Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
'
Contents
Bo..Rdo..s
ChoRCaJ
Tony Fleming, Michael O'Brien. Pat Ledwidge, Ms. Ann Bogan , Ms. Patric la Moran,
Assistant City Manager City Engineer City Architect Senior Engineer Roads Senior Engineer Environment Senior Executive Planner Executive Planner Assistant Staff Officer
COR
ATION CORPOR
I. Introduction
This report presents the recommendations of the Public Realm Committee which has met on a number of occasions over the past year The purpose of the Committee was to develop guidelines for the design and implementation of projects in the Public Realm (see definition in Section 2). The committee was formed to submit these guidelines to the City Centre Partnership, a public/private sector body set up to devise a partnership mechanism to provide advisory inputs into the implementation of the Historic Centre Action Plan . The partnership at present includes representation from the Chamber of Commerce, the Cork Business Association and the Cork Corporation . The committee consisted of the Architects' Dept., Engineering Depts., and the Town Planning Department under the chairmanship of the Assistant City Manager (Engineering Services). This report incorporates material developed by each of these departments in addressing the issues raised during the committee's deliberations. The structure of the report deals with the issues in four parts working from the general to the particular:
Background
This section outlines the policy framework, linking to other projects and the physical area covered by the report.
Design Principles
This section explores the general design issues encountered when implementing Public Realm projects in Cork City and proposes a set of principles to be followed .
'>J
Bo.Rdo.s
ChORCM
COR
CORP ORATION
2. Background
This section defines what is meant by the Public Realm, outlines the physical area covered by the recommendations of this report and describes other initiatives being progressed at present which will influence the implementation of this manual. Possible areas of duplication and conflict can then be identified. Other initiatives which will influence the implementation of this manual are now described.
v-
I
Definition
The Public Realm is defined as:
all spaces which the public have a right of access to over the full 24 hours and the elements that contribute to these spaces.
This is a very wide definition and for the purposes of the report attention is focused on those elements which Cork Corporation or other public utilities are responsible for in terms of installation or maintenance. These can be grouped under three general headings as listed below:
Restore rundown historic parts of the city and respect the architecture and historic fabric in any solutions adopted; Develop mixed functions/land uses; Produce solutions for resolving problems related to the environmental impact of traffic and improve public transport; Reintegrate the historic core into the social, economic and commercial life of the city and region; Develop actions for incorporation into the Community Support Framework; Bring together other actors in the city.
Hard Surfaced Areas:
footpaths, carriageways;
Soft Areas:
planted areas, trees; The Plan recognised that the achievement of the above objectives involved the attraction of both businesses and residents in to the Historic Centre. On a wider level Cork Corporation has been applying similar policies to the City Centre Area in order to attain the same objectives. However it is recognised that the achievement of these objectives involves convincing our clients -prospective residents, investors and customers -that the physical environment will improve and that these improvements will occur in the short-term.
Street furniture:
signage, bollards, public lighting, other uti lities, litter bins, seating, public art, kiosks, display panels, pavement uti lity covers.
.)
Bo.Rdo.s
ChORCoJ
The guidelines contained in the report should operate in the entire City Centre as defined in the City Development Plan and shown in Figure 1. It is acknowledged that it would take many years to complete improvements in this area but a consistent incremental approach using these guidelines wi 11 deliver the desired result. The detailed guidelines in Section 5 below advocate different treatment for different functional areas.
COR
CORPORATION
The need to adopt an holistic view of the study area and promote a balanced approach to land-use, urban transport, environmental and local community Issues; The "essence" of the European city both in terms of role and performance of the Historic Centre at city, district, local area, street and building scales. This is of particular importance to urban quality and standards in Cork relative to other European centres; Reduction of dependence on the car by promoting public transport, cyclist and pedestrian activity in the city. Increasing urban density is also a means of reducing car use; Creating liveable cities by the reintroduction of residential development in the Historic Centre; Developing mixed uses in order to create diverse sustainable environments which are attractive to the urban dweller and promote local economic activity; Enabling mechanisms involving partnerships between the public, private and voluntary sectors in initiating, developing, implementing and managing urban regeneration projects; The development of the heritage potential of the Historic Centre in attracting tourism activity and creation of jobs.
