Urban planning is a very tricky job. There is so much to think about, including how to use space effectively, create sustainable buildings, and cater for many different needs. In many cases the solution is to create mixed use developments that combine housing and commercial or public space. As one of the leading developers of residential architecture London has, we want to take a close look at this kind of project.
A traditional idea
The idea of a mixed use development is not new. In fact, humans have been living close together to pool resources for many years. There are plenty of ancient examples of people mixing their home and working lives. For example, in many Roman cities you could find spaces where markets, housing, administrative buildings, and public amenities were all together.
The industrial revolution brought a change in this idea. There was a bigger divide between living and working here, leading to the creation of residential areas and suburbs. The thing was that people did not want to live close to noisy, dirty industries, even if they were working in them. As a result, it became the norm to travel to work and to go shopping.
However, today mixed use developments are back in the spotlight. In fact they are becoming some of the most interesting pieces of residential architecture London can offer. They are a great way to reinvigorate urban areas and can make better use of the space. More people are also embracing the idea of having everything close at hand, especially as a response to COVID.
Creating a neighbourhood
The best mixed use developments will create a neighbourhood feel. They won’t simply feel like the developer has built homes above shops or public spaces. A good design goes a long way here. It should feel natural and like everything works together. This is much better than just cramming it all in.
A good thing to do here is to make sure the building and neighbourhood has a strong character. People will embrace this and provide better engagement.
A good design here will also be very beneficial. It can create buildings that are more energy efficient and sustainable. Successful mixed use buildings will last longer because the spaces will be easier to change and adapt over time. The fact there is housing also means there should never be a point where the building is entirely vacant and derelict.
Access control
One thing to think about here is access. The last thing you want is for people to be able to wander freely around a mixed use building. There needs to be systems in place so that the residents have some privacy. This also needs to protect the interest of businesses with space in the building. Ideally you need a smart system to limit access to anything other than public areas. There are even systems for lifts.
Designing residential architecture in London
Coffey Architects has a team that can help you with any aspect of a project. We work to create the best designs and overcome any challenges seamlessly. We can even suggest new ways to look at different parts of your brief to get a better result.
So, if you want to create wonderful residential architecture, London clients should work with us. We can handle anything, including large scale mixed use projects. Contact us today to get started.