The phrase "high street", in British culture, reassuringly tiny towns or suburban neighbourhoods that are known for their social stability and persistent sense of place. According to the common perception, the high street serves as the centre of the community. Besides,the concept of a high street is connected to the existence of a wide range of small neighbourhood stores that make it simple for pedestrians to access common goods and services. However, as out-of-town shopping has grown and corporate retailers have tended to only expand into larger cities, this widely held idea of the "typical" high street has lost credibility over the past three decades, undermining both the traditional independent high street trader and the smaller cities where they operate.
We have selected Friargate in Preston as an example to explore the current state of High Streets. It was observed that the presence of a highway had caused Preston High Street to lose its original unity and become divided into two distinct sections. To address this issue, we have decided to design a bridge that will connect the entirety of High Street. Additionally, we have identified three previously neglected sites that can serve as landing spaces for the bridge.
Our project located at the intersection of two high streets and a motorway, the three sites are connected by a bridge and all form an inward focus of activity. People will be drawn in and stay there, bringing a whole new energy to the High Street. Most importantly, the flow of people from both ends is connected, which means the integration and communication between the university and the city center.
