Design and Access Statement
Transcription
Design and Access Statement
rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement gordon murray architects CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 POLICY Statutory Context Requirement for a Design Concept Statement Applicable Policy and Guidance Proposed Approach and Principles of Design 3.0 SITE Location Character Key Elements Texture Rosyth The Town 4.0 PLANT AND PROCESS Rosyth Renewable Energy Plant 5.0 PRECEDENT Colour and Texture Reflection Sculptural Form Linear Form Transparency Skyline Element Elevated Form Modular Architecture High and Low Level Separation Gateway 6.0 DESIGN PRINCIPLES Aspiration Concept Design An Indicative Approach 7.0 CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS IMAGE CREDITS rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 01 CONTENTS gordon murray architects INTRODUCTION Forth Energy is seeking consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate a 100 Megawatt (MW) Renewable Energy Plant on a site at the Port of Rosyth. Forth Energy is a joint venture between Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Forth Ports. This document presents a Design Concept Statement for the proposals and is submitted in support of the Section 36 application. The document considers the statutory context of the proposals relative to the presentation of design information and looks at how architectural design can be used to enhance and mitigate the visual effects of the Renewable Energy Plant. This document considers the relationship policy and legislative context applicable to the preparation of a Design Statement, particularly given that the proposals are being progressed under the terms of the Electricity Act 1989. By drawing influence from the site, appropriate context and precedents, and understanding the operational processes of the Renewable Energy Plant, an illustrative design concept can be suggested which then forms the basis for a series of design principles to be followed in any future architectural treatment. This treatment is based on the maximum parameters of anticipated plant size. As a means of testing these principles, an indicative design solution has been developed using them as a guide. The key design principles which should inform a design approach to the architectural treatment of the proposed development are: Utilize the potential of transparency and light to create a marker on the Forth estuary symbolic of a sustainable future based on renewable technology; Make appropriate use of colour, texture and materials to create strong visual connections between the industrial maritime setting and the proposed Renewable Energy Plant; Understand the unique qualities of the site on the water’s edge, by recognising the visual references and connections provided by Rosyth’s maritime connection and the industrial setting of the port and the opportunities afforded by the open qualities of the Forth setting; Explore the contrast between solid and void to help define how the mass of the Renewable Energy Plant is perceived; Make use of the capability to have clear visual distinction between the lower linear storage structures and the high level boiler equipment and stack in order to reduce the sense of bulk and increase the drama of the architectural elements which addresses the skyline; Maximise the potential of the unique setting for the Renewable Energy Plant. The prominent location of the site and the wide range of viewpoints to it allows any significant structure placed here to perform the role of a gateway; The content of this report is proposed to inform subsequent detailed consideration of the design approach should Scottish Ministers be minded to grant consent for the proposals. 1.0 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 02 INTRODUCTION gordon murray architects STATUTORY CONTEXT Applications for consent to construct and operate a thermal electricity generation plant are made to the Scottish Ministers and processed by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (SGECU) under the terms of the Electricity Act 1989. The Scottish Ministers have the power to grant or refuse consent under Section 36 of the Electricity Act for those seeking to develop and construct, extend and operate electricity generating stations with a capacity greater than 50 MW electrical output located in Scotland. The Section 36 Application procedures are comprehensive and bring the views of Fife Council, local communities and stakeholders, statutory and non-statutory consultees into the overall decision making process. The Section 36 process also enables applicants to seek a direction from Scottish Ministers that “deemed planning permission” be granted under Section 57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. This process runs in tandem with the application for consent under Section 36. The application of Section 57(2) to the Electricity Act S36 process allows Fife Council, as Planning Authority, to suggest conditions to be attached to any consent, which can be discharged by the Planning Authority in relation to the deemed planning permission aspects of the proposal. The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (as amended) apply to Section 36 Applications and require any development that is considered to have the potential for significant effects on the environment to be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and that an Environmental Statement (ES) should be submitted with the Section 36 Application. The proposals are categorised as a development that requires the preparation of an EIA and as