We were appointed as landscape architects by an architectural practice for a proposed mixed-use and residential development in South London. Our landscape architect brief focused on developing a sketch landscape design based on a planning-approved scheme. We then reviewed the proposals with our client and invited comments from the wider design team. Following this review, we prepared a landscape architecture package to support the discharge of planning conditions.
The site sits alongside an existing railway viaduct. The proposed development comprises five distinct building blocks. Beneath the viaduct, a series of arches accommodates local businesses. Therefore, our landscape architect team needed to maintain vehicular access along this elevation. At the same time, we wanted to create a pedestrian-focused character.
Throughout the scheme, our landscape architects proposed a shared-space approach. Carriageways and footways were designed at the same level, creating a seamless landscape. This approach establishes a home-zone character across the development. In addition, the landscape design uses a consistent paving pattern throughout the site. This reinforces the shared-space concept and makes it clear that vehicles and pedestrians occupy the same environment.
At the heart of the development, our landscape architects designed a new public open space. The space provides pedestrian permeability along its north, south and east edges. Meanwhile, carefully designed planting creates a stronger sense of enclosure. It also forms a series of smaller spaces where residents, visitors and friends can meet.
Along the western edge, a continuous planted strip separates the public open space from the adjacent carriageway. As a result, the landscape architecture provides a clear transition between pedestrian and vehicular areas. Overall, the design combines accessibility, planting, shared surfaces and high-quality public realm to create an attractive and functional landscape for the development.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: E
Client: Parritt Leng
Architect: Parritt Leng