Gardening Magazine

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Public Square

By Davis Landscape Architecture @DavisLandArch

Windrush Square is a recently completed public open space at the center of Brixton, fronting the Ritzy Cinema. It was formed by the bringing together of the old Windrush Square, two adjacent gardens and a road which separated the spaces. What was formally three disparate spaces which attracted antisocial behavior is now an attractive, functional coherent space.

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Paved Surface

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Paved Surface

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - From Saltourn Road

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – From Saltourn Road

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Saltourn Road Frontage

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Saltourn Road Frontage

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Effra Road Frontage

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Effra Road Frontage

The north side of the square is predominantly hard paved whilst the south side of the square is predominantly grass with trees. Cutting through the grass area to the south are two paved diagonal paths, the anticipate the desire of the pedestrian to cut across the grass.

Windrush Square - Plan

Windrush Square – Plan

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Trees

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Trees

The new scheme has been designed to provide clear sight lines and to be well lit, providing a safe pedestrian environment in both the day time and at night. It has been designed as a flexible open space, with the minimum of clutter. This allows the free movement of people and can accommodate community events and other pop up events.

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Steel Paved Surface

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Steel Paved Surface

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Water Feature

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Water Feature

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Tree Pit Surround

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Tree Pit Surround

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Surfaces Details

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Surfaces Details

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Sculpture

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Sculpture

The large exiting London Plane tree in front of the Ritzy Cinema has been retained. The design of the space surrounding this tree considers the trees existing roots by providing a slightly elevated platform with both stepped and ramped access.

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Retained Existing Tree

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Retained Existing Tree

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Diminishing Steps

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Diminishing Steps

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Steps and Landings

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Steps and Landings

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Ramp

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Ramp

Seating has been provided in a number of ways by the use of fixed solitary seats, a seat sculpture and informal seating on steps.

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Seating Units

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Seating Units

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Granite Seating

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Granite Seating

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Steps and Surfaces

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Steps and Surfaces

Windrush Square, Brixton, London - Ritzy Cinema Cafe Space

Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Ritzy Cinema Cafe Space


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Windrush Square, Brixton, London – Public Square

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