Masterplanning
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MICA is an international, architectural design practice with an award-winning global portfolio of work. We work at all scales and levels, from regional masterplanning, urban and landscape strategy, to architecture and individual buildings, interiors and the furniture and equipment of living. We respond to our clients’ needs with analytical and perceptive thinking, with collaborative engagement and problem solving, with enthusiasm and vigour, to deliver buildings and places which are beautiful, sustainable and logical. MICA has delivered, and continues to deliver, many successful mixed-use projects at a wide range of scales and in diverse contexts across London.
MICA
Cities Streets Buildings Paths Spaces Parts 4
Cities must adapt to support sustainable growth. Where can this growth deliver the greatest benefit? Where should we focus to ensure we grow well? MICA’s masterplans explore these questions — demonstrating what’s possible through bold, evidencebased visions that engage communities, inspire stakeholders, and shape places for long-term success. Both studio-wide and project based, our approach works across six central themes: Cities is the strategic view, Streets is the local context, Buildings is how we construct, Paths is strategies and opportunities, Spaces is how we experience, and Parts is how we put it all together. Embedded into this are key recognised industry standards from the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, to RIBA 2030, LETI and Well Standards.
Selected Projects: Southbank Centre Barking Riverside Gateways TfL Strategic Masterplanning Heathrow City Pudding Mill, London Urban Greening Factor + High Density Lancaster City Centre Point Complex, London Fair Field Cultural Quarter King’s College London East Ham Civic Campus MICA
MICA brings extensive strategic experience across London, with a broad portfolio spanning a full range of sectors. Our expertise includes urban density, greening initiatives, conservation and placemaking. Grounded in a rigorous, practical, and visionary approach, we work collaboratively and are genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to London’s growth.
TfL strategic masterplanning
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6 volumes, 5 lines, 145 stations studied
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Pudding Mill Masterplan
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Strategic Planning
TfL strategic masterplanning
MICA
Our projects are borne from consultation and collaboration with stakeholders, drawing on diverse expertise. MICA bring experience of unpicking complex sites, channelling discussion and design for a better understanding of solutions, often in challenging circumstances and diverse communities. We are committed to collaborative design approaches to create the most uplifting places and spaces, with the right mix of uses, and with built-in flexibility to adapt to change. We maximise natural light, both inside and out, to develop a clear relationship of building to landscape and open space, which balances natural and built form. Making every square foot precious, we work collaboratively to develop a sense of identity and belonging from the setting, to create a distinctive and identifiable character, which maximises opportunity. Through fostering good governance, a collective sense of ownership can be empowered. This also involves consideration for shared uses, gathering spaces with vibrant activities, community participation and ensuring passive surveillance. Connectivity at all levels is key.
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Collaborative Approach
MICA
MICA’s mixed-use development masterplans combine research, innovation, and design excellence to create vibrant, sustainable new places. Their approach integrates housing, culture, workspace, and landscape to form cohesive, characterful communities rooted in local identity. Through in-depth urban analysis, developing mixed use typologies, and evidence-based design, MICA develops flexible frameworks that evolve with social, economic, and environmental needs. MICA’s urban greening work for the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) exemplifies this approach — embedding biodiversity, sustainable drainage, and accessible green spaces that enhance wellbeing and resilience while shaping thriving, inclusive urban environments. Our work for TfL enabled modelling and analysis of individual station developments within wider transport, demographic, and economic frameworks, highlighting diverse scales, densities, and opportunities from greenfield sites to central London, providing insight for Borough- and London-wide regeneration.
