Architectural Design

The land label as it is seen now was not the actual scenario during historic times. One of the ways to excavation as a means of architectural way to connect the historical levels and the infrastructures the proposal is to convert the in front open space in front of the Royal Albert Dock pumping station into an engaging public square. The level would be excavated from the current ground level. From the current ground level there would be accessibility with steps and amphitheater seating. This excavation will focus on the space in front of the Albert Dock pumping station. And can be used for displaying open theater performance, regular food kiosk, or community food market where the Albert Dock pumping station will work as the backdrop of the prime activity. To convert it into an efficient public square all the supportive functions that is required in a residential neighborhood such as daily grocery shopping, community food market, cafes, bars, restaurants, bakery shops, Barber shop, etc would be accommodated on the surrounding residential buildings ground floor.

This essential function will ensure the daily usage by the local community and interaction with the heritage building and path. In terms of proposing the shopping archades the small scale bussiness should be encouraged to generated economy while providing opportunity for the local resident to be self sufficient. Water related heritage infrastructures are scattered in this site. To create a network between them the path referencing the old path that was used by the people from industrial time will be revived. Depending on the existing land level this path will become ramped or stepped and will guide the visitor upward or downward to an excavated corridor and connect all the heritage infrastructures. The surrounding tall buildings hide the historical water infrastructures.

The pedestrian crossing on the ground level of buildings or on the excavated ground will connect the heritage visually and physically connected. At present the dock water is not accessible. A platform over the dock water will provide access for recreational activities such as fishing, enjoying sunshine and children swimming activities through step and ramped connection from the existing ground level. The heritage pump house will also work as the connection between the square and the dock water.

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