The Defined Settlement: urban form — Design for Ebbsfleet

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The Defined Settlement design narrative

‘The Defined Settlement’ is to be utilised where new higher density mixed-use neighbourhoods are to be developed.

The urban form should reference the clearly defined, structured, historical settlements of the locality: the walled Roman settlements and the defined orthogonal form of Gravesend, for example. The strong geometries of the Thameside forts could also form a relevant precedent.

*Concept diagram, illustrating the principle of using a narrative to inform the masterplanning for an area, instilling a sense of place, identity and character at the urban scale.*

Architecturally it should relate to ‘The Scarp’ as a strategic location within the Ebbsfleet Garden City. Where chalk cliffs surround the site ‘The Pent’ typology is to be incorporated. Large Civic buildings - such as schools - should follow ‘The Farmstead’ form that historically sits outside the settlement.

Defined settlement urban form

*The diagram above illustrates an example of how the principles could be applied to create a characterful urban structure derived from the analysis of defined settlements.*

‘The Defined Settlement’ urban form demonstrates a defined edge and contains podium buildings that incorporate parking at ground level with upper storeys at various heights. Streets and buildings are of a fine grain.

Defined settlement architectural language

The architectural language for the ‘Defined Settlement’ quarters, relates to the vocabulary established for ‘The Scarp’, with the consistent plinth element and verticality expressed in red brick and contrasting detailing. The ‘Defined Settlement Edge’ mediates visually between the high density residential clusters and ‘The Pent’ at the edge of the settlement.

References from the analysis