1. INFINITY ARTS CENTRE
Feasibility Study
Introduction
A plan has been proposed to build an arts centre on a site in
the heart of Leeds. The project brief outlines that this new build
will be a large scale, educational multi-storey complex with an
exciting modern design making it a popular location within the
city for locals and tourists alike.
1.0
Site Content
There is currently one development on-site. The CASPAR
social housing building mimics the semicircular site that it sits
on. The building has a small parking area to the front/south
side of the development. The remainder of the site is grass field
which surrounds the building with a few trees and shrubs, the
biggest of these trees sit to the East side of the development.
3.0 Location
The location of the site chosen for this project is in the heart of Leeds. The site is convenient for visitors as it is not a far walk from
the city centre. Other places worth mentioning are the educational buildings (universities and colleges) as well as the bus and train
stations which are all in walking distance of the proposed site.
Distances from site to significant locations:
Figure 1 - Site Plan showing existing buildings
First Direct Arena - 0.3 miles Trinity - 0.5 miles
Leeds Beckett - 0.6 miles Bus Station - 0.5 miles
Town Hall - 0.6 miles Train Station - 0.8 miles
2.0
STRUAN JAMES LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY DESIGN STUDIO 2.1

2. INFINITY ARTS CENTRE
Feasibility Study
3.0 Access
The analysis of bus routes and pedestrian walkways is
important for determining the best means of travel to the
Arts Centre. The design must also incorporate a means
of access for those in vehicles and determine the most
suitable way of reaching the underground car park (as
mentioned in the design brief). Therefore a study of the
existing roads must be undertaken to learn more about
what is and isn’t possible for the design.
Buses
In walking distance from the site there are a number of
bus stops to choose from that will allow a person to take
one of Leeds many bus routes through or out of the city.
Bus Served Roads
Pedestrian Roads
Buildings/Places of Interest
Roads & Traffic Flow
NORTH STREET
A64(M)
INNER RING ROAD
NEW BRIGGATE
NEW YORK ROAD
DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC
The image above illustrates the one way system that
the surrounding roads have adopted. The semi circu-
lar road that surrounds the border of the site is the slip
way on to the motorway A64(M).
Illustrated above is a map and key legend to inform about the main roads
around the site. The site is easily accessed by roads coming from the city
centre (New Briggate). Right opposite the current development is Back
Brunswick Street. This is currently the main access to the site and connects
to the car park. The street is accessed by the one way North Street.
From the site, access to the motorway A64(M) is easy however to head back
towards the city centre by car then the user must first go North in order to
turn around (there are links to the A61 from which access to the bus station,
train station and city centre will become plausible.
STRUAN JAMES LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY DESIGN STUDIO 2.1

3. INFINITY ARTS CENTRE
Feasibility Study
Pedestrian Routes
Pedestrian routes are necessary in any
built up area for easy mobility for all
those on foot.
To the North of the site it can be seen
that there are multiple paths throughout
Lovell Park which provides access to
the site.
There are multiple public crossings at
the intersection that connect the side
walks on each street. There is also
one crossing opposite the site to allow
crossings over North Street.
Topography4.0
The study of the topography of a site is set to determine the arrangement of the physical features of the site whether they be natural or artificial.
This site is currently occupied by the CASPAR Development and sits higher than its surrounding ground level. For purpose of illustration, the
existing building has been removed to create a clearer view of the land alone.
Looking at the site from the North West it can be seen that the plot of land is raised on this side.
From the South West view it looks as if the slip way road is between the raised area for the site and the equally raised Lovell Park
behind.
A view from North East reveals that the Eastern side of the site is not raised so high and sits at the same level as North Street. As
does this side of the park.
STRUAN JAMES LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY DESIGN STUDIO 2.1

4. INFINITY ARTS CENTRE
Feasibility Study
Site History5.0
The site is a brownfield site and has been redeveloped multiple times over the years. Leeds was a major industrial town during the industrial revolution so the city has transformed more than
once. Since the Second World War, Leeds like many other industrial areas have seen a decline in industrialism and a rise in new tertiary industries such as retail, call centres, offices and media.
Leeds has also been developed into a more social and economic city through the creation of its two educational institutes Leeds Beckett University and University of Leeds which attracts young
people to the city.
The images below found using Digimap show images of the site from the 19th century up until the current developments in the 21st century.
1850 1930 1960 2015
STRUAN JAMES LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY DESIGN STUDIO 2.1

