Marj Boyer’s Post

Melbourne's City Square isn't just getting a facelift — it's being redefined. Part of the Metro Tunnel Project, our design for this revitalised, dynamic public space promises to reorientate the city's centre with a blend of culture, history and contemporary design. Anchored by the new Town Hall Station, the Square will feature a shaded canopy entrance to the Station, pictured. This entrance will allow daylight into the expansive concourse below and enable a visual connection between the above-ground public Square and its underground companion. Acting as a new city entry, Town Hall Station will blend grand open spaces with striking built structures, including Town Hall Place, a new A-grade 10-storey commercial building currently in development above the Station. Together, these three new and renewed landmarks will transform this part of the city into a single civic and cultural pedestrian precinct. "The design for City Square draws together cultural and civic landmarks in a welcoming pedestrian precinct," says Principal and Head of Design Mark Loughnan. "Conceptualised as an immersive clearing in the city fabric, the Square will be refreshed with new vitality to maintain its role as one of the main public gathering and events spaces in the city's heart." The design for the Metro Tunnel is a collaboration between leading design practices Hassell,WW+P Architects and RSHP. Learn more about our designs for City Square and Metro Tunnel Project: https://lnkd.in/g3uc_GkP #CitySquare #MetroTunnel #MetroTunnelProject #Melbourne #MelbourneMetro Rail Projects Victoria    

Stephen George + Partners (SGP) is delighted to see the The Arch Company's commencement of work on transforming four dilapidated railway arches on America Street, Southwark. SGP's design combines technical expertise with historic building experience to create contemporary spaces, which nod to the industrial heritage of the arches. Located in an area undergoing significant renewal and encompassing the Low Line urban regeneration initiative, the America Street scheme will transform previously unloved arches into contemporary spaces for new leisure, food and drink and retail businesses. Santosh Patel from Pick Everard highlights the project's significance in fostering a vibrant cultural hub. Principal Architectural Technologist, Josh White, emphasises the aim for pedestrianisation and integration with the local milieu. Alan Soper, Studio Director at SGP, underscores the project's transformative potential and commitment to local revitalisation efforts. Craig McWilliam, Chief Executive at The Arch Company, said: “We’re investing £2.5m into these spaces to provide much-needed additional commercial space suitable for leisure use. Repurposing these arches is part of our ongoing programme to create fit-for-purpose spaces in which businesses can thrive. The America Street project is just one of over ten such projects for which SGP has been commissioned to develop designs. Two schemes have recently achieved planning consent in Manchester, whilst elsewhere in London Crucifix Lane and Witan Street are progressing on site. The latter is already on site and due to complete soon and comprises the refurbishment of six arches into high-specification commercial premises for light industrial use located just 16 minutes away from the City of London. To read more visit 👇 https://lnkd.in/eadrf2zd #RailwayArches #RailwayHertitage #Fitout #RailwayArchesRestored #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalTransformation #LondonLeisureHub #LowLineRegeneration #SustainableDevelopment #LocalBusinessSupport #AdaptiveReuse #CreativeSpaces #LondonArchitecture #SGPLeisureAndHospitality

The history of the skyscraper is an ever-evolving testament to architectural innovation and urban evolution. Emerging in the late 19th century, skyscrapers revolutionised city landscapes, driven by advancements in engineering, materials, and a need for efficient land use. The Home Insurance Building in Chicago, completed in 1885, is often considered the first skyscraper. It featured a new wave of construction innovation -- a steel frame, allowing for unprecedented height and stability. Architects like Louis Sullivan and Daniel Burnham pioneered this new vertical architecture. Sullivan's designs emphasised form following function, integrating ornamentation with a celebration of structure, while Burnham’s planning of cities like Chicago laid the groundwork for modern skylines. The early 20th century saw rapid advancements, with New York’s skyline dominated by the Woolworth and Chrysler buildings. The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, held the title of the world’s tallest building for 40 years and still stands as a symbol of human ambition and the technological advances of its time. In Australia, skyscraper development began in the mid-20th century, with the construction of the 25-story AMP Building in Sydney in 1962 marking the start of our high-rise boom. This era shifted towards modernism and urban consolidation, reflecting global trends elsewhere. Now, it seems to be a race to the top. With technology leading the way, developers keep going higher and higher with their skyscraper ambitions. But how much is design compromised in this process, which ultimately is a feat of engineering? What’s your favourite skyscraper? Pictured, Newspaper clipping of the proposed AMP Building in Sydney

