Site and Building Analysis
Situated on Southsea’s busy, main high street, Knight and Lee is in a prime location for retail. Whilst easily accessible by car, the stretch which
passes the main facade of the store is only accessible on foot, making it a safe and popular route, with other shops providing plenty of foot
traffic. The high street also serves as a direct route towards the seafront, thus is very popular, particularly in Summer time. Previously a John
Lewis department store, Knight and Lee is not only in a prime location, but is well designed for retail. It has an imposing and eye catching
design, with sunlight reflecting off of it’s many windows in an attractive and subtle manor. It provides shelter to passers by, with ground floor
covering extending the length of it’s many shop windows, again encouraging sales and attracting attention. Internally it is spacious and open
plan, with inter-level access spanning across three floors, a basement and the roof. The building possesses multiple ground floor entrances,
two of which are designed for public access, leading out onto the high street and the others, designed for deliveries and staff access. Internally
it’s walls are well positioned to create quarters only accessible to staff, alongside a sizeable warehouse, a delivery area to it’s rear and shop
facilities. With a growing need to revive the high streets and a trend for sustainability, the building’s design which is so well suited to retail, is to
be utilised to it’s full potential and retain its purpose, making it’s adaptation all the more sustainable.
Retail Road and Footpath Access Sun and Wind
Exterior
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