Townscape and Public Realm
We wanted to create a place which would be easy to navigate and one which offers plenty of open green space and meanwhile event usage.
Public realm in the Mills Courtyard & via Silo D
We wanted the site to be easy to navigate hence why signposts will be fixed on route locations. This will help tourists on site.
Around the Mills, we wanted to create a flexible open space for changing events such as market stalls, or seasonal activities such as having an ice rink or a beach so that the area can entice new visitors.
Deck Chairs and play activities at Paternoster Square
We also wanted to add some sensory water features for play and relaxation purposes. Play features such as large chess and table tennis could be introduced to keep people in the area. As previously mentioned public realm will incorporate part of the mill's old equipment to act as art and to intrigue people.
Raised grass areas with gentle slopes should be created for playing space/ sitting space. Alongside them is a permanent wooden seat, because footfall is expected to be high given the courtyard is situated in between retail, workshops, apartments etc... To further brighten up the area we propose having street lights with hanging baskets to make the area visually pleasing. Grassy beds can be adapted for community functions, they may want to change flowers which links in with stewardship and educational functions.
Over by Silo D we propose a play area to get children closer to nature. Pathways are lit via lamps. To encourage a healthy lifestyle placement of exercise equipment along the nature paths should take place. Examples of this can be found at Barton Park.
An example of a signpost from Aylesbury
As previously discussed in the barriers to movement there is no change in elevation, apart from seating edge, so the area should be friendly for all pedestrians.
An old-style lamp with hanging flower baskets
Fixed exercise equipment at Barton Park
