MAGNETIC STRATFORD HIGH STREET

MAGNETIC STRATFORD HIGH STREET

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Anna Domankova Kevin Foo Giulia Lombardo Monika Ohrazdova

URBAN DESIGN: PLACE MAKING BARTLETT SCHOOL OF PLANNING University College London 2016 / 2017 1

CONTENT INTRODUCTION 3

STRATFORD TIMELINE 4 SWOT ANALYSIS 5 THE VISION 8 THE WEAVING OF STRATEGIES 11

infrastructure strategy 13

building density strategy 16 height regulation strategy 18 urban structure strategy 19 social dimension strategy 25 blue infrastructure strategy 28 green infrastructure strategy 29 THE WEAVING OF OBJECTIVES 31 MASTERPLAN 44 APPENDIX 47

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The focus of this study is Stratford High Street and its immediate hinterland, an area in East London adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The report will first present the HISTORICAL TIMELINE of the site, then the result of our SWOT ANALYSIS and progress to present the vision we have identified for a sustainable development of the area over the next twenty years.

Based on the vision, we have defined a DESIGN FRAMEWORK that aims at improving the area by respecting its INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE and its RICH NATURAL ECOSYSTEM. Capitalizing on the opportunities offered by the current transport hub, the adjacent Olympic Park and the upcoming education and cultural venues (UCL campus, Victoria & Albert Museum and the new Sadler’s Wells Theatre) we propose interventions that will IMPROVE THE LIFE OF THE CURRENT RESIDENTS and at the same time ATTRACT NEW RESIDENTS, VISITORS AND INVESTORS. Our goal is to provide the existing community with access to EDUCATIONAL AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES to improve their prospects, and to transform the place into a MAGNET FOR PEOPLE to live, work, learn, play and invest. The framework and design principles grow out of the fundamental need to CREATE A COHESIVE COMMUNITY, recognising the diversity of the current residents, their needs and goals. The objectives laid out within this study clarify how our vision aims to develop a dynamic new heart of East London, that takes into account the heritage of the place, the NEED TO IMPROVE PUBLIC and GREEN SPACES and THE CONNECTIVITY OF THE SITE, without foregoing ARCHITECTURAL AESTHETICS and economically viable HOUSING SOLUTIONS. Last, the study will propose A TIMELINE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION of the strategy and a further vision propelling Stratford High Street into the second half of the third millennium.

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INTRODUCTION

Situated in East London and adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford has a RICH HIS-

STRATFORD TIMELINE

TORY dating back to PRE-ROMAN TIMES. The site’s industrial vocation started early, when already in the Middle Ages tidal mills were established. The mills served a variety of industries including printing, paper-making, distilling, and gunpowder manufacturing. TEXTILE TRADES flourished through the 17th century. Industries expanded through the 1800s when the introduction of the RAILWAYS AND THE EXPANSION OF THE WATERWAYS marked a further development of the industries on the site. The site suffered bomb damage during the Second World War. Reconstruction efforts focused on creating HOUSING ESTATES. This marked the DECLINE OF THE INDUSTRIES and the loss of employment. Some of the industrial land was abandoned or has remained underutilized to this day. The construction of the nearby Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2012 marked the resurgence of the area.

1100s Construction of the Tidal Mills: beginning of industrial development

Old Three Mills

1800s Introduction of the railways

Stratford Jubilee Shed, 1900

Post WWII Industrial Decline

17th century Industrial Development: printing, papermaking, distilling and gunpowder manufacturing. Textile trades flourish.

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The Stratosphere, 2016

Stratford Railway Works, 1955

Stratford High Street North, 1941

Pre-Roman settlement

2016 New Construction on Stratford High Street

WWII The site suffers major bomb damage

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

2012 Opening of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Lack of amenities and services

Well connected to Central London and beyond •

Strategic transport hub

•

The water

network nurtures a fertile natural environment

Proximity to Olympic Park and Westfield Mall • Attractive new land-

•

marks planned nearby (UCL campus, Victorian & Albert Museum branch, Sadler’s Wells Theatre) •

Availability of land suitable for regeneration

good connection within Stratford trafficked High •

• •

Create active frontage

Lack of

Street constitutes a barrier

Lack of cultural facilities •

•

Lack of green

•

•

Lack of permeability from the High Street

•

Lack of crossings

Lack of active

frontage/ (deadening effect on public realm) Lack of office

space

between the buildings

• •

•

Lack of an interesting

architectural character of the new developments • Not pedestrian friendly/lack of connectivity • Fragmented built environment • Visual Chaos • Lack of road •

Add a new layer of history

Create social

hubs •

•

Few food

Make the High

Create a mixed-use

cohesive fabric • Re-discover waterways, historic assets and green spaces • Improve public transportation for residents

Unused space

hierarchy/streets are not enclosed

•

Street vibrant

Poor quality of existing green space •

•

by designing space and structures with personality

Not much mixed-use of land and buildings

space

amenities

The highly

Provide new

•

•

Create

job opportunities • Create social diversity through the introduction of affordable housing within each development

Without the creation of job opportunities, the area risks becoming a bedroom

community

Possible safety issues due to lack of active frontage •

Prone to flooding

•

The lack of develop-

ers’ interest in designing aesthetically pleasing architecture can turn the area into a bland monotonous

row of glass and steel high-rises, erasing the character of the site

road

•

Over-reliance on

•

Independent shops on the High Street

might become extinct because of competition with

No social coheGentrification • Risk of

the Westfield Mall

sion

•

•

erasing the genius loci (history, urban fabric, significance of the place) tion from brownfields

•

Land contamina-

•

Creating social inequities

outlets (take-away, transient character of the High Street) •

•

Lack of social

infrastructures

Air pollution on the High Street

layout

•

No hospital

incoherence

•

•

•

Isolating

Typology

Lack of mixed uses/

isolated areas within the site

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•

SWO T

transport hub missing connectivity

Olympic Park Westfield Mall UCL campus Victorian & Albert Museum Sadler’s Wells Theatre

fragmented environment heavy traffic air pollution

lack of permeability

underused areas for regeneration

S W vibrant High Street

mixed use fabric

low quality

BARRIER

green spaces

O T

lack of active frontages destructruction of community

destructruction

social diversity

of character social hub

rediscovery of waterways flooding

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insufficient public splace

undiscovered heritage potential

hidden landmarks

unpleasant enviroment

unwalkable areas

Coming from Stratford High Street station, ‘the second most connected station in London after King’s Cross and one of the busiest stations in London’1, with its vibrant Westfield shopping centre, the area of study appears different. Situated south of the Stratford Town Centre, the area changes character and appearance from block to block. The incoherent mix of architectural styles (from Victorian red brick houses to industrial warehouses to shiny but anonymous contemporary high-rises) the loud presence of cranes and construction machinery, the absence of consistent footfall, the apparent lack of amenities and the semi-abandoned industrial areas point to an opportunity for regeneration.

closed riverside

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incoherent architecture

1 Stratford: The Vital Statistics in Stratford Rising, 2015. Online: http://www.stratfordrising.com/news/stratford-vital-statistics (AcN cessed 23 October 2016).

