One might say that there is no accounting for taste, that the completed projects are faithful to the spatial development plans. That, however, would be too simple. The debate between supporters of the concept behind the creation of representative, even and clean concrete pavements, and community groups campaigning to protect urban greenery, is a never-ending story. We offer suggestions on how such spaces might be saved.
People first
– “Every urban development project has its own guidelines and constraints, including conceptual assumptions and budget, as well as local plans, spatial, social and climatic conditions. However, in urban design, one must first and foremost bear in mind the users of a given space, particularly if it is public,” explains Wojciech Średniawa, a designer at Polbruk.
Achieving the desired effect of an aesthetically pleasing pedestrianised street or square is very important. However, what is considered aesthetically pleasing should be the result of negotiations, prior analyses of the urban structure and people’s needs. Concrete answers are provided by public consultations, submitting projects for residents’ assessment, or observing the needs hidden within proposals submitted to the city’s participatory budget (most of which concern land reclamation). The actions of other countries and cities can also serve as a model. For example, in Brighton, England, architects seeking to transform New Road – a street in the city centre ignored by residents – began precisely with workshops, conversations with people and attempts to understand their needs. Thanks to feedback from shop owners and residents, as well as consultations with local guides, they managed to create a more frequently visited and attractive space, even against the City Council’s wishes. The new road has become a shared space, also accessible to cars, whose passage is slowed down by natural obstacles such as benches and planters. There are no junctions or speed bumps in the area, and pedestrians have absolute priority over cars. Instead, there is a wooden bench running the entire length of the street and an attractive paving surface made of cobblestones similar to Polbruk Ideo bianka_d. The street encourages interaction, provides a place to rest and attracts visitors, thanks to which it has quickly become one of the most popular streets in the area. What’s more, according to the results of a survey conducted after the changes were implemented, 86% of Brighton’s residents would like to see more similar areas in the city.
Secondly, harmony
We achieve harmony through diversity. In urban spaces, trees, shrubs and other plants complement buildings, structures and streets. Moreover, people are more willing to spend time, live and feel better in the presence of greenery, which should also be in the interests of city authorities. Additionally, green oases, such as parks or squares, add variety to the landscape, making them more attractive. This rule is confirmed by the example of Central Park in New York. The park, which was originally intended to be a site for skyscrapers, fortunately survived and is today an invaluable recreational space, a meeting point and the city’s premier destination. Properties adjacent to the park are among the most expensive and sought-after in the entire metropolis, precisely because of their proximity to green spaces.
In keeping with the principle of striving for harmony through diversity, we should adhere to local spatial planning guidelines and strive to create a meaningful space that will be reborn for the people. We can achieve this effect by replacing grey pavers with those in the colour latte, or with a blend of browns and beiges. We can achieve pavements in such colours using, for example, the ‘Ideo’, ‘Granito’ or ‘Carmino’ pavers from Polbruk. The materials can be freely combined, complementing them with street furniture such as benches, tables and mature trees and shrubs.
Thirdly, functionality
– It is usually the case that we only realise the benefits of the greenery around us when it starts to disappear. Fortunately, awareness of the need to create people-friendly spaces is growing. This is also evident in many projects by young architects – functionality and people take precedence in their concepts. If a given space, after renovation, fails to fulfil its function, it becomes useless and is a waste of money. That is why it should not only be convenient for all its users – drivers, cyclists and pedestrians – but also encourage recreation and relaxation,” adds Wojciech Średniawa.
This effect can be achieved by using low-profile kerbs, planting lawns and demarcating functional zones. The situation is similar in France, where, amidst dense urban development, one can find a lawn with a designated area for playing pétanque, shaded by plane trees. Thanks to these measures, the space is more useful and user-friendly. What is more, real greenery transforms squares that are otherwise empty expanses into vibrant oases. Trees adorn the streets and provide shade, dampen noise and purify the air.
Possible solutions
Shapeless, featureless expanses of concrete can be enlivened with creative solutions and small-scale street furniture. Interesting design solutions, such as pocket parks and parklets, can be helpful. More substantial pocket parks not only enrich the local landscape but also address the issue of a lack of greenery. Their guiding principle is to adapt greenery to the space, so creating them does not require extensive site alterations or costly investments. Parklets, on the other hand, are essentially urban relaxation zones created using plants. They are increasingly found on designated sections of streets or outside cafés. Regardless of the scale of the project, such initiatives successfully blend into the urban landscape, cost-effectively enhancing the aesthetic appeal of streets and improving residents’ quality of life.
