Thread > Temporary public realm changes: 10-point checklist
How can spaces adapt for the new normal?
A challenge for local authorities and others, for legal and planning frameworks, and creativity in re-imagining hidden and underused spaces.
Thanks to @DrSDMillington (1/12)
How can spaces adapt for the new normal?
A challenge for local authorities and others, for legal and planning frameworks, and creativity in re-imagining hidden and underused spaces.
Thanks to @DrSDMillington (1/12)
1. #Safety
Barriers between people and traffic need careful consideration - TFL research suggests removing some barriers can promote safer and slower driving.
Where possible, it may be safer to close streets to traffic.
(TFL research: foi.tfl.gov.uk/FOI-2274-1718/…)
Barriers between people and traffic need careful consideration - TFL research suggests removing some barriers can promote safer and slower driving.
Where possible, it may be safer to close streets to traffic.
(TFL research: foi.tfl.gov.uk/FOI-2274-1718/…)
2. #Adaptability
A key quality of Tactical Urbanism - to ensure places can adapt to changing trading conditions and help manage other potential disruptions to high streets
e.g. 2m social distancing - how quickly could infrastructure be reconfigured if guidance changes?
A key quality of Tactical Urbanism - to ensure places can adapt to changing trading conditions and help manage other potential disruptions to high streets
e.g. 2m social distancing - how quickly could infrastructure be reconfigured if guidance changes?
3. #Walkability
Even with wide pavements, obstacles create pinch points; bins, bike stands, signage, advertising boards, sandwich boards..
Consider flow with a street audit and remove obstacles where possible.
(see - Manual for Streets: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl… )
Even with wide pavements, obstacles create pinch points; bins, bike stands, signage, advertising boards, sandwich boards..
Consider flow with a street audit and remove obstacles where possible.
(see - Manual for Streets: assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl… )
4. #Accessibility
Evidence shows more people are using their nearest centre in walking distance. How welcoming are the routes to your place - would lighting, pop-up vendors, bike storage, even entertainment help?
This example from Ottawa shows an overpass becoming social space
Evidence shows more people are using their nearest centre in walking distance. How welcoming are the routes to your place - would lighting, pop-up vendors, bike storage, even entertainment help?
This example from Ottawa shows an overpass becoming social space
5. #Activity
Working with traders to extend activity hours can encourage footfall and take pressure off peak times.
So consider how distancing can be supported in the evening - for example is lighting and heating outside needed to make queuing comfortable as summer ends?
Working with traders to extend activity hours can encourage footfall and take pressure off peak times.
So consider how distancing can be supported in the evening - for example is lighting and heating outside needed to make queuing comfortable as summer ends?
6. #Communication & #Collaboration
All temporary measures impact local traders and people, so collaboration is vital for planners, designers, decision makers and communities.
Comms can address misconceptions e.g. that closing streets to cars negatively affects trade.
All temporary measures impact local traders and people, so collaboration is vital for planners, designers, decision makers and communities.
Comms can address misconceptions e.g. that closing streets to cars negatively affects trade.
7. #Regulatory #Flexibility
Rethinking byelaws & licensing to remove some curbs on what can and can't be done in public space - this will help to operate outdoor seating for example.
Simplifying processes for local businesses to access support & info encourages this activity
Rethinking byelaws & licensing to remove some curbs on what can and can't be done in public space - this will help to operate outdoor seating for example.
Simplifying processes for local businesses to access support & info encourages this activity
8. #Appearance
Barriers, barricades and fences support safety but can affect appearance/perceptions of high streets.
Design and material qualities should be a consideration where possible, particularly for longer-term. Some good examples in our list: highstreetstaskforce.org.uk/reopening-high…
Barriers, barricades and fences support safety but can affect appearance/perceptions of high streets.
Design and material qualities should be a consideration where possible, particularly for longer-term. Some good examples in our list: highstreetstaskforce.org.uk/reopening-high…
9. #Inclusive #Design
The @RNIB, for example, brings attention to the safety of shared space schemes for the blind and partially-sighted.
Closing streets to cars may also affect those who need to park near the facilities they need. See @talklandscape 👉landscapeinstitute.org/technical-reso…
The @RNIB, for example, brings attention to the safety of shared space schemes for the blind and partially-sighted.
Closing streets to cars may also affect those who need to park near the facilities they need. See @talklandscape 👉landscapeinstitute.org/technical-reso…
You can read the full article on temporary public realm changes from @DrSDMillington here > highstreetstaskforce.org.uk/reopening-high…
And to hear more from the Task Force, register with us for weekly updates: highstreetstaskforce.org.uk/register/ (12/12)
And to hear more from the Task Force, register with us for weekly updates: highstreetstaskforce.org.uk/register/ (12/12)
