Public Amphitheatre
Overview
We decided to utilise some of the space on the site that had been lost to the dock.
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The amphitheatre will have the local community at its heart. Our aim was to develop a versatile public space that draws people into the area. Aiding the development of a strong community public space. It will also provide opportunities to individuals wishing to get into the arts.
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With space to the front and around the perimeter to offer more room for food vendors or street entertainers to work from. We strongly believe that this will strengthen the community spirit within Millennium Mills, whilst also supporting local vendors and creating a feature to the waterfront.
Key Features
Location
The amphitheatre sits in the central hub of the site. Adding to the area where the community can mix and socialise.
Public Open Space
The walkway surrounding the amphitheatre is. approximately 20 metres wide. Providing ample space for pedestrians, cyclists and street vendors to make use of the space.
Legibility
By being located at the centre of the site, it aids peoples awareness of the area for getting around. Thus encouraging more people into the public spaces by creating clear and memorable routes through the site.
Versatility
The amphitheatre has been designed to be highly versatile. Making it useable for businesses, schools, theatre productions and music events.
Waterfront
The external design has helped to create additional walkable water frontage. Helping to keep ties with the docks heritage at its core.
Design
Influences
Taking design cues from the surrounding area, The Semi circle design of the amphitheatre cues from the curved end of the finger dock to the front of Silo D, linking back with the areas heritage.
Green and Blue
The outer walls have been designed to allow vertical gardens to be grown. This will help to break up the structure of the building, whilst also mixing with the blue infrastructure of the waterfront.
Materials
Linking back to the history of the area, the choice of materials will mimic those of the Millennium Mills and Silo D. Such as white bricks for the main building and concrete for the amphitheatre.
Inital Design
As this is an initial design there is possibility to alter and amend it. Such as the potential for a vaulted roof to protect against the weather. Or a full roof to help with surrounding noise
Threats
London City Airport
Being located so close to London City Airport, there is an issue with the noise from planes landing and taking off. This could impact the viability of the amphitheatre, as well as the surrounding public open space
London Pleasure Gardens - 2012
For the London 2012 Olympics, the site was converted into a 'Pleasure Garden'. It received £3.3 million in funding from Newham council, as an area for people to visit after leaving the ExCel centre. However, it went into administration after only a month. Mainly caused by poor management and a overestimate of foot fall from Olympic spectators
Example Design Renderings
