LDA Design’s Post

Pressure is mounting to tackle built #environment #emissions, and some of Britain’s most treasured and historic structures are anything but #netzero ready. Honing in on #HM Prison Northallerton’s redevelopment, we learn how to regenerate a landmark with climate as a priority.  The 2023 RIBA Built For the Environment report shows approximately 38% of global energy related #greenhousegasemissions are attributable to buildings and construction. With net zero high on the global agenda, the property industry has been exploring greener methods of construction by using #renewable materials, #energyefficient designs, and reducing #waste onsite. But with 379,176 listed buildings across #England alone, the #UK is a nation steeped in history which needs to be preserved. This presents a challenge for architects and property developers who are tasked with regeneration projects, as they must meet modern sustainability standards whilst preserving valuable heritage assets. A fine balancing act which is achievable by taking an innovative and creative approach to design solutions. The Harris Partnership (THP) is a leading UK architectural practice with a focus on #sustainable design solutions. THP’s approach to the Treadmills regeneration project in Northallerton, #NorthYorkshire, is a prime example of how sustainable benefits for the local community and environment can be delivered whilst ensuring a site’s rich history and heritage is preserved and respected. The project Treadmills is a once in a multi-generational project which set out to achieve the transformation of disused HM Prison Northallerton’s Grade II-listed buildings into a thriving mixed-use destination. THP started work on the project in 2017, master-planning the site for the Central Northallerton Development Company, working on each phase of the development until it completed in 2023. The development sought to repurpose the existing Grade II listed prison buildings and support the wider regeneration of Northallerton. A key component of the design was the transformation of the listed buildings in tandem with delivering sympathetically designed new buildings to incorporate retail, office, education, restaurants, and a boutique cinema. A collaborative approach  When undertaking regeneration projects, many developers can be met with push-back from local communities looking to preserve the heritage of the area. However, one way to overcome any possible grievances is by embracing collaboration. Northallerton is a historic market town dating back to the 12th century with distinctive regional characteristics. In order to ensure the most positive outcome for the people of Northallerton, and that the finished project would be in keeping with the town’s built environment, THP took a collaborative design approach.

The Secretary of State has approved plans for the next phase of a mixed-use regeneration scheme at Cambridge North, on the derelict former railway sidings land next to Cambridge North Railway Station and Guided Busway Interchange. The development is being brought forward by the Chesterton Partnership, a venture comprising Network Rail Property, DB Cargo (UK) Limited, and development partner Brookgate. Since 2020, ACME has been developing the masterplan on this complex public brownfield site surrounded by a varied tapestry of development. It is a truly mixed-use residential-led development with life sciences at the heart of its identity. The scheme will deliver 425 mixed-tenure new homes and 5,000 sqm of flexible ground floor space for cafes, shops, bars, and community spaces. New public realm and green spaces will enliven an accessible new urban neighbourhood as a gateway from Cambridge North Station to the wider North East Cambridge area. The scheme will also deliver 53,700 sqm of commercial space, including provision for new laboratories and offices. The integration of landscaping will preserve the existing identity of the site in the Cam River Valley and its identity as a new urban quarter belonging to Cambridge. The scheme provides extensive green spaces and material improvements to biodiversity. It also responds to the climate change challenge with energy—and water-efficient buildings and by encouraging the shift to more sustainable means of transport. New, accessible public spaces, such as Chesterton Gardens at the heart of the residential quarter and a new civic space, Chesterton Square, will provide social spaces for all. A ‘wild park’ of planting, with a pond habitat, will be a green, biodiverse space for visitors as well as those who live and work at Cambridge North to enjoy. The proposals will see a significant net gain in biodiversity of over 80% and will involve planting in excess of 340 new trees and providing landscape areas on building roofs. Make Architects is designing One Cambridge Square and the lab buildings at 1-3 Station Row, while ACME is designing One Chesterton Square, Two Milton Avenue, a Mobility hub, a lab building and the Residential Quarter. Click the link to find out more about the Cambridge North Masterplan: https://lnkd.in/eYSjibV9 #cambridge #cambridgenorth #masterplan #lifesciences #residential #mixeduse #regeneration #architecture