THE VISION

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THE VISION SCHEME Creating NEW HOMES, facilitating ECONOMIC GROWTH and fostering SOCIAL COHESION are imperative for the site. We INTEND TO WEAVE A WEB OF OPPORTUNITIES that will ATTRACT AND RETAIN PEOPLE and investments. The variety

heritage

of offerings to include housing, offices, clusters of cultural, creative and education-

job opportunites innovation

al spaces, will transform the site into an attractive pole where people will be willing to live and work, making it ‘their place’. The enhancement of the life of the existing community is one of the main priorities.

We envision the creation of a VIBRANT AND COHESIVE COMMUNITY, inclusive of the MULTICULTURAL POPULATION currently living in the area. We have defined social cohesion

the need to create DIVERSE JOB opportunities, to provide much needed AMENITIES, services and PUBLIC SPACE. FInally, we intend to IMPROVE THE CONNECTIVITY of the urban fabric of the site and its openness beyond its edges.

education

Our regeneration plan relies on the contribution of the CREATIVE INDUSTRY and the attraction to the site of creative and cultural clusters. The aim is to foster the development of Small and Medium enterprises (SMEs) that will create job opportunities for the local residents as well as attract creative talent from beyond the area. A SHARED WORK-SPACE CULTURE will foster creativity and productive sociability, and will allow Stratford to emerge as a new centre of innovation. A cultural centre — THE CULTURE CORE — will be the focal point of the development.

creativity

It will complement the cultural offerings of the planned theatre (Sadler’s Wells) and museum (Victoria & Albert) coming near the Olympic Park. The Culture Core’s dual function as a cultural and community centre will aim to SERVE THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, by providing opportunities for artistic and educational activities for residents of all ages. This cultural hub will be the tool to foster a DIVERSE, IN-

public spaces

FORMED, ENGAGED COMMUNITY and to create a true neighborhood. Attention to sustainability and aesthetics will also be an important element of the plan. To HONOR THE HERITAGE of the site and its industrial past, the plan aims to re-

transport connectivity

use the materials of the existing structures and where possible re-purpose the

cultural hub

un-used industrial buildings. Creating ARCHITECTURAL DIVERSITY and providing DIVERSE HOUSING TYPES will ensure to satisfy both the aesthetics and social purpose. sustainability ‘The key to make a new area attractive to prospective residents and visitors is to harness its history and draw in outsiders. Where there is some to retain, it adds richness and variety; you are not going to get that diversity emerging if you offer virtually no social space.’(John McAslan, architect of King’s Cross redevelopment’)1.

(1) Cited in Allen, Kate, How to Build a Community in Financial Times, House and Home Section, 10 July 2016, p.1.

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architectural diversity / housing

AREA CHARACTERISTICS

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Predominantly residential, this section offers hip and affordable lodgings for students (creating synergies with the new UCL campus) and affordable housing for families and the elderly. It is an integrated and diverse social

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The area’s character is predominantly commercial, hosting

STUDENT HUB & AFFORDABLE LODGINGS

hub, with opportunities for mutual social and entrepreneurial relations.

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offices and services to the north, serving the student and housing hub (station, school, supermarkets, dry-cleaning, etc.). To the South, independent boutiques, specialty stores, multicultural restaurants (Cuisine Row) prove attractive to visitors and users of the nearby Culture Core.

The existing allotments will be managed by local residents and will offer the opportunity to create relational webs among people, and to reconnect people with nature. These

RELATIONAL ECOLOGICAL CORNER

mini urban farms are conducive to the development of a close-knit social fabric and integrated community striving to build common values.

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The Culture Core is a for profit performance centre with

FUNCTIONAL BRANCH

a focus on music. It also functions as the local community centre with an educational, social and entertainment vocation. Its striking architecture makes it a recognizable landmark. Indoor and outdoor space will host a variety of

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CULTURE CORE

The Creative Quarter pays homage to the industrial herit-

CREATIVE QUARTER

age and legacy of the site. It hosts clusters of creative industries, such as fashion, art and digital technology, making Stratford a synergistic centre of innovation. It offers

events attracting locals and visitors. It defines a new paradigm of cultural entrepreneurship with a social mission.

+ RELATIONAL CORNER

job opportunities for all, while training centres enhance the skills and employability of the local residents.

A predominantely residential area with a historical character. Improved public and semi-public areas will strenghten the social fabric of the site.

+ HERITAGE ECOSYSTEM & RESEARCH HUB

THE ACTIVE ARTERY +

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Rich in historical heritage (with the 19th century Abbey Mill Pumping Station), and with a diverse ecosystem (waterways, green areas, diverse flora and fauna), this area also hosts a research centre focusing on renewable energies and on the next generation of transportation system.

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The High Street will see its character transformed with a dramatic increase in retail and leisure provisions. Currently a highly-trafficked barrier, it will become a pedestrian-friendly artery with a vibrant active frontage. It will provide services and amenities to local residents, workers and visitors alike (independent boutiques, cafes, supermar10

kets, restaurants, pubs, well-being spas, independent shops and leisure places).

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THE WEAVING OF STRATEGIES

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CONNECTED INFRASTRUCTURE

STABLE DENSITY

+ SOCIAL TEARGETING

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CENTRE POINTS

+ COMMUNITY NETWORK

HEIGHTS REGULATIONS

+ WATER RUNOFF

GREEN ATTRACTIVITY

INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY

The first step in the impelmentation of our vision is to create A NEW LEGIBLE INFRASTRACTURE system. The current network of dishomogenous street lines cannot support the coherent development of a metropolitan centre. Our aim is to create a well INTERTWINED STRUCTURE which constists of a high street, primary and secondary roads, and clearly defined cycling and pedestrian paths. Connecting bridges contribute to our vision for an ACCESSIBLE and PERMEABLE site that is easy to navigate. As the site develops into the new metropolitan centre of East London with job and educational opportunities attracting a growing population, we encourage the RELIANCE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT. Freeing the streets from vehicles and parking space is our long-term goal.

OBJECTIVES

• High Street revitalisation

• flyover transformation

• intertwined road structure

• reduction of car transport

• suppression of visible parking areas

• increased reliance on public transport

• adoption of a tram system

• enhancing cycling and walking opportunities

• more walkable areas and increased permeability

• converting streets into quality public spaces

• better connectivity to Olympic Park

• underground accessibility

• mixed-use street vision

CURRENT STRUCTURE

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PROPOSED STRUCTURE

STRATFORD

The Underground system is fundemental for London´s mobility. The DLR stations on our site are often neglected and underutilised, as in the case of the Pudding Mill Station.The area surrounding this station is not easily accessible and many users appear confused when alighting from the station.

