CONCRETE & STONEWORK
PAVING FOR CHANGE
With Covid-19 , outdoor space has taken on a new importance . But , apart from temporary measures for social distancing , the pandemic has also triggered a fundamental rethink about other improvements to our paved environment . The future is uncertain and a fresh approach is now needed , with the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements , as the trade association Interpave explains .
Modular concrete paving – including blocks , flags and kerbs – is ideally placed to meet today ’ s challenges , whether for new or retrofitted schemes , as demonstrated in various case studies ( some shown here ) available via www . paving . org . uk . It can be lifted and re-used for layout changes and new requirements , while also addressing other key issues such as flooding , vehicular pollution , urban heat island effects , climate change , introduction of trees and the reinvention of our high streets to create places for people .
Limited Intervention Adopting the principles of ‘ modern methods of construction ’, factoryproduced modular concrete paving delivers fast , low cost installation , with limited intervention for retrofits . Layouts can easily be altered and units taken up and reused , if needed to meet changing needs . These principles generally apply to all precast concrete block , flag and kerb products . They are fully engineered and manufactured under sustainable , controlled conditions – consistently providing accurate sizes , colours and textures , as well as slip / skid resistance and other performance characteristics .
The distinct , modular units and designed variations in colour , texture and shape can break up areas giving visual interest and a human scale not possible with monotonous , formless materials . So , precast concrete paving offers a unique combination of predictability , safety and accessibility for all , with scope for endless variety in shape , scale , colour and texture to enrich the urban environment .
Paving by Design One exemplar of inspired design enhancing the urban realm is the regeneration of the Brownfield Estate in east London , incorporating interventions with concrete block and flag paving . It clearly defines footways and defensible space , as well as highlighting public spaces announcing block entrances with strong-coloured concrete flag linear paving , shared surfaces right across the adopted street itself .
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