urban development debate module by Abdulaziz Saleh

2012 Olympic Village East London Transit Oriented Development Model For Sustainable Communities CPT924 I URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEBATES I 21076260

Content • Introduction to 2012 Olympic Village, East London • The Olympic Legacy • Transit Oriented Development Definition • Transit Oriented Development Principles • Transit Oriented Development & Urban Policy • Transit Oriented Development & Place Making • Transit Oriented Development & Sustainability • Transport Legacy • TOD & Urban Legacy • TOD & Environmental Legacy • Conclusion

The study site is an Olympic site and village in East London in one of the most disadvantaged areas. For nearly half a thousand years, this area was associated with the industrial sector, which polluted 75 percent of the Earth (Kavetsos, 2012). There were very few features that would attract visitors to the area. Creative activity was largely hidden and there were few “convivial places” (Shaftoe, 2008), “There's no places to meet so people tend to socialise around each other's houses or at galleries” (Artist, 2009 cited in(Stevenson 2016). There were plans to develop East London already before the Olympic developments which were tapped to achieve long term development goals. In 2003, Jason Prior, who led the implementation of the London 2012 Olympic Park, “admitted development would have happened even if the Olympics hadn’t come” (Burrows, 2017).

The Games helped ensure that some projects adjacent to the Olympic site were delivered despite difficult economic conditions by increasing developer confidence (Smith 2014, p.2). East London was nominated as a major location for the Olympics, an option favoured by Ken Livingston, Mayor of London from 2000 2008, who insisted on doing so while leaving a positive legacy, catering to London's development ambitions, and meeting the requirements of the International Olympic Committee. When the Games were awarded to London in 2005, officials suddenly committed to delivering an event that would “rejuvenate the entire community, become the centre of East London, bring communities together and act as a catalyst for profound social and economic change” (London 2012, 2004. p. 19 quoted in(Smith 2014, p.20)).

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Introduction to 2012 Olympic Village, East London

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Map of the Olympic Park site prior to development (2007) and the proposed Olympic Park in legacy mode (2012). Ordnance Survey

Master Map Data

Source:

The Games provide an opportunity to showcase the wealth of transport improvements that have already been made, underway or planned, and to promote the benefits that improved transport connections and infrastructure will mean for East Londoners(Greater London Authority 2012). The village was within walking distance of the Olympic Park and most sports venues, and 11 apartment buildings with 2,818 apartments were built to accommodate 16,000 athletes and officials. Facilities included a hairdressing salon, a small recording studio, a game room, a cinema room, and a dining hall for up to 5,000 people. After the Olympics, apartments became affordable housing (wood 2021).

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The Olympic Legacy legacy is something that is naturally left behind, but in the world of events, it has evolved into something that is purposefully delivered (Smith, 2014). The award of the Olympic Games event helped the development of East London greatly and the government took it upon itself to be on the side of sustainability, a lot of investment was invested, 6.5 billion pounds were invested to improve the transport network and ensure the smooth running of the Games (Greater London Authority 2012). The Mayor is also committed to ensuring that significant investment in the public sector and infrastructure for the Games leaves a lasting legacy for the most disadvantaged Londoners by serving as a catalyst to address decades of underinvestment across East London, accelerating the renewal process. This includes addressing health inequality issues and ensuring that behavior change activities appropriately focus on the groups currently least likely to consider walking and cycling on their travels, thus reducing the risks of cancer and heart disease.

Aerial view of the Olympic Park showing the Olympic and Paralympic Village, Basketball Arena, and restored stream. Picture

taken on 16 April 2012. scenarioarchitecture.comSource:

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In the 1980s, noting the shortcoming of suburban congestion and car-oriented developments, urban planners and researchers began looking for alternatives, the main objectives of the research agenda at the time were: reduce motorized journeys and especially solo driving; shortening the length of the non-motorized flight; and increasing non-motorized excursions such as cycling and walking. The concept of TOD was introduced by architect and urban planner Peter Calthorpe, who in his book the Next American Metropolis urged planning for pedestrians and transit, “not to eliminate the car, but to balance it out” (Calthorpe 1993). Across the world to promote urban and transport sustainability, Transit-Oriented Development(TOD) is certainly one of the most successful attempts, with vertical and horizontal diversity.

