2020-04-03

A Newly Discovered Pastime during the Corona Virus

Hey who would have thought that one of the outcomes of a world shattering virus pandemic is the rediscovery of walking as a therapeutic and pleasant way of spending our time!

In the UK over one hundred and fifty years ago walking and more specifically walking along the seafront or even out across the sea was all the rage! So much so that almost every seaside resort in the UK spent many thousands of pounds building structures out into the sea specifically for people to promenade and take in the sea air.

This pier on the south coast of England in Hastings (Photo 1) is a prime example but like many piers has fallen on difficult times. Although it recently won an RIBA national award it has struggled financially to be economically viable.

The design is interesting but lacks a critical mass of revenue generating activity or wide enough draw to attract enough people to spend their money as well as their time.

Nevertheless the special atmosphere of the sea even on a stormy day is wonderful and Peter thinks something that will also become popular in China as people have increased leisure time and become more aware of the magic and beauty of our natural environment and need to escape the pressures of city living.

Qingdao is one of the few seaside resorts in China to have a famous pier but from these photographs you can see how alluring a walk across the sea can be. It even features on the famous Tsingtao beer brand logo. (Photo 2)

In the UK, against the expectations for the British Government on the first weekend of issuing of restrictions in social contact because of the Coronavirus thousands of people flocked to the seaside for fresh air and a chance to walk and enjoy the sea. (photo 3)

Haskoll have designed many resorts and seaside attractions and this is one in Qingdao which builds on this idea of the seaside itself being a strong destination. Here we add to the attractions on offer and make sure the project is not just a hotel with facilities for its residents but in fact attracts people from all over Qingdao. (Photo 4)

If the travel restrictions are relaxed in future, Peter urges you to take time to visit the seaside and enjoy the special qualities of the sea and take in all that fresh sea air! Here are some of Peter’s sketches drawn while on holiday at different seaside locations from around the world. (Photo 5)