six ways final print

8/8/2019 Six Ways Final Print

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SIX WAYS PUBLIC REALM ANDCOMMUNITY COHESION PROJECT

INITIATED AND FUNDED BY


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AprojectinitiatedandfundedbyUrbanLivingandsup-

portedbyAtkinsandTheLandscapePracticeGroupBy

DrNohaNasser

CentreforUrbanDesignOutreachandSkills

Birmingham

SchoolofArchitecture

BirminghamCityUniversity

SIXWAYSPUB

LICREALM

ANDCOMMU

NITY

COHESIONPR

OJECT

MAY2010ISBN978-1-90

4839-4

1-5


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CONTE

NTS

Contents

5 Introduction

6 Methodology

14 The Programme

15 Policy Context: Six Ways Roundabout

16 Urban Analysis of Aston Six Ways

24 The development/design brief for Aston Six Ways

30 Masterplans for Aston Six Ways

42 Lessons Learnt and Next Steps


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5

This project was initiated and funded by Urban Living, the Housing MarketRenewal Pathnder, to test new ways of bringing closer together design quality,community cohesion, and capacity building agendas. This pilot project aimed toexplore these overlaps through the process of urban design; bringing culturally

diverse young people together, often separated by territorial boundaries andnegative psychological perceptions, around the design of a common and sharedpublic open space.

The hypothesis is that public space is more than open space within theneighbourhood, but a place for meeting, socialising and chance encounters.These meeting places could be High Streets, residential streets, parks, or

squares, but the aim is to create a sense of shared space developed througha collaborative inter-community process. To make these public spaces trulypublic, they must be designed by a thorough understanding of the way in whichsub-groups within communities use their neighbourhood, the values they placeon public space, and any negative perceptions communities may hold againstsuch spaces.

This pilot project targeted 14-18 year olds living and learning around theAston Six Ways Island to jointly design a new shared public space. Already,Birmingham City Council and Urban Living are investing in large scaleurban transformation in Newtown with new housing, new youth spaces, andimprovement of the public realm around the Six Ways Island. Through this

project, the young people developed into a unique interest group who not onlybrought their own experiences of the area to the designs, but also engaged with

local people to nd out their views.

The project generated 4 masterplans for the remodelling of Aston Six WaysIsland comparable to a professional standard of work. What is more, thesemasterplans are underpinned by an appreciation of what makes meaningfulpublic spaces, carefully considered ways of improving community relations

through shared spaces and uses, and a sound knowledge of urban designprinciples that balance pedestrian and vehicular movement. There have beenmany social benets too. The young people drawn from the surrounding

neighbourhoods made new acquaintances, breaking down negative perceptionsof each other, and building strong team relationships. They strengthened theircommunication skills, and gained up to 9 credits at Level 2 to show for their hardwork and commitment.

Overall , this project has been a tremendous success at so many levels; socially,educationally, and professionally. The benets gained from using the design

process, as a means of bringing young people together and strengthening theirsense of pride in their local area, has laid the foundations for the future activecitizens of Birmingham. It is hoped that by this process and the skills learnt,Birmingham has also gained future urban professionals who understand the

dynamics of multicultural spaces like Aston, Newtown and Lozells.

Dr Noha NasserApril 2010

IntroductionIN

TRODUCT

ION


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A signicant factor in developing this programme was ensuring the recruitmentof a good mix of young people representing the various neighbourhoods and

the diverse cultural backgrounds of the area. This proved harder than rst

anticipated largely due to insufcient lead in time to build a strong rapport

with youth organisations, local schools, and the local Connexions ofce. Theprogramme continued to be publicised even after it had started, which inhindsight was not helpful in creating a stable audience, with numbers uctuating

from one week to the next as new recruits came in to test the course. Froma cohort of twenty learners, eleven showed commitment and completed theprogramme.

The learners came from four local schools; Aston Manor, Aston King EdwardsVI, Holte school and Handsworth King Edwards VI. The combination of stateand grammar schools provided a good mix. Over 60% were of Pakistani origin,30% Bengali, 10% Chinese, and 10% African-Carribean origin. The cohort washeavily male oriented with one female. This needs to be addressed in future, asit appears young females are harder to reach as a result of negative perceptionsof personal safety and mixing with young males.

The venue, timing and duration of the course is another important consideration.The decision to hold the programme at The Drum, a local arts centre in Aston,proved helpful in providing a neutral venue for young people to attend.However, holding the sessions on Friday evening and Saturday morning

placed great onus on the young people to attend. In general, attendance wasvery good, however, nding times which do not clash with young peoples

recreational time is paramount. Finally, the course was held during the wintermonths with shorter days and earlier nights placing added pressure on the

young people for their personal safety to and from the venue.