Transit Oriented Development Definition

Road Congestion in USA during 1950s. Source: Google Images

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Since the concept of TOD emerged in the late 1980s (Ibraeva et al. 2020), it has received increasing interest from researchers and practitioners as a way of integrating together transportation engineering and planning, urban design, and land use planning to provide comprehensive solutions to contemporary urban problems. A transit-oriented development (TOD) is generally defined as a medium to high-density residential development that also includes business and shopping opportunities and is located within walking distance of a major transit station(Parker et al. 2002). Also the concept of TOD can be define as “the precise coordination of urban structure around the public transportation network” (Hickman and Hall 2008). And “TOD can be described as land use and transportation planning that makes cycling, walking and transit convenient and desirable, and increases the efficiency of existing public transportation services by concentrating development around public stations, stops, and interchanges” (Thomas and Bertolini, 2017). It is based on four principles: Proximity, Diversity, Density and Ubiquity (Borsari, 2020). Suburban Development in USA during 1950s. Source: Google Images

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In addition, transit-oriented development is intended to address some issue such as urban sprawl, traffic congestion and climate change problems, in order to reach a sustainable future (Nieweler 2017). In figure 1, there are seven key factors for the success of transportation development, which form the investment in transportation infrastructure as the backbone of the idea with idea with diverse uses of land, population density, construction density, housing, supporting mobility in its simplest form, lower costs and shorten time.

The seven key factors for successful transit oriented development: Figure 1. The seven key factors for successful transit-oriented development (Source: Transit Oriented Development Institute)

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Source: Institute for Transportation & Development Policy, New York, USA

Transit Oriented Development Principles

Develop neighborhoods that promote walking High quality, easy-to-walk sidewalks provide basic mobility for everyone. Furniture, landscape elements and the edges of the building turn the sidewalk into the most vibrant public space. It requires physical exercise and effectively contributes to the improvement of environmental conditions. The three important parameters of this principle are safety, activity and comfort.

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Prioritize non-motorized transport networks

Cycling is essentially a very efficient, elegant, emission free, healthy and affordable means of transportation. Key factors for facilitating cycling are safe road conditions and safe parking and storage facilities for bicycles. Road design ensures the safety of cyclists by slowing down the road. A complete network of shading elements, a smooth surface and a stable bike parking space are essential to nature.

9URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEBATES CPT924 Create impenetrable networks of streets and paths A dense network of cycling and walking paths leads to short, diverse and direct connections that improve access to goods, services and public transportation. Slow vehicle speeds, many pedestrians, frequent street corners and narrow right of way traffic facilitate street activity and local commerce. Locate development near immense-quality public transport Transit associates and integrates distant parts of the city for pedestrians. Access and proximity to public transport with huge capacity.

Source: Institute for Transportation & Development Policy, New York, USA

10URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEBATES CPT924 Increase mobility by regulating parking and road use Competent parking fees and reductions in the total number of parking spaces create incentives for public transport, walking and cycling. Inadequate and reliable urban space resources can be restored through unnecessary roads and parking lots and used for more social and economically productive uses. Optimize density and transit capacity The expansion of residential and commercial use around a highcapacity transit station will help all residents and workers access high quality public transportation. access to parks and open spaces, and the protection of natural and cultural resources.

11URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEBATES CPT924 Plan for mixed use Various installations for residential and non residential use reduce the need for travel and ensure activation at all times for public spaces. Create regions with short commutes Redeveloping existing urban structures allows residents to live closer to work, schools, services and other destinations, reducing travel time and emissions. On an urban scale, being compact means being spatially integrated through the public transport system.

Source: Institute for Transportation & Development Policy, New York, USA

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Through my review and reading of London's plans, strategies and policies, I find that the focus on transport, transit and transport safety takes a great deal of attention from officials, planners and other decision makers. Transport was the centrepiece of the mayor's vision, Sadiq Khan, to create a city for all Londoners. The mayor's transport strategy outlines his plans to transform London's streets, improve public transport and create new homes and jobs. To achieve this, the mayor wants to encourage more people to walk, cycle and use public transportation(Transport for London 2018). What are the criteria taken into account to achieve transitory development? Several new public transport lines have been developed at the Games site, including Stratford and Stratford International stations with installations of nine lifts at Stratford Station(Olympic Delivery Authority 2011). To raise the capacity of the stations and facilitate movement through them, the Legacy Corporation's long-term ambition is to create a family centerd environment that will see up to 7,000 new homes and up to 8,000 jobs in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park over the next 20 years. This will be complemented by world class sports venues, two new elementary schools and one high school, nine nurseries, a primary care centre, two walking centres, three Safer Neighbourhood teams, one idea store and seven community spaces to support this new neighbourhood (London Legacy Development Corporation, 2012). This diversity and density meets the requirements of transit-oriented development as indicated in Your Sustainability Guide to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 2030, that each home will be located within 350 meters of the bus station (London Legacy Development Corporation, 2012). Herein lies the essence of this concept.

Transit Oriented Development & Urban Policy

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2. Health care facilities: High quality health care facilities must be available by means of public transportation, cycling and walking (Policy 3.17).

1. As per (London Legacy Development Corporation 2012b) Policy 1.1 of the London Plan sets out a goal (B3) to create “a city with diverse, strong, safe and accessible neighbourhoods” . Local areas should also promote the provision of mobility schemes and other measures to improve access to goods and services for Londoners' old and disabled people (Policy 2.15).

4. Providing public transport capacity and safeguarding land for transport: Improving the accessibility of public transport is a key criterion to be used in meeting this policy (policy 6.2).

3. Sports facilities: Inequality in access to sport and physical activity should be addressed (policy 3.19).

5. Buses, bus transits, trams: The accessibility of pedestrian routes and the design of bus stops are specifically mentioned in this policy (policy 6.7).

Following Urban Policies helped bring out Transit Oriented Development at the Olympic site and village.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEBATES CPT924 14 Before 2012 Olympics After 2012 Olympics

The vision was to create distinctive neighbourhoods in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, extending the life and character of the surrounding communities on the site. Active public spaces are planned as focal points for each neighbourhood, with two train stations connecting the site to central London and an on-site bicycle and pedestrian network supporting sustainable mobility while facilitating mobility for the disabled and the elderly. With nurseries, schools, community centres, retail stores and major sporting venues providing amenities for residents in the shortest possible journey duration. A new piece of town has been built, well connected to the vibrant communities of East London.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEBATES CPT924 15 Improved Connectivity

Place making inspires people to collectively rethink and reinvent public spaces as the centre of all communities. Placemaking is about strengthening bonds with the people and places they share, and refers to the collaborative process of creating public spaces to maximize shared value with sustainable transportation that meets the needs of all. Placemaking not only promotes better urban design, but also defines places and creates creative use patterns with particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that underpin their continued evolution, and promote it. It has been several years since the 2012 London Olympics and its attendant developments, but the impact they have had can be felt throughout East London(East London Architects 2018). Since that time, much has changed in the UK, but the lasting effects of the Olympics will always be there. It brought more tourism to the city, encouraged property development and welcomed new residents into this historic part of industrial London. And attendance at the Olympics will be felt for many years to come. The Olympic site and the village has become a destination for Londoners housing, leisure and investment, the diversity of uses, ease of transportation through the site and access to the site through two train stations. Stratford station and International Stratford station helped to make the place exemplary and valuable. If you don't want to move to London, East Village still has a lot to do. If you're looking for the perfect place to go out, East Village has a variety of bars and restaurants, making it a vibrant place in East London where you can live, work, shop, and dine. additionally, It has all the qualities of a great night out in east London without having to travel for what you want (East London Architects 2018).

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Transit Oriented Development & Place Making

The heart and soul of sustainability is Transit Oriented Development, which brings together compact, walkable neighborhoods with high quality rail systems. This leads to low carbon lives by allowing people to live, work, and play without the need for a car. This way of life can cut down on energy use and driving by up to 85%.By offering increased transit accessibility and a mix of uses within the community fabric, well designed TOD allows individuals to walk, cycle, or take public transportation to satisfy their daily requirements. This is an urban development answer to single use suburban sprawl's traffic, carbon pollution, and inefficiency.

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Transit Oriented Development & Sustainability

Source: Transit Oriented Development Institute

SUSTANIABLE WAYS Bicycle lanes and walking paths around the village are designed at appropriate distances so that people get a good rest in recreational places or tourist attractions to encourage people to walk, and bicycles for rent at competitive prices are also set up to attract people to use sustainable transportation.

One of the main goals of the mayor and stakeholders for this project was to keep the village engaged after the games ended. Taking advantage of the Olympics, the government focused its efforts on expanding Stratford Station and its suburbs in order to support and facilitate the use of public transport, to preserve the environment and reduce carbon production due to mobility in place.

How to get around the Olympic Park?

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEBATES CPT924 18 Transit Oriented Development & Sustainability

Source: London 2012 Transport Plan ODA

The Transport Plan for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was published by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) in June 2011. The action plan for transport development and policy documents followed for the action plan. The Business Plan is developing several blueprints and plans within the 2012 Games Transportation Plan for the broader legacy. This action plan also supports the London 2012 Sustainability Plan "Towards One Planet 2012". ESRTP supports regional growth and revitalization, taking into account specific transportation challenges in East London. Both ESRTP and LIP offer a variety of programs and interventions to support convergence, regeneration and growth. In connection with the 2012 Games, transportation planning defines areas where TfL believes the district should focus in order to maximize the broader benefits of the 2012 Games. It includes new ways to integrate sustainable travel into the construction of new homes and offices, promote the spread of physically active travel, and make the most of existing and planned transportation. Includes how to find a development. Figure 2 shows how action plans relate to ESRTP and LIP.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEBATES CPT924 18 Transport Legacy

Figure 2 – Links between the action plan and other planning policy documentsaction plan for transport development and the policy documents followed for the action plan.

• A fleet of 200 electric vehicles transported Olympians, supported by 120 charging stations that created the UK’s largest network of recharging points. The charging stations will support emission-free travel long after the Games.

Transport Legacy

• At least 60 Games-related projects promoted greener travel, including a GBP 10 million investment to upgrade pedestrian and cycling routes across London.

• The UK's Home Office invested GBP 40 million in communications upgrades for London's Underground, doubling radio capacity at key stations to help authorities deal with any emergency.

• London Olympic 2012 won the Sustainable Transport Award at the Sustainability Leader Award, organized by Edie and Sustainable Business magazine, for its Active Travel programme.

• Transport for London invested GBP 6.5 billion in transport infrastructure in preparation for the 2012 Games.

• The games also encouraged more sustainable forms of transport and recorded a 29% rise in cyclists during the games, while in East London this figure rose to 58% and 158% rise in pedestrians.

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• 10 railway lines and 30 new bridges continued to connect London communities after the Games.

• The Olympic Village was converted into more than 2,800 flats in 11 residential plots, with spacious courtyards, gardens and balconies.

TOD & Urban Legacy

• Five new neighbourhoods will be established around the park to include 11,000 residences, one third of which will be affordable housing.

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• Locating the Games in East London revitalized an industrial wasteland and set the stage for future economic growth in what had been a struggling section of London. Work on the Olympic Park became the largest construction project in Europe, delivering sports infrastructure, parkland and an Olympic Village that was designed to become a vibrant residential community after the Games.

• The VeloPark, is owned and managed by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, is a world-class cycling facility where professional and recreational cyclists alike can train, supporting the continued development of competitive and noncompetitive cycling across the UK.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEBATES CPT924 19 TOD & Urban Legacy

• The Aquatics Centre and the Copper Box was operated by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) for 10 years, starting in 2013. The Centre will be open to the local community and schools, and will host a range of swimming programs, in addition to major national and European events.

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• 300,000 plants were planted in the Olympic Park’s wetlands area. Over 1,000 new trees were planted in East London.

TOD & Environmental Legacy

• To reduce the environmental impact of the massive construction project, workers dredged the River Lea to create a canal network that was used to transport construction materials to the site.

• More than 98 % of the demolition waste from decrepit buildings that were torn down was recycled.

• The Energy Centre employed innovative biomass boilers that burned woodchips and other sustainable fuels to supply heating and cooling to buildings throughout the Olympic Park.

• An independent commission was established to monitor and publicly evaluate sustainability efforts. The Commission for a Sustainable London 2012 rated the overall effort “a great success” .

• The Copper Box was covered with recycled copper and reduces water use by 40 per cent by recycling rainwater

• The Velodrome was built with 100 per cent sustainably sourced timber.

• Organizers are also developing 45 hectares of habitat, with a 10year ecological management plan to encourage biodiversity.

• The London 2012 Olympic games has achieved carbon emissions savings of around 400,000 tons, despite larger than expected spectator-related emissions, according to the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic games (LOCOG).

• The London Olympic Athletes' Village is the largest sustainable homes project in the UK.

The Olympic Village development project, focusing on sustainable development in its social, economic and environmental types, has achieved a legacy that benefits East London residents, except today and in the future of the place as well. Achieving social sustainability by ensuring the right of movement for all and not discriminating between the classes of society, rich or poor, the elderly or children, as well as achieving economic sustainability by providing access to good food shopping and a range of services within these centers that support the economic cycle, in addition to local employment. It also works on environmental sustainability in transportation, reducing dependence on cars and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Conclusion

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