1. 2. 3.
Cornmarket Street
The Partnership is i-mportant because it will have an input into the implementation of projects and the maintenance of the Public Realm. The other two projects wi 11 influence the Public Realm through the activities they wi 11 promote at particu lar locations.
The Action Plan addressed each of these issues, proposing coherent integrated projects and implementation mechanisms to realise them. Focusing on the Public Realm, the Action Plan prepared a set of principles to guide developments in the Public Realm. These principles are incorporated into Part 4 of this report which deals with the overall design principles to be adopted for relevant projects.
Bo.Rdo.s
ChORCo.f
,;.
..1
COR
CORPORATION
",
"
'.
~-:- __!/
'.
\\ "17.;.. ;;!"; , . -
. rtir:: : : : : : : : : : :- ~
.' \
-.J
Bo.Rdo.s
ChORCaJ
-i
~"
--
c
0
CO RPO RATION
--
" A co-ordinated approach is needed to deal with these problems, putting forward guidelines for enhancing the public realm in the Historic Cenlre in a way which represents the integrity of the built heritage and makes the area more attractive for people to work, visit and live in ."
Street furniture tends to be utilitarian, lighting standards are frequently out of scale and incongruous in appearance w ith the period buildings, Unnecessary clutter results from over proliferation of traffic and utility poles , traffic signals and control boxes and raised planters, Excessive and unco-ordinated traffic, directional and advertising signage, Unattractive bu ildings, overhead wires,
These comments can be applied to the entire City Centre and the following section attempts to set down principl es to guide such a coordinated approach .
:)
" )
Bb.Rdb.S ChORCc..f
Inadequate street planting, Impact of the car, resulting in noise and air pollution"
,
J
lWl
C
CORPORATI N O
4.Design Principles
The design of the Public Realm is an integral part of a larger urban design process which should bring coherence and legibility to the City Centre . It needs to be set within the context of the bui It envi ronment and take account of the varied uses and users of public space: traffic and traffic management;' pedestrians; people with special needs such as the disabled, residents and visitors etc. The architectural and historic fabric of the City should be respected in any solutions adopted. A set of principles to guide choice of design and materials is described below
Integrated Approach
Such an approach considers all elements of Public Realm design in an integrated way, rather than treating each element in an ad hoc fashion . Provision of underground services, for example, is addressed at the outset rather than allowing a situation to develop where recently completed paving is dug up. Similarly, with foresight, the essential elements of the traffic management system can be integrated into the streetscape without multiplying the number of obstructions and visual clutter. An integrated approach requires each actor i.e. traffic engineer, road design engineer, landscape designer, uti lity provider to consider how his/her actions will affect the streetscape as a whole. In effect, this requires that one organisation, usually the local authority, take a co-ordinating role in the act ions of the others.
Attention to Detail
High quality design involves paying attention to detail at the survey, design and construction stages. This avoids awkward detailing, for example, in paving schemes, where lack of detail design can result in complex cutting of paving material, to accommodate utility covers or dropped kerbs at pedestrian crossings, with ugly and unstable results.
Bo..Rdo..s
Cboscet
COR
CORPORAIION
Ease of Maintenance
Lack of finance and care in maintenance of the Public Realm is one of the principle critici sms of the curren t situation . Ease of maintenance in both cost and time terms must there fore be a primary consideration in choice of design and materials. There must also be a consistent, high quality approach to rei nstatements .
.J
Bo.Rdo.s
ChORCoJ
-',
.)
CO R K CORPORATION
S-.Detailed Guidelines
This section examines each element of the Public Realm and proposes suitable designs and materials to be used in different locations within an overall co-ordinated framework . Illustrations are intended to show acceptable and unacceptable examples of the various elements. A combination of unit paving and paved in situ materials is proposed to produce a simple palette of materials for use in the city centre: Concrete flags; Limestone kerbs and details or concrete kerbs; Setts; Asphalt;
in situ concrete, plain, patterned or exposed aggregate.
