Swindon REGEN 2
Swindon REGEN 2 was a group project, however all images shown are by the author. The purpose of the project was to create a place where people wanted not only to visit but to stay - the commerical road site felt like an obstacle for people and throughway for cars. We sought to change this through the public realm.
In order to slow traffic we employed a number of traffic calming strategies, as seen below. Similarly, we ensured that there were no level changes for pedestrians - people were prioritised which would naturally slow down traffic
I redesigned the carpark to be able to accommodate a solar carport. While this reduced the total number or car- parking spots the new design would create roughly £64,800 of revenue per year. The return of investment would be four to eight times the initial investment whilst generating 240000kWh. This is achieved by considering sun angles and the new building heights - by pushing back the solar carport by 48.5m from the new buildings they will experience sunlight throughout the year, generating energy all year round.
Public Realm Strategy
Design Influence
These are my studies of various architecture projects which helped influence my Swindon REGEN 2 library. My client was for three groups; people with autism, people who are blind and people who are deaf. Due to the specific needs of these groups I decided on three core design principles; simple way-finding, noise reduction and tailored materiality.
Client and Materials
The exterior material palette is influenced by the industrial history of Swindon. The use of Kimmeridge brick and steel pays homage to the GWR and gives a sense of familiarity to the highstreet despite its modern design.
The interior material palette was selected due to the specific needs of the clients. The bottom floor needed to be both acoustically soft and suitable for a space of high footfall, therefore Forbo Vinyl Flooring was chosen. The first floor necessitated colours of shorter wavelengths. These colours cause less stimulation in the brain, necessary to avoid meltdown behaviour for people with autism. Thus, cork was used. Finally on the second floor in order to cater for British Sign Language (BSL) colours needed to be muted. This is to focus the attention on hand movement and facial expression, therefore grey larch was chosen.
East West Section
East West Elevation
During the night and dark winter months the building utilises Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL). This is because LEDs whilst more efficient, create visually-disorienting environment for those with autism.
A restrained glazing to wall ratio, energy efficient windows and thermal protection work reduces the buildings' heat loss. Leakage is also avoided due to the low form factor of the building.
The challenge in this project was to design three distinct levels which unite together to create a coherent whole. This was done by having the services run through the east side of the building and the central columns connecting all three layers. This allowed for greater freedom in the floor plans. The ground floor is open and information is communicated through the floor texture. The second floor avoids straight lines and provides 'meltdown spaces'. The third floor focusses on creating conversation circles for BSL.