Background
With Islington Council, we carried out a small-scale intervention for the Ambler Primary School. The intervention involved the revitalisation of the Blackstock Road entrance design as well as its landscape.
Our design goal was to make a difference in how the day starts and ends for these students and faculty. We wanted to influence the sense of pride they feel when coming through the gates. Small-scale interventions like this are catalysts for enhanced liveability in our neighbourhoods and can unlock potential for better social interactions, active travel and green infrastructure.
Process
Our landscape and urban design team worked collaboratively to revitalise and green the area, by adding elements that provide a clear identity to everyday spaces. We supported the Council by:
- Implementing additional planting – the plants are resilient, have vivid colours and form to brighten the north-facing plant beds
- Planting new trees – the trees are resilient in harsh conditions, have attractive features, and improve biodiversity
- Designing new street furniture – using robust materials with bright colours and child- friendly design
- Removing the blocking parking bays as well as implementing additional cycle stands and seating areas
- Revamping the colours and the logo of the Ambler Primary School, making it more visible for vehicles passing the school gate
Outcome of our small scale changes
The school entrance has now attractive elements as well as a recognisable identity. There are bright colours around the area making it attractive to children. We replaced some of the cycle locking points on the portable planter with a new and colourful cycle stand, aiming to retain cycle parking and encourage active travel to and from schools.
As a result of the footway widening and improving crossing points, we created a safer area for pedestrians. The planting also created separation between the road and the footway increasing pedestrian safety.
We are incredibly excited to see councils and communities happy with our interventions. These are critical to achieving a better interface between key civic buildings and the streets that front them. This is a fantastic representation of what our team is capable of when it comes to improving urban planning, even by making small-scale changes.
If you’re looking to carry out a small scale or larger scale intervention in your urban planning, get in touch with our Landscape and Urban Design team here.