The Stratford High Street station itself is not easy to locate. There is a need for clear street signage and clearly defined paths. For the DLR stations which are located on our site we propose an improved CONNECTIVITY by implementing a structure of linked roads that facilitate pedestrian movement.

We intend to focus on redefining the PUBLIC AREAS around the stations to make them attractive to

OLYMPIC PARK

riders, and on creating DIRECT and EASY PATHS to the station.

CROYDON

For the second phase of our strategy, we propose the introduction of TRAM ROUTES along the Strastford High Street to facilitate traffic flow and encourage the use of public transport.

Advantages :

• three times more energy-efficient than buses

• smooth and predictable course

• carry larger number of passengers

• less vibrations and noise

The existing Croydon tram line is already very popular. By 2030 Transport for London plans to extend the line to Stratford. We highly support this plan. As a starting point we suggest linking the route from Stratford to Croydon through the Stratford High Street. At a later phase, we envision the opportunity to connect the High Street N

to the Olympic Park and then further to the city centre. Trams as a GREENER and more SUSTAINABLE mode of transport should play a more prominent role in London’s public transport. While the startup process is slow, we consider this infrastructure intervention necessary to the development of Stratford into an International hub.

UNDERGROUND ACCESSIBILITY 14

TRAM SYSTEM

MAIN ROADS

PARKING

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We propose creating parking facilities for each new develop-

+

+

ment. High and mid-rise buildings fill be fitted with underground

Main roads allow the flow of private and

parking. Low-rise dwellings will be paired with garages. Outdoor

public transport vehicles. Our goal is to make

parking on side streets will be kept to a minimum. We will coun-

these primary roads more pedestrian-friend-

terbalance the presence of street parking with enhanced public

ly. Promoting walking and introducing

areas, to create mixed-use, attractive and vibrant streets.

cycling paths will be our primary tasks.

HIGH STREET +

+

+

+

The High Street encompasses different modes of transport including the newly introduced tram route. The significant width of the street allows for

GREENWAY

both motor and electric vehicles, as well as in-

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creased cycling and pedestrian movement.

The greenway acts as an effective pedestrian and cycling route with a direct connection to the Olympic Park. This improves the connectivity of the site and maximizes pedestrian patronage..

CONNECTING THROUGH ROADS

SECONDARY ROADS + + We will introduce two different types of secondary roads to increase the neighborhood’s accessibility: the first is a one-way traffic road for vehicles providing access to buildings’ parking; the second will be open to pedestrians and bicycles only promoting an active, healthy and sociable community.

High Street road

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main roads secondary roads N

bridges

INTERTWINED ROAD STRUCTURE 15

BUILDING DENSITY STRATEGY

One of the main threats to our area is the LACK OF QUALITY DENSE ESTABILISHMENTS and the LACK OF LOCAL PUBLIC SPACES. Our aim is to CONVERT this threat INTO AN OPPORTUNITY to

OBJECTIVES

create exciting areas for better living.

• full use of land potential

The current figure ground clearly shows a FRAGMENTED STRUCTURE, with no distinguished land-

• adding more density to the structure

• coherent placement of public areas

• creating key public space for interaction

• redeveloping dysfunctional areas

• create an equally dense urban structure

mark or main public space. Our vision entails CREATING NEW PUBLIC AREAS and improving the existing ones. The white space in the square diagram below right shows the proposed coherent placement of public areas.

The High Street aims to ATTRACT PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT. A central public area just off the High Street and currently vacant, will serve as the focal point of our site. The figure ground below shows how all objectives will be satisfied. The overall goal is to create a more COHERENT DENSITY PATTERN. The requalification of specific areas will better serve the residents and their housing needs, as well as satisfy the social vocation of our vision.

SCATTERED DENSITY STABLE DENSITY

CURRENT STRUCTURE 16

PROPOSED STRUCTURE

Complete REDEVELOPMENT of the residential area. The

CREATING CENTRE POINTS

new proposal IMPROVES THE CONNECTION to Stratford International station through a STRAIGHT, LEGIBLE PUBLIC GREEN WALKWAY in the space between the residential buildings hosting local residents and students. The fringe of this area includes offices and mixed use buildings.

The Creative corner area mainly PRESEREVES INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS with minor interventions.

New developments REPLENISH THE AREA density.

The mixture of aged and modern forms creates an interesting canvas for creative talents such as young traders, entrepreneurs as well as experi-

The REDEVELOPMENT of the lateral area will COMPLEMENT the High Street context. Offering MIXED USE

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

BUILDINGS with offices, facilities and amenities and residential opportunities on the higher floors.

Creating central public points in residential areas. Short distance, accessibility, high density are crucial for those PUBLIC GREEN SPACES. Those areas will support COMMUNITY INTERACTION, outdoor activities and the estabilishments of important infrastructures such as the tube station and cultural and community centres.

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preserved buildings

Creating a KEY CENTRE POINT which will attract people and SUPPORT MOVEMENT on the High Street. With its striking architecture

new buildings

and surrounded by a large public area the development will act as the main COMMUNITY MEETING point with entertaing activities such as

redeveloped buildings

food and craft markets, concerts, performances.

INCREASING BUILT DENSITY

STRUCTURE MASSING 17

HEIGHT REGULATION STRATEGY

OBJECTIVES

A proper environment allows the users to feel comfortable and enjoy visual delight. The aim of our building height strategy is to create a GRADUAL TRANSITION from high to mid to low-rise structures.

This natural flow OPTIMISES THE IMAGE OF THE STREET and creates HARMONY with the PUBLIC ELEMENTS such as tree and lamp height. We intend to preserve the existing low-rise buildings positioned in proximity to public parks and plazas. The higher structures are located along the wider main roads. The mid-rise buildings act as a natural liaison between the high and low-rise structures. Our building height strategy sets a new harmonious standard for those areas where new developments

• fullfill High Street high-rise potential

• connecting to the high-rise image of Stratford International

• creating a visual connection with to future high-rise developments

in Olympic Park

• create a gradual building structure

are planned.

High-rise buildings alongside main roads Mid-rise areas as gradual transiton

Low-rise area connected to main green public spaces

W

FLO

maximum of 4 storeys between 4 and 6 storeys 18

minimum of 7 storeys

minimum of 7 storeys

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BUILDING HEIGHT PROPOSAL

URBAN STRUCTURE STRATEGY Our goal is to create a coherent urban structure, improving the CONNECTIVITY and PERMEABILITY of the area. Creating a PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY environment, improving the crossing situation and promoting WALKING will result in a healthier and more engaged community. Improving pedestrian AMENITIES in the space between buildings and introducting ACTIVE FRONTAGES on the High Street will result in increase foot traffic that will attract commercial developments. These will provide SERVICES to residents and visitors and bring people to the street, creating a SAFE, SOCIALLY COHESIVE environment. DISABILITY ACCESS will be provided throughout, together with quality public transport. Differentiation in the heights of residential and mixed-use buildings will provide VISUAL INTEREST, as will the valorization of the views over the WATERWAYS. The street orientation will provide a sense of proximity to the waterfront. The RE-USE of existing materials (timber

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CARPENTERS ROAD

PUDDING MILL LANE, KERRISON ROAD

Rebuilt neighborhood offers housing for students of

Newly built mixed use areas provide new job opportunities in office and industrial spaces as well as hou-

planned UCL campus as well as social housing for

sing mainly for (but not only) professionals and young

wide range of users.

couples.

and bricks) mixed with contemporary glass and steel in the buildings‘ structures and facades will enhance and add to the CHARACTER of the site.

