Landscape Strategy & Masterplan for a Brownfield Regeneration Site
Houston, USA
Client: International Competition - Honourable Mention
Collaborators: V L Landscape Consultancy
Services: Development Principles Plan • Landscape Strategy • Illustrative Masterplanning
Focus: Urban Regeneration & Public Realm Integration
Year: 2022
Development principles plan, illustrative masterplan, and CGI visuals for the regeneration of a former industrial brownfield site in Houston.
The project established a clear spatial framework integrating movement, development parcels, public realm, and green infrastructure within a mixed-use urban strategy.
01
Development principles
The project began with a development principles plan establishing the primary spatial structure of the site.
This framework organised movement, land use, green infrastructure, and development parcels to support a flexible mixed-use regeneration strategy.
01
Urban context
The site occupies a former industrial area within Houston’s evolving urban fabric, shaped by infrastructure, industrial heritage, and fragmented open space.
The strategy explored how regeneration could reconnect the site with surrounding neighbourhoods while responding to existing movement networks and landscape conditions.
Industrial character and historic identity informed the spatial language of the proposal.
02
Landscape-led Masterplan
The masterplan organised residential, commercial, and mixed-use areas through a landscape-led framework structured around green corridors, public open space, and blue infrastructure.
Movement routes, development parcels, and open space systems were coordinated to create a coherent and adaptable urban structure.
Green infrastructure formed a central organising element, supporting connectivity, ecology, and long-term environmental performance.
03
Connected Neighbourhoods
A network of mixed-use neighbourhoods organised around walkable streets, public spaces, and community-focused social hubs
Green Infrastructure
Green corridors, SuDS landscapes, and riverfront open space structure the site while supporting ecology, climate resilience, and public amenity
Sustainable Economy
Flexible development parcels support housing, employment, cultural uses, and long-term economic adaptability
Main principles
Public Realm & Experience
Public realm formed a key part of the regeneration strategy, creating a network of streets, open spaces, play areas, and pedestrian connections across the site.
CGI visuals explored how landscape, planting, and public activity could shape everyday urban experience while reinforcing identity and spatial legibility.
The proposal aimed to support an inclusive environment encouraging movement, interaction, and long-term adaptability.
04
Industrial Heritage
Industrial-inspired structures and materials reference the site’s historic identity while creating a distinctive contemporary character
Public Life & Social Space
Flexible public spaces support recreation, gathering, and everyday activity across the neighbourhood centre and river corridor
Inclusive Urban Experience
Pedestrian routes, bridges, and public realm spaces create an accessible and people-focused urban environment
Landscape & Water Integration
Green corridors, planting, and water-sensitive design strengthen ecological connections and improve environmental performance
Regeneration Outcome
The project demonstrates how landscape strategy can structure complex urban regeneration sites through clear spatial organisation and integrated green infrastructure.
The work reflects an approach where landscape strategy supports both spatial clarity and long-term urban resilience.
05
Key outcomes
landscape-led urban framework
integration of green and blue infrastructure
coordinated mixed-use development structure
strengthened public realm and pedestrian connectivity
regeneration informed by industrial heritage and site identity
