Parkitecture
June 26, 2022
Parks play a vital role in the culture of a city and in the well-being of those who live there. Yet studies have shown that if a park is more than a three-minute walk from someone’s home, they won’t use it! People who live within that three minute walk will visit their nearby parks almost everyday, and say it’s of the most important parts of their physical and mental health routine. But what about the people who live outside that three minute radius? Wouldn’t they also would benefit from a little relaxation and connection with nature? For them the distance overrides the need. Living near a park can increase your physical activity, reduce stress levels and offer better air quality for the neighbourhood. Many factors go into designing a good park that will be used by all kinds of people and enrich the cities landscape.
Parks As Social Hubs
Beyond the physical health benefits, parks also become essential social hubs of activity! By designing public areas and squares within dense residential areas you are adding the human element back into your urban planning. People need spaces to interact with their neighbours in a neutral setting; where they could both be there at the same time for their own reasons and still run into each other. That’s why it’s important to offer enough subtle variety in activities to appeal to as many people as possible. Whether it’s to play a friendly game of basketball or stroll through some beautifully maintained flower gardens. Parks can act as a bridge between generations and interests to unite a community.
Creative And Intentional Landscaping
Creative and intentional landscape design can make all the difference when it comes to designing a park. Landscape architects use plants, varying terrain, stones and pavers to create beautiful interactive and engaging spaces. Another trend emerging in the design of urban parks is that asphalt is no longer being used as the primary material for paving pathways. Asphalt is notorious for reflecting heat, bring hard under foot, offers no natural water drainage, and is detrimental to the health of surrounding plants and animals. The switch to stone pavers allows for the creation of beautiful details and patterns and also is better for the health of the park and neighbourhood.
Parks Compliment Architecture
A strategically planned park can also be a compliment to surrounding architecture! If you can plan the layout of the park, you can control how people see your building. Trees and seating location create opportunities to frame beautiful architectural moments you want users to focus on. By surrounding your building by green space you’re ensuring people see the building from all sides. As the seasons change the variety of colours can compliment the adjacent architecture and make it pop. Occupants of a building are also willing to pay more for a space that has a view of a park, rather than directly into their neighbours window or onto a busy street. The relationship between parks, architecture and the people who live in them truly becomes a defining factor in the culture and lifestyle of any city. With health and well-being on top of everyone’s mind, the need for more and improved green spaces is crucial. Consider these elements the next time you’re out for a walk!
Words by:
Alan Chakota and Emilia Majerus