Research Project.
Thomas Iles
Interior Architecture & Design Year 4.
N0362462
The Future of Piers:
Intro:
Throughout this page I aim to look into designs from within and also outside the UK that step away from the traditional pleasure pier in design and purpose. I will look at any existing piers I find interesting, as well as any concept ideas and plans for future piers. My reasons for this research are that I would like to get an understanding of where the design of modern piers is heading, and what designers are thinking about to make the pleasure pier a popular and profitable attraction for the present day and future.
Piers In the UK:
Hasting Pier:
The pier in Hastings has been closed since 2007, and then in 2010 it suffered a fire demolishing most of the pier. Now plans are underway for a new pier designed by rDMM Architects the pier has a contemporary design compared to its predecessor and looks to be a leading pier in the UK once completed. For more information please click here.
Brighton, West Pier (site) i360:
The West Pier is now only a structural skeleton, over the
years there have been many plans of redevelopment which
have all be turned down often due to funding, which could
be seen as the reason for its derelict state. But since 2006
plans for change have been serious, held up by the credit
crunch effecting the funding of the project the i360 will be
a tower 160meters tall on the site of the old West Pier
entrance. It has been designed by architects Marks Barkfield
who were also the designers of The London Eye. I think it is
interesting that the council have put huge funding towards
this project but never been able to put the funding into the
pier it already had. Does this raise the question that the future
of British seaside towns may not be with a pier, but a modern
piece of engineering to attract people to its town and make a popular, profitable and desirable attraction that the pier once was? Although the West Pier Charity supports the project and still owns the land for the site of the i360, they hope one day it may provide funds for a new pier also.
“Our seafront is our most important asset, one that helps make our tourism industry such a great success in Brighton and Hove. Our innovation here will make all the difference to helping the city continue as one of the UK’s most desirable and successful tourist destinations…
This marks the beginning of a long-awaited new era. The i360 will be a brilliant attraction and entirely in the spirit of the West Pier – a vertical pier. It will transform the site and the entire city.”
(Coldwell, 2014)
Southend Pier:
Southend Pier is the world’s longest pier at 2100 meters, it is
another pier to have suffered from fire (2005). In July 2012
The Royal Pavilion opened on its pierhead. White Arkitekter
won the competition to design the new building in 2009 with
their proposal for a cultural centre. The design is referred to
as sculptural and offers an attractive place for visitors and
locals to come enjoy the facilities and spectacular views on
offer. The project architect, Frederik Petterson described it:
“The aim was to create a modern attraction with historical
roots which could draw visitors and generate pride in the
local community. We proposed a meeting place for both tourists and residents, which included a restaurant, café and cultural centre. A place where - after a 20-minute stroll from Southend's colourful promenade – the sensation would be that of being aboard a ship at sea, surrounded by water, sky and the cries of the gulls.”
(fiberline.com, 2015)
I think the tradition is still there in the sense of promenading and enjoying the views of the sea and coastline. The difference is the new contemporary culture centre is there to attract and entertain people now and in the future.
Deal Pier:
Deal Pier is a Grade II listed pier, the pier itself is very simple in design and function. In 2008 a design competition was held to replace the Café at the pierhead. Architects Niall Mclaughlin won the competition and the café was built in a contemporary style which constructed from timber planks and glass, the idea to create a feeling of sitting of a deck out in the ocean. The style conflicts the concrete structure but its facilities are much improved and the design is attracting more people down to the pier and offers a much better experience to the previous café built in the 1950’s. Please click here to see more.
Originally built in 1903, the pier was sadly yet another pier
to suffer from a fire, which happened in 2008 destroying the
main pavilion. Angus Meek Architects won the competition
to design the new building, which was completed and opened
in 2010. The opening day attracted over 52000 visitors, the
pier now consists of rides, go-karting, a 4D cinema and a large
arcadewith the latest games and simulators. The function of
the building is traditional in the way of the Victorian pavilions
housing arcades and amusements. The attractions in it are
very state of the art ensuring they are attracting people to
an exciting fun experience but sticking with traditional function of Victorian piers. The design on the other hand is contemporary with stands out on the end of the pier, with a curved roof representing the waves at the seaside. Although the function is traditional I think the designers have realised that modern materials and design style are more attractive and safe for the pier to be a successful attraction in the future.
Bristol, Weston Super-Mare Grand Pier:
Piers Outside the UK:
Florida, St. Petersburg 2012 Competition Proposals:
Runner Up, The Wave:
Winning Proposal, The Lens:
The Pier in St Petersburg, Florida was originally built to help offload goods from boats, but as larger piers emerged and developed it became obsolete. The pier soon became a pleasure pier for the locals. The council held a competition for proposals in 2012, here are a couple I have looked at and found interesting, they both function similar to a traditional pier but offer a modern, futuristic take to keep them a popular attractions.
Architects BIG came up with The Wave proposal, with outdoor space for a variety of uses, and indoor space with focuses on activities such as pools, steam rooms, an articificial wave for surfing and a climbing gym, as well as restaurants and a viewing deck on the roof. The space inside the wave is used for concerts, fairs, markets and other outdoor events, this leads out to the end of the pier where unusually there is a artificial beach for swimming and to be used during concerts etc.
The design was runner up in the competition, I think it is relevant as it has a great connection with the sea, the ideas the designers have created are a modern twist on the traditional pleasure pier.
Michael Maltzan Architecture came up with the winning proposal which focuses on the link between the city and its bay. Shaped similar to a magnify glass it frames views of the city, the bay and the sky above, two paths leading out are both one way in an attempts to ensure people travel the full circuit of the pier and experience all the views. An extra pathway leads up around the roof structure for the best views back on the city. The form is an attempt to represent sails and waves exposing a large white façade which is lit up with projections at night, or during musical and other live performances. The screen can also be seen clearly from the inside the city.
The pier has exciting engineering and a modern style to attract people to visit. In principle though the views, walking and entertainment follow the traditional pier use. Just as Victorian piers were revolutionary structures of their time, the Lens also is a proposal which is developed to excite people in the same way piers always have done.
Holland, Modern Scheveningen Pleasure Pier:
Chicago,Navy Pier: (proposal)
Designed by James Corner Field Operations and nARCHITECTS this project was the winner of the competition to redesign Chicago's 3300ft Navy Pier. The pier houses a large retail centre inside, on the outside is like a park, with lots of trees and plants around. There are small bandstands up the side offering shaded places to sit and contemplate by the water. There is a large central staircase based on the Spanish steps, in Rome. There are rides and also a splash fountain which can be used as a ice rink during the winter.
I like the park feel on the pier, I think it will encourage people to spend time on the pier even when events aren't on. The park design I also think suits all age demographics and has attractions like the ice rink/splash fountain which offers a variety of activities to be used all year round, not just in the summer. The video below shows the design, and shows the facilities the pire will have also.