Case studies

Big Shift Lambeth Parklets

Creating Unique Community Spaces: Customisable Parklets for Lambeth

Meristem Design worked to deliver customisable parklets for residents in Lambeth as part of the council’s Community Parklet Scheme. The scheme focused on letting residents have a say in the streetscape and Meristem helped tailor the Parklet structures to these needs. We were involved in the first two phases of the project, installing seven parklets across Lambeth.

The Community Parklet Scheme was supported by the Big Shift Community Fund which aimed to give residents a say in designing a parklet suited to their needs. Community groups were able to sign up to the scheme for the opportunity to design and maintain a parklet in their neighbourhoods. As part of the council’s kerbside strategy, the goal was to engage the community in local projects, and make better use of parking and grey spaces.

This project implemented a range of solutions to enhance both the environmental and human aspects of the neighbourhoods in Lambeth. We had a part to play in the design and fabrication of the project but we handed over the maintenance side to volunteers from the neighbourhood groups to strengthen public participation.

Community Design

We chose to leave the parklet design and maintenance up to the neighbourhood groups in order to foster a sense of ownership in their spaces. Some community members were assigned "Parklet Keeper" roles, giving them responsibility over the parklets and their handling.

Customisable Options

The customisable aspect of the project aimed to create unique spaces and involve the residents in choosing the infrastructure of their streetscapes.

Added Greenery

These parklets featured planters that were designed to support biodiversity and increase green space.

Seating Features

Street furniture components were incorporated to provide more welcoming spaces and invite public use.

These parklets brought about a range of outcomes that benefit both the community and the environment. The scheme helped enhance public initiative whilst also boosting the ecological quality of the neighbourhoods.

Community Initiative

The scheme provided an opportunity for residents to have a say in their spaces, bringing about the changes they wanted to see.

Unique Spaces

The customisable element of the project resulted in a range of distinct, individual parklets which created visual variation throughout the borough

Biodiversity and Air Quality Boost

The planting went hand-in-hand with this parklet project which ultimately contributed to increased carbon capture and a wider variety of plantlife.

Ownership of Spaces

Allowing residents to customise and maintain their parklets fostered a sense of pride and ownership in their community spaces

Client

Lambeth Council and Residents

Location

Sectors

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