Space to breathe

Things are looking up

It is hard to get through the day without hearing the words ‘unprecedented events’ and ‘extraordinary times’. Beyond the likelihood that flexible working hours will become ‘the new normal’, what else can we expect to emerge?

Our urban environments will undoubtedly change. In London, the Greener City Fund is part of efforts to ensure that more than half of the capital’s area is green by 2050.

As well as improving a city’s aesthetic appeal, green open spaces provide significant fiscal benefits. London estimates that it avoids £950 million per year in health costs due to benefits residents gain from outdoor spaces.

In addition to the ‘greening’ of public spaces, the lockdown is pushing some organisations to look at more radical ventures.

The publication Archisearch has launched a ‘Pandemic Architecture International Ideas Competition’. It suggests that there needs to be a solution to address the: ‘Ability to grow food on rooftop terraces, sides of buildings, some sort of hoist-system so you can sow, maintain and harvest.’

Major events often provoke big changes and cities. Organisations and governments are re-examining how public spaces and buildings can better serve people and the environment. Indeed, at Valley Provincial, we have seen first-hand how roof gardens and living walls can transform a sense of space and enhance wellbeing.

At a time of change, the hope is that change can be positive. No matter how modest or ambitious your plans are for your environment and grounds, you’ll find our team understands how to enrich and maintain the green open spaces people rely on to live, work and learn.