TECHNIKA I NAUKA nr 73

WŁODZIMIERZ BRONIC-CZERECHOWSKI
Research Design Studio, London

Will architects know how to rise to the
challenge of creating immaterial space ?

South Bank – Whitehall New Heart for London in the 21st Century

From the Editor:
Włodzimierz Bronic-Czerechowski, Professor of Architecture & Urban Design - Polish University Abroad (PUNO), Research Design Studio Principal; Registered Architect, Urban Planner, Environmental Impact Analyst, Chartered Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, Institution of Polish Engineers in Great Britain, Polish Society of Arts and Sciences. He is also featured in the Roll of Honour of Polish Science, Lexicon of ‘Who is Whom’ - Polonia 2000, Information Processing Centre Warsaw, “50 years of the Polish Society of Architects in Wroclaw, “The Polish Cultural & Scientific Heritage at the Dawn The Third Millennium”, “The Polish Architects in the World”.

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Professor Czerechowski has an extensive professional experience in architecture and town planning, environmental programming, planning, behavioural studies. These relate to the design and implementation of major urban and architectural complexes: town and central area developments. Residential and Public building schemes, schools, scientific institutes, health and leisure, sports, industrial retail and shopping centres/ commercial projects. Work experience in the following countries: Poland, Great Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Nigeria.
Didactic and Research Experience: Yarmouk University, Jordan, Department of Architecture – Associate Professor of Architecture & Environmental Sciences; Harvard University, USA, Graduate School of Urban Design – Professor of Urban Design (in position held); Kingston University, Faculty of Technology, Research Professor and Principal Investigator on Sustainable Development; Participation in tutorials, critiques – Oxford University, AA School of Architecture, Greenwich University, Newcastle University, Kingston University. Visiting Professor/ Guest Lecturer: Warsaw University, Department of Applied Environmental Psychology; Wroclaw University of Technology, participating in Summer School of Architecture. Participation in seminars, Scientific Symposia, National & International Conferences. Publications of several articles in professional magazines, also taking part in tv/ radio debate programmes.
Interest in theatre art lead to stage design of several plays (eg. Shakespear’s “Romeo & Juliet, Ibsen’s “Peer Gynt” etc).

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In 1970 Professor Bronic-Czerechowski produced an urban design study as part of his research for the New Parliamentary Building international architectural competition submitted (with Murray Ward & Partners) in April 1971. Project was highly commended in this parliamentary competition and placed amongst top six schemes, debated in Houses of Parliament at the end of October 1972.
We enclosed his environmental and traffic management study and redevelopment proposal published in the Architects’ Journal on October 18th 1972, as it was first proposal for pedestrianisation of Parliament Square – Whitehall – Trafalgar Square – forming Governmental Precinct. Extending Victoria Gardens along the River to New Parliamentary Building viewing ‘through’ – under the main building body – the Palace of Westminster thus creating the richest urban composition in Britain (Fig.1).
The above publication created great interest in Parliamentary and Governmental circles as well as amongst GLC chief officers. Within five days an appointment was arranged for Professor Bronic-Czerechowski with the then Minister for Construction and Public Works and, the Report of the above Proposal – at his personal request – had had been formally submitted to the Ministry on 15th January 1973 (re-submitted to the DoE Secretary of State in 1981).

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In 1994, following favourable preliminary consultations with interested private and public bodies, Professor Bronic-Czerechowski submitted South Bank – Whitehall, Redevelopment Proposal, the Capital Centre to the Westminster City Council’s Millenium Sub-Committee and Lambeth Borough Councils. The Millennium Sub-Committee, on consideration, referred the Proposal to the Thames Advisory Group, where it was received positively at that strategic level.
The Proposal’s “visionary approach “ was “commended” by the Secretary of State - Minister for London and the Government Office for London - acknowledged that it presented “a far-sighted vision for London in 21st Century”.
The Proposal had been exhibited at UIA Congress in Brighton (1987), III^rd Congress of Polish Culture in London (1995), the Architecture Foundation 1996 and in Warsaw October 1996.
We are publishing this Proposal as it forms the basis for an urban study – currently in preparation – which is taking into account the existing situation, to be published in the next ‘Science & Technology’ issue.