such the Rosyth Renewable Energy Plant proposals will be assessed from the perspective of a variety of topics. Included within this is the consideration of Landscape and Visual effects of the proposals and in this regard the potential approach to design is a significant element of the proposed mitigation of potential effects. The nature of any application under Section 36 of the Electricity Act essentially seeks to establish the acceptance in principle of the approach to the development of the generating capacity proposed. The application is generally, therefore, made at a stage in advance of the preparation of detailed designs for the proposals. Nevertheless, the requirement to assess the environmental effects of the proposals necessitates that the design and layout is advanced to a level of detail that provides sufficient certainty on the proposed approach and associated environmental effects. On this basis, the proposed approach as presented in this document should be read in tandem with the assessment of the Landscape and Visual Effects of the proposals as contained in Chapter 10 of the Environmental Statement. The assessment in Chapter 10, and the supporting images assess the proposals on the basis of the untreated outline of the proposed buildings and structures, and without the consideration of design mitigation measures to lessen or change the nature of potential effects. Should Scottish Ministers grant consent for the proposals, it is envisaged Fife Council and SGECU would agree a series of appropriately worded conditions to be attached to the consent which, amongst other matters, would require approval of the detailed design of the proposals. This approach will afford Fife Council with an appropriate level of control over the final approach to design and materials. It is envisaged that the developers will work up the detailed approach to the design and materials palette in conjunction with Fife Council officials. Forth Energy believes design to be an important factor, and one which needs to be addressed through a series of iterations before the final design is approved. Forth Energy believes that design should be part of the consideration from the early stages of the development of the project, through the consenting process and on to the implementation phase. 2.0 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 03 POLICY gordon murray architects REQUIREMENT FOR A DESIGN STATEMENT As an application under the Electricity Act, there is no statutory requirement for a Design Statement to be submitted in support of the proposals. Nevertheless, the applicant recognises the significance of the site location in the context of the urban environment in Rosyth. In the context of a similar scaled proposal to be determined under planning procedures, the Planning etc (Scotland) Act 2006 has recently introduced a number of statutory requirements in relation to application submissions(1) to ensure that stakeholders are given an appropriate opportunity to become involved in the development of the proposals. The approach to the development of the proposals has been progressed voluntarily in line with the general principles of the new planning system and the approach that would be adopted for a ‘Major Development’ under the Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009, in particular the requirements in terms of Design and Access, and Consultation. In respect of consultation requirements the applicant has placed significant importance on the approach to involvement of community and other stakeholders in the development of the proposals. A separate Statement of Participation is submitted in support of the Section 36 application which documents the approach and outcomes of the consultation undertaken in association with the development of the proposals. The regulations require a design statement to be prepared in support of a Major Development, even when such development is applied for ‘ in principle’. In this case there would be a need for further iterations of the design and the current Section 36 application is a similar case. The accessibility characteristics of the proposals are considered in the context of the Transport Statement (Volume 4) of the ES. As the detailed design is pursued later, these will be considered further. The inclusive design aspects of the proposals are an important consideration in terms of the future operational characteristics of the proposed Renewable Energy Plant. However, given that the proposals are wholly sited within the Port of Rosyth secure port estate there is limited opportunity for public interaction. The developers would be obliged to comply with all relevant legislative requirements in relation to inclusive design and access for plant operatives. This is an area that the applicants consider to be more appropriately addressed in the future, and can be required through a suitably worded condition. The preparation of this Design Concept Statement is promoted as a tool to assist in communicating the intentions for the proposals and to encourage a greater understanding of the approach to the future development of a detailed design. (1) The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 2008, and Circular 4/2009 Development Management Procedures rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 04 gordon murray architects APPLICABLE POLICY AND GUIDANCE In considering the approach to the development of the Design Concept Statement there are a number of areas of planning policy and guidance at both the local and national level that are appropriate to consider. This Design Concept Statement