Initial Design Response: Alney Island

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The two images below are my initial design response for the spatial configurations for Alney Island. The second rendition is more ‘organised’, but a preference for the first means a return to the drawing board! As expected. The objective now is to decide what aspects to retain, modify, or transform.

The underlying concept of 'The Tides of Time' draws inspiration from the island's rich history and its unique location amidst the tidal River Severn. This response mirrors the fluidity of waves and the rhythmic ebb and flow of water.

Navigating the vast scale of the project poses a challenge. How does one design a space of such size? The overarching goal is to transform Alney Island into a  visitor attraction, enticing people to not only visit but to stay. Envisioning boujee holiday cabins positioned over the water, alongside tree houses nestled in the woodland, the plan encompasses a diverse array of activities and a heritage trail meandering through the site. The aspiration is to reconnect people with nature in a way that resonates with their inherent desire for amenity and play.

The focal point, Castle Meads, serves as the urban-rural fringe, bridging the transition between the docks and the ecological expanses beyond. This area is earmarked for a Conference Centre, event space, and a thoughtfully landscaped park that seamlessly transitions into the woodland as visitors pass beneath the Castle Meads Way, ensuring a harmony of urban and natural elements.

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