Architects Derby Archives - Page 3 of 7

15-minute cities

6th March 202328th February 2023 by Gary Stringer

In the recent weeks, the term ’15-minute city’ has become splashed across our news feeds. The term has caused controversy and has divided different groups of people. This article will define what 15-minute cities are and set out the reasons for and against the concept.

What is a 15-minute city?

Coined by Carlos Moreno in 2016, a 15-minute city is an urban design in which residents are able to access all of their basic essentials at distances that would not take them more than 15 minutes by foot or bicycle. In this case, essentials are classed as healthcare, greenspace, leisure, education etc. It is not meant to provide everything you would ever need within a 15-minute journey, but rather prevent the use of private transport where possible.

15-minute cities or neighbourhoods have been actively researched in academia in the last few years, but in particular research took-off since the Covid-19 Pandemic. This included research such as Moreno et al., who discussed how a 15-minute city could increase quality of life for residents in a post-pandemic future; or Khavarian-Garmsir et al., who explored how a 15-minute city can contribute to sustainable communities, but how it can also ignore the needs of different social groups. It is in-part this latter point which is causing the controversy in the news.

Advantages of 15-minute cities

The key feature of a 15-minute city is for essential services to be provided within a 15-minute active travel journey time. Active travel includes walking, running, cycling; essentially any form of travel that does not produce carbon emissions and involves you moving your body in some way. There are numerous benefits to this:

Reducing carbon emissions through travel helps mitigate the effects of climate change;
Mental and physical health benefits;
Enhanced social cohesion in communities.

The proximity of 15-minute cities can also help those with low mobility, such as the elderly or disabled, to still access the services they need and allow them to be as independent as possible. Similarly, it can also encourage outdoor active play in younger children and teenagers who might typically spend all day in their rooms if they cannot access services that they want or need.

On top of the social and environmental benefits of the urban design concept, 15 minute cities can also bring economic benefits through the increase of job accessibility and a lower cost of maintenance related to higher-density developments.

Disadvantages of 15-minute cities

Like most things, there are a few disadvantages to what otherwise seems like an ideal concept. One of these is the criticism that it is too physically deterministic. For example, in relation to the groups of people previously mentioned, who is to say how far a 15-minute walk will take them? For those who are less mobile, other forms of active travel such as cycling may not be an option, and therefore the distance in which services can be located is smaller.

It can also be argued that 15-minute cities are/will be difficult to implement in existing neighbourhoods and cities due to the built form, and that trying to implement them now would cause more issues than benefits.

Conclusions

Regarding the news as to what’s happening in Oxford at the moment, The Byline Times do a good in-depth look at what conspiracists are arguing about the 15-minute city. In short, people are arguing that the cameras which will be used to monitor those with permits to drive certain routes will be used to track residents’ every move, and the Council will prevent them from going anywhere further than 15-minutes from their home, therefore removing their personal freedom. It is needless to say that this is not the case and that this idea has been perpetuated by social media. Unfortunately, due to the nature of social media, it is hard for someone to gather all the information and facts without a form of bias being seen.

As detailed in this article, 15-minute cities have a number of benefits, and although the concept isn’t perfect by any means, it can be argued that it is the future of urban form.

Emily Anderson, Planner, Planning & Design Practice.

A picture of our past – W.W. Winter

21st February 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice were thrilled to be able to tour the W.W. Winter Ltd studios in January and see this incredible world unique premises that transports you back to the days when photography was in its infancy and the general public were able for the first time to have a reproduction of themselves previously only available by the hands of artists. Winter’s premises, built in 1867, include the oldest purpose-built photographic studio still in operation for its original purpose, built to a design by the Derby architect Henry Isaac Stevens.

W.W. Winter – a history

W.W. Winter Ltd is said to be the oldest extant photographic business in the UK, tracing its history back to its establishment in 1852. William Walter (or Walter William) Winter who was born at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk in 1842, son of Cornelius Jansen Walter Winter (1819-1891), a portrait and animal painter, and his wife Anna Self Shipston. Winter started off as an assistant to E.N. Charles at 2 Midland Road. When the latter died in March 1863, Winter married Charles’ widow Sarah and took over the business, this took place sometime after 1866.

