Communities - a place for all
14/04/08
Joe Swift, Leading Green Designer and Gardeners' World Presenter, spoke at this year's CIH South East annual conference about the importance of developing quality green spaces that help make communities a pleasant place for everyone.
Last year Joe presented a BBC programme about garden grabbing, high-density housing and green space. 'It's something I'm very passionate about. Green space is proven to be of benefit physically, and for our mental health and community spirit. It's educational for kids, and it increases property prices and perceptions of safety. Personally, I think it affects our souls, though I think this is more commonly referred to as quality of life!'
The Value of Public Space report by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) shows how cities in the UK and around the world have received far-reaching economic, health and social benefits from making the best of their public spaces.
Joe clarified that we need to be talking about quality green space. He referenced Bournville in Birmingham, the model village developed by George Cadbury in 1900 to move his workforce from the Birmingham slums into decent neighbourhoods. His view was that workers who grew their own fruit and vegetables and exercised regularly would be happy, productive, cooperative workers. And according to research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, it's one of the nicest places to live in Britain. 'Bournville is proof that green space and gardens contribute to a sustainable integrated community - it's not a coincidence that it's still thriving today.'
'We need to take these Bournville principles and add the new issues of sustainability, environment, urban regeneration and higher density housing - we need to move forward.'
Greenwich Millennium Village is another example Joe referred to. This development comprises high-density housing with car parks underneath to retrieve garden space. The apartments overlook an ecology park with a wildlife lake. 'It's green, not grey and that's critical.'
South Kilburn Housing Project is another well-designed development, 'turning a green space into a great space,' added Joe. Its good design includes a herb garden, an outdoor dining area, a children's play area, and space to grow fruit and vegetables. For many of the residents it's the first green space they've been able to garden with.
And finally The Staiths in Gateshead - the Hemingway-designed development built by Wimpey. 'Wayne Hemingway talks about the importance of free-range kids. This low budget, very simple design includes forest bark areas, planting and an emphasis on clay. Wayne's experience is that when the children start playing out together, the parents follow and people in the community start talking.'
Joe moved on to talk about green, living roofs, roof terraces and green walls. He thought sedum roofs were the most simple. They are a good insulator, good for wildlife and birds, and they put back the greenery that is lost from having the building. 'Green roofs and walls cool our cities and insulate our buildings. They can be hugely effective as part of a new build or a retro fit. And they look fantastic!'
Joe tried to quantify the additional costs involved in adding green spaces to a development. 'You're usually looking at 5-10% of the build cost if you're looking for quality. But it raised prices by 8% on average.'
And he warned not to compromise on quality. 'It makes sense socially, environmentally and economically. We should look forward to making the UK a more green and more pleasurable environment throughout.'
Read other session reviews from the 2008 CIH South East conference