2. 2
Yuanyuan Li
Stenhouse Crescent 82/2
EH11 3HU
Email: ly3@hw.ac.uk
mobile: + 44 7546 753902
Education
Sept 2014 -Present Heriot -Watt University (HWU) –Edinburgh,the UK
BSc (Hons) Urban Planning and Property Development (Class 2:1)
Sept 2011 -Aug 2014 Yunnan University (YNU) –Kunming,China
BEng Urban Planning
Sept 2008 -Jun 2011 Yulin High School,Shaanxi Province,China
Took the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) of China with mark of 572 (720 in total),Ranked top 4% in China.
Experience
Jun 2016 -Present TA at Alba Cathy Chinese School for Fine Art class
Sept 2014 -Present Translator for HWU Official Website and subject-related lectures for Chinese users and audiences
Sept 2015 -Present Volunteer for Scottish Confucius Institute of Business and Communication
Sept 2011 -Aug 2012 Student Union Assistant in YNU
Sept 2009 -Jun 2010 Editor-in-Chief for School Newspaper,Yulin High School
Skills
Languages: English (Fluent),Mandarin (Native)
Digital Skills: Auto CAD,SketchUp,Photoshop,Illustrator,InDesign,ArcGIS,Microsoft OFFICE Series
Good interpersonal and Teamwork skills
Adaptability,flexibility,the ability to multitask
Ambition,confidence and the courage to challenge
Table of Content
1. The Gateway Edinburgh - Gogar Station Interchange WEAVE
2. City Centre Pedestrain Zone Planning and Design SOCIAL STREETSCAPES
3. Water Sensitive Neighbourhood Regeneration - Yudai River ACTIVE HERITAGE
4. Marine Gardens Masterplan ACTIVE HERITAGE WATERFRONT & NEW LIFE
ACTIVE HERITAGE
MOON & DREAMwwwwwwww
4. 6 7WEAVE The Gateway Edinburgh - Gogar Station Interchange
Gogar Station Interchange is located in the Major new development in strategic
development area and employment centre. The north of the site will have an
opportunity for connecting into new house development (total of 107560 new homes
will be required across SESplan area in the period 2024). It is also located in one of
the 7 commercial centres in Edinburgh and be recognised as Spatial Economic Area.
WEAVE --- Gogar Station Interchange
Site Context
Network Rail proposes to erect a new station interchange at Gogar on the west side
of Edinburgh. The station will provide a link between the east coast mainline from
Edinburgh and Aberdeen and the proposed tram line to and from Edinburgh Airport.
Location
Spatial Strategy
New Residential Development
Special Economic Area
Strategic Business Centre
Green Space
Site Plan
5. 8 9WEAVE The Gateway Edinburgh - Gogar Station Interchange
A Comprehensively designed proposals consider the
economies, social, environment and transport. Developing
for leisure and retail uses is as part of the mix use proposal.
In the site, leisure use, transport use and public open
spaces are weaving with each other.
B An extension of the existing and planning green
space corridor. Offer sufficient Green Infrastructure.
C Improve pedestrian and cycle links through
the site and provide strong, safe connections with
services and facilities in the surrounding area.
The curve layout of architecture and design aims to create an attracting and leading
environment. Also, it is designed as a landmark in Gogar and the surrounding area).
3D Volumetric construction, where prefabrication of components will be largely taken
to site and fitted. The materials will be largely recyclable, supporting the important
dive for more eco-friendly construction namely both structures comprising of a recycled
steel frame coupled a largely low-emissivity glass and matt finish steel panels which
are also recycled. The roofing will be ETFE, it gives lots of natural light, high longevity
and is also very lightweight.
Design Concept - Weaving
Leisure Use
Trasportation Use
Open Spaces
Leisure Centre
Transport Hub & Retail
Energy Park
Landscape & Cultural Park
Intergrated with surrounding green corriders
and landscape.
Train
Tram
Car Route
Pedestrain & Cycle Route
Car Parking
Semi-public space
Aerial View
Elevation
Semi-public space provides shelter for social interaction under unpleasant climate situation
and also transitions passengers from tram station to train station and from tram or train
station to the underpass. A children’s play park will be located between the station and
the leisure centre, with energy generating equipment. Users will be told with visual lead
audio clues how much power they are producing at any given time while performing various
movements on the equipment. The west public space will be a combination of landscape
parkland and sculpture installations by local artists and engineers especially for the people
to walk around when they have 10 or 20 minutes waiting for train or tram. The Sculpture
Park is also a multifunctional space, not only to entertain commuters, but also provide
recreation place for families, users of the leisure centre and visitors.