W.W. Winter advertised himself in Wright’s 1874 Trade Directory as a photographic artist and dealer in works of art, with premises at Midland Road, Derby. In 1881, he had a studio at 22 & 24 Midland Road – and resided at 3 Midland Road – but had moved his premises to number 45 by 1887. By 1891, his wife Sarah had died, and in 1889 Walter married a second time, to Hannah Ness Ruddle.

He was an Alderman (member of council) retired in 1909 and sold the firm in the following year. The business continued to operate under the name W.W. Winter, and from at least 1912 had additional premises at 22 St. Peter’s Churchyard, Derby (Craven, 1993). Winter himself died in 1924.

In 2018 the company launched the W.W. Winter Heritage Trust, with the intention to advance the education of the public in the history of photography, in particular that relating to W. W. Winter Ltd., the city of Derby and the East Midlands. This is achieved through a series of public meetings and lectures; and to manage, care for, make accessible and develop the collection of images in the W. W. Winter archive.

Whilst some of the thousands of images have been archived and added to a database, many thousands more remain still to be rediscovered and part of the W. W. Winter Heritage Trust’s remit is to scan and record these old glass plate and film negatives.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is W-W-Winter-4-1024x647.jpg — W. W. Winter main entrance

W. W. Winter Ltd for 170 years have been photographing the people of Derby, and recording the changing face of the city. The company is an institution in the local community, holding extensive archives of photographic material and associated artifacts which chart the company’s history alongside the history of Derby. Planning & Design Practice wish to thank the volunteers and staff at W W. Winter for the incredibly insightful tour and highly recommend you visit this one of a kind premises that truly is a window into Derby’s past.

Planning & Design – Built heritage specialists

At Planning & Design Practice we recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas. We have worked on numerous schemes affecting Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Our Heritage Team is comprised of Director Jon Millhouse who specialises in heritage planning and is a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation together with our Architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas, a registered Specialist Conservation Architect and our Heritage Consultants Ruth Gray recently completed a Masters in Public History and Heritage at the University of Derby.

Thinking of buying a listed building or a home in a Conservation Area? For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 013332 347371 to find out how we can help.

Building regulations

13th February 202325th January 2023 by Gary Stringer

We are pleased to be able to say we have been granted building regulations approval for two projects. The first being a barn conversion forming an extension to a dwelling, dealing with the complications caused by insulating solid walls and turning a space not designed for living in, into a comfortable dwelling extension. The second being a stone extension to a traditional dwelling in North Derbyshire where careful consideration was required to ensure the proposed roof structure worked alongside a complicated existing structure.

Understanding Building Regulations

Building regulations are a key set of guidelines and standards that all the vast majority of construction projects within the United Kingdom must comply with. These regulations cover a wide range of issues; including fire safety, energy efficiency and accessibility, ensuring that all buildings are safe, somewhat energy efficient and fit for purpose.

It is essential for clients to understand the importance of building regulations and to work closely with their architects to ensure that their construction projects meet all the necessary standards. Compliance with building regulations not only ensures safety and accessibility, but it can also lead to cost savings in the long run for the client, by making the property more energy efficient. It is worth noting that the energy efficiency standards set by UK building regulations should be taken as minimums and not a target.

Finally, it’s important to take into account that not having building regulations approval can make it difficult to sell a property and will certainly negatively impact its value.

In summary, building regulations play a crucial role in ensuring the safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility of buildings in the UK. Compliance with these regulations can bring financial benefits to the client and end user and it is crucial for clients to carefully consider how their project will comply with building regulations when planning out their own projects.

Here at Planning & Design Practice we can take care of your own construction projects, all the way through from the first planning appraisal to the completed projects sign off. This would be done with the help from our team of Chartered Town Planners, RIBA registered Architects and Architectural Technologists, ensuring that planning, design & technical details are all professionally handled from the very beginning of your project.

For a no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Traditional cottage reimagined

25th January 2023 by Gary Stringer

The design process for a planning application to renovate and extend this traditional cottage farmhouse in Threapwood near the village of Alton, Derbyshire began back in 2019. Gaining planning permission in Staffordshire Moorlands District is often challenging, so after five different design schemes were submitted in order to satisfy the Council, both Planning & Design Practice and our clients, the home owners are delighted that planning has finally been granted.

The owners decided to take on Threapwood farm from their relatives, and make it their forever home. The brief was to create an open plan kitchen and dining area, separate living space/snug, a larger main bedroom with ensuite and walk in wardrobe. It was important for the owners to try and retain as much of the existing history and character of the cottage as possible whilst upgrading the cottage to suit more modern standards. Removing an existing white UPVC conservatory and replacing it, was high on this list of improvements.

Whilst the cottage retained its full Permitted Development rights, the proposals could have included a single storey extension up to 8m and a two storey of up to 3m. However, both Planning & Design and the owners felt that this type of extension would not be appropriate to the size and scale of the existing cottage.

The owners also wanted to make use of the existing barn space, which is attached to the main cottage, as extra living space. A separate planning application for this was submitted.

Comprising RTPI Chartered town planners, RIBA Chartered Architects and architectural assistants, plus heritage specialists, our staff bring a wealth of experience from a range of backgrounds and various parts of the UK and Europe.

Our planners have worked in the public & private sectors, and have excellent working relations with Local Planning Authorities. This often proves invaluable and is a key to our success.

Our team of RIBA Chartered Architects and Architectural Assistants have a wealth of experience working with homeowners, developers and the public sector.

With values rooted in friendly service, integrity, teamwork and meeting client’s expectations, we provide honest and sound advice, mediate when required and maintain high professional standards.

For a no obligation consultation to discuss how we can help you achieve your dream forever home, please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Solar PV Farm within Green Belt to power up to 952 homes per year

20th February 202325th January 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce that planning permission has recently been secured for a 4.2MWp solar PV farm on a former landfill site within the Nottingham-Derby Green Belt.

The proposed 6.7ha solar farm would have the capacity to generate approximately 4.2MWp of electricity, enough to power up to 952 homes per year and offset over 1,790 tonnes of CO2 every year4, the equivalent of taking 747 cars off the road. It is anticipated that the solar farm will take up to 3 months to construct and will have an operational life of 25 years. Following construction of the solar farm, the site will be seeded with an appropriate grassland mix.

**Figure 1:** Approved constructional layout

**Figure 2:** Approved landscaping layout

National planning policy is strongly in favour of renewable energy developments. In particular section 14 ‘Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and costal change’ of the National Planning Policy Farmwork (2021) sets out key considerations in respect of climate change, stating the Government’s belief that this is not simply an environmental matter, but one which encompasses social, economic and environmental issues.

The application site is located within the Nottingham-Derby Green Belt. Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and would not be approved except in very special circumstances.

Paragraph 151 of the NPPF states:

“When located in the Green Belt, elements of many renewable energy projects will comprise inappropriate development. In such cases developers will need to demonstrate very special circumstances if projects are to proceed. Such very special circumstances may include the wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources.”

It was successfully argued that the proposal will make a meaningful and valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gases and to meeting the UK’s renewable energy targets, and this factor should attract substantial weight in the overall planning balance. The very special circumstances necessary to justify the proposal were demonstrated, in this case, and therefore the scheme did not conflict with local or national Green Belt policies.

Solar farms are a simple and established technology providing a source of safe and clean energy which produce zero emissions when in operation. Solar energy is not only sustainable; it is renewable, meaning that we will never run out of it. It also enjoys the highest levels of public support for renewable energy in the UK, with 85% of the public in favour.