A. SURFACES
The design and quality of pavements often sets the tone of an area. In the past rectangular stone or concrete flags were used which complemented the more intricate design of buildings. More recent paving schemes tend to replace this neutral background with over fussy small block materials which often detract from, rather than enhance local character. A return to the earlier approach is now advocated for Cork's city centre. Paving in muted neutral colours without distracting patterns focuses attention on buildings, streetscape features and people. A simple adaptable design is also usually easier to install and maintain effectively. Paving can give a sense of continuity to different areas, particularly where a single material is used for edges and channels e.g. limestone kerbs are a traditional edging material in Cork City Centre. The approach chosen reflects the guidelines prepared by ICOMOS Ireland (International Council on Monuments and Sites) for the D.O.E. "New paved areas should use traditional materials such as aspha It, stone or concrete paving flags, with stone kerbs. Brick and "cobble lock" paving should be avoided".
(A word of caution must be expressed on the " use of concrete replica setts - they are beginning to be used-in many towns and villages throughout the country and would certainly not be "unique to Cork" . They are not a natural material. There is a danger that they will become the " cob b le lock" of the '90s and their widespread use in Cork might be best avoided.) Different combinations of materials are proposed in different situations and these are outlined in Table 1.
, -'
LL
\- L -
Bo.RdM
ChORCo.f
ff\ \ \
\
Figure 6 Proposed typical city centre street surfaces, with asphalt carriageway, limestone or concrete channels and kerbs and concrete flagged footpaths.
COR
CORPORATION
Footpaths Concrete flags w ith staggered joints (900mmx600mm and 600mmx600mm) Wide limestone/concrete kerbs and details (limestone to be used in preference in all locations, if funds permit)
Carriageway Setts or asphalt with setts used for ramps.and cross overs.
Asphalt
Concrete flags/in situ concrete Concrete kerbs Concrete flags/in situ concrete Limestone edging and channels/ concrete detai Is
Asphalt
Stone or concrete setts or asphalt with setts used for ramps or crossovers
Pedestrianised Streets
Concrete flags/in situ concrete Limestone or concrete details Concrete flags and kerbs Concrete flags or in situ concrete, patterned or plain Stone or concrete details A unique design is appropriate, while staying w ithin the range of materials used elsewhere. Asphalt
J
landmark Spaces e.g. Emmett Place
" _r'
10
Footpaths
Paving flags should be aligned 10 the pavement direction with random width courses across the pavement. Odd sizes can be cut on the inside of the pavement to fit the shape of the buildings . At street corners flags should be c ut to the shape of the corner (see figure. 7).
"
Paving flags should generally be rectangular 900mm x 600mm in area. They may be combined with 600mm x 600mm flags, and should be laid with staggered joints. Where their is a risk of vehicles mounting the pavement a base of lean mix concrete should be used for additional strength. Where funds permit, limestone kerbs will be used. In most situations these should ideally be a minimum width of 200mm and not more than 100mm in height.
Bo.Rdo.s
ChORCo.(
11
.- .
City Centre locations semi-mature trees should be used. Although expensive initially they have a greater chance of surviving vandalism and accidental damage and make an immediate impact in the streetscape e.g. Union Quay. The laying of concrete or tarmac up to the base of the tree is unacceptable as it restricts healthy gr-owth and leads to cracks in the . paving surface, creating pedestrian hazard.
~'l
r:.'
Figure 9 Raised planters attract litter and need a lot of maintenance in a city centre location.
B. SOFT LANDSCAPING
Planters
Raised Planters should only be used in exceptional circumstances in the City Centre. They tend to impede pedestrian movement and add to the general clutter in the street. A high level of maintenance is required to keep plants in good condition and litter free and this has proved difficult to achieve in most City Centre locations. Where it is considered appropriate to use them as part of the overall design of an urban space they should be carefully sited and be in keeping with other elements in the space.
An unpaved area, 500mm to 1000mm square, shou Id be provided around the base of each tree, finished in a soil and sand 'Or pebble mixture, to allow water and air through to the roots. Tree guards and gri lis are requi red in some locations to protect trees. Square gri lis with a 1 metre minimum dimension constructed of iron or steel are proposed, finished in black or dark grey with a simple circular pattern. Tree guards should be of simple functional design constructed of steel or iron and painted black.