has been developed with reference to the requirements and guidance in each case. The key policies of relevance are summarised as follows: Structure Plan Policy ENV.7: Quality of Development which advocates that priority be attached to the achievement of high standards of design in all development, and that: “Proposals for development which would have significant visual and physical impact on a site and its surroundings must be accompanied by a “design concept statement” incorporating the relevant factors outlined in Schedule ENV.7 which sets out how design principles have been addressed and how quality objectives will be achieved.” In the Finalised Local plan Policy EQ1 Sustainable Development Principles, advocates a high standard of design quality and compliance with the principles of sustainable development. Policy EQ22 Landscape and Visual Assessment, encourages the use of design statements in conjunction with landscape and visual impact assessments to consider the setting of an area and the capacity to accommodate development. A separate Planning Statement has been prepared to provide an assessment of the proposed Renewable Energy Plant against the Development Plan and other material considerations. Relevant guidance considered in the preparation of this Design Concept Statement is contained within the following documents: •Scottish Government: Planning Advice Note 68 – Design Statements •Fife Council Supplementary Planning Guidance on Design Statements (2007) The approach to the preparation has reflected good practice in the preparation of design statements, adapted as appropriate to reflect the specific circumstances associated with the submission of an application under the Electricity Act. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 05 gordon murray architects PROPOSED APPROACH The structure and content of this Design Concept Statement is presented in support of the Section 36 application, to introduce design considerations at this early stage. The nature and sensitivity of the application site is acknowledged and the approach to the development of the detailed design of the proposals will be a key factor in seeking to integrate the proposals into the surrounding environment successfully. The remainder of this document provides a description of the development site and surrounding context, and key influences on the design approach. Suggested design principles are presented, supported by illustrations to provide context and examples of a potential approach. This in turn informs the development of an illustrative design concept for the proposed Renewable Energy Plant. The content of this Design Concept Statement should be read and considered in tandem with the Landscape and Visual Effects Chapter of the Environmental Statement which provides detailed commentary on the potential effects of the proposals from key viewpoints agreed with stakeholders during the ES scoping process. The content of the Design Concept Statement presents the basis of an approach which can be further developed to provide mitigation through design and materials to assist in addressing potential effects. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 06 gordon murray architects LOCATION The Site is located prominently on the north side of the Forth Estuary, within the Port of Rosyth’s secure estate. It offers commanding vistas across the Firth of Forth, and while not directly on the waterfront, is highly visible from the Forth Road Bridge, and the southern side of the Forth Estuary. It will also be prominent when viewed from the elevated areas of Fife to the north of the proposed site. The immediate surroundings are dominated by low density industrial uses and the operational port estate. The port facilities stretch to the south and west, the predominant building type being industrial warehousing and offices of varying scales. Immediately west of the site sits the ruined 15th century Rosyth Castle. Further west is the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry terminal and Port offices. Immediately north of the site is an area of industrial hinterland, Barham Road and Ferry Toll Road, which separates the proposed Renewable Energy Plant from the residential areas of Rosyth. 3.0 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 07 SITE gordon murray architects The site for the Renewable Energy Plant is split into two areas. The main part of the site is approximately 6.5 hectares, and forms an L shaped piece of land at the eastern side of the port. It is proposed that the main elements of the Renewable Energy Plant would be located here, including the boiler house, main stack, turbine hall and mixed fuel storage. This area is separated from the waterfront to the south by the Oceaneering Multiflex site. The site is mostly unoccupied, with large areas of broken hardstanding, elements of self seeded vegetation and industrial detritus. There are some small scale storage buildings in the southwest corner of the site. The other part of the site is smaller at 2.7 hectares, and is located further to the west, on a site currently occupied by Scot Timber. This site links directly to the waterfront. It is proposed to locate the open fuel storage area here due to the ability to unload the fuel directly from the quayside. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 08 gordon murray architects CHARACTER The character of the site and its immediate surroundings is predominantly low density industrial, with warehouses, sheds and office buildings of widely varying scales separated by considerable expanses of hard standing and quayside areas. Many of these open spaces are currently occupied by equipment and material necessary to the operation of the various waterfront industries, including the vast steel cable drums of Oceaneering and the stacks of timber pallets of Scot Timber. This gives the site a strong sense of connection to maritime engineering, which is reinforced in the wider context by the significant infrastructure elements of the Babcock naval yard and the Forth bridges. There are further layers to the site character, with structures of significant historical significance in close proximity. The scheduled ancient monument of Rosyth Castle has a direct connection to the main site, while the Forth Rail Bridge and former Royal Navy dry docks mark the engineering achievements of the past. The prominent location of the site and the wide range of viewpoints to it allows any significant structure placed here to perform the role of a gateway marker. This would be at both an international and national level, with the site acting as an entrance point to Scotland for shipping using the Forth estuary, and as a gateway to Fife for travellers using the bridges. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 09 gordon murray architects KEY ELEMENTS Within the proposed development site and the immediate surroundings, there is a wide range of key objects which help give the area it’s strong industrial maritime character, add visual interest and provide visual cues for conceptual design development. These include the sculptural forms of the dry docks, the sleek profiles of the decommissioned submarines and the impressive structures of Royal Navy vessels undergoing refitting and the passenger ferry. The castle and the Forth bridges are also strong visual elements. Another key factor is range of industrial material prevalent throughout the site. Of particular note are the vast steel cable drums arrayed in lines adjacent to the site. The scale of these reinforces the enormity of the distances and oceans in which maritime trade operates. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 10 gordon murray architects TEXTURE The range of textures visible in the port area reflect the functionalist, industrial nature of the buildings they clad. Large format aluminium panels and profiled metal sheet are the predominant materials. Colours range from mill finish to grey and blue painted profiled sheet. Brickwork is less common, but is predominantly red or brown. Ashlar stonework is visible to a small degree in the ruins of Rosyth Castle. A high degree of weathering and staining is visible on many structures, adding a further layer of texture and colour. The lightness of the materials used for the majority of the industrial buildings is in marked contrast to the heavy solidity of the concrete quayside and dry dock. The surface of the Forth estuary is the other dominant element in the landscape, creating a vast, expansive backdrop to the port buildings. The vessels found in the Port and Babcock yard present contrasting textures and forms. The ship hulls and submarines are consciously designed as monolithic forms, in stark contrast to the fragmented massing of the ship superstructures. The industrial debris found within the port has a texture of a smaller scale – the timber slats making up the stacks of pallets and ribbed cable loaded onto the huge steel cable drums. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 11 gordon murray architects ROSYTH: THE TOWN Rosyth is inextricably linked with the history of the Naval Dockyards, having been formed as a Garden City to accommodate construction and dockyard workers during the initial expansion between 1909 and 1916. The Naval Dockyards helped contribute to the defense of the United Kingdom for over a century, before privatization and sale to Babcock International in 1987. The association with the Royal Navy continues however, with the docks being used for the storage of seven decommissioned nuclear submarines, and proposed for the assembly of two new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, which will require an expansion of the current facilities. The Port of Rosyth also contains the terminal for the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry service, and as such is an important arrival point to Scotland from mainland Europe. Expansion of the ferry terminal is planned with a view to increasing the range of potential destinations. Other potential future developments include the new Forth Crossing and Rosyth International Container Terminal, which would be housed within the existing Babcock International Estate. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 12 gordon murray architects ROSYTH RENEWABLE ENERGY PLANT The elements which make up the Renewable Energy Plant are arranged on two sites as described above. On the main site, the covered storage area for the mixed fuel is to the south of Barham Road , in structures commensurate in height with the existing port warehouse buildings, while the taller elements, boiler house and stack are located at the eastern end. The visually significant elements of the Renewable Energy Plant in this area are the boiler house, which has a maximum envelope of 65m high x 50m wide x 60m long and the main stack at 110m high. A smaller auxiliary boiler has a stack 55m high. A circular open storage area is located on the smaller western site, connected to the main site by conveyor. The overall impression is of a series of individual pieces, which will require a unifying structure providing visual consistency for the Renewable Energy Plant. 