13 ILLUMINATED ARCHES

TEAM “Evocative of the iconic symbol for global The arches are compelling structures that impact networks, the arches mark the symbolic centre both the micro and macro environment of the of London’s Tech City and establish a strong Old Street Gateway. Visible from all directions, individual identity for Old Street Station. they act as beacons for this significant area of Paul Cocksedge Studio They connect spaces together and provide the city. Ben Adams Architects lighting, greenery and seating for pedestrians.” We propose using the clerestory roof as a Old Street’s recognizable arches are a crucial canvas for public art, produced by local artists part of the area’s visual identity. The addition or in collaboration with London’s art schools. of two new arches creates a dynamic and The unusual and central position of the canvas pragmatic intervention that connects past and ensures that pieces will be visible from the new present together. station stairs as well as from the buildings above, creating an engaging challenge for artists. Growing harmoniously out of the existing This exciting new venue will add a dynamic structure, the proposal transforms the existing and varied layer of culture and establish the visual language from that of an advertising peninsula as a landmark embracing public art. hoarding to a three-dimensional representation of the international connections that Old Street, We believe that by evolving Old Street’s existing as London’s tech hub, thrives on. identity we can create something striking yet familiar, that brings the scheme together and The arches become a unifying element and bring stands out. The arches mark the symbolic centre together all the different areas of the peninsula. of London’s Tech City and establish a strong They offer improvements to the public realm individual identity for Old Street Station. by framing the new entrance to the station and come alive at night, their lighting creating at once a sense of wonder and of safety.

Integrated planting, seating and low-level lighting at the base of each arch create a new high-quality public space for pedestrians and mitigate the pollution of the surrounding traffic. Circular benches surrounded by greenery offer charging stations for electronics and wi-fi hotspots, blending together nature and technology. 13

14 URBAN OASIS

TEAM AN URBAN OASIS A DIGITAL CANVAS The 20th Century urban environment is shaped Old Street is London’s major creative hub. by humans. It is wasteful, resource hungry, Originally colonised by artists, the area has Gibson Thornley Architects and with amplified summer temperatures and become the UK’s centre of tech business. It is Kinnear Landscape dangerous air pollution, harsh to its human also a place where people live, where strong creators. Old Street roundabout is typical of communities exist supported by schools and Architects this type of 20th century urbanism. As such other public institutions. At the centre of our it is both a microcosm and a cause of wider proposal we propose a series of digital screens ARUP climatic change. At the Paris Climate Accord and projections that provides a creative canvas world leaders signed an agreement to limit world for these communities. The digital canvas emission rises to 2 degrees. They signed to keep will provide real time information about the the world habitable. What they did not realise - environment, travel and local information. It given omissions to date - is that in doing so they will be a compass to help people navigate their almost certainly committed to geoengineering city. It will be a space for art to be shown and the planet’s climate. for events to take place; for school groups, community projects, artist, creatives and We are proposing an Urban Oasis that is its own musicians to influence their city. It will be a micro-urban experiment in climate adjustment meeting place, a totem for the modern city. and experimentation. It harvests waste and untapped energy from its context and engages in A SELF-FUNDING MODEL a dialogue with its users and microclimate and to create a unique and enjoyable space. The proposal will require funding to create this lush park. Works are needed to alter the existing At Canary Wharf, a microclimate was created clerestory to make the space accessible, safe by accident, with heat exhaust from the and usable. We propose a model of funding that underground raising the immediate temperature, is self-sustaining, similar to a website model. allowing Mediterranean planting to thrive. We Advertising is increased by 200% from the propose to harness the heat specific to the current offer, providing ongoing finance. site, from the underground and surrounding infrastructure (sub-station, retail etc) to raise winter temperatures, allowing a more ambitious, tropical flora to exist. A high canopy of umbrella pines and palms create a new, safe urban place, promoting visibility across the site to the wider context. In the summer, fine mists and cooling, reduces the heat island effect. The Urban Oasis is a lush microclimate - a place to meet, sit and enjoy throughout the year. 14

