Back to the drawing board - Pavlina Koeva-Ratcheva

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD

King George V Park, Edinburgh @ PKR Feb'21

The decision on the application for the New Town Quarter by the City of Edinburgh Council is due on February 17th. While apparently it is 'set for approval', multiple objections raise concerns, while calls to go 'back to the drawing board' they create an opportunity for discussion.

In the masterplan statement, “the specific ‘constraints’ of the development site, including the existence of the park, Eyre Terrace, the change in topography” are considered “all anomalies and at odds with the formal structure and rigour of the New Town grid.“ As a result the proposed mixed-use development is in sharp contrast with the existing fabric and the unique character of Edinburgh.

Does it reflect the new realities we live in, where density is "cursed by contagion"?

The “Great pool” has been known as a popular sports’ ground since the 18th century. The Royal Patient Gymnasium, the St. Bernard’s football team and the playgrounds were among the wonders of Edinburgh. In the 50s, the Edinburgh Corporation protected the grounds to become a part of an urban scene. The Parks Department designed a rose garden, putting green and tennis courts. At the opening, the park was acknowledged by the Lord Provost as the finest equipped children's playground in the city.

Today, 70 years later the local residents are still trying to preserve and protect it. They raise viable concerns about the environmental impact, the noise and air pollution as a result of the proposed demolition and the potential increase of road traffic.

“At a time when we all need access to fresh air and quality green space for our physical and mental well-being, removing trees, and allowing crowding of our parks and world heritage buildings cannot be right. This ‘overbuilding’ must stop.” Judith Symes, Fettes Row and Royal Crescent Association (FRRCA) chair.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are asking: “the proposed new crescent housing blocks, which will be visible in the framed view from the World Heritage Site down Dundonald Street to be redesigned to help reduce their impact.”

Shall we approve a new development because it is shrouded from the heritage views and accept bulldozering everything that stands in the way?! How do we protect and preserve the human scale, the sense of belonging and create a sustainable built environment with precious breathing space?

We are given a timeout by Mother Nature to ensure a sustainable future for our pandemic-stricken cities.

“The city must address the desire to connect with the nature and reconnecting with life.” Philipp Rode, London School of Economics.

"Our duty is to give buildings a new lease of life, so that they may be able to live today and tomorrow’. Architect Carlo Scarpa

“Buildings need to be recycled and repurposed as we move away from the model of ‘destroy, throw away and start again’ in the post-Covid world” Sir Norman Foster

Decisions with a lasting impact on the sustainable development of the city would require research, alternative options and competitions when necessary. It is time to listen to the people who love and care about the city. We do need to have city authorities to build a strategy that works for everyone.

Can we learn from the timeless heritage of one of the most iconic cities in the world and from our mistakes? Edinburgh deserves to be an example of urban planning?

Time to go back to the drawing board and rise to the challenges of the Post-Covid World.

Pavlina Koeva-Ratcheva, Dipl. Arch. MA (Hons) RIBA, RIAS, CAB, UAB

Edinburgh 15th Feb'21