We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded the Design Contract for Castle Square, Swansea, on behalf of the City & County of Swansea. Situated at the city's heart, Castle Square connects the bustling Kingsway with the picturesque Waterfront, all under the historical oversight of Swansea Castle. The project aims to enhance the Square, to raise its quality and to make it more active, distinctive and vibrant, in line with other investment taking place in the city. The project will deliver a modern, functional and well-maintained public space that can accommodate a range of events, temporary arts and cultural experiences. The proposed redesign of Castle Square encompasses several key elements: Enhanced Urban Greenery: The new planting strategy introduces multi-functional greenery, including amenity lawns and ornamental planting. The project also incorporates sustainable urban drainage systems and increases biodiversity within the area. By expanding green spaces, the scheme aims to create a lush, welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. Innovative Commercial Opportunities: The construction of two Pavilion buildings for diverse commercial uses marks a significant step towards revitalising Castle Square as a bustling market space. These pavilions will offer valuable opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs to contribute to Swansea’s economic vitality. Interactive Features: The scheme includes the integration of a new water feature and innovative ‘Digital Bamboo’ structures, which will act as way finders and link to the Copr Bay scheme; together, they will offer interactive experiences catering to all ages. Infrastructure Upgrades: From constructing a new bandstand to enhancing pedestrian routes and introducing modern lighting solutions, every aspect of the redesign focuses on improving accessibility and comfort. The square’s infrastructure redevelopment is rooted in a desire to create a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment for all. #CastleSquare #Regeneration #SUDS #Infrastructure 

Big News! 🎉⁠ ⁠ We’ve won Capital & Centric’s competition for St Georges Wolverhampton!⁠ ⁠ Working with our friends Mikhail Riches we’re excited to be co-masterplanning the repair of this historic city district. We’ll also be looking after the design of a glorious new city park, a network of new public spaces and the remaking of several historic streets. While we’re doing that Mikhail Riches will be busy adapting the former Sainsburys building into high performance new homes while other parts of the site will host family housing at a variety of scales. The eponymous church will be re-proposed into community and work spaces surrounded by independent businesses at the heart of the scheme. ⁠ ⁠ Active travel focussed, super green (and blue) infrastructure, extremely high performance, low embodied energy buildings, places to work and play…..you want to see regenerative urban planning at a scale up from our work on The Phoenix, this is it. Watch this space (and our channels)! Roll on pre-app!⁠ ⁠ Capital & Centric (C&C) are a Social Impact developer who retain and operate their sites for the long term. In 2017 C&C co-founded the @regenbrainery, a mentoring programme designed to inspire young people from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds, so the places we create are better, richer and more reflective of the society we live in. ⁠ ⁠ Find out more, link in bio.⁠ ⁠ Capital&Centric RIBA Architects’ Journal ⁠ #periscope_uk⁠ #urbandesign #urbanenvironment #builtenvironment #urbanplanning #placemaking #urbanism #housing #architecture #density #scale #landscapearchitecture #citiesforpeople⁠ #urbanspaces #greenspaces #greeninfrastructure #blueinfrastructure #ecology #biodiversity #water #flood #suds #infrastructure #culturallandscape #citynature #natureinthecity #landscape ⁠#wolverhampton⁠

Transforming Historic Mass. Landmark into New Mixed-Use Hub 🏠 As our communities continue to grow, the need for affordable and attainable housing becomes increasingly urgent. But what if we could provide this much-needed housing while preserving our historic landmarks? That's exactly what adaptive reuse and property conversions are doing across the country. 🚧 Take a look at the transformation of a historic mass landmark into a new mixed-use hub. By repurposing existing buildings, we can create unique and affordable housing options for our communities while also preserving our rich history. 🔨 These projects not only provide much-needed housing, but they also bring new life to forgotten buildings and revitalize our neighborhoods. It's a win-win solution for both our past and our future. 💰 With the rising costs of new construction, adaptive reuse and property conversions offer a more cost-effective solution for creating affordable and attainable housing. Let's continue to support and promote these initiatives to tackle the housing crisis in our communities. #affordablehousing #attainablehousing #adaptivereuse #propertyconversions #historicpreservation #communityrevitalization #housingcrisis #sustainabledevelopment #buildingenclosure #preserveyourpast #createyourfuture

Read below my experience of moving from private to public practice and the professional fulfilment of the first year of working at London Borough of Newham.