15 THE STAGE @ SILICON ROUNDABOUT

TEAM Welcome to Old Street. Welcome to The Stage Development, is a great example - as is The at Silicon Roundabout, our proposed new space Mews behind the Bower Tower. These spaces will at the heart of the Old Street District. A space always be more attractive than sitting on the Old to sit, to watch, to think and to meet. A space Street Peninsula, and we expect more of them Urben Limited that screens you from the surrounding noise to appear in the coming years. Therefore we felt Miriam+Tom and distraction of the city and allows you time why try to create another similar space some- to stop and think encapsulated by a landmark where so inhospitable? 18 Degrees structure reflecting the cutting edge design and technology this part of London is best known for. Certainly, there is demand for more eating, Momentum Transport drinking and seating - and that is why we Out team knows the area well, and we know are going to extend the Promenade of Light that the first thing that strikes you on leaving the towards the roundabout, creating an extended labyrinthine Old Street Station and emerging to promenade which can act as a multifunctional the surface is the noise of the traffic. This is not space accommodating temporary markets - a a space that makes you want to stay, to dwell, lunchtime food market, or weekend art fair, for to linger - rather you head away as quickly example. as possible. The proposed trans- formation and peninsularisation of the roundabout will However, the centrepiece of our scheme will be certainly improve the situation, but it will still be The Stage - a performance platform wrapped dominated by vehicles which at least in the short with fluid LED screens - double sided - so that term will generate noise and pollution. the inside can showcase culture & the arts, while the outside can retain the vital revenue- Therefore, why pretend this will be a nice space generating advertising which will be needed to to sit and relax? We chose to address this and pay for the programming and maintenance of have developed an idea which mitigates the the scheme. An expanded area of tiered seating, harsh conditions of the roundabout peninsula, no longer looking towards a ventilation stack and creates a sense of enclosure, creating a and old substation over the road, but rather space where people are able to linger protected towards a screen that is programmed and from the noise and pollution of the surrounding managed in partnership with local performing streets. and visual arts organisations, such as the ICA or Sadlers Wells. Walking around the area today there are lots of new areas where you can sit, eat, drink, work We want it to be a civic space; a programmed or relax away from the busy roads that define space yet a spontaneous space. Somewhere for the Old Street Roundabout Space. The newly both performance and contemplation. A place created Old Street @ Silicon Roundabout for people. Yard, part of the White Collar Factory 15

16 INTROVERT–EXTROVERT

TEAM SILICON ROUNDABOUT: FUTURE NOW The new structure draws people in from the Old WELL-BEING VIA PARTICIPATION Street axis established by the new tube station The new peninsula offers two opportunities: to entrance. The raised clerestory roof becomes The scheme takes public participation and create a civic space at a key London gateway an enticing platform or stage with amphitheatre openness one step further and allows individuals Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt and to influence the character of Old Street. seating leading to the upper level. The ramps to share content through open source display LT Studio and steps on approach, and areas to the areas in the roof’s inner wall. This turns the The proposal establishes two new platforms periphery, provide a variety of spaces to be building into a space of expression and sharing. University of Reading where users can enjoy both bustle and calm, experienced and enjoyed. The upper platform visual connectivity and isolation, openness and is acoustically protected by a perimeter screen The democracy of a space, where its fabric Spacehive intimacy. The lower level allows permeability which is just permeable enough to maintain is manipulated by its users, establishes a new Heyne Tillett Steel across it from all vantage points whilst the upper, a connection to the wider environment and dynamism between our online personas and wrapped with a new screen, provides enclosure orientate key views. offline collective. The scheme will offer the Max Fordham and privacy. community of Silicon Roundabout a space to MANAGEMENT AND FUNDING express its civic identity. Charcoal Blue At present, advertisement brings an introverted Peter Brett Associates focus to the peninsula. Our proposal reverses The management of the space would be through this, as neighbouring buildings are brought a joint venture trust led by the councils, with Prof. John Worthington alive with media content. The new platforms, input from community and business groups. In combined with the dynamic building facades, between the curated public/private schedule, MBE will animate Old Street and create a landmark a variety of informal events such as food where ‘online’ and ‘offline’ connect. stalls, yoga classes, flash mobs, impromptu performances etc., promoted by social media, Delivery is phased, integrating the fixed elements can be hosted. The flexibility and openness of of the brief in a seamless form. the design will help to secure buy-in from the community, setting the basis for a crowdfunding A FLEXIBLE, ENGAGING CIVIC SPACE venture and bringing the Old Street community into the funding of its new public space: a public The success and vibrancy of Old Street reflects realm for sharing and collaboration. the diverse communities that live and work nearby, and its ability to attract Londoners 24 The scheme also offers distinct spaces for hours a day. The improved peninsula is nestled revenue and artistic content: traditional billboard among a network of public, semi-public and advertisement; digital art; brand activation; private spaces linking the neighbourhood and keynote presentations; exhibitions; pop-ups; and creating a diverse street scene. The scheme guerrilla advertisement. complements this network of ‘living rooms’ by offering a fully public space at street level. 16

