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new approaches to urban and landscape design The coronavirus has changed everything from the way we socialise to the way we work, creating opportunities for urban transformation. The big question is what aspects of design and movement will define the ‘new normal’? As landscape architects and urban designers, we have the skills to identify how our cities and spaces can evolve. While economics will dictate how easily design interventions are implemented, we expect the following trends as a paradigm shift in open space design.
A move away from structured playgrounds
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Investment in touch free activities that reduce the risk of hand contamination such as kick-about spaces, sports courts, and parkour circuits.
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Increase in outdoor dining and retail With cafes, bars and retail critically restricted by social distancing measures, small pocket parks and outdoor dining zones will become the standard setting for many operators. Small satellite stalls or external dining would also provide a leasing opportunity for municipalities to increase their own depleted revenue streams.
Painted interventions
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Expect them to become a permanent fixture within our public realm to demarcate standing zones and assist with social distancing. With a bit of creativity these applications could have an artistic or pattern aesthetic that adds character.
Move towards localism
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As governments seek to control the movement of products and people, there is likely to be a focus on more local or regional experiences. This allows design to be more about community and connectivity, taking advantage of what each city has to offer socially, culturally and physically.
Reconfiguring of streets
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The uptake in bicycle usage promises to be the biggest shakeup to the functionality and livability of the city in recent times. This could see the formal redesign of streets with wider pavements, additional cycle lanes, and multi-use public nodes for outdoor dining or market stalls.
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A rethink of social seating nodes Parks and boulevards have always been about providing places for people to meet up. Furniture design may evolve to fixtures that restrict seating to individuals, rather than the traditional communal benches to limit opportunities for infection.
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Rediscovery of open/ multi-use areas Plazas, amphitheaters and lawn areas have always been touted as versatile spaces, but have often been unable to compete with indoor facilities in defining a vibrant social life. In a post COVID world these spaces may function for local markets, outdoor movies, or structured exercise and could become the civic heart of cities that designers have envisaged.
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Compartmentalized designs to parks The latest trends in design has seen co-located uses and activities, with an overlapping of services to ensure public spaces are as vibrant as possible. With the need to lock down specific uses or gathering areas, we may see a return to compartmentalized open space design.
New technology
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A move to a hands-free future is a major precautionary measure to avoid touching contaminated surfaces. Park gates, cafes, public washroom doors and drink fountains will need to be retrofitted with activation sensors. In terms of monitoring and tracking group movements, cell data and smart city technology will become standard and could prevent another full lockdown.
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New planning approaches to open space With a part of the population living in apartments and studios, the need for break out spaces and connection with nature has become essential for people’s mental welfare. A more fluid planning system is required that encourages rapid transformation of open spaces and stronger connections to the natural elements.
Challenge the expectations
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Unlike anything before, this crisis has allowed us all to challenge the expectations of urban living and consider new approaches to landscape design. Social distancing and work-from-home initiatives have resulted in new thinking towards public spaces that need to allow us to safely pursue business, social and recreational activities. While government policy and economic realities will steer the above initiatives, the design profession stands ready to be active and agile in ensuring the outcome changes the way we live for the better.” — Sebastien Miller GHD Landscape & Urban Design Lead
www.ghd.com