Project description

􏱁 Cities are in need of new strategies to manage the influx of stormwater. Edinburgh has an extensive issue of surface flooding as the old city infrastructures are failing to cope with the more intense and frequent precipitation rates, which due to climate change only continue to worsen.The main principle of this project introduces the idea of working with water, restoring our relationship with this element while keeping on site, using nature soft-based solutions allowing the water cycle to be maintained.

Princes Street Gardens is a unique site, with great history and heritage in the middle of the city. What intrigued me the most was that Edinburgh used to be a city of natural lochs. Many areas within the urban fabric used to be marshlands however got drained to create land for agriculture, then built over as the city was developing and the marsh lands that once existed on the landscape can hardly be traced today. By looking at the connection of where used to be Lochs in the city and areas at risk of surface flooding today, I identified a strong correlation. The Gardens were one of those areas having the Nor Loch, the largest loch to exist in Edinburgh, while today, they face significant issues with surface flooding. The site’s history and how it relates to the current issues it’s facing makes it unique.

How can a place that once had the largest loch in the city, have zero water today? - Is its relationship with the current flooding events, suggesting something needs to change?

Vision

 

To carefully and respectfully change the dynamics in Princes Street Gardens forming an adaptive strategy to combat the issues faced with long term proposals, that are flexible through time. This project also aims to prove that if one of the oldest parks of Edinburgh can undergo radical changes for future resilience when it comes to flooding, it can provide an example for many other endangered sites in the city to adopt a similar strategy.

The design is inspired by the Nor Loch  and tries to reintroduce these past dynamics by bringing back the’ Lochs’ in innovative design tactics to combat flooding and create future resilience. During fieldwork, more localised issues within the park arose, which resulted in the development of my brief as a response to those found conditions. Therefore the brief was developed after examining the unique site conditions, qualities, and characteristics.

This project demonstrates, how we can shift the flooding impacts of climate change, into something positive, a new change that adds social, cultural, ecological resilience to the city and improves the quality of life of its residents.

Understanding nature’s processes and actions that take place in our cities, respecting them and working along them, is the only way to move forward...

 

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Re-introducing Wetland Vegetation on site
The Perforated Metal Walkway

A new hardscape element is introduced to contrast with the soft irregular wetlands. A linear walkway of perforated metal which allows the users to experience the wetlands and walk through them. The path is designed to make people slow down and stroll in the immersive garden and its new character. 

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Redesigning Ross Bandstand : The creation of an Informal Amphitheater

Concept:

To create a space that can be used everyday by simple activities but at the same time can accommodate larger events. The new design will enhance the idea of a space where people can gather in a park.

Composition:

Idea of bringing back the green slope by changing the existing landfrom to make the slope more gentle and accessible. The topography has been altered, while linear concrete blocks  have been integrated that will have the dual function of sitting and as steps. These will be placed as irregular angled lines, in an abstract non repeating pattern and will gently tie into the slope, creating an aesthetic contrast with the natural landscape. Two juvenile birch trees will be planted diagonally providing dimension, a focal element and partial shade.

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Landscape Architecture - MA
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