17 THE DECK AND SCREEN

TEAM We deliver a unique public space for London: These routes converge on a generous timber platform offers a unique vantage point over Old stimulating, accessible and responsive to deck with fixed and informal seating. A sunny Street and Shoreditch. the character of this lively and informal vantage point above the surrounding traffic, a neighbourhood. A state-of-the-art display screen place to relax with a drink, see friends or just Each space is fully accessible: the deck is served Pilbrow & Partners forms the backdrop to an elevated piazza. chill out. A ground floor bar activates the eastern by ramp and stairs from the south, the terraces AKT II edge of the roundabout. The bar serves as an below and viewing platform above the screen Old Street roundabout today: An-in between entrance kiosk to the viewing platform and its are linked via a lift to the ground floor level. This Space Syntax space, a residual space, to be experienced from associated lift. lift is positioned to also give step-free access to the car, at speed. the upper concourse of the Underground station. Motion Transportation THE SCREEN FutureCity The planned 1960’s Flyover One was abandoned, but space remains unremittingly A display screen forms the second element of hostile. TfL’s planned highway improvements our proposals. create the opportunity to forge new public space and make new pedestrian connections at the Set atop two pylons that were constructed for heart of one of the city’s most dynamic quarters. the abandoned flyover, the screen reprovides advertising displays into a state of the art LED THE DECK matrix - the largest (and brightest) display in the capital - an iconic and fitting focal point for Tech The presence of the station lantern suggests the City. The screen provides a realistic strategy to creation of an elevated public space, raised fund the removal of the advertising hoardings above the noise and fumes of the surrounding that currently loom over the space. traffic. To succeed, the space must be seamlessly connected to the ground level below and be Advertising funds the proposals, yet the display liberated from the overhanging detritus of the can also show alternative content which works in hoardings above. conjunction with the new deck.

We set this raised piazza at the centre of Wimbledon, opera relays from Covent Garden, movement across the space. To the west, a outdoor cinema, catwalk links during London broad stair extends Islington’s Old Street public Fashion Week all draw visitors to the area. realm enhancements onto the heart of the site. To the south, a stepped ramp provides The light, flexible dot matrix is tensioned against connectivity to TfL’s proposed crossings to a perimeter steel frame like a net. Close to, it is City Road. To the north, we adopt and extend remarkably transparent and we propose to take TfL’s concept of an inclined terrace over the benefit from this by proposing public access Underground entrance stairs. Rather than behind the screen to a viewing terrace on its making these a dead-end, we propose to link upper edge. Visitors ascend and descend in a them to access the Deck at the base of the dramatic cleft of light on two running scissors screen. stairs set between the screens. At the top, the 17