The Methodology

Recruitment

METHODO

LOG

Y


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M

ETHO

DOLOGY

The programme included two study visits aimed at giving the young people

rst hand experience of good public spaces. These visits built up analytical

skills helping them explain what design characteristics dene successful publicspaces.

The rst study visit was to Birmingham City Centre where the young people

learnt about:Birmingham Urban Design StrategyEnhancements to the streets and open spaces to reinforce the areasof character, coined The String of Pearls. The creation of a pedestrianmovement framework from one side of the city centre at Millennium Point tothe other at Brindley Place.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Study Visits


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METHODO

LOG

Y The second study visit was to Nottingham to learn from a similar junctionremodelling scheme called Maid Marian Way, as well as visit other successfulpublic spaces in the city centre. In the Maid Marian Way project a new visionfor the city centre included overcoming the barrier effect of the fast route. The

remodelling of the fast vehicular route by lling in the subways and the inclusionof wide pedestrian crossings has restored a direct visual and psychological linkacross it. Large areas of additional public space have been won back in theprocess, creating generous pavements and areas of planting.

Other public spaces in the city centre included the Playhouse and Market

squares. The young people were able to understand the various scales of publicspace, the variety of edge uses that give spaces vibrancy and meaning, as wellas the quality of landscape elements such as the Anish Kapoors reective dish

near the Playhouse and the interactive fountains in Market Square.


Study Visits

Maid Marian Way remodelled junction (top left) and Market Square a vibrant city centre public space (top right) Pictures

below taken by the young people. This piece of public art particularly interested the young people for its ability to reectits surroundings making it contextual and interactive

Young people took photographs to examine materials, street furniture, direct pedestrian crossings, and the importance of

landmark buildings and uses


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M

ETHO

DOLOGY

The teams were each given a digital camera to collect data on the site surveyand study visits. The aim was to encourage them to strengthen their observationand analytical skills by making decisions about what data was important tosupport their site analysis. Use of photography also helped with time lapse

movement around the six ways island.


Photography


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METHODO

LOG

Y Within discussions with the young people, the affect of gangs operating inthe area appeared to be part of their everyday lives. The young peopleacknowledged their existence and could identify the gang members as people

not to mix with but also to avoid their places of loitering (such as street

corners). In trying to assess whether the young peoples daily movementpatterns were affected by knowledge of gang territories, they were asked todraw a mental map of their favoured routes to and from home or school.To some extent the direct location of gang territories did not become apparent.

However, as can be observed, the majority of mental maps showed quitelinear and direct patterns of movement and a more limited awareness of thesurrounding area as a whole. This suggests that for most of these youngpeople they avoid the gang hot spots. In discussion however, many of the

young people mentioned the various turf wars between local groups such asthose in Bircheld versus Aston, but more signicant divisions existed between

Handsworth and the Aston/Lozells patch. This explains Umars drawing of thefacilities he uses on Lozells Road, across the Six Ways island from his school.

In urban design terms the following key points were identied from the mentalmaps:

Generally quite linear, showing key routes, but weaker spatial awareness of

how streets connect to create blocksSignicance of bus stops to travel around the city and to/from schoolQuality of buildings seemed to remain memorable, for example Fayzulwrote big nasty buildingThe highlighting of familiar buildings ascribed by function, type or landmarkstatus such as mosque and church, FB supermarket, or other local schools

Frequented places such as take away stores, Chick Inn, Caspian Pizza etcwhich in some cases meant moving across the Aston Six Ways barrierWasim identied boldly the local park, most probably due to the fact that it

is a place to hang out for young peopleWasim and Hash had a greater spatial knowledge of the area including thenames of local streets suggesting they were less inhibited by movement or

gang perceptionsImportance of corner uses such as the pharmacy


Mental Maps


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M

ETHO

DOLOGY

To support the community consultation unit, the young people were tasked

with developing their own survey questions and suggest various methods ofretrieving that information.

They were introduced to the following methods to select from:Questionnaires: a series of dened structured and semi-structuredquestions

Visual response questionnaires: a series of images people can write onwith their views, or draw themselvesMental maps: maps created from memory of the main characteristics of thearea in questionChoice catalogues: a series of aspirational images from which to choosethe image that resonates best with a persons own views for the area

A short session on improving communication skills aimed to build condence inundertaking the consultation exercise. The learning was reinforced through roleplay on how to approach people and maintain their interest.

