rw is le rch ,C e nk , M ba n w illa do dm ea Ar , M s, ld ng

Ea

LOCATION OF RESIDENCE

tefo

rd

on

Shand

EDINBURGH, UK

Gorg

ie

ld

e sid uth So

Mo

ge

n

Old Tow

Marchmont

gton

Newin

rni

ng

Le

rid

sid

ith

inb

e

ta

un

Fo

H U ous ni on e B C oa an t al on t

he

fie

nts

u Br

27

PUBLIC SURVEY How do people use the site?

This portion of the survey is intended to identify how surveyed individuals are using the site by asking questions like... How often do you visit? Who do you visit with? What do you do during your visit?

M

SU

ME

There is a 5.3% increase in daily visits during the summer.

E

R

Between weekends (Saturday & Sunday) and weekdays (Monday - Friday) people are visiting the site most frequently in the afternoons.

EE

AY S D K E

N KE

DS

W

NT

ER

WI

On average, how often are people visiting?

According to the survey results, people are more likely to visit the Union Canal Walkway during the summer.

W

WHAT TIME OF DAY ARE PEOPLE USUALLY VISITING?

FREQUENCY OF VISITS

Morning (before 11am) Afternoon (12pm - 5pm) Evening (after 5pm)

Daily Two to three times per week Once per-week Monthly Almost never

WHAT ARE PEOPLE DOING DURING THEIR VISIT?

WHO ARE THEY VISITING WITH?

RECREATION & COMMUNITY GROUPS THAT PEOPLE ARE APART OF Grove Community Garden Boroughmuir High School Ratho Community Council

Jog Scotland Forth Canoe Club Lochwinnoch basin to Meadows safer place route campaign Rugby at Meggetland Running Club Recreational Sporting at Harrison Park EVENTS THAT PEOPLE REGULARLY ATTEND Canal Festival Open Doors Boat Race Unofficial Dog Meet-ups Christmas Light Festival Bat Watch event in Harrison Park Many noted they were unaware of events and have never seen advertisements for them.

28

PUBLIC SURVEY Impressions General impressions of the canal walkway for each area will inform us of what is currently working in the design of the site. A series of questions supported by imagery helps us to identify favorable locations.

A portion of the survey is intended to identify the general opinion of the site, surveyed individuals were asked to agree or disagree with each statement.

WHICH SECTION OF THE CANAL DO YOU PREFER?

AGREE OR DISAGREE I feel safe walking along the Union Canal Walkway at night.

The Union Canal Walkway is a tranquil space.

It is safe to let children play near the Union Canal.

It is nice to cycle on the Union Canal Walkway.

I would recommend someone to visit the Union Canal Walkway.

Section 4 of the canal was most favorable among surveyed individuals.

30.7% have no preference

WHICH OF THESE THREE WALKING PATHS DO YOU PREFER IN EDINBURGH?

29

PUBLIC SURVEY Positive & Negative Feedback Individuals were asked what improvements they would like to see at the canal and what they enjoy most about the Union Canal Walkway.

This section of the survey was open answer to collect original ideas and opinions.

People enjoy _______.

People would like to see _______ improved.

"The easy access to lots of parts of Edinburgh so my children cycle everywhere safely, as we don’t have a car. Also that it’s flat for my running!"

"Having lived opposite the canal for 20 years I have rarely enjoyed walking along it in the past 5 years and now avoid it when I can."

• The path is separated from vehicular traffic and city pollutants • Provides relaxing space in the city • The boat cafe • Being by the water • No cars near the path • The wider part of the path • Watching the Wildlife including the ducks and swans • Safe and quiet access to the city center • Direct commute via bike to Edinburgh • Access to nature within the city • Quiet natural setting • Variety of activity around the path • Central, convenient location • Dog friendly • Watching kayaks and paddle boarders • The paved wide space near the High School • Looking at the house boats • Boating facilities • The small church • Murals and street art • Green space • Community Garden • Multi-purpose • A flat running path • Sunset views • Running to avoid traffic on the roads.

