Multi- level Plaza
High Street, Southampton

This project proposes the extension of the public realm to provide improved access to the basement level archaeological excavations/ vaults and to provide protection against the effects of weathering.

The area to the south of the vaults is excavated to create stepped access descending down to basement level, a plateau midway down breaks down the vertical travel distance and provides an area for external seating in the summer; the steps are orientated south to also act as seating. Sheet piling forms the edge of the area to be excavated and extends around the existing excavations to stabilise the boundaries and reduce identified water ingress issues.

A steel framed canopy structure spans above the existing exposed archaeological excavations, its column loads transfer to the proposed retaining structure and the efficiency of the beam grid has been refined to reduce weight and aid construction. Access onto the southern section of the canopy extends the possibility for the public to experience of the site.