start-with-the-park

54 Start with the park
Introduction
‘It is difficult to design a
space that will not attract
people. What is remarkable
is how often this has
been accomplished.’
William H Whyte
A well-designed place does not
result from simply transferring
a plan from elsewhere. Designs
need to respond in some way to
local needs and character
‘87 per cent of adults
agreed that better-quality
buildings and public
spaces improve people’s
quality of life.’
MORI 2004
Proposed development in
Glasgow focuses on a new
city park of both local and
citywide importance
When it comes to green spaces, good
design is the process – and the product
– of shaping them in a way that makes
the most of local opportunities. Good
design can transform parks and squares
that have become negative spaces for
local communities and create great new
places for communities that need them.
It makes places that accommodate
varied activities and future change, that
express distinctive character, that make
people feel safe and welcome, and that
use resources wisely. A well-designed
park or garden also creates spaces for
plants and wildlife to flourish.
The location of a park or garden is
critical to its success. Different types of
green space are appropriate in different
settings, from urban core to rural fringe.
A hierarchy of spaces will enable some
green spaces to serve local catchments,
while others serve citywide or regional
catchments. Larger spaces or more
special parks in central urban areas
tend to serve both local and wider needs.
A green space strategy provides the
framework for deciding what type of
space should go where.