Urban Regeneration of Site B in Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone

Site B is part of the Cardiff Central Enterprise Zone, a former industrial area that currently has a single and passive function. The SWOT analysis shows that the greatest strengths of the site are its riverfront location and industrial fabric, but the site's weaknesses are also evident, such as the lack of open space and overly large blocks. Fortunately, the Cardiff Local Development Plan (2006-2026) sets out the intention to improve the functionality and connectivity of the site. In this urban regeneration I have used the idea of "Urban Germination". Firstly, Cardiff and Vale College and the four factory buildings to the west of it are used as a "seed core" — a vibrant core of educational, leisure and creative functions; then, a belt-like "seed skin" is built along the river — a buffer park with playgrounds, restaurants and other facilities; eventually, multiple axes radiating from the "seed core" penetrate the "seed skin" to link the surrounding clusters.

In the design of the "seed core", I first placed the active functions required by the policy, such as the primary school, the large public space, etc.; the need to enhance the connectivity of this area, while maintaining the integrity of the industrial forms, was contradictory — so I created openings in the ground floor of the plant, which will be used by vehicles and pedestrians; to further improve the experience for the residents and visitors, I have installed the green steps (community stage), zigzag footpath, sun seats, etc; on the roof of the building, I have also added six residential buildings for future creative workers.

"The design of "seed skin" was more complex as I needed to balance the contradictions between "development" and "conservation". The first step was to make full use of the existing vegetation and topography to reduce the damage caused by construction; the second step was to renew the existing buildings in the area, for example, I transformed the six terrace houses in the north-west corner of the site into children's play facilities; the third step was to embed activities at the water's edge, even taking into account the integration of water activities with shore-based activities.

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