OBJECTIVES

• coherent urban structure

• legibility and permeability of the area

• higher density and more liveable space

• clear identity of public-private space relationship

• definition of public space

• attractive public space

• safety and security concerns

• street activity

• active ground floors enhancing commercial activity

• different characters for different activities

• importance of community needs

• enhancing business potential

• parking within sites and buildings

• connected urban fabric 19

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TARGETED SOCIAL GROUPS

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residential areas mixed use areas

ABBEY LANE, BRIDGEWATER ROAD Neighborhoods with calm atmosphere offering pleasant and safe housing for families with children and elderly people.

CITY BLOCK The proposal aims to design a WELL-DEFINED URBAN STRUCTURE in undeveloped areas and tranform existing inefficient structures in key areas . Our masterplan introduces the CITY BLOCK MODEL as a flexible form that offers variety in terms of architectural styles and creates a RICH and LEGIBLE

Retail shops and businesses on the ground

environment. This form of urban structure is an effective way of providing high density neighbor-

floor with direct access to the street support

hoods. Blocks divided into smaller sections offer spaces suitable for housing a well as commercial

activity of the street.

spaces and mixed use. We wish to establish a LIVELY STREET atmosphere and WELL CONNECTED PUBLIC SPACES that are attractive for resident and visitors alike.

Parking implemented within the site in the courtyard or in the underground to create attractive street space for people, preventing car domination.

COMMUNITY

CARPENTERS NEIGHBORHOOD

semi-private backyards

Perimeter block offers safe semi-private space for its residents and defines clear border between public and private space.

Shared space with greenery for community.

Semi-private spaces for residents.

PUDDING MILL LANE, KERRISON ROAD

ACTIVITY AND CIRCULATION public courtyards

Areas alongside busy streets and close to public transport hubs require spaces open to the public to provide permeable suroundings. This requires N

opening up the perimeter block to create semi-public and public spaces.

Creating and enhancing semi-public and public spaces.

Courtyards supporting activity and circulation.

BUILDING TYPOLOGIES 20

LOW-RISE, TERRACED HOUSES

Avoiding uniformity and providing architectural diversity gives the area a unique charac-

While the regeneration of Stratford High Street aims to fulfill the potential of the area to create a

ter.

vibrant and economically efficient area, it also aspires to attract a WIDE SOCIAL MIX and to cover the demands of different social groups. The newly proposed Bridgewater Road neighborhood and existing Abbey Lane neighborhood with its distinguished Victorian architecture are quiet residential areas. The character is suitable primarilly for families with children and elderly people, but can be attractive for other social groups as well. The newly built Bridgewater housing area ehances COMMUNITY COHESION by implementing shared spaces. The area has great public transport connection and relations to the Greenway and the Olympic Park area.

Calm neighborhoods with minimum traffic and walkable streets with pleasant greenery.

BRIDGEWATER ROAD

Calm neighborhood that prioritises walking and cycling, where public street space can be defined either by distinguishe building facades or front garden fencing. Terraced block can offer many variations and possible combinations of private, semi-private and public spaces.

Shared open spaces inside the block to facilitates community building.

DIVERSITY OF MATERIALS

OPEN STREET SPACE

SEMI-RPIVATE GARDEN

enhancing architectural character

defined by building line

terraced block defining shared space

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BUILDING TYPOLOGIES 21

COHERENT DIVERSITY

INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS

A responsible selection from a varied palette of materials will provide a sense of cohesion and avoid archi-

The historic character and heritage of the old manufacturing complexes should be enhanced. Industrial

tectural fragmentation, while also creating a pleasant visual diversity. Efficient bulding materials should be

buildings and warehouses can be reused, restored and repurposed. This REFURBISHMENT will create spa-

used to provide sustainable development.

ces suitable to host creative industries and new social amenities.

BRICKS, as a traditional British building material, are seen as an important element of the urban regeneration of Stratford. The REUSE of materials salvaged from demolished buildings will ensure a sustainable redevelopment. We value the ethical and aesthetics aspects of using recycled materials.

Different color bricks and perforated bricks determine the original character of a structure. Reclaimed bricks will be a key material used to rebuild in particular the Carpenters Estate neighborhood and to restore the historic fabric of the ex-industrial areas.

RECLAIMED BRICKS

The restored and rebuilt industrial premises will host the creative cluster, together with workshop spaces for artists and for the community. Furthermore, spaces for gallery exhibitions as well as restaurants and cafes will emerge.

Preserving the authenticity of industrial buildings will be combined with the use of new materials such as glass, steel, concrete and others.

CONVERSION AND EXPANSION combination of new materials

Equally important are other materials used in contemporary architecture, such as concrete, glass and metals. Stratford is developing quickly and we see as inevitable to construction of more high-rise buildings.

While new high-rise developments are usually built of GLASS and STEEL, we propose using TIMBER as an innovative way to achieve sustainability and ensure aesthetic quality at the same time.

PRESERVING INDUSTRIAL AUTHENTICITY THROUGH DETAILS 475 West 18th Street, NY. Timber-frame project by SHoP Architects

MATERIALS 22

The vision for Stratford entails the creation of MIXED-USE AREAS that will be attractive to people to live, work, learn

flats

and play, and to investors to establish commercial enterprises. A CULTURAL CENTRE will be the gravitational pole of

offices

Stratford, functioning as both a leisure centre and COMMUNITY CENTRE with an EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL and ENTERTAINMENT vocation. Residential, educational, commercial, industrial (creative clusters) and educational areas (research lab) will populate the site. The improvement of the existing PUBLIC GREEN SPACES and the creation of new small public plazas in the interstitial spaces will be conducive to spontaneous social encounters. Improvement in the CONNECTIVITY of the site will foster PERMEABILITY and the WEAVING of a COMPACT URBAN AND SOCIAL FABRIC. As each section will host MULTIFUNCTIONAL structures, the whole site will be POPULATED AT ALL TIMES of day and night, contributing to the creation of a SAFE, SUSTAINABLE, SOCIALLY INCLUSIVE environment.

OBJECTIVES

active ground floor

• attract people to live, work, learn, play, invest

• ensure mixed-use in 3 dimentions:

neighborhoods, blocks, buildings

(residential, commercial, institutional, leisure)

• provide for diverse demographics

(age, culture, gender, socio-economic level) • ensure use of space at all times of day and night

(through mixed-use and presence of cafes, pubs and services

within residential areas; indoor/outdoor, day/evening activities

by the Culture Core) • provide amenities (services and leisure) • Increase and enhance public spaces and green areas

• create spaces for spontaneous social encounters

(plazas in-between buildings)

RESIDENTIAL AREAS MIXED USE AREAS (residential spaces, offices, shops and other amenities )

COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS (offices, creative industry, amenities etc.)

