How do you approach the design of a public park that serves multiple functions and user groups?

1 Assess the site and context

The first step in designing a public park is to understand the site and its context. This involves collecting and analyzing information about the physical, ecological, cultural, historical, and social aspects of the site and its surroundings. You need to identify the opportunities and constraints, the assets and issues, the existing and potential uses, and the stakeholders and partners of the site. You also need to consider the climate, topography, hydrology, vegetation, wildlife, soil, infrastructure, and accessibility of the site. By assessing the site and context, you can establish a clear vision and goals for the park design.

2 Engage the community and users

The second step in designing a public park is to engage the community and users. This involves conducting surveys, interviews, workshops, focus groups, and other participatory methods to gather feedback and input from the people who will use and benefit from the park. You need to understand the needs, preferences, expectations, and values of different user groups, such as children, seniors, families, dog owners, cyclists, walkers, sports enthusiasts, and others. You also need to involve the local authorities, organizations, businesses, and institutions that have a stake or interest in the park. By engaging the community and users, you can create a park design that reflects their aspirations and priorities.

3 Define the functions and zones

The third step in designing a public park is to define the functions and zones. This involves organizing the park into different areas that serve different purposes and activities, such as play, relaxation, exercise, education, entertainment, and conservation. You need to consider the scale, location, orientation, shape, and configuration of each zone, as well as the connections and transitions between them. You also need to balance the intensity, diversity, and compatibility of the functions and zones, to ensure that they complement and enhance each other, rather than conflict or compete. By defining the functions and zones, you can create a park design that offers a variety of experiences and opportunities for different user groups.

4 Select the materials and elements

The fourth step in designing a public park is to select the materials and elements. This involves choosing the materials, structures, furniture, lighting, signage, art, and plants that will make up the park. You need to consider the durability, maintenance, cost, aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability of each material and element, as well as how they relate to the site, context, functions, zones, and users. You also need to use the materials and elements to create contrast, harmony, rhythm, hierarchy, focal points, and identity in the park design. By selecting the materials and elements, you can create a park design that is attractive, comfortable, safe, and durable.

5 Implement the design and evaluation

The fifth step in designing a public park is to implement the design and evaluation. This involves preparing the construction documents, obtaining the permits, securing the funding, hiring the contractors, and overseeing the construction of the park. You need to coordinate and communicate with the project team, the stakeholders, and the users throughout the implementation process, and address any issues or changes that may arise. You also need to monitor and evaluate the performance, impact, and satisfaction of the park after it is completed, and make any adjustments or improvements as needed. By implementing the design and evaluation, you can create a park design that is feasible, effective, and responsive.

6 Learn from the examples and trends

The final step in designing a public park is to learn from the examples and trends. This involves studying and visiting other public parks that serve multiple functions and user groups, and learning from their successes and challenges. You need to observe and analyze how they are designed, used, managed, and maintained, and what makes them popular, unique, or innovative. You also need to keep up with the latest trends and developments in landscape architecture, such as green infrastructure, biophilic design, smart technology, and social inclusion. By learning from the examples and trends, you can create a park design that is inspired, relevant, and adaptable.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?