Fountainbridge master plan submitted for planning approval
July 15 2014
Prepared by 7N Architects it is the latest in a series of master plans for an 8.2 acre brownfield city centre site adjacent to the Union Canal.
The new neighbourhood has been designed based on the civic investment model espoused by northern European cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen - a conscious effort to move away from short term development return to long-term placemaking.
In practice this will see temporary uses and activities, such as gardens and events, take place ahead of delivery of 63,800sq/m of mixed use development, comprising 350 mixed tenure family homes, workspaces, a 130 room hotel, retail, café and art spaces.
Improvements will also be made to the canal network, providing new open spaces and routes for both pedestrian and cycle use.
Ewan Anderson, partner at 7N Architects, said: “This project can prove the case for a new way of city making in Scotland. One that moves away from short termism to long term civic investment in making quality places that can benefit the city for years to come. The EDI Group and the City of Edinburgh Council should be applauded for taking this bold step on this key site and for giving the local community such a central role in the design process.”
The plans have been developed consultation with the public
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8 Comments
#1 Posted by Graeme Purves on 15 Jul 2014 at 10:11 AM
This looks very promising, but I have been so absorbed in Scotland's referendum debate that I appear to have missed Amsterdam and Copenhagen becoming independent city states! When did that happen?
#2 Posted by Charlie_ on 15 Jul 2014 at 14:18 PM
Mixed use, pedestrian focused, durable materials, interaction with the water. I'll believe something this good can actually be built in the UK when I see it.
#3 Posted by Christopher Dinnis on 15 Jul 2014 at 14:28 PM
All very disappointing CD Architecture and thus very bland. The drawing of the canal barges is excellent the buildings are a disaster!! If we are to be impressed by Copenhagen and Amsterdam where are the roof profiles to go with the wonderful ambience of these cities. Why are roofs and eaves no forgotten about? Think of the climate changes and the effects of rain staining the elevations?? God help us if this is to be Architecture of the future!!
#4 Posted by bonvivant on 15 Jul 2014 at 14:55 PM
I agree with Chris Dinnis; the reflection on the barge on the left is particularly good.
#5 Posted by Big Chantelle on 15 Jul 2014 at 14:58 PM
I think what Christopher Dinnis is trying to say is that why aren't the buildings being made out of sandstone and baronial in nature? I agree with Christopher -- some neo classical styling would be great.
#6 Posted by Kate on 15 Jul 2014 at 17:37 PM
I totally disagree with #3. I think the buildings are interesting and varied and if built well, will create an active frontage to the canal.
#7 Posted by neil on 16 Jul 2014 at 13:28 PM
Remember this is only permission in principle - none of these buildings have been designed yet, they are only showing the urban scale and form. As such I think it is pretty good - certainly a lot better than some of the blandness that gets churned out. I walk through this area several times a week and would happily walk through the proposed development. (I do agree there seems to be an allergy to pitched roofs but that is a general issue, not of this particular application.)
#8 Posted by CADMonkey on 16 Jul 2014 at 15:00 PM
Planning Permission in Principle?
"None of these buildings have been designed yet"?
In that case what is the internal CGI of?
I like it by the way. Looks interesting.
"None of these buildings have been designed yet"?
In that case what is the internal CGI of?
I like it by the way. Looks interesting.
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