Architecture graduate single-handedly redraws Denny town centre
September 6 2013
Pavel Kulagin, originally from St Petersburg, first heard about the town’s plight after coming across a publicity campaign geared toward improving Denny’s image.
This has seen demolition begin on part of a notorious 1960’s development on the High Street to pave the way for a Council backed regeneration plan, designed to finally rid the High Street of its Carbuncle tag.
Aiming to go one better however Kulagin drafted his own scheme which seeks to capitalise on level changes to accommodate underground car parking and opening up sightlines to a local church from the main square.
Elsewhere the plan would accommodate a community centre, retail and outdoor event space with strong street frontages framing the public space.
Commenting on the plans to Urban Realm Kulagin said: “Some of the inspiration I got from the old maps of Denny, trying to trace the way Denny was changing from the name on the map to the town we have today.”
Fearing inadequacies in the proposed new scheme Kulagin added: “In my opinion the public space is not at the right place, it is close to the busy junction. It could be as an additional space for public, not the main square. Moreover the car park will remain occupying the large part of the town centre and it is rather irrelevant.
“Usually we are trying to make city or town centres more pedestrianised by restricting vehicle access. Here we have car parking where potentially public life could take place.”
Images copyright of Pavel Kulagin, pavelkulagin@hotmail.com
A foodstore, library and community centre form the heart of the proposals
Falkirk Council have welcomed the proposals but remain wedded to their own plan
|
8 Comments
#2 Posted by Nicholas on 7 Sep 2013 at 15:48 PM
looks great, much better than Council proposal, well done!
#3 Posted by Bill on 7 Sep 2013 at 21:19 PM
I would agree that its a good solution.
But the cold hard reality is they dont have the cash to do anything "Special"
But the cold hard reality is they dont have the cash to do anything "Special"
#4 Posted by Jamie on 8 Sep 2013 at 15:02 PM
Well done, hopefully they will not take him any less serious because he is a student
#5 Posted by dave on 9 Sep 2013 at 23:31 PM
When did a student project become news???
#6 Posted by Bobby on 10 Sep 2013 at 11:37 AM
Good work Pavel, I only wish it would be built.
#7 Posted by Egbert on 11 Sep 2013 at 10:18 AM
Good on you Pavel - this is exactly the kind of attention this site needs. If nothing else it helps raise the profile of the place and might get more parties interested in coming round the table.
#8 Posted by Cllr Brian McCabe on 11 Sep 2013 at 12:01 PM
If I could compare Pavel's design as to being that of the haute couture fashion designer who displays his work in Milan, only for it to be copied and reassembled for (ironically) the High Street. Falkirk Council could do exactly the same here: Have a good in depth look at Pavel's designs; talk to him about his inspiration; pull the good and achievable bits out of that design; and then actually build the thing.
Instead what we have is an administration within the council who are intent on imposing their own solution onto an unwilling community - despite 2 petitions; 2 Walks Around the Blocks demonstration; 222 letters of REJECTION; 50 attendees at the Planning Meeting objecting to the plans; Carbuncle winning.
So Pavel's project and interest is to be commended. For someone unconnected with the town to realise a real need and take the time and effort to formulate a wonderful solution to the problem deserves my personal thanks.
Incidentally, the council's scheme originally included 2 doors which opened out underneath the solum! Fills you full of confidence, huh?
Instead what we have is an administration within the council who are intent on imposing their own solution onto an unwilling community - despite 2 petitions; 2 Walks Around the Blocks demonstration; 222 letters of REJECTION; 50 attendees at the Planning Meeting objecting to the plans; Carbuncle winning.
So Pavel's project and interest is to be commended. For someone unconnected with the town to realise a real need and take the time and effort to formulate a wonderful solution to the problem deserves my personal thanks.
Incidentally, the council's scheme originally included 2 doors which opened out underneath the solum! Fills you full of confidence, huh?
Post your comments
Read next: Coltart Earley complete Yorkhill flats
Back to September 2013
Like us on Facebook
Become a fan and share
News Archive
Search News
Features & Reports
For more information from the industry visit our Features & Reports section.
May you have any suggestions, offers or you would like to receive additional information about proposal please contact me by emailing on pavelkulagin@hotmail.com I am currently looking for work experience in the UK.
Kind regards,
Pavel Kulagin (proposal author)