For the public, Birmingham is famous for its industrial history. For ecologists, it is valued for its large and well protected Green Belt. Unfortunately, these aspects can contradict each other. A good example of that is in Castle Bromwich where the River Tame has been redirected by railway line and enclosed by the M6. In 2030 it is proposed that the river will change course again to accommodate building the HS2 rail link between Birmingham and London.
Populating the River Tame is a student project that suggests influencing the path of the Tame, while also utilising wasteland between the road and rail infrastructure. The river is reborn as a focus for a community. The resources generated by the new housing support the creation of substantial landscaping around the development, which is partly hidden by embankments and green walls. Not only is the environment improved but it serves to shield the area from road and rail while insulating, creating recreational space, and partly hiding the development. Overall, the area becomes more green to the eye and biodiverse. The proposed development is based on a self-sustaining city idea that includes plots for food and timber production.
Designers: Maksims Uljanovs
University: Birmingham City University, Birmingham UK
Tutors: Alessandro Columbano and Matt Lucas
This project is part of 'Beyond the Green Belt'