INSTITUTIONS ‘The district, and indeed as many of its internal parts as possible, must serve more than one primary function; prefeN

(schools, educational cluster, community centre etc.)

rably more than two. These must ensure the presence of people who go outdoors on different schedules and are in the

SERVICES

place for different purposes, but who are able to use many facilities in common.‘ (Jane Jacobs, 1961).

(infrastructure and transport areas; pumping station, train station

LAND USE DISTRIBUTION 23

cafés, small supermarkets (delis), dry clean-

ALONG THE HIGH STREET:

ing, sports centre, pubs, restaurants, public

cafés, supermarkets, pubs, hotel, banks, independ-

library

ent stores, specialty stores, restaurants (chain and independent), public library, post office, public art

supermarket, dry cleaning, café, chain restaurants, specialty stores, banks, pubs, school, hospital, sport centre, station, job centre, medical clinic, town hall, public library, post office

cafés, restaurants, weekend outdoor market, education, public art, community centre, seating areas, playground independent boutiques, cinema, cafes, restaurants, spa, hotel, multicultural restaurants (‘Cuisine Row’)

cafés, delis, chain and independent restaucafés, supermarket, sport centre, restaurant,

rants, seating areas

specialty stores, community centre, public library, seating areas

cafés, restaurants, delis, playgrounds, seating areas

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cafés, small supermarkets (delis), independent restaurants, pubs, gym, public library, post

café, school, public library, chain restaurants

FUNCTIONS, SERVICES 24

OWNERSHIP PATTERNS

PUBLIC SPACE Open spaces support the local community and prove attractive to visitors.

The land-use analysis shows a large percentage of underused areas that are inaccessible to the public. Those areas have

Creation of a network of connected public areas. Renovation of existing

a large potential for regeneration opening up new possibilities for the development of Stratford into a metropolitan centre.

streets and green spaces is combined with the creation of new ones in key

They are the focus areas of business and communtiy activities. Our proposed new urban structure and building typolo-

areas.

gies establish a dominant percentage of public space; we aim to create a well connected network of streets and open spaces with abundant greenery. The city block model supports the establishment of semi-private and semi-public space

Stratford Hifgh Street and Greenway

for community uses.

Culture Core

Carpenters Park

Pudding Mill Square

Three Mills Green

SEMI-PUBLIC SPACE Spaces that are open to the public, but controlled by certain groups of people are located in areas providing social and community amenities, such as schools and kindergarden.

Community allotments are newly established or refurbished semi-public spaces located in residential areas and in the creative cluster spaces.

SEMI-PRIVATE SPACE Semi-private areas are represented mainly by shared spaces (backyards) for residents. Enhancing semi-private spaces will build a sense of community to stave off isolation in residential neighborhoods.

PRIVATE SPACE Large areas that are inaccessible to the public are mainly found to the South of the High Street. Since these private areas decrease the permeability of the environment, our plan is to counterbalance them with attractive public spaces along and in between the well-connected secondary streets.

7%

17%

4%

13%

8% PROPOSAL VS.

46%

ANALYSIS

N

42% ‘[...] edges may be barriers, more or less penetrable, which close one region off from another; or they may be

63%

seams, lines along which two regions are related and joined together.‘ (Kevin Lynch, 1960).

SPACE TYPOLOGY 25

SOCIAL DIMENSION STRATEGY

We aim to build a SOLID SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE through tangible and intangible tools.

TANGIBLE _The ATTRACTIVE PUBLIC SPACES will facilitate SPONTANEOUS SOCIAL ENCOUNTERS in the residential quarters as well as in the creative clusters. PLACES to MEET and LINGER will foster sociability and help create a TIGHTLY WOWEN SOCIAL FABRIC. _Outdoor pop-up libraries, playful street furniture and multicultural food retail offerings all contribute to building a MAGNETIC PLACE that residents want to call their own, and visitors want to return to. _Indoor and outdoor common areas in the Creative Clusters facilitate exchange of ideas and the creation of fruitful synergies.

INTANGIBLE _The Culture Core will not only offer ENTERTAINMENT to visitors, it will also serve the community through EDUCATIONAL and SOCIAL PROGRAMMES designed for residents of all ages. _A public/private collaboration between the community centre and the creative clusters will offer training courses and education workshops to the local residents, to enhance their skills and prepare them for NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.

OBJECTIVES

• promote spontaneous social encounters

• create synergies

• facilitate exchange of ideas

• build a cohesive community

• activities for community engagement

• open up access to education and jobs for the existing community

• create employment opportunities for the existing community and new comers

N

BUILDING A SOCIAL NETWORK public spaces community structures

‘The public realm is [...] the most important part of our towns and cities. It is where the greatest amount of human contact and interaction takes place’. (Francis Tibbalds, 1992)

STREET FURNITURE 26

POP-UP LIBRARY

‚CUISINE ROW‘

STUDENT HUB & AFFORDABLE HOUSING

RELATIONAL ECOLOGICAL CORNER in touch with nature sustainability

integration

affordability accessibility

social relations ecology

synergies

activity

diversity

THE CREATIVE QUARTER training

cooperation

job opportunities culture innovation

FUNCTIONAL BRANCH activity street art

businesscuisine services

multicultural

THE CULTURE CORE

THE ACTIVE ARTERY services

community

entertainment

active frontage

striking architecture music

movement vibrancy

education

movement

pedestrian friendly

RELATIONAL CORNER heritage

character

sustainability community

HERITAGE ECOSYSTEM & RESEARCH HUB research innovation

community

history

ecology education

N

SOCIAL CONNECTIVITY 27

BLUE INFRASTUCTURE

ECOLOGICAL MANAGE FLOOD

CONNECTIVE Boardwalks A network of elevated trails will be proposed along the canal, above the future wetland to form a ecological rich corridor within the site

Aquatic & Riparian The current situation of some areas of the canal is polluted. A mature ecological matrix is formed with wetland plant species that improves overall water quality

Bring Back Wetland Wetland provides habitat for aquatic species.

It also provides opportunities for water related recreational activities

Water Runoff Better water runoff system throughout the site to control flooding issue. (more green spaces create more permeable site, permeable paving etc.)

More green spaces to allow rain water run off throughout the site to avoid excessive water

Sense of Place Improved canal will benefit the properties that front onto the canal. It enhances the quality of the space as well as creates opportunities for interaction with nature within an urban setting

Cultural & History An improved blue infrastructure will represent the cultural and natural history of the site, which has the potential to increase public awareness about the canal and heritage building Three Mills Pumping Station.