• Connection to other recreational paths • People watching

• Not enough space for cyclists • Too busy to be relaxing • It is too icy in the winter to walk and cycle • Better lighting at night • Improved Accessibility • Improved water safety • More seating and picnic areas • Places to get food and drink • Better signage • Educational material such as history and wildlife • More community garden space • Designated Cycle lanes • Space to observe wildlife • Space for a Framer's Market • More green space • Clean up graffiti and take anti-vandalism measures • More trash and recycling bins • Litter management • Block litter from entering the water • Traffic management of cyclists • Repair the pavement • Sheltered areas • Code of conduct for cyclists • Public toilet facilities • It is not wide enough for everyone

30

KEY USER PERSONAS Personas were developed from the survey results to identify the stakeholders in the development of design interventions for the Fountainbridge Union Canal. The personas are theoretical people, based on collected feedback and evidence, who frequently use the site and therefor it effects their daily activities. We will consider key personas as we design solutions for the site.

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

The Union Canal

PROPOSAL GUIDANCE SUMMARY GROUP RESEARCH 49

50

51

52

53

INDIVIDUAL REPORT MADISON SACRAMONE

Precedent Analysis & Study Ideation to Proposal Design Intervention Summary of Outcomes References

LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING (2020 - 2021) [SEM2]

54

The Union Canal

PRECEDENT ANALYSIS & STUDY INDIVIDUAL REPORT 55

HOW CAN URBAN ACUPUNCTURE REGENERATE THE UNION CANAL? What is urban acupuncture?

Urban acupuncture is a theory inspired by medicinal acupuncture, it suggests that a series of small-scale, highly focused design interventions can have a positive ripple effect on a larger network. This method has the ability to regenerate spaces and their surroundings by identifying problem areas caused by damaged, unused, improperly planned or poorly integrated spaces. The term was coined by architect, Manuel de Sola Morales believed “the essence of urbanity lies in the balance of urban mixity and density, between building and activity.” De Sola Morales, M. (2008) A Matter of Things, Rotterdam

EXPLORATION FOR AREAS OF INTERVENTION HERITAGE

IMPROVED ACCESS

COMMUNITY ART

VIEWING POINTS

HABITAT

56

HOW CAN URBAN ACUPUNCTURE REGENERATE THE UNION CANAL? IDENTIFYING KEY PROBLEM AREAS Industrial

Poorly maintained bridge & stair

Under Construction New Build

Lift bridge connects both sides

Student accommodation & High School

Consentrated Litter in water Poorly maintained bridge

Construction waste

Primarily Residential Primarily Residential

Vandalism Graffiti

Poorly maintained Pavement No direct access

Poorly maintained fence

Ground level access to enter the path

Public Park

Stair access Poorly maintained stair

1.

2.

3.

1. FRAGMENTED Seating & Viewing

The area around the site is fragmented. The immediate surroundings do not encourage the wider public because the buildings are private.

Viewing Point

Wide area with seating, space to rest & observe

2. ACCESSIBILITY The path has minimal entry points. The main access points for someone who many be disabled are very far apart. There is a long stretch without an entry point in the center of the site, this area may be at risk of being unused or safety.

3. POOR CONDITIONS Lacking space to relax, stop or observe

This includes the management of the site to control litter, vandalism, repairs and other physical conditions that may be a result of anti-social behavior.

4. INCLUSIVE According to the Scottish index of Multiple Deprivations there is some variety surrounding the site randing from the 2nd most deprived and least deprived.

2nd most deprived | 7th & 8th | 9th & 10th least deprived Overlapping socio-economic classes highlight a consideration for inclusive design.

5. ACTIVE & REST The more narrow portions of the path do not allow space to stop, they force constant 57 circulation of pedestrians and cyclists.

4.

5.

HOW CAN URBAN ACUPUNCTURE REGENERATE THE UNION CANAL? IDENTIFYING KEY PROBLEM AREAS 6. NARROW This narrow portion of the path was not favorable because there is not enough space for walkers and cyclists. This is also a long stretch without access, this is both at risk of anti-social behavior, safety concerns and a lack of convenient connection to the city.

7. NO ACCESS This area has potential to be an additional access point to the site from the overhead bridge connection. The installations are blocking the already narrow path.

8. POOR MAINTENANCE This entry is unmaintained, the plantings need caring, the pavement needs repaid and the stairs should be updated with proper safety.

8. UNUSED

6.

8.

7.

9.

The lift bridge is located at a main intersecting point on the site. This area has potential to be more vibrant and perhaps include more information about the heritage.

