AQUASCAPE RESURGENCE Transforming Doncaster's Waterfront Concept: “Presence of Water” Vision: Offer a safe doorstep entertainment space for residents and a high quality wetland park for Doncaster. Transform Doncaster into a city that embraces the River Don. Challenges: - Poor accessibilty because of the railway - The risk of flooding - The pollution of the water - The noise from the near-by factories - The conflicts between users
Opportunities: - Dynamic river edge - Blank canvas - Floodable site - Views over surrounding landscape - Biodiverse river bank
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Tree Strategy
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The trees, which greet visitors upon their first glimpse of the site, belong to the species Platanus × acerifolia. These trees can reach a mature height of 20 meters forming a permeable wall for the entrance threshold.
The orchard at the two entrances is intended to accentuate the formality of the area with its matrix arrangement. The orchard may contain Malus x domestica, Pyrus pyrifolia, and Honey Locusts.
The Wet-Tolerant Woodland
The Rewilding Tree
The woodland covers a large area within the site, encompassing a mix of betula pendula, Prunus padus, Sorbus aucuparia, and Populus tremula. These tree species are chosen as they are pioneer trees known for their rapid growth on brownfield sites.
The selected tree for the rewilding field is Betula pendula, a typical pioneer tree known for its fast growth and ease of seeding and expansion. It has a permeable canopy and features a visually appealing white trunk, making it well-suited for open fields.
The Housing Edge
The Stream Edge
The Stream Edge
The Meadow Tree
This row of urban street tree together with the swale create a subtle threshold for the residential area. It is a reminder for vistors that they may enter a private space. The trees here is Sorbus auquparia.
The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a perfect choice for planting near the water, as it has elegant branches that create a dreamy reflection and sway gently in the breeze.
The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a perfect choice for planting near the water, as it has elegant branches that create a dreamy reflection and sway gently in the breeze.
On the northern slope, the chosen trees for the open meadow are Amelanchier lamarckii and Acer palmatum 'Orange Dream,' both of which have multiple stems.
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These trees are planted next to a shallow streamlet that is likely to have water all year round therefore Betula nigira is choosed for its satisfying moist tolerant ability and its special trunk texture. It is also selected to resonate with the Betula pendula.
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The Orchard
The Woodland
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The wooden deck for exploring the reed island
The stream-side walk in the woodland
Multi choices of path to explore the woodland Streamlet inside a plant bed
Reeds growing on island at the edge of the site
Mixed woodland
Slightly downward sloping woodland
Detail design plan 1: 100
On rainy days, you can
Exploded Strategic Diagram The site can be roughly divided into three sections: nature exploration, semi-public woodland, and semi-private activity areas. The distribution of design elements is based on these three parts, with the aim of minimizing conflicts between different users of the site. This approach helps to create a harmonious environment where rainy days, youactivities can visitors canOn enjoy their without disturbing others.
Path network The field does not have a strong main road to follow. Most of the paths consist of tertiary exploration trails. The primary road originates from the main entrance in the south and extends towards the woodland. The secondary road encircles the residential area and will be regularly used by nearby residents.
Water strategy The darker the color, the higher the speed of water flow. The light blue area represents areas with temporary water presence, such as swales, shallow streamlets, and basins. Based on this diagram, it is evident that the site is divided into three distinct sections.
Function
On rainy days, you can
The Reeds Island
The Woodland Ponds
The Playful Stream Edge
This section of the site is located along the edge adjacent to the River Don. The edge is characterized by a series of small islands, where various types of reeds flourish. The water surrounding these islands remains relatively calm, as the flowing river is partially obstructed by a narrow "bight" that helps prevent erosion on the islands. Visitors have the opportunity to explore these islands by walking on a wooden deck. However, the reed beds are not accessible, as they serve as habitats for local bird species.
The pond, located within the woodland glade, serves as a gathering point and a SUDs basin. In dry times, the pond could transform into a small amphitheater which is covered by grass. The stone benches at its edge invite visitors to relax and immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. A slightly tilted landform would guide water runoff from the nearby residential area in the south, and direct the water flowing through a series of interconnected basins and then the stream. It also serves as a ‘check point’ for woodland explorer. A small design feature could make the wandering in woodland more interesting.
A river would flow through the valley in front of the residential block, creating an attractive feature on the site. The edge of the stream channel is adorned with boulders, and the water flows at a relatively fast pace. People walking along the edge can hear the sound of water hitting the rocks, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is a perfect choice for planting near the water, as it has elegant branches that create a dreamy reflection and sway gently in the breeze. A small weir made of flat boulders slightly changes the water level and create a informal bridge and also a natural play element for kids.
- pink area: Residential - Orange area: Entrance threshold - Yellow area: Hard-paved - Green area: Woodland - Purple area: Riverside wandering
Trees strategy The site is originally a brownfield and has dry and alkaline soil. Therefore the trees selected will mostly be pioneer trees that are tolerant to severe condition. Except for the dark green (mixed woodland) and the Yellow (orchard), the rest of the trees are sparsely planted and keep the original open feeling for the field.