Stage 6

Design Statment

 

The development of the master plan distinctly proposes architectural features that help to unlock and advance the possibilities of Stromness becoming a more interactive and welcoming town. The improvement of various public areas particularly at the water front and the expansion of affordable housing helps by offering plenty opportunity for the local residents, in addition to supplying support to the town through the aid of local trades and businesses.

 

Stromness is noticeably split into two side the main town position to the east and the ever growing developments on the over side facing the west. Between each half a high school sits central at the peak of the unsheltered bay. The master plan introduces many new designs that will help improve Stromness immensely, particularly a sports centre, business hubs and affordable housing. These designs are predominantly situated along the shore line to help create a visible connection between the two sides and to increase the amount of sheltered space within the town. All aspects of this proposal aim to renew the strong sense of community that is so apparent throughout the island of Orkney.

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The bridge is a fundamental part of the whole master plan it creates a directed link between both sides. Literally reconnecting the route to complete the community and providing a new direction of access round the town. The main low road in Stromness connects to the bridge at the point where the old ferry terminal was located; on the west side the bridge joins to the new road and provides access the new ferry terminal and the proposed public sports centre. At each end the bridge meets a different functional space. This design aims to encourage and promote a safe, healthier method of transport and a direct route across to the other side of the town. It will also enable easy access for the exportation and importation of products and encourage the expansion and raise the tourist appeal of the Island.

 

In order to accommodate for the continuous movement of boats through the bay one section of the bridge will open to create an entrance and help to control the flow of marine traffic. This mechanism will be one of the main focal points and will allow visitors and pedestrians to watch the boats pass through from the restaurant and the view point on the walk way. Splitting diagonally the two raised halves will symbolise the sails of boats once opened and aesthetically will create a significantly striking feature. The design is made up of a continuous triangular portal frame; this shape is repeated over 80 times. Each truss is a different width and height which helps to create a variety of spaces and environments as the users walk through the structure. Below the concrete deck of the bridge, the design is supported by a series of concrete piers spaced appropriately to hold the load of the structure above.

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The bridge aims to achieve a clear environmental strategy in an attempt to overcome any issues that may be presented in terms of weather impact, overheating risks, and other major constrains that may occur. This will included the use of appropriate heating and ventilation systems to regulate the temperature and air quality as well as natural and artificial light, to create comfortable atmospheres and appropriate light levels for the functional spaces. Through the use of renewable energy it is proposed that tidal turbines are incorporated into the design to covert the tidal energy into electricity with a clear intention of achieving a respectable degree of sustainability in the final outcome of this design. As a safely net the design will be connected to mains electricity source in case of failure. The strategically orientated south façade will take maximum advantage of the natural daylight and help to reduce the use of artificial lighting.

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This structure will be extremely beneficial and have a positive impact on the town of Stromness increasing the quality of life and importantly re-establishing that strong sense of community that is very apparent across Orkney.

 

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