Two sessions of community consultation, rather than participation, wereundertaken. The young people were aware of the shortcomings of a consultationapproach, but were clearly constrained by the time to set up more meaningfulengagement. During the consultation phase they undertook door-to-doorsurveys, positioned themselves around the Six Ways island, and spent one

snowy morning in the One Stop Shop retail centre. Overall, fty people were

consulted from a range of cultural backgrounds, ages and genders. The ndings

are discussed in the Design Brief Chapter.


Survey questionnaire


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METHODO

LOG

Y In beginning to formulate ideas for the Aston Six Ways Island, the young peoplewere asked to do their own research on public space features that they wantedto emulate in their design proposals. The creation of a mood board aimed tosupport their developing ideas by giving them precedents from which to work

from and reproduce in their own way on the site.The ndings of this work is discussed in the Development/Design Brief forAston Six Ways chapter.

Each learner was handed a sketch book to use as a repository of researchideas, notes from the lectures, sketches from the study visits, and to test the

development of their proposals. This was an important reective aid, aimed atbuilding their drawing/sketching skills, as well as recording the personal design

journey they undertook in formulating their nal ideas.


Mood Boards

Mood boards used to support developing ideas for improvements to the Island

Sketch Books


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M

ETHO

DOLOGY

Working with urban professionals throughout the programme contributed

signicantly to building young peoples self esteem. They were supported indesign studio by the core teaching team, drawn from practice, as well as thekey professionals involved in producing the Placemaking study for the area. The

young people were able to engage with the professionals at a high level dueto their ability to speak the same urban design language learnt on the course.Acknowledgement received from the professionals of their work, boosted theyoung peoples self belief conrming their proposals were realistic.As part of the 3D Visualisation Sketchup unit, four RIBA Part 2 Architecturestudents from the Birmingham School of Architecture tutored the group. The

benets were two fold; (i) the architecture students used their knowledge toinspire the young people and learn to engage with a hard-to-reach group, and(ii) the young people could relate to younger architectural students and learnfrom their experience of the profession.


Working with professionals

Images of young people engaging with professionals throughout the programme


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THEPROG

RAMME

To work with 12-16 young people from culturally diverse backgrounds livingand learning in the surrounding neighbourhoods to build strong socialrelationships and break down psychological barriers.To support a process of meaningful community engagement amongst

young people and wider residents to inform urban design proposals for theAston Six Ways IslandTo deliver three National Open College Network (NOCN) units at Level 2 tosupport community consultation, design project, and 3D visualisation skills.To inspire young people through a process of learning, from study visits toworking with urban design professionals.

Part 1: Designing public spacesThe young people learnt to appreciate the role of public space in aneighbourhood by:

Understanding the different types of public spaceResearching examples of successful public spacesVisiting examples of public space in Birmingham and Nottingham

Designing as a team their own public space for Aston Six Ways drawn atdifferent scales from 1: 500 to a more detailed scale of 1: 200.

Part 2: Community ConsultationTo inform the design process, the young people learnt to appreciate thedifference between community consultation and engagement by:

Thinking about why it is important to get communities involved in their localareaPlanning how they can reach people to get their viewsSpending some time consulting with their own communities in Aston,Lozells and Newtown.

Part 3: 3D computer visualisationIncreasingly professionals are using computer 3D modelling software tocommunicate their design ideas. The young people learnt to use an industrystandard software called SketchUp to create 3D computer visualisations of their

design proposals of Aston Six Ways.

The skills gained by young people:Drawing and sketchingMap reading at different scalesSurveying a placeProduce different types of urban design drawings at different scalesInterpersonal communication skillsConsulting with people about a placeWorking in teams3D computer modellingPresenting their work to an audienceWorking with urban design professionals

The credits received for successful completion:The three parts were divided into three units accredited by the National OpenCollege Network (NOCN). The following units carry 3 credits each at Level Two(GCSE A-C):

Design Project (part of the Award in Art and Design: Architecture and UrbanDesign)

Visualisation Design Techniques (part of the Award in Art and Design:

Architecture and Urban Design)

Community Consultation

The ProgrammeThe project ran for 14 weeks on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.

The aim of the programme:


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PO

LICY

CON

TEXT

Prior to this programme, Atkins and The Landscape Practice Group werecommissioned by Urban Living to produce a comprehensive place-making studyof the Aston Six Ways Island (October, 2009). The aims and objectives were:

To create a vision for high quality useable public space A better environment for the local communityTo ensure options developed for the island inform any proposals containedin the ongoing surrounding master planning studies, Bircheld/Perry BarrLocal Centre and the A34 Corridor Regeneration FrameworkTo improve crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and link intosurrounding existing open space network.To support economic vitality of the area, including supporting localbusinesses and future development through improved environment andaccessTo protect and enhance local built and cultural heritageTo allow the expeditious movement of trafc using the junction

The study developed a range of options to improve the junction. After carrying

out a visual appraisal of the existing site and surroundings both in terms ofpublic realm and transport safety issues, a number of scenarios included:

Scenario 1: inlling subways and provision of new pedestrian crossing onthe north side of the junction to help improve crossing facilities for cyclistsand pedestrians. Visual enhancement to the fabric of the roundabout andsurrounding spaces.

Scenario 2: Inlling of subways and partial roong of junction to provide moreusable space for pedestrian facilities. Visual enhancement to the fabric of theroundabout and surrounding spaces.

Scenario 3: Full roof over junction, replacement with new junction, providingspace for public square, city gateway and public art.

It is within this context that the young people were to undertake a similarexercise and decide on their proposed scenario suited to their own design

brief based on a site analysis and community consultation. The ndings of the

Placemaking study were not shared with the young people to avoid inuencingtheir thought processes. However, design studio time was generously supportedby the professionals from Atkins and The Landscape Practice Group who hadproduced the study and could bring to bear their own experiences of the area.

Policy Context

Six Ways Roundabout Placemaking Study


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URBA

NANALYSIS The urban analysis was an important step in identifying the problems andopportunities of the site. The young people were handed cameras, maps, and

their sketch book and asked to visit the site to observe the following criteria:

Is there enough useable public space?Is the public space pleasant? How and why? (materials, greenery,enclosure etc.)Is there an appropriate mix of land uses? Why? Do they give character?Do the land uses create active building frontages? How?Can people cross easily? Where?Where do they prefer to move? Why?Should there be new crossing points? Why?Are there key focal points to take advantage of as a pedestrian? Whichones? Why?Is there enough diversity and interest in building frontages?Are there some frontages that need to improve their quality?

Is there sufcient enclosure? Is the width to height of the space sufcient?

What is the quality of the space in between buildings?

Are there any shop fronts or buildings that need to improve?Is there a clear well-enclosed node?Are the edges animated?Is full advantage of landmarks made?Are there vacant sites where landmarks could be created?Is the trafc too dominating in parts? How does the trafc compete with thepedestrian environment?

Should trafc be slowed down in parts?Should the road be narrowed in parts where trafc is lighter?

Are the bus stops easy to get to? Is there sufcient space for people towait? Is the environment pleasant?Can you take advantage of the level changes?Are there level changes that are not desirable?Can you take advantage of any views in/out of the site?

Urban Analysis of Aston Six Ways


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URBAN

ANA

LYSIS

Public space is dominated by vehicular movement; pavements are narrowin place; poor quality pavingWeak sense of enclosure across the Aston Six Ways Island due to vacantsites on the corners and distance between buildingsA good mix of land uses such as religious building, supermarket, shops,and housing.The shops provide active frontages, but other buildings do notWide pedestrian crossings but located contrary to natural desire linesPedestrian subways are poor quality, dark, and with change of level, are adeterrent to ease of access across busy roundaboutJaywalking was visibleGood views out to the city centre from within the Island, and similarly, theisland is visible from the three main routes feeding into it, as well as fromthe A34 Bircheld RoadThe key landmarks around the Island are the Victorian church (nowconverted into housing) and the public house (now converted into asupermarket)Shop fronts need improvement

Corner of Bircheld and Victoria Road is a blind spot for drivers, pinch pointfor pedestrians and poor quality

Vacant sites on corner of Bircheld and Lozells road has potential fornew development or public space, as well as empty lawn area in front ofMethodist church could be put to better use

Trafc busy, particularly during rush hour down Victoria and Lozells Road

Findings of urban survey

Findings of the urban analysis:


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Site survey drawings showing landmark buildings, desire lines, and views in/out of the site


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URBAN

ANA

LYSIS

The young people were shown old images of the Six Ways junction, as well asan OS plan showing the historic pattern in 1880 with an overlay of the current

layout. Very quickly they realised the large scale demolition that had happenedto make way for the A34 and the demise of the tight urban grain that once

dened the streets and blocks in the area.

The young people were then given a current OS place and told to colour inblack all the public space between buildings (leaving them white). This includedthe highways land in and around the six ways Island. What became apparent

very quickly was the sheer quantum of public space lost to highways. This

posed a challenge in nding a way to win back this space to create meaningfulpublic realm which can be used by diverse range of people in the area.


Figure Ground Plan: historically versus today


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The red lines show the situation today superimposed over the dark lines showing the extent of demolition and highwaysland that has replaced the compact historic built fabric


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URBAN

ANA

LYSIS

Familiarity of the Aston Six Ways Island was something all the young peoplehad. However, for most of them it was a functional place; a place to catch thebus; a place to cross over on occasion from one neighbourhood to another; butalso a negative place that was avoided in the dark.