We are delighted to announce that last night, the London Borough of Bromley Planning Committee resolved to grant planning permission for the John Lewis Partnership first Build to Rent development in Bromley Town Centre. The scheme will deliver a mixed-use development with a newly designed #Waitrose and flexible commercial space, 353 new rental homes, public realm improvements and connections to local green amenities. Plans include new public green spaces, a cafe and amenity spaces for local community groups and schools to use as well as cycle and pedestrian links through the site linking it to the High Street and surrounding area. Assael Architecture and the project team engaged in extensive public consultations with local communities, councillors, and other local groups to understand the housing needs, connectivity and cultural desires of the area. The homes - purpose-built for renters with shared areas for fitness, home-working and socialising - will include a mix of one, two and three-bedrooms to accommodate different sized households and as much affordable housing as is commercially viable. Options for long-term tenancies will be offered to provide residents with the opportunity to remain living there for as long as they wish. The public realm, designed by #Assael Exteriors, is centred around biophilic design principles, using green infrastructure, colour, texture, and habitat creation to connect building users to nature - enhancing health, wellbeing, and the experience of place. CBRE Savills Kanda Consulting AECOM Arcadis GIA Surveyors Montagu Evans Hoare Lea Fairhurst Currie & Brown SLR Consulting RWDI Sweco Publica Dentons Futurecity https://lnkd.in/eaAqryTf

**Unrolling the Blueprint: Adapting to Change - Vancouver's Multiplex Movement 🏘️** Welcome back to "Unrolling the Blueprint," where we explore the evolving dynamics of architecture and urban design. Today, we turn our focus to a significant shift in Vancouver's housing landscape: the introduction of six-unit multiplexes in residential areas, as recently highlighted in the Vancouver Sun. This development is not just about altering housing structures; it's about rethinking urban living in response to changing times. Vancouver's consideration of integrating six-unit multiplexes into traditionally single-family zones is a vivid example of how cities evolve with societal needs. It's a direct response to the growing demands for housing in a city where space is at a premium. In the architectural world, we often confront the challenge of balancing progress with preservation. The idea of multiplexes in Vancouver's neighborhoods is a striking illustration of this balance. It's about infusing new life into established areas while respecting their historical essence. These multiplexes are envisaged to harmonize with the existing streetscapes, not overshadow them. This move is a bold statement in urban adaptability. It reflects a city that is not afraid to embrace change to meet the contemporary demands of its residents. By opening up traditionally single-family areas to more diverse housing options, we're not just creating space for more people; we're crafting opportunities for richer community interactions and varied lifestyles. Moreover, this initiative speaks to a broader theme in architecture and urban planning: the need for dynamic solutions in static environments. Cities like Vancouver are living entities, and as such, they require adaptable strategies that respond to the ever-evolving needs of their inhabitants. In essence, the potential introduction of multiplexes in Vancouver underscores a fundamental architectural truth: our built environments must evolve with us. They should reflect our current realities, anticipate future needs, and honor the legacy of the past. As we continue to unroll the blueprint of our urban landscapes, let's embrace these changes as opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced communal living. Stay with us as we further explore the facets of urban transformation and its impact on our daily lives. https://lnkd.in/g7Uw2UZB #UnrollingTheBlueprint #VancouverUrbanShift #ArchitecturalEvolution #CityAdaptation #DynamicUrbanism

Plans to transform the historic town of #Carrickfergus have taken a significant step forward with the appointment of leading design, architectural and engineering specialists McAdam Design Ltd to help deliver the £42m Belfast Region City Deal project. The initiative will regenerate, reposition, and rebrand Carrickfergus, firmly placing the town on the map as an authentic, heritage-led, tourism hub, and a ‘must-visit’ starting point to the internationally acclaimed Causeway Coastal Route. The Carrickfergus initiative is one of three projects to benefit from Belfast Region City Deal funding totalling £80m locally. Others include the creation of an #i4C Innovation Centre in #Ballymena and the delivery of Phase II of development of The Gobbins visitor experience in #Islandmagee. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/gxpABk29 #BRCityDeal #GrowMEA #AmplifyMEA

Many thanks to Material Source for the interview. We discuss our practice ethos, as well as a focus on some of the challenges facing the industry. See the full story below!