LLDC and Urban Greening Factor study
Evolving a new typology from existing types Eaton Place, Belgravia Potential Density:125 Dwellings/ha
Harrington Gardens, Kensington Potential Density:167 Dwellings/ha
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Research and Innovation
MICA
Unlocking Value in Underutilised Urban Spaces
Gray’s Inn, High Holborn Lincoln’s Inn Goodenough College Mecklenburgh Square Selkirk House Norfolk House Sicilian Avenue, Holborn
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Architectural Association, Bedford Square
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Fitzrovia Community Nursery site feasibility
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Southbank Masterplan
King’s College London, Lambeth
Avenue on St James Royal Horticultural Society HQ, Westminster
White Lion House, St Giles
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Centre Point, St Giles
Chapel Street, Westminster
Wallace Collection, Westminster
MICA
The masterplan is
“the masterstroke at the root of the transformation." - Southbank Centre, Stirling Prize Nomination, 2008
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Creating Waterfront Destinations
MICA
Our work at the Southbank Centre produced a masterplan that transformed an underused river site in the heart of the city into a world-class destination attracting over 8 million visitors a year. The vision established a sense of place along a promenade route and connecting pedestrian links, unlocking space for new retail offer to drive cultural destination and night time economies. New public realm and infrastructure in under-utilised spaces was central to this strategy and included new integrated lift and ramp access to podium and terrace levels, a greater appreciation of the river frontage with viewing and recreation areas, and selective demolition to open up new vistas and connections. MICA undertook: – Consultation with wide range of statutory stakeholders – Authored an Urban Design Strategy Report to inform the framework of improvements to the area – Ongoing attendance at meetings to guide the framework regeneration vision – Economic assessment plans to understand the impact of major new retail spaces in the area – Lead the process from Concept design stages to detailed design and delivery of phased schemes. – Detail design and delivery of public realm spaces
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Area Regeneration 1999 - High level walkway cuts Royal Festival Hall off from Belvedere Road
Southbank Centre
1999 - Major conflicts pedestrian movement and vehicular servicing
Service Road detached RFH from Queens Walk
Dark & uninviting undercroft New Service Access to RFH, production and catering facilities located in viaduct (2003)
1999-2000 Remove high level walkway to precede square 2003 New active frontage - Festival Cafe
Relocating services access through viaduct unlocks public space
Servicing
2011 - Remove service lane for new retail below bridge
Retail
2003-5 Remove old service road from front RFH to create new public space and retail at Festival Riverside and
2007 Complete Southbank Centre Square
Relocate service road to enlarge square
New artistic spaces below Waterloo Bridge
Jubilee Gardens Improvements 2007 New Southbank Centre building alongside Hungerford viaduct, liberating RFH of offices Major new Arts Site and meeting rooms for incorporated into new public uses Hungerford Car Park
London Eye
2003 - new grand route and active frontage between square and Golden Jubillee Bridge
Refurbish Hayward entrance, cafe and ticketing to ground level
New frontage opportunities and development of Queen Elizabeth Hall
Golden Jubilee Bridge
Waterloo Bridge
MICA
MICA were appointed by the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s development Company, Be First, to develop a masterplan to bring forward up to 3,000 new homes and employment space in the Thames Road area of the borough which neighbours Barking Riverside. We carefully integrated around existing historic listed buildings, this waterfront regeneration strategy, includes a mixed use housing scheme including up to 200 quality housing units orientated towards the river. The scheme is seen as a vital catalyst in the regeneration of the waterfront and has been developed in tandem with the local authority, integrating the proposed riverside walkway and landscaping improvements to the whole area. The configuration of the layout reflects the overall pattern of the site with its distinctive river views.
A flexible framework
FLEXIBLE EMPLOYMENT TYPOLOGIES
MASTERPLAN
Allows transition and retention of employment types
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WAREHOUSE
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LIVE WORK A13
Southern aspect and views for every plot
2 x double bedrooms to front
Height for forklift efficient storage Living / Kitchen to rear
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LE SUP
A13
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Y3 HIGHWA
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CYC
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Ventilation zone along podium edge
Private residential entrance from podium
Depth for maximum fixed bed lorry & loading
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Making / studio / retail at base
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STUDIO / GALLERY
RETAIL ARCADE
Creation of streets and squares
07 11
North facing studios
Key
Optional Mezzanine 01
Light
Podium Parking
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Escape to podium keeps flexible open front
Gallery and physical making spaces
South facing arcade / zone sufficient for off-street loading
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A podium model creates elevated garden configurations and character areas.
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02
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River Roding
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Thames View Estate
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Farr Avenue Shops
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Health Centre
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Thames View Schools
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Barking Riverside
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Barking Riverside Local Centre
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Barking Riverside Station
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Barking Riverside Masterplan
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East London Transit Terminus
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Existing Primary School
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Thames View East (Reside scheme)
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Castle Green
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Existing Sports Ground
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Sustainable Industries Park
Testing the scale and mix of development BLOCK TYPOLOGIES
Greatfields Park
Diversity of character of open spaces
Maximising frontage onto landscape
Community facilities at the heart of the development 10
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Unlocking Land Value
Barking Riverside
MICA
A series of extensive studies for Transport for London on how transport-led development can unlock development and housing for the capital. The studies to date have so far looked at Crossrail 2, Tramlink and the Bakerloo Line extension. This incorporated degrees of scaled transition and “stitching-in” of new developments within existing contexts and recognition of revenue generation potential and the means of harnessing it.
