Landscape Designer

Project |03 Riparian The Landscape (major design thesis)

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Riparian the landscape is a proposal directed at the city of Birmingham, paying particular attention to the lost valley of the River Tame. Currently, large stretches of the river are encased in concrete and all but hidden underneath spaghetti junction. Although this landmark has a controversial history, it is now considered by many to be an iconic statement of the city and its automotive heritage. The surrounding area is made up of an expanse of commercial waste ground, high density housing and complex infrastructure almost spanning the entire length of the valley. For many it compounds initial perceptions of Birmingham and the West Midlands as a grey uninspiring, pollution-riddled place which no-one really wants to visit.
However, with the regeneration of the city centre and the aspirations of the Big City Plan, Birmingham is on the cusp of once again moving to the forefront of innovation. As Birmingham is well known for its network of canals and aims to be known as a water city, it makes sense to make better use of the natural resources it already possesses. The aim of this proposal is to examine the value of a riparian landscape in an urban environment and how this could address the many issues surrounding inner cities today.
Designing such a landscape would be ‘like taking a breath of fresh air’, effectively creating breathing space for the city. It would also play an important role as part of a network of greenways, allowing for greater migration opportunities and improved species diversity. Other considerations would include; improving water quality: acting as an effective buffer in sediment and nutrient filtration thereby controlling erosion, increasing biodiversity, managing flooding, and filtering pollutants, all of which would be beneficial in restabilising trout back into the area.
Proposed outcomes will also aim to provide capital funding through the integration of sustainable elements of the automotive industry not only as part of the area’s cultural heritage but also as part of a wider partnership approach across local industries. It will explore opportunities for catering for open space, sports, and recreation in line with PPG17. Additionally providing opportunities for alternative housing and self build plots as laid out in the requirements of the Big City Plan. The aim will be to reconnect local communities with the waterways as well as the potential for improving permeability and pedestrian priority in what is currently a car dominated city.

 

The City Diagram summarises the design intentions;
The Forest Bands provide: breathing space, riparian function, wildlife corridors, together with forest style living whilst connecting the waterways, water functions, commercial elements, and surrounding communities.
Canal Infrastructure: provides active frontage including boutique retail and amenities leading to a marina.

 

The Four Main Water Functions include;
Reed Beds: Located at a Nodal point to maximise cleansing and improved habitat creation.
The Vortex Garden: Provides recreation, flood alleviation and a wildlife centre.
White Water Centre: Caters for Sport and Recreation.
Canal Marina: Provides residential moorings and active frontage as well as recreational facilities.

 

Capital Funding is provided through sustainable elements of the automotive industry including: centres of excellence, an alternative eco-experience track, eco-off road, and a research institute into alternative fuels.