INTRODUCTION

The developed and submitted in 1994 to the Westminster City and Lambeth Borough Councils South Bank – Whitehall Millennium Redevelopment Proposal, took a broad view of London and its central areas in the European Context.
The growing competition between such great European cities as Berlin, Paris, Barcelona, Bilbao – each of which is engaged in massive strengthening of its public image through environmental investments and development programmes – is a direct challenge to London. Therefore, London cannot afford not to participate in this process of reinvigoration, as success of any country depends to a considerable degree on attractions – in broad terms – of its capital.

APPROACH

To satisfy these urgent needs a responsive strategy had been developed on the following principles: – identifying of London’s central area. Plan to guide land use, defining a new role, clarifying type and viability of desirable development. Implications of the direct link through Eurotunnel to heart of London. Consideration of London’s changing economic structure and social context in connection with rapidly developing new technologies – then the effects on the central areas future functions.

This leads to the formulation of goals to be achieved in an overall redevelopment plan, as follows :

· creation of a Millennium Symbol – expressing achievements and aspirations of Great Britain in the next century,

· Unifying the South Bank with Whitehall so that the River is not seen as a dividing element but as enlarging the metropolitan centre,

· Creating welcoming atmosphere at the new `heart of the Capital’ by providing entrance foyer on an international scale,

· Meeting the needs of the Capital centre in social, environmental, economic, political and spatial terms.

URBAN CONCEPT

The identified study area between Lambeth and Waterloo bridges and Eurostar/ Waterloo stations which extends westwards to Buckingham Palace, contains political and cultural centre including the richest urban composition Parliament Square – Whitehall – Trafalgar Square.

The concept introduces a new urban composition, unifying Whitehall with the South Bank through a “Grand Axis” – physical, visual, mental – spanning, in an informal way, the concourse of Waterloo/ Eurostar stations over the River, Whitehall, through St James’s Park and, on to Buckingham Palace.

The composition will be enriched by the open space which will replace Ministry of Defence (relocated to the South Bank) and, provide direct access to new waterside steps on both bank of the River.

The proposed new green areas on the South Bank will not only support London’s true image as a “green city” but also reveal in full length the quality of Eurostar station’s architecture and safeguards its possible future expansion.

The provision of a new space to be created by the relocation of the Shell complex and DoE offices, will form the new Metropolitan Foyer from which there will be both visual and physical access to the central city, the new commercial centre, South Bank Arts centre and the new Hungerford Interchange.

The cross-vista will be “framed” by new flexible (expandable/ retractable) “photonic architecture”. This will replace the disused Shell Centre and DoE offices and provide additional space if required. The offices (Ministry of Defence) will be constructed at high level over the foyer. The foyer “ceiling” will be extended visually by suspended composition of “photonic artificial clouds” at different levels. The “clouds” will generated energy by day and reproduce it at night in the form of glowing light from the sky – a festival of colour ribbons, creating a feeling of warmth and welcome.

Appropriate changes of mood will be created to meet the requirements of place, time and events thus influencing positively the users’ behavioural patterns.

An extraordinary environment will be fashioned in this part of the city centre ”painting” the sky through holographic three dimensional compositions thus constituting the creation of immaterial space, a “pixel architecture” at urban scale.

The aim of such an approach is also to achieve sustainable development of these urban complexes.

The prospect of this new urban precinct as seen from both Foyer and Whitehall will focus on the proposed Millennium Superstructure linking both river banks. The light, transparent superstructure seemingly suspended above mid-river could be up to 1000m high of light and elegant construction. This will be equipped in ‘Space Capsule’ and fast shuttle lifts from underwater hall to viewing area at approximately 700m level.

The aspiration of the British people – including space experiences and underwater exploration in the next century – will be represented by an infinite laser beam.

COMMERCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, LEISURE, EMPLOMENT ASPECTS

Preliminary analysis of the area indicates that the South Bank is a commercial “desert” in retailing terms and, as such needs to assume a new character to attract investment, activities and jobs to its new role as “metropolitan foyer’.