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Growth Lines Transport for London
MICA
A model for a city embedded in its setting and wider landscape; singular and collective, tuned for local, regional, and international opportunity, and composed of distinctive areas, a main centre, with a wide range of building types, held together as a whole. We were appointed through a selective process to develop proposals to show how Heathrow airport, in the event of it being made redundant by airport development elsewhere, could be made into a viable urban extension to London. We had to made a case for this proposal, and show ‘do-ability’ and phasing strategies. Our approach to the problem set was to look at the viability of the overall concept at every level and every scale. We wanted to deliver a super-scale vision for the new place that was rooted in a detailed understanding of the component parts and a convincing communication of their potential for success at street level and the finest grain.
A. BACK TO BACK
B. ISLAND
D. BACKS ONTO LANDSCAPE
E. SECONDARY ACCESS
C. CUL-DE-SAC
F. STAGGERED
Densified Suburbia - Back to Back Type A REMAIN, DEVELOP, INTENSIFY
PLOT CONFIGURATION
AREA UNITS
HA
CARS
162 sqm
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0.03 ha
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324 sqm
4
0.07 ha
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TYPE B: REMAIN
TYPE A:
ORIGINAL
HOUSE TYPOLOGY
REMAIN ADDITIONAL AREA
TYPE C: DEVELOP
106 sqm
1.1
0.07 ha
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DEVELOP ADDITIONAL AREA
TYPE D: INTENSIFY
430 sqm
4.4
0.07 ha
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INTENSIFY ADDITIONAL AREA
1694 sqm
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0.14 ha
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Rick Mather Architects - Crossrail 2 Testing transformational capacity, mapping suburbia typologies - Crossrail 2
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BLOCK
The Transforming City Heathrow City
MICA
Our vision sought to develop an exemplar piece of urban design that builds on the areas unique history as an industrial island whilst creating new neighbourhoods that complement and contribute to the wider regeneration of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This involved developing innovative new typologies to achieve a rich mix of residential and employment uses, including the retention of light industrial uses, a key aspect of the site’s heritage. Canalways define the active edges of the masterplan, new medium-density, mixed-use area, including a significant and diverse element of new and replacement floorspace suitable for small and medium sized businesses; as well as new homes; and improved public routes to create a connected neighbourhood with a new local centre adjacent to Pudding Mill DLR Station and Pudding Mill Lane.
LOW
[T] [T]547 547units units [T] 547 units [E] [E]22% 22% [T] [T]547 547units units [E] 22% [T] 547 units [E] [E]22% 22% 25% 25% [E][E] 22% 1B [E] 1B 25% [R] [E] 37% 1B [R]78% 78% 4B 25% 462 37% 25% 4B[E] 1B 462 [E] 1B [R] 78% 25% 4B [E] 2B 1B37% 2B 3B [Ep] [R] 78% 462 [R]50 78% 3B [Ep] 50 37% 4B 37% 462 4B [R] 78% 2B 462 [Ep] 50 4B 3B 2B 37% 462 2B 3B [Ep] 3B [Ep]50 50 2B 3B [Ep] 50 Density [Rp] Density [Rp]339 339 hr/ha hr/ha Density [Rp] 339 Density hr/ha [Rp] Density [Rp]339 339 hr/ha Density [Rp] 339 hr/ha Settings Settings hr/ha [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] Employment Settings [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] EmploymentParking Parking 14872 sqm Settings Settings 14872 sqm [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] Employment Parking Settings [R] Residential [Rp] Residential Parking [E] Floorspace Employment Parking 14872 sqm[Ep] [R] Employment Residential Floorspace Floorspace [Rp] Residential [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] EmploymentParking Parking 51573 sqm 0.6 spaces/unit 14872 sqm [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] Parking 51573 spaces/unit 14872 sqm [R] Residential Floorspace [Rp] 0.6Employment Residential Parking 14872 sqm [R] Residential Floorspace Residential Parking 51573 sqm[Rp] 0.6 spaces/unit 37% 13% [R] 25% Residential Floorspace Residential Parking 37% 25% 25% 13% [Rp] 51573 sqm spaces/unit [R]25% Residential Floorspace [Rp] 0.6 Parking 51573 sqm 0.6Residential spaces/unit 25% 37% 25% 51573 13% sqm 0.6 spaces/unit 25% 25% 37% 37% 25% 25% 13% 13% Does not maximise the potential of the site 25% 37% 25% 13%