7. 12 13SOCIAL STREETSCAPES City Centre Pedestrain Zone Planning and Design
Yunnan Province, China Kunming, Yunnan Province City Centre, Kunming
The site is dominated
by residential property,
others are for office
and retail. As located
in city centre and
with scattering list
buildings, the site does
have an opportunity
to redevelopment as
a place for diverse
social and economic
activities. Backing up
with the long history be
touched with citizens,
there are also familiar
street names which
are continued to use
until now. For instance,
The name of Nanqiang
Street shows the hope
of development of
Yunnan Province, the
name of Baoshan Street
delivers the virtue of
traditional Chinese.
Site Context
SOCIAL STREETSCAPES - City Centre Pedestrain Zone
Yunnan is a province of the People’s Republic of China, located in the far southwest of the country.
It spans approximately 394,000 square kilometres (152,000 sq mi) and has a population of 45.7
million (2009). The capital of the province is Kunming, formerly also known as Yunnan. The
province borders Vietnam, Laos and Burma.
The topology of the province is mountainous. In some areas, the altitude can vary from the
mountain peaks to river valleys as much as 3000 metres (9,800 ft). The diverse topology, various
altitude and low latitude cause the rich natural resources. Of the approximately 30,000 species
of higher plants in China, Yunnan has perhaps 17,000 or more. Yunnan’s reserves of aluminium,
lead, zinc and tin are the largest in China, and there are also major reserves of copper and nickel.
The Han Empire first recorded diplomatic relations with the province at the end of the 2nd century
BCE. The Mongols conquered the region in the 13th century, with local control exercised by warlords
until the 1930s. As with other parts of China’s southwest, Japanese occupation in the north during
World War II forced a migration of majority Han people into the region. Ethnic minorities in Yunnan
account for about 34 percent of its total population. Major ethnic groups include Yi, Bai, Hani,
Zhuang, Dai and Miao.
Kumming is a prefecture-level city and the political, economic, communications and cultural centre of the province as well as the seat of the provincial
government. Kunming is also called the Spring city due to its weather. The city is home to several universities, museums, galleries and other important
economic, cultural, and educational institutions. The headquarters of many of Yunnan’s large businesses are in Kunming.
Located in the middle of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, Kunming is located at an altitude of 1,900 metres (6,234 feet) above sea level and at a latitude
just north of the Tropic of Cancer. It covers an area of 21,473 square kilometres (8,291 sq mi) and its urban area covers 2,622 square kilometres (1,012
sq mi). Kunming has as of 2014 a population of 6,626,000 with an urban population of 4,575,000, and is located at the northern edge of the large Lake
Dian, surrounded by temples and lake-and-limestone hill landscapes.
Kunming consists of an old, previously walled city, a modern commercial district, residential and university areas. Its economic importance derives from
its geographical position. Positioned near the border with Southeastern Asian countries, serving as a transportation hub in Southwest China, linking by
rail to Vietnam and by road to Burma and Laos. This positioning also makes it an important trade center in this region of the nation. The city has continued
to develop rapidly under China’s modernization efforts. Kunming’s streets have widened while office buildings and housing projects develop at a fast
pace. Kunming has been designated a special tourism center and as such sports a proliferation of high-rises and luxury hotels.
Kunming consists of an old, previously walled city, a modern commercial district, residential and university areas. The city has an astronomical
observatory, and its institutions of higher learning include Yunnan University, Yunnan Normal University and a medical college.
1. YMCA
2. Nanping Movie Theater
3. Feihu Bubling
4. Old Shopping Street
5. Jinbi Garden
The History Heritage In The Site
1
4 5
2 3
8. 14 15SOCIAL STREETSCAPES City Centre Pedestrain Zone Planning and Design
Design Concepts
Connect the list buildings by creating
an axis for them.
Add a ribbon pattern green space (red
part), also run through the whole site
and end next to the Panlong Canal.
The red dots are the most active
places now, the planning is to direct
people to use the spaces inside the
site due to mixed uses and high
quality design.
