Reimagining Urban Spaces: A Modular Parklet for Walton
Client
Surrey County Council and Love Walton (BID)
Location
Sectors
Products & Services
Project overview
A parklet project for community wellbeing, pedestrian safety, and air pollution absorption for Surrey County Council, constructed by Meristem Design.
Spanning two phases; an exhibit at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival and a permanent installation on New Zealand Avenue in Walton-on-Thames, this project aimed to improve air quality and enhance community feel.
The project was recognised with a silver medal by the RHS Garden Festival for demonstrating innovative use of space and creative approaches to urban greening.
Goal
This project aimed to discourage vehicular movement on a pedestrian pathway and implement public seating areas to create more welcoming spaces, while still remaining sheltered from busy motorway traffic. Air quality improvements were at the forefront, reducing carbon levels alongside increasing vibrant colours to reflect a fun community-feel of Love Walton branding.
Scope
At the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, the parklet was configured to fit into a 4.8m x 2.4m space to reflect that of a public parking space. Planting was selected based on pollution absorption suitability complemented by a variety of flowering species that bloom across different seasons, ensuring year-round visual interest.
When transported to New Zealand Avenue, the parklet was spread in a linear formation with the planters positioned at regular intervals of around 2.5m to maximise its area and prevent vehicles from entering the pedestrian zone.
Solutions
We implemented a multifunctional design comprised of a modular arrangement and strategic planting to amplify biodiversity and public experience along the span of the street.
Modular Seating Components
Planters provide comfortable seating and shade for the public along the street whilst strategic positioning restricts vehicle parking.
Supportive Plants
Hardy plants capture carbon to improve air quality while pollinator-friendly plants facilitate pollination and year-round biodiversity.
Collaborations
Working with both Surrey County Council and Love Walton, we executed the project to address the interests and concerns of the community.
Transforming Spaces
The project transition from festival setting to urban space showcased the potential of repurposing grey areas to support both community and biodiversity.
Impact
This award-winning project has demonstrated the success of collaborating with stakeholders to enhance a community space, restoring greenery and vibrance in a traffic-heavy area.
Educating the Public
Recognised with a silver medal by the RHS Garden Festival, our exhibit informed guests of innovative and greener urban design.
Pedestrianising the Community
The arrangements of the planters along New Zealand Avenue prevented vehicles from parking on the pedestrian-focused street, reducing traffic flow in the area.
Urban Biodiversity and Air Quality
A diverse range of plants increase carbon capture and sustain year-round biodiversity.
Community Vibrancy and Pride
Along with the vibrant plants, the colourful planters enrich the street visual appeal and celebrates the community's character.
Before
After
View gallery
Featured products & services
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.
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.
Street Furniture
Street furniture help transform public spaces into functional and green areas for the community. Durable, modular and customisable, our various street furniture enhances the aesthetics of the public realm, provides comfort and helps connect people with nature.
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.
"*" indicates required fields