What Makes a Great Urban Space?

Spinningfields Manchester UK

We all have our favourite spots in our local towns and cities. These spaces connect with us and influence how we feel about a place. It may be the vibrancy or the intimacy of a place which makes it feel special but the chances are you can’t quite put your finger on what it is that makes a place feel special.

It is essential when developing urban spaces that we truly understand what makes a place ‘good’. If we can adhere to trusted place-making design principles, we can help visitors have a positive experience and encourage them to return time and time again. A place should be designed to cater for both people’s wants and needs; and if successful enough it will leave a long-lasting impression.

If we look at some of the major UK cities there are certain places that you can guarantee will be a hive of activity, full of people enjoying the space. In Manchester, the ever growing area of ‘Spinningfields’ is constantly awash with people socialising, relaxing and using the space creatively. They have ownership of the space and are entertained by pop-up bars and novelty, seasonal activities such as ice-skating. Vibrant Covent Garden in London is also a place of constant, lively activity with locals and visitors alike squeezed into the packed bars and cafes that surround the space. It is also rare to take that spectacular walk through the award-winning Peace Gardens in Sheffield without encountering people enjoying this distinctive space and stopping to relax and eat lunch.

But what makes all these spaces successful? Why are they so good to visit? What can we learn from them?

Bryan Park, New York, USA

Here at Watson Batty Architects we have learned that the most successful urban spaces have a number of effective features, some of which are outlined below;

Firstly, the space needs to be accessible. Good transport links are critical whether by foot, bus, train or car. If these places are hard to reach, will people go? Do these places exist along well trodden routes? Arrival at, and movement through a space should be easy and fluid.

Secondly, the edges of the space are vitally important. Walking along a row of shopfronts is more interesting and feels much safer than being faced with a blank wall. If these spaces are filled with the correct uses natural surveillance is created while providing interest and activity. These are two vital components in encouraging public spaces to be used.

Thirdly, activity and ‘life’ within the space will encourage people to stay. Cafes and Bars for example encourage people to stop and take rest. What will engage the passing visitor? What image does the place portray and will this encourage a certain crowd?

Finally, something which may be taken for granted, how is the place designed? How social is the place? Is it a comfortable space with somewhere robust to sit and relax, meet friends and communicate face-to-face? Does it catch the sun or is it in constant shadow? Are there any great views?

Great social spaces can do lots more than just attracting people. They can help create cohesive local communities, aid people movement and play host to memorable events creating emotional connections with the people who use them.  Next time you are visiting somewhere, why not consider what makes that place feel great?

If you have any great places we would love to hear about them. What place is special to you, both big and small?

Post by Scott Lunn, BA (Hons), Dip Arch, RIBA

Architect at Watson Batty Architects

Plans submitted for the Dixon McMillan Academy

Plans were recently submitted to Bradford Metropolitan District Council ( BMDC) Planning Department apply for permission to convert the existing Bradford College McMillan Building on Trinity Road into a secondary school academy. The proposals will see the demolition of the west wing of the existing building to make way for a staff car park and a sports hall with changing and storage facilities. The front of the academy will be transformed with a 2 storey extension creating a double height multi-functional ‘heart’ space for the school. The extension will see a contemporary glass façade brought to the building allowing views and natural light into the academy. The inclusion of a new entrance within the extension work will create a secure and welcoming arrival point for staff, students and visitors. Together with extensive internal refurbishment and landscape works the proposals will see the existing building gain a new lease of life educating the next generation.

The proposals are due to be determined by the BMDC planning department at the end of February 2015. If the application is approved the school is programmed for completion and opening in September 2015.

We're Hiring!

Watson Batty Architects are seeking a highly motivated and versatile project architect and architectural technician to work with our clients to deliver dynamic, creative and practical building solutions.

The successful candidate will be based within our Leeds or Loughborough Studio and must be able to demonstrate excellent design skills, sound construction knowledge and the ability to work in a fast paced environment. You will be a hands on all-rounder with both job running and client facing experience with the ability to deliver projects within a range of sectors, from initial concept stage through site works to completion.