Maintain the vibrant social
integrations. The site is a popular
destination for residents to shop,
work, relax and visit. At the same
time, create more pleasant places for
activities.
Creative Industry
Retail
Office
SOHO
Leisure
Conservation Area
Land Uses
Towers
1 - 3 Floors
10 -12 Floors
4 - 6 Floors
7 - 9 Floors
Density
Bite Block 1
Pedestrian Area
Bite block 2
Visual and Activity Centre
Planning Structure Figure-ground Diagram
Main Green Spaces
Centre Node
Secondary Green Spaces
Node
Road Green Spaces
Green Spaces
Pedestrian
Traditional Street Conservation Area
Main Road in the Site
Primary Road in the City
Traffic Free Road
Movement and Street Paths
9. 16 17SOCIAL STREETSCAPES City Centre Pedestrain Zone Planning and Design
Public Spaces Design
Modern Street & Traditional Street
Soft Surfaces
Sense of Enclosure
Others
Complex
List Building
Retail
Feihu Building
Nanping Movie Theatre
SOHO
Craft Market
Snack Bars
Hotel
YMCA
Clubs and Bars
Cinema
Restaurant
Studios for Artists
& Designers
Gallery
Offices
Teahouse z Offices
Site Plan
10. 18 19SOCIAL STREETSCAPES City Centre Pedestrain Zone Planning and Design
Aerial View
1. Entrance Square
2. Studio for Artists and Designers
3. YMAC Square
4. Street
5. Nanping Movie Theatre
6. Corridor
Perspective View
12. 22 23ACTIVE HERITAGE . Water Sensitive Neighbourhood Regeneration - Yudai River
1
4
7 8
5 6
2 3
Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
National Background - China’s Urban System
National Background - Yunnan City Group Regional Background - Development of
the North-south Axis Area
International Background - CHINA-ASEAN Free Trade Area International Background - The Greater Mekong Subregion
and The China’s Bridgehead Strategy
The Location of the Site in Kunming The Location of the Site in City Centre of Kunming
Regional Background
Yunnan City Group (7)
Kunming will play an extremely important “leading“ role. Zoning range Kunming, Yuxi, Qujing, Chuxiong four administrative body jointly
set up in Yunnan City Group, which is located in Yunnan “heart” part. Yunnan city group is located in the resource-rich region, it is the most
important industrial areas in Yunnan Province.
Development of the North-south Axis Area (8)
Development of the North-south Axis Area is located in Kunming planned in Kunming Masterplan Revision in 2008. The main Airport
Economic Zone northeast of the city, south of Songming, Chenggong Jincheng and Kunyang towns are located in the main axis of
development of urban space expansion.
International Background
CHINA-ASEAN Free Trade Area (4)
The ASEAN–China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) is a free trade
area among the ten member states of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People’s Republic
of China. It is the biggest free trade area among developing
countries. Yunnan Province has great opportunities due to
the location.
The Greater Mekong Subregion (5)
The Greater Mekong Subregion is an international region
of the Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia. The region is
home to more than 300 million people and was designated
with the launch of a development project formed in 1992
by the Asian Development Bank, that brought together the
six states of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam,
and Yunnan Province, China.
National Background
Chinese Bridgehead Strategy (5)
Yunnan Province is a “bridgehead” strategy which can
become an important fulcrum in China’s Indian Ocean
strategy by analyzing the importance as well as the plight
reality of Indian Ocean. The strategy of building Yunnan
as a bridgehead not only provides a breakthrough for
the implementation of the strategy in the Indian Ocean,
but also its geographical advantage of land access can be
brought into full play, thus solving the problems of the
seaports leading to Indian Ocean.
China’s Urban System - Two Vertical
Three Horizontal Lines (6)
China’s Urban Strategy System contains two vertical lines
that refer two important transport corridors in China and
three horizontal lines that are significant axis of cities.
Kunming will have convenient land transportation around
the country.