Several young people told stories of how the subways were inhabited by gangmembers, exemplied by the graphic grafti on the walls of the subway. Theyexplained that Lozells had its own gangs, as did Bircheld and Handsworth.Relations between these gangs were violent at times. They were also territorial.In their mind, Aston Six Ways didnt represent a territorial boundary, as the

neighbourhoods of Lozells, Newtown and Aston were perceived as one super

place attachment (Kintrea et al., 2008) in spite of smaller gangs of mainly youngmales who socialised on the streets.

For the young people, it was unlikely that any of them belonged to a violentgang. However, they were aware of their presence, both spatially and in somecases in person. In fact, one young person told a story of how his family movedout of the area to Erdington, due to the negative inuence of some of thesegangs on him and his brothers. However, he still had strong place attachments

due to several of his extended family members remaining in the area.

All the young people concurred that at night, Aston Six Ways is to be avoided.In particular usage of the underpasses pose a threat to personal safety. Thiscontention is supported by the local police and residents. Level crossings havebeen put in to provide the alternative movement paths, however, they do not

follow natural desire lines and pedestrians nd themselves jay walking for short

cuts. In some cases, those jay walking with wheeled goods, nd themselvespenned out of the extensive guard railings and obliged to use the carriageway.


Perceptions of the area by young people


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Two sessions were dedicated to the young people spending time around theAston Six Ways gaining the views of local people. One of the consultationsessions, due to severe weather constraints, took place in a local shopping

centre, One Stop Shop. In total, the young people interviewed fty peoplefrom various ages, backgrounds, and genders, including a 45 year old Afro-Caribbean male who passes by 3 or 4 times a week; an older lady who works inGreggs and goes passed every day; and a male chemist who goes to work viathe island.

The ndings can be categorised under two headings; issues perceived andopportunities

Issues perceived:

Negative perceptions of personal safety due to speed of cars and muggingin underpass.Car dominant not friendly , dull, and uglyDangerous death trap

Mistrust of usersShopkeepers concern with lack of parking to support their businessesThose working in the area didnt feel its a lively place with insufcientgreeneryBad image of the areaCleaning needed of graftiPolicing with more patrolsCars moving too quickly

Bus stops in wrong placeNot pedestrian friendly manage trafc and safety

Insufcient crossings to NewtownFace lift needed to shops

Blind spots for drivers identiedOpportunities:

Good connector brings places togetherSink road or bring subway to road levelBuild 2-3 storey buildings and towersChurch, transport museum and roundabout a landmarkBridge over the A34 a possible solutionCafe and TV on island or in the subways another possible solutionMore housing in LozellsBetter lightingMore signageImprove pavingMore greeneryBetter level crossingsBig church recognisableAvoid crossings on roundabout and put on side roadsStreet furniture ok

Findings of Community Consultation

URBAN

ANA

LYSIS


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DESIGNBRIEF

The role of the design or development brief is essential for the successful

execution of a masterplan that responds to the ndings of the urban analysisand community consultation. The young people were told to consider the briefas:

a comprehensive written document for a design projectdeveloped with people who are commissioning the masterplan (the Client),or based on the needs of the user (the general public), and the designer(you).The document is for the designer to followIt is focused on the desired results of design not only aesthetics (the look)

As a task, the teams were asked to consider the following question:

If you were designing the Aston Six Ways Island as a new public space -what are all the design decisions you have to make in order to get it madethe way your Client wants it? Think about its desirable characteristics?

The question allowed the teams to begin thinking aspirationally, not simply

proposing solutions to problems identied in the analysis, but to think beyondproblems and focus on real opportunities to transform the Island. To do that theycreated a mood board.

The development/design brief for Aston Six Ways


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Mood boards

The mood boards aimed to take the young peoples minds off the local contextfor a short while and draw on other public spaces and key features thatwould be desirable in Aston Six Ways. To inspire the young people, the urbanprofessionals were formd to bring their own ideas of their favourite publicspaces and explain why. Similarly, the teaching team did the same. With theseideas the young people were given the task to create a collage using theimages of other public spaces on the Aston Six Ways site and explain why.

