Project Description
The project creates a new urban piazza, at the heart of historic Clapham Old Town. The dominance of traffic has been reduced by redesigning the bus stop, stands and road system to produce a layout which gives the area back to the pedestrian.
The piazza provides a sense of ‘Gateway’ to Clapham Common whilst focussing on the historic Holy Trinity church. Paved in York stone and free draining gravel, the space is contained by a line of Plane trees which connect with the Common. Catalpa nana trees are scattered across the piazza whilst a plantation of native Deschampsia grasses and Amelanchier give a sense of enclosure. Eighty new trees have been planted in the piazza and adjoining streets.
Client : London Borough of Lambeth
Architects : Marks Barfield Architects
Landscape Architects : Armstrong Bell Landscape Design
Urban Design : Urban Initiatives
Traffic Engineer : The Project Centre
Main Contractor : FMConway
Date : 2013
Photo Credits : Visualisations and photos by Marks Barfield
Awards
London in Bloom Award 2017 – Silver medal
Civic Trust Awards 2016 – Regional finalist
New London Architecture Awards 2015 – Public Space
London Planning Award 2015 – Best New Public Space
Placemaking Awards 2015 – Highly Commended for Design