Context

Strand Aldwych in London is a busy public area well-known as a procession route between Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. The area was historically plagued by traffic and pollution, so people were reluctant to dwell for long periods of time.

Westminster Council transformed this previously isolated area into a thriving, traffic-free public space and provide a boost to the local economy.

Challenge

The newly-pedestrianised area with stone walls already in place needed public seating outside St Clement Danes Church.

  • Co-ordinating the wall shape with the stone underneath was imperative.

  • Access was needed to the lighting drivers through the platforms as the stone underneath is illuminated with LEDs.

Solution

Custom RailRoad seating

Furnitubes' design team worked collaboratively to develop a custom version of its modular RailRoad seating range.

A RailRoad wall-top solution was created with a custom curve to match the stone walls, and the platforms featured removable hatches for access when needed.

The RailRoad seating products throughout the scheme were all manufactured from triple-processed recycled steel (recommended finish system for steel products) and powder-coated in a distinct metallic copper finish.

The iroko timbers were coated with a UV-protective finish in teak to maintain their natural look.

To prevent damage, welded anti-skate fixings were incorporated into the design.

AKRI retaining planters

This project focused on improving air quality, and the AKRI retaining planters were ideal for bringing green into the space.

Their flexibility also allowed for matching the geometry of the adjacent stone benches and roads.

Result

The project not only provides health and well-being benefits with the new public landscaped areas, but will also preserve the historic character and, for the first time, allow people to appreciate the nearby listed buildings.