RAD
The
Townhouses
This area has been designed and built at a human scale, to support mixed uses, only to be left largely empty due to past failings. Representing sustainable use of land - this area is to be transformed from sitting empty, to reused for a rich variety of purposes, through subtle measures.
Buildings - Allocating Uses
The homogenous design of the four rows of Townhouse buildings (+ larger rear towerblock) make assigning uses a repeatable process. Taking one building as a sample, the following mixed uses can be stratified:
Penthouses - top-story setbacks facilitate smaller floorplates, allowing for residential use; occupants will be the first RAD residents. Small offices are also suited.
Intermediary Floors - units with larger floorspace and lower activation. Suited to offices, educational facilities, artists' studios, and gyms.
Ground Floor - units with consistent active edges (>2-3 each); suited to commercial: retail, amenity, and social enterprises. Besides adding to RAD's variety and vibrancy, the frequent entrances and exits into these will spur vitality. Meanwhile uses will represent most viable implementation and can be a testbed for success; there scope for a permanance if so⁵.