Alexandra Palace (crop) - Visibility Study

Viewing instructions: This video is best viewed in ‘full screen’ mode by clicking the ‘+’ icon in the bottom right of the image. You can use the time bar to speed up or slow down the video.

The visibility and appearance of buildings at a distance changes as a result of atmospheric effects. Factors include air moisture/relative humidity, particulate matter, wind direction, sun angle and elevation. The 10 second film above demonstrates the same scene viewed under different conditions.

The film starts with a photo taken in January: The contrast between foreground and background is less than in other conditions - due to low relative humidity, low particulate count, and winds from north. More definition and detail can be perceived on distant buildings in these conditions.

The film ends on a photo taken in July: Maximum contrast effect between foreground and background (i.e. perceived as least clear, objects at distance reading lighter) due to high relative humidity, high particulate count and winds from south east. High relative humidity results in extra moisture content in air and reduces the tonal range of buildings / landmarks viewed at distance.

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1A1_Alexandra Palace

Viewing instructions:
All images should be viewed in ‘full screen’ mode by clicking the ‘+’ icon in the top right of the image. When the image is opened in full screen mode you will see a scale bar at the bottom of each image. Use the scroll wheel zoom function and a ruler held against the screen to ensure the scale bar correctly measures 10cm when viewed at a normal viewing distance (approximately arms length). The size of objects in the view will then equate approximately to the size they would appear when viewed at the scene. This technique is known as ‘Real Scale’ viewing

LVMF – Alexandra Palace 1
Alexandra Palace sits on the rising ground of Muswell Hill within public parkland. The foreground, middle ground and background are distinctively separated by vegetated ridges. Two Assessment Points, 1A.1 and 1A.2 are identified in the draft LVMF. Assessment Point 1A.2 is the starting point for a Protected Vista towards St. Paul’s Cathedral.


Viewing Location 1A
Assessment Point 1A.1:
Assessment Point 1A.1 is orientated towards the City with St. Paul’s visible, although partially obscured by foliage. This position is identical to that described in the current LVMF guidance published in 2007.
The view from 1A.1 does not form a Protected Vista, consistent with the 2007 guidance.
Assessment Point 1A.2:
Assessment Point 1A.2 is orientated towards St. Paul’s Cathedral. This position is identical to that described in the current LVMF guidance published in 2007.
The Viewing Corridor from this position towards St. Paul’s has been widened from 70 metres in the 2007 guidance to 140 metres at the dome of St. Paul’s.
The Left Lateral Assessment Area has been widened from 70m in 2007 to 110m in 2009 at the dome of St. Paul’s.
The Right Lateral Assessment Area has been narrowed from 70m in 2007 to 50m in 2009 at the dome of St. Paul’s.
The Background Assessment Area has been widened from approximately 267m to approximately 381m.
The threshold height levels remain consistent between the 2007 and draft 2009 guidance.

References
1. Draft revised Supplementary Planning Guidance – London View Management Framework May 2009 – Pages 34-38
2. Supplementary Planning Guidance – London View Management Framework – July 2007 – Page 69-75
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Extract from LVMF: Alexandra Palace 1A.1 and 1A.2

Foreground & Middle Ground
91 Development that breaches the vegetated ridgeline should not
compromise the distinction between the middle ground and background.
All development should make a positive contribution to the existing
characteristics of the view.

92 The dome and western towers of St Paul’s Cathedral make an important contribution to the viewer’s ability to recognise an appreciate the landmark as a whole. Therefore, they are included in the Landmark Viewing Corridor of the Protected Vista.

Background
93 Development should reinforce the existing composition of the view. It should consolidate existing townscape elements and manage development near St Paul’s Cathedral carefully. The dome and peristyle are clearly recognised in the panorama because they are vertical elements set against two distinct ranges of hills with a strong horizontal emphasis. This aspect of the view, particularly close to the landmark, should be preserved in order to ensure the viewer can recognise and appreciate the landmark. Some development in the backdrop may be acceptable, if it does not visually interact with or dominate the peristyle or dome and if it is an appropriate distance from the landmark.
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