MEDIUM
[T] [T]740 740units units [T] 740 units [E] [E]25% 25% [T] [T]740 740units units [E] 25% [T] 740 units [E] [E]25% 25% 25% [E][E]25% 25% 1B [E] 1B 25% [E]25%37% 1B 4B 37% 25% [E] 4B 1B [R] [E] 1B 25% 2B [R]75% 75% 2B 3B [E] 1B37% 4B 37% [R] 75% 4B 3B 2B 37% 4B 3B 2B 37% [R] [R]75% 75% 4B 2B 3B [R] 75% 3B 2B 3B [Rp] [Rp]205 205
612 612 612 612 612 612
Density Density [Ep] [Rp] 205hr/ha hr/ha [Ep]50 50 Density [Rp] 205 hr/ha [Ep] 50 [Rp] 205 Density Density [Rp] 205hr/ha Density [Ep] hr/ha [Ep]50 50 Settings Settings hr/ha [Ep] 50 [E] Employment Employment [E]Settings EmploymentFloorspace Floorspace [Ep] [Ep] EmploymentParking Parking 23700 sqm Settings Settings 23700 sqm [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] Employment Parking Settings [R] Residential Floorspace [Rp] Residential [E] Employment Parking 23700 sqm[Ep] [R] Employment Residential Floorspace Floorspace [Rp] ResidentialParking Parking [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] Employment Parking 71532 sqm spaces/unit 23700 sqm [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] 0.28 Employment Parking 71532 0.28 spaces/unit 23700 sqm [R] Residential Floorspace [Rp] Residential Parking 23700 sqm [R] Residential Floorspace Residential Parking 71532 sqm[Rp] 0.28 spaces/unit 35% 5% [R] 24% Residential Floorspace [Rp] Residential Parking 35% 38% 38% 5% 71532 sqm spaces/unit [R]24% Residential Floorspace [Rp] 0.28 Residential Parking 71532 sqm 0.28 spaces/unit 24% 35% 38% 5% 71532 sqm 0.28 spaces/unit 24% 24% 35% 35% 38% 38% 5% 5% 24% 35% 38% 5%
Recommended scale of development
HIGH [T] [T]759 759units units [T] 759 units [E] [E]19% 19% [T] [T]759 759units units [E] 19% [T] 759 units [E] [E]19% 19% 25% [E] [E] 19% [R] 1B [E] 25% [R]81% 81% 1B [E] 25% [R] 81% 4B 1B 37% 4B [E] 25% 37% [R] 1B [E] 25% [R]81% 81% 1B 25% 4B [E] 2B [R] 81% 3B 2B1B37% [Ep] 3B 4B [Ep]50 50 37% 4B 37% 2B 4B3B [Ep] 50 37% 2B 3B 2B [Ep] 3B [Ep]50 50 2B 3B [Ep] 50 [Rp] [Rp]339 339
641 641 641 641 641 641
Density Density hr/ha hr/ha Density Density hr/ha Density hr/ha Density hr/ha hr/ha Employment EmploymentParking Parking
[Rp] 339 [Rp] [Rp]339 339 [Rp] 339 Settings Settings [E] Employment [E]Settings EmploymentFloorspace Floorspace [Ep] [Ep] 16872 sqm Settings Settings 16872 sqm [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] Employment Parking Settings [R] Residential Residential [E] Floorspace [Ep] Employment Parking 16872 sqm[Rp] [R] Employment Residential Floorspace Floorspace [Rp] ResidentialParking Parking [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] Employment Parking 71634 sqm 0.6 spaces/unit 16872 sqm [E] Employment Floorspace [Ep] Parking 71634 spaces/unit 16872 sqm [R] Residential Floorspace [Rp] 0.6Employment Residential Parking 16872 sqm [R] Residential Floorspace Residential Parking 71634 sqm[Rp] 0.6 spaces/unit 36% 13% [R] 25% Residential Floorspace Residential Parking 36% 26% 26% 13% [Rp] 71634 sqm spaces/unit [R]25% Residential Floorspace [Rp] 0.6 Parking 71634 sqm 0.6Residential spaces/unit 25% 36% 26% 71634 13% sqm 0.6 spaces/unit Exceeds maximum parameters for street proportions, daylighting, scale and grain 25% 25% 36% 36% 26% 26% 13% 13% 25% 36% 26% 13%
HEIGHTS
Developing mixed use typology
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1 storey
4 storey
7 storey
2 storey
5 storey
8 storey
3 storey
6 storey
Simple graphics used to communicate design principles
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Visionary Masterplan + Urban Design Strategy Pudding Mill
MICA
MICA were employed by the London Legacy Development Corporation to undertake research into Urban Greening Factor (UGF). The research examines how to best deliver urban greening in high density residentially led developments through the analysis and review of projects delivered in London, the UK, and the world. The study concludes with a list of recommendations for a variety of audiences including those: applying for planning permission, planning officers and clients. It also demonstrates meaningful, sustainable, and innovative solutions that can be used to increase UGF in high density residential developments.
