Joys and Challenges of Neighbourhood Projects– Is It Possible to Move Forward?

This case study reviews a project in North London, UK, that started as a simple proposal to improve the public realm. The location, identified by the Neighbourhood Forum, was considered an underused paved area. However, it became clear that implementing a scheme would involve many complexities. The project includes design of public space, addressing sustainability matters of greening and urban flooding. Social justice themes include participatory planning and gentrification. Health issues include Covid-19, accessibility, and wellbeing.

Stakeholders include parade inhabitants (retail and medical) and those who live nearby (council and private tenants, and leaseholders). The land originally thought to be public space, belongs to an estate.

Funding is complex. The council granted a Community Infrastructure Levy Funding for design and for community engagement. Professionals and individuals have donated their time. Next steps include fundraising.

The brief sprung from user feedback in 2020. It grew over three years from stakeholder (sometimes conflicting) input. Its evolution seemed to respond first to pandemic, then to economic and social pressures. Drawings reflect this, moving from focus on seating, to one of greening.

The author wore many hats: Neighbour with personal attachment, Academic with associated contacts, Practitioner with design experience, and Neighbourhood Forum committee member.

In this study, architectural outputs are used as data, to reflect on the complexity of regenerating and facilitating livable space, in an existing plaza and neighbourhood. Designs have been springboards to have conversations with users. The case study addresses challenges of moving forward with positive change in shifting, complex circumstances.