Archetech Issue 61 2022 | Page 76

LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS

PUBLIC REALM REGENERATION WITH PERMEABLE PAVING

INNOVATIVE SUDS SCHEMES IN TOTTENHAM LONDON
A new case study explores recent urban realm regeneration projects in Tottenham , London exemplifying the synergy of concrete block permeable paving and street trees to address climate change while delivering SuDS . It demonstrates important new techniques applicable to all urban areas .
Completed in 2018 , the regeneration of White Hart Lane in north Tottenham , by muf architecture / art , was a pilot designed using ‘ Healthy Streets ’ principles . These aim to create : ‘ streets that feel pleasant , safe and attractive . Streets where noise , air pollution , accessibility and lack of seating and shelter are not barriers … streets with seating , shade and greenery , and reduced dominance of vehicles by designing for slower vehicle speeds .’ The project delivers these aspirations and was one of the first to use the ‘ Healthy Streets ’ indicator as a metric .
MULTIFUNCTIONAL PERMEABLE PAVING
But it also applies innovative sustainable drainage ( SuDS ) techniques introduced by design collaborators Robert Bray Associates . This approach reduces flooding and pollution of the hidden Moselle River through the integration of bioretention raingardens to collect and treat polluted road runoff . In addition , extensive concrete block permeable paving ( CBPP ) surfaces not only act as SuDS elements – attenuating and treating rainwater runoff – but also enable essential air / CO2 exchange and optimised water supply for tree roots , using a range of techniques .
A focal point of the scheme is a new Pocket Park , enabled by relocation of a bus stop and removal of extensive asphalt paving . The park is separated from the road by bioretention raingardens , intercepting runoff from the whole width of the ‘ side-hung ’ carriageway which acts as a catchment . It also includes long
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