start-with-the-park

66 Start with the park
3. Definition and
enclosure
Private and semi-private spaces
such as communal gardens
should be defined by the form of
the buildings, and should back on
to other gardens, not side roads
or service lanes
In a well-defined park, square or garden,
the clear distinction between public and
private space (in terms of legal ownership
or rights of use or access) indicates to
people how they should use the space.
The distinction between public and
private can be indicated by boundaries,
such as fences and walls; planting,
such as hedges or trees; water features;
changes in surface treatment; planting;
or the design and orientation of buildings.
Larger spaces play a different role and
promote different activities. They may
enable people to get away from the
intensity of urban life to a space where
the urban edge is not apparent, and
where they can enjoy being immersed
in nature.
At the edges of urban areas welldesigned
regional parks, woodland,
grasslands and wetlands can help to
structure development in a way that is
never achieved by suburban sprawl.
The Countryside Agency is developing
a body of research that explores the
current state of the urban fringe and its
potential for delivering wider benefits.
It has produced a policy statement
with Groundwork UK and others that
is described in The countryside in and
around towns: a vision for connecting
town and country in the pursuit of
sustainable development (2005). 21
‘...Properties that directly
overlook a park cluster
at around 5 to 7 per cent
above an identical property
in the same market area,
but outside the influence
of the park.’
Does money grow on trees? (CABE Space 2005)
People feel less safe when buildings are
hidden behind high walls. Ideally the front
of a building should face on to publicly
accessible spaces