More permeable pavement to allow water runoff throughout the site to avoid excessive water

N

Filtered water will be pumped to Thames river through Three Mills Pumping Station 28

GREEN INSTRASTRUCTURE Enhance biodiversity

Communal sport court

PRODUCTIVE RESPONSIVE

ATTRACTIVE Grow food

Identity of neighbourhood

Safe and active environment

Ecological rich adaptive landscape that deals with climate change

allotment biodiversity

providing FOOD, enhancing BIODIVERSITY and supporting natural processes

Allotments/private gardens

significant contribution to the IDENTITY OF NEIGHBOURHOODS, range of uses from enjoying tranquillity to informal play to ORGANISED SPORT.

Shared communal spaces

encouraging WALKING and CYCLING in safe well used environments

Stratford High Street

ADAPT to changing conditions and a changing climate including the ability to manage FLOOD RISK

Heritage site and canal

N

29

To create a well designed green infrastructure network of interlinked, multi-purpose open and green spaces with good connections to the places where people live and work, public transport, the Green Belt and the Blue ribbon Network, especially the Thames. This will provide a richly varied landscape that will benefit both people and wildlife providing diverse uses to appeal to, and be accessible by, all. (All London Green Grid, 2011)

Places for the local artists to create public arts with local

Sociable communal spaces create opportunities for the

Retails, amenities and services along Stratford High Street

Cultural and educational open space creates recreational

residents.

residents to meet.

will create active frontages (eyes upon streets)

venue for the families.

Main Stratford High Street as main green boulevard to connect north-south

Allotments provide space for the local residents to grow food together, potentially prpmoting social cohesion.

A platform for music events and multi-functional purposes.

Seasonal market is proposed along greenway.

Natural play

Integrated green and blue infrastructures bring people closer to the nature in an urban setting.

allotment

PUBLIC LOCALITIES 30

THE WEAVING OF OBJECTIVES

31

PROPOSED STREET COMPOSITION In this area we suggest some IMPROVEMENTS TO THE STREET USE. As a strategic element we propose the introducton of PARKLETS (pocket park) - replacing street

bike parking

-> supporting bicycle movement

MIXED-USE STREETS

parking space to create mixed-use areas that include seatings, bike parking and landscaping. The possibilities car parking

-> reducing car transport

are endless. The parklets CONNECT BOTH SIDES OF THE STREET and invite residents to PARTICIPATE IN OUTDOOR LIFE. We also try to reduce or even suppress car transport by narrowing the road, introducing cycling paths and expanding pavements for a more walkable

seatings and landscaping

-> inviting to participate in

outdoor life

and pleasant enviroment.

greenery

2m households

32

pavement

1m cycling path

3,5 m

2,5 m

2m

car road

parklets

pavement

households

HIGH STREET METAMORPHOSIS bike parking

-> supporting bicycle movement

outdoor facilities

-> contributing to city public life

MIXED-USE STREETS

public benches

-> enhancing pedestrian interaction seatings and landscaping

-> inviting to participate in

outdoor life

bus and tram stations

-> supporting public transport

greenery

The High Street will see its character transformed, from the current highly-trafficked barrier to a pedestrian-friendly artery, with attractive frontage, services and amenities servicing the local residents, workers and visitors (cafe, supermarkets and delis, restaurants, convenience stores). The wide street will act as a COMPLEX PUBLIC AREA with car ways concetrated in the centre, with the intention of reducing this part in the future. The USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT is enhanced by creating its own way and placing it close to the pavements for easy access and separating it from the car way so the traffic can FLOW SMOOTHLY without any traffic jams.

WIDE PAVEMENTS serve as a mean of INTERACTION and can be used as an extention for facilities such as cafĂŠs and restaurants.

The pavement extention which is divided by a cycling path in the middle, serves as a MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SECTION of the street containing stations, bike parking, public seatings and landscapings.

The whole aim is to make an EASY CONNECTION between both sides of the street and create a LIVELY ENVIRONMENT for people to enjoy..

33

3m

1m

3m

3,5 m

1m

7m

1m

3,5 m

3m

1m

3m

pavement

cycling path

pavement extention

public road

green transition

car road

green transition

public road

pavement extention

cycling path

pavement

TRANSFORMATION OF FLYOVER INTO ROUNDABOUT

To improve the current transport situation and erase as many unused spaces as possible, it is crucial to TRANSFORM THE END NODE of the High Street into a usable and SUSTAINABLE TRAFFIC DEVICE. The current flyover which is approximately only 500 m long represents a desperate attempt of traffic relief. Whereas the worldwide successful model of roundabout juction, which can be seen for example in the Bilbao tranformation, brings many advantages for a FLOWING TRANSPORT CIRCULATION.

• cheaper and sustainable service

• lower travel speeds as drivers must slow down

• more efficient travel flow with up to 50 % of capacity increase

• greater safety with up to 90 % reduction of fatality collisions

and 40 % of pedestrian collisions

• enhanced aesthetics through landscaping

current flyover situation 34

car

_centred traffic, roundabout conducted

bus

_public traffic segment, through roundabout

tram

_public traffic segment, through roundabout

taxi

_public traffic segment, roundabout conducted

STUDENT HUB & AFFORDABLE HOUSING Predominantly a residential area, this section offers HIP AND AFFORDABLE LODGINGS SERVICING THE STUDENTS of the new UCL campus. AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR FAMILIES AND HOUSING FOR THE OLDER DEMOGRAPHIC will also be a part of this site. The hub will ensure to RETAIN THE EXISTING COMMUNITY and to offer residents improved quality of dwellings, services and opportunities.

ACCESSIBILITY

AFFORDABILITY

The diversity of residents will help to construct AN INTEGRATED SOCIAL HUB. Successful social and entrepreneurial synergies will emerge as students and families can SUPPORT EACH OTHER through occasional job opportunities (e.g. student tutoring younger children, families offering affordable lodgings to students).

ACTIVITY

Residential buildings with active ground floor.

Proximity to the Olympic Park fulfils the demand

Defining semi-private spaces for community in

for sport and leisure activities.

the middle of the blocks.

CARPENTERS NEIGHBORHOOD

Large public greenery in the middle of the neighbor-

Keeping the structure of existing high-rises and N

0

35

100

200

300

400

500m

SCALE 1:5000 on A3

reconstructing their facades and interiors to adj-

The Carpenters Park serves as a walkable path

hood promotes walking and cycling and offers a

ust them to the new functions. Those high-rises

providing a direct link to the Culture Core and to

safe environment for children to play and people to

are used to define the newly formed green space.

the Stratford tube station.

relax.

RELATIONAL ECOLOGICAL CORNER

ENGAGING A DIVERSE COMMUNITY BRIDGEWATER ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD

RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS, COMMUNITY ALLOTMENTS The existing allotments will be restored and improved and new ones will be added. They will be managed by the residents in collaboration with the local community centre. The allotments are a SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE for the local community, providing fresh seasonal produce for local consumption. They also constitute a SOCIAL RESOURCE as they allow residents to ENJOY NATURE and serene spaces; children can discover the rewards of growing produce and families and locals of all ages and cultures can COME TOGETHER to bond and KNIT A TIGHT and WELL INTEGRATED SOCIAL FABRIC. Collaborations with artists in residence at the Culture Core promote PARTICIPATORY PROJECTS implementing ad hoc art initiatives within the allotment area and throughout the site.

