PG - Urban Design Specialisation — The Oxford School of Architecture 2023-2024

PG Urban Design Specialisation

What happens when cities undergo urban intensification? The urban design specialisation allows for experimentation and innovation across the wider morphological levels including green and blue networks, public movement systems, blocks, plots of land, buildings, and interior spaces providing the context for understanding the role of architecture in addressing contemporary issues. Climate change, resource efficiency, social equity are challenges cities face and the design studio covers these in several international sites as testing grounds for design.

Drs. Regina Lim, Laura Novo de Azevedo, Karl Kropf, Reza Shirazi; Prof. Georgia Butina Watson
From Professional Practices: Roland Wong, Soham De, Prachi Rampuria, Matt Lally, Rene Baumann, Richard Jacob, Nadia Barakat
Divya Vura, Harith Wan Zaid, Ayesha Sosan, Sayed Hashimi, Owen Ho, Jasmin Solaymantash , Kit Lum, Frank Li, Carlos Lora Yunen, Pradeepa Rajendran, Yik Ting Tan, Zhi Ying Lim, Shivani Manoghar

Tai O Cultural Quarter - Hong Kong

Carlos Lora Yunen

In the Urban Design in Challenging Contexts module, the focus of "The Cultural Quarter of Tai O" project was to harness the power of art and culture to rejuvenate and attract visitors to Tai O, one of the last traditional fishing villages of Hong Kong. The aim was to transform this area into a vibrant cultural hub that respects and celebrates the unique heritage of the local community.

The core of the work involved engaging with existing morpholohy, particularly the traditional Pang Uks and Shop Houses. The project explored how these structures could be adapted and integrated into a broader cultural context without compromising their historical value. By incorporating modern art installations and cultural activities that reflect local traditions and stories, the proposals aimed to create a dynamic space that would draw interest from residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Shenzhen.

One of the primary challenges was ensuring that new cultural elements would enhance rather than overshadow the traditional charm of Tai O. The approach was to design interventions that were sensitive and scalable, allowing for organic growth in cultural activities that could evolve with the community’s needs and feedback.

An interesting development was the introduction of "dynamic plateaus," designed to minimize ground coverage while facilitating multidimensional circulation throughout the area. This innovative design approach involved creating elevated platforms—dynamic plateaus—connected by cores serving both structural and functional purposes. These plateaus expanded usable space vertically rather than horizontally, preserving the natural landscape and reducing the ecological footprint. The design respected the existing environment and offered new vistas and experiences for visitors, enhancing their engagement with both cultural activities and the scenic beauty of Tai O.

This project deepened the understanding of the critical role that culture plays in urban regeneration. It demonstrated that successful urban design must meet physical and functional needs and resonate with the community's emotional and cultural spirit. The interactions with local residents were invaluable, providing insights that shaped the approach to designing spaces that are inspirational and rooted in the community's identity.

Weaving Identities: An approach to producing a socially inclusive high density urban fabric

Jasmin Solaymantash

Located in Cardiff, this ambitious project is driven by a collective vision to create a masterplan centred around the concept of a healthy city, targeting a density of 800 people per hectare. The aim of this project is to experiment with a futuristic framework, fostering urban intensification within a specific site, and transforming it into a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community. It focuses on the development of the blocks around the southern entrance of Cardiff Central Station, a prime location with significant potential to become a bustling hub, seamlessly connecting various parts of the city and invigorating the surrounding areas.

Addressing Community Segregation: One of the most pressing challenges identified was segregation within the Butetown community. Despite its prime location between the thriving city centre and the bay, this area has been largely neglected. The masterplan aims to integrate the community and revitalise the area, recognising its significant potential and strategic importance within Cardiff’s urban landscape.

