2 minute read
Plan the street as well as the sky
What causes more debate – how tall buildings look, or what happens at their feet?
Skyline eye candy seems to trump the ground floor every time, which is curious because it will be the public realm that does all the heavy lifting when it comes to making community. It is where lives overlap, and people get to know their neighbours. Not a square metre can be wasted.
Inspired by a conversation with Scott Carroll from LDA Design, illustrator and architect Anna Gibb has explored how to make the most of the foot of the tower.
No 1 Public realm is where the character of the place is expressed. Design for people and nature; don’t let vehicles dominate.
No 2 You want residents to linger instead of heading for the lift. With the right activities, local people will join in too.
No 3 Sunlight governs street life, especially in spring and autumn. Create natural anchors in sunny areas, from benches to coffee carts.
No 4 Tailor spaces to create favourite spots. Sometimes, we want quiet. Other times, table tennis and a pizza oven.
No 5 Help people forge connections with nature, whether it’s a tree canopy or planted podiums screening off floors above.
No 6 When solutions are identified early on, even tricky things like wind can be properly addressed, ensuring open space is never sacrificed.
No 7 Remember, nature doesn’t have to be naturalistic. A wildflower meadow with straight edges will still come alive with pollinators.
No 8 Public realm has to feel welcoming and safe from day to night. Make it cosy, like a living room.
No 9 Whatever our age, we love play along the way. Even if we’re watching rather than jumping. All part of making spaces diverse and convivial.
