Porfolio 20230116 Southworth Publish

Porolio -2023

Mika-John Southworth
Landscape Architect - In progress
Programme Management - Australasia
Marketeer - Global
Project Manager - UK
BSc - Finland & UK

A Place to Escape
Transform - An overlooked city car park into a riverside public space
Design concept - A safe haven in the city
Precedents - Foundation Jeantet (Geneva), Hampton Court (London)

A Place to Escape
Topography Three
Topography Two
Topography One
Trees give shelter and enhance the sense of seclusion
‘Forest bathing’ along entrance paths provides a
sense of ‘transition’
Terracing on both sides provides balance
Terracing around the entrance reduces ‘wow’ factor,
but enhances the space
Open space moved towards the river
Zones consolidated to provide space to breathe and
support movement
Terracing to double as seating
Insertion of steps at the rear provide access and
drama
A sunken garden creates a space detached from the
city
Site split into island, riverine and garden zone
Connected by bridges to provide playful interaction
Extended terraces improve programme opportunities
Large open space to support program opportunities
Yew columns provide drama and frame the river

Site plan with planting
Dense planting Betuala Pedula penetrated by a forest bathing pathway
Taxus Baccus frame the river and add some ‘royal’ drama
Site Cross Section
Trees will mature to block out surrounding buildings
Terraces double as seating
Accessible enterance by the river

Various Cross Sections and Contour Plan
The park provides experiences on two levels
Depth has been altered to enhance the visitor’s experience

Sketches
London - Perspective - Kingston Market Place
Paris - X-Section/Perspective - Place George Pompidou
London - Reimagined Steps - South Bank Centre

Kingston Market Square

Place George Pompidou

Fairfeild Park Reimagined

Fairfield park
Exisiting park surrounded by new high density housing
Current park is used as a shortcut by residents - not a destination
Challenge - reinvent the space while retaining earth on the site

Room to Pause - Room to Breath
Current path is retained to provide easy access.
New features and planting ensure that people
(adults and children) have a reason to stop and
relax.
The current mound is reshaped to provide
tiered planting and seating. Accessible paths
ensure that all can explore the feature.
Tiered seating is carved into the hill to provide
an amphitheathre style performance space.
When no entertainment is scheduled, parents
can relax while children explore or use the
playground opposite.
Cherry trees line the path.
They provide balance for the London plane
trees opposite, as well as spring colour.
A water feature provides a point of interest
The water can be covered to provide a
stage for community events and concerts.
The new hill provides shelter from the wind and
sun.

Yorkstone steps o
Existing boundry wall
Details
Concret
Understand regulations
Explore materials and surfaces
Example: Detail of steps in heritage site in Winchester

Garden Stairs -16 St Peter Street, WInchester
625
1000
475
250
150
600
ete base
DAMP PROOF MEMBRANE
EXPANSION JOINTS
GEOTEXTILE LAYER
150
STEEL - MESH & RODS
Max Frost Depth
wall
2000
Specifications
Stone Step cladding - sawn yorkstone 50mm think.
Step height including risers 150mm,
Step tread is 475mm with overhang of approx 25mm
Step should have a 1 degree drop to support run off
Surface should be sufficiently textured to avoid slippage.
Existing Patio
Existing lawn
1000
Concrete base reinforced with metal rods
Installed on a DPM
Minimum compressive strength 3200 psi at 28 days
Sub-base of compacted gravel
On a geo textile membrane
Existing Paving/ Grass
Soil
150
Expansion joint
Scale at 1:10 @A3
5cm10cm 20cm 30cm 40cm 50cm

Horticulture
Explore the concept of Right Tree - Right Place
Studied 100+ Common European Trees
Examples: Cities, Riparian, Coastal