The Planning Team at Planning and Design Practice Ltd, on behalf of our client successfully liaised with key stakeholders in the preparation, submission and management of the planning application. The team of Chartered Town Planners are well versed in understanding and promoting renewable energy developments for all stakeholders to ensure the best possible case if put forward.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for a free no obligation consultation to discuss your project on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director (Chartered Town Planner) – Planning & Design Practice Ltd.

2022 – the year in review

3rd January 202321st December 2022 by Gary Stringer

As the year draws to a close and the holidays approach, our Director Ricard Pigott looks back to review what has been an interesting year, and looks ahead to the opportunities of 2023.

Review 2022

The annual rush to get things submitted and completed before Christmas at Planning & Design Practice has for us this year been punctuated by an unusual distraction in the form of the football World Cup. I have to admit that I was supporting Argentina in the final largely because of their universally loved number 10. Lionel Messi retired from international football in 2016 because of a catalogue of ‘painful’ failures but he was tempted back and managed to win the big one at the 5th time of asking. I think one of the key lessons from that victory was that if you keep persevering and ‘doing the right things’, anything is possible if you work as a collective and have strong leadership.

Which brings me to one of the issues of the day, Climate Change. Progress on reducing the UK’s carbon emissions appears slow, largely because local and national policies and government action appear to be out of step with public opinion. A YouGov survey has found that 80 per cent of people in the UK support regulations making solar panels mandatory on new-build houses (only 9 per cent oppose this). The survey also found that 66 per cent believe that battery storage should be included in new homes to increase the efficiency of solar panels while 60 per cent want to see heat pumps included in all new-build homes, with just 17 per cent opposed. MCS Charitable Foundation, who commissioned the survey, argue that unless a requirement for all new-build homes to have solar panels, battery storage and heat pumps as standard is included in the government’s Future Homes Standard, carbon targets will be hard to meet. And who can argue with this? If housebuilders know that these measures are mandatory they can be factored into costs from an early stage, safe in the knowledge that they are delivering a superior ‘product’ that is better adapted to meet our future needs.

It is encouraging to see that the moratorium on wind power seems to be coming to an end after more than a decade when it has been nigh on impossible to get planning permission to erect an on-shore wind turbine. You can read more about that HERE.

When it comes to retrofit and home improvements, the system is also out of step with the views of ordinary people. An article in the Architects’ Journal in February summed it up perfectly: “Rules governing listed buildings prevent us from upgrading single glazing on homes – completely bonkers when you consider our uphill struggle to sustainably retrofit the UK’s existing housing stock. We have removed the common sense factor in determining planning decisions; the idea that the natural state of a window would outweigh the need to reduce a building’s carbon footprint is perplexing.”

At a local policy level, whilst some local planning authorities are adopting their own supplementary planning documents or reviewing their Local Plan policies on tackling climate change, we feel that they could go further to raise standards. It remains a very important issues for local councillors, reflecting the public mood.

The requirement to achievement Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) on all developments larger than householder improvements is now becoming a reality and will become law from November 2023. BNG is an approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state (at least 10% better) than it was beforehand.

However, there remains uncertainty about how exactly this should be secured in instances where it can be achieved on site and even more uncertainty about how it can be achieved where net gain needs to delivered off site. The availability of offsite land to deliver BNG requirements appears to be a challenge but an even greater concern appears to be whether Local Planning Authorities have an appropriate administrative resource and skillset to deal with BNG in a timely manner.

For Planning & Design , we have had another year with many proud achievements for our clients and more details can be found on the News page on our website. Particular highlights include helping to provide a significant boost to rural employment opportunities in the Derbyshire Dales, planning permission for a new wedding venue in South Derbyshire, securing the change of use for a Derby drinking landmark, ongoing success in delivering Class Q barn conversions, and being recognised as an RIBA chartered architectural practice. All this in a year in which we celebrated our 20th Anniversary in providing town planning services, architectural expertise and specialised heritage advice.

