alpbacher architekturgespräche 2003 - ATP

White City
South West
Square
In marked contrast, the Whitecity development of 19 hectares of central
west London next to an existing urban motorway represents a very different
challenge with respect to sustainable architecture and a sustainable future. Before
we were appointed, the client had been granted outline planning permission for
65,000 m2 of commercial retail and leisure space and for 4,500 car parking
spaces.The scheme had been developed as a fully air conditioned ‘American
style’ shopping mall with two 9 storey car park blocks.There was no recognisable
urban or architectural attempt to integrate this development into the surrounding
environment. It was the classic out-of-town centre model. All urbanites
have to go shopping, and the large scale centre is successful commercially.
We could have refused the commission. However, I felt that we could begin to
redefine the model and to challenge preconceptions regarding the environmental
approach to these centres.We identified the overall and local potential
for urban integration, both physically and in terms of public transport. A new
tube station and rail station are now part of the project, as well as bus station
and rebuilt tube station and overnight depot for the busiest underground line
in London – the Central line.A tram link station has also been planned.A cycle
network has been established as well as an overall master plan stretching to
the north and south of the site.
The ‘walled city’ concept has been re-interpreted and urban squares introduced,
social housing, a public library and a landscaped reservation and urban
nature reserve introduced along the southern boundary.We have convinced
the client that the idea of air-conditioned malls is both history and environmentally
unsustainable. The waste heat and cool from the shops will help
mitigate extremes of temperature, while a fabric ‘collective’ umbrella will keep
the rain and excess sun out.
The streets will be naturally ventilated.The computational fluid dynamic work
of Schmidt Reuter was crucial in convincing people, although there is still a
serious undercurrent of concern from the German funders and the other
consultants involved. However, our client remains convinced. Our efforts have
only begun to change some of the entrenched preconceptions of funders and
developers with regard to shopping centres. If we succeed in getting this scheme
built over the next four years, perhaps these changes will encourage more.
This example highlights the question of who, when and where are the key
decisions made about sustainability and architecture. It is also necessary for
architects to know when and what is possible, and to push these limits ever
further towards the ‘sapiens’ end of the spectrum rather than ‘faber’ end.
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