58

PRECEDENT STUDY THE FLOATING ISLAND

ALL COLORS SIDEWALK

SUCCULENTS MUSEUM PUBLIC SPACE

Architects Project Year

Architects Project Year

Architects Project Year

OBBA & Dertien12oup The Floating Island 2018 - Belgium

Zoom Urbanismo Arquitetura e Design + LAO Engenharia Design Path restoration 2018 - Brazil

Estudio de Arquitectura MAGICARCH Public space garden 2019 Spain

Built in Belgium on the Brugee UNESCO world heritage site canal provides a place where visitors can walk, rest, reflect, and enjoy on the water, not just as a borrowed scenery. This project extends the walking space and provides a break away area for people to stop and enjoy. The design promotes activity and play for all ages.

This walkway encourages community activity and enjoyment of shared public space. In São Paulo, the sidewalks are usually in poor condition because they are very narrow, not maintenance and obstructed by obstacles, which discourage the circulation. This project aims to increase the use and provide a gathering space.

Increased green coverage parallel and above as a barrier. This gave the community an improved sense of place.

A quickly integrated new urban garden in the city of Murcia. Built in an old car island, where garbage was once stored, is now a garden to protect the pedestrian zone. An open-air museum of succulents that contributes to the decrease of electro smog and electropollution while allowing people to discover the succulent species.

VALLMORA PARK + INSECT HOTEL

COLORFUL MONUMENTS TO TRASH

THE WISHING WALL

Architects Project Year

Architects Project Year

Architects Public Project Public Art Year 2020 New York, NY

Batlle i Roig Arquitectura Public Park 2017 - Barcelona, Spain

This park design includes Insect Hotels, they provide refuge for artificial hibernation of insects, they are created with natural materials. They also provide division for barriers between spaces.

This system has the potential to improve biodiversity.

Community Artists & U.S. Forest Service Community restoration 2018 - San Gabriel, California

This project combats both litter and graffiti vandalism while giving a sense of community pride with public involvement. Trash bins were painted to add art to the trails in order to stop vandalism and encourage people to clean up their litter.

The wishing wall in New York encourages people to write wishes on confetti that is dropped at New Years eve. This provides a vibrant display off community and sense of pride by allowing the public to contribute to a public work of art.

59

The Union Canal

IDEATION TO PROPOSAL INDIVIDUAL REPORT 60

IDEATION IDENTIFYING PRIORITIES & SOLUTIONS

1. INCREASE COMMUNITY PRIDE

2. ENVIRONMENT

3. SHARED SPACE

Create a sense of community ownership & identity will empower a prideful community that will promote a vibrant energy on the site. A sense of pride will also influence people to care about the space, this will improve the visual quality by decreasing acts such as litter and vandalism.

Increase environmental conditions on the site by promoting biodiversity and ecological restoration.

People love the site for the access to nature within an urban area, it should be encourage to flourish and enjoyed by visitors.

This is a public park, by it's nature it is used by many different people and it hosts a multitude of activities. It is important that this is an equally accessible and fair space for all to enjoy.

Potential Solutions

Potential Solutions

Potential Solutions

• Intentional public art & murals • Space for self-creation, areas for chalk art • Community Garden • Green space • A wishing wall

• Encourage people to plant seeds • Create bird under the bridges, enjoyed by bird watchers • Create movement in the water to increase quality

• New stair and ramp access • More seating & space to relax • Division between pedestrians and cyclists • Improved lighting • Small viewing docks • Water safety barrier

Bird habitats under bridges

Accessible ramp entry

Cycle and walk lanes Wishing wall, community art installation

Community garden as a barrier

Viewpoints as path extensions New point of entry

61

IDEATION NEW POINT OF ENTRY RAMP ACCESS & OBSERVATION DECK A new ramp will provide access for disabled people to enter the site between a long stretch of unaccessible points on entry on the path. It will connect the opposite side of the canal which has limited access.

It may also act as a viewing point over the water for pedestrians to stop.

BENEFIT More accessible site

CHALLENGE Height and space Disruption of path Disrupts views

62

IDEATION SPACE TO REST - VIEWING DECKS Users of the Union Canal often complain about the path being too narrow for pedestrians and cyclists to share, while it is too invasive to extend the entire path, there may be small break-away areas to rest and step off of the path. This section of the canal was least favorable to most visitors, there is an opportunity to increase use.