ACTIVE HERITAGE Water Sensitive Neighbourhood Regeneration - Yudai River
Russia
Central Asia
Europe
South Asia
Africa
Kunming
Yunnan City Group
Chuxiong
Yuxi
Qujing
Songming
Airport Economic Zone
High-tech Zone
Anning
Kunming
Chenggong
Jingcheng
Kunyang
Southeast Asia
Myanmar
Yunnan
Thailand
Hohhot
Harbin
Shenyang
Beijing
Zhengzhou
Dalian
Qingdao
Shanghai
Shenzhen
Haikou
Nanning
Kunming
Xi’an
Chengdu
Chongqing
Wuhan
Urumchi
Rangoon
Bangkok
Haiphong
Kunming
Cambodia
Laos
Vietnam
Kunming
Middle East
13. 24 25ACTIVE HERITAGE . Water Sensitive Neighbourhood Regeneration - Yudai River
Good
Common
Bad
Higher than 12 Floors
9-12 Floors
7-9 Floors
4-7 Floors
1-3 Floors
Low (Plot Ratio 0-1.5)
Common (Plot Ratio 1.5-3)
High (Plot Ratio > 3)
Ancient Trees
Garden
Attached Green Spaces
Square
Library
Car Parking
School
Health Centre
Main Road
Secondary Road
Tertiary Road
Alley
Bus Stop
High (Higher than 60%)
Middle (40%-60%)
Low (20%-40%)
Masonry Structure
Post and Panel Structure
Brick-concrete Structure
Reinforced Concrete Structure
Frame Structure
16 Thousand
12-14 Thousand
11-13 Thousand
10-11 Thousand
9-10 Thousand
8-9 Thousand
7.5-8 Thousand
Quality of Construction
Development Intensity
Green Spaces Infrastructure Transport System
Density Land Value (RMB Per Square Meter) Land Use Pattern
Building Height Building Structure Figure-ground Diagram
Retail (24%)
Military land (21%)
Second-class Residential Land (18%)
Third-class Residential Land (14%)
Medical Use (9%)
Education (6%)
Historic Reservation (2%)
Office (4%)
Green Spaces (4%)
Site Context
The quality of the buildings in the site is largely common, often with reinforced concrete structure. Lower height buildings
dominate the site, so the density is quite high. The planning will focus on refurbishing the old and valuable architecture and
demolishing the bad quality buildings to offer more open spaces. Also, the masterplan will increase the density for more
uses and provide more public spaces.
There are reasonable number of schools and health centers, but lack of car parking spaces, libraries, public toilets and waste
interchange. The planning will resolve the problems above.
The road system in the site is good but need more effort on the connection of alleys.
According to the transaction records, the land and property value of the site is higher when after regeneration. Hence, the
development will increase the land and property value generally.
14. 26 27ACTIVE HERITAGE . Water Sensitive Neighbourhood Regeneration - Yudai River
Design Concepts
The social life of cities, in particular the ordinary, the small-
scale and mundane aspects of urban life, are commonly
overlooked as a source of insight and inspiration for city
planners.
The life is relaxed and far less stressful in Kunming. The
background of life is not only the culture, but the heritage
that is a part of people’s life as well.
Looking at the everyday life of the city streets and
neighborhoods provides a perspective on cities, social
change and the radical variety of urban life, that is
dramatically different to thinking about the city as an
intelligent network or transport system with predefined
ideas about how people will behave.
Studying a high street, a neighborhood park, or a local café
can reveal much about the health and resilience of the site.
The ancient buildings and surrounding environment offer
pleasant spaces for social life.
The aim of the planning and design is to enhance the
features of heritage buildings and the surrounding
environment to offer a better quality of space to live, work,
relax and visit.
The masterplan focus on the regeneration of list buildings
and the environment, as well as the Yudai River and the
banks.
Life In The Site
List Buildings
1
14
910 11
4
6
9 10 11
7 8
2
2
6
3
3
7
5
8
5
15. 28 29ACTIVE HERITAGE . Water Sensitive Neighbourhood Regeneration - Yudai River
Design Concepts
Active Heritage
1 Connection
Enlarge the open space surround the list buildings.
Connect them and form two axes.
2 Organize the visual connection between the adjacent list
buildings.
3 Manage and guide the new development in the historic
area.
4 Enlarge the influence of the historic area by the new
development.
Revival Ancient Streets
1 Before and after.
Get through the closes with other alleys.
2 Create connected and safe pedestrian, also act as spaces
for social interactions.
3 Design the roads with system to balance the transport
volum (add roads from east to west).
4 Create more open spaces along streets.
Design for People
1 Organize the scattered residential quarters into four
residential areas and allocate green spaces for each
residential area.
2 Create two main and one secondary green belts to benefit
both socially and environmentally.
3 Create well connected open spaces to improve the quality
of life.
4 Organize the sequence of center axis to create space
aesthetically.
5 Diverse the use of retail use.
List Buildings And Historical Area
Before Alleys Patterns
Residential Areas And Green Spaces Green Corridors Public Spaces Node Space Sequence Diverse Uses
After Alleys Patterns Pedestrian Areas And Entrances New Road System Public Spaces Along The Streets
Connect Them And Form Two Axes Martial Design For New Development Development Of Historical Area Visual Planning
Stone White Walls
Modern Roof
Pot Window
Radiation Area
Historical Area
Main Axis
Spread Corridors
Main Road
Secondary Road
Tertiary Road
Old Alley
New Alley
Restaurants
Handicraft Manufacture
Creative Industry
Retail
Retail Street
Culture And Education
16. 30 31ACTIVE HERITAGE . Water Sensitive Neighbourhood Regeneration - Yudai River
Main Node For Landscape
Secondary Node For Landscape
Retail Development Axis
Main Active Heritage Axis
Secondary Active Heritage Axis
Landscape Belt
Retail and Office Use
Residential Use
Retail
Residential Use
Public Infrastructure
Green Spaces
Office And Residential Use
Military Land
Car Parking
Underground Parking
Main Street Parking
Secondary Street Parking
Contemporary Building
New Building
Antique Building
Ancient Building
Main Node For Landscape
Secondary Node For Landscape
Pedestrian
Main Landscape Axis
Secondary Landscape Axis
Main Road
Second Road
Alley
Square
Public Space
Waterfront
Landscape
Planning Structure
a Integrated Purification
c Eco Purification
d Nutrient Purification
e Stable Quality Adjustment
b Purification Of Pathogens
Water Purification Program
The Regeneration Of Yundai River Waterfront
The Space Sequence Of Centre
Land Use Pattern
Static Traffic Planning
Architecture Conservation And Regeneration
Landscape Structure
Transport System
Open Space
Figure-ground Diagram
This part is about the dynamic area of the site where land and water meet – the
urban waterfront. The waterfront is designed as a magnet area in this regeneration
program. It will contribute to restore the center of city to economic and social
health. The regenerate and extend of waterfront undertake as one of the more
visible manifestations of a growing appreciation for urban values.
At once calm and dynamic, profoundly symbolic in religion and literature, water
evokes primeval emotions in all of us. In this waterfront planning and design, the
near city center location advantage, the fully public accessibility, the environmental
issues such as water purification, the use mixes, the design issues such as water
views and the respect to history, the education or interpretation and the public
spaces are all carefully considered which can be reflected in the waterfront design.
The site center also as
the city center offers
various spaces for
activities. Also, they also
form and integrate with
sequence.
1 The Moment Square
2 Belt Square
3 The Pedestrian Street
4 Space For Festival
5 Camellia Square
6 Chess Square
7 Outdoors Tea house
8 Latten Street
9 Bronze Ware
Exhibition Space
10 Leisure Square
17. 32 33ACTIVE HERITAGE . Water Sensitive Neighbourhood Regeneration - Yudai River
1 First People’s Hospital Of Yunnan Province
2 Ma House
3 Chongde Mosque
4 Yunnan Drama Arts Research Center
5 Wuhua District Library
6 West Temple
7 Jade Museum
8 Kunming Third Nursery
9 Kunming Children’s Hospital
10 Shopping Mall
11 Xishan District High School
12 Kunming First People’s Hospital of the Ministry of Child And Woman
13 Red Cross First People’s Hospital in Kunming
14 East Temple
15 The Third Middle School
Economic And Technical Indicators
Planning Area
Building Area
Total Floor Area
Building Density
Commercial Area
Residential Area
Infrastructure
Road And Square Area
Green Space
Plot Ratio
Ration Of Green Space
112 ha
74.3 ha
235.2 ha
22.7%
17.5 ha
16.9 ha
7.1 ha
15.5 ha
8.3 ha
2.1
30.7% Site Plan
19. 36 37
The site, known as Marine Gardens, occupies a historic and culturally significant position not only
within Edinburgh but the wider Scottish context. At present the area shows little of this significance,
but rather is it inhabited by ‘big box’ industrial buildings which bare no relation to it’s past. Our client,
Edinburgh City Council has recognised the need to reinvigorate this area as part of the wider ‘Edinburgh
Boardwalk’ project and as such the following Masterplan has composed to redesign the area wile
working in conjunction with the aims set out in City of Edinburgh Council’s (2006) “From the Almond
to the Esk: a strategy for the Edinburgh Boardwalk”, and Promenade Design Principles (source). At the
heart of the brief lay the following objectives:
-Strengthening connections between the city and the sea.
