start-with-the-park

Thinking about design
63
2. Character and
distinctiveness
Parks, squares and gardens form an
important component of the identity of a
place, reflecting the complexity of local
landscape, culture and heritage. At their
best, green spaces can become the
proud symbols of an area.
Understanding the character and threedimensional
shape of the landscape is
an essential step in designing successful
green spaces. Natural features such
as rivers, streams, woodlands, trees,
hedges, wetlands, hills and valleys should
be protected and integrated into designs.
These can help to deliver a range of
benefits, such as providing attractive
routes along river or woodland corridors,
or protecting homes from prevailing
winds through planted shelter belts.
They also help to create a distinctive
sense of place.
A successful green space will usually
promote and reflect the identity and
culture of a local community. Involving
local people in the design process will
help to achieve this. Every element of the
green space design contributes towards
its identity. The choice of planting,
materials, furniture, railings, paving and
public art can all be important.
Public art should be integrated into the
design of the space at the outset rather
than being added on at the end of the
design process. It should enhance
people’s appreciation of the landscape
and public realm.
Public art on its own will not save
a poorly designed space.
‘Fight for authenticity
and integrity…Value the
common place. Our cultural
landscapes are our ordinary
history and everyday
nature intertwined…Let the
character of the people and
the place express itself…
Don’t fossilise places.’
Sue Clifford, Common Ground
‘Local planning authorities
should not attempt to
impose architectural styles
or particular tastes…it is,
however, proper to seek to
promote or reinforce local
distinctiveness particularly
where this is supported by
clear plan policies
or supplementary planning
documents on design.’
PPS1 (ODPM 2005, para. 38)