watermark West Quay

Design F9 were drafted into the Technical team at (as it was then) Lakesmere. We were tasked with creating 3D models, visualisations, animations and construction drawings for the tubular, parametric façade for the building. The project its self was a challenging one, physically, since the façade had to be installed in parts.

When given the design brief, Architects ACME investigated the history of the area in general and that site in particular. On discovering that the Pirelli factory once called this site home, making underwater cables, that was the birth of inspiration for them. The veil of curving pipes is a nod in the direction of the history of the site, and the work that Pirelli did here.

One step at a time

Southampton has a rich history and soulful links with the sea. The Watermark complex sits adjacent to the historic walls and West Quay Shopping Centre, which naturally draws the development to the sea, reconnecting with its historic roots.

Phase 1 and 2 of the Watermark West Quay project, were designed as the first steps in a plan to reconnect the city of Southampton to the sea, embracing Southampton’s ancient maritime history.

The overall vision and impact of the ‘master-plan’ would make sure that the new development bridged the level change that currently divides the site from the city centre.  This was to be done while conserving protected views by splitting the scheme into distinct north and south project areas.

The Watermark West Quay building now plays host to a 10-screen multiplex cinema, a bowling alley, 24 restaurants, and cafes as well as an esplanade and a public plaza. With so much to be housed there, the design and construction teams were both faced with their own unique challenges.

Once we had received our technical brief, we got to work putting together construction drawings and the 3D models. Construction limitations meant the facade needed to be broken down into modular components. This made construction much easier, but the build teams needed to know how these modular parts fit together – which is where the construction drawings that we had created became invaluable.

By the time the build was finished a soaring cantilevered box, wrapped in a skin of curving silver tubes, projected out over the brand new square, signalling the development from the city as a hive of activity.

Designs that preserve a site's history

Because of the nature of the site, in terms of historical value, designs for any building of this size needed to reflect the history and significance of the area. It very much acts as the connecting line between land and sea. The overall development concept centred around a public plaza and flanked by the city’s Town Walls.

A set of tapering steps leads down from a promenade, which created a natural auditorium. This auditorium, together with the plaza, was designed to host a wide range of events such as Christmas markets and even and even an ice-rink.

We knew immediately that the finished project would play a significant part in the redevelopment of the town centre, and just as a 24-hour hub of activity. History is etched into the very fabric of Southampton, and any new design and project would have to not just respect that but enhance it too.

It is for this reason, perhaps more than any other, that Lakesmere knew that getting the design for the promenade 'just so' was incredibly important. The steel tubes are certainly eye-catching and make for an excellent silhouette against a setting sun. But that aside, when visitors realise why that particular design was chosen, it becomes a great talking point too.