A great precedent and again I was really interested in the creation of the different experiences with a very linear flat area that shares similarities with the River Rea culvert. From low lying meadows combined with straight paths and long views to forested areas with zig zagging paths and small views.
Another interesting precedent and one that is quite appropriate to my concept. I am really interested in the changing experience when you stand on a platform hovering above the water compared with a intervention such as Moses Bridge where you stand below the water line. Must feel much more enclosed and vulnerable to nature, also it gives you the chance to see things on a micro scale creating a greater intimacy.
Great project in China, transforming a highly polluted industrial river into an ecology park. In terms of my design and the River Rea the segmented planting patterns in the Sanlihe corridor are a really interesting aspect and the idea of this very obvious change applies to my concept 'changing landscape'.
After identifying four specific sites for possible development the photos show greater detailed analysis into these sites looking into the surrounding land use, pedestrian movement, and sections that will be extremely useful later when designing especially as the river is prone to flooding.
Already I am beginning to develop a concept from the site analysis around the idea of 'a changing landscape' with the areas around the river changing throughout from residential to industrial. And also the constantly changing water levels.
A really interesting lecture explaining the various stages within the design process. Although at first glance it doesn't look similar to the River Rea. The contrasting experiences it creates are a really interesting point. The High Line sits above a bustling network of streets and business where the pace rarely lets up,this provides the opportunity to create a totally different experience with a completely different pace. As I am currently developing a concept of a changing space, with changing experiences being crucial; how the High Line creates these could be reinterpreted in this culverted river channel separated from the hustle and bustle of the city at street level.
Ideas such as not letting bikes on the High Line contributes to this experience where pedestrians relax and amble along the route rather than race around. However it is also the the changing experiences as you walk the route with low growing wild flowers to taller dense vegetation and canopy walks could all help to inform the River Rea design.
After walking around the river area there are really simple things such as where the road cross's the culvert the walls are all above head height. Even if the river was not accessible a lowering of these walls or the addition of viewing windows would open up views down the river, taking advantage of the straight culverted channel. As well as connecting various areas and landmarks visually it would also reveal wide amounts of vegetation that is growing in this concrete channel. These wide array of species could also inform the design in the later stages.
After investigating the local area, it is clear there are four key sites along the river that are existing open space. The central site will be crucial as it cross's Deritend High Street which is a important entrance into the city centre. This is an area surely where the river should be visible and the site makes people notice whats around them with it enticing people into the space.
The brown paper represents the strong industrial presence still in this area with some interesting architecture including the typical triangular roofing and the railway viaduct. There is also a strong grid like street pattern in the south which looking forward may inform the design.
Other key elements is the rivers constantly fluctuating water level, with much of the surrounding area being impermeable leading to storm water run off. This provides an exciting chance to use these fluctuating levels within the design.