Therefore it is proposed to provide a shopping and entertainment complex, much needed in the heart of the city centre. This will extend the facilities of the traditional “West End” and will successfully compete as a truly international shopping centre, offering some 1.5 mil.sq.ft. and bringing the best of the major European Union store investors (e.g. Harrods of London, Waldeck of Berlin, Galerie of Lafayette of Paris etc.).

It is proposed that this massive development will be accommodated in an excavated and ramped “inverted ziggurat” structure below ground level (not in visual competition with its surroundings) and with excellent rapid public transport accessibility from Waterloo, London underground and the Hungerford Interchange.

The retail element will be complemented by an extended Arts Centre accommodating entertainment facilities, bars, restaurants and Public performance areas on both river banks (possibly incorporating lower levels of the demolished MoD building).

The base of the inverted ‘ziggurat’ excavation will accommodated a “Living Museum of London” where visitors will be able “immerse” themselves through VR technology and take part in the “living” past/ future history of the city.

The Superstructure tower – a spectacular, self-funding 21st century commercial educational entertainment – using VR, fibre optics laser of which lower part of the glazed ‘space capsule’ containing vacuum space chamber to create “space experiences” for the populace and visitors. Fast shuttle lifts – with activated ring fountain – will serve the superstructure and its space explorations centre and viewing area, will not only provide magnificent view of the city but also enable VR (based on tactical mapping system) “viewing” of Paris, Rome Warsaw and other great European and World cities.

The underwater hall will be accessed by underground travelator corridors flanked by simulated virtual reality displays of underwater life.

It is proposed that the South Bank Arts Centre could expand to take over Charing Cross station when this rail terminus is relocated in the Hungerford Interchange. This will unify the City in functional manner and express the truly metropolitan character of this Centre for Arts. The new Hungerford Interchange will also be equipped with support facilities – cafeterias, souvenir shops etc. including waiting/ viewing areas.

These types of development and approach will not only strengthen the public image of the city but also trigger the invigoration of its centre by generating massive direct and indirect employment opportunities as well as increasing dramatically the number of visitors and substantially improving the quality of life through London.

ACCESSIBILITY, TRANSPORTATION INTEGRATION, PEDESTRANISATION

Accessibility is fundamental to the success of the city centre. Therefore, the pedestrianisation programme must be accompanied by a fully integrated system of public transportation in which the new Hungerford Interchange will be the key element. The concept is that of a pedestrian precinct extending from Parliament Square via Whitehall –Trafalgar Square ceremonial way to which the central area of the South Bank between Westminster and Waterloo bridges is firmly linked by Superstructure and Hungerford pedestrian travelators.

The relocated Charing Cross and Waterloo Eastern stations on the new Hungerford bridge will provide an interchange between rail, tube, bus/taxi services as well as a waterbus linking services up and downstream. The Hungerford heliport will provide services linking airport for domestic and intercontinental travel.

The major changes in the road system must be developed from a policy of actively discouraging “trough” traffic and emphasizing the importance of excellent public mass transportation to London’s central areas.

HISTORICAL EXPLORATION AND CONSERVATGION

The proposed interventions in the urban landscape will allow a clear definition of the urban composition of the landmark precinct.

The pedestrianisation of the precinct will aid visual appreciation of the quality of heritage of London’s richest urban complexes and ensure that its future maintenance and development is handled with great care.

The proposed “Living Museum of London” in an artificially created environment of the past/ future for better understanding, appreciation and enhancement not only London’s but also Britain heritage.

The richness of the heritage will be embellished by the quality and elegance of the new millennium forms.

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

The proposed transformation of the heart of the Capital on an international scale will act as a catalyst for the reinvigoration of central areas and throughout London.

The proposed private development investments will attract £1,0 billion and will constitute approximately 70 % of the required funds for the implementation of the Concept.

This redevelopment Proposal requires further comprehensive urban design studies to develop a strategy for the achievement of the goal of maintaining London’s role as a World City in social, environmental, commercial, financial, historical, spatial and political terms.

Architect/ urban planner: W Bronic-Czerechowski
Consultant: L A Roche
Transportation Advisers: JMP Consultants Ltd
Environmental Engineering Systems Advisers: SVM Partnership
Economic Advisers: Davis, Langdon Everest
Development Consultants: Blackfriars Investments Ltd.