5. INFINITY ARTS CENTRE
Feasibility Study
Planning Issues and Considerations6.0
Site Ownership
The owner of the site is the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
The foundation was the client for the current CASPER
development.
Listed Buildings
There is only on listed building of significant interest to
the new development. The listed building of relevance
is the Centenary House. Centenary House is a grade II
Listed building which was constructed in 1904 for use as
the Leeds Public Dispensary. The building is immediately
North of the site on North Street. Listed buildings must not
be damaged or modified or the consequences will be
difficult for the client and developers of the new build on
the site opposite.
Other Developments in Leeds
Leeds is a city which has seen and still is undergoing large
changes with developments proposed, under construction
and recently completed.
Trinity Leeds
Trinity is a large shopping centre located right in the heart
of Leeds City Centre. The centre opened in 2013 but after
clearance of the site was completed in 2008, construction
of the development wasn’t started until 2010 and finally
finished in 2012.
Train Station Renovation
Below is a concept image from the development plans for
the ongoing project to refurbish the train station.
Victoria Gate
Victoria Gate is another ongoing development in Leeds
which is situated not far south from the site for this project.
It is another shopping centre on George Street beside the
market and not far from the bus station. The development
is due for completion in late 2016.
Hilton Leeds Arena
The newest Hilton hotel has been developed on a site right
next to Leeds Beckett Universities Rose Bowl building. The
construction of this 14 storey building recently ceased due
to funding issues so remains halfway though its
construction.
STRUAN JAMES LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY DESIGN STUDIO 2.1

6. INFINITY ARTS CENTRE
Feasibility Study
7.0 Climate
The climate of the location is important to study as it will determine many necessary
design features that must be included. Whether this be designing for heat or for the cold.
For rainfall or not etc.
Rainfall
Typically the rainfall is quite high in Leeds as it is in any parts of the UK. It can effect the
design stage as the designer must insure that their chosen materials are suitable for these
conditions and that the building has an effective guttering system for example.
Below is a chart which represents the rainfall in Leeds between 2000 and 2012, providing
figures to work from.
Wind
Wind speeds vary constantly but generally small buildings are
sheltered by tall ones in the city scene. However the site is less
sheltered than many other parts of Leeds so potential wind issues
should be addressed.
Temperature
When determining the materials for the building it is important to consider the temperatures
that the building will be exposed to. If the material that is chosen is prone to heat loss then
it may not be suitable for the UK. Not only are core materials of the development chosen
largely with consideration to the climate temperatures but other design aspects such as
choice of windows will also be linked to average temperatures.
The graph below illustrates the average temperatures for Leeds.
Ground Conditions8.0
The site is a Brownfield site which will mean that there is going to be a lot of coarse ground
types from previous developments. Information may exist from the previous development
of the CASPER project, including various information from soil analysis. However to be
sure a full Site Investigation and Sub-soil Investigation will be carried to out to learn exactly
what ground conditions the development will be constructed on.
Without proper analysis of the ground conditions then there is a risk of using an
unsuitable foundation method which will not last as they are planned, significantly reducing
the buildings lifespan. Difficult grounds will contain moisture and most likely be clay. Pile
foundations will go deep into the ground until a strong bearing strata is reached. Generally
multi-storey buildings will use some method of pile foundations whether or not the ground
conditions are suitable.
STRUAN JAMES LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY DESIGN STUDIO 2.1

7. INFINITY ARTS CENTRE
Feasibility Study
Sun Study9.0
The sun path can have a significant effect on how the arts
centre is designed. As with any development the design
must consider when, where and how often it will receive
natural light on the exterior of the building. Therefore
determining the location of windows and skylights to
allow the light to be most efficiently used to the advantage
of the development. The sun study for Leeds will allow extra
information to be gathered prior to the design process.
The above image illustrates the hours of day
light and hours of darkness each year.
Below are two images of the site once the CASPER building is demolished. There are clear differences between the two. The images
are from a Sketch Up model which has had shadows turned on to illustrate the differences in light levels between summer and
winter solstice. Pay particular attention to the shadows from the Centenary House Building as it will be the key building in close
proximity of the site that can be expected to create the largest shadows over the development. Both images are at Midday on the
21st of June and 22nd of December.
Summer Solstice 2015, Leeds Winter Solstice 2015, Leeds
Precedents10.0
Various Images of buildings and shapes that have led
up to the final concept design for this development.
STRUAN JAMES LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY DESIGN STUDIO 2.1

8. INFINITY ARTS CENTRE
Feasibility Study
11.0 Concept Design
STRUAN JAMES LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY DESIGN STUDIO 2.1
The concept design is a very brief idea for one of var-
ious directions that could be considered. The ‘very’
basic sketch is just to represent the general collection
of thoughts that were forming for the development pro-
posal. The design is always subject to change at this
early stage so no excessive digital creations seemed
necessary.
The most valued idea at this stage is
the dome. Whether this become more
of a sphere or a prism or even stay the
same as a ‘truncated icosahedron’.
A more simplistic accompanying
building to the sphere would be
the space for classrooms etc. It
will be of a simpler design to
enhance the dome part of the
building. It is to be made of
standard block with either brick or
brick cladding for the exterior.
The design is the
same shape as a
standard football
only hollow and
may be modified
at the bottom to be
make it sturdier.
The land around it to be lock block and a well treated grass lawn to look smart and social and must compliment the building design.
A centre piece that symbolises the name
of the development and makes the
building unique. Finished with a smart
tinted black glass exterior.
Colour Scheme