Project 1: Al Hafa Master Plan, Oman (Images 1-4)
Ellen worked for nearly two years on the Al Hafa project which is located on approximately 68ha of pristine beach front land. Led by the office of the Minister of State & Governor of Dhofar, the project combines beach stablisation and expanded public space initiatives with cultural heritage. The latter includes the relocated Husn Souq, and regenerated "Heritage Village." The village will be re-purporsed to benefit residents and visitors alike. In addition to the Souq, comtemporary retail, cafes and restaurants, as well as recreation elements will complete the public and civic development components. Ultimately, the project will office private development opportunities for waterfront tourism lodgin and residential uses.
Software used: Cad, SKP, Lumion, InDesign, Photoshop
Ellen's involvement: Two years as master planner / urban designer, with site visits to Oman, presentations to the Omani government and design team co-ordination across four countries.
Project 2: Elite Master Plan, Pakistan (Images 5-8)
The Elite project will deliver a unique and prestigious mixed-use community in this emerging part of Islamabad. It will set a new benchmark in terms of design, construction quality and landscape, anchored by an 18-hole golf course. The overall project will include: 450 villas, 900 apartments, 350 staff units, 46,000sqm retail mall, 112,000sqm office space, 5* Hotel, golf course and club house, mosque, school, civic facilities and a medical complex.
Software used: Cad, SKP, InDesign, Photoshop
Ellen's involvement: Six months as project lead master planner / urban designer, with site visits to Pakistan, presentations in London and Islamabad and design team co-ordination across four countries.
Project 3: Tec Kuwait Master Plan, Kuwait (Images 9-11)
The Tec Kuwait master plan proposes the development of a multi-faceted destination, with distinct land uses and a wealth of amenity, that will appeal to the broad markets being targeted and drive repeat visitation. The proposed master plan takes into careful consideration the balance between the provision of public areas for day visitation and private areas for overnight guests, and the circulation spaces between these zones. The newly developed Al Khiran resort will help stimulate tourist demand within the region.
Software used: Cad, SKP, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
Ellen's involvement: Six months as master planner / urban designer with co-ordination with strategy & feasibility team.
Project 4: Hung Thang Master Plan, Vietnam (Images 12-14)
Spanning a project area of 1.73ha, the Hang Thang master plan in Vietnam aims to maintain the site's natural assets, the shape of the land whilst maximising views to the south towards Ha Long Bay. The master plan proposes a series of residential neighborhoods and community hubs. The community hubs will comprise of local retail, residential services and a small community centre that would offer a creche, social space for events, health services and a small food & beverage offer. Sports and wellness facilities will be offered in three dedicated residential clubhouses. These amenities will be inter-connected by a series of pedestrian trails through the forest and along the main access roads.
Software used: Cad, Revit, Infraworks, Lumion, InDesign, Photoshop
Ellen's involvement: 4 months as master planner / urban designer, with team co-ordination between WATG London and Singapore offices.
The Project:
The Earls Court Masterplan proposes the transformation of the Earls Court Project Area into four new urban villages and a High Street, blending the spirit of the past with the best of tomorrow. The villages will include around 7,500 much-needed new homes for people on a range of incomes and new work spaces and offices would generate up to 10,000 new jobs.
As the Earls Court Project will bring considerable benefits to the area, it was recognised by the Mayor’s London Plan as an Opportunity Area in July 2011 and the Mayor approved the scheme in July 2013.
The London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) and The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC) formally granted outline planning permission for the Masterplan for the Earls Court Project on 14th November 2013.
Software used: Revit, Photoshop, InDesign, Hand drawing, model making
Ellen's involvement:
Ellen worked for nearly two years on the development the Earls Court master plan project working closely with Capco (the client), numerous engineering consultants including WSP (transport) and Arup (landscape & structures) and the respective boroughs of RBKC & H&F. She over saw the urban design, master planning and landscape development from initial concept, outline planning (including peer reviews & public consultations) through to the detailed planning applications of both London boroughs.
Project 1: Piraeus Mixed Use Development (Images 1-3)
Piraeus Mixed Use Development comprises three central urban city blocks in the heart of Piraeus (Greece's major port town which lies 8km from Athens.) Creating a catalyst for wider regeneration. The urban proposals include renovating existing buildings and the creation of a new campus- a great place to work and a well known destination along with streetscape and landscape interventions allowing pedestrians priority and re-thinking circulation within the city.
Software used: Sketchup, Photoshop, Lumion, InDesign
Ellen's involvement: Six months as master planner / urban designer.