Findings from the mood boards identied the following important designconsiderations:

Bright night life through a distinctive lighting strategySmall buildings as community hubsGreenery and waterscapesQuality landscaping, a combination of hard and softAreas for families to gather

Introduce pieces of public art Take advantage of views outPave over carriageways

The development/design brief for Aston Six Ways DESIGN

BRIE

F


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The Design Brief

After careful consideration of the urban analysis ndings, as well as thecommunity consultation and mood board, the teams were ready to develop acomprehensive design brief for the Aston Six Ways which was grounded in theissues/opportunities of the site, but had the added aspirational factor.The following criteria formed the basis of the design brief:

Connect movement across neighbourhoods by creating crossings thatfollow the natural desire lines produced by the key routes that feed into theroundaboutTake advantage of the views in (church) and out (city centre) of the site andcreate a focal point to enhance nodeInll the subways to create at grade level crossingsCreate community buildings of outstanding architecture, that arecontemporary and sit with the older buildings. Consider use of vibrantcoloursCreate new public spaces that are meeting places, user-friendly,

recognisable, easy to clean and maintain, and use well consideredmaterials and greeneryUse greenery to absorb noise and create a pleasant environment, as wellas slow trafc downRemove guardrailsSlow trafc down and make the Six Ways Island a pedestrian priority.

Control trafc ows.Increase pavement widths, particularly at corners, bus stops and in front ofshopsUse materials that are textured, bollards, and other carefully consideredand co-ordinated street furniture and materialsNew buildings should not exceed 7 storeysCreate a clear and distinctive lighting schemeIncorporate public art to engage the community

Consider parking requirements for shops and new usesConsider feasibility of shared surfacesEnsure new buildings have active frontages and create natural surveillance.Use topography to this advantage

The development/design brief for Aston Six WaysDESIGN

BRIE

F


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MAS

TERPLANS

Informed by the design brief, each team set out to create their own uniqueresponse to the Aston Six Ways Island. Four teams produced four proposalswhich fundamentally set out to use the available public space (currently

unutilised by the sheer quantum of space handed over to Highways), inllthe subways and create meaningful public spaces with new buildings and

activities that can create a true community hub to re-connect the surroundingneighbourhoods.

Team OneThe proposal achieved the following objectives:

Remodelling of slip roads to create greater consolidated public space to thenorthNew community hub created as focal point of public space takingadvantage of views in/out of siteForm of new 3 storey community building more inclusive with throughconnections enhanced by covered walkway in middle of building and axialwith My Place building

Community hub contains a library, restaurant on ground oor, and a gym Seating provision and fountain in centre of community courtyard space infront of new buildingSunken gardens, 3m wide with marble steps for people to meet.Parking provided for shops and service roadLow bollards around public space for pedestrian safetyTrees around the area to make it more environmental and to act as a soundbarrier for public spaceUplighting in granite oor around central public space

Narrowing of carriageways to allow for easier crossing to the south.Sandstone and granite crossing that is level with the pavement to alloweasier pedestrian crossing

Masterplans for Aston Six Ways


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MASTERPLAN

S

Team TwoThe proposal achieved the following objectives:

Remodelling of slip roads and narrowing of carriagewaysCreation of 5 new public spaces with dened uses/activities

New building on corner site to act as a new community hub/library withdedicated public space with stone benches and water featureCentral public space to allow for ease of crossing following desire lines.Parking provision included, as well as bike stand and bus s topNorthern corner pavements widened and small community cafe buildingprovidedTo the east, crossing point taking advantage of to create a public space withCompods pay to play gaming stations

Clear direct crossings to My Place facility and front door with morecompods as well as a sunken play ground for young children and parents

Trees used to green environment and dene edge of public space



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MAS

TERPLANS

Team ThreeThe proposal achieved the following objectives:

Remodelling of slip ways to merge together at Six Ways junctionNarrowing of carriageways for ease of pedestrian crossing

Win public space from tightening of Highways land and creation of street/block denitionTwo new buildings proposed; on the corner site a 4 storey community hubwith ground oor cafe, small enterprise ofces and dedicated public spaceat the front. The elevated site means advantage of long distance views canbe takenOther new building is a one storey glass box which is a museum and visitorinformation centre for the area. It has a dedicated public space which canalso be shared with the proposed My Place youth facility



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MASTERPLAN

S

Team FourThe proposal achieved the following objectives:

Narrowing of carriageway widths and widening of pavementsCentral space of roundabout lled in to create a new public space where

communities can meetNew central space has a new building in the form of an inverted pyramidand housing an internet cafe, gym and sports hallA new canopy is proposed to provide sheltered area for outdoor communityactivities such as marketCrossings are made wider and clearer with up-lighting of tree-linedwalkwaysProposed new residential building on northwest corner of site with largefront garden space.New public space created in front of landmark church building with seatingand new water feature.

