From Grey to Green

Weaving a green network into the heart of Leeds.

George Nikoalos Payiatis

Cities Alive,
MA Urban Design
Leeds Beckett University
George Nikolaos Payiatis

Contents
1

Introduction:

Area Analysis: Understanding the issue. pg.11-17

Design: A Vision for a Greener Future. pg. 19

Why we need to build greener cities. pg.5-9.

Grove Lane Park. pg. 20-22

Edible Terraces. pg.22-25
Highbury Wetland. pg.26-31

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Bibliography and Sources

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Introduction:
Why we need to build greener cities.

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Cities Alive
Creating Greener Cities
Emerging Theory

Fig 1: Green infrastructure comes in a variety of shapes and sizes (ARUP 2014 pg.9)

Introduction:
As the world becomes increasingly urbanized we face a series of
problems as a result of this, namely urban overcrowding, pollution,
global warming, socio-economic disparity, natural disasters
and resource depletion. Cities Alive is a visionary publication
by the engineering firm ARUP (2014) collates a wide range of
research and highlights the ways we can manage this growth and
successfully tackle these issues in an environmentally conscious
manner by building with nature and provides the main inspiration
for this project.
The report comprehensively advocates the importance of green
infrastructure and the central role it will play in shaping a sustainable
future of our urban spaces and environments. Green infrastructure
encompasses a myriad of features (Fig 1). It can be defined as
'open spaces, natural areas, urban woodlands and parks; green
streets, squares and public realm, sustainable drainage systems
and healthy waterways, cycle-ways and pedestrian routes with our
city environments; and small scale green roofs, walls and facades'
(Cites Alive 2014 pg.151).

Fig 2: Green infrastructure: Global examples

Intended outcomes
Taking contemporary academic studies into the importance of
building green cities as a springboard this project seeks to explore
the manner in which these concepts can be put into action within
Leeds and create an integrated strategy for the creation of a green
network a cohesive and continuous green link. The central aims
are to:
1.To improve existing green spaces and integrate new features to
create a continuous green route-way into the city.

Fig 2a: Drainage swale, Taipei, Taiwan

Fig 2b: Urban wetland, Haerbin, China

Fig 2c: Urban waterways, Seoul, South Korea

Fig 2d: Urban agriculture, Hong Kong.

Fig 2e: Green transport network, Nantes, France

Fig 2f: Green wall, Tokyo, Japan

2. To provide quality access to well designed, multi-purpose green

spaces and allow residents to reconnect with nature
3. Increase community cohesion through participation in urban
agriculture projects.
4. Encourage physical activity among local residents.
5.Provide opportunities for the use of non vehicular transport.
6.Bring underused and undervalued land into productive use.

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Cities Alive
Creating Greener Cities
Emerging Theory
Work by Arup (2014) and Bohn and Vijeon (2005) emphasize
that we must reconceptualise the way we approach the design of
cities. Green concerns should not be an 'add' on once a project is
completed but must be integrated from the start of the development
process. The following five requirements outline key guiding
principles to create greener, more sustainable cities.

The Five Key Requirements for Design of Cities.

Nature is the key driver of change it will

create healthier, more socially cohesive, biodiverse urban environments and a connected
city ecosystem for people and wildlife.
(Cities Alive 2014 pg.9)

1. We need to recognise urban green as more than an aesthetic

consideration it is a fundamental part of an urban ecosystem which
improves social interaction and physical and mental health
2. We must make landscapes work harder, for multiple end-users
and to improve climate change resilience, through a multi-functional
design approach
3. Design creativity is needed to deliver a green city ecosystem
'from both city-wide strategic projects down to more imaginative
uses of space within the layers of a city'
4. By capitalising on advances in technology to measure the value
that nature delivers through ecosystems services, we can optimise
the planning and design of urban space to meet future demands
5. We need an integrated approach to delivery that better links and
connects policy to achieve long term benefits.
(Adapted from Cities Alive 2014)
Fig 3: Key texts

Continuous Productive Urban Landscape (CPUL)

This design concept developed by Katrin Bohn and Andre Viljoen
which seeks to create an interlinked network of productive green
infrastructure. The central focus of this notion is the re-integration
of multi-functional networks comprised of open spaces and urban
agriculture into the city to achieve an urban 'green spine' which they
have termed a 'continuous productive urban landscape' (CPUL).