We are delighted to have continued to work with a diverse range of clients including landowners, existing business owners, farmers and other architects including Matthew Montague, John Smedleys Ltd, Chevin Homes, Derby and Burton University Hospitals Trust, Evans Vettori, Derbyshire County Council, Elvaston Castle and Garden Trust, Callow Hall – Wildhive, Meadowview Homes, and Microsoft Rare Ltd.

In Derby we have got used to being largely back in the office again after 2 years of hybrid working and we can also celebrate another successful year for the Sheffield office which resulted in a move to the iconic Park Hill development, the Grade II* listed set of buildings overlooking the city.

Looking towards 2023, I can only hope that local planning authorities and other key organisations within the planning system can be better resourced as we are finding that 8 and 13 week determination deadlines are becoming increasingly meaningless. Reduced funding and a loss of senior staff has inevitably led to a gap in training and expertise, which in turn leads to longer application times and delays in the development process which has knock on effects for jobs, the economy and the environment. We are doing our bit at Planning & Design to develop our own talent by taking on graduates, sandwich year students and apprentices, and this has always been the approach taken by our long time MD and founder, Jonathan Jenkin, who is retiring at Christmas. We are very sad to see Jonathan hang up his scale ruler but wish him all the best in the future.

All that remains for me to say is that we will continue to strive for ever more sustainable development and hope to see many of you in person over the next 12 months. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Richard Pigott, Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Planning success promotes industry

20th December 202214th December 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is pleased to announce that planning permission has been secured for the erection of 3 no. commercial/industrial buildings for B2 (Industrial), B8 (Storage & Distribution) and E(g)(iii) (Industrial Processes) helping promote industry at a site in Longcliffe, Derbyshire.

The application site is a roughly rectangular shaped 0.26 ha plot set over two levels located within the established industrial/commercial area of Longcliffe.

The redevelopment of the site was specifically developed for our client (SWR Property Holdings Ltd) to enable a multi-use site for both their existing businesses, Robinsons Longcliffe Ltd and Telford Group Ltd.

The Architectural Team in collaboration with the Planning Team at Planning and Design Practice Ltd prepared a sensitive scheme that would make efficient use of land in terms of maximising the number and size of unit’s deliverable on site, whilst minimising the potential impacts on the countryside.

Building A is a two-storey steel portal framed building with a gross internal floor area of approximately 311m2. The building would contain a vaulted commercial/industrial space with ancillary office accommodation.

Building B is a single storey steel portal framed building with a gross internal floor area of approximately 214 m2. building would contain 3 no. units for commercial/industrial/storage uses, each with a single toilet.

Building C is a steel portal framed building with a gross internal floor area of approximately 151 m2. The building would be used for commercial/industrial/storage uses with a single toilet. The exterior of the building would be clad/roofed with a corrugated metal sheeting material (anthracite grey).

Robinsons Longcliffe Ltd has undertaken steel fabrication for many of the heavy industrial and quarrying companies in the county and also nationwide. They have been operating in the area for almost 70 years and have gained an excellent reputation as a go-to company for industrial solutions.

It was successfully argued that the redevelopment of the site for new build B8 (Storage and distribution) and E(g)(iii) (Industrial Processes) units would be an appropriate form of employment development within the defined countryside as it would represent an opportunity to create much needed rural employment opportunities within the area. The development will support the local economy by providing a range of fit for purpose modern commercial units for local residents within the area which will in turn contribute towards the creation and retention of rural employment opportunities.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Chartered Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists. Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. We can take a project through from inception to completion, but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director Planning & Design Practice Ltd.

Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Quiz

10th January 202314th December 2022 by Gary Stringer

World heritage status was bestowed on the Derwent Valley in 2001 in recognition of its international significance for the developments that took place there in the late 18th century that led to lasting technological and cultural changes which resonated around the world.

Planning & Design Practice regularly work with buildings that are within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (DVMWHS). UNESCO encourages all planning applications that effect WHSs to include a Heritage Impact Assessment in accordance with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) guidance. The site runs from Matlock Bath to Derby and includes mills and purpose-built factory workers houses and unique transport systems many of the properties are Listed Buildings and there are several Conservation Areas.

