A Pattern Language - Christopher Alexander

I have finally decided on a title for my critical study "The relationship between theory and design; Kingston upon Thames", it goes on about something that I have always had a very keen interest on which is theory in Landscape design. This book is amazing for my title, it really goes into amazing detail on how towns and cities should theoretically work and not work. It looks at neighbouring boundaries, shopping, water, buildings, transport everything I could possibly imagine it has, a great resource in tackling my critical study.
Here is an Abstract from my work:

As I have spent the last few years in Kingston studying I have always thought it was a well likeable place and attracted many people to its walls. It’s one of those rare towns that seem to have it all and people seem to want to live there. In all the years I’ve been there I’ve rarely seem much crime and the town centre itself seems clean and inviting. As I’m studying Landscape Architecture at Kingston University naturally my curiosity as to how the planning and design behind it all has created what seems to be a successful layout. So then if I think it is successful then perhaps I can use that knowledge of how it has been achieved and apply it to planning and design for my own work. Then I began to think about how since my first year at university I was introduced to the idea of how theory can shape design. I believe that paying attention to theoretical ideas can enhance our own ideas of what design and planning should be like. So by doing a comparison I can begin to comprehend if that statement is correct or wrong.

Digital Drawing for Landscape Architecture

This is another book that will enhance my software skills, this book focuses on photoshop, Illustrator and touches on AutoCAD. It helps me to illustrate my ideas and concepts in a manner that is professional. Luckily the university has this as an E-book which means I am able to read this for free.

AutoCAD 2011 No experience required

One of my aims is to become better at software programmes and AutoCAD is one of those programmes. This book will give me a great start and base for developing 2D and 3D based diagrams that will enhance my work and skill. The reason I got a book as oppose to looking at tutorials online is because I work better looking at books. This is an important skill and strength that I have identified.

Hayward Gallery Interactive exhibition

The Hayward gallery had an interacting exhibition that seems quite interesting. At first it thought it was based on moving and out of exhibitions. I discovered it was far more hands on that first anticipated. You were allowed to climb ropes and navigate your way through a series of ropes in the air. The idea that it seemed to be an indoor playground sprung to mind. Yet as it was indoors it seemed more inviting as appose to the harsh weather of the outdoors during the winter. There was a running theme of what seemed to look like a white cloth throughout the gallery. The best part by far was being able to walk into what can only be described as a path of mystery. It was basically various obstacles two of which were enclosed inside a black box on either side and the middle obstacle was a massive blow up of drop of water. This drop of water like sculpture was made of clear plastic and continuously pumped with air to hold its form, i was able to enter it and witness a surreal feeling from within.

East London Green Grid

During one of our project we were told to look into The Lea Valley within the East London Green Grid but first I wanted to know what exactly is the East London Green Grid.

East London Green Grid (ELGG) is one of four sub-regional Landscape frameworks in the governments "Greening the Gateway vision" by integrating economic growth with environmental enhancement. A strong framework into using the existing green infrastructure to tackle economic issues and overall quality of life. This is see to major housing redevelopment sites across East London creating life changing changes to people. These are some of the most deprived areas in London and is largely due to lack of transportation and links. This is a half a billion pound project of which 300 projects have been identified and 70 prioritised. The key here is to use the existing green corridors identified within Eats London and use then to create connections and links between towns.

The East London Green grid is a sub regional Landscape framework designed to target economic growth with environmental enchantment. The existing green infrastructures will be used to tackle the economic issues and overall quality of life. This will see to major housing development across East London and transportation, costing around half a billion pounds. With the economy in the state that it is at the moment this is a perfect time to optimise on potential land use.



This Map shows the outlining areas of what make the East London Green Grid. The part highlighted in Lilac is the Lea Valley.



This is an image of the flood relief channel above King George’s reservoir on the East side of the Lea Valley. The Lea is tidal uptill Prescot lock. The tidal river and freshwater marshes create one the most distinctive wetlands habitats found in the Lea Valley. Although this is a great it is essential that a flood prevention scheme is set up to enhance safety and future use. As you can see in the Image you can see the potential flood risk illustrated by the dotted lines.
Infrastructure can be seen along the Lea Valley on either side which act as an obstacle entering and exiting the Lea Valley. This causing a dead end to potential site access and possible transportation. We are talking about some of the most deprived area not just in London but in the UK. The valley fractures the movement of local networks and damages the public transportation system. A system that is crucial when aiming for a greater economy. There vision is to create strong accessible edges to the completed green spine. Overcome infrastructural barriers to access and establish high quality links into and across the Lea Valley open space spine to neighbouring communities and to a wider transportation access.

The current open space area within the Lea Valley offers a range of extraordinary open spaces and recreational facilities. However they are still working on improving the existing open space within the lower Lea Valley. Open spaces were dominated by focusing on the sports and recreational aspect but now include diverse habitats for plants and animals, a wide range of social, cultural, health, educational and economic opportunities. They also recognise now that open space areas can help to combat sustainable urban living such as production of food and energy. Victoria Park and Mile End Park found in the lower Lea Valley area showcase an intriguing contrast as one is the traditional Victorian style park design and the other represents what parks of the 21st century should be like.



Two major strategic projects are identified within the Lea Valley area – the Olympic Park and southern extension of the Lee Valley Regional Park within a Lea River Park, stretching from the new Olympic Park site to the River Thames.
Both of these projects have potential in achieving to strengthen and extend the green space corridor, resulting in forming accessible links between neighbouring communities. Again this goes back onto creating new forms of transportation that don’t really exist.