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Urban Greening Factor x High Density
MICA
Facilitated by an upgraded and extended station, improved links and connections with the neighbourhood, the station is a driver for a new neighbourhood hub; a new place to live and work, meeting local needs. An active ground floor animates and defines the public realm, while block layouts and entrances are street facing and pedestrian orientated. There is a clear hierarchy of well proportioned, generous and uplifting living, working and landscape spaces, with opportunities for community engagement and curation.
Car Free Living: Electric car club - Blue badge parking integrated into landscape - Electric vehicle charging Bio Solar across available roof area
Residential frontage provides passive surveillance
High Quality Homes: - Dual aspect maximises daylight, sunlight and ventilation - Sound insulation to mitigate noise
Recycling and composting centre
Amphitheatre: active community programming to ensure maximum use
Flower rich planting to improve Biodiversity Playspace for teenagers: a climbing tower
Access to nature: - Light touch footpath through Green Corridor - Nature school - New Local Amenities: natural play equipment New development generates investment in Active Travel Transport Infrastructure
Platform
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Space to grow food / herbs
A Vibrant Place to Live and Work ASHP: No combustion plant avoids impacting outdoor air quality
New development generates investment in TfL Transport Infrastructure
Maximise Urban Greening with extensive green roof
Workspaces - to support local start-ups and SMEs - for cultural production and consumption - active frontages - acoustic performance: BREEAM best practice
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Tree planting: - exceed 0.4 Urban Greening Factor - canopy cover to provide shade and shelter
Commercial spaces - access to daylight - views of the sky Community hub: “The Library of Things” Cycle hub - Enhanced cycle parking and e-scooter docking - Cycle repair centre - Encouraging cycling improves outdoor air quality
Accessible sustainable transport: bikes, scooters, train, bus, EVCPs, comfortable and safe pedestrian and cycle routes
MICA
MICA were appointed by a client body including Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University. The principal aspirations were to enhance Lancaster’s status as a heritage city, reinforce its role as a visitor destination and transform the city into a more attractive place to live, work and study. The Masterplan proposes sympathetic development that provides improvements to the city centre and the River Lune’s edge and includes new buildings in parallel with extensive public realm to address accessibility and define the experience of the city. The design approach evolved from an understanding of the site in terms of its history, of the built environment, and also its social and economic development.
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2 Castle Hill
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3 3 China Street
4 Canalside South
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4
Public comments and input
Riverside Vision Lancaster City
Complex, yet structured and effective consultation for Lancaster City framework WATERWAYS
HOW CAN LANCASTER BETTER CONNECT TO ITS WATERWAYS? Lancaster is blessed with 2 waterways with green corridors and long frontages to each. The River Lune and Lancaster Canal are scenic waterways that run along the north and east sides of the city centre, respectively. Industries related to trade and construction emerged along their edges, leaving behind waterside warehouses that have since been converted into restaurants, retail and residences.
Which waterfront areas do you most like to spend time by and why?
Both bodies of water offer spectacular views of the historic city they helped shape, but connections to waterways are sometimes poor and developments have not always made the most of the waterfront. By increasing permeability between waterways and the heart of the city, and by considering how to better activate the waterfront, Lancaster has an opportunity to transform the Lune and the canal into social, cultural and economic assets.
Are there any waterfront locations that you feel could be improved? What kind of activities and uses do you most want to see by waterfronts?
Could Lancaster improve its connections to the water by... ... celebrating the water?
WHAT COULD THE CITY LOOK LIKE IF .... MORE PEOPLE LIVED, WORKED AND ENJOYED SPACES ALONG THE CANAL?
... having quality spaces by the water?
... creating events on the water?
