It isn’t necessarily the cost or size of the scheme that encourages residents to feel proud of their area, often it’s just the little touches that encourage them to feel a sense of ownership and belonging. Frequently, it needs a bit of both; if investment is made on larger schemes that attract focus, improve reputation and drive people into the area then this encourages pride in the local area, both through the effort and investment made, and through the area’s reputation improving. In addition, residents will want to be able to demonstrate that it’s their area, and the smaller, personal touches also help people to feel proud of where they live.
As part of the King Square Estate in EC1 improvements, residents from one of the blocks on the estate worked with the architects to design a new sign for the front of the block, as residents had reported that way finding around the estate was poor.. The designs included the size of the lettering, colour, font and location on the side of the building. It was not only the sign itself, but their involvement in the design of the sign that encouraged pride of where they lived.
The Promenade of Light on the north east of Old Street was seen as the gateway into the EC1 area. It was the transformation of a heavily used but run down area that was designed to lift spirits and encourage residents to stop, walk, shop and sit, rather than pass through. Shops have since reopened and feelings of safety have improved through more and improved lighting and clear sightlines. Good quality design was also used to attract further funding which led to improvements in adjacent areas. The area has since won awards, and the wide spread recognition has helped encourage pride, with residents commenting on their appreciation of the space and the quality of the materials used.
‘Old Street and Whitecross Street were raised as the two schemes which had done most to improve the area’s reputation, for businesses and Londonwide, with awards being won. The people-friendliness of the streets is a real change noted’.