Project 2: Mont Choisy Smart City (Images 4-8)
Mont Choisy Smart City: A master plan vision that unlocks the potential of the Mont Choisy development, delivers the Smart City Scheme objectives and provides Mauritius with a truly sustainable community. Located in the heart of Grand Baie, the Mont Choisy development offers a unique set of opportunities for this important part of the island. The master plan seeks to maximise development opportunities and will offer a range of homes and services that provide everyday needs for residents and visitors with direct connection with Grand Baie. Modern business spaces located near the Mont Choisy shopping centre will offer new employment opportunities and increase daytime activities at Mont Choisy. A series of landscape spaces from parkway streets and dedicated parks, will provide environments for social and family gathering. At the heart of the scheme- the smart city concepts have been core objectives with the development seeking to bring together people and communities, sustainable infrastructure, technology, employment, business opportunities and leisure that will offer a comprehensive and robust live, work and play environment.
Software used: Sketchup, Photoshop, Lumion, InDesign, Illustrator
Ellen's involvement: Six months as master planner / urban designer.
Project 1: Address Hotel & Serviced Apartments (Images 1-4)
A world class retail, residential and hospitality destination in a city styled district within the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour. The hotel components benefit from the proximity of the retail district adjacent as well as having dramatic views of the Observation Tower and Creek. The project comprises a 5 star hotel of 150 keys along with 425 serviced apartments, retail destination and basement parking.
Software used: Cad, Photoshop, InDesign
Ellen's involvement: Four months as urban designer and architect.
Project 2: Chimelong Theme Park, safari and Hotels (Images 5-9)
The Chimelong theme park, safari and four themed hotel project lies an hour outside of Guangzhou, China and will have four resorts totaling 4000 guest rooms with each being themed to a particular animal or character- giraffe, elephant, zebra & monster hunt (a popular children's cartoon character and film franchise) The theme park will have the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world at five hectares along with a landmark 88m tall giraffe themed castle that'll be the tallest building at a theme park in the world. The entrance plaza will be largest in the world covering 100 hectares along with a super basement and parking complex serving the four entrance hotels. Access to the site will be provided by a new light rail station, bus parking and car parking. Day visitors and guests alike will be greeted by a mix of entertainment, food & beverage and immersive safari from the second they enter the park.
Software used: Rhino, Infraworks, Civil 3d, Photoshop, InDesign
Ellen's involvement: Six months as project lead master planner / urban designer from the WATG California office with site visits to China, client presentations and project co-ordination across the globe.
Project 1: Crewe strategic vision (images 1-2)
Crewe HS2 Strategic Vision serves as a strategic framework to show how existing regeneration plans for the town could be built upon through future development, investment and infrastructure improvements, maximising the economic benefits of an enhanced HS2 hub rail station.
The vision will be used to develop detailed plans and policies for key investment areas, from the town centre to the areas surrounding the existing station. The draft master plan vision is based on the Government’s decision to deliver both enhanced rail infrastructure and a hub station in Crewe that can serve up to seven stopping HS2 trains per hour, including direct services to Manchester, Birmingham and London. The proposals would support the creation of nearly 40k jobs in Crewe over the next 30 years, in addition to a 3.8 million sq ft commercial hub near the station and around 7,000 homes by 2043.
Software used: Rhino, Photoshop, InDesign
Ellen's involvement: Two week competition entry working as a master planner
Project 2: Alexandra Palace, lottery fund bid (images 3-5)
Alexandra Palace, a Grade II-listed building, which first opened in 1875 as a north London rival to the Crystal Palace. The strategic vision and master plan set out to apply for lottery funding to restore and refurbish the iconic London building. The project proposes to construct a hotel in the building, restore the old theatre into an event space and install shops and cafes in the terrace along with renovating the old BBC studios into a museum and tourist attraction.
Software used: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
Ellen's involvement: Four months as master planner / urban designer.
Project 1: Lots Road, Chelsea Waterfront Development
600 meters of unique waterfront living set in exquisite gardens and squares. Each separate architectural mix and infrastructure is devised to meet the needs of a particular time. Incomparable restaurants, bars, shops, health & fitness facilities: a spectacular new development literally in touch with the River. A family of exclusive residential buildings, Claydon House, Chartwell House and Compton House set amid serene landscaped gardens by the edge of the Thames.
The sleek glass Towers offer unrivalled views over London and the Thames and are unique in being the only residential towers in Chelsea by the river.
Software used: Cad, InDesign
Ellen's involvement: Project Architect lead for a 37 storey tower as well as mentoring a team from concept through to construction. Subsequently, project lead on the adjacent 8 storey residential building; overseeing a team and producing drawing packages for the shell and core and fit-out of both.
Exhibition 1: Folkestone Triennial 2011 (images 1-4)
Folkestone Triennial is the flagship project of the Creative Foundation, an independent visionary arts charity dedicated to enabling the regeneration of the seaside town of Folkestone, in Kent, through creative activity. In 2011, students from Canterbury School of Architecture (including Ellen) exhibited their master plan proposals for regeneration of Folkestone town centre, following critiques of the existing proposals by Fosters & Farrells. These proposals were curated and exhibited in a shop front and interior display by the students themselves as part of the triennials summer opening in 2011.
