River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme

Welcome to our project page showcasing the transformative landscape architecture work at the River Dargle in Bray, Co. Wicklow. From 2014 to 2017, Austen Associates played a pivotal role in the River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme, a significant undertaking with an overall value of around €45 million. Our work involved creating a series of linear recreational parks that seamlessly complemented the civil engineering efforts of the flood defence project.

 

Transforming the River Dargle Corridor

 

Our detailed landscape design for the River Dargle corridor reimagines the relationship between the town of Bray and its river. The project involved crafting new linear parks, both public and private, alongside the river. We focused on reinstating vegetation within the river’s overall ecosystem and creating an urban design for the entrance to the historical People’s Park.

 

Innovative Design Elements

 

A new walkway along Ravenswell Road was one of the project’s highlights, featuring sculptural elements and cantilevered viewing platforms. We designed sinuous seating and strategically placed planters and plantings, all carefully considered to withstand tidal flooding. Our approach ensured that the landscape design complemented the flood engineering work and enhanced the public amenity value of the river for the community.

 

Collaboration with Engineers and Council

 

Working closely with engineers and the South Dublin County Council, we demonstrated how landscape architecture can support and enhance engineering projects. By integrating sustainable design principles, we contributed to creating functional and beautiful spaces that address environmental challenges while enriching community life.

 

Key Features of the Design

 

• Anti-Social Behaviour Mitigation: Our robust design strategies effectively minimised areas prone to anti-social behaviour, incorporating elements that discourage such activities through thoughtful landscapearchitecture.
• Screening and Softening: Large trees were employed to screen and soften the appearance of substantial structures, maintaining the area’s aesthetic and ecological integrity.
• Revegetation of Challenging Areas: We implemented innovative solutions for revegetating steep slopes and denatured grounds. Our design included tidal and riparian sections, each requiring distinct vegetation types.
• Environmental Resilience: Planting specifications were rigorously researched to handle environmental and engineering constraints, particularly the challenges of saline flooding and dry spells. Our solutionsensured low maintenance while providing seasonal interest and visual appeal.
• Public Engagement and Enjoyment: Walkways and seating areas were integrated within the planting zones, offering residents picturesque views of the river. Our parks are designed to cater to both adults and children, fostering community interaction and recreation.

 

Creating Parks and Urban Spaces

 

The project encompassed designing and developing parks, urban, and civic spaces along the river and historical parts of Bray.

 

Comprehensive Services Provided

As the sole landscape consultant for the implementation phase, we delivered a range of services:

• Landscape Masterplanning: Detailed hard and soft landscape design and project management were at thecore of our contributions.
• Linear Park Schemes: Our designs included the La Vallee residential apartments linear park and Seapoint Court park housing link, incorporating seating and footpaths in naturalistic settings.
• Urban Walkway Innovations: On the northern side of the river, the Ravenswell Road urban walkway features viewing areas, unique river access points, and distinctive planters. This section, nearing Bray Harbour, represents a high-profile public realm area.

Revegetation and Ecological Restoration: We designed planting schemes for steep slopes adjacent to the river and implemented “in-river” planting to rejuvenate embankments while maintaining water flow.