St Paul of the cross

The site presented a number of significant challenges that needed to be addressed through sensitive and strategic design. A large proportion of the area was dominated by hard surfacing, which not only created problematic drainage conditions but also failed to provide a welcoming or suitable environment for children’s play and engagement.
These issues were further exacerbated by the site’s context, bordered by a busy roadway and surrounded by high-density buildings, the space felt exposed, noisy, and disconnected from nature. Additionally, a substantial section of the site sat beneath a large overhanging building, resulting in a dark, underutilised zone that lacked both amenity and purpose. This combination of environmental and spatial constraints called for a considered design response that would transform the site into a functional, inviting, and child-friendly landscape.