BENEFIT

CHALLENGE

User Comfort

Space on the path

Space for Pedestrians

Disruption of boats

OBSERVATION DECK

HERB DECK

SHELTERED DECK

Space to rest and observe nature and wildlife along the narrow path.

Small herb garden for locals to enjoy. A space to step off the path in the event of a passing cyclist on the narrow path.

Sheltered space to rest along the path.

Areas to stop and picnic or simply spend time enjoying nature.

63

IDEATION BIODIVERSITY - ENGAGE WITH NATURE BIRD HABITATS Birds tend to next under bridges, an intentional habitat design will provide a more cohesive design and an activity for visitors to bird watch to engage with nature.

Citizen science is an approach that educates the community with interactions such as this and therefor encourages people to care more for the site.

Dove Cotes have traditionally been used in the UK for bird and bat habitats, this will do the same.

BENEFIT Improve biodiversity Connect people to nature

CHALLENGE Maintenance

64

IDEATION COMMUNITY ART The path currently has a lot of vandalism, providing space for people to express themselves will increase citizen pride in the site and will therefor decrease vandalism. Murals and interactive art will create a strong and vibrant community identity.

THE HERITAGE CHALK WALK Chalk is a non-invasive way that people may express themselves and an alternative to graffiti. This space can cater to all ages by also having an educational experience that informs the public about the heritage of the site. This can be an "instagramable" opportunity that draws visitors to the site.

BENEFIT

CHALLENGE

Increase involvement

Maintenance

Community Pride Decrease Vandalism

THE SEEDED WISHING WALL The wishing wall will be a community installation. A gridded wall made of earth will have space to insert small scrolls of seeded paper. The paper will eventually blossom into various wildflowers providing green space in areas that are overcome by concrete. The seeded scrolls of paper may be received by a small donation that contributes to the maintenance of the site.

65

PROPOSAL THEME

KEY INTERVENTIONS

CITIZEN SCIENCE Getting people outside is FREE! People expressed the value the site has to connect the to nature within an urban fabric.

1

The theme, Citizen Science encourages the general public to play the role of an amateur scientist, often without them realizing they are on a path of educational discovery.

Increasing the understanding of the natural world on the Union Canal site will influence people to care for it better, therefor decreasing litter and vandalism.

IF CITIZEN SCIENCE IS COMBINED WITH THE METHODS OF URBAN ACUPUNCTURE TO REGENERATE THE UNION CANAL SITE, THEN A COMMUNITY IDENTITY WILL FORM A MORE PRIDEFUL RELATIONSHIP TO THE SITE AND THEREFOR THE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.

HUMAN & NATURE Creating engaging relationships between people and environment through small intervention points that celebrate the existing biodiversity on the site. These interventions are replicable throughout the site.

Flora & Fauna Viewing Decks Habitats for nesting birds & bats

2

HERITAGE CONNECTIONS

THE 10 PRINCIPLES OF CITIZEN SCIENCE (European Citizen Science Association)

The site has a rich history that should be celebrated by the community. A central gathering space with multiple points of activation will promote social engagement between users.

1. Citizen science projects actively involve citizens in an endeavor that generates new knowledge or understanding.

Sheltered seating

2. These projects have a genuine outcome such as, answering a research question or informing conservation action, management decisions or environmental policy.

Community installations A Green Wishing Wall Chalk Art

3. Collaboration between professionals and the general public.

4. These projects may have multiple stages that expand over time.

5. Outcomes from the project are documented.

6. A useful research approach that provides opportunity for greater public engagement and democratization of science.

7. Citizen science project data and meta data are made publicly available and where possible, results are published in an open-access format.

8. Citizen scientists are acknowledged in project results and publications.

9. Citizen science programmes are evaluated for their scientific output.

10. The leaders of citizen science projects take into consideration legal and ethical issues surrounding copyright, intellectual property, data-sharing agreements, confidentiality, attribution and the environmental impact of any activities.

66

PROPOSAL LOCATING POINTS OF INTERVENTION & USERS

POLWARTH BRIDGE

HERITAGE CONNECTIONS

LEAMINGTON LIFT BRIDGE

Families Will enjoy this space with activities for all ages to enjoy, from art to heritage.

