Simon Bird, Director at LOM architecture and design reflects on the recent talks held at NLA’s London Centre. 

On a mission to spread innovative ideas and inform meaningful change, this event sought to understand how we can activate ground-floors, and the considerations of architects and developers to create active, sustainable buildings and places. 

Across the four talks, examples emerged of the multi-functional nature of the ground floor across our urban environment, and addressed some key questions: 

— What is the experience at street level and what can developments do to activate the streetscape? 

— How should buildings hit the ground and what are the potential benefits of creating a generosity of space? 

— What are the challenges of creating inviting and vibrant buildings? 

To understand the impacts on the economic success of places, we must first consider the current context and dual pressures of a challenged retail sector, together with the changing patterns of hybrid working which is influencing and shaping both our city centre and suburban high street, albeit in different ways. 

Underpinning these talks was a clear desire to create a sense of place considered in a contextually specific way, but two pivotal themes for me were permeability and activation. 

Looking at permeability across any project, however small; we as architects, designers and developers should be seeking to establish connections and link with the urban context. Projects should introduce or restore relationships and routes through the fabric of the city – thus creating a richer sense of place. We should be inviting people in at the site boundary, but the challenge can be removing physical and visual barriers, especially in existing buildings often designed to do the opposite. Creating moments and drawing people through spaces is essential; using art or pockets of landscaped space as attractors, while providing activity to create a destination. 

For activation, there are multiple approaches: using variety to activate spaces and not simply relying on retail. F&B is a useful tool and driver, but successful activation increases footfall, and the most effective schemes accomplish this by blending uses such as locating residential and workplaces above the ground floor – all linked through a rich public realm that combines quality, purpose and welcoming external space. As a result, this delivers areas of the city which are vibrant and diverse places to work, shop, live and play. 

Furthermore, activation should consider connecting with a wider audience. It is good that more creative solutions are being observed by developers moving away from big retail brands and instead incorporating independent businesses and creatives into developments. While this won’t always make the best return, it shapes more characterful places with personality and identity, which in turn support long-term success. 

Permeability and activation are themes we see increasingly across our projects at all scales and building types. The schemes presented here were primarily large-scale, multi-use developments located in central London, but the principles are equally important on any project of any size, type, or location, even if conventionally classified as single-use, such as residential and commercial. 

Offices are becoming more than ‘just a workplace’ as companies seek to create more attractive social environments. We are seeing the importance of vibrant spaces and quality appealing to F&B. 

Responding to this evolving landscape, even bank HQ’s are becoming more open and activating their ground floor spaces. At Unity Place – Santander’s new landmark headquarters in Milton Keynes – has an entirely public ground floor, hosting an expansive food hall atrium, an independent micro-brewery and bakery, event spaces for curated events and exhibitions. On the upper floors, the workplace is open to other users including co-working spaces for university students (in partnership with MK:U), small businesses and start-ups. Elsewhere, embracing town centre living and the potentials offered by co-living, for example, can enliven our high streets with ground floor uses which are seen and experienced as more social meeting places than traditional retail spaces. 

Unlocking these open approaches fosters a richer sense of place, benefitting all by providing welcoming, permeable and activated buildings. This requires collaboration among clients, planners, developers and designers to think more creatively in response to issues such as economics, security and access – working towards a shared goal of building a more dynamic and successful city.