EXISTING ALLOTMENTS Stratford

ABBEY LANE NEIGHBORHOOD N

0

36

100

200

300

400

500m

SCALE 1:5000 on A3

SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE

COMMUNITY

FUNCTIONAL BRANCH The area‘s character is predominantly COMMERCIAL, hosting offices and SERVICES to the north, in proximity to the student hub (the station, a school, supermarkets, public library, post office, dry-cleaning, etc.). To the South there will be MORE AMENABLE PROPOSITIONS such as independent boutiques, specialty stores, vintage shops, restaurants, pub, cinema, proving ATTRACTIVE to the visitors and users of the nearby Culture Core. Paying

BUSINESS

homage to the MULTICULTURAL FABRIC of Stratford, the area will host ‚Cuisine Row‘, a restaurant street dedicated to the cuisines representing the DIF-

SERVICES

FERENT ETHNICITIES residing on the site. Its an effort to BRING TOGETHER PEOPLE, INTERESTS and CULTURES through the unifying appeal of food.

INTERNATIONAL ‚CUISINE ROW‘ - pedestrian street

MULTICULTURAL

STREET ART

KERRISON ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD

N

0

37

100

200

300

400

500m

SCALE 1:5000 on A3

INTERACTIVE PUBLIC SPACE

DAY AND NIGHT ACTIVITIES

HERITAGE ECOSYSTEM & RESEARCH HUB

ECOLOGICAL

Proposed buildings as ADDITIONAL FACILITIES to serve

The CULTURE CORE as the landmark of the site

The DIVERSE ECOSYSTEM of the area includes a

the research hub as well as a residential purpose.

is visible to the north of this character area.

regenerated waterway with reed bed system and the

HERITAGE

creation of a walkable platform that brings people in touch with nature.

INNOVATION & RESEARCH

This character area marks the transformation of the site into a center of EDUCATION, CULTURE AND INNOVATION propelling Stratford into the second half of the third millennium.

The new RESEARCH LABORATORY resides in the ‘Heritage Ecosystem area, focusing on renewable energies which can be applied to the next generation of transportaN

0

38

100

200

300

400

500m

SCALE 1:5000 on A3

tion system.

The historical 19th century neo-Byzantine ABBEY MILLS PUMPING STATION seamlessly fits in this character area which creates educational opportunities for different age groups. Its distictive character draws visitors and artists’ interest.

CREATIVE QUARTER

CREATIVITY JOBS

HOUSING

Artist‘s impression of creative quarter.

The main commercial engine of the site will reside in the EX-INDUSTRIAL AREA, paying homage to its heritage and legacy.

It will host clusters of creative industries, aimed at transforming Stratford into a centre of innovation. Fashion, as a development of the local textile trade of the 17th century, as well as art, architecture, printing and digital technology are some of the trades that the clusters will attract. TRAINING CENTRES will be a part of the clusters. They will be managed through a public/private collaboration between the creative enterprises and the local community centre. The training programmes will aim at ENHANCING THE SKILLS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS to prepare them for the new jobs coming to the area. A culture of SHARED WORK SPACE will create a flexible environment, where openness leads to sociability, creativity and innovation.

Inspirational image: Shoredich Wall Art

Artist‘s impression of the shared workspace idea. Creative Quarter will create new job opportunities and boost the local economy through bringing in new talents into Stratford High Street.

N

0

39

100

200

300

400

500m

SCALE 1:5000 on A3

Creative Quarter will encourage local artists to create public art together with local residents and turn this area into a strong character area.

Some new buildings will be introduced and built with recycled materials to avoid spoiling the original character of the site.

These buildings will function as new housing/training centres.

CULTURE CORE

EDUCATION ENTERTAINMENT

SOCIAL

The Culture Core is a for profit performance centre with a FOCUS ON MUSIC. It also functions as the local community centre with AN EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL AND ENTERTAINMENT VOCATION. Its striking architecture makes it a RECOGNIZABLE LANDMARK. Indoor and outdoor space will host a variety of events attracting locals and visitors. It defines a new paradigm of cultural entrepreneurship with a SOCIAL MISSION.

Professional development courses

Toddler‘s activities 12pm

Outdoor sports activities

Religious activities Educational classes Matinee performances

Art classes 6pm

6am

ZZ

Z

Occassional special events

Indoor/outdoor sports activities 12am

N

0

40

100

200

300

400

500m

SCALE 1:5000 on A3

Indoor/outdoor concerts

Exhibitions

LED pedestrian crossing to slow

open lawn in front of Culture Core creates venue

down traffic on high street and create a safe and vibrant night scene that’s dominated by pedestrians.

for a wide range of social activities or seasonal outdoor concerts during day and night time. The striking architecture and its glowing lighting effect light up the sky upon Stratford.

level difference between greenway and Culture Core creates an opportunity to construct an amphitheatre which is served as seatings in front of the open lawn/outdoor activity space.

greenway will be lit by street lighting to improve the walkability and create a better east-west connectivity during night time.

NIGHT VIEW OF CULTURE CORE 41

GREEN AND BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE

RECREATION

This photo illustrates our vision for the integration of green & blue infrastructure strategies.

Rain water runoff

HABITAT

Rain water soaks into soil and connects to Abbey Mills pumping station through peforated pipe

BIODIVERSITY

rain water ll screed to fa

N

42

rain water screed to fa

ll

reed beds along the canal

ramp going down

improved pedestrian path with better

rain garden

will filter the water system and provide habitat for the wildlife and aquatic plants

from the pedestrian path to bring people closer to the water.

Timber decking creates opportunity for people to appreciate the water

paving material will enhance the user experience. 2% gradient of the path will allow rain water to screed to fall to rain garden and canal.

planting & tree strip

households

TOWARDS THE FUTURE

‘Today everyone who values cities is disturbed by automobiles.[…]

It would of course be ideal to dispose of cars entirely on city streets.’

(Jane Jacobs, 1961).

The focus of the researh hub is on renewable energies and on the NEXT GENERATION OF TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM. In collaboration with the talents from the creative quarter, they will propose solutions to the transportation conundrum. We envision the development of FLYING VEHICLES that will free the streets of Stratford from traffic congestion and parking lots.

Attractive SKYWALKS with far-reaching panoramas will also connect all high-rise buildings. TRANSPORTATION WITHIN THE SITE AND BEYOND ITS EDGES will be fast, clean and unobtrusive: the streets will be for the residents and visitors to enjoy as their safe, vibrant, sociable place.

