Neighbourhood facilities need to be able to change over time, both in relation to users and potential occupiers. Victorian Houses have their adaptability, and many have been converted into flats and back again over the course of their history. Operational flexibility is also important, so buildings should be designed so spaces that can be configured in different ways. Often, providers and clients can become too focused on their current ways of delivering services –and should be encouraged to carry out planning and design work for different scenarios.
King Square park building
In EC1, a new park building was built in an important local park called King Square. It contains toilets for children using the playground, an office for park-keepers and a community room. Two of the internal walls are retractable to allow the space to be opened up. In addition, the security grills surrounding the building for security purposes can be removed to produce a number of new spaces under the roof – for example to provide a sitting area.