The complexity of all this wonderful heritage can be confusing for anyone wanting to make alterations to their property or make changes to the use of a building. Our in-house heritage team can provide Heritage Impact Assessments to support your planning applications if you live in the WHS or its buffer zone.

Test your knowledge of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site in our quick quiz:

1: What is the length in kilometres is the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site from North to South?

2: What is the name of the structure in which the mill bell on top of Masson Mill is situated?

3: In 1771 Richard Arkwright built Cromford Mill what is the name of the water source he used to power the mill?

4: Cromford Station was part of the Manchester, Matlock, Buxton, and Midlands Junction Railway, now known as the Derwent Valley Line, but it’s also famous for its use by what Brit pop band for its record cover?

5: Planning & Design recently helped enable the restoration of the four workers cottages adjacent to John Smedley’s Mill at Lea Bridge. John Smedley (1803-1874) wasn’t the original owner of the mill complex, who was the original owner who had a famous daughter?

6: What was special about the design of the rebuilt 1804 North Mill in Belper?

7: There are several well-known textile mills within the Derwent Valley Mills WHS but what is the name of the former paper mill in Little Eaton that sits on the banks of the River Derwent?

8: What year was the Silk Mill at Derby built?
A. 1771
B. 1804
C. 1721

Scroll down for answers!

Our Heritage Team

Director Jon Millhouse specialises in heritage planning and is a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas is a registered Specialist Conservation Architect. Our Heritage Assistant Ruth Gray recently completed a Masters in Public History and Heritage at the University of Derby.

We use our experience to provide the right level of detail to accompany applications for planning permission and listed building consent. For more information on our team, and the Heritage Services we offer please contact us on 01332 347371.

Answers:

24K
Cupola
Bonsall Brook.
“Some Might Say” is a song by English rock band Oasis. It was released as the first single on 24 April 1995 from their second studio album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995).
Peter Nightingale built the complex in 1783 powered by the Lea Brook his daughter was Florence Nightingale.
After a fire in 1803 that destroyed Belper North Mill William Strutt was the first to systematically tackle the threat of fire in textile mills by first cladding with plaster and then by the use of iron and brick. Every aspect of the North Mill is was designed to resist combustion.
Peckwash Mill. Paper mills supported the textile mills using the cotton waste as a raw material to produce wrapping for parcels before they were dispatched to customers, the paper was also used for admin purposes.
1721. The silk mill was the first large scale factory style production complex to be powered by a single undershot wheel. The mill was five storeys high 33.5m long and 12 m wide. By 1730 300 people are said to be employed at the Silk Mill.

Planning permission homes vintage vehicles

13th December 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are pleased to announce that planning permission has been secured for the construction of an outbuilding in North East Derbyshire. The building will act as ancillary residential accommodation to the existing dwelling and will primarily provide a storage area for the client to store vintage vehicles.

In line with our clients brief the Architectural Team, in collaboration with the Planning Team, prepared a scheme that would sit comfortably within the curtilage of the existing dwelling and not have an overbearing presence on local area. The scheme took into consideration the potential impact on the character of the area and the amenity of the neighbours. These considerations informed the final scheme.

The proposed building contained a vehicle storage area, home office, gym and a workshop and will be steel framed, with timber and brick cladding and a sheet metal roof.

The Planning system supports the construction of outbuildings and ancillary accommodation by householders where the buildings are used in conjunction with the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse. The General Permitted Development Order 2015, as amended, allows residents to cover up to half the garden in outbuildings without planning permission but subject to height limitations. The application for planning permission was required because of the proposed height and the proximity to the boundary.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Architecture of the Qatar World Cup

19th June 202328th November 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice, Qatar World Cup

It’s coming home, it’s coming home… Architectural Technologist, and avid football fan Joseph Cattmull looks at the architecture of the stadiums that are playing host to the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

