Design Brief

Stephens Road, Newham. More specifically, the park in front of the blue flat. I’ve chosen this area because there aren’t many spaces for children to use in this area, even though 2 primary schools, and a nursery are based nearby. Children in the area may have to travel a fair bit from home to have a place to have fun, with nearby parks being roughly 15 minute walks away. Sport plays a big part in the area, with children coming from all over Stratford to play in the park with friends after school. Personally, I grew up going to this park as I used to live in the blue flat, going to the park everyday after school. Many signs on the walls/gates of the park have written in a “No Ball Games” agenda, but it is very common for children to play football there. I believe it is best to accept and embrace the love for football in the area and to create a safe environment for kids to play football. An issue, however, is when people walk through the area people play football and disrupt the game. A safe and easy walk from seating area/toilets would be necessary.

The area has also been frequently used as a, simply, an area for friends to just sit and talk. So a comfortable seating area would be useful. However, the area of Stratford does have an issue with crime. During May 2022, there 48 cases of miscellaneous theft, 46 cases of harassment and 42 cases of theft from a person (these being the most common crimes). A safe space for the people using the equipment would be vital. There are no nearby toilets so an area for toilets would be helpful, there is no need for a café as there are nearby corner shops/food shops, which are within 2 minute walks. Bins would be beneficial to reduce littering as the park itself is very messy, with rubbish thrown around. Water fountains would be helpful so more time can be spent in the park. A café is not a necessity as shops are really close so it isn’t a necessity.

Must be a high fenced area (has an issue with balls getting kicked over onto the main road or hitting shops/cars).

Must have a seating area.

- Must include tables, bins, and water fountains.

• Football area to be the main source of attraction:

- Goals.

- Lights.

- Caged so the football doesn’t get in the way of people sitting around.

Toilets M/F

Clear access to the seating area that doesn’t clash with the football area.