In 1990 the Crown Street Regeneration Project was established to fill the gaping hole in the urban fabric caused by the demolition of twelve 1960's deck-access blocks in the heart of the Gorbals area of Glasgow. The Project's main aim was to redevelop this 40 acre vacant site but it also sought to bring new life and confidence to the Gorbals by creating a new mixed use and mixed tenure community through a process of 'careful urban renewal'. In order to stimulate ideas for the new development, a major Urban Design Competition was held and, from a shortlist of four, CZWG were chosen as winners. They were commissioned to draw up a Masterplan for the site formulated to achieve a very high standard of urban design and architectural quality, while at the same time ensuring viability in terms of realistic assumptions about the marketplace and public sector funding. It also seeks to integrate the development with the adjoining areas of Laurieston and Hutchesontown and thereby assist in the wider regeneration of the whole Gorbals area.
Some people crave the life of a city, some live there under duress.
Urban existence should, therefore, not just have vitality, but also dignity and calm. The hard edged quality of city life should not be emasculated, but there should be an alternative of a softer retreat because people cannot continuously absorb the rigours of an urban life. The urban street block is vital to the reading of Glasgow's urban fabric. A logical experience of building fronts and backs must be created without any ambiguity. The interior of the block should be a precious oasis from the busy life of that urban fabric.