- Lancaster’s waterways are full of history and beauty, but
- Offering events on the water would help celebrate
- Quality public spaces by the water invite people to spend
are lesser known features within a city full of historic and
Lancaster’s two beautiful waterways and incorporate them
time by the River Lune or the canal, increasing activity
educational attractions. Creating areas and activities that
as attractions to potential visitors.
along their frontages.
encourage enjoyment of the River Lune and the canal should be a priority.
New development could reflect historic context
New housing and student housing ... creating flood resistant buildings?
... creating corridors to the water? - Creating connections between the water and the city
- Building structures that are resistant to floods will be
Ground floor cafes could take advantage of location
centre is essential. Linking public spaces, the waterfront
explored as Lancaster considers how to develop its Luneside areas into safe and beautiful spaces to enjoy this
and the city through pedestrianized routes and green
incredible natural feature.
corridors offer enjoyable walking and cycling routes, encouraging exploration and facilitating effortless ways to travel between key sites.
Existing Canalside The canal is a hidden asset, cut off by from the town centre by an overgrown footpath and multiple car parks. Opportunity for new development which can take
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENT AREA ....
advantage of the canalside context, creating new access
CANALSIDE SOUTH
and open space. Linear public spaces could provide an attractive movement corridor for walking and cycling.
N UNE V R LU RIIVE R
More connections between city and canal?
CAR CA R PA PARK RK K
DAL DA LT TO ON N SQ S QU UA AR RE E
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CA AR PA ARK K
MO M OOR OOR OR L ANE AN NE
CAR PA CA P RK RK TOW TOWN TO WN N HAL ALL POLI PO LIICE L C
CAR CA R PA PARK RK
ST TAT ATIO ION N SQ S QUA QUA AR RE E/ OP O PEN EN SP PA ACE CE
EAST EA AST ST ROA OA
MAGI MA GIST ST TRA RATE TES S COUR COUR RT
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CAR CA R PA PARK RK
CA AR PA P RK K
C TH CA T ED DRA AL CIITI T BLO L CK C ST TUDEN UDEN UD ENT T
QU UAR AR RY
HOUS HO USIN US ING G
Car parks block access to the canal? AM NHAM URNH HUR TH
T EET TREE STR S
More connections from centre to waterfront
ROA R OAD D
CA ANA NAL L SI SIDE DE SQU QUAR ARE AR E
Charming heritage buildings line the canal
CAR CA R PA PARK RK
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01
TH PATH E PA CLE CYCL D CY AND N AN IAN ERIA STER DEST PEDE L PE AL NA CANA CA
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Could pathways along the canal be improved?
Could more activity occur on the canal itself?
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LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL / LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL / LANCASTER UNIVERSITY with RICK MATHER ARCHITECTS / QUOD
Improvements could be made to pathways and lighting
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LANCASTER CITY VISION
ARTIST IMPRESSION OF POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS TO CANALSIDE
MICA
At Centre Point, MICA has led the design team in the refurbishment and transformation of the iconic and Grade II Listed tower. The new proposals transform the office building and public realm into a new residential-use tower with retail, restaurants, affordable housing block and a major public space - unlocking the regeneration potential of the site.
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Urban Regeneration Centre Point
MICA
MICA worked with Brick by Brick to implement a masterplan that will underpin Croydon town centre’s leisure and visitor economy. The mixed-use masterplan reinforces the Fair Field area’s heritage as the cultural and educational heart of Croydon. An aerial view of MICA’s vision for Fair Field
2.1 STREETS 2.1.1
The proposed development provides clear, strong and convenient pedestrian connections through the site and embeds Fair Field in the urban fabric of Croydon, assisting in orientation and intuitive route-finding. This will allow for a connection not only from East Croydon Station to The Queen’s Gardens and Croydon Town Hall but also improve accessibility of Barclay Road and Park Hill. A clear hierarchy of spaces, grain and materiality will establish a strong sense of place.
2.1.2
Enhancing the existing public space with four new pedestrian routes and character areas both public and private that can be actively used by the community and visitors to the town.
2.1.3
A green corridor along the railway boundary
2.1.4
Strengthening and/or creating additional north / south pedestrian and cycle connections.
2.1.5
Maximising level access across the site/minimise differences in levels through inclusive design.
2.1.6
Following the context set out in the adopted Masterplan IPG.
2.1.7
Conforming with the adopted Croydon Public Realm Design Guide (CPRDG) 2012.