The history of the skyscraper is an ever-evolving testament to architectural innovation and urban evolution. Emerging in the late 19th century, skyscrapers revolutionised city landscapes, driven by advancements in engineering, materials, and a need for efficient land use. The Home Insurance Building in Chicago, completed in 1885, is often considered the first skyscraper. It featured a new wave of construction innovation -- a steel frame, allowing for unprecedented height and stability. Architects like Louis Sullivan and Daniel Burnham pioneered this new vertical architecture. Sullivan's designs emphasised form following function, integrating ornamentation with a celebration of structure, while Burnham’s planning of cities like Chicago laid the groundwork for modern skylines. The early 20th century saw rapid advancements, with New York’s skyline dominated by the Woolworth and Chrysler buildings. The Empire State Building, completed in 1931, held the title of the world’s tallest building for 40 years and still stands as a symbol of human ambition and the technological advances of its time. In Australia, skyscraper development began in the mid-20th century, with the construction of the 25-story AMP Building in Sydney in 1962 marking the start of our high-rise boom. This era shifted towards modernism and urban consolidation, reflecting global trends elsewhere. Now, it seems to be a race to the top. With technology leading the way, developers keep going higher and higher with their skyscraper ambitions. But how much is design compromised in this process, which ultimately is a feat of engineering? What’s your favourite skyscraper? Pictured, Newspaper clipping of the proposed AMP Building in Sydney

From Monotony to Diversity: Reimagining Cardiff’s Built Environment Reflecting on my experiences in Cardiff, I've noticed a recurring theme: the uniformity of housing design. Many residential areas feature homes with similar appearances, colors, and structures. This architectural monotony, combined with the city's often overcast and rainy weather, can contribute to a sense of dullness and even impact one's mood and motivation. In contrast, my home country boasts a diverse array of housing designs, each with unique characteristics and vibrant gardens, all set against a backdrop of favorable weather. This diversity not only enhances the visual appeal of neighbourhoods but also fosters a sense of individuality and cultural expression. Cardiff's planning policies, as outlined in the Cardiff Residential Design Guide, emphasise the importance of good design principles. However, the emphasis on uniformity in new residential developments may inadvertently lead to the repetitive aesthetics observed in many neighbourhoods. To address this, urban designers and planners might consider: - Encouraging Architectural Diversity: Promoting varied design elements within planning guidelines can lead to more visually engaging neighbourhoods. - Incorporating Green Spaces: Integrating communal gardens and green areas can enhance the liveliness of residential zones, providing residents with spaces to enjoy regardless of the weather. - Flexible Design Standards: Allowing for a range of building materials and colours can break the monotony and reflect the diverse preferences of residents. By re-evaluating certain planning regulations and embracing a more flexible approach to residential design, Cardiff can cultivate neighbourhoods that are not only functional but also vibrant and reflective of the city's rich cultural tapestry. As urban designers and planners, it's crucial to consider how the built environment influences the well-being and satisfaction of residents. By fostering architectural diversity and incorporating elements that counteract the often gloomy weather, we can create spaces that uplift and inspire. #UrbanDesign #CityPlanning #ArchitecturalDiversity #BoringCities #Cardiff #UrbanLiving #PlanningPolicy #ResidentialDesign #CommunityWellbeing RTPI International Cardiff Council CABE