Trees
Trees contribute in many ways to improving the urban environment. They perform aesthetic, architectural, nature conservation, climatic, recreational and educational functions in the city. They reduce noise, help to combat ai r pollution and fi Iter dust from the atmosphere.
BexRdo.s
ChORCaf
Siting
In a City Centre location trees must be sited carefully, having regard to underground services, traffic and pedestrian movements and impact on adjoining buildings. Generally in
~
K
COR
CORPORATION
C. STREET FURNITURE
In additi on to the design and materials for street furniture described below, a plann ed maintenance programme is essential (or seating, bollards, litter-bins and lighting . Otherwise the benefit of the initial investment is qui ckly lost.
I. Seating
The selection of seating design is based on simplicity, cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance. A simple functional design with a metal frame and timber slats for seat and backrest is proposed, a similar, but updated version to that used in Cork City in the 1950's. (Ideally the timber should be from a sustainable forest source) . There may be locations where a more elaborate seat design is appropriate, perhaps designed as a unique element of public art, however, ornate mass produced seating is not considered appropriate. Seats need to be sited with care so that they provide an amenity but do not impede pedestrians or become a focus for a-social or disruptive behaviour. Riverbank sites generally work well, while seats located on busy shopping seats have been found to cause problems.
Bo.Rdo.s
ChORCc\f
Figure 11 Proposed standard seat design.
CO
CORPORATION
13
Ill. Bollards
Bollard s are a trad itional means of distancing vehicles from buildings, structures and people. They should be used only wh ere necessary; where over used they simply add to street clutter and impede pedestrians . A simple black bollard w ithout fussy detail is proposed , 1 -l.2m in height, constructed of cast-iron or ductile iron or steel, of sufficient diameter to convey robustness. Ducti le iron has the advantage of greater strength and can be cuI and welded like steel. To facilitate the visually im paired a contrasting lighter coloured top can be used. Bollard design should be simple, funct ional, easily maintained and not attempt to mimic the past in the way that many bollards currently produced do . Where emergency or controlled access is required, removable collapsible, telescop ic or hydraulic types-of bollards can be used.
-'
Bo.RdM
ChORCoJ
,
.; J
j
C
CORPORATION
14
IY.Public Lighting
A simple, modern style of public lighting is appropriate in most locations in the city centre. High power sodium lighting with good glare control is the preferred option. The style and type of standards and lanterns may vary in different locations:
Historic Centre
Lighting consultants are still considering the lighting concept for the Historic Centre, but their interim report proposes use of white light from a metal halide source, to contrast with the yellow light used elsewhere in the city centre. Lights will normally be fitted on buildings at first floor level, with higher level "floodlights" used at junctions. A trial will be carried out to test a number of options on site in North Main Street in late 1996
Pedestrian Quarters
Figure 15 Wall mounted 'Optima' light fitting for use in narrow shopping streets.
When lighting in these areas (such as the 'Huguenot' quarter) is being upgraded, the Corporation will consider providing discrete overall lighting while allowing traders to provide co-ordinated lighting at shopfront level, to suit the character of the individual area, subject to planning controls.
E>'\ Rdl\S
ChoReM
CO RPORAl ION
15
Lighting of Buildings
Appropriate lighting of landmark and historic bui Idings and other strategica Ily located buildings can contribute greatly to the nightti me attractiveness of the city centre. Cork Corporation wi II encourage lighting of buildings through advise and through encouraging commercial sponsorship, particularly in the case of community owned buildings. A competition to encourage high quality lighting of privately owned buildings is also being considered.
V. Signage
Thoughtful selection and siting can help reduce the unattractive clutter and proliferation of signs which occ urs at present. The minimum number of traffic signal posts and information signs should be used, sited and colour co-ordinated to reduce obstruction and visual clutter. Signs should be combined on essential poles where possible e.g. traffic signs and signals could be located on lampposts. A first step towards achievi ng this might be to carry out a survey of signage in a selected area e.g. the Historic Centre to identify duplication, redundant signs and possibilities for combining signage on one pole. Information panels and kiosks can provide a useful service to visitors and shoppers. However. they need to be used sparingly and carefully designed and sited if they are to make a positive contribution to the streetscape. They should be integrated into the initial design of a space rather than added in later and used in locations where there is space for pedestrians to pause without obstructing passers-by.