4.0 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 13 PLANT AND PROCESS gordon murray architects INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 14 HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL ELEMENTS gordon murray architects fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig. 4 COLOUR Colour can be used for a variety of purposes. Key elements can be highlighted to draw attention away from the general overall mass of the building. Depending on the elements selected, the horizontality of verticality of a building can be exaggerated, for example through use of coloured banding at the parapets of structures to emphasise the horizontal. Colour can be used to visually fragment an overall form through the use of a strong pattern. On large structures, gradually lightening the colour of the building towards the top is commonly used as a means of allowing the building to `disappear’ into the background. This technique is often only successful under certain lighting conditions. fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig. 4 Zorbau, Germany Photograph courtesy of SITA Deutschland, 2005 Bergano, Italy Photograph courtesy of A2A Spa, 2009 Skive CHP Station, Architect CF Moller, 2006 Photograph courtesy of Ole Hein Petersen Co Generation Plant, Utrecht Architect Liesbeth van der Pol, 2005 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 15 5.0 PRECEDENT gordon murray architects fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig. 4 TEXTURE Texture is defined by the materials selected for use. These provide a sense of scale at the medium and close ranges by virtue of the size of module/panel permissible within the properties of the material. The selected materials can create visual, historical and metaphorical links with a site and a function. In the case of the new renewable energy plant, it is appropriate to consider materials and textures commonly found within the port landscape – the plates of a ship’s hull, stacked cargo containers, profiled metal sheet. Careful articulation of the building skin can create visual interest at a range of viewing distances – allowing the overall form to be read at long range, the materiality of the skin at medium range, and the tactile qualities and physical profile at close range. fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig. 4 Corten screen Rusting ships Derelict factory, New York Skive CHP Station, Architect CF Moller, 2006 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 16 gordon murray architects fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 LINEAR FORM A linear form attempts to house all the necessary elements below a defined horizontal datum and in a clear progressive sequence. With large scale industrial installations, this datum may relate to the height of any general surroundings, with only specific key parts rising above this. Linear forms are often used to define an edge condition, and as such can create strong relationships with the water’s edge. Equally, if ill considered can provide a visual and physical barrier between places. fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 Daka Biodiesel Architect CF Moller, 2007 Photogrpah courtesy of Julian Weyer Kranspoor, Amsterdam Architect OTH, 2007 Photograph courtesy of Christian de Bruijne Supertanker rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 17 gordon murray architects fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig. 4 TRANSPARENCY Transparency can achieve a range of effects and convey varying messages about the nature of a structure. It can be used to manipulate the perception of form. The relationship between solid and transparent elements on the skin of a building can blur or remove edges, highlight key areas, and generally allow a mass to be sculpted by the contrast between light and dark. An entirely transparent frontage can also send a message of openness, that people are welcome to view the activities going on within, which is of particular relevance to the process driven nature of the renewable energy plant. A semi opaque façade will create visual interest through luminosity, and can also convey a sense of mystery and drama due to the ambiguous nature of the activities concealed within. fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig.4 Aalborg sludge drying plant Architect CF Moller, 2000 Photogrpah courtesy of Ole Hein Pedersen Garstad plant Architect CF Moller, 2004 Photograph courtesy of Ake Eson Lindman Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Architect Steven Holl, 2007 Garstad plant Architect CF Moller, 2004 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 18 gordon murray architects fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 SKYLINE ELEMENT The Renewable Energy Plant will be viewed from a range of distances, and will impact on the skyline. A recognisable, high level element is often used as a way of signaling a building’s presence. Rather than attempting to conceal the presence of the building, it is celebrated, though careful emphasis is generally placed on the scale of the highlighted element to ensure the surrounding context is not completely overpowered. fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 Longannet Biomass power station Architect Gordon Murray Architects, 2009 The New City Architect Antonia Sant’ Elia, 1914 Tate Modern, former Bankside power statiion Architect Giles Gilbert Scott/Herzog and de Meuron, 1961/2000 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 19 gordon murray architects fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 ELEVATED FORM A means of reducing the apparent height of building elements is