Devon & Cornwall Landscape Design & Architects, Garden Designers, Public Art

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We have a lot of experience of working with communities in different ways to get the best out of them. We have developed a format that gives control to the design process so that these thought provoking spaces can actually be implemented.

A sense of belonging and ownership will only grow out of a process that has really engaged with its community. Consultations should really be seen as an opportunity to explore the meaning of design and not just a talk shop for the sake of it. Investment in the process means putting more time aside and structuring the budget in order to give more emphasis to the development of ideas.

We see that it is important to develop a close working relationship with project committees and local councils to ensure any future plans are widely supported. Design for communities, requires extensive consultation with stakeholders, the local community and key user groups.

There is a strong argument for people to understand the investment of using a spatial designer as they can be instrumental in inspiring and educating an audience to begin to look at ways of developing strong ideas with the community, which inevitably results in creating areas that people feel they own and have contributed towards.

Spatial designers can be influential when challenging perceptions and empowering the group through the use of fresh and inspiring ideas. One starting point for the penhaligon star sculpture, was the use of a powerful poem that held meaning for those involved. This had tremendous influence on the subsequent design process and as expected, the children who participated in the workshop eagerly embraced quite a literal translation of the poem.

This sculpture stands in the grounds of a school for children with learning difficulties near Truro. At the initial art workshop, it was only when the freedom of the students’ drawings and models started flowing that the project really gained energy. Now that the sculpture is finished the students have a unique connection with it. Likewise, the process doesn’t always need to stop at the initial project development for it to be meaningful. The implementation stage can involve local makers and craftsman who can fabricate many of the important elements on the site. The community can also work alongside them in the making stages, as a way of enabling people to appreciate and have an involvement from start to finish.

We are able to work in the following areas;

public parks
playgrounds
youth recreation space
wetland and coastal wildlife reserves
town centre planning
public realm design