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Peckham Sky Gardens

Part 1 Project 2007
Thomas Mccreesh
 University of Brighton | UK
A bold sustainable community for urban environments, regenerates unutilized space above a railway line. Three towers rise above, containing flexible accommodation units responding to climate, surroundings and the occupant. Between these three arms Sky Gardens suspend; ergonomically designed to provide the best environment for the gardener, therefore producing a higher yield.
At various levels secluded unprogrammed spaces exist, mimicking the few locations of ambience in the surrounding area; evoking relaxation and spectacular views over London.
The scheme is a prototype for green living in urban environments, that challenges the negative stereotype sustainability possesses, whilst having potential to be replicated.



Tom’s proposal takes on a number of issues related to sustaining the contemporary city, in particular responding to the enormous environmental impact of remote food production. The scheme recognizes the potential for intensifying the utilization of land above infrastructure, in this case a railway line, and proposes a replicable, but tolerant structure which can adjust to local conditions. As tutors we have enjoyed watching the play between poetics and pragmatics as the sky garden proposal developed. Alongside its formal development Tom has paid attention to understanding the quality of life issues offered by this mix of living, working and growing.
2007
Peckham Sky Gardens: Sustainable living in an urban environment
Locating areas of ambiance/ Peace in a dense urban environment; such as Peckham.
Initial proposals; utilizing vertical layering to locate 525 m2 of growing space, in such a way to not hinder surrounding architecture, the produce itself and the quality of living for residents.
Strategies to deal with anticipated sound pollution from railway below.
Dealing with realism: the structural strengths/weaknesses so far; and the proposal's solar impact upon surrounding architecture.
Analyzing the structure of the towers; and the layering of the accommodation's structure including the separate organic sound buffer wall.
Sky Gardens; utilizing space underneath the main structural arms, ergonomically designed growing beds hang. The ergonomic design takes into account the average humans height and reach to allow for the highest possible yield of crops, with daily maintenanc
Roof plan of community.
Plan cut through main structural arm, and top layer of accommodation.
Daily Life cycle associated with being a part of the Peckham Sky Garden's community.
Harvesting Mechanism for the Sky Gardens.
Views of the Sky Gardens.
Sections.
Illustrating flexibility of the accommodation units, as well as quality of life.
Perspective illustrating the act of harvesting produce in the Sky Gardens.
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