1 minute read
Looking Back
In the last course, I reflected on and used two photographs in many occasions to illustrate some of the issues of the urban environment that matter to me.
The picture in black and white represents a contemporary urban environment that is out of date already. It is for people that are car-dependent as result of the urban and architectural design decisions of the past and it follows an economic, social and environmental model that is unsustainable. Spaces are over dimensioned and the sense of place is poor, having no regard to the preexisting landscape.
Advertisement
On the other hand, the photograph in colour evokes me feelings of living in the geography, not against it. Whilst it could be seen as a simple picture of a house, I believe that it counters the previous image with a soft approach of understanding space, geology, topography, water, habitats, time, etc. and making place (and peace) with these.
Some of the aspects from this masterwork develop from my interest in geography and landscape, and the need to move away from an unsuccessful urban habitat.
Purpose of Masterwork
The purpose of this masterwork is to critically analyse Lewes town and a specific site, the Station Car Park, as well as to develop a cohesive framework and scenarios for its redevelopment based on the lessons learned.
The path towards a conceptual urban design scenario includes an understanding and critique of the relevant local planning policies applicable to this site, assessed from my own ethos. In order to strengthen critical reviews of policy and the site, I support arguments and design decisions with academic theory and precedents.
Another purpose of the masterwork is challenging myself and what I have learned so far, as well as expanding horizons. Therefore, I have consulted and incorporated relevant academics into the analysis and discussion of the issues and opportunities as well as in the germination design proposals.
The result is a well-reflected independent design assessment and set of scenarios for the redevelopment of the Lewes Station Car Park.
