Challenge
Come 2030, how can London’s high streets become a place which will meet the needs of future generations? How can they become the heart of local economic growth?
What should it feel like to live and work in London? How do we balance the needs of people, place and community with commerce, cars and growth? What are the next Innovative Urban Design projects?
The “Urban Forest” is an Innovative Urban Design proposal that will reinvent the way people live, work and experience high streets. The proposal looks at transforming high streets into sustainable destinations which shifts the priority from car & bus travel to walking and cycling whilst also mitigating the risks of pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
During the summer, the tree-like street canopies harvest the sun’s energy whilst also providing shade. In the winter, the canopies protect people on the streets from rain and snow whilst also collecting and recycling rain water.The forested street will improve the quality of the air, and provide a variety of habitats for wildlife in an attractive forest-like setting. The “Urban Forest” will also reduce gas emissions by encouraging people to cycle and walk.
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
The proposal is planned and designed to promote social interaction by providing a variation of active and tranquil spaces in an easily accessible green spine. This increase in community interaction will create a sense of inclusiveness & stewardship.
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
A great benefit of providing safe & attractive green spaces throughout the city is that they will enhance property values, encourage tourism & investment. The forested high street will provide a unique shopping experience which is safe and accessible to all. This will further increase footfall and demand for retail space, which will ultimately create more jobs.
FUTURE PROOFING
As London grows, the “Urban Forest” can be extended to other surrounding streets, to provide additional green space and green infrastructure to ensure continuous resilience to future needs.
Ultimately the “Urban Forest” shows how we can be innovative in Urban Design and in the way we reinvent the future of our high streets; transforming them into vibrant and healthy places that protect the environment, whilst ensuring they are at the heart of local economic growth.
client
Future Wimbledon
What we did
Master Planning, Urban Design, Landscape Design.
Concept Design.