Site diagraming

Like the majority of the British towns or cities, Northampton is characterized by a maritime or oceanic climate. Cool summers and mild winters are expected around these areas. Precipitation and air humidity are also at large here. Also, as the wind rose shows, wind is not scarce around here either. During the winter, we expect a cold breeze coming from the SW, while during the summer, it comes from the NE, in general.

In my design, I have to consider these aspects, and also the effect they have on the surrounding context as well (shadows, narrow/wide spaces).

Due to the fact that mostly all the activity of the town is concentrated in this area, a lot of space is allocated for pedestrian access. More than three quarters of Abington Street is for pedestrian access only.

Parking spaces are scarce around here, few spots in front of shops. The closest car parks are just to the north of this map, close to the Northgate bus station. The council encourages the passing stranger to rent and use bikes as an accessible means of transport. They have been laid out across the city, with key locations to pick up or drop off. One of such locations lies just south of our designated buildings.

The footfall follows the multiple access points in and out of the Square. This is one aspect of the site that must thought of carefully whilst designing in this space. Footfall can only increase in order to maintain the town's economical equilibrium.