Fig 4a: CPUL concept: Incorporating food production into the cities fabric.

Through CPULs we can move towards an ecologically and socially

sustainable city as they impact qualitatively in terms of positive
experiences for residents and quantifiably in reduced environmental
impacts (Bohn and Viljoen 2005)
This idea is garnering increasing public attention in the U.K. and
throughout Europe and becoming prominent among local councils
and design professionals . The implementation of these ideas can
be seen in Middlesbrough and Todmorden two of the first food
growing towns in Europe and London s Green Grid plan

Key components of a CPUL network:

Fig 4b: Green Route, Incredible edible, Todmorden.

1.Urban agriculture and food production (of various scales).

2. Natural habitats and ecological corridors.
3. Open outdoor spaces for recreation, leisure and commercial
activity.
4. Green 'routes' for non-vehicular means of transportation.
5. Maintenance and enhancement of existing green spaces and
the creation of new productive landscapes.
(Adapted from Bohn and Viljeon 2011)

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Fig 4c: Pollination street ,Todmorden

Fig 4d: Street planting ,Todmorden

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

ng and incr
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The development of urban green infrastructure is the

central component driving this project. It is a key design
concept to create more sustainable cities. The benefits
are numerous and interrelated and encompass a number
of factors. Through the design of multi-functional spaces
which have these concepts at their core it is hoped
we can create an improved city, one which addresses
social, economic and environmental needs and creates
sustainable cities for the benefits of residents and nature.

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Cities Alive
Project Driver
Creating Greener Cities
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Fig 5:Increasing green infrastructure enhances the city environmentally, socially and economically and provides a sustainable means of development.
Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Cities Alive
Project Drivers
Creating Healthier Cities

Green spaces in whatever form,

represent the greatest investment for
the increase of social capital
(Cities Alive 2014 pg 42)

Fig 7: Green space can play a key role in improving our health (RIBA 2013 pg.3)

The priority for development in Leeds must be to create a network of

easily accessible, high quality public green spaces. More direct and
well connected parks to motivate local residents, young and old to use
green spaces for frequently (RIBA 2013). Recent national research
by Riba (2013) identifies green spaces as a key means of building
healthier cities and by investing money in green spaces we reduces
future costs of health care. We need to develop more attractive, safer
green spaces and route-ways. Ensuring sites are developed in this
manner, with the well-being of it's residents and it's environment at
their heart will go toward meeting the councils plans to build a more
sustainable and healthier city making Leeds a better place to live
now, and in the future (RIBA 2013).

Fig 6: Leeds Healthy Living Survey Responses (RIBA 2013 pg.39)

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Area Analysis
Understanding the issue

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

The CPUL is an open urban space where intensive

urban agriculture and convivial outdoor places for
residents compliment each other and are designed
and built into a coherent infrastructural landscape
(Bohn and Viljoen 2011 pg.151)

ECOLOGY

net crops
wor
k

production ACCESS
activity
strategy
Meanwood resilience
connection
NATURE
hab
ecosystem education ame
itat health FOOD infrastructure nity
sustainability
preservation
community
terraces
ent
oym
enj

CITIES

restoration
green

LEEDS

biodiversity

Cities Alive
Creating Greener Cities
Design concept

The Green link here is

virtually non existant.
How can we change this?

Project overview
The sites identified here are the sites which most require improvement
and enhancement of green infrastructure to bring them into productive
use. This project will propose appropriate forms of development and
action each site demands in order to integrate them into a CPUL. This
will be through a combination of methods but the key aim here is to
create a high quality public realm, a space for the enjoyment of nature
which simultaneously benefits the local population and the environment.

Fig 8: The vision for the development of Meanwood's

green links strategy comprises of three proposals.

A: Linear Park
B: Greening the Terraces.
C: Wetland and Community Garden

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Fig 9: Site Location

Meanwood Park

The study site (highlighted in red) is in Meanwood a

suburb located roughly 4 miles to the North West of Leeds
city centre . Quality green spaces already exist within the
proposed green spoke which include large public parks,
allotments, a public farm and sports facilities.
The potential for this green link already exist (Meanwood
Park, Woodhouse Ridge and Woodhouse Moor). These
are valuable community assets and remain well maintained and heavily used by local residents,however the
connection between Woodhouse Ridge and Meanwood
Park requires further enhancement in order for them to
become attractive and successful routes for pedestrians
and cyclists and space for recreation.

