Research Project.
Thomas Iles
Interior Architecture & Design Year 4.
N0362462
Hastings Pier:
08.12.2014
Eugenius Birch
1872
East Sussex
278m
Cast Iron/Timber
1885, 1910-12, 1926, 1930s, 1950s, 1969
1917, 2008
1877, 1938, 1993
Pleasure Pier
Date of Visit:
Designed By:
Built In:
Located:
Length:
Materials/Construction:
Restored In:
Damaged -
- Fire:
- Storm:
Function:
Relevance & Reason of Choice:
After years of needing improvements the Hastings Pier had the devastating fire which has now led to the funding being granted for redevelopment. The reason I am choosing to look into this pier for one of my case studies, is to observe the approach which designers from rDMM Architects have adopted to ensure the pier is a modern day attraction, and therefore a timeless zeitgeist for people to visit now and in the future. I also believe it will be interesting to see the reaction of local people in regards to the development of the pier, whether they believe it is of benefit to the town, to have pumped the money into it. I think the story of Hastings Pier, like so many, is similar to Eastbourne’s in the sense of needing redevelopment and balancing the need to remain a modern day attraction with its historic purpose and design, therefore I think Hastings could be at the forefront of future piers.
Site Photos:
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Infographic:
Visiting Hastings:
Hastings Pier is currently boarded off and not too far off looking like a desolate platform heading out to sea. The landward Pavilion is currently being restored to resemble its previous style and design boards encase what was (and will be) the entrance to the pier, giving a detailed insight into the redevelopment and function of the pier whilst also touching on the heritage, history and importance of the pier to the locals. Those I spoke too were mostly locals, due to the time of year being off-season (during winter). I found the reaction to the redevelopment to be very positive, both aesthetically and functionally, locals seemed excited to see the ongoing works and to be informed with all the plans and construction ideas.
The pier is a big visitor attraction, people generally said they would visit on a
family day out vary rarely and the main used group was tourists/visitors to
Hastings which in general is good for the town. The age group I spoke to was
generally younger than other case studies and therefore may not have or
appreciated the heritage and history of the pier, but I think they are optimistic
about what the new design and function the pier will bring having conducted
primary research in the form of interviews and questionnaires.
dRMM Architects Proposed Drawings:
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The works on the pier have started, and I thought i should briefly show my understanding of and explain the planned works on the pier. To start with the structure had to be renovated at large costs to be safe for use, and of course all of the building works. The only remaining pavilion at the landward end is the next stage of the development, refurbishing it into a restaurant. A new visitor centre will be added to the middle of the Pier, made with a laminated timber, and with mirrored exterior walls to reflect the sea, this will house an archive and heritage centre, as well as provide a roof terrace and stair seating for events. At a later stage a timber sliding canopy will be added for events all season around, and the landing stage will be reinstated. Future plans for the outdoor space on the pier are to have; an outdoor cinema, Festivals (music, art, food etc.), rides & attractions, also sporting events and markets will feature in these spaces. I thing the design style speaks for itself contrasting what was there before completely, but now improving the function to take the neglected pier back to its former glories.
“The new structure is one that we trust the Victorian forefathers would embrace: Pier as engineering spectacle in close connection with the sea, but also as an on-going project, reinventing itself for each successive generation.”
(Drmm.co.uk, 2015)
“We want a new pier as well as to restore the old, using sustainable materials wherever we can. We’ll provide open space not just for promenading but for family and community celebrations; a real attraction for tourists and a valuable asset for locals and the town, we want to offer a 21st. century take on the traditional English pier and for it to be used often by locals and visitors alike, a Peoples’ Pier.”
(Hpcharity.co.uk, 2015)
Timelapse Video:
As the pier is currently not open, conducting a time-lapse proved difficult in capturing how people truly use and interact with the pier. Instead, I observed the interest people had in ongoing construction and the information boards which showed the plans for the new pier. As you can see, many people spend a considerable amount of time which I believe shows the excitement and local’s anticipation around what will be a new exciting pier.