Architecture+Design Scotland

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Introduction
This report relates to A+DS previously commented on the Kirkwall Urban Design Development Framework (KUDDF) in October 2008, prior to it being finalised and adopted in 2009, and we welcome the preparation of more detailed guidance for the development of separate sites within Kirkwall following on from that wider study. We offer the following comments on the draft Development Brief for Kirkwall Central West for consideration based on a staff review of the document.

1 Aims and objectives
1.1 We support the aspirations of the Development Brief, and the stated objectives that seek to promote the creation of high quality development, appropriate to its location, and which contributes to its wider setting and the urban coherence of the Town Centre. In keeping with these aims, and in order for a coordinated approach for the area to be realised, it will be important for the document to convey these aspirations clearly. We suggest the document might benefit from additional information, for
example, a key diagram and / or matrix that describes the aspirations and potential benefits that could be had from developing the site as a whole and / or a combination of some of the development areas incrementally over time. At the moment the document leads with a diagram that shows the individual development sites, which may convey an impression of a piecemeal approach rather than a coordinated one.

2 Analysis of the Development Area
2.1 We recognise that the Development Brief follows on from, and should be read in conjunction with, the KUDDF. However, it may be beneficial for the Development Brief to include a wider study area to show links with key vehicular and pedestrian routes between the Town Centre and the surrounding context. Topographical information, site and street sections and elevations, and wind and sun path
diagrams may also help to supplement this. We also suggest that some of the diagrams could be better annotated to include relevant information referred to within the body of the text such as: key street names; identification of significant landmarks, eg. Post Office and Fusion Buildings; and images of key views throughout the development area noted on the site plan.

3 Masterplan Strategy Proposals
3.1 We broadly agree with the strategy proposals as set out on page 4 of the document. As above, we suggest the information presented in the diagram (Fig. 3) could be made clearer for cross referencing with the plan. We note and support in principle the proposal for a design competition to be established that explores potential solutions for a coastal flood prevention scheme for the development area. In doing so there may be opportunities for more integrated solutions to be developed that explore, for example, stepping the urban block in section, with the effect of potentially creating bespoke architectural forms with interest and additional amenity to the street. Such an approach would require a more comprehensive consideration over and above the sea wall itself, to incorporate the whole urban block to the east.

A+DS would be happy in principle to provide comment on developing designs for projects in the area, and other development briefs and sites within Kirkwall, provided that these fit within our current remit. We are also keen to see projects at as early a stage as possible, preferably at pre-application stage, as we have found this is where our input can be most useful. Further guidance on A+DS Design Review can be found on our website at http://www.ads.org.uk/designreview/process.

It may also be useful to make reference to A+DS’s publication ‘Lessons Learnt from Design Review of Masterplans’ which can also be also be downloaded in pdf format from our website at http://www.ads.org.uk/designreview/features.