Over the years, we've worked closely with Lambeth Council to deliver projects that create both community and environmental benefits for their borough. In 2019, Lambeth was the first London Authority to declare a climate emergency, making them one of the most ambitious boroughs for reimagining streets and tackling climate change. Our work with Lambeth has spanned across multiple of their schemes including: Soak Up Lambeth, Big Shift Parklets, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and School Streets.
In June 2024, we collaborated to design, build and install a School Streets project at Kennington Oval, an area in close proximity to multiple primary schools.
What is a School Streets Scheme?
Designed to improve safety around schools, School Streets initiatives use temporary measures to reduce traffic flow and create healthier environments for children. Often, traffic flow is completed restricted, allowing pedestrian traffic along the road to make the school commute greener and safer for pupils and parents.
Lambeth's own School Streets project was designed to introduce play features, create safer roads, encourage active travel and reduce carbon emissions in the area. To do this, we designed an array of vibrant street furniture and custom planter components that lined the street and created spaces for people to rest and enjoy. A bright floor mural just under 500m long, was painted by Rosie Foden that featured 'play on the way' features to create a more vibrant and interactive space for residents and school children.
©Lambeth Council - Vibrant street art by Rosie Foden
This area was selected to enhance the neighbourhood for the residents. As 68% of households reported not having access to a car, the installation was designed to improve their lived experience of the street by encouraging people to spend time and children to play on the roads.
Initially a temporary installation, the project has been made permanent from the 1st of December 2025 due to its lasting impact and positive affects on carbon levels and active travel.
The impact
One year after installation and over 60 regular visits from our maintenance team, Lambeth Council released some stats on the project and its social and environmental impact:
- 19.4% of kerbside space in the area is now devoted to being sustainable
- 41% rise in cycling
- 1 school street is now fully closed off to vehicle traffic
- 39% reduction in vehicle traffic
These stats represent a huge step towards creating healthier and more vibrant streets. The success of the Kennington Oval School Street demonstrates what’s possible when councils, designers, and communities collaborate to prioritise people over cars.
With its transition from a temporary experiment to a permanent feature, the scheme will continue to reduce emissions, improve safety, and encourage active travel in and around Kennington Oval