Trees planted to dene public spaces and for environmental effect



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LESS

ONS

LEARNT

This project was set up to test new ways of bringing closer together design

quality, community cohesion, and capacity building agendas. This pilotproject aimed to explore these overlaps through the process of urban design;bringing culturally diverse young people together, often separated by territorialboundaries and negative psychological perceptions, around the design of a

common and shared public open space in Aston Six Ways. From the process,lessons have been learnt on the benets of the project, but also some of thechallenges a programme like this faces.

Design Proposals for the Aston Six WaysIsland

The design element of this project has been centred on the need to win back

the large quantum of under-used public space in Aston Six Ways and transformit into a community meeting place for the three surrounding neighbourhoods.The majority of public space is currently under Highways ownership, and the

junction remains functional and efcient. However, with the building of theNewtown masterplan and the My Place youth facility, the opportunities for AstonSix Ways to re-connect the neighbourhoods of Lozells, Newtown and Astonis fundamental. Not only is the junction able to re-connect physically the threeneighbourhoods, but more importantly to enhance community cohesion andbring a wide range of people together around a space that stimulates interestand engagement between different groups of people.

According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2005), the places that bestsupported sharing and exchange were not traditional public spaces. Whileparks and markets were often important, a wider range of places including car

boot sales, allotments and supermarket cafes could also be signicant socialhubs. The report goes on to say that those spaces that encouraged shared useincluded those which left room for self-organisation, encouraged a broad rangeof users by encouraging diverse activities, and made spaces accessible at all

times of the day. The researchers conclude that public space should not bedened by aesthetics or ownership rather by whether it can provide a sharedspace for a diverse range of activities created by a range of different people.

The four masterplans proposed for the site by the young people have created anew shared space that can support public life through social interaction. The keyinterventions can be summarised as follows:

Create greater enclosure around the site either with new buildings or with

landscape elements such as treesCreate activity around the edges of the public spaces that can also animatethe space in the evenings. This can be supported by a distinctive lightingschemeCreate new buildings of architectural merit which accommodate a diverserange of land uses/activities suited to a wide range of local people. The

young people suggested those should also be neutral spaces whichtransgress cultural, gender, and age boundaries. The uses considered inthe masterplans by the young people include a library, gym, enterprise hub,internet cafe, sports hall, and new residential provisionWithin the public spaces created, the young people created moreformalised landscaped spaces to encourage seating, meeting and play. Butat the same time, also provided for more un-scripted spaces for people toself-organise activity.Crossings and access to and around the site were enhanced to ensureease of movement and direct crossing, particularly in a north-southdirection. Moreover, these were level crossings to give pedestrian priorityand meeting inclusive design standards.

Improve quality of greenery to enhance image and sense of well-being

Lessons Learnt and Next Steps


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Community Cohesion issues in the threeneighbourhoods

Previous research by CUDOS at Birmingham City University has shown that

community cohesion issues evidenced in the public realm are largely to dowith accessibility and use-ability of space, and the dominance of segregatedactivities that address one social group over another. It is not to say thatsocial groups dont need spaces of distinctive identity, but a balance needs

to be struck in creating shared spaces of interest which transcend bespokeafliations.

This project has attempted to explore these issues by working with youngpeople to understand how young people relate to a sense of place, but also howthey relate to other young people outside their friendship circles. By using thedesign process as a vehicle for engagement and team building, the aim was tobreak down negative perceptions, and focus positive energy on a task of mutualbenet - creation of a masterplan for an important part of their locality. The

process and ndings are broken down below.

Territoriality

According to (Kintrea et. Al (2008), territoriality amongst young people is closelyassociated with their claims on space for their identity in the neighbourhood.Some of the key factors motivating participation in territorial behaviour is ameans of formalising friendship and group solidarity within a spatial milieu

a form of super place attachment in which there is a sense of ownershipover place and a desire to protect the area. On the whole, these factors areopportunities for young people to have a stake in their neighbourhood. However,more negatively, territorial behaviour can constrain mobility, leading to problemswithin access to amenities, and the risk of assault if boundaries are crossed.Kintrea et.al (2008) contends that more negative forms of territorial behaviour

appear to be a product of deprivation, a lack of opportunities and attractiveactivities, limited aspirations, and an expression of identity.

The young people attending this programme were all too well aware of the morenegative impacts of gang territoriality. For most, it meant using public spaceduring the day time, staying in more well used spaces in groups, and avoidingpopular haunts of more renowned gangs. Moreover, the nature of more violentterritorial behaviour is more profound between the wider areas of Handsworth,

Bircheld and Lozells. Although territorial behaviour exists with Newtown,Lozells and Aston, this is of a less violent nature.

