Bath Gasworks
The brief was to design "inspiring and innovative ideas for the future uses of Gasholder bases - the sub-surface voids left behind once an old Gasholder has been demolished".
The Gasholder chosen was Bath Gasworks. I could connect with the project, as I lived five minutes away from the site and knew the potential impact a redevelopment could make. This site was also in contention as large Architecture firms' proposals had been met with resounding criticism from locals.
This was a development which offered unique problems and opportunities. The core of this project was an opportunity to breathe life into an abandoned and under-appreciated part of Bath whilst offering a social and economic pathway for young professionals starting working lives in Bath and Bristol.
A huge sustainability and environmental focus was to avoid backfilling and use local materials. Backfilling is labour and resource intensive, not to mention expensive. Use of local materials ensures that the new complex is not incongruous within its surroundings, however the design reflects the need for the city of Bath to provide an environment for modern life to thrive in such a historically significant city.
Whilst no design will satisfy everyone it is clear that if the building is the rational conclusion from thorough research then it is hard to dispute its value.
This site demanded a competent masterplan to integrate the new buildings into the pre-existing industrialised site. This was done by creating cycle pathways through the site to allow for easy travel to both Bath city centre and towards Bristol. Bike sheds are also included to facilitate for more sustainable modes of transport. Pathways towards bus stops and the train station were also introduced to reduce the dependence on car travel for the residents. The trees planted around the site will be Alder, Birch and Willow. These were chosen because they provide solar shading, allow for greater privacy for private residents because the project sits on the Bath valley floor and are local to the Bath and Bristol area