Potential green links

Potential green links

Woodhouse Ridge

Existing green links

Woodhouse Moor Park

Existing green links

Leeds City Centre

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Surrounding Urban Environment

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ga
ne
Sto
Retail
Low density
suburban housing

Historic
core

Low density
suburban housing

od

wo

Grove Lane Park

roa

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Low density
suburban housing

an

Fig 10: Leeds' green spokes (urbal.tv nd.)

Meanwood Park

Me

Meanwood is primarily comprised of post-war housing estates,

large scale retail centres, vast surface car parks and a small
core of late Victorian terraced housing and public park land
(Fig 13.) The area was previously dominated by the leather
trade and a number of tanneries were situated along the valley
floor. A number of buildings which supported the industry are
still in place and give the area a strong historic character. Prior
to extensive development in the 1930's the area contained far
more open space andfarmland. This project seeks to redress
the current imbalanceof grey and green space (Fig 12) and to
work against the excesses of the modern city by bringing the
country back into the city.

To Moortown

Leeds has a number of potential 'green spokes' (Fig 10). They

are currently disjointed and a concerted effort is needed to
establish these as continuous green routes. Following on
from the objectives outlined in Cities Alive (2014) this project
aims to create a network of continuous productive urban
landscapes. This study will focus upon creating a green route
from the heart of Leeds continuing through Meanwood and out
into the surrounding countrysid by stitching together existing
green spaces and creating new, high quality green spaces.

Fig 12: Built form

Fig 11: The key character areas of Meanwood

17

Creating a productive green network

B6

Meanwood
Site context:

To City Centre

To Headingley

Meanwood 's built form is mix of close-knit Victorian Terraces, post-war suburban
housing estates and large big box retail. Green space is present but is not being
utilized to it's full potential.

Fig 13: Meanwood's built form and character

Fig 13a:Tannery (circa 1880)

Fig 13b:Tannery converted to flats.

Fig 13c:Historic cottages.

Fig 13d: Grand, Victorian housing.

Fig 13e: Shops in retail core.

Fig 13f: Traffic dominates

Fig 13g: Bars in retail core.

Fig 13h: Grey, suburban sprawl.

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Meanwood
Site context:

Fig 15: Typology of existing greem space.

a

Existing Green Space

Meanwood is relatively well catered for in terms of public park land, however the quality
of this space is variable (Fig 14). Meanwood Park is an outstanding facility and a popular
space. It contains sports facilities, cafe, children's playground and a number of pleasant
walkways. Grove Lane Park is a much smaller space and is currently in a state of neglect.
Local food production is also present in the area and centred around the thriving community
allotments at Hollin Lane and Meanwood Valley Farm. As we can see from the map there
are a number of unmanaged green spaces which are not being utilized to their full potential.
If these areas could be improved and developed in a sustainable manner we could create a
vibrant, attractive and productive green network. The projects' three proposed intervention
sites are numbered in Fig.15.

Fig 14: Existing Green Space in Meanwood

e
d

Fig 14a: Meanwood park

Fig 14b: Childrens playground

Fig 14c: Former cricket pitch

Existing Green Space

Public Park
Fig 14d: Fishing pond

Fig 14e: Hollin Lane allotments

Fig 14f: Entrance to Grove Lane Park

Allotment
g

Unmanaged green space

Green Roof
Water

Fig 14g: Grove Lane Park

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Fig 14h: Overgrown retention basin.

Fig 14i: Meanwood beck.

Meanwood
Site context
Issues

Design must utilize all available space to

create a healthy city and must serve more
than just an aesthetic need in order to
support fledgling ecosystems

Fig 16a: Paucity of safe, good quality cycle routes between green spaces.

Main Road

Existing cycle route

Proposed cycle route

A successful CPUL must be accessible and easy for users to navigate

however the current condition of the green routes in the study area
are not conducive to ease of use.The area is dominated by vehicles
and the site sits between two heavily used roads which create a barrier
to use. There are a dearth of safe cycle routes between major roads.
Signposting is limited,poorly placed and often hidden from view which
effects legibility. Pathways are narrow and badly maintained and lack
durability, it is extremely difficult to walk many routes especially after
a period of rain or during winter.