through the use of horizontal bands of different materials or planes. This not only reduces the perceived bulk, but allows the upper elements of the building to be separated from the surrounding context. The appropriateness of this as a strategy is dependent on the choice of materials used, with heavier, load bearing masonry materials such as stone and brick commonly being expected to be seen to meet the ground. Using lighter materials such as metals, glass and plastics, with uses in other fields outwith construction, the upper levels can become suggestive of a different type of object, i.e. the train or the ship. The elevation of the building as a strategy is of particular relevance given the location of the Renewable Energy Plant at a strong edge defined by the water. fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 Construction of Architectural and Machine Forms Architect Iakov Chernikov, 1925 – 1931 Image courtesy of Iakov Chernikov International Foundation Smolensk, Russia Photograph courtesy of Rosenergaatom, 2001 Institute of Contemporary Arts, Boston Architect Diller Scofidio and Renfro, 2006 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 20 gordon murray architects fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig. 4 MODULAR ARCHITECTURE Standardization of components and the application of modularization have become integral aspects of modern industrial processes. In the context of the port environment, this is typified in the use of standardised cargo containers for shipping. These modules have subsequently been transformed, manipulated, reused and reimagined for a variety of building programmes which retain strong visual connections back to the original industrial use. fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig. 4 Habitat 67, Montreal Architect Moshe Safdie, 1967 Kubik Barcelona, Barcelona Mudularbeat Ambitious Urbanists & Planers, 2007 Nomadic Museum, location varies Architect Shigeru Ban, 2002 Nakagin Capsule Tower, Tokyo Architect Kisho Kurakawa, 1972 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 21 gordon murray architects fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 HIGH AND LOW LEVEL SEPARATION A technique commonly employed in the design of large scale industrial structures is a clear separation of high and low level elements, often driven on a functional level by the desire to enclose plant within the most efficient possible envelope. This has the effect of decreasing the potential bulk of the building. Lower elements (often support, processing and storage areas) can relate to the general height of other buildings in close proximity. Higher elements (generally boiler and stack) rise above this in a tighter envelope which will have a presence on the wider skyline. fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 Tate Modern, London Architect: Herzog and De Meuron 2002 Pumping Plant, Aalborg Architect: CF Moller, 2002 Nikola Tesla B, Serbia Photograph Courtesy of EPS, 2001 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 22 gordon murray architects fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig. 4 fig. 5 GATEWAY The scale and prominent location of the Renewable Energy Plant means that it can also serve the function of a landmark, or gateway. This often allows industrial structures to rise above their purely functional nature and become a recognisable visual symbol in the landscape. fig. 1 fig. 2 fig. 3 fig.4 fig.5 Construction of Machine and Architectural Forms, 1925 – 1931 Architect Iakov Chernikov Image courtesy of Iakov Chernikov International Foundation Luma Tower/Lamp Factory, Glasgow Architect Cornelius Armour, 1938 Leicester University Engineering Faculty Architect James Stirling, 1969 Image courtesy of Wikipedia Architectural Fantasies, 1925 – 1933 Architect Iakov Chernikov Image courtesy of Iakov Chernikov International Foundation Jawa Sandcrawler Designer Ralph McQuarrie, 1975 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 23 gordon murray architects ASPIRATION With a tradition of safeguarding the interests of Scotland during a turbulent past, Rosyth can now contribute to the future energy needs of the nation – turning swords into ploughshares. Occupying a commanding position on the Forth estuary, the new Renewable Energy Plant could act as a gateway, marking the entrance into Fife from the existing and proposed Forth crossings, and into Scotland from the sea. The station design could draw subtle inspiration from the engineering and maritime forms of the Rosyth docks and naval vessels through choice of materials and form, while also referencing the ruined mass of Rosyth castle. 6.0 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 24 DESIGN PRINCIPLES gordon murray architects The concept design should: SYMBOL Utilize the potential of transparency and light to create a marker on the Forth estuary symbolic of a sustainable future based on renewable technology. MATERIALS, COLOUR, TEXTURE Make appropriate use of colour, texture and materials to create strong visual connections between the maritime industrial setting and the proposed Renewable Energy Plant. Materials selected should be appropriate for the function of the Renewable Energy Plant and the port setting by being drawn from an industrial palette, but articulated in a manner which recognises the close proximity of sensitive visual receptors. WATER AND METAPHOR Understand the unique qualities of the site on the water’s edge, by recognizing the visual references and connections provided by Rosyth’s maritime past and present and the industrial setting of the port and the opportunities afforded by the open qualities of the Forth setting when viewed from long range. 