Define Study Trip September 2024
As part of our ongoing process of Place Research live case study analysis, the whole office went on a walking tour of three established housing developments - Upton, Northamptonshire, and Wolvercote and Barton Park, Oxfordshire.
Our Place Research approach considers four key layers of analysis - character, movement, activity and nature - each providing a framework for comparison in the areas most significant to making great places. In mixed-discipline groups we utilised this analysis framework; looking at what aspects made each of the places work well and what might be improved in future areas of design practice.
It was especially interesting to note how the original vision had been implemented in all three sites and how things had changed over the years from design, to development, and as a result of ongoing stewardship. We reflected on the present conditions and the potential influences of changing social and economic conditions. Similarly, we reflected on how expectations of best practice across planning, urban design and landscape architecture had been implemented at different points in time.
Upton is a strategic urban extension west of Northampton, which will stand at almost 1,400 dwellings when fully completed. The scheme aimed to address the issues of sustainability on a number of different levels; Social Diversity, Environmental Sustainability, Long-term Biodiversity, Local Identity and Liveability. It provided a test bed for contemporary creative design solutions, some of which the Define team found very successful, whilst others less so. The first phases of development presented a dense urban form, with well contained blocks and green streets filled with robust planting. Unfortunately, the response to these elements was diminished through later phases, creating a rather stark character shift across the site, with reduced consistency in application of the original vision’s design quality in all areas.
Wolvercote stands out as a unique contemporary development, that blends with its traditional village surroundings by the use of tight tissue and complementary orthogonal blocks. It blends contemporary architectural finish, with complimentary composition and form. The scheme also strategically locates a new community hub at its gateway to facilitate its connection and use by both existing and new residents, supporting ongoing community interaction and stewardship. Whilst there are some missed opportunities in maximising the activities and civic nature of its central square, work has been done to ensure existing ecological features, new landscape play areas, and broader access to open space are included.
We have a lot more to say on each of the places visited, so make sure to look out for upcoming articles.In the meantime, take a look at our other articles on place research.