CONNECTIVITY BEYOND THE BOUNDARIES

43

MASTERPLAN

44

PHASING

Our masterplan will be implemented in steps to ensure the feasibility and sustainability of the project. Our guiding principle is to ENGAGE and CONSULT WITH THE COMMUNITY from the start and throughout the implementation of the process.

PHASE 1 (5 years) will focus on INFRASTRUCTURAL INTERVENTIONS that will reduce traffic, improve transport and street connectivity (roundabout), and improve and enhance the public space. The installation of the CREATIVE QUARTER will also be a part of phase 1, to create job opportunities and support the economic development of the site. Construction of the CULTURE CORE and FUNCTIONAL BRANCH will commence at this time, too. PHASE 2 (10 years) will focus on the construction of the STUDENT HUB & AFFORDABLE LODGINGS, and on the establishment of the RESEARCH HUB, turning Stratford into an attractive centre of innovation with a social conscience.

To further the infrastructural improvement, a TRAM LINE will be installed. PHASE 3 (20 years) will further all improvements of the structural and social interventions, while the vision for the future (flying cars and skywalks) will be implemented in the subsequent 20 years, towards the end of the third Millennium.

N

Phase 1 (5 years)

Phase 2 (10 years)

Phase 3 (20 years)

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

TRAM LINE

CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT

INFRASTRUCTURAL INTERVENTIONS

RESEARCH HUB

of public/semi-public areas and social

CONSTRUCTIONS OF SKYWALKS

roundabout

STUDENT HUB & AFFORDABLE HOUSING

infrastructures

INTRODUCTION OF FLYING CARS

improvement of street network

CYCLING PATHS

improvement of public areas

IMPROVED GREEN & BLUE LINES

SEARCH FOR NEW FUNDINGS

underground parking

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURES

to finance continued structural and social

infrastructure improvements, community

CREATIVE QUARTER HIGH STREET TRANSFORMATION

active frontage

services and amenities

CULTURE CORE FUNCTIONAL BRANCH 45

community activities & programmes

programmes and prepare for future vision

Phase 4 (50 years): Towards the Future

FINAL MASTERPLAN

3.

1.

6.

4.

2.

8.

5.

1. High Street 2. Culture Core 3. Carpenters Neighborhood 4. Bridgewater Road Neighborhood

9.

7.

5. Abbey Lane Neighborhood 6. Kerrison Road Neighborhood 7. Heritage Ecosystem & Research Hub 8. Creative Corner 9. Roundabout

N

0

46

100

200

300

400

500m

SCALE 1:7500 on A3

APPENDIX

47

mix-used streets

improved infrustructure

supporting heritage potential and innovation

core landmark magnetic High Street

Our vision has transformed Stratford High Street and the adjacent area into a VIBRANT and ATTRACTIVE site, preserving and enhancing its CHARACTER and historical LEGACY. A new architectural coherence offers visitors and residents a pleasant and intriguing VISUAL DIVERSITY. Infrastructural interventions improve the PERMEABILITY and LEGIBILITY of the whole site. ENHANCED GREEN and BLUE LINES offer a rediscovered sense of VISUAL DELIGHT and a valorization of the local ECOSYSTEM. Streets are MIXED-USE with a vibrant active frontage, attracting residents, visitors and retail investors. Rediscovered and enhanced PUBLIC AREAS facilitate spontaneous encounters, STRENGHTENING the SOCIAL FABRIC of the community and creating a NEIGHBOURHOOD FEEL. The underused ex-industrial areas have been RESTORED and REPURPOSED, and made PRODUCTIVE. ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY, INNOVATION and SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY are hallmarks of the Creative Quarter and of the newly established Research Hub. The Culture Core, with its SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL and LEISURE vocation represents the magnetic hearth of the site, making Stratford the ATTRACTIVE and SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE new centre of East London.

interacting community

‘We prefer a world that can be modified progressively against a background of valued remains, a world 48

walkable and open paths

in which one can leave a personal mark alongside the marks of history’ (Kevin Lynch, 1972).

This study proposes a DESIGN FRAMEWORK for Stratford High Street. Our vision for the regeneration of Stratford takes into account the areas’ rich history and HERITAGE, its current diverse demographics, the presence of excellent transport infrastructure and the opportunities provided by the surrounding area, with the Olympic Park and the imminent arrival of new educational and cultural venues to the West.

Capitalizing on these factors will allow for a regeneration plan that is HOLISTIC AND SOCIALLY and PHYSICALLY SUSTAINABLE. The interventions of our framework envisions the creation of MIXED-USE AREAS, a transformation of the street network and the introduction of a tram line to enhance the CONNECTIVITY within the site and beyond its edges. It entails creating a cultural centre as the focal point of the site that will function as both a leisure and community centre, strengthening the COHESIVE SOCIAL FABRIC of the site.

A creative cluster and a research hub will successfully respond to the quest for NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES and will transform Stratford in a centre of innovation. The provision for new and AFFORDABLE HOUSING is satisfied and implemented through a diverse residential hub that is conducive to building a web of relations and synergies.

We are confident our vision will translate into an economically viable area, that will be ATTRACTIVE TO PEOPLE TO LIVE, WORK, LEARN, VISIT, PLAY and INVEST and that will flourish for generations to come. Lastly, its research lab will propel the site into the third millennium by devising the NEXT GENERATION OF TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM that will free the streets from vehicles and allow the community to reclaim the space as THEIIR NEIGHBORHOOD, for their social enjoyment.

49

CONCLUSION

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Carmona, M, Heath, T., Oc, T. and Tiesdell, S. (2003), Public Places, Urban Spaces: The Dimensions of Urban Design, Architectural Press.

Gehl, Jan, (2011) Life Between Buildings: Using Public Space. Island Press, p. 113.

Hook, L., The Drive for Change in Financial Times, House and Home Section, 11 December 2016, p. 1.

Jacobs, J. (1961, 2000 edition), The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Pimlico, pp.164, 352.

Lynch, K. (1960), The Image of the City. The MIT Press.

Lynch, K. (1972) What Time is This Place? MIT Press, Cambridge Mass., p. 39.

Mayor of London, Green Infrastructure and Open Environments: the All London Green Grid (2012). Online: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/algg_spg_mar2012.pdf

(Accessed: 10 November 2016).

50

Sircus, J. (2001) Invented Places in Prospect, 81, September/October 30-35.

Stratfordrising.com. 2015. Stratford: the Vital Statistics | Stratford Rising - Championing Arts and Culture. ONLINE: http://www.stratfordrising.com/news/stratford-vital-statistics.

(Accessed 10 November 2016).

Tibbalds, F. (1988), Ten Commandments of Urban Design, The Planner, 74 (12), 1.

Tibbalds, F. (1992), Making People-Friendly Towns: Improving the Public Environment in Towns and cities. Longman Group, UK.

UCL Transport Institute. (2014). Future of the High Street. Implications for Transport Policy and Planning. (ONLINE): https://www.ucl.ac.uk/transport-institute/pdfs/future-high-street.

[Accessed 10 November 2016).

MA in Architectural History

51