Inspiration

As a young company, we are dedicated to substantiating our wealth of knowledge by showcasing the profound inspiration that fuels our creativity. Our commitment extends beyond mere admiration; we meticulously analyse diverse architectural inspirations, dissecting myriad aspects that we hold dear and consider integral to our company philosophy. Understanding the essence of inspiration is paramount, as it serves as the cornerstone upon which we build our innovative designs.

Andre Viljoen

Continuous productive urban landscape (CPUL)

Hull right to Grow

Environment and People first.

JAJA architects

Public space and people first

MAKE architects

Placemaking

Jahn Gehl

People first Approach

Space syntax

Spatial sequencing and Movement.

Strand Aldwych

Pedestrianisation

West 8 practice

Community and Culture

From Andre Viljoen’s Continuous Productive Urban landscape (CPUL) we have learnt that local food production is essential within sustainable infrastructure. Viljoen’s view proposes that planners and designers need to explore the public perception of productive landscape to reach full potential of design. Productive landscapes include green corridors with footpaths and cycleways, and feature space for urban agriculture. These spaces are often accompanied by recreational and leisure activities to serve residents nearby. From this concept we have developed concepts to minimize environmental impacts and enhance public urban outdoor spaces within our design process.

The Hull right to grow was a motion passed by the city council to allow residents to grow fresh produce on any unused council property. This was following local and national campaigns of ‘right to grow’ on neglected urban land Hull is a deprived city that needs cheap food. This has inspired us to include growing spaces within our design to help with the local community and those who do not have gardens.

Superkilen park was designed by JAJA architects. The use of a play area roof tops and green plant boxes across the entire façade, turn a car park into something that give back to the public. Public space plays a fundamental role in city life. It is a space for human contact, for meetings between different cultural and social groups- planned and spontaneous social interactions can occur.

To develop the ethos of our limited company, we looked at the ethos of architecture firms. This included analysing the ethos of MAKE architects, who believe placemaking creates social value for all, this concept can be seen in MAKE’s design of London Wall Place where the intersection of public realm and biodiversity was the central focus.

Gehl architects believe that cities should be made for people, this has influenced our people-oriented approach to architecture and planning an urban village. We have been inspired for as much pedestrian realm as possible to limit cars and make people really feel as if they are the prioritised.

From the ethos of Space syntax and their design project ‘softhub’ we learnt that people are central to the decisions made surrounding spatial sequencing and movement. From analysing the work of Space syntax, we also came to understand that large scale events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and how changing societal attitudes, can affect the use of the space and the wider city context.

Strand Aldwych as a precedent study also assisted our thinking in terms of pedestrianisation, as within the Strand there has been increased cyclists and pedestrian safety. The pedestrianisation has also helped to inspire sustainable and healthy lifestyles, with improved air quality and reduced noise pollution.

West 8’s Strijp S – Eindhoven project, reinforces their ethos as the project focuses on the community and culture through their masterplan. Their combination of new and existing buildings has also influenced us to consider what buildings we could keep or regenerate within our designs. Strijp S is also accessible by many modes of transport, which has influenced us to consider a light transport system within our design, and how we can make it as accessible as possible.