#News: A team of international placemaking experts has been appointed to help set out the future vision for developing #Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. West 8 & BDP (Building Design Partnership Ltd), who have led on major schemes in New York, Toronto, Shanghai, Melbourne, Rotterdam and Hamburg, have been chosen by the City Council to work on creating an ambitious and visionary plan for Liverpool’s iconic waterfront over the next 25 years. Their teams of landscape architects and urban designers will be supported by consultants at WSP (connectivity and movement) and ekosgen (social impact), to look at a 5 mile strip of the waterfront from the Festival Gardens site in the south to Bramley Moore Dock in the north. The Council intends that this plan will form part of an approach to ensure developments coming forward are more inclusive, and the strategy will identify key challenges and opportunities for change to maximise benefit for communities along and adjacent the waterfront. In addition, there are key challenges and opportunities around maximising investment opportunities and economic activity in the docks, connectivity and linkages – north/ south and west/east, public realm and quality of place, conservation and enhancement of the natural and historic environment, as well as climate change and the city’s ambition to deliver net zero by 2030. Liverpool’s draft waterfront plan will have seven defining aims: 1. Maximise the waterfront’s contribution to the city and city region’s economy. 2. Maximise the benefits of investment along the waterfront and ensure any revitalisation will benefit hinterland communities. 3. Enhance connectivity along the waterfront and in-land, promoting active travel. 4. Ensure the conservation and enhancement of the significance of the City’s heritage assets and support the interpretation of Liverpool’s distinct historic maritime environment. 5. Inspire excellence in quality of place and urban design, reconnect people with the water and reinforce the waterfront as a great location for business, homes, play, culture and tourism. 6. Identify key infrastructure needed to support the regeneration of the waterfront. 7. Consider environmental improvements and green infrastructure to improve the public realm and deliver sustainable, creative and innovative solutions to address the impact of climate change. It is intended that the final waterfront plan will be taken forward for adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Full story: https://lnkd.in/e-tgiqJ9 #TheNextChapter Liverpool BID Company I Royal Albert Dock Liverpool I National Museums Liverpool I Liverpool Waters I Liverpool ONE I The Yacht Club Liverpool I Baltic Triangle Area CIC I Nuala Gallagher I Samantha Campbell I Sophie Bevan I Jacqui McKinlay I Ian Williams I Claire McColgan CBE I Susan Finnegan I Camilla Mankabady I Matthew Ashton I Jenny Turnross I Kate Bull I Ben Heywood

Poundbury, Town in England ++ [create places that are beautiful] Poundbury is an influential urban development project located near Dorchester in Dorset, England, designed by architect Leon Krier. Its design principles embody a return to traditional urban design and reflect Krier's views on architecture and town planning. Here are some key urban design elements that make Poundbury special [learn from the town so others can hopefully duplicate its success]: -- 1. Human Scale: Krier emphasizes the importance of designing spaces that are pleasant and comfortable for human beings. Poundbury is designed with a human scale in mind, featuring buildings and streets that encourage walking and interaction among residents. -- 2. Mixed-Use Development: Poundbury integrates residential, commercial, and community spaces, promoting a vibrant, multifunctional environment. This mix of uses reduces the dependence on cars and fosters a sense of community. -- 3.Traditional Architectural Styles: The architecture in Poundbury reflects traditional styles, drawing inspiration from historical buildings and local vernacular. This creates a sense of place and continuity with the past. -- 4. Public Spaces and Squares: Krier emphasizes the importance of well-designed public spaces. Poundbury features communal squares and gardens where residents can gather, socialize, and participate in community activities. -- 5. Organic Growth and Layout: The layout of Poundbury is designed to evolve organically rather than adhering to rigid zoning laws. This approach allows for a more natural development pattern, mirroring the way traditional towns grew over time.

This is a great contribution to urbanism and shows what can be done with low-rise buildings and climate responsive design. Missing middle champion Daniel Parolek /Opticos Design, Inc. car-free project Culdesac Tempe is profiled here in detail. For us grappling with housing supply in cities it’s important to look at all options for making better cities. For the urban design nerds there are a series of diagrams of the layout, building typologies and street integration. Key stats Plot size: 15.5 acres / 6.273 hectares # of dwellings: 636-unit community Location: approx. 2.5 miles from downtown Tempe, Arizona Density: approx. 99 dwellings per hectare #urbanism

“This year’s #theme was “#Reimagine the #Home,” which #ties into the 2024 “#Reimagine” theme for #NLA’s London #Festival of #Architecture, held every June. The #awards also #reflect NLA’s New #London Agenda, a #framework for the city’s #future development. (Find the #full list of #winners here.) https://lnkd.in/gQsJRdU6 #Retrofitting existing housing #stock is a #critical step for #cities around the #world, Mr. Ortiz said, #especially with the growing #threat of #climate change to homes #and communities. “But for #London in #particular,” he said, “because of the #type of #housing that we have, #which is usually #Victorian, #smaller housing, #lower density. We #think that by #celebrating this #kind of #best practice, we can all #learn different ways of #retrofitting homes, thinking of #ways of #improving.”

Some very difficult issues for this strategy to grapple with - balancing the desire to quite rightly enhance and make the most of this iconic whilst not stifling the major developments and investments that the city needs (and which continues to be a viability challenge)