Children Will have space to express themselves and explore

HUMAN & NATURE

Students From the local high school or student accommodation may enjoy the seating area.

Local Wildlife Groups & Individuals Will enjoy this space to appreciate the nature and study the birds.

Local Residents May use this as a social gathering space.

Children Can watch the wildlife and learn.

Visitors Tourists may visit this area for more information about the site.

Individuals A space to rest and enjoy nature.

Local Residents May enjoy the space to relax and view the wildlife.

Pedestrians & Cyclists Will create some separation with barriers to step out of the way for cyclists.

67

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

HUMAN & NATURE

Information about local flora & fauna

Insect hotel

Seating

Integrated lighting

PROGRAM Bird habitats to increase biodiversity and encourage wildlife viewing.

Seating to enjoy the natural setting.

Space to step off of the path if needed.

Cast in place planters

Modular herb garden Minimal motion sensor lighting Information about wildlife.

Shelter

Diversion of south-west winds

Rain water drain into canal

Cast in place planters

Swings "flight"

Commission local artist murals on bridges

Modular track system

Habitat

68

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT HERITAGE CONNECTIONS PROGRAM Seeded wishing wall as barrier to the water, it will provide green space and pollinators will benefit from the wildflowers.

Integrated lighting / puzzle Solar to power lighting Plantings prevent flooding

Seating to enjoy the central space and adjacent coffee boat.

Chalk art relating to heritage will encourage discovery and self expression

Chalk & Paper cabinet Modular seat / puzzle Green wishing wall made of Cob

Way finding and informative signage.

Shelter

Discover history as each stool is a piece of the puzzle, solving the timeline that connects to the integrated lights.

Modular seat / puzzle

People can write a wish on seeded paper and place it in the wall to blossom.

People may also add found natural objects such as sticks to fill the holes, this will create "insect hotels" and support the on-site biodiversity.

69

The Union Canal

DESIGN INTERVENTION INDIVIDUAL REPORT 70

DESIGN PLAN HUMAN & NATURE POLWARTH BRIDGE The polwarth bridge has limited access and is relatively detached from larger destinations along the walkway. The character of the site is very natural but, it is also very narrow. These small break-away spaces provide space to rest or step aside.

This proposal aims to connect human and nature by encouraging biodiversity and the community interest in citizen science.

N

0

5

10

20 71

DESIGN HUMAN & NATURE

BEFORE

BY DAY

BY NIGHT

Three main experiences have been introduced to this area to connect human and nature with techniques driven by citizen science.

The challenge with this portion of the site is the narrow the path, surveyed individuals complained that there is not enough space for cyclists and pedestrians, while it is not feasible to extend the path entirely, it is possible to create small break-away rest areas.

This portion of the canal is very dark at night, it is also important to consider the disruption to wildlife from light pollution. Motion censored lighting will give a subtle glow to the pathway for safety and security. This may encourage increased use of the area.

One experience is informative, the other is fully immersive to wildlife, and lastly a place for mature play to observe nature.

72

DESIGN ELEMENTS HUMAN & NATURE THE SOARING VIEWING DECK

A viewing deck that simulates the experiences of "flight" which is consistent to the bird habitats and information along this portion of the canal.

The viewing deck provides shelter from wind and rain, space to rest and diversion of rain waters to prevent flooding. The experience encourages a mature act of play.

An herb garden will be introduced throughout the walkway. It will be maintained by the Grove Community Garden. A simple cast-in-place planter model will keep a simple and consistent look.

INFORMATIVE VIEWING POINT

An informative viewing point will be an organic installation with information about the local fauna around the Union Canal. Images and text will tell a story for people to become more familiar with their wild "neighbors."

This will also provide space for rest with seating and covered area to step off of the path and enjoy the views.

An installation such as this will educate the community and therefore make users care more about the maintenance of the site.

At night, an LED motion activated strip will light the path from beneath the structure. It will be minimally invasive to the nesting birds.

MODULAR BIRD & BAT HABITAT

A modular bird habitat which will have a track system, easily mounted to the under side of the bridge. This will improved the visual appearance under the bridge because birds have already begun nesting in the structure and it has caused a poorly maintained area.

Planning for this natural occurrence will be more attractive and a valuable point for citizen science.