2.1.8
Integrating Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
2.1.9
Performing well though phased stages of construction before reaching its final phase.
1 3 2
HEIGHTS 2.5
A diversity in building heights is encouraged across the illustrative masterplan so as to create variety from the ground and above vantage points (Fig.1 & 2).
2.5.3
Gaps between taller elements should be incorporated to create views through the development, Refer to parameter plan: 607-19010-04 A-C minimum and maximum footprints; ground floor, typical mid-rise level and above rise level. It is not encouraged to promote clustering of taller elements in one location.
2.5.4
Taller elements where deemed appropriate should be located to enhance specific character areas, enhance wayfinding and positively respond to the Croydon skyline.
2.5.5
Specific views to be considered are from The Queen’s Garden towards Fairfield Halls, from George Street towards Fairfield Halls, and from Park Lane towards East Croydon Station and the NLA tower. Taller elements should not overpower in scale either Fairfield Halls or the NLA tower.
2.5.6
The Proposed Development should consist of predominantly midrise buildings with appropriate exceptions of tall buildings guided by the tall building principles in the adopted Masterplan IPG and the Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) and in locations that minimise environmental impacts and positively contribute towards townscape, and open space. OAPF should especially be considered to respect the tower width: height slenderness ratio of at least 1:3, where for every 1 metre in width sees at least 3 metres in height.
2.5.7
Use of the roof may be necessary for plant equipment and riser flues. These must be placed out of view from ground level and public amenity space and visually screened. Building maintenance units must be wellincorporated where required.
Fig. 1, Illustrative roof plan diagram of building heights
105-110m 90-95m 60-65m 60-62m 54-56m 44-46m 38-40m 30-33m 26-28m 23-24m 13-20m 04-06m
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Increasing density to reflect the town centre location. Higher density focused towards George Street, East Croydon Station and along the railway frontage.
2.5.2
DESIGN GUIDELINES
105-110m 90-95m 60-65m 60-62m 54-56m 44-46m 38-40m 30-33m 26-28m 23-24m 13-20m 04-06m
2.5.1
2 3
3 1 3
3
1
Fig. 1, Illustrative routes plan High Vehicular Activity
2.1.10
Limited Vehicular Activity
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Pedestrian & Cycle Priority
HIGH VEHICUL AR ACTIVIT Y
Areas of high vehicular activity should be separated from the building frontages by a pavement for of at least 4m. Parking should be limited (if not prohibited) so as to reduce congestion. Pedestrian crossings should be implemented at junctions and along key pedestrian routes in accordance with the Croydon OAPF, the adopted Masterplan IPG and Connected Croydon.
2.1.11
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LIMITED VEHICUL AR ACTIVIT Y
Vehicular access should be limited to only those that require it, such as service and emergency vehicles. There should be only one lane of traffic each way, with space for on-street parking. The character of the street should be similar to that of a pedestrian street, with vehicular access being regarded as a secondary concern. The surface treatment should also be similar to that of a pedestrian street, but should not be a shared surface.
2.1.12
3
PEDESTRIAN & CYCLE PRIORIT Y
Areas of pedestrian and cycle activity should be paved spaces along public routes. In non-residential areas, there should be appropriate seating along the pedestrian routes, and areas of greenery and trees to soften the spaces.
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Design Guide showing massing, heights, and streets
Fig. 2, Illustrative roof axonometric diagram indicating building heights
S H ORT E R
TA L L E R
D ESI GN GU I DE LI N E S | FAIR FIELD
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RICK MATHER ARCHITECTS
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The proposed phased development of the site
Cultural Quarter Fair Field
Active ground floor retail - new pedestrianised street connecting station to public square
MICA
Integrated within our masterplan, we are leading the revival of Fairfield Halls & the College Green area; creating a new Cultural Quarter in the centre of Croydon. The detailed scheme involves a full-scale refurbishment & rework of the iconic and celebrated 1960’s Fairfield Halls.