18 OLD STREET ARENA

TEAM It is the year 2022. Old Street’s air is no information such as the outcomes of the latest what if: projects are an award winning team longer toxic! Met by a sigh of relief from silicon ‘Shoreditch Town Hall’ against ‘Charles Square of architects and urban designers based in roundabout’s communities London’s ultra and Pitfield TA’ netball match. Shoreditch. low emission zone was extended to the North What if: projects ltd Circular and more people than ever choose to A softer, more colourful and accommodating The team is currently lead consultants for Ulrike Steven cycle. Old Street roundabout, previously a space public realm has emerged at Old Street station the public realm and cycle infrastructure to be avoided and dangerous for pedestrians thanks to the many new trees and lush pockets of project ‘Mini Holland’ in Waltham Forest. In Liam Morris and cyclists, has been transformed into an arena wilderness that were introduced. collaboration with public, private and communal for public life. partner organisations what if: projects have Elsa Escobedo The intense urban environment at Old Street developed and sourced funding for projects Gareth Morris Thanks to the new Old Street station roof that has now become a popular hangout for young such as the ‘Livesey Exchange’ community venue doubles up as raked seating with intermittent and old, a welcome breathing space en route on Old Kent Road and the allotment program planting you can now enjoy dramatic views of to the station that emphasises natural qualities ‘Vacant Lot’ that started in Hoxton in 2007. the new Old Street Arena - a striking new venue and seasonal change. The trees and plants are for sports and cultural events at the heart of key ingredients of the scheme to improve the air, what used to be the roundabout. Making clever living qual ity and travel experience in this central use of the clerestory roof below the iconic London location. Large and small planting advertising arch of Old Street, a transformable areas were constructed to absorb and store the space was recently created. Wrapping around run off water from the surrounding pavements this elevated platform, a light elegant structure and to support local biodiversity. New trees that accommodates secure bike parking, changing complement the existing majestic plane trees faci lities and spaces for socialising or work. along Old Street together with the surrounding From the café the hustle and bustle of Old Street green have been adopted by local businesses, can be watched or turning towards the central shop owners and residents group. This is part platform a Feldenkreist class, basketball match, of a management strategy that seeks to involve photo shoot or art performance in action. local communities hands-on and long-term.

Equipped with the right fa cilities the Old Street arena provides ample space where diverse activities can unfold bringing together local communities with the working crowd and visitors of Shoreditch. Detailed information about the program can be found via the Old Street app and for those without digital access, external monitors are displaying the activities and events together with information about bike parking availability, air pollution levels and local 18

19 SILICON TOWERS

TEAM DESIGN PROPOSAL Towers have news feeds that would display Our images have been overlaid onto the 3D technology/community news. Towers provide designs & images produced by Fereday Pollard A series of towers surrounding the site provides a revenues from advertising and retail use, these & Urban Movement which were available in the unique visual experience when approaching the offset the cost of removing and replacing the Open Call for Design Ideas. Perseverance Architects site from all sides and a sense of enclosure when existing advertising structure. Taylor Whalley Spyra within the site. This is also reinforced by tree We propose that the kiosk/signage towers and planting to the boundaries. Two towers have been positioned directly over the two-storey building as indicated cannot be Furness Green Partnership the structural columns of the arch structure. used without our permission. Removal of the advertising screens, as these Ares Landscape Architects do not work spatially with the newly created We propose two levels for Café/Bar use. Creatmosphere peninsula. Allowing the creation of additional Terraces provide for the Café/Bar and the floors above the clerestory roof. The roof should public use. A green roof is proposed, this helps be reinforced in order to take two storeys with with the heat island effect of built up areas a green roof above. The funding for reinforcing and biodiversity for the area. The green roof would come from the revenue created by the with the proposed trees and planting provides Café/Bar. a visual relief for the residents and occupants of the properties surrounding the site. The new Towers provide retail outlets at ground level with space would be created using a steel and timber advertising screens above, the advertisements structure to minimise the proposed loading. have two screens, one faces City Road or Old Street and the other which faces the interior Space has also been allocated for additional of the site. These produce nearly four times benches and cycle parking. the area of the existing screens. The screens facing City Road and Old Street would have The scheme integrates into the urban fabric as commercial advertising, screens facing the the towers have reflected the curved appearance interior of the site would have multiple uses, of the Shoreditch Grind, so that the site is commercial, artistic and community. The artistic bounded on each side by a curved structure. use could be displaying patterns or seasonal designs during the Christmas and other festive The proposed hard landscaping also integrates periods. The community displays could feature into the Station Plaza landscaping by rippling out local schools, their artwork or design work from from the main structures similar to the paving local collages. This could provide a digital that surrounds the station entrance. The area has platform, light, sound and video integrated in all its elements connected by a uniform paving the urban environment, this will be a tool for pattern. the local creative and student communities to be commissioned to deliver site specific digital works. This would work well with the continuation of the promenade of light. 19