Open Space: Work with University of Hertfordshire

On the Open Space project an opportunity arose to work in partnership with University of Hertfordshire to gain the insight of their first year 3-D Product Design students. Fifty Year One Design Students, instructed by lecturer, Huren Marsh, took Gunpowder Park as a test site exploring how the park should be designed for multi-users with facilities and features that would be integrated into the landscape. They were encouraged to think about the spatial form, transitions from spaces, and how to incorporate landmark elements to give an identity to the park. The emphasis was placed on bringing a 3-D model to the ‘concept’ stage only.

The group encompassed a wide range of cultural backgrounds and urban/rural upbringings and included a number of international students. Green Heart Partnership worked with Huren Marsh to develop the brief. Students were introduced to the Open Space project and Gunpowder Park with a tour of the park and the iconic park centre building. GHP then participated in the ‘crit’ following their 6 week project period.

In addition to examining the individual models, this exercise also proved a very positive piece of consultation in how students, who immediately sit between young people and adults, interpret the existing and future development of public open spaces.

The students had some very specific ideas about what made an open space feel welcoming. Several groups added colourful and delicate ephemeral planting. When asked, the students were very vocal about needing colour and softer planting alongside the heartier, low-maintenance planting. Without these softer interruptions, the students felt that open spaces looked dull, uninteresting, deserted and un-maintained. Their impressions suggest that unless there are elements that suggest maintenance, they would assume the spaces are not maintained or used regularly.

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