It’s not unfair to say the upcoming Qatar World Cup has its fair share of, deserved criticism and controversy. However, from a solely Architectural aspect there are plenty of developments to look into. Middle Eastern architecture is usually very showy and, in your face, and the Lusail Stadium, the largest of the tournament, is no different

The world renown London Architects Foster + Partners lead the design for the centre piece stadium. Head of studio Luke Fox said “our ambition was to create a striking yet simple form that reflects the buildings’ function, responds to the climate of Qatar and enhances the theatre of the event”. The design of the stadium takes inspiration from traditional Islamic bowls and the surrounding architecture, with its curved golden façade with triangular openings to allow light to pass through to the concourses.

Sadly, I must say, as the centre piece of the World Cup I do find the Lusail Stadium uninspiring and certainly not iconic, as any stadium to host a World Cup final should be. Some stadiums build their iconic status’ through their history, for example the Maracanã in Brazil, however a purpose build new development must rely on its architectural design to create the grounds icon status and unfortunately The Lusail Stadium fails to do so.

Contrary to the Lusail stadium, one stadium that does catch my eye is Stadium 974. Named to highlight the use of 974 shipping containers within the design & structure (alongside a steel frame). As mentioned above, Middle Eastern architecture is often associated with being very “blingy”, yet Stadium 974 is the polar opposite of this. Instead taking inspiration, some may say too literally, from Qatar’s maritime history and the industrial heritage of its location.

On the topic of the 40,000-seaters design, the modularly constructed stadium was designed by Spanish architects practice Fenwick Iribarren Architects and is actually the first temporary stadium in FIFA World Cup history. It makes use of shipping containers, of which most were used to ship materials into Qatar for the other stadiums construction. Touching back on what makes a stadium iconic, I feel Stadium 974, being the first modular temporary World Cup stadium coupled with its unique design, makes it the closest to achieving this feat.

Maybe, the most notable of the lot, the final stadium to be mentioned is the 40,000-seater Al Janoub stadium. The stadium takes its inspiration from the traditional Dhow fishing boats of Qatar. The stadium has been purpose designed, by world renown firm Zaha Hadid Architects, to help protect the players and the fans from the extreme temperatures that Qatar is known for.

I must say whilst I think from certain angles the stadium can look stunning and make for impressing photographs, it is let down by the structural design on show within the stadium itself.

Now whilst the engineered timber roof lattice system used is a fantastic piece of structural design which strongly relates to the stadiums original design inspiration. It is then obstructed by a steel structure not too different from plenty of other stadiums we have seen before. It is my opinion that the engineered timber amplifies the stadiums relation to the Dhow fishing boats and this is masked rather than further enhanced by the use of the steel structure.

Going back to the architects of the stadium, whilst the exterior of the stadium is recognisable of the firm, the clustered appearance of the interior does not strike me as a design of Zaha Hadid. Especially when compared to other designs, such as the London Aquatics centre and the scrapped Tokyo Olympic Stadium which are both free flowing pieces of architecture.

However, as mentioned above, if we forget about the interior of the stadium then there are plenty of positives to write about. The clever manipulation of the hulls of the Dhow boats to form the form of the roof is instantly recognisable.

Only in a location such as Qatar could we get such a financial outlay to host a World Cup and there has been an opportunity to put on a real diverse display of stadium architecture however in my opinion most of the stadiums have followed a similar design principle.

Maybe this is where, across this article, I have been overly harsh on the architecture of the 2022 World Cup. There are elements across all the stadiums that I do like. For example; the interior of the Lusail stadium is fantastic and perfect for the World Cup final, The Education City stadiums geometric façade is eye catching and of course Stadium 974, to me at least, is a fantastic piece of architecture which is more than worthy of a World Cup.

Even with all my criticisms of the World Cup & it’s stadiums, I will be the first to admit that they will all mean nothing when England end the many years of hurt and bring the World Cup home just in time for Christmas.

Joseph Cattmull, BA(Hons) Architectural Technology and Practice, Architectural Technologist, Planning & Design Practice