A New Ribblesdale - Nature Reserve
This thesis embarked on an exploration of post-industrial landscapes and sustainable construction, with a specific emphasis on the Ribble Valley, Lancashire, and it’s two small settlements: Clitheroe and Chatburn. The project envisioned a transformative future for this post-industrial region, by strategically subdividing it into three distinct focus areas.
Phase one, led by Christopher Waltham, proposed re-purposing the existing cement works infrastructure to establish a new sustainable materials manufacturing plant. Additionally, it aimed to create a vibrant town centre and marketplace for the New Ribblesdale area. Phase Two, developed by Thomas Halliwell, revolved around the development of a residential and high-street zone, centred around a community courtyard space. This aimed to foster community interaction and promote a thriving urban environment.
Phase three constituted a direct focus on the quarry landscape. The approach involved employing re-wilding tactics and introducing a nature reserve centre, promoting a new connection with people, nature, and the landscape. The addition of small-scale architectural interventions further supplemented efforts seeking to establish a new connection between the new developments and the historical significance of the site. Overall, the project blended a contextualized study of the settlements with innovative proposals for sustainable transformation, linking the industrial past with a harmonious vision for a sustainable future on the post-industrial landscape.
