STREETSCAPE GUIDANCE

HOME
INTRODUCTION
PART A
A vision for London’s streets
PART B
From strategy to delivery
PART C
New measures for new challenges
PART D
Balancing priorities
PART F
Appendix
PART E
Physical design and materials
SECTION 6
Introduction
SECTION 7
High quality footways
SECTION 8
Carriageways
SECTION 9
Crossings
SECTION 10
Kerbside activity
SECTION 11
Footway amenities
SECTION 12
Safety and functionality
SECTION 13
Street environment
SECTION 14
Transport interchanges
Streetscape Guidance
[Part E – Physical design and materials] Street environment 300
Hyde Park Corner subway
London, UK
Redevelopment of vandalised subway using
innovative lighting systems
Key functions
Opportunity
The Hyde Park Corner subway is located near
the Lanesborough Hotel. Repeated vandalism of
existing wall-mounted lights meant that a new
vandal resistant lighting solution was needed to
re-establish a safe environment.
Benefits
Careful detailing and well-placed lighting led to
an atmosphere that was simultaneously calm and
safe. The new lighting is attractive, discreet and
much less susceptible to vandalism.
The handrails were painted bronze to match
surrounding street furniture. Stonemasons were
commissioned to replace the damaged stonework
using artificially aged stone to ensure the new
stone did not look out of place.
Despite its relatively high cost, this redevelopment
was very well received.
Image courtesy of DW Windsor ©
Implementation
LED lighting was fitted under handrails; the
heat from LED lighting made the handrails
pleasantly warm. The lighting levels were
adjusted to be brighter leading into the
subway, creating an aesthetically pleasing
atmosphere.
Applying in London
The usual preference in London is to
remove subways; however, when they are
retained, this example shows how they
can be made calm, attractive and safe.