This ‘shared space’ project with the London Borough of Hackney included the planting of 11, now well established, trees planted in GreenBlue Urban’s ArborSystem. These have proved to not only be aesthetically pleasing for passers-by on foot and by bicycle, but have provided a welcome backdrop to market day with onsite seating for all to enjoy.
The advent of the Central London Congestion Charging Zone radically changed the traffic pattern in Leonard Circus, London, EC2. Pedestrian and cycling traffic has dramatically increased following the significant reduction in motor traffic.
In order to facilitate the new traffic pattern and also to calm vehicular movements, the ‘shared space’ system pioneered by the Dutch traffic engineer, Hans Monderman, had been applied together with the theories developed in the UK by Stephen O’Malley. The result is regulated and calmed traffic conditions plus a greener and more attractive environment.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
This ‘shared space’ project with the London Borough of Hackney included the planting of 11, now well established, trees planted in GreenBlue Urban’s ArborSystem. These have proved to not only be aesthetically pleasing for passers-by on foot and by bicycle, but have provided a welcome backdrop to market day with onsite seating for all to enjoy.
The advent of the Central London Congestion Charging Zone radically changed the traffic pattern in Leonard Circus, London, EC2. Pedestrian and cycling traffic has dramatically increased following the significant reduction in motor traffic.
In order to facilitate the new traffic pattern and also to calm vehicular movements, the ‘shared space’ system pioneered by the Dutch traffic engineer, Hans Monderman, had been applied together with the theories developed in the UK by Stephen O’Malley. The result is regulated and calmed traffic conditions plus a greener and more attractive environment.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
The Hackney Tree Guard has been tested to take impact from a 1.5T vehicle at 6mph, many thanks to GreenBlue Urban in achieving this in a collaborative way. It was a groundbreaking scheme and one which takes shared space to the next level where trees and people are paramount.
The whole of Leonard Circus was repaved on a single level without kerbing, signage or carriageway markings. The area between the buildings has been laid with unglazed brickwork, broken up by an irregular pattern of panels using contrasting grey granite, York Stone and Italian porphyry.
The apparently random planting of eleven trees of various evergreen and deciduous varieties was, in fact, dictated by the need to avoid the very dense network of utility ducting and cabling.
The need to protect the underlying network of utility services while also preserving the road’s structural integrity presented a significant design challenge. This was particularly important given the absence of traditional curbs or delineated carriageways. However, the project achieved this balance through the incorporation of advanced urban tree planting technology.
The GreenBlue Urban StrataCell system, a high-strength, modular cellular structure, was deployed beneath the paved surface to distribute surface loads and prevent soil compaction, two critical factors that often inhibit healthy tree growth in urban settings. This system created an uncompacted, well-aerated soil volume capable of supporting mature tree development while simultaneously allowing access for ongoing maintenance of utility infrastructure. As a result, the trees planted in Leonard Circus benefit from an optimal environment, with consistent irrigation, sufficient root space and healthy oxygen exchange, all without compromising the functional and load-bearing needs of the space above.
The Hackney Tree Guard has been tested to take impact from a 1.5T vehicle at 6mph, many thanks to GreenBlue Urban in achieving this in a collaborative way. It was a groundbreaking scheme and one which takes shared space to the next level where trees and people are paramount.
The whole of Leonard Circus was repaved on a single level without kerbing, signage or carriageway markings. The area between the buildings has been laid with unglazed brickwork, broken up by an irregular pattern of panels using contrasting grey granite, York Stone and Italian porphyry.
The apparently random planting of eleven trees of various evergreen and deciduous varieties was, in fact, dictated by the need to avoid the very dense network of utility ducting and cabling.
The need to protect the underlying network of utility services while also preserving the road’s structural integrity presented a significant design challenge. This was particularly important given the absence of traditional curbs or delineated carriageways. However, the project achieved this balance through the incorporation of advanced urban tree planting technology.
The GreenBlue Urban StrataCell system, a high-strength, modular cellular structure, was deployed beneath the paved surface to distribute surface loads and prevent soil compaction, two critical factors that often inhibit healthy tree growth in urban settings. This system created an uncompacted, well-aerated soil volume capable of supporting mature tree development while simultaneously allowing access for ongoing maintenance of utility infrastructure. As a result, the trees planted in Leonard Circus benefit from an optimal environment, with consistent irrigation, sufficient root space and healthy oxygen exchange, all without compromising the functional and load-bearing needs of the space above.
Leonard Circus demonstrates how thoughtful urban design can successfully reimagine a traffic-dominated junction as a vibrant and flexible public space. Drawing on Dutch principles of shared space, Hackney Council prioritised people over vehicles, using pedestrian paving, new planting, and minimal signage to subtly shift perceptions and behaviours. The introduction of innovative elements, such as WiFi, power access and adaptable event infrastructure, has allowed the space to evolve into a dynamic community asset.
The success of the project is not only evident in the way people now engage with the space but also in the durability of its design. Years after implementation, the integration of GreenBlue Urban’s StrataCell system has proven critical in supporting healthy tree growth while protecting underground services. In response to long-term use and evolving needs, a new ‘car-friendly’ tree guard was developed in 2019, further enhancing the functionality and resilience of the site. Leonard Circus stands as a compelling case study in sustainable, people-focused placemaking.
Leonard Circus demonstrates how thoughtful urban design can successfully reimagine a traffic-dominated junction as a vibrant and flexible public space. Drawing on Dutch principles of shared space, Hackney Council prioritised people over vehicles, using pedestrian paving, new planting, and minimal signage to subtly shift perceptions and behaviours. The introduction of innovative elements, such as WiFi, power access and adaptable event infrastructure, has allowed the space to evolve into a dynamic community asset.
The success of the project is not only evident in the way people now engage with the space but also in the durability of its design. Years after implementation, the integration of GreenBlue Urban’s StrataCell system has proven critical in supporting healthy tree growth while protecting underground services. In response to long-term use and evolving needs, a new ‘car-friendly’ tree guard was developed in 2019, further enhancing the functionality and resilience of the site. Leonard Circus stands as a compelling case study in sustainable, people-focused placemaking.