Fig 16b: Pathways quickly turn to mud

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Fig 16c: Require more durable paving

Fig 17a: Terraced housing: Lack of productive green space

Residencies with lack of access to private garden.

Cities Alive ( 2014 p.77)

Fig 18a: Flood risk in Meanwood

High risk

Medium risk

Low risk

Due to the high proportion of dense Victorian terraced housing in the

Meanwood Valley, many residencies in the area lack access to their
own garden. The inhabitants of these buildings have little opportunity
to produce their own food or enjoy their own outside space. This
imbalance needs to be rectified by retrofitting green infrastructure and
developing small scale communal urban agriculture in the avaialable
spaces.-

Meanwood valley is susceptible to instances of flooding. Any design

should therefore look to alleviate this risk within the site itself and
throughout areas more prone to flooding further downstream.
Permeable surfaces or flood retention schemes should be promoted
to help mitigate the effects of flooding and reduce the impact of high
levels of surface water runoff.

Fig 17b: Shared terrace yards

Fig 18b: Flooding is common

Fig 17c: Many houses lack gardens

Fig 18c: Meanwood Beck in flood.

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Design: A Vision for a Greener Future

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Site 1: Meanwood Green Network

Design concepts: Grove Lane Park
Fig 19: Project location

Strengths:
1: Good location, close proximity to areas of dense housing
gives the park a large pool of potential users.
2: A well used routeway on the Meanwood Trail
3:Rich diversity of fauna.

Fig 21: Movement in Grove Lane Park

Areas in need of improvement
Existing routeways

Weaknesses:
1: Poorly maintained vegetation creates a negative impression.
2: Limited choice of entrance points and routes through park.
3: Poor quality of existing paths.
4: Limited choice of access points and route-ways within park.
5: Chronic under use of space.
6: Issues of vandalism and graffiti.
7:Lack of seating and street lighting.
8: Park lacks aesthetic appeal

Fig 20: Initial sketch concepts

Opportunities and Aims:

1: Enhance the physical appearance and infrastructure of the
park, increasing it's appeal as a site for public recreation.
2: Turn an underutilized space into an invaluable green node.
3: Improve connectivity and signposting
4: Reduce crime and vandalism.
5: Preserve and enchance biodiversity.
6: Development of play facilities to encourage physical activity.
7: An alternate route way for pedestrians and cyclists away from
main traffic stream.
Intended development outcomes:
The park has the potential to be a key community asset but this area
currently feels like 'lost space' both undervalued and underutilized. By
increasing the number of access points and opportunities for active
and passive recreation the park would become a destination point
as opposed to the glorified cut through it currently is. The benefits
of these simple changes would lead to increased rates of exercise,
a more sustainable and safer community. It will encourage people
to get out of their house, get active and explore the green spaces in
their city which will have a positive effect upon peoples physical and
mental health alongside counteracting the negative impact of cars.
(Arup 2014, DEFRA 2010, RIBA 2013)
Fig 22: Current condition: Access, quality of routeways and asethetics needs to be improved.

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Transforming a forgotten park into a

vibrant community asset.

Fig 29: Grove Lane Park improvements masterplan: 1:500

Design Features and improvements

New connections

Design for nature

The park provides an important space
for indigenous fauna including jays,
common lizards and coma butterflies.
Meanwood beck is refuge to trout,
bullhead, newt and endangered white
clawed crayfish along with a number of
water fowl (LCC nd). Potential negative
impact of increased visitor numbers
must be mitigated by the installation of
bat and bird boxes and preservation of
existing trees.

Fig 23: Bat boxes: Design should provide

similiar features for nature.

New infrastructure to promote green transport

Create a new bridging point and
pathways through the park. This will
maximize potential for pedestrian
and cycle users by opening up
new pedestrian and cycle routes
and offering a practical and viable
alternative to vehicular transportation.
Strategically place benches in the park
to enable people to find solitude and
provide opportunity to interact with nature.

Fig 24: High quality cycle routes promote

physical activity, Daegu, South Korea.

Natural playground design

A
A
C

Seating

Bird/bat boxes
New foot bridge

Fig 26: new links brings new possibilities for

exploration.

Widen existing path

Permeable paving

Fig 27: Space to escape the city, relax and

enjoy the therapeutic, cathartic effects of
nature.

New street lighting

The vision is to create an accessible,

enjoyable and stimulating place for
children to interact and spend time
outside. The playground would be
made of natural materials sourced
locally from sustainable suppliers or
fallen trees wherever possible.

Playground

Playground features:
A) Rope climbing frame
B) Wooden climbing sculpture
C)Jumping logs
D) Stepping logs.

Fig 28: An inclusive mixed use space for

outdoor games and new interactions .

North

Fig 25: An exciting, environmentally friendly playground.

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Site 2: Meanwood Green Network

Design concepts: Edible terraces

In addition to physical, psychological and

social health, green spaces allow for a more
pragmatic health solution - urban agriculture
(Cities Alive 2013 p.86)

Fig 30: Project location

Strengths:
1: Historic character.
2: Proximity to existing green space.

Fig 32: Extending the CPUL and creating new green links.

Weaknesses:
1: Many houses lack private gardens.
2: The area is dominated by concrete and hard surfaces
3: Minimal available space for plant or crop growing.
4: Pedestrian and cycle routes through the area are illegible,
inadequately signposted and poorly maintained.

Fig 31: Initial sketch concepts

Opportunities and Aims:

1: Create a productive green urban space by filling in the 'missing
link' in the Meanwood CPUL.
2: Turn the hard, red brick spaces green and increasing the aesthetic
and environmental conditions.
3: Facilitate small scale urban agriculture.
4: Educating locals in food production techniques.
5: Improve the health, well being and self sufficiency of residents.
6: Engender a sense of community spirit and cohesion through
collective food growing projects.
Fig 33: Benefits of urban agriculture

Intended development outcomes:

Pockets of Green exist within Meanwood. The purpose
of this intervention is to strengthen the green network
through the area. The question is how do we expand
this into surrounding streets. The initial concept was to
develop green streets. While this approach has a number
of benefits it was rejected in favour of developing low
cost, low impact and a more site appropriate approach
of facilitating small scale food production. Thus enabling
houses without access to gradens to successfully green
their space
Urban food production is becoming ever more prominent
as people begin to recognize it's benefits (Fig 33).
Providing facilities to promote small scale urban agriculture
allows people to make the most of spaces available to
them through growing their own food. Increasing small
scale urban agriculture promotes healthier lifestyles,
maximizes food security in urban areas and fosters a
sense of community spirit.

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Greening the Terraces

Bringing food production
back to the city

Fig. 37: Urban agriculture in action: the

possibilities are endless when it comes
to growing your own food!

Fig 39: Proposal: Shared terrace yard gardens, Meanwood.

Design Features and improvements

Urban agriculture, communal food production
Back to Front is a project is currently based
in disadvantaged inner city areas of North
East Leeds (Fig 35a). It aims to promote
urban agriculture in inner city areas. The
scheme has been successful so far and
this project would aim to expand their work
into terraced housing in neighbouring
Meanwood. Projects in a similar vein
include 'Incredible Edible Todmordon '
and 'Feed Leeds' Numerous studies have
shown this to have positive social and
economic outcomes (Cities Alive 2013).

Fig 35a: Back to Front Leeds

This project proposes the adoption of

these communal schemes into Meanwood.
Back to front current area of operation.
Workshops could be run locally (in church
Proposed area of expansion.
hall) in which residents are introduced
to the basics of food production and
shown how to create their own planter Fig 35b: Communal agriculture is becoming a
much more common features in today's cities.
boxes (cheap and easy). The yards are
shared between houses, collaborating
in communal food production could be a
good way to strengthen ties.

Fig 36:The principles of urban agriculture (backtofront 2011 pg.11)

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Fig 37a: An opportunity for education.

Fig 37b: From car park to farm.

