DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Phase 2: Initial design overlays & concept

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My initial overlay sketches to experiment with the site layout. I am still undecided whether or not to close North Place, the road running through the centre of the site. Although it poses constraints, it provides access for vehicles away from the main pedestrian entrance on the A4019, en route from the Old Town and Brewery Quarter. Currently, I am edging towards maintaining the ends of North Place road, providing vehicle access to the carparks, whilst opening up the centre to allow for pedestrianisation through the site.

My initial concept is inspired by the ecology of the surrounding area - a bioregion that integrates with the local environment. Geographical features of the Severn and Avon Vales provide a foundation - rolling hills, low lying meadows and agricultural fields. 

The multi-storey carpark will feature a rooftop park imitating the undulating hills of the Cotswold scarp, blending with the north-eastern background view of Cleeve Hill. Whilst the ground plane (beneath the topography) will feature materiality and visual characteristics that represent the ecological foundations of the town -  such as oolitic limestone and sand.

The ground plane will also pay homage to the watershed position of the site - my initial idea is to mimic the flowing rivers, providing attenuation and cleansing for use on site - the permeable sandy soils of North Place require research into infiltration rates etc. how to keep the water on site?!

The aim of the concept is to represent Cheltenham's physical identity and historical presence - attracting settlers from as far back as the 12th Century. 

The broader concept revolves around identity - personal identity, the identity of North Place, the identity of Cheltenham and the identity of the community as a whole. Cheltenham's existing identity is fairly set in stone - white, wealthy, Christian, heterosexual, middle aged and substantially 'English'. This denotes an uncultured, 'stuck in it's way' sameness throughout the town, with an aura of judgement and a lack of belonging for anyone that may sit outside of the majority demographic. 

As a University Town, it is Cheltenham's responsibility to provide places that encourage self expression, cultural evolution and social acceptance - My design for the Creative and Eco Hub aims to provide just that! Watch this space for design development. 


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