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Competition Entry: Lawrence Blake

The full entry can be downloaded as a zip file via the following link:

Sample text and images from the entry are given below.

Infrastructure Design

Judges' marks & comments

Originality, Sustainability & Innovation : 67%
Feasibility & Functionality : 59%
Aesthetics : 68%

"Putting most of the track underground may well be the only solution that will be acceptable in Bath. This option therefore has to be a serious contender."

"Local sourcing of materials is good (no one else mentioned this). Natural ventilation is good. Slate and wood treatments is good. Focus on pedestrians rather than nodal changes is interesting. Underground is good but costly."

"Well integrated into existing landscape."

"Although the idea of putting the station underground is a good one, there is no indication of how the tracks cope with other conditions in Bath."

"He has been sensible enough to recognise that no matter how elegant the track and vehicle designs, the historic character of Bath [requires] much of a PRT system to be out of sight underground."

"Simple design that could be implemented today. Thought about sustainability – materials, local sourcing etc."

The existing site is made beautiful by three contributing factors,surrounding historic buildings, proximity to the river, and trees. Our response focuses on these three attributes to enhance the existing environment.

We extruded a pier into the river creating an exciting path for the public to utilise, created a bridge over part of the river linking one view point to another. This proposition increases the sites relationship to the riverside generating a relaxing enjoyable experience for the public.

The proposed Station is at subsurface level with shards of glass sheltering the public. Allowing for transparency at ground level so that the historic buildings remain un-obscured. A similar tactic was utilised by my previous employer when designing the glazed pyramid of the Louvre.

Trees have been planted around the proposed station along pedestrian paths so the beauty and character of the Riverside, Pulteney Bridge is maintained.

Pulteney Bridge PRT Station

The proposed subsurface station and landscaped site is a minimalist design. A ramp is used for entry (disabled friendly), the roof canopy is not sealed so no ventilation is required, sign posting is not a necessary as the large cantilevered glazed shard marks the entrance, and at platform level there is space for self service automated ticketing pods.

All the materials used are natural and locally sourced. Boosting local trades and reducing transportation emissions. The structure of the building is largely concrete, clad with a orange sandstone.

Landscaping materials are possibly two variant colours of slate and treated wood. Further investigation of local trades and resources would lead to a more detailed specification.

Sample images