Yiyin Zhang

Granton Harbour Public Park

Advanced Sustainable Design - MSc

Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA)

hawaiizyy@gmail.com

Follow:

Project description

INTRODUCTION

Granton, situated in the northern part of Edinburgh, boasts a storied historical past as a prominent industrial hub. It has served as a pivotal port in the city's history, a central hub for coal export, a source of construction materials for urban development, a site for automobile manufacturing, and a conduit for importing materials for paper production.

Over time, Granton has undergone several phases of transformation. The Granton Waterfront revitalization project is focused on reshaping the district into a sustainable and inclusive economic entity. This comprehensive endeavor encompasses a range of elements, including the creation of numerous net-zero carbon homes to address housing needs, the establishment of spaces to support business startups for economic growth, the expansion and enhancement of coastal parks and green spaces, the celebration of diversity through cultural, artistic, and leisure spaces, and the provision of essential services such as schools and healthcare centers.

The subsequent framework builds upon existing efforts and centers on housing, commercial activities, environmental enhancements, transportation improvements, and community initiatives, with the aim of bringing these aspects into prominence for further development.

CHALLENGES

Low-income housing within the Harbor area faces issues of social isolation, marked by a lack of community services, public spaces, and subpar quality of life. Residents in this area must travel 15 to 30 minutes to access communal facilities. The predominant housing type consists of single-type apartments, including those designated for low-income individuals. However, these units lack essential amenities such as cafes, restaurants, and green spaces for families and tourists. Moreover, there is a dearth of public spaces catering to residential needs, as well as areas for freelancers to work.

OBJECTIVES

Safeguard urban vibrancy from erosion due to a uniform housing layout.

Amplify community functionality and ignite community dynamism.

Breathe life into the untapped potential of the maritime landscape wasteland.

Cultivate and propel social integration efforts while circumventing ongoing environmental degradation.

Mitigate inequality and drive efforts toward enhanced social cohesion.

Harbour Park Sustainable Goals

Granton has the highest amount of sunshine in Edinburgh, and solar energy from clean energy can be found here. Every building and landscape architecture being constructed can be powered by solar energy. At the same time, Granton has not low rainfall. Rainwater harvesting promotes water recycling through water management on the roof of the house and in the rain garden. The indoor public space offered to residents consists of a detachable modular building made of low carbon materials. Wood structure and straw modules provide a more sustainable effect. After the establishment of the space generated by the social culture of activating the community, abundant community activities are needed to promote the self-development of the social culture. Diversified Spaces and functions can provide the public with a more inclusive community.

Approaches for Sustainability

•Water Management: Implementing rainwater collection and reuse through features like rain gardens, rooftop systems, fountains, and infiltration pavement.

•Reducing Carbon Footprint: Utilizing a detachable and modular wooden construction for buildings, promoting flexibility and sustainability.

•Utilizing Renewable Energy: Integrating solar photovoltaic panels across building rooftops and landscape structures to harness clean energy.

•Creating an All-Inclusive Community: Developing open public spaces and interior areas that cater to people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and visitors, fostering inclusivity.

Harbour Park Details

Porch:

In the context of Edinburgh's unpredictable weather characterized by intermittent showers, the outdoor area features a straw module pathway designed to serve as a sheltered promenade. This setup serves the dual purpose of offering rain protection to individuals utilizing the outdoor space. Additionally, strategically positioned solar photovoltaic panels are incorporated into the roof structure. These panels play a pivotal role by harnessing solar energy during the day, subsequently powering the park's illumination needs during the evening hours.

Rain Garden:

Depressions with a gentle concave shape, situated in proximity to the porch, are strategically created to gather and absorb rainwater originating from either the rooftop or the surrounding ground. Employing a synergistic approach involving vegetation, sand, and soil, the collected rainwater undergoes a natural purification process, gradually infiltrating the soil to contribute to groundwater conservation. Alternatively, this stored rainwater can be repurposed to fulfill various needs such as landscape irrigation and toilet usage.

Landscape Pavilion:

Incorporate partially enclosed and semi-private areas within the green landscape to accommodate Edinburgh's variable climate conditions. This design also serves the purpose of offering a sociable outdoor space for leisure activities on rainy days. Constructed with a wooden framework, the pavilion is modular and movable, enhancing its versatility. Furthermore, solar panels positioned atop the pavilion's roof harness solar energy to power its electrical requirements.

Waterfront Platform:

It disrupts the former confines of the harbour perimeter, enticing both locals and visitors to unwind and savour the scenic waterfront panorama. This initiative enhances the range of harbour-related pursuits, promotes proximity to the water, and stimulates the dynamic energy of the harbour community.

section

Cafe Hub

Establish communal and recreational zones that align with the substantial residential presence in the harbour vicinity.

Shape an environment where individuals can convene and interact, as well as fashion-shared areas where individuals can engage in unencumbered work.

Building Structure:

A two-story, eco-friendly modular structure featuring sustainability. The modules incorporate a timber-based structural framework. The building system revolves around a wooden structure. The wall panels boast a dual-layer configuration with an interspace to notably enhance the module's thermal efficiency. Ventilation stack integrated with skylights for natural illumination. The roof is inclined and includes a collection mechanism to gather rainwater, subsequently stored in a reservoir for future utilization.