-,
Ba.Rda.s
ChoRCaJ
Figure 17 Care in selection and siting of street furniture is necessary to avoid excessive clutter, as in this example in St. Patrick Street.
\
/ "----l
\.
CO
CORPORATION
16
VI.
'""J
These are essentiaI elements of street furniture, whi ch if poorly located , can detract greatly (ram an area. They should be sited so to provide the appropriate service without unduly im pedi ng pede strian movement. If possible they should be sited so as to avoid attractive views of bu ild ings or streetscape ; their use c lo se to " listed buildings" needs to be carefully considered to minimise any negative impacts.
Figure 18 Inappropriate siting of street furniture can detract from views of historic buildings.
~)
Bo.Rdo.s
ChORCoJ
COR
C O RPO RATIO N
17
'
Figure 19 Artists can be used to design functional elements in the streetscepe as in this example from Edinburgh.
.)
Ba.Rda.s
Choxcer
.,J
Wl
C
R K
CORPORATION
18
UTTER BIN
0
900
TELEPHOt KIOSK
D
LN.tP POST 0
Street Furniture
Street furniture should be located so as not to obstruct the main pedestrian route and should be easily distinguished from its surroundings. A clear width of at least 900mm should be maintained between obstructions such as bollards, litter bins and lamp posts on the main pedestrian route ( see Figure 20).
Surfaces
Colour and texture variations, in conjunction with level changes, should be used to distinguish footpaths, pedestrian crossings and the road carriageway. Footpaths should be rarnped at pedestrian crossing places to facilitate disabled people, buggies etc. Tactile paving will also be provided at pedestrian crossings to aid visually impaired people.
Bollards
Bollards should not be less than 1m high and ideally should not be less than 250mm in width, although this will not always be possible. The bollards should have a brightly coloured top or band to aid the visually impaired.
Utility Covers
Manholes, drainage gratings etc should be positioned with care, avoiding locations at dished pavements and on the main pedestrian route where possible (see Figure 21).
.J
Bl\Rdl\S
ChORCOS
CO
CORPORATION
19
Street Furniture
Where paving is be ing renewed historic elements in the pavement, such as old manhole covers, stopcocks etc. as well as historic elements of street furniture such as, bollards, letter boxes and horse troughs should be identified , retr ieved and reused where possible,
.
.f
.... .
"
v ,
-, ~
..
Figure 22 Stopcock.
Bollards
A unique bollard design was introduced to Cork in the 19th century by Cork Harbour Commissioners. Examplesof these bollards and other historic bollards still ex ist both on the waterfront and elsewhere, for example on Grand Parade, and they should be protected and retained in any refurbishment schemes.
COR
CORPORATION
20
Stone Setts
Stone setts still exist in a number of lo cations around the city centre, for example at Beasley Street, Lower Glanmire Road and Rockboro Road . There are also many vehicular entrances across the pavement paved i n setts These remnants display the skilled craftsmanship of earlier generations and they should be retained insitu where ever possible. Where their removal is unavoidable they should be kept in storage for future reuse.
Training
Traditional skills , such as the laying of stone setts and pavi ng, have been largely lost. Where traditional materials are being used or reused tra ining is required, both for professionals and those laying the paving, to ensure a high standard of workmanship. Training is also needed to ensure that Corporation staff and other uti lity workers recognise and appreciate the need to protect historic elements in the streetscape.
Limestone kerbs
'.'
~
Limestone kerbs still exist in many locations and w ere sti l l being install ed well into the 20 th centu ry. Their retentio n, in conjunctio n wi th the new limestone kerbs being used in the historic ce ntre, he lps lend a sense of histo rica l co nti nuity to t he city centre streets.
-,
.J
~.
Bc\Rdc\s
ChoRCO.f
~.i-\
Figure 25 Typical vehicular crossover paved in stone setts, with limestone bollards to protect entrance from wheel damage.
21
CORPORATION