Week 10 – Research and Reveal

Lecture Comments

Design Development

Feedback on issues highlighted within locality

Majority of feedback lent towards the pond issue. For me this is the strongest issue to tackle. I feel the pond could open a few interesting routes to explore.

Lizzie mentions of a similar type project which happened locally to her. I want to reach out and see what plan was put in place for this pond and the reasoning behind it.

Alex discussed involving the community within the project which I think is going to be key due to its central location. Could the idea of further ponds be up for debate? Many talk of adding a path around the pond but maybe this could go through and over the pond? (just thoughts)

Responses from Facebook (Historic Trowbridge)

Many responses referred back to what the pond used to be which was a boating lake. This led to conversations around family, community and getting involved. Other comments spoke about the need to restore areas of the pond to include a path around the perimeter and further habitats for the present wildlife.

Clear no one is happy with the current set up of the pond. It’s very restrictive and doesn’t allow an intrigue to happen.

Next steps – To go down to the pond and observe what’s there currently and speak to anyone currently at the site. I feel it’s important that I capture the site as is in a raw form. I want to capture what’s currently there, the failings, the intrigue, the wildlife, the green spaces. I feel this ethnographic research will allow me to see beyond just the pond and look at the small impacts which could be put in place.

Initial thoughts:

New signage for the pond!? to direct and highlight wildlife in the area
A new duck house (floating)
Updated map of the pond (which can be used for educational purposes)
Re wilding plans – how do I present this?

Observations from the pond

Birds and ducks – Multiple mallards and sea gulls within the pond area
Other wildlife present on immediate look – minimal

Rubbish was present within the River Biss on the outskirts of the pond, pond was littered with debris, full of sticks, water soaked bread, sunken duck house. Tree was falling into pond. Banks of pond seemed lifeless with minimal vegetation. Mainly Trees and weeds. A few patches of pond plants evident but seem to be struggling.

Water is clear but full of silt and is very shallows in areas (not ideal conditions)

Park map us vandalised – area of park where pond sits is not visible on the map. Could better park maps / signage support the up keep of the pond. Seems left to the back of the park. Could be made a highlight like it once was.

Further feedback from the community on the pond

Reflections on responses

Another common theme is the neglect of the pond but a new comment has arisen around the cost it would take to get the pond up to scratch. Does this inform the approach I take? Lo Fi design solutions to kick start the community thinking about a new pond for the town. Starting with a campaign / design to initiate this programme.

Richard calling it ‘an average pond’ and Rebecca talking of the enclosed element to the pond – more a body of water than a pond. A pond should have natural edges not hard landscaping as the pond currently does.

Gather momentum and plan for the re wilding / clean up of the pond.

Next steps? Ethnographic research of the area (collect leaves, rubbings of the area) Dirt sample and water samples?

Visual Thoughts for brief design

Focussing on the observations of the current pond as visual inspiration for the project brief design. Using the physical shape and structure of the pond as a design tool. Circular and curved lines referencing to pond shape. More abstract image placement to show future re wild / flourishing prospects.

Thinking about potential typographic system which can come from the pond? This later playing a part in the design of the service / advertising on getting the pond back into the community. A place to want to visit again (capture, meet, explore, document)

Project brief: