The Engine Room
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The Engine Room – Masterplan Project 2024 

Revitalizing Plymouth’s Industrial Waterfront into a Sustainable and Inclusive Urban Ecosystem 

This project reimagines the Industrial West Bank of Plymouth as a sustainable, multi-functional urban environment that bridges industrial heritage with contemporary urban needs. The masterplan integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, emphasizing social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. 

Historical and Contextual Sensitivity: 

    1. The design considers the site’s evolution, preserving the industrial grain pattern and waterfront connectivity while addressing the challenges of privatization and restricted access to public spaces. 
    2. Strategies draw inspiration from historical frameworks, such as Abercrombie’s zoning plans, adapting them to modern requirements.

Adaptive Reuse and Sustainability: 

    1. Micro-climatic measures, such as rain gardens, air-source heat pumps, and vertical farming, ensure resilience to climate change while promoting sustainable resource management. 
    2. Introduces defensible green spaces to enhance urban livability and ecological health. 

Community-Centric Design: 

    1. Establishes a hierarchy of spaces, with public, civic, and residential areas organized around a central village green. 
    2. Features diverse housing solutions, including low-rise, temporary, and permanent options, to support various socio-economic groups. 
    3. Adds key community amenities like a youth center, gardening center, and co-working spaces to foster inclusivity and well-being. 

Cultural Integration and Economic Growth: 

  1.   Retains and revitalizes industrial landmarks, including a boat-building college and performance spaces, blending heritage with future-oriented uses. 
  2. Develops vibrant commercial zones and local markets to boost economic activity and strengthen community ties. 

Innovative Urban Strategies: 

    1. Uses courtyards and waterfront promenades as connective and communal spaces, inspired by successful case studies like Coal Drops Yard and Alma Yard. 
    2. Prioritizes pedestrian safety and accessibility through well-planned circulation pathways and reduced vehicular impact. 

Skills Gained

This project enabled me to develop advanced master planning skills, emphasizing adaptive reuse, urban sustainability, and public engagement. I gained proficiency in BIM, micro-climatic analysis, and integrating historical research into future-forward designs. Collaboration across disciplines enriched my ability to manage complex, large-scale architectural projects effectively.