Engaging events for public to comment on proposed scheme and improvements to public facilities
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Fair Field Landscape: Creating a vibrant, flexible public space for residents, visitors and the wider Croydon
Rejuvenating Public Realm
MICA
The Fair Field plan will create 2000 new residential units over 15 years. MICA’s proposed buildings have been designed to ensure a sensitive response to the Fair Field area and to enhance its character. Although divided into four different building configurations, the aim has been to ensure the design is a coherent architectural entity. “MICA take a methodical, detailed approach which is completely appropriate for a scheme of this nature and inspires confidence in us a client.” - London Borough of Croydon
Ground floor plan of Fair Field Homes
Landscaped courtyard with gardens and balconies
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Plan showing various residential unit types Used to communicate the commercial considerations to Croydon planners and client
Fair Field Homes
MICA
On a unique site between the Palace of Westminster and Lambeth Palace Gardens with spectacular views over the River Thames, we are working with King’s College London to refurbish and develop one of its prime properties in the heart of London to increase space for health education and training. The former Victorian Medical school is at the Southern end of the Guys’ and St Thomas’ hospital campus.
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Prime Development
Guy’s & St Thomas’ Campus, King’s College London
MICA
The brief was to establish East Ham as a major civic presence within Newham. Over the years, rapid population growth, changing socio-political structures and developments technology, transport and communications resulted in many council functions being relocated throughout the wider borough. A phased approach was developed with Newham to bring the listed buildings back into Council use and spark a wider regeneration of the town centre. Key aims were to bring new life to the site, balancing the conservation of buildings of heritage while delivering sustainable, flexible new buildings, interlinking urban spaces and improved public routes. New insertions provide a backdrop for the existing heritage features, supporting them through function, but not attempting to overshadow. The balance between conservation, functionality and regeneration was challenging for both the design team and the client, but has set a useful precedent for future work to be completed within the developed masterplan.
1.1 East Ham North
Plashet Park
Circular
East Ham Station
Five miles east of the City of London, the London Borough of Newham is bounded by the River Thames in the south, by the River Lea in the west, the River Roding in the east and Wanstead Flats in the north. Originally farmland, the construction of the Royal Docks in 1850 brought industry and growth to the borough. Heavy bombing during the war destroyed much of the infrastructure resulting in many post-war council housing blocks. With residents from around
East Ham
the world, Newham now has the most diverse population in the country. The Olympics, developments at the Royal Docks and elsewhere in the borough means there is a radical To Barking
transformation happening in Newham. East Ham is located at the heart of Newham surrounded by parks and river roding, East Ham boasts a bustling High Street and Market with excellent public transportation links. At the centre of this activity is the East Ham Civic Campus. The grand Edwardian red brick buildings which make up the
East Ham Campus
campus provide a strong civic presence within the centre of East Ham. The adjacent college buildings and Police Station further the sense of a cohesive civic town centre. Flanders Playing Fields
Public Buildings Commercial/ Retail Station
Langdon School
Central Park
Residential Park/ Open Space East Ham
East Ham’s bustling town centre
East Ham Station
Looking towards High Street North and the market
East Ham Town Hall clock tower
Design and Access Statement
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East Ham Civic Campus
Rick Mather Architects ©
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Grand Public Buildings in Parkland Setting East Ham Civic Campus
MICA
Our team at MICA has built a reputation for delivering highquality, innovative, award-winning projects. In all of our projects, external spaces are considered of equal importance to internal volumes. Every incremental phase, building or addition is generous to its context, and seeks to define a sense of place and improve the setting. We offer an integrated service encompassing architecture, sustainability, environmental engineering and design. This comprehensive in-house approach allows us to harness maximum synergies and efficiencies from the outset. By linking sustainability with wellbeing, we treat architecture, environmental engineering and design as a singular holistic entity, delivering tangible benefits to our clients. Our dedication to social responsibility has earned us BCorp certification, which reflects our accountability and positive impact on stakeholders, communities, and the environment. This commitment shapes our daily operations and drives us to build spaces where people and communities can truly thrive.
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Our Team
Cities Streets Buildings Paths Spaces Parts
Architecture Masterplanning Urban Design Conservation Architecture Landscape Design Estate Decarbonisation Planning Adaptive Reuse Interior Design Model Making Passivhaus Design Planning Support Strategic Advice + Consultancy Graphic Design BIM + BIM Management
MICA
To view more of our work, find out more information about the practice and view our latest news please visit our website micaarchitects.com
Registration Details MICA Architects Ltd Address: 123 Camden High Street, London, UK NW1 7JR Date of registration: 05/05/2016 Registered Company number: 10163120 VAT Registration: GB 239 8588 45 Trading Status: Private Limited Company Professional Qualifications RIBA Chartered Practice: 20023769 ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Systems ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Systems ISO 45001:2018 – Health and Safety Systems
MICA Architects Ltd 123 Camden High St London UK NW1 7JR +44 (0) 20 7284 1727 micaarchitects.com