Exhibition 2: Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2012
(images 5-6)
One of Ellen's conceptual pieces, entitled "Autonomous insertions" from the project above in Folkestone was chosen to be exhibited in the Royal Acedemy Summer exhibition (architectural room) in the summer of 2012.
In May 2016 Ellen championed a volunteering initiative which saw a team of ten volunteers from architecture firm WATG travelling across the world to get their hands dirty building homes with Habitat for Humanity Philippines to improve the dire state of urban housing in the country.
The team travelled to the outskirts of Manila where they spent a week in the sweltering heat and humidity to help build new social housing in Quezon City’s Bistekville slum.
They did everything from breaking up concrete to prepare the ground for building to laying concrete blocks for walls to mixing and pouring concrete.
One year later one of the blocks of flats they helped build is now fully occupied by families who are starting the new phase of their lives in safe, decent housing.
Video 1:
Al Hafa Project intro & fly through (For more information, please go back to master plan section on the home page)
Software used: Sketchup, Lumion
Ellen's involvement: Master plan design and urban street design, 3D modelling, landscape and architectural design
Video 2:
Crete resort (hotel and residential community) fly-through
Software used: SKP, Revit and Lumion
Ellen's involvement: Project lead for this resort master plan, co-ordination, 3d modelling and animation with site visits to Crete and Moscow, client presentation and project co-ordination across the three countries.
Video 3:
Udaipur resort and residences fly-through
Software used: Civil 3d, Autodesk Infraworks & Lumion
Ellens involvement: Master planning, road design, 3d modelling and animation
Publication 1: (Images 1-3)
Ellen Ward and former co-worker Carla Novak co-wrote and designed the publication London 2050: What Would You Do? -An architecture and urbanism publication investigating the future of the capital in terms of social, political and environmental issues in 2050. Available in the RIBA and AA bookshops. Please follow this link for full publication:
https://issuu.com/london2050/docs/london_2050/1?ff=true
Publication 2: (Image 4)
Ellen's thesis entitled Detoxcity is showcased in the Architect's Journal (AJ) online as well as in print with Ellen's Royal Academy summer exhibition entry showcasing the 2012 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition architecture room applicants. For more information, please see exhibitions on the home page.
Publication 3: (Image 5)
The Evolo Skyscrapers 2 book showcases Ellen's competition entry and subsequent thesis project; Detoxicty. For more information, please see the thesis tab on the main home page.
2017 ARCHITECTURAL BAKE-OFF
WATG and Wimberly Interior's celebrated the Great Architectural Bake Off as it made an exciting return during the London Festival of Architecture, on Saturday June 10th 2017. Renowned names in architecture came to recreate the world’s most iconic buildings out of cake. The bakers were asked to produce architectural-gastronomic creations that explore the festival’s theme of ‘Memory’ and the results did not disappoint. Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners claimed the coveted title of 2017 architectural baking champion with a gingerbread interpretation of their design for the former bullring Arenas de Barcelona. SOM was awarded ‘Tastiest Bake’ for their hazelnut infused Bienecke Library and WATG & Wimberly Interiors received an honourable mention for their edible Cathédrale de Brasilia, constructed with marbled sugar glass. Ellen returned to be part of the baking team alongside fellow colleagues from WATG's Architecture, Landscape and interiors departments.
2016 ARCHITECTURAL BAKE-OFF
In 2016 the challenge was to create the best interpretation of a building or landmark made entirely, as you may have guessed, out of cake. Armed with spachelors, wooden spoons, and a liberal dash of bonhomie, teams enthusiastically tackled the task with all the aplomb of Mary Berry in full flight.
Ellen's team from WATG instead of choosing a landmark or building chose to recreate the iconic London tube map equipped with a tube tunnel and train, many agreed it was the tastiest cake of the day!
The Project: Detoxcity
London 2050: What would you do?
The concept is a multi-waste treatment facility which is integrated into the urban fabric of the capital which treats and processes the entire spectrum of waste including industrial, hazardous, municipal, water and e-waste. In essence, a localised reclamation facility which acts metabolically, detoxing and purifying waste in the heart of the city. It is at a specific existing advantageous location along the river Thames in terms of access to the site. Waste barges carrying municipal waste up and down the Thames already have access to the site as this location is currently a waste transfer station. It has rail access to the east, road access to the north of the site and lastly, it lies directly above the Victorian sewage network.
By avoiding the transportation of waste disposal over long distances (predominantly to Essex,) this enables reintegration close to the site of consumption and waster production thus becoming an efficient adjunct to the cities core processes. The net effect is that the process is generally marginalised as the peripheral is centralised.
