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Old Street Urban Realm Design | TfL
Urban Movement (Public Realm, Streetscape + Landscape Design), along with Fereday Pollard (Architects) were commissioned by Transport for London, to design a dramatically reimagined public realm at Old Street.
This new space for London was created by TfL's re-working of the highways, which cut people off from the space in the centre of the roundabout, save for access through the below level shopping centre. A network of underpasses allowed people to cross the street, and access the station and below ground shopping centre, creating a disorientating and unwelcoming space that encouraged little relaxation or enjoyment in the area.
TfL’s highways scheme ‘peninsularised’ the new space, creating a humanised network of streets with surface level crossings; attaching the large new pedestrian plaza at the north-west corner, next to existing public realm and attractions. With the ramp and underpass network removed, a new station portal had to be delivered, and we worked with the station architects to ensure that this, as well as other structures within the space, were enjoyable for the space itself, as well as people using them to access the station.
London’s new landmark public space was designed with enjoyment and city life at its heart. A series of vibrant garden spaces were created, with play spaces, areas of habitat planting, and areas of accessible greenspace. Communal and celebratory dining spaces were created with a long dining table, to allow events to take over the space, or people to hold meetings, or share lunch with friends.
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