Urban farming offers a glimpse

of a more secure and sustainable
food supply
(Mary Hui 2012)
Fig 37c: Street planting, Todmorden.
Fig 38: Easy to grow produce

potatoes

tomatoes

beetroot

spinach

mushrooms

corgettes
Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Fig 40: Design aims: Urban farming is a low cost, high impact solution which can improve the social
and environmental conidtions in our cities (Highbury Road, Meanwood)
Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Sharing

Local food

Social links

Education

Community cohesion

Sense of ownership

Improved generational links

Free, healthy food

Relaxation
Local pride

Fig 41: Any space, no matter how small can be brought into productive use with enough imagination! (Highbury Place, Meanwood).

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Site 3: Meanwood Green Network

Design concepts: Highbury Wetland and Garden
Fig 42: Project location

Strengths:
1: Large, flat area with fertile soil
2: Present infrastructure (club house).
3: Proximity to local agricultural schemes
Weaknesses:
1: The land has been vacant for the last 12 years.
2: Paths around the site are too narrow.
3: Vandalism, graffiti and overgrown vegetation.
4: Limited choice of access points.
Opportunities and aims:
1: Bring a disused area into productive use.
2: A unique recreational facility for a variety of users.
3: A new focal point for the local community.
4: Strengthening food production in Meanwood.
5: Improve mental and physical health.
6: A place for interaction with nature and people.
7: Promote green education through experience.
8: Enhance the natural environment.
10: A resilient, flood resistance environment.
11: Create an aesthetically stimulating landscape.
12: Improved route legibility and safety

Fig 43: Initial sketch concepts. Entire site dedicated to urban agriculture?

Intended outcomes:
The site the site has remained vacant and bereft of
any use since 2002. The pitch is currently owned by
Glendale Housing who have started investigating the
feasibility of using the site for housing development
which is a cause of concern for local residents. This
project will take a different approach and will instead
suggest that the land be utilized in a more productive
manner in a way which serves the environment and
the public. The site is around 10,000m2 and has vast
potential both in terms of size and catchment area
potential users. However in its present condition it
forms a gaping hole in the Meanwood CPUL.
If this land can be brought into productive use it could
draw users from far and wide and form the final piece
of the 'green' jigsaw, becoming an important node
and focal point of activity in the Meanwood ValleyTrail
(Fig 45No.4). Current access is limited and a potential
route way between sites is inaccessible. If this site
was developed it would increase opportunities for the
enjoyment of nature among residents; offering a new
space for recreation and a key route way.

Fig 44: .How can this space be enhanced aesthetically and environmentally to attain its full potential?

Fig 44a: Abandoned cricket clubhouse.

Fig 44b: Site is currently inaccessible.

Fig 45: Meanwood Trail: This interventions will provide a new

attraction along the route (Site 4). This will enhance the existing green route from Woodhouse Moor through to Adel and
Golden Acre Park. The proposed wetland will create additional
space for public enjoyment and recreation.
Fig 44c: Existing paths need widening.
Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Fig 44d: Meanwood Beck is a vital habitat.

Site 3: Meanwood Green Network

Design concepts: Highbury Wetland and Garden
Design Features and improvements
Green infrastructure as flood alleviation
Woodhouse cricket ground should be integrated into a Sustainable
Urban Drainage System (SUD) which is the adaptation of natural
methods to managing drainage and reducing risk of flood. The
process works by providing a buffer to surface run off and
assisting in the breaking down of pollutants (DEFRA 2010). The
creation of a multi use wetland is seen as most appropriate for
the site in question and has numerous benefits (Fig 47).
Fig 46: Urban Wetlands

Fig 46a: Quinli Wetland Park, Haerbin City, China.

Fig 46b: An escape from the grey. Fig 46c: A space for nature.

Fig 47: The benefits of designing in a water sensitive manner are multiple.( Rtpi 2013 pg.5)
Fig 46d:London Wetland Centre, a wildlife refufe in the heart of the city.
George Nikolaos Payiatis

London Wetland Centre U.K.

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Site 3: Meanwood Green Network

Design concepts: Highbury Wetland and Garden
Community forest garden and educational facility:
Fig. 48: Community garden sketch concepts

Fig 51: Typical Forest garden composition:

Planting
The wetland and surrounding areas will need to be a resilient
environment and as such the following species have been
chosen primarily for their ability to withstand and endure long
periods of flooding. The wetlands central function will be to
provide habitat and to provide flood to amphibians and wild
fowl alongside water retention and filtration.
Some species which produce edible components have been
included in order to increasing foraging options to both
human and wild visitors. These species have been selected
due to a combination of their durable nature, their edible
nature and their aesthetic quality. The cultivation of these
plants will result in a long lasting, productive and attractive
garden space.

