Dundee's Riverside Esplanade Central Waterfront
Location
City of Dundee, Scotland
Date
November 2023
Project
Urban Design
University of Dundee - Year 3
The proposal focuses on improving the quality of nature within the site, being inspired by local future proposals such as East Docks Road’s Eden Project Dundee. Making sure all of the new buildings on the site do not overpower Dundee’s existing sky line is also important as to not impact on the city’s heritage. The proposed building are also inspired and mimics Dundee’s docks history of pitched roof boat house and workshops.
Therefore, I have chosen not to move the bridge and instead reclaim land into the River Tay so that the Tay Road bridge enters Dundee’s waterfront underground, freeing up the entrance to Dundee. This proposal aims to solve the existing heavy traffic, noise pollution and safety concern, while re-establishing connections and creating a welcoming space for all.
Project Overview
Dundee
Site Analysis
The Final Proposal for Dundee's Central Waterfront
Tay Road Bridge
Changing the angle of the Tay Road Bridge so that it enters the City of Dundee underground, solves the noise pollution and saftey concern of pedestrains and cyclists. It also frees up the central waterfront and re-establishes the connection with the Quay area, as there is no longer a barrier caused by the previous bridge ramps. The pedestrian and cycle path continues above the sloping bridge road and arrivesa ground level at the central waterfrront, just infront of the newly proposed community centre. The design of this new entrance has creating further opportunities which will give positive aspects back to the public.
Marina + Active Frontages
Utilising the newly reclaimed land for the Tay Road Bridge landing, to provide an open marina for the storage of boats and ships. This will not only provide economic income for the Dundee’s waterfront, it also aims to reconnect Dundee historical past docks. Situated infront of Chandlers Lane, one of this areas oldest remaining buildings. This further enhances this heritage connection. The boat house provides opportunities for hiring boats or watersports courses. This enhances and extends the currnt watersports centre at the Quay right to the waterfront, further connecting people to the River Tay.
Docks Pier
Alongside utilising the newly reclaim Tay Road Bridge landing for a marina, creating a pedestrian pier on the opposite side would bring many opportunities and benefits to the city. Being situated in front of the community centre. This area would provide a ramp so people can enjoy sitting at the waters edge. A boat house could provide tourist with information about local wildlife such as birds and seals. Organised boat tours could also create job opportunities and local income while ehancing the connection of Dundee’s central waterfront and the River Tay.
Community Centre
Situated where the preivous Tay Road Bridge ramps once stood, this community centre aims to reconnect the central waterfront with the Quay/residential area. Instead of the barrier created by the previous bridge ramps, which caused a major divide on the site, the proposal of a community centre at the entrance of the city will provide facilities for all such as an information centre and exhibitions. The building’s form takes inspiration from the local East Docks Eden Project proposal and the angular geometry of the V&A. This single storey building utilisies a green roof, to reduce its impact on the surrounding landscape. The rooftop platform creates a sense of boarding a ship, providing views of the River Tay.
Sports Courts
The sports courts at the waterfront edge, situated next to the community centre, aim to provide those in the city centre and also the residents at the Quay a healthy recreational space within 20 minuites walking distance. These facilites provide tennis, basketball and netball courts. It will create an opportunity for future sporting competition events and therefore attract visitors from other cities further a field. By utilising the adjacent parking for mini buses attending competions or for those who require easy accessibility. Toilets and changing areas can be found in the existing Cycle Hub or at the new community centre.
Village Within A City
The pitched roof design was inspired and mimics the old docks workshops (Fig. ). These buildings hope to capture some of Dundee’s Docks heritage. The mixed use buildings, include resturants and cafes on the ground floor, which aim to increase interaction between the street and local businesses, strengthening the community. The upper floors consist of rentable spaces for mixed media professions such as graphic designers or yoga classes. Sheltered courtyard spaces for increasing vegetation, pop up markets, safe kids play area. The entrance of this village creates a welcoming node in the central waterfront, which people gravitate towards.
Market + Orchard
The market is an extension of the city centre and provides a link to Dundee’s old docks past of market trading and Consist of pitched roof timber hut buildings. Just like ‘The Village within a City’ this relects the old docks boat workshops. The central gardens allow people to sit and relax surrounded by nature. Vegetation creates shelter through its own mirco climate. The buildings provides extra shelter on rainy days. During the day there is a range of local fresh food market produce and crafts. While at night the buildings can provide rentable spaces for functions, especially acting as an addition outdoor space for the adjacent Malmasion Hotel.
Ampitheatre
Creating a permanent space for concerts and events which are currently held in Slessor Garden was very important, when considering the current impacts. In its current location Slessor Garden’s grass get damage and has to be constantly regrown, wasting money and time, along with the natural biodiversity. Instead creating a permanent oudoor ampitheatre will decrease these negative impacts. Sunken into the ground, as to not block the view of the Dundee’s V&A landmark, it is also situated away from the residential Quay area to decrease disruption. Dundee’s V&A provides a backdrop and helps celebrate Dundee City’s increasing cultural arts.
