The Project

The Strand Aldwych 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.

A series of ambitious plans by Westminster Council had been designed to transform this previously isolated area into a thriving, traffic-free public space and provide a boost to the local economy. The project, with a particular focus on pedestrianisation, aims to transform parts of Aldwych and the Strand create a harmonious public realm space.

Challenges

The newly pedestrianised area with stone walls already in place needed public seating outside St Clement Danes Church. Coordinating the wall shape with the stone underneath was imperative, and access was needed to the lighting drivers through the platforms since the stone underneath is illuminated with LEDs. With this in mind, their design team worked collaboratively to develop a bespoke version of their modular RailRoad seating design, based on the principles where interchangeable parts can be easily removed or replaced.

Project Solution

The bespoke RailRoad seating solution is manufactured from their triple processed (recycled) steel and powder coated in a distinct metallic copper finish - while the iroko timbers were coated with UV protective finish in teak to maintain their natural look. This project focused on improving air quality, and their 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. In order to prevent damage, welded anti skates were incorporated into the solution.

The project not only provides health and well-being benefits with the new public landscaped areas, but it will also preserve the historic character and for the first time allow people to appreciate the nearby listed buildings. The new inclusive seating spaces for people to mix in are seen to be well used as people can enjoy their lunch, meet with friends and colleagues and simply enjoy a sense of community.