%20(2).jpg)
Community spaces and centres are a core principle in curating the masterplan brief for the Royal Albert Dock. They ensure residents in the local and wider area are attracted to the site and play an essential role in establishing a form of regeneration that is community-led and focussed, providing the services, leisure space and employment spaces that the community needs.
Tactical Urbanism
Temporary tactical urbanism should be used to accommodate meanwhile uses. Whilst the site begins it's regeneration, using temporary approaches to adapt the landscape can create a more pleasant and vibrant built form from the start. They can take the form of short term to longer term adaptations to accommodate a change in needs. These changes can include:
​
-
Use of temporary flower beds, planters, trees and green spaces to green and liven the space, providing areas for people to relax and use the outdoor space
-
Temporary seating and benches
-
Outdoor markets and cafes
-
Improved cycling and walking networks
These temporary measures can be useful in adapting the brownfield landscape of the docks to become more inviting for people to use the space and for meanwhile use events to take place. As the site develops, the tactical measures are gradually replaced by the permanent open space designs outlined above.
Broad Street, Oxford, is currently in an 18-month trial period of pedestrianisation employing tactical approaches of temporary seating, planting and changes to the public realm to provide a high quality open space that is much needed in the city centre, particularly since the pandemic.
Culture Palace in Enfield, London, created a temporary performance space, museum, bookshop and cafe in an empty shopping centre unit. This was in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the shift away from physical retail and the desire to occupy vacant space to benefit the community
Issues Addressed
Linking physical and social regeneration
-
Provide a high quality public realm that all can enjoy
-
Provide a flexible space for a range of events and activities to enrich and enliven the space
-
Establishing accessible spaces improves sustainability reducing air pollution and improving the health
-
Including community run spaces can make the space more personal
Pandemic cities
-
The need for high quality green space on the doorstep of communities is crucial for mental and physical wellbeing.