Introduction
Rick Mather Architects were appointed by Places for People to design West End One, the first 650 unit phase of West End, the sustainable mixed use urban quarter in Central Milton Keynes.
Following the principals of the original masterplan, and embodying the highest quality environmental standards, the design develops concepts which have underpinned the original Milton Keynes plan to a new level in providing a reinterpretation of a "new garden city".
Working with Alison Brooks and HTA architects, this is a flagship development which includes seven blocks of which the main corner block 2 and block 3 are designed by Rick Mather Architects. Landscaping is integrated throughout the development with extensively planted roof gardens and balconies. Rick Mather Architects are responsible for coordinating the work of the architectural team and the submission for Planning Approval.
Seen from the street, hanging gardens rise up to the corner and capture long vistas down the boulevards of Milton Keynes. The corner will include a facility available to residents and invited guests with a unique roof terrace looking down on the gardens and north east to the city. A place to entertain, relax, or work, this will be a high quality destination - and an asset for West End One and Milton Keynes in general. The building facades create a civic frontage which responds to important and busy vehicular routes. Flats are orientated generally towards south east and west. The effect is of an abstracted, inhabited cliff with folds, peaks and inhabited perches and niches. The alternating angles exploit the different natural lighting conditions adding variety to the spaces within and framing the long Milton Keynes vistas. - looking both up and down Avebury Boulevard. With the landscape rising over the top of the building and down the main façade, the naturalistic approach informs the design of the main facades.
The Times
Encouraging schemes at Milton Keynes
Stephen Gardiner - 4 Oct 04
The Guardian
Urban Outfitters
Steve Rose - 15 July 04
Client
Places for People
Location
Central Milton Keynes, UK
Size
3 hectares
Value
c.£105m
Due to be Completed
2010