2010 - Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images Europe rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 25 gordon murray architects The concept design should: TRANSPARENCY AND LIGHT Explore the potential of transparency and light, and the contrast between solid and void to help define how the mass of the Renewable Energy Plant is perceived. MASSING Make use of the capability to have clear visual distinction between the lower linear storage structures and the high level boiler equipment and stack in order to reduce the sense of bulk and increase the drama of the architectural element which addresses the skyline. Consider the perception of the long, linear mass of storage structures, and how the individual elements which comprise this relate to the scale of the surrounding port and townscape. GATEWAY Maximise the potential of the unique setting for the Renewable Energy Plant. The prominent location of the site and the wide range of viewpoints to it allows any significant structure placed here to perform the role of a gateway marker. This would be at both an international and national level, with the site acting as an entrance point to Scotland for shipping using the Forth estuary, and as a gateway to Fife for travellers using the bridges. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 26 gordon murray architects AN INDICATIVE APPROACH The principles above set out a loose design framework for developing an architectural treatment for the proposed Renewable Energy Plant. To prove the validity of these points, an indicative design solution has been developed using them as a guide, and to provide an illustration of a potential approach. CONCEPT The indicative design could draw inspiration from the existing and former uses around the proposed site, a former Naval Dockyard, in order to reflect the industrial character of the surrounding area and create a strong connection with past feats of marine engineering . The indicative design could function at long range as a gateway within the setting of the Forth estuary. At the medium range, careful manipulation of the contrast between solid, void and transparency can help define the massing of the Renewable Energy Plant in an appropriate manner, opening it up to the Estuary to allow a clear understanding of the processes undertaken within the Renewable Energy Plant while at close range, the design of the surface texture should be considered carefully to create an architectural response which is robust and appropriate for the setting. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 27 gordon murray architects BASE LAYOUT MATERIALS UNIFIED GATEWAY ELEMENT FORMED MASS ARTICULATED rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 28 gordon murray architects FORM The initial move of the indicative design approach would be to unify the various elements which make up the Renewable Energy Plant through the use of a common material. This would result in a stepped mass looking southwards over the estuary and towards the bridges. In order to create a gateway element on the skyline, and also to reduce the apparent bulk of the Renewable Energy Plant from the east and west, the upper setback level of the boiler house could be opened up to form a translucent volume, creating a form evocative of a submarine conning tower, or aircraft carrier control tower. The solid elements of the boiler house would be articulated by the creation of vertical strip windows, which would have the effect of fragmenting the overall scale into a series of smaller parts. The larger opening facing northwards to Rosyth creates a profile reminiscent of the existing ruin of Rosyth Castle. The boiler house and fuel storage structures might be separated from the ground by the creation of a translucent ground level, which would visually reduce the apparent height of them by increasing the horizontal emphasis. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 29 gordon murray architects rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 30 gordon murray architects MATERIALS The skin surrounding the Renewable Energy Plant could be envisaged as a series of panels of varying sizes reminiscent of a ship’s hull plates. These panels might be comprised of materials commonly found in the industrial landscape of the port – profiled metal sheet in a subtle variety of patterns and tones. Variations between the panels could allow the skin to avoid being read as a single, monolithic object at close range, while the use of light metallic colours will help the Renewable Energy Plant to reflect the colour of the sky under a range of different weather conditions, softening the impact of the mass at medium and long range. In this indicative approach, the gateway element containing the boiler house is envisaged as a transparent enclosure allowing the operational process of the renewable energy plant to be clearly understood by travellers using the Forth crossings and approaching along the Forth estuary. The openness of this element could stand in contrast to the more solid elements below. rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 31 gordon murray architects rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 32 gordon murray architects rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 33 gordon murray architects rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 34 gordon murray architects CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS This document presents a design interpretation of the development of the