Our Cambridge Learnings

Outerspace went on a bike ