Special Project

WHERE

WHY UK's Greenest City with 155m² of green space per resident ...

(NatWest Group, 2021)

... but Sheffield City Centre is dominated by redundant retail and hard landscape.

Site boundary 5m contours Heart of the City II

Barker’s Pool, Sheffield Grade II* Listed War Memorial

Grade II* Listed Sheffield City Hall

Zoe Nosworthy

Weston Park

Female life expectancy

78.7 86

most deprived areas

Ponderosa Site Boundary

Gell Street Park

least deprived areas

1km radius from centre of Site

Devonshire Green

Public park or garden

Male life expectancy

74.4 83.1 Data from Furness, T and Turner, T. (2012)

Play space

most deprived areas

Playing field

least deprived areas

1

Sports South Street Park

Health inequalities across Sheffield

Disused John Lewis department store

Allotments Religious grounds / cemeteries

N

Norfolk Heritage Park

0

3

360m

Lack of green space in the City Centre

Figure 2: Green Space Typologies Map

Greenest City in Europe

N

(Heydon, 2020)

100m

0

2

Food Insecurity: warmer & drier climate lack of growing space

Figure 1: Site Location Map

1/3 of Sheffield lies within the Peak District (The Outdoor City, 2021). Visitors need money (for transport or fuel) and time to access this green space and enjoy its many benefits.

DESIGN DRIVERS

“Shopper’s delight” “Superb restaurant”

SITE

John Lewis 1963 - 2021

PRECEDENTS

Sheffield Gold Route guides visitors through the city centre

Barker’s Pool was once a

Medieval Reservoir

Top image: Anonymous, 1939

Broadmarsh Ruins

Image: Marsden, 2021

Nottingham

Zaha Hadid - ‘Total Fluidity’

Image: Heatherwick Studio, 2021

THEORY

formerly ‘Cole Brothers’

Both images: Zaha Hadid Vienna Studio, no date

Image: Broad Marsh, 2021

Landscape Theory in Design

Tactical Urbanism

Susan Herrington

Intervention Theory: Challenging people’s perceptions of a landscape

Mike Lydon

Spatial Constructs: Understanding space by moving through it

Measuring Urban Design

Using temporary landscape installations to respond with intention and flexibility to changing circumstances

Clemente & Ewing

Human scale: cohesive and stimulating at eye level

Cities for People Jan Gehl

Soft edges: attractive for sitting, leaning, observing

MISSION

Empower the people of Sheffield to reclaim space that is rightfully theirs.

APPROACH

VISION

Experiment with green, temporary installations that are engaging, productive and responsive to sustainably revitalise Sheffield’s City Centre.

Activate

Planting increases comfort, functionality and aesthetics

Sheffield City Centre: make Barker’s Pool a destination instead of simply a through-route

Attract & retain Sheffield

residents and visitors with an installation that is not only attractive but functional

Varied activities and events draw in visitors Flexible and efficient solutions to changing needs

Inspire future

management of postpandemic city centres

Accessible marketing with a strong message

Resilient and adaptive plant communities

Multifunctional spaces for rest or play

Enclosed private spaces that offer prospect and refuge

EXPLORING ‘MEANWHILE USES’ FOR JOHN LEWIS

A

Removal of walls makes the journey through the building more legible.

The removal of floors improves visibility, aiding wayfinding. This permeability makes it easier to observe activities and connect with other people.

The avenue of fruit trees can be seen from anywhere in the building and guides visitors through from Barker’s Pool to Cross Burgess Street.

Visitors can eat food where it is grown reconnecting with nature, and one another.

Produce may be foraged by visitors and is used by outlets running the kiosks. Surplus is donated to food banks or soup kitchens.

Perspective view into the partly demolished John Lewis building in summer, from above the original main entrance

FLOODING BARKER’S POOL WITH GRASSES

The site’s history as a reservoir is reflected through a water dropletshaped motif. This informs the shapes of stepping stones, planters, benches and kiosks. It is a recurring element that creates cohesion across the site.

Along the current of ornamental grasses float boardwalks and stepping stones. These weave through the planters, inviting visitors to explore and immerse themselves fully in this unexpected landscape.

The shorter Carex flacca ‘Blue Zinger’ represents still water in areas of lower footfall

Zoe Nosworthy

Redefining ‘indoors’ and ‘outdoors’ The exterior ground floor walls will be knocked through for ornamental grasses to flow in from Barker’s Pool, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors to create a seamless blend between architecture and landscape.

Internal walls will be cut away to allow for visual unity across the large open structure of the department store.

Soft planting and smooth curves of the walkways and planters loosens up the retained geometric frame of the partly demolished John Lewis.

Holes cut into the roof and subsequent floors below allow light and rainwater to reach the planters. Those in shadier areas of the building will utilise shade-tolerant species such as blackberry, raspberry and rhubarb.

Helictotrichon sempervirens represents moving water along key pedestrian routes

Shady edibles for indoor planters

A non-slip finish will be applied to the granite stepping stones. The timber of the boardwalks and ramps will be treated with deck grip to prevent it from becoming slippery in wet weather conditions.

From planter to plate...

Rheum x hybridum ‘Giant Grooveless Crimson’ (Rhubarb): harvest in spring

+

Provides nitrogen-fixing properties

Low lying; helps Fragaria to control weeds vesca (Alpine Strawberry):

+

fruits in summer

Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli):

Deters whiteflies

Deters pests

harvest from spring

Allium schoenoprasum (Chives): harvest summer autumn

Perspective view over Barker’s Pool in autumn, from above the City Hall

B

Making the familiar unfamiliar Once a Medieval reservoir, sluices could be opened which released water along Barker’s Pool and Fargate to clean the streets. This dynamicism is captured through tall ornamental grasses that ripple in the slightest breeze.

Wooden boardwalks follow pedestrian desire lines to maintain the site’s access as a through-route. Tall ornamental grasses obscure the anticipated views of a familiar landscape, enticing visitors to wander off the beaten track.

Wayfinding

Eragrostis spectabilis

Water spray

On the concrete retained building frame, external entrances, additional supportive pillars and climbing walls/columns: engraved copper Spring

Image: Shutterstock, 2022

Moving water

Summer

Autumn

Helictotrichon sempervirens

Image: Teahub, 2022

Spring

On timber kiosks, benches and planters: cut granite Summer

Autumn

Carex flacca ‘Blue Zinger’

Still water

Contrasting bronze and steely blue tones complement the ornamental grasses.

Re-use of materials Once the lifecycle of this installation comes to an end, the timber will be recycled. Sponsorship and wayfinding plaques will be redistributed around Sheffield City Centre for visitors to find.

Image: Bevanda, B. 2017

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Sunny edibles for outdoor planters Mentha spp. (Mint): harvest leaves late spring to mid-autumn

repels pests, Rubus fruticosus attracts pollinators (Blackberry):

+

shades the soil, reducing ground temperatures

fruit in autumn

Allium cepa ‘Sturon’ (Onion): harvest in summer

+

deters carrot root fly

deters onion fly Daucus carota 'Sweet Candle' (Carrot): harvest summer to autumn

FOOD-TOPIA : REDISCOVERING OUR ROOTS

WHAT

Zoe Nosworthy

Original entrance

A

Exterior wall knocked through

B C

A’

Section elevation

B’

Green roof planting maximises the sunlight let in through the excavated roof

Height of green roof substrate above ground

A

A’

Low: approx.

0.3m

C’

0

20m

N

High: approx.

0.5m

Malus domestica ‘Discovery’

Planted in an undulating green roof substrate, ornamental grasses rise and fall to evoke ripples which emanate from the central war memorial and geodesic greenhouse.

The climbing columns in spring

0

Nature takes over!

2ND FLOOR

Trellises and gripple wire fixings encourage climber plants to grow up the retained building frame and additional supportive pillars.

Species include: - Clematis ‘The President’ - Ipomoea tricolor ‘Heavenly Blue’ - Jasminum officinale - Lonicera periclymenum - Pileostegia viburnoides

B’

Ornamental grasses Helictotrichon sempervirens and Carex flacca ‘Blue Zinger’

Recycled timber planters grow edibles

Commemorative Papaver rhoeas climb a trellis up the war memorial

0

1ST FLOOR

Barker’s Pool in summer

C

B

4m

C’

Green roof planting educates visitors on how plants can support sustainable living

Kiosks create active facades that encourage footfall, enhancing the surrounding streetscape.

Outdoor ramp leading into disused multistorey car park

4m

Wooden boardwalks enable easy through-routes along desire lines

Dichondra argentea will hang off ledges of the upper floors to represent pouring water.

RAMP TO 1ST FLOOR

Planters flow from Barker’s Pool through John Lewis and spill out of the rear entrance

Ornamental grasses to resemble water

Medium: approx.

0.4m Wider entrance for deliveries

Vertical bioponic growing wall

0.4m

Glass balustrades will facilitate safe exploration across various levels whilst maintaining visual permeability

Bespoke benches use steel as reference to the Gold Route as well as recycled timber.

Their curved form derives from the water droplet motif

A giant geodesic greenhouse hosts young Mediterranean tree species including Citrus and Olive

Ramp made from recycled timber Walkways in autumn

0

4m

Existing 1m contours Gold Route street furniture Seating block Waste bin & lamp post Advertisement board Bench Bollard Planter with Buxus sempervirens

Water fountain

War Memorial Mature Quercus rubra

Proposed Temperate fruit trees

Stepping stones

Mediterranean fruit trees Planter with seating

Walkway made from recycled timber

Vertical bioponic growing

Singular seat

Traditional green roof planting

Swing nest seat

Mini planters for full sun

GROUND FLOOR

Tall ornamental grasses in a green roof substrate Short ornamental grasses in a green roof substrate

0

10m

N

Giant trampoline Steel and timber bench

Rentable kiosks for food/drink businesses or market stalls

Climbing column around building frame

Stage for performances and demonstrations

Bouldering wall

Retained flooring of John Lewis department store

Bouldering safety mat

Geodesic greenhouse

HOW : A BLUEPRINT FOR POST-PANDEMIC CITY CENTRES To apply for National Lottery funding we need:

1

Zoe Nosworthy

Installation of Ornamental Grasses & Traditional Green Roof Planting

2

A governing document

3

A committee

detailing the name of the organisation, it’s purpose and how it runs

with at least two unrelated members

A bank account in the name of the organisation

4

Ornamental grasses OR green roof planting

Accounts

proof of yearly income and the date the accounts complete each year

Growing medium 200-300mm deep Filter fleece Drainage layer Waterproof layer Existing substructure

Helping to Make it Happen Growing medium: free-draining green roof substrate

Police Officers

As the site lies within the City Centre Conservation Area and involves structural alterations to a building, planning permission is required.

To enable best use of a part-demolished building, we need to determine how much of the supporting frame needs to be kept.

To ensure everyone’s safety and protect the condition of the installation, city centre patrols will be extended into Barker’s Pool for night-time monitoring.

Ramps and climbing walls to the upper floors will be closed off.

Crushed brick

Dismantling

Success Indicators

Local businesses can buy herbaceous plants for a reduced fee.

Any surplus will be given to local restaurants and cafes to minimise food waste.

Silt Green waste compost

Managing Green Roof Planting The ornamental grasses and green roof species will be planted in an unproductive (medium stress), relatively undisturbed environment.

Grime’s C-S-R model (right) predicts that in such an environment, the planting will be balanced with no plant type (stress tolerator, competitor or ruderal) eliminated.

Grime’s C-S-R Model

Nitrogen may be added to boost growth and reduce gaps in the planting vulnerable to weed colonisation.

Fairy lights, potted plants and bunting are quick and easy ways to personalise a space. Visible signs of habitation and ownership increase connection with a place and sense of belonging.

Planting in a shallow soil will force plants to grow longer roots in search for water, hence they will require less irrigation.

C

Competitors

Co mp eti

Leftover plants will be sold at Castlegate’s November Pollen Market.

Self-rated health and wellbeing: Have visitors seen an improvement to their mood and activity levels?

Expanded clay

ce an rb stu

Informal pop-up meetings: to gauge visitors’ responses to the temporary landscape installation in exchange for free food/drink

+

10%

Di

Reusable containers will be provided for the public to take home leftover produce.

Light-hearted games on-site and a mobile app will ensure that providing feedback is an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

20%

70%

n

Structural Engineer

tio

Planning Consultant

CS

S

CR

Stress Tolerators

CSR

R

SR

Ruderals Stress

Drought-tolerant green roof species will include: Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Nivea’ Euphorbia characias subsp. characias ‘Humpty Dumpty’ Geranium macrorrhizum ‘Bevan’s Variety’ Lychnis coronaria ‘Alba’, Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’ Oenothera lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ Primula veris

Wicking Bed Planter System Edible planting

A waterproof layer will be laid under all planters and planting. It will be cut to fit around existing street furniture and building pillars.

Growing medium 200-300mm deep Geotextile Coarse aggregate Overflow drain A springtime view from the 1st floor looking down onto the stage and kiosks

Welcome to the Food Forest!

Planter Design Wheels will be lockable to ensure safety and prevent theft.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

0

20m

N

Plums in summer

Peaches in summer

Apples in autumn

Pears in autumn

Why Bioponic Farming?

We have teamed up with our friends at Leaf + Shoot to install vertical bioponic growing walls, where you can harvest pea shoots, baby lettuce, red radish, kale, rocket and fennel.

Indoor planters will be moveable to accommodate events and large groups.

In the Greenhouse

Does not require soil or natural light - ideal for indoors

As climate change brings rising temperatures and drier summers, we need to be growing more resilient species that can adapt to these changes.

Year-round growing reduces reliance on imports Water and nutrients are cycled in a closed-loop system Electric lights can improve growth rate and food flavour

Olives

in summer

Planters will be made from recycled timber, slightly elevated above the ground to prevent damp conditions from causing rot.

The underside of a planter.

Oranges

summer - autumn

Can grow 10x as much food as traditional planting, twice as quickly

1m 0.4m

Plants can be grown vertically, which saves space Using physical models to experiment with form

A fully vegan growing method Lemons

summer - autumn

Limes

autumn - spring

How does it work?

Plants are suspended above a nutritive solution, in which the bare roots are submerged. Microbes colonise around the plant roots and produce inorganic nutrients which helps the plants to grow, using fewer chemicals.

Rainwater Harvesting ...

Organic feed for the plants can come from:

... Competition Time!

Public Participation in Irrigation! paper

used coffee

waste food

ash

Watering cans put out for 2 hours each day will encourage the public to actively participate in caring for the landscape. If planting becomes waterlogged the watering cans can be removed.

Taps are lockable so that water is not wasted.

Select non-invasive species that are not prone to pests or diseases Purchase young plants, growing them to the required size before installation

r te

”

Design a water butt that reflects the character of Sheffield.

a

“W

N

Purchase plants from local nurseries to reduce carbon footprint from travel/shipping Purchasing plants locally helps to support Sheffield’s small businesses

Potential rooftops for collecting rainwater in water butts

Patrons will be commemorated with a plaque on their dedicated planter or water butt.

e!

M

Calling all schools!

Sponsorship

Sustainable Plant Selection Select hardy, drought-tolerant species that will survive a potentially dry summer

Site boundary

0

50m

Sponsored by the University of Sheffield

WHEN

Zoe Nosworthy

Gardener’s Choice : A Timetable for Common Crops

NO V

What have I grown?

Tick all that apply

OCT

MAR

HARVEST SEP

QR codes will provide access to a free gardening app.

AY M JUL

JUN

1 cup of wildflower seeds 2-3 cups of clay soil

5 cups of compost

4

Throw at bare patches of ground - the seed bombs will split open upon impact!

2

Spring Onion

AU G

Gradually add water to make a sticky mixture.

3

JUL

Squeeze into compact balls

What happens next?

TOP TIP!

After three weeks, seedlings will grow where the seed bombs landed.

Plant April-July somewhere sunny in loose, weed-free soil; they will bloom June - October.

How does it work?

Seed bombs are based on the ancient Japanese practice Tsuchi Dango, or ‘Earth Dumpling’!

As the seeds grow, the seed bomb dissolves - it can take anything from a few days to a few months! The seed bomb protects the seeds from seedeaters (like birds and mice) and bad weather.

Or if you wish to save your seed bombs for another time, they can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years.

“Seed bombs put the power to beautify into the hands of everyone” Richard Reynolds, Guerrilla Gardener

Meat

Easy

Vegetarian

Medium

Vegan

Challenge Carrot & Courgette fritters

Carrot

Chilli Con Carne

Courgette

Sweetcorn Spaghetti Bolognese

2. Give something back if you can - if you are taking some produce home, please consider giving back to Mother Nature by sowing some seeds, picking some weeds or watering our plants.

3. Try not to leave any fruit or veg on the floor - it could rot or get stood on! If possible, pick it up and place it in our “Consumable Casualties” box where we can judge its condition and use ‘wonky produce’ for soups, smoothies, juices or stews!

Happy Foraging!

JUN

This scheme will initiate inclusive, free activities in a reconfigured public space where people feel comfortable and safe.

February

March

April

May

June

11th-12th: Installation

Festival of the Outdoors

Pollinator Festival

Feel Good Gardening!

13th: Half Term - Opening Event “Welcome to Food-topia” with music, food and a seed/plant sale

Every Friday and Saturday evening film screenings will be projected onto the car park walls.