proposals for a Renewable Energy Plant in the Port of Rosyth. The development of the design approach requires reflection on the process within which consent is being sought, and associated with this, the level of design detail available at this stage. This Design Concept Statement is submitted in support of the application under Section 36 of the Electricity Act (1989) and the accompanying Environmental Statement. The approach should be considered in the context of the assessment of Landscape and Visual effects as documented in the Environmental Statement. The Design Concept Statement presents a series of suggested Design Principles and an interpretation as to how these could be translated into a design concept for the development in the future. The applicant is committed to developing an appropriate design solution relative to the site location and deliverability of the development. It is envisaged that Fife Council, as a Statutory Consultee in the Section 36 Consenting process, would have an opportunity to review the potential approach, and consider this in the framing of suitable conditions to be applied to the decision, should Scottish Ministers be minded to grant consent. 7.0 rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 35 CONCLUSIONS AND NEXT STEPS gordon murray architects Cover p23 Let us Beat Swords into Ploughshares. Sculptor: Evgeniy Vuchetic, 1959 Fig1 and Fig4: Construction of Architectural and Machine Forms 1925-31. Architect: Iakov Chernikhov Image courtesy of Iakov Chernikhov International Foundation Fig2: Luma Lamp Factory, Glasgow. Architect: Cornelius Armour, 1938 Fig4: Leicester University Engineering Faculty. Architect: James Stirling, 1959. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Fig5: Jawa Sandcrawler, Tatooine. Designer: Ralph McQuarrie, 1975 p10 Zeebrugge-Rosyth Passenger Ferry, image courtesy of Norfolk Line Ferries Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrier, image courtesy of Aviation News EU p11 Forth Rail Bridge, Benjamin Baker, John Fowler, 1890 p12 Rosyth Castle,image courtesy of Peter Stubbs Rosyth Naval Base, 1915 Forth Rail Bridge, 1889, image courtesy of RCAHMS New Forth Crossing p15 Fig1: Fig2: Fig3: Fig4: St Louis Arch, Mo. Architect:Eero Saarinen, 1965 Forth road Bridge, Edinburgh. Designer: Axe, Mott, Hay, Anderson, Freeman and Fox, 1964 Rosyth Casstle, Rosyth, image courtesy of Peter Stubbs Let us Beat Swords into Ploughshares. Sculptor: Evgeniy Vuchetic, 1959 Forth Rail Bridge, 1889, image courtesy of RCAHMS p25 Fig1: The New City. Architect: Antonio Sant’Elia, 1914 Fig2: Cable drum, Rosyth Fig3: Forth rail bridge and Ark Royal, image courtesy of J. Mitchell, 2010 Zorbau, Germany. Photograph courtesy of SITA Deuschtland 2005 Bergamo, Italy. Photograph courtesy of A2A SpA, 2009 Skive CHP station. Architect: CF Moller, 2006. Photograph courtesy of Ole Hein Petersen CoGeneration plant, Utrecht. Architect: Liesbeth van der Pol, 2005 p26 Corten screening. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Rusting ships. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Derelict factory, New York. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Skive CHP station. Architect: CF Moller, 2006. Photograph courtesy of Ole Hein Petersen p32: p16 Fig1: Fig2: Fig3: Fig4: p24 p17 Fig1: Daka Biodiesel. Architect: CF Moller,2007. Photograph courtesy of Julian Weyer Fig2: Kranspoor, Amsterdam. Architect: OTH,2007. Photograph courtesy of Christian de Bruijne Fig3: Supertanker. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Fig1: Aalborg sludge drying plant. Arhcitect: CF Moller,2000. Photograph courtesy of Ole Hein Pederson Fig2: Tate Modern, London. Architect: Herzog and De Meuron,2000 Fig3: Construction of Architectural and Machine Forms 1925-31. Architect: Iakov Chernikhov Image courtesy of Iakov Chernikhov International Foundation Fig1: Fig2: Fig3: Fig4: Fig5: River Heights, gordon murray architects, 2005 Leicester University Engineering Faculty. Architect: James Stirling, 1959. Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Garstad Plant. Architect: CF Moller, 2004. Photograph courtesy of Ake Eson Lindman Imperial war Museum North, Manchester. Architect: Daniel Liebeskind, 2002 KalWall commercial building p18 Fig1: Fig2: Fig3: Fig4: Aalborg sludge drying plant. Arhcitect: CF Moller,2000. Photograph courtesy of Ole Hein Pederson Garstad Plant. Architect: CF Moller, 2004. Photograph courtesy of Ake Eson Lindman Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas. Architect: Steven Holl, 2007 Maison De Verre, Paris. Architect: Pierre Chareau, 1932 p19: Fig1: Longannet Biomass Plant. Architect: gordon murray architects Fig2:The New City. Architect: Antonio Sant’Elia, 1914 Fig3: Tate Modern, London. Architect: Herzog and De Meuron,2000 p20: Fig1: Construction of Architectural and Machine Forms 1925-31. Architect: Iakov Chernikhov Image courtesy of Iakov Chernikhov International Foundation Fig2: Smolensk, Russia. Photograph courtesy of Rosenergoatom, 2001 Fig3: Institute of Contemporary Arts, Boston. Architect: Diller, Scofidio and Renfro, 2006 p21 Fig1: Habitat67, Montreal. Architect: Moshe Safdie,1967 Fig2: KubiK, Barcelona. Architect: Kubik, 2007 Fig3: Nomadic Museum, various locations. Architect: Shigeru Ban, 2002 Fig 4: Nakagin Capsule Tower, Tokyo. Architect: Kisho Kurokawa, 1972 p22 Fig1: Tate Modern, London. Architect: Herzog and De Meuron,2000 Fig2: Pumping Plant, Aalborg. Architect: CF Moller, 2002 Fig3: Nikola Tesla B, Serbia. Photograph courtesy of EPS, 2001 IMAGE CREDITS rosyth renewable energy plant : design concept statement 36 gordon murray architects