Fig 52: suggested species for planting :

Fig 49: Meanwood Urban Farm

Experiential education:
Meanwood Valley Urban farm is a multi-purpose,
council run facility. It is a hugely popular and is a major
inspiration for this project. It promotes education,
community engagement
and environmental
maintenance and social rehabilitation.

Communal food production:

Forest gardens are an agricultural model based on
harnessing natural processes. Planting in this manner
is biologically sustainable and emphasise positive
interaction between plants to maintain high levels
of fertility. They are carefully designed use nitrogen
fixing plants to raise nutrient levels in soil. (Crawford
2006). Bedford fields is a Leeds based community
garden developed on underutilzed green space.
Thisis a project in which sustainable practices are
pursued in a social and educational manner.
Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

A: Geranium

B: Fox Glove

C: Caradona

D: Strawberry

E: Rhubarb

F: Black Current

G: Hawthorn

H: Alder

I: Ash Bush

J: Beech

K: Hornbeam

L: Mulberry

M: Wooly Sedge

N: Hairgrass

O: Maiden Grass

P: Bulrush

Fig 50: Bedford fields forest garden

Site 3: Meanwood Green Network

Design concepts: Highbury Wetland
Fig 53: Design Features

Thinking of the city as the habitat for all

species, and not only people can establish a
more symbiotic relationship between buildings,
land, and nature, creating intriguing and
exciting functions

Fig 54: Highbury Wetland Masterplan 1:500

Cities Alive ( 2014 p.73)

15

Fig 53a: Pick your own berries

13

5
3

16

17

2
7
Fig 53b: Production and education

11

14

8
10

18
12
9
19

20

21

Fig 53c: Apiculture

22

Fig 53d: Space for relaxation

23

Fig 53e: Restore native fauna.

1) Main pedestrian entrance.

2) Forest garden
3) Alder hedging
4) Ribbon seating
5) Wild flower garden (willow, guelder rose,
nine-bark shrub)
6) Decorative stone circle
7) Crop planting boxes (potato, mushroom, kale)
8) Permeable car park

9) Composting box
10) Vehicular entrance
11) Rooftop beehives
12) Produce shop, cafe and visitor centre
13) Raspberry and blackberry bushes
14) Lawn
15) Widening existing pedestrian route
16) Stepping logs
17) Grasses (hair grass, reed grass, sedge)

18) Bulrushes
19) Water retention basins
20) Sluice gate
21) Observation platform
22) Raised walkway
23) Waterfowl nesting island
24) Bridging point with Fishing pond.

North

24

Fig 53f: Space for nature

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Highbury cricket club: A vision for the future

Fig 55: The aim is to create a space which fulfils a number of functions and integrates many features including wetland habitat, flood alleviation, space for recreation, food production and information centre.
Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

A vibrant habitat for nature and a unique community asset

Fig 56: Highbury Wetland view E to W.

George Nikolaos Payiatis

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

Cities Alive: From Grey to Green

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Fig 28: Cut-out figures obtained from http://skalgubbar.se/

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Fig 30: Map adapted from https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Meanwood,+West+Yorkshire,+UK/data
Fig 31: Author
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F: Author
G: Author
H: Author
I: Author
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g-sUCh3J9gfG
B: Author
C: Author
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B: Author
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g-sUCh3J9gfG
Fig 20: Author

George Nikolaos Payiatis

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Fig 42: Map adapted from https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Meanwood,+West+Yorkshire,+UK/data

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B: Image obtained from https://helenbabbs.files.wordpress.c
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F: Image obtained from http://hartkeisonline.com

Fig 43: Author

Fig 54: Author

Fig 44:
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Fig 40: Cut-out figures obtained from http://skalgubbar.se/ and http://www.

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Fig 41: Cut-out figures obtained from http://skalgubbar.se/ and http://www.
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Fig 56: Cut-out figures obtained from http://skalgubbar.se/ and http://www.

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Cities Alive: From Grey to Green