-Assisting the revitalisation and regeneration of waterfront areas of the city.
-The creation of new spaces and leisure.
-The promenade as a destination for recreation.
-The promenade as a movement corridor, creating links and other footpaths and cycleway networks.
-The promenade and its new nodes as the focus of activities.
-Providing an additional feature adding to the city’s identity as a major tourist attraction.
The Vision Of The Site Client Brief
20. 38 39WATERFRONT & NEW LIFE Marine Gardens Masterplan
WATERFRONT & NEW LIFE - Marine Gardens Masterplan
Vision Statement and Rationale
Boxes
Pier & Water Park
Promenade
Main Road
Minor Road & Pedestrian
Main Pubic Spaces
Sports Centre
Transport Hub
Landmarks
‘Marine Gardens has the potential to become a locus for Edinburgh’s new vibrant and
rejuvenated waterfront. As such our vision is to create an environment in which good urban
design, entrepreneurial spirit, community focus and environmental concerns are brought
together to maximise the potential of this site and it’s unique natural assets. In order to achieve
this, the following goals have been set:
-Maximisation of existing waterfront and natural assets.
-Pedestrian focused design, minimising the need for car use.
-Utilization of ‘mixed use’ design to create a viable and vibrant environment.
-To create a focal point for culture and recreation in Edinburgh.
Location Microclimate
The Seafield Site is situated to the North East of Edinburgh city centre between Leith and Portobello. The site
is around 27.7 hectares in size and is linear in nature running parallel along and on the North Sea coastline.
Currently the site is surrounded by primarily residential to the South and West and a beach and sea to the East.
Also to the East lies Craigentinny Golf Course around 10 meters from the boundary to the site. Directly to the
North side of the site there is a recycling centre and further past there sits a mixture of retail units and residential.
There is a disused railway running length ways just inside the Western boundary to the site.
The prevailing wind in Scotland is from the
South-West and the second most common
comes in off the North Sea from a North
Easterly direction. This means the site must
be designed with building and open space
orientation in mind. Hence, any primary areas
or avenues must be designed with wind in
mind in order to reduce the harmful effects of
wind throughout the site.
Figure in the right highlights the sun paths in summer and winter and how they relate to the site. This gives
an idea of how the buildings and spaces will need to be positioned in order to maximize sunlight to the
development.
Site Location in the Map of the Firth of Forth
Site Location in the Map of Edinburgh
Primary Route
A road
B road
Green Spaces
Residential Uses
Industrial Uses
Site
Site Condition
S.W.O.T Analysis
Strength
Existing area of natural beauty, incorporating unique coastline
and beach.
Strong connectivity to the city centre and wider Edinburgh
through existing road network Site currently has a diverse and
engaged user base.
Site has natural contour to help shape development.
Current uses can be relocated elsewhere in the city with ease
Strong community feel and cultural identity in surrounding
areas.
Weaknesse
Site split boy main road with heavy traffic affecting
permeability and circulation around the site.
Limited direct access from surrounding communities to site
Current uses significantly limit access to promenade and
seafront Railway is currently under utilised.
Limited mix use throughout current site (dominated by the
industrial sector) Site is currently very car centric thus reducing
appeal for pedestrian users.
Opportunitie
To remove as many cars as possible to the site and prioritise
pedestrians.
To create a strong identity focused around the waterfront of
both regional and national significance To create a mix use
development bringing diverse employment and land uses to
the site.
To create a residential development that focuses on community
inclusion To create a vibrant connection completing the
Edinburgh.
Threat
Close proximity to sewage plant may limit development
potential in immediate surroundings.
Planning limitations may hinder innovation Strong community
feel may resist change.
Weather and environmental factors could affect designs and
materials used.
