Phase 1 of Watermark WestQuay is the first part of a major redevelopment of a key area within Southampton’s town center designed by ACME. e new scheme contains a 10-screen multiplex cinema, bowling alley, 24 restaurants and cafés, and a new public plaza and esplanade. Created for Hammerson, Watermark sits adjacent to their WestQuay Shopping Centre, drawing the development towards the sea. A soaring cantilevered box wrapped in a skin of curving silver tubes projects out over the new square, signaling the development from the city as a hub of activity.
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The areas of newly created public realm around the building are open 24 hours a day, ensuring that the scheme is fully integrated into the fabric of the city center.It centers around a new public plaza, flanked by the Town Walls and a set of tapering steps leading down from the lower promenade, creating a natural auditorium in which to host a range of events. Lined with restaurants that open up onto the square, this flexible space will become a scene of lively activity throughout the summer months.
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A water feature provides a focal point and combines fountain jets with a mirror pool which ebbs and flows much as the tides would have done when this location formed the water’s edge, while integrated lighting animates the space during the evening and night. During the winter space is designed to host an ice rink, Christmas markets, and other activities to ensure it remains vibrant with activity year round.
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Leading south from the Plaza along the foot of the Town Walls is Western Esplanade. is is the first portion of a pedestrian route that will eventually reach all the way to the waterfront when future phases of the masterplan are developed. A sinuous planted swale creates pockets of space which allow people to gather and relax alongside colorful planting composed of a wide variety of native species. Uplighting is employed along the Town Wall providing a richly textured backdrop to the scheme at night, while all lighting to the public realm is provided from the building itself and the trees, ensuring the plaza is clutter-free and focusing the attention of the ancient Walls.
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Project Info: Architects: ACME Location: Southampton, United Kingdom Area: 23.45 m2 Project Year: 2017 Manufacturers: Schüco, Seele, SAS International, Sterling Services Project Name: Watermark WestQuay All Images Courtesy Of ACME
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