STRETFORD
For this 3rd year's project, I will be focusing on designing a new civic space in Stretford which is located in Trafford, Greater Manchester. The urban fabric of Stretford is a densely populated place with most of the infrastructure of the location are housings. Therefore, it will be addition to have more social and public spaces in this region.
OVERALL
The town centre of Stretford is located in a prominent position along the A56, which also links to the M60 and Edge Lane. As a result, this gives great access to all the other towns around it especially with the help of the excellent public transportation in the area. Also, the parks which are the Victoria, Longford, Lockstock, Moss and Gorse Hill, as well as the Stretford Meadows, Turn Moss and the wider Mersey Valley, are all positioned within walking distance of the town centre. This encourages the locals to go to parks and get close to nature much more. In general, the location of this area is quite convenient for the locals, as it is situated in between the countryside and the urban areas.
SITE
Essoldo
Site
Public Hall
Stretford Mall
Existing Housing
SITE DESCRIPTION
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The site is located at the corner of a cross section. This section is a well known area where people from different towns would pass by quite often. In the site, there is a Public Hall at the corner of it and a subway entrance on the other. Due to a big space needed, the existing housing behind the hall will be allocated to a new housing project near Essoldo.
ANALYSIS
SURROUNDINGS
The north and west side of the site are surrounded by housings and shops. On the other, the south and east side are the roads.
VIEWS
Since it located at the corner, the most significant view is the busy road. Whereas the other parts of the site have views that're more calm.
ACCESS
If travel by car, the site can only be accessed from Dorset and Cyprus St. There is also a car park beside the hall to allow vehicles to park.
CIRCULATION
The site can be entered from all sides, including the underground path way from the subway which is connected to the corner staircase.
WIND
The direction of the strongest wind is from the west and south west side. The other parts have wind as well but it is much weaker.
SUNPATH
Most of the areas are well lit except the east part as it's blocked by the hall. There might be shading at the south east during winter by the mall.
IMPROVEMENTS
POLLUTION
Due to being situated at the corner of the street. The air and sound pollution of that area will be bad. Therefore, It will be better if there is a natural plant barrier to block the noise and air into the building.
PUBLIC HALL
Some of the hall's interior are not used (basement) and some of them are not properly designed (artist studio at the back of the hall). Therefore, the building I am proposing might improve those spaces by using them and replacing some of the them. It will be a new change for the hall after such a long time.
STAIRS
Lastly, the part that I want to improve is the corner staircase at my site. For this part, the circulation will be maintained but the physical look of the place could be enhanced a bit more, to make the area more vibrant and usable when people pass by, making their journey more exciting.