Landscape & Urban Design Issue 15 2015 | Page 64

Urban Oases Urbanisation is more frequently being associated with the disappearance of nature in the city, subsequently the availability and quality of public space is under threat. In our growing cities the social responsibility of Architects and Landscape Architects is now greater than ever to protect and revitalise public space for inhabitants. Alongside consideration for pedestrian flow, crowd control, safety and programming, the theme of “green” is inspiring a new future for public space. Many (Landscape) Architect’s have been inspired by the diverse range of modular Mobile Green Isle (Veghel) built with removable compartments products available from Streetlife, who offer functional and aesthetic green solutions to suit a multitude of urban contexts. Examples of projects by Architects range from Oval Tree Isles with integrated benches embellishing the centre of Delft, bespoke Podium Isles in Amsterdam introducing permanent enhancements to the streetscape, and Mobile Green Isles composed of layered movable components in Calais in France. Streetlife’s international experience with Tree Isles ensure high quality results can be achieved across typologies that either sit on top of the pavement or are embedded (approximately 15cm) into the ground. Seating can be easily integrated, according to Architects plans in the constructional metal wall. The seats are made from FSC® Hardwood beams, technically designed in the popular Rough&Ready (R&R) Range, the Solid Series, Standard Range and alternatively in SMCComposite beams. Tree Isles come in different shapes; round, oval and other fluid forms which compliment the movement of pedestrians. Beams can be positioned in long linear sections or short sections and radially to keep skaters away. The design of the seating also dictates the Round Tree Isle with R&R border seat in combination with Tree Guard and Grill (Middelharnis)