Creating Unique Community Spaces: Customisable Parklets for Lambeth
Client
Lambeth Council and Residents
Location
Sectors
Products & Services
Project overview
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.
Goal
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.
Scope
Taking place across the borough, Meristem Design supplied a brochure with different seating and planting options for neighbourhood groups to choose from. Their parklet selection and location were assessed by the Big Shift team and then realised by Meristem.
Solutions
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.
Impact
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
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Featured products & services
Parklets
Parklets help transform our streets from car dominated environments to community hubs. Providing space for people to sit and relax, parklets boost biodiversity, support businesses and encourages active travel.
Custom Planters
Combining functionality with a style that fits any aesthetic, each planter is crafted with care to suit your location and enhance the space. Helping to add greenery to both indoor and outdoor areas, planters create welcoming spaces that benefit people, businesses and the environment.
Design
We specialise in designing beautiful, sustainable urban greening solutions and products that bring nature into public, commercial and residential spaces. From concept to final design, we work closely with clients to ensure that every element is crafted to meet their unique needs, aesthetic preferences, and sustainability goals.
Fabrication
We provide high-quality, in-house fabrication services tailored to the needs of urban greening projects. Composed of skilled welders and carpenters, our fabrication team brings each project from concept to completion using precision and exceptional craftsmanship.
Get in touch
If you like what you've seen in our case study and want to learn more about how this could work in your setting, please get in touch.
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