Canal Park: A Fusion of Ecology and Community
Canal Park: A Fusion of Ecology and Community reimagines a forgotten brownfield site along Manchester’s canal system into a vibrant public realm that stitches together heritage, ecology, and community needs. Inspired by the metaphor of “finding the key to the secret garden,” this project explores how once-inaccessible urban voids can be transformed into inclusive, meaningful spaces.
The design leverages the site’s rich industrial past, particularly its underutilised railway arches and canal edge, while proposing an ecologically driven future. Central to the vision is a reconnected canal corridor that activates green-blue infrastructure. Spaces like botanical gardens, water activity zones, and flexible cultural hubs like shops and galleries reflect layered functions across generations.
Grounded in Collage City and Biophilia theories, the scheme prioritises multi-sensory experience, sustainability, and historical layering. Recycled bricks, timber, and low-E glass are employed alongside green roofs and IoT-integrated HVAC systems to support biodiversity and climate resilience.
Canal Park becomes a new civic heart through modular architecture and participatory design, where locals can gather, learn, relax, and celebrate nature. From kayaking to sketching beside the water or browsing exhibitions on canal heritage, the project fosters daily rituals and long-term ecological stewardship.
This portfolio presents a journey of discovery—from theoretical frameworks and site analysis to detailed drawings, renders, and feedback integration. The goal is not just to “design a space " but to unlock a lasting dialogue between people, place, and memory.
