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We decided to anchor the iconography of the Wet Rake Gardens project
in a contemporary interpretation of the river Roch through a
flowing high tech ribbon expressed as a sculptural gateway canopy
and an integral water feature.
The new space will have defined protective edges - tree planting
on Milnrow road, green area/urban bench on Oldham Road and a
water feature at its prow
in response to the adjoining vehicular/Metrolink circulation. The core amphitheatre
area and its topology is a practical response to the topology of the site and
the need to create an "on level" central space, which can be used
for civic and/or leisure purposes.
The design keeps the permeability of the space high, whilst the
undulating canopy forms several defined gateway aspects expressed
as clear entry and exit
points. The day time effect of the "River Roch Canopy" will be
constantly transformed by the play of natural light as a result of light
passing through
the coloured laminated glass forming its inner blade. During the sunny days
the canopy's reflections will be seen as pools of colour on the floorscape
below.
The external blade of the canopy will be made out of finely woven
stainless steel mesh and will glisten in the daylight as a ribbon
of silver textile
only to transform during the night time into a river of gently pulsing
and flowing
light. The gateway aspect of the whole space is also articulated by the
massing and orientation of the water feature and the progression
of the central vertical
lighting elements. The water feature is conceived as an integral extension
of the flowing canopy. Its design aims to further visually and psychologically
anchor the Wet Rake Gardens space and give it strong identity, both from
within and on the approach from the centre of town. |