Commissioning local artists to add murals to the bridges over the walkway will decrease vandalism by introducing value through art. 73

DESIGN PLAN HERITAGE CONNECTIONS LEAMINGTON LIFT BRIDGE This location was selected as a key intervention point because it is a major intersection with historic significance. The area is currently under construction but, when these projects are completed this will be a busy area, especially because people enjoy the boat cafe. Seating platforms will allow people to gather and can be multi-functional. Educational citizen science experiences will be integrated to provide activity for all ages.

Overall, this space will be full of vibrancy in celebration of a rich industrial heritage.

N

0

5

10

20

74

DESIGN HERITAGE CONNECTIONS

BEFORE

BY DAY

BY NIGHT

In the research phase this area stood out as a main intersection with high potential. People currently gather in this area for the boat cafe but, it is very undeveloped and surrounded by construction sites. This proposal is simple to replicate and minimal enough that the later opening of on-going projects will not be effected. Many activities ignite the site in celebration of the rich Heritage of the Union Canal. The concept incorporates a nod to the past with a leap towards the future.

This area can be transformed into a cinema at nigh with a temporary screen mounted over the lift bridge.

Activities include a wishing wall where people can literally plant their dreams, chalk art area for children, bicycle storage, space to gather and rest.

This will significantly increase the use and functionality of the space with simple design solutions.

A rain garden will provide devision from active cyclists and pedestrians. The rain garden will also absorb and filter water run off from the construction sites to prevent contamination in the canal and solve problematic flooding.

Motion activated lights will also increase safety and decrease vandalism in the area.

75

DESIGN ELEMENTS HERITAGE CONNECTIONS SEEDED PAPER

Seed paper is provided in a covered dispenser for a small donation which will go back to the up-keep of the park area.

Visitors may write a wish on the paper and then plant it in the green wall planter boxes. This is a great symbol for community.

wish & grow your story...

select your seeded paper from the dispenser. write a wish and carefully plant it in a planter or take it home with you to grow. be sure to come back and watch it blossom.

Stepped seating is multi functional and allows people to gather under a partially sheltered space. The step risers exhibit key dates and events relative to the creation of the union canal, this aims to celebrate a rich heritage and how it has created today.

SIGNAGE

SEATING

FRONT

WAYFINDING Visual cues show the direction of key destinations along the millennium link.

BACK

Waterproof Layer

Steel Structure

Growing Planter

SECURE BIKE RACKS

Plantings

CONSTRUCTION OF THE "GROWING WISHES WALL"

76

The Union Canal

SUMMARY OF OUTCOMES INDIVIDUAL REPORT 77

SUMMARY OF OUTCOMES

The goal to be achieved...

The design intends to increase the value of the site so that people care more to preserve it. It is a hope that vandalism and litter will decrease as a result of the urban acupuncture. People will be educated about the site and will feel a stronger connection to it.

In Theory...

Decrease vandalism by providing community activities such as the wishing wall will give people something to do.

Increase rest areas for people who may be disabled or elderly. There are long stretched with limited access that are not used as frequently, rest spaces will create destinations.

Introducing habitat through building and gardens will promote biodiversity. Encouraging people to care more about maintaining the site will also preserve wildlife.

Minimal motion activated lighting will give a stronger feeling of safety and also decrease anti-social behavior.

Each proposed design intervention is able to be replicated throughout the site, where one may be overwhelmingly successful it may be duplicated elsewhere.

Create a strong sense of community identity, ownership and sense of place and it will be sustainable long-term.

78

REFERENCES Bell, Simon et al., 2020. Urban blue acupuncture: A protocol for evaluating a complex landscape design intervention to improve health and wellbeing in a coastal community. Sustainability (Basel, Switzerland), 12(10), p.4084.

De Sola Morales, M. (2008) A Matter of Things, Rotterdam, NAi Publishers.

Hecker, Susanne et al., 2018. Citizen Science, London: University College London.

Ryan, Chris, 2013. Eco-Acupuncture: designing and facilitating pathways for urban transformation, for a resilient lowcarbon future. Journal of cleaner production, 50, pp.189–199.

Sarah, West, Centre Director, and +447965661181. "Ten Principles of Citizen Science." 22 Oct. 2018. Web. 25 Apr. 2021.

79