STREETSCAPE GUIDANCE

HOME
INTRODUCTION
PART A
A vision for London’s streets
PART B
From strategy to delivery
PART C
New measures for new challenges
PART D
Balancing priorities
PART F
Appendix
PART E
Physical design and materials
SECTION 6
Introduction
SECTION 7
High quality footways
SECTION 8
Carriageways
SECTION 9
Crossings
SECTION 10
Kerbside activity
SECTION 11
Footway amenities
SECTION 12
Safety and functionality
SECTION 13
Street environment
SECTION 14
Transport interchanges
Streetscape Guidance
[Part E – Physical design and materials] High quality footways 67
7.1 Vision
Paving forms the background for almost every
street scene and it is our intention to provide
high quality environments that are robust,
timeless and beautiful. At the heart of all welldesigned
streetscapes are high quality surfaces
that are visually appealing and functional.
Good footways are simple, durable and well
maintained. Well-considered surfaces will tie
together the disparate elements of the setting,
making it comfortable and enjoyable to linger.
The following section provides guidance on
how to achieve high quality footways in London
through the recommendation of footway
materials, layout and application.
7.2 Footway materials
We aim to ensure that London’s streets are safe,
reliable and well maintained. Footway materials
should respond to the distinctiveness of the area
as a neutral ‘carpet’ that complements adjacent
buildings rather than standing out in their own
right. To achieve this, Streetscape Guidance
recommends a simple and durable selection
of footway materials applied in standard sizes:
concrete, a limited palette of natural stone
materials and asphalt.
All footway materials should be applied to
achieve a high quality finish. The requirement
for a ‘high quality finish’ does not mean that the
most expensive materials are used, rather, that
the composition and application of materials
are well executed to achieve the best possible
result. Careful consideration should be given
not just to the footway material, but also the
kerb type, tactile paving design and the overall
composition that these components create.
This section highlights the recommended
materials, layout and application of footway
surfaces. Please note that any deviations from
this guidance will require approval from the
SDRG.
Materials
The following section outlines our standard
footway materials. Other materials will require
SDRG approval.