Embracing Cardiff’s Identity: To initiate this process, an in-depth exploration of Cardiff’s identity, particularly within the masterplan's site, was undertaken. Utilising morphological layers, it was uncovered that Cardiff’s identity is deeply intertwined with the River Taff, which courses through the city and flows into the bay south of the site. The architectural typologies predominantly consist of small plot terraced housing and large warehouses, reflecting the area’s industrial heritage. Celebrating Cultural Diversity Socially, the identity of Butetown diverges significantly from the rest of Cardiff, boasting a rich industrial history and being home to the oldest black community in Wales. This vibrant blend of cultures, primarily stemming from Somali and Yemeni backgrounds, sees its residents proudly identifying as Welsh. The project aims to celebrate this interconnected cultural identity, ensuring that the rich diversity of Butetown is woven into the fabric of the new development.

Commitment to Sustainability and Inclusivity: Central to this project is the experiment with urban intensification at a scale that remains responsive to and respectful of the area’s context and existing identity. Sustainability is a key focus, achieved through mixed land use to create more vibrant places, making a feature of the once polluted riverfront, and implementing variations in building densities to soften the visual impact and blend with the existing built context. Additionally, the design is future-proofed, allowing for vertical extension if needed. Ensuring that the residents of Butetown are integrated into the scheme, rather than marginalised, is imperative. This approach aims to create a socially inclusive space that celebrates the diverse tapestry of Cardiff’s community while promoting sustainability.

By focusing on these key aspects, the project envisions a densified, futuristic urban landscape and commits to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and culturally rich environment for all its residents. This masterplan is a testament to Cardiff's potential for transformation, setting a precedent for future urban development.

Urban Mosaic - Adaptive Reuse as a Catalyst for Multi-Generational Urban living, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Divya Vura

This urban design project embodies a holistic and innovative approach to urban redevelopment, transforming a post-industrial district into a vibrant, sustainable, and multigenerational urban community. Situated in an area previously characterized by derelict buildings and underutilized spaces, the project revitalizes the neighborhood into a dynamic and inclusive urban hub.

Aims and Objectives: The primary aim of the project was to blend historical preservation with modern urban needs, creating a space that respects its industrial heritage while addressing contemporary demands for functionality and sustainability. Objectives included fostering community inclusivity, enhancing economic and cultural vitality, and integrating environmentally sustainable practices.

Architectural Strategy: At the core of the project’s architectural strategy was the adaptive reuse of existing industrial structures. By repurposing the structural framing of the industrial sheds, the design preserved significant architectural heritage and minimized the environmental impact associated with new construction. This approach highlights the potential of adaptive reuse to maintain historical continuity while meeting modern needs.

The project strategically created the public realm through a layered street network, comprising commercial, residential, and social streets. Each street plays a crucial role in building a cohesive community fabric: the commercial street serves as an economic hub, the residential street offers a tranquil living environment, and the social street fosters dynamic community interactions. This design enhances connectivity, accessibility, and social interaction.

Sustainability Credentials: Sustainability was integrated throughout the project, from the preservation of existing structures to the inclusion of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) and green pockets. These features address environmental concerns such as energy efficiency and biodiversity while enhancing the aesthetic and recreational value of the space. The project exemplifies how urban design can effectively respond to climate challenges while improving urban livability.

Community and Inclusivity: The project supports a diverse demographic, including families, young professionals, seniors, and creatives. Housing typologies were designed with specific needs in mind, creating a living environment that caters to all life stages and lifestyles. Communal and recreational spaces were made accessible and enjoyable for everyone, further enhancing community cohesion.

Economic and Cultural Vitality: The integration of diverse commercial and cultural facilities spurred economic growth and cultural vitality. By providing spaces for shops, offices, studios, restaurants, theaters, and community centers, the design cultivated a dynamic environment ripe for economic opportunities and cultural enrichment. This multifaceted approach demonstrates the importance of economic and cultural considerations in urban planning.

In conclusion, this urban design project stands as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful, inclusive, and sustainable urban planning. It revitalizes physical spaces and reinvigorates the community life within them, creating a lasting impact on the cityscape and its inhabitants. The project demonstrates how urban design can transcend aesthetics and functionality to foster community, culture, and environmental stewardship.