If you are ambitious and are seeking a new challenge please submit details of your experience, along with samples of work, to Pamela Cooke at the following email address: - pamela.cooke@watsonbatty.com

• Applicants must be skilled in AutoCad and computer literate. Revit and graphic presentation skills are preferable. 

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate experience in managing challenging projects as well as the ability to liaise with design consultants, clients and stakeholders.

• 3 years post qualification experience is preferable.

WBA to assist the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum

Watson Batty Architects are delighted to be working with the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum (ANDF) assisting the group in developing their 'placemaking' masterplan to map out the development of Aireborough to 2028. The masterplan will eventually be examined as a Neighbourhood Plan by the Government Planning Inspectorate to ensure compliance with Leeds' strategic local plan; then it will be voted on in a local referendum to be adopted as a legislative document.


The first stage of the project will see us assisting the ANDF map out evidence of issues, desires and ideas in order to create a vision plan by Spring 2015.

We were delighted to be shortlisted and eventually chosen as the groups preferred consultant having demonstrated our detailed local knowledge of development in the area. The group were also impressed with the range of disciplines offered by the practice as well as our ability to provide initiative solutions.

For further information please visit the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum by clicking here

Exciting future for Guiseley AFC

Watson Batty Architects are delighted to support their local football team Guiseley AFC with plans for the redevelopment of their existing Nethermoor Park ground.  A planning application has recently been submitted to Leeds City Council by the Conference North football club which includes new covered spectator stands, a new changing room facility, and a new two storey community hub building.  Proposed improvements to the ground will increase the spectator capacity to 4000 allowing the Club to meet league requirements when promoted to the Conference Premier division – Step 1 of the national league system – just one promotion from the Football League.

  

The new plans represent a significant long term investment by the Club not only to support their football aspirations but to serve and benefit their local community seven days a week. The new hub building will include a ground floor social enterprise café whilst on the first floor a multi-functional social space provides match day hospitality.

On non match days the upper floor can be divided into three separate spaces with pitch-side views providing areas for learning, meetings, entertaining, and use by various local community groups and local schools. 

A number of established community groups, programmes and prominent individuals have already pledged their support towards the new development including AVSED, Action for Children and Stuart Andrew MP.

Works at Craven College Underway

Work is well underway at Craven College where George Houlton & Sons Ltd are re-cladding and internally refurbishing the three storey Whernside building. The improvement works to the building are due to complete end of February 2015.

While simultaneously undertaking the refurbishment works a new workshop facility is being built which is due to complete August 2015.

On completion of the Whernside refurbishment works to the single storey Hub building will commence to form a sports lab, teaching gym, associated changing facilities, a classroom and office accommodation.

Blaydon Fit Out Complete

Morrisons are due to open the doors to their long awaited new store in Blaydon on Monday the 25th of August. The new store promises shoppers an innovative shopping experience with a focus on fresh produce and traditional craft skills such as butchery, bakery and fishmongery.

The opening of the store marks the latest successfully completed project by Watson Batty Architects who worked alongside the developers design team to coordinate the shell construction and undertook the internal fit out contact with main contractor, Bowman and Kirkland. The store is the first completed retail project by Watson Batty which sees the implementation of the store car park directly above the store allowing cars to park on the car deck above the building with shopper using lifts and travelators to access the sales floor.

Islington Delivery Office On Site

Proposals for Islington Delivery Office are now well underway as the has construction of the new facility commences on site. At 1,745 m.sq the building will play a key part in the royal mail distribution network and will feature the latest Royal Mail Customer and You design standards aimed at improving the facilities on offer to both staff and customers. 

The building also features a number of sustainable credentials allowing making it set to achieve a BREEAM excellent rating. Photovoltaic panels, green roofs, a living green wall and a reed bed in the canal will all contribute to making this a sustainable development.

Miller Construction have taken on the role of principle contractor with the project due for completion spring 2014.