Lack of comparable data and recent development in the area
may make appraisal challenging Potential contamination of
land from existing uses.
Topographical challenges to development may limit potential
for cohesive design.
Site boundary
Primary road
Nature Reserve
Existing Flats
Rail Way
Retail
Industrail Uses
Dog and Cat Home
Car Warhouses
Lotian Bus Depot
Existing Uses
Wind Finder
Sun Path
21. 40 41WATERFRONT & NEW LIFE Marine Gardens Masterplan
Policy Del 4 Edinburgh Waterfront
The scale of the site represents an
opportunity for mixed use, sustainable
development with provision of various
facilities such as: housing, offices, shops,
water sports and a museum etc.
Policy Des 1 Design Quality and Context
The proposed development introduces
a unique design with an emphasis on
people’s needs creating a sense of place
with distinguished characteristics and the
promotion of the area as a day/night
destination.
Policy des 4 – Impact On Setting
Proposed development would not have any
negative impact on the sky line view and the
overall scale of the buildings will integrate
with the existing surroundings, maximizing
daylight to the site.
Policy Des 6 – Sustainable Buildings
Proposed designs have incorporate SUD’S
which also comply with policy RS6 Water
and Drainage; development support and
encourage use of sustainable transport
such as cycle, walking and use of public
transport.
Policy Des 7 – Layout Design
The master plan features well-integrated
public space, footpaths and greenspace.
The active frontage in the proposed
development ensures easy access to the
public facilities and the main focal points
make a more pleasant and safe place to
be in.
Policy Des 8 –Public Realm and Landscape
Design
The master plan provides a high quality
of greenspace and public realm, including
development of promenade and Marine
Boulevard with already integrated
maintenance scheme.
Policy Des 10 – Waterside Development
The master plan coordinates well with
the policy as it does provide not only an
attractive and active frontage to the coast
but also introduces leisure amenities for
public use. This plan will enhance quality
of the site and landscape use.
Policy Env 20 – Open Space in New
Development
The master plan provides a large amount
of open space which is easily accessible
for the public. The proposed plan also
provides improvement to the green
network.
Policy Env 21 – Flood Protection
Proposed plan does not increase risk of
flood nor does increase surface water.
Well designed green infrastructure will
serve as a sustainable drainage which
will also protects the underground car
park and tunnel.
Policy Emp 1 – Office Development
As part of mixed use development the
master plan will build a high quality
office space that would contribute to the
economic viability of the site and create
employment opportunities.
Policy Emp 10 – Hotel development
The hotel will increase economic growth,
employment opportunities and as a
part of mixed use scheme improve
attractiveness of the site. The public
transport from and to the city centre,
watersport activities and landscape will
create sufficient tourism destination.
Policy Tra 9 – New and Existing Roads
The proposed underground tunnel
mitigates for the developments impact
upon car travel and mobility through the
site.
Planning Policy Context Portobello/Seafield Community Site History
In relation to development of this scale, there are number of policies in Edinburgh’s Local Development Plan that have to be taken into
consideration when designing the new Marine Gardens, the following is an extensive but not exhaustive list of policies which must be
considered.
The area of Portobello is loved and protected by its community. At present
this sense of community and belonging does not extend to the Marine
Gardens site. Located around the site are various community initiatives
and assets such as the ‘breadshare’ bakery. This kind of activity is only
a glimpse of the community presence of the area. Walking from the site
through Portobello there are multiple independent stores ranging from
a butchers to a barber shop. In addition to this there are very few chain
stores in the high street adding to its sense of identity and individuality.
The strong sense of public involvement in the area has also led to a vocal
and active residents association. The members of which take an active and
keen interest in developments both in and surrounding Portobello. As such
the input of local residents is likely to be forthcoming, providing valuable
local knowledge which can be employed throughout any design.
Marine Gardens and the wider Portobello Beach area have enjoyed a rich history as Scotland’s premier seaside resort. Buoyed by
the advent of low cost public transport and existence of the tram next work, Portobello beach attracted thousands of visitors not
only from Scotland but also from the wider United Kingdom. Boasting a fine sand beach, the now defunct funfair, and a host of
other entertainments, Portobello beach was a destination for many in the 19th century. While still very popular with locals and
those taking day trips, the area’s popularity with holidaymakers saw a decline as package holidays to international destinations
became available to the wider population.
