simpson wilson architects

102 alexander street crows nest nsw 2065 australia
tel: 02 9439 3086 mob: 0409 395 140

CLARENDON NEW TOWN JAMAICA

In 2001 Simpson Wilson entered a 2 stage international design competition to design a town for 100,000 people in Jamaica. After being selected to enter the second stage of the competition we went to Jamaica to test some of the principles and understand the particular urban issues of Jamaica. Although we did make some changes to our submission based on this visit, we adhered to our overall approach and our submission was awarded first prize in February 2002.

New towns are a common solution to urban problems in Jamaica and they do not hold the stigma that blight new developments in other countries. The reasons for this are complex and particular to Jamaica.

In designing the new town we have attempted to address urban problems found in both old and new developments everywhere and in Jamaica in particular.

We have proposed a mix of use throughout the scheme, with varying intensities depending proximity to town centres, neighbourhood centres, schools and so on. We have proposed limits on open public parkland - largely because there is not a culture of publicly funded parks in Jamaica, but also as in other parts of the world, they are most relevant as adjuncts to schools, churches and other institutions where they can be maintained and supervised.

Our major concession to parkland is the large central wild park which exploits the existing vegetation and landform and the wild forest around the town. We believe these areas can be made accessible with simple, sensitive tracks which might take in unusual geological features, occasional open areas and forest.
We have placed a greater emphasis on footpaths than normal. This is because the street is the major playground for Jamaican children. Also Jamaica has a high rate of pedestrian mortality - this is due at least in part, to a lack of footpaths.

We have based local business close to schools and we have tried to ensure that the distance between homes and schools are no more than 400 metres for elementary school children , and no more than 1 km for high school children. We have also ensured that no elementary school child should have to cross a major road on their way to or from school.

Residential and commercial structure is focused on the street, Residential controls will include living verandas overlooking streets and lanes to encourage street life. Commercial areas are mixed with residential areas but will also include flexible public areas for markets, street parties and informal sports venues.

we believe our overall approach could work anywhere in the world.