Street-Scape - The Good, The Bad and The Hilarious

[danm]

Originally Posted by beefykeefy

Me likey

Best not to quote all the pictures when you reply.

[capslock]

A really good thread to start. There's reason for optimism on this though. As good examples slowly to start to appear, people will appreciate what the benefits are more. I've noticed slow, but definate change over just the last 6 or 7 years. It needs constant pressing but I do see a lot of good public realm proposals being associated with developments I've worked on in Central London. One issue that's not been mentioned is that frequently the funding for these schemes comes via Section 106 agreements with nearby developments - i.e. part of the condition for approval of a new office building is a financial contribution towards streetscape regeneration. I think this is a good idea, but it does mean that progress is slow - some larger streetscape improvements muight be dependant on 3, 4 or more schemes, and these all take time as we know from these forums. Also some London councils are better at this process than others. Also, although this might work well in Central London or other large city centres where the sums involved are large enough, outside the centre the funding presumably has to come from elsewhere.

The idea of a London wide design guide is a good one. I'm sure such things exist already, but a bit more statutory oomph behind them would be of help.

[PadArch]

Originally Posted by WallyChops

Really inspirational - there's no reason why it shouldn't be rolled out elsewhere.

I'm sure the benefits to local retailers/businesses and residents more than justify the costs.

not to mention it's giving people work.

[flare]

Originally Posted by capslock

A really good thread to start. There's reason for optimism on this though. As good examples slowly to start to appear, people will appreciate what the benefits are more. I've noticed slow, but definate change over just the last 6 or 7 years. It needs constant pressing but I do see a lot of good public realm proposals being associated with developments I've worked on in Central London. One issue that's not been mentioned is that frequently the funding for these schemes comes via Section 106 agreements with nearby developments - i.e. part of the condition for approval of a new office building is a financial contribution towards streetscape regeneration. I think this is a good idea, but it does mean that progress is slow - some larger streetscape improvements muight be dependant on 3, 4 or more schemes, and these all take time as we know from these forums. Also some London councils are better at this process than others. Also, although this might work well in Central London or other large city centres where the sums involved are large enough, outside the centre the funding presumably has to come from elsewhere.

The idea of a London wide design guide is a good one. I'm sure such things exist already, but a bit more statutory oomph behind them would be of help.

TfL have a good better streets guide
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/businessandpar...ions/4858.aspx

THe introduction of CIL will mean that rather than s106 which has to be invested in the local area, councils can allocate money from developments for larger schemes possibly located in different areas. I gather from talking to other councils that many will allocate a portion of this money to improved streetscape often in areas without development.

[potto]

posted in another sub-section:

Originally Posted by Mwmbwls

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datab...blic-space-map

This seems a worthwhile exercise that deserves our support.

Privately owned public space: where are they and who owns them?
Help us to create a map of privatised public spaces in Britain so we can see just how much of land is under corporate control

[Rational Plan]

Thar heddon street revamp is great. There have been several short stretches of road that have pedestrianised off Oxford street in recent years. I feel that this may be the only realistic way forward for Central London. Continue looking for small streets just off main roads to create breakout spaces where people can rest and restaurants spill out.

It's these mini squares and plazas that we like the most when we visit small european towns, a more aggressive approach could pepper lots of our towns with such spaces.

[hellolazyness]

Originally Posted by Rational Plan

It's these mini squares and plazas that we like the most when we visit small european towns, a more aggressive approach could pepper lots of our towns with such spaces.

While I would generally agree, it is important to take account of the actual weather we get in England and find a solution that takes all factors (weather, architectural context, whatever) into account.

[kerouac1848]

Outside spaces like squares filled with tables and chairs are common in much of Northern Europe as well, certainly in Belgium and the Netherlands (two countries I'm familiar with).

I'd say the most important thing to consider is the rather unplanned nature of British cities, and how closing one street off impacts traffic flow of all kinds, although there are large parts of central London which are planned.

[El_Greco]

Looks very good indeed -

[WallyChops]

I'm not sure if it's too late to do anything to re-vamp this stretch of Kilburn High Road - from Roll the Dice's London Old & New Flickr set. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rollthe...-60849545@N00/

It was a mish-mash before, but now looks like something from an American urban sprawl.

[delores]

plastic back lit illuminated shop fronts should be banned EVERYWHERE.

[Citizen4012]

Unless they're part of a theme park, such as Times Square.

image hosted on flickr


(Gary Burke)

[El_Greco]

[Octoman]

Yuk. That really does look horrible. Like an explosion in a paint factory.

[randolph]

Originally Posted by delores

plastic back lit illuminated shop fronts should be banned EVERYWHERE.

Agree 100% That and endless plate glass frontages - especially when forced onto a Victorian or Edwardian building. We have had virtually no respect for our streetscapes or urban environment for years.

[ill tonkso]

Which also brings us to Neon Signage. When done well, it can be tasteful and and unintrusive. However, much of it these days is awful.

Good examples of this would be the iconic French Pharmacy sign. The neon green cross attached to the side of the building. Functional and effective. A neon sign attached to the inside of a window can do well to attract attention to your store too. The west end also has countless examples of external Neon fittings that work well and are unobtrusive during the day.

Bad examples can be found at your local kebab shop.

[potto]

this always makes me laugh/cry... hundreds of people have to navigate this on the way to the popular flower market. The area is residential with little traffic:



I have no idea what mind concocted that!

Note the pram next about to enter the photo

[flare]

The walk to Columbia Road is an embarrassment whichever way you go. I'm not sure I've been that way, but that is appaulling.

[Ebeneezer_Goode]

Originally Posted by flare

The walk to Columbia Road is an embarrassment whichever way you go. I'm not sure I've been that way, but that is appaulling.

That spelling is appalling.

[flare]

Originally Posted by Ebeneezer_Goode

That spelling is appalling.

haha, I actually saw it come up on my browser with red underlining but I just assumed it was correcting an American spelling....