Space and Tranquility

by Mehron Kirk & Fiona Sibley

Green and blue spaces play a vital role in our towns and cities, and are fundamental to the wellbeing agenda

Beckenham Place Park; nothing is better than an invigorating swim

Time and again landscapes offer us a portal through which to stimulate our senses and refresh our weary minds. They are also a major contributor to socially progressive cities, by helping us feel connected to others, and to the environments we inhabit.

As urban designers we are committed to providing this kind of refreshment through our thoughtful approach to landscape at a variety of scales. Achieving values of social cohesion and wellbeing is at the heart of what we do. We aim to create moments in towns and cities that feel timeless, that transport users to places in their memories, that encourage civic pride and create a community mindset, and help us to live more sustainably. We recently restored the historic Italian Gardens in Weston-super-Mare, revitalising the town square, the project acting as a catalyst for regeneration by enticing people back into town to celebrate their unique heritage and enjoy the fantastic coastline.

Weston-super-Mare; regenerating the town square and gardens

Weston-super-Mare’s revitalised town square and Italian Gardens stimulates the local economy by attracting more visitors to celebrate Weston's unique coastal heritage

At Beckenham Place Park in Lewisham we recently completed a new classical landscape for Londoners in place of an underutilised golf course. We endeavoured to create more than just a new landscape, designing features that stimulate ecological as well as social benefits, and most importantly, inspire delight and play. London’s newest park boasts 96 hectares of wildflower meadows, running trails, woodlands and ecologically biodiverse wetland habitat, adjacent to a grand 18th century mansion. But the new jewel in the park’s crown is a 283m natural lake, the recreation of an original Georgian water feature. London’s wild swimming fraternity have made a beeline for its sandy shores, not deterred by the chillier season.

Beckenham Place Park; the largest public park in south east London, now reconnected with its neighbouring communities through enhanced historic parkland and a restored swimming lake

Climate change and the need to plan for green infrastructure is playing an increasingly significant role in our approach to design. London has a policy framework for an All London Green Grid, and clear standards for urban greening are being introduced for all new development. These policy initiatives recognise the need for a holistic approach to natural habitat and flood management infrastructure, maximising public access to nature and recreation opportunities at the same time. Our forward-thinking designs for Augustine Hill in Galway consider how communities live and how new city quarters should be underpinned with green and blue networks that are as crucial as their transport systems and buildings. Similarly our projects across Victoria in London illustrate how public realm is the conduit to socialising space and promoting regeneration, giving purpose and delight.

Landscapes do not need to be big to have a positive social and environmental impact: the smallest interventions can be equally effective. The rooftop learning garden at Francis Holland School, the Hive at Kew Gardens and the landscaped courtyards at the Alliance Manchester Business School all offer great opportunities to escape from the office or the classroom into a tranquil spot to enjoy a moment of calmness.

Francis Holland School; space for a new learning pavilion is carved from the dense urban environment and topped by a rooftop garden, an oasis in the city

The Hive, Kew Gardens; an immersive journey through a colourful and vibrant wildflower meadow into the world of the honeybee