Every Thursday and Sunday evening the stage will host talks from local climate activists and researchers on planting for pollinators, beekeeping and Guerrilla gardening.

To coincide with the National Gardening and Mental Health Awareness Weeks there will be weekly gardening workshops and “Walk and Talk” groups.

Sheffield Food Festival will extend into Barker’s Pool, with additional stalls offering local produce and drinks.

W

FUN FACT

Choose a recipe

AY M

Events for 2023

Seed Bomb Making

1

Cucumber

Brussels sprout

What can I make?

Courgette, Carrot and Onion Soup

APR

SEP AU G

Beetroot

Cauliflower

APR

OCT

MAR

SOW

Guidelines for ‘fair foraging’ 1. Do not pick more than you need!

Leave enough for everyone else.

B FE

NO V

B FE

DEC

JAN

DEC

Collect your growing wheels from any of our kiosks between 8am and 8pm!

JAN

Each planter will have a QR code engraved into a granite plaque. On scanning this, your mobile device will display which crops are growing in that particular planter.

E

L

C

O

M

E

“Come and watch films about climate change and learn about the importance of protecting our outdoor spaces!”

“Stop by during the Easter holiday to receive your FREE sachet of wildflower seeds and make seed bombs! “

“Stalls from Sheffield Mind and the UoS Mental Health Matters society will be there to offer advice on how you can get outdoors to boost your mood.”

The stage will host cooking demonstrations. “Drop by and sample a range of cuisines from both near and afar!”

21st: Summer Solstice Banquet “With additional chairs and tables, let us all eat and be merry!”

July

August

September

October

Regular Events

Sheffield Bears will be hidden around the John Lewis building Can you find them all?

Sustainability Festival Talks every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday will cover a range of topics around climate change and living sustainably.

Sheffield Harvest Fayre will extend into Barker’s Pool with fruit picking, apple bobbing and toffee apple making!

Sunday 29th: Food-topia Harvest festival marks the end of half term and the installation.

1st weekend of every month: Sowing Festival

Cliffhanger Festival Additional temporary climbing walls will be installed around the stage area. The site will host stalls selling climbing gear and outdoor-themed gifts.

Every Friday and Saturday climbing films and will be projected onto the car park walls.

“Join the UoS Allotment Society and Incredible Edible in learning how to compost, reduce food waste and ‘grow your own’!”

Saturday 23rd: “Come and join our Autumn Equinox Cèilidh, featuring performances from Sheffield City Morris.”

“It is time to pick all the food we have grown! Reusable tupperware will be provided.”

Sunset gardening: evening gardening on Tuesdays and Thursdays, for all ages Learn with lunch: midday gardening groups on Mondays and Fridays Last weekend of every month: Seed Swapping Event

WHO

Zoe Nosworthy

Free-to use features to improve visitor comfort:

Can you help with any of the following?

W/C

Planting management: Oversee planting condition and irrigate or weed where necessary

Outdoor heaters fixed to retained beams and upper floors

Site maintenance: Help to keep the site clean and accessible by litter picking, collecting dropped fruit and sweeping leaves

Teamwork makes the dream work

Water bottle refill stations

Sheffield’s Incredible Edible was founded Sheffield City Council loans equipment to volunteer groups

General Public

Low interest

High interest

Potential Local Corporate Sponsors

The stage area can be leased to external groups for a small fee. The site hopes to accommodate causes such as:

Sponsors of

Renting Kiosks

Dementia-friendly coffee and cake mornings

groups across the UK

Sheffield’s Student population

Low influence

Reducing social deprivation

Incredible Edible Connecting communities through collective food growing

+

Oliver Coppard (Mayor of South Yorkshire)

Non-gendered, accessible toilets

A more permanent solution: composting toilets

Lunch and equipment will be provided!

+

High influence

Baby changing facilities

Harvesters: pick leftover crops

100+ 2022

Stakeholder Matrix

Retaining people

Calling All Volunteers!

Parent and baby groups

Local businesses can pay a reasonable monthly lease to occupy a kiosk

Mental health support groups

Evening Meals

Small climbing groups Gardening clubs Youth clubs

Cafe / Bakery

View from the ramp looking down towards the climbing columns, summer

Companies or groups can “rent” a planter which will then be reserved exclusively for their use.

Plant Shop

Local Groups of Interest Sup po

0

20m

N

o ary rt for volunt

rg

ions t a s ani