Given the more positive aspects of territoriality, the project aimed to createmore attractive activities for young people primarily centred around recreation,health, and education. It is important to relate any new activities to the newyouth facilities proposed in My Place, and would need to compliment rather than

compete with this provision. Furthermore, the qualities of the public spaces

created with improved lighting, informal places to sit or play, were carefullyconsidered in the masterplans.

The creative process of masterplanning and discussing design decisions over aperiod of 14 weeks clearly allowed for new friendships to emerge between theparticipants, as well as greater understanding. The result was very positive.

Inter-generational consultation

The second dimension to community cohesion the project aimed to tacklewas increasing inter-generational engagement between young people and theadult population in the three neighbourhoods. As part of the programme, the

young people developed various techniques of engaging with local people and

asking them for their v iews on Six Ways. To support their engagement, theywere taken through a reective process of how to improve their interpersonalcommunication skills. This proved vital and was reinforced through different roleplay scenarios.

As a result, the young people were prepared to start up conversations withlocal residents, elicit their views, and listen to their respondents answers. The

benets of encouraging young people to engage with adults is clear; on the onehand, the young people maintain a sense of pride in being regarded seriouslyand with respect when undertaking such an exercise; and on the other hand,local residents open up to engaging with young people, dispelling the commonmyth that young people are dangerous or irresponsible.



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Building the Capacity of local youngpeople to inform decisions

The nal strand of this project was the aim to enhance the ability for young

people to become active citizens. By giving them the opportunity to engagewith professionals and adults in developing masterplans at a professional level,allowing them to shape a valid design response to the site. In terms of thetangible benets:

For the young people

Skills learnt; they gained a host of key (and in some cases transferrable)skills such as team working, research, organisational, interpersonal,develop ideas through a structured process, as well as technical skills suchas drawing, colouring, shading, using scale etc.Accreditation; completion of the three units amounted to 9 credits at Level 2accredited by the National Open College Network. Level 2 qualications are

equivalent to GCSE (A to C grades) and will put the young people in good

stead educationally.Inspiration to pursue built environment careers; The course ended witheach learner creating a portfolio of their work to use as part of a CV.Moreover, work placements were arranged for those most enthusiastic.Active citizenship; the young peoples engagement with Birmingham CityCouncil and Atkins professionals, and the ability to shape a response totheir local neighbourhood, has given these young people a voice. Thisvoice needs to be nurtured to create a more sustainable future for anyurban transformations in their neighbourhoods.

For Birmingham City Council and Urban Living

In spite of the professionals, namely The Landscape Practice Group,

Atkins, Urban Living and Birmingham City Council Transport Department,commissioning a Placemaking study for the Aston Six Ways Island, theyhave been able to gauge support from local people on their proposals.On the whole, Option 6 of the study, is very much in the same vein as theyoung peoples masterplans. Clearly the option to deck over the A34 and

win back land for useable public space from Highways was supported bythe young people.The professionals have helped inspire young people from culturally diversebackgrounds to join the built environment professions.

There have been potential professional development benets in theengagement of young people.

Summary and Next Steps

The programme has had many benets, socially, educationally, andprofessionally. Ideally, the recruitment of more young people would have

had a wider inuence, however, it is important to realise that with Urban

Livings generous support, eleven young people in some of the most deprivedneighbourhoods in Birmingham have been inspired. It is programmes like these,that can inform a young persons mind, and lead them on a journey where theycan make a difference to their neighbourhoods and beyond.

Looking forward, there are number of potential possibilities to run thisprogramme again, as well as to engage with other initiatives in the area:

Deliver a Design Summer School for Young People aimed at occupyingyoung peoples time over the summer period in productive and sociable

activities, that can benet them in their careers and interpersonal skills.Engage with the Young Design Champions initiative associated with MyPlace.

To create a social media platform, through the Sense of Place Digital Toolkit, to give young people a voice in changes to their area. This willsupport their role as active citizens. In fact, they have the potential tobecome citizen journalists collecting views and opinions by local people onurban issues that matter to them.It is increasingly recognised that to build sustainable neighbourhoods,peoples passion of place should be harnessed and used to co-produce

regeneration activities. Now that the young peoples ideas have beencreated for Aston Six Ways, there is already the potential commitmentto make it happen. A follow up to this programme would ideally focus onbuilding local capacity to deliver and manage the new public spaces andbuildings. This can be supported by generating new jobs and enterprises tosupport these ambitions.

ReferencesMean, M. and C. Tims (2005) Enhancing the use of public spaces in cities,Joseph Rowntree Foundation.Kintrea, K. Et al. (2008), Young People and Territoriality in British Cities, JosephRowntree Foundation.Aston Six Ways Placemaking Study (2009), published by The LandscapePractice Group, Birmingham City Council and Atkins.



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