A partly underground block that increases the layering in the Aldgate area of London without adversely affecting the received identity

The scheme adds a new layer to a city block in the Aldgate area of London without adversely affecting the received identity. The aim is to increase the layering in the area. Historical research revealed urban typologies that could make themselves useful in the design. There also proved to be plenty of space in the area that could be compacted. The area's history in turn gave points of contact for the building style to be used. In the past the local inhabitants left their mark on the style of building, from Jewish to Christian. The design leaves the existing structure intact, adding a surface area of 40,000 m2 without touching a single building in use. The built environment is of a high quality, and so light and air are key design factors. The extremes of the city are tangible at all scales of the design. A city block is split into two utterly different worlds, both designed down to the smallest detail, from a tranquil residential setting to a bazaar with an entrance to below-floors. At the bottom of this hole in the block is an urban swimming pool and a large entertainment facility. Everything designed in a single block - and all without harming the existing identity.

Now you can smell, hear, see and touch Aldgate bangle town, London!

Place of education: TU Delft | Specialization: architecture | Tutors: Arjan van Timmeren, Jaap Dawson