In 2000, the international competition ‘Living in the City’ was held by Architecture Foundation in London. GROUP A won the 1st prize with its entry ‘Multipli-city’, which focuses on the integration of different lifestyles and social groups in one superblock. The sculptural block forms a new urban fragment that offers a diversity of housing typologies with a complementary urban program, for approximately 1,400 residents and users.
Multipli-city
In 2000, the city of London needed projects that took new forms of urban lifestyles into consideration . The project is therefore explicit in the integration of different lifestyles and social groups within one superblock. The organizational form and architectural aesthetics create a typical new urban fragment that offers new forms of use and living in the city, thus opening new perspectives on social and economic sustainability and cohesion. Environmental sustainability will be achieved through the use of innovative materials, installation technology and construction methodology.
City in the city
The total size of the competition site – Bishopsgate Goodsyard – is 2 hectares and will be built by one 62,000 sqm superblock, placed on an existing plinth. The sculptural block forms a new urban fragment that offers a diversity of housing typologies with a complementary urban program, for approximately 1,400 residents and users. The central inner space – ‘city-cave’ – creates a new urban world to complement the city and the open landscape park next door. The urban program and the residents and users make this superblock a lively and 24-hour piece of city. It is like a city within the city.
Themes
Urban design plans must anticipate the profound changes in society. Our urban environment, challenged by the “zeitgeist” and trends, must provide alternatives for accommodating new developments in a contemporary way of life. An attractive urban environment can counteract further urbanization of the landscape. Urban politics must be reactivated to minimize commuter traffic, increase the support base of services, and protect the landscape. Clearly defining relevant themes, related to our field of urban politics and design is the basis of reflecting on our tasks.
Lifestyles
A variety of lifestyles is hidden under the concept of household categories. Variation in lifestyle is very relevant in today’s life and is determined by different aspects such as: social relations, profession, financial situation, income, consumer behavior and political activity.
Facts
Client
City of Londen / Architecture Foundation
Assignment
Competition for urban and architectural design & vision on former industrial site
Location
Bishopsgate Goodsyard, Londen, GB
Area
62,000 sqm
Function
Sustainable and multifunctional ‘superblock’ with mixed-use program
Design
January 2000
Status
1st prize
In collaboration with
Willem Sulsters