The original Marine Gardens started life as a tourist attraction, opening in 1909 and attracted an incredible three quarters of a
million visitors in its first year. Shutting due to the advent of WW1, many of the original buildings were demolished and the site
converted into a military barracks. Re-opening in a much-diminished state at the end of WW1, Marine Gardens was once again
closed and used as a military facility during WW2. Never reopening as an attraction to this day. The sites current history stems from
the construction of the Marine Garage Buss depot, around which many large car show rooms and ‘big-box’ industrial buildings have
been built. At present the site bares no relationship to its once proud past beyond its fine sand beach and views out to the forth.
Portobello Community
Previous Use
Popular Destination
22. 42 43WATERFRONT & NEW LIFE Marine Gardens Masterplan
Sports Centre
Main Street
Garden
Landmark
Square
Lighthouse
Auditorium
Playground
Trapezoid Street
Playground
Masterplan
Developement Layout
23. 44 45WATERFRONT & NEW LIFE Marine Gardens Masterplan
Land Uses Green Spaces Movement and Street Paths
Retail (Mix)
Boxes
Hotel
Offices (Mix museums)
Build to Rent
Watersports Centre
Build to Sell
Transport Hub
Student Accommodation
Health Centre
To ensure that Marine Gardens is vibrant and active throughout the day, night and year, the site has been designed
to maximize mixed-use development. This will ensure that the site will be used for leisure and working as
well as living by a variety of people from young to old, locals and tourists. Through creating a truly mixed and
integrated development, the residents of surrounding neighborhoods such as Portobello will also benefit from the
new opportunities created in Marine Gardens. In this sense Marine Gardens will connect to Portobello and other
surrounding areas. The mix of uses will include; residential, retail, office, museum, health center, leisure activities,
open and greens paces, a hotel and student accommodation. The incorporation of mixed-use development has
helped to create a balanced and sustainable site, relating to the initial aims of the design.
The Edinburgh Local Development Plan emphasizes that successful places create not only social and economic
benefits but also to create environmental and sustainable places for people to live in. As such Marine Gardens has
been designed to maximize open space and biodversity.
Green spaces can be found throughout the site, the majority being connected by the Marine Boulevard. Both public
and private space has been incorporated in order to provide a balanced mix and ensure all users of the area
have access to high quality open space. Open spaces will also incorporate street furniture and public amenities
to encourage their use. In terms of maintenance, factoring services will be sought for private areas and also used
alongside community involvement for the public spaces.
The light blue primary road outlines the Marine Boulevard, this pathway is pedestrianized and cycle friendly, the
aim of making this main route pedestrianized is to encourage people to actively travel. The brown routes highlight
the permeability of the site, the design has continued the theme of Portobello which has multiple access roads from
the high street to the beach. Through enhancing the permeability of the site the users have more options and there
is opportunity for different character creation.
Boulevard
Semi- private Green Spaces
Public Green Spaces
Nature Reserve
Primary Road
Promenade
Pedestrian
Bus stop
24. 46 47WATERFRONT & NEW LIFE Marine Gardens Masterplan
Tunnel
Underground Car Parking
Bust Stop
1 floor
2 floors
3 floors
4 floors
5 floors
6 floors
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Underground Density Phasing
The Marine Tunnel facilitates the Underground movement around the Marine Gardens site. As shown on the map
opposite the tunnel extends to the full length of the site, allowing access to underground car parking. A more
detailed explanation of the Marine Tunnel and the underground parking is available later in the document under
the design guidance section.
The density and massing of the site has been deisgned to focus the higher density at the center of the site with
building profiles reducing as distance increases from the center. This was intened to focus activity at the center of
the site, adjancent to the transport hub and the bulk of the office and leisure buildings, thus creating a clear focal
point for the site.
The phasing of Marine Gardens has been scheduled with both the economic viability of the development and the
possible impact on surrounding areas in mind.
Phase 1 – Consists of the Underground Tunnel, National Watersports Center and the core of the site which is dominated
by Private Rented Sector development. The reasoning behind this decision is to put all major infrastructure in place
while also generating revenue to help fund the construction of the remaining areas.
Phase 2 – Consists of residential, mixed-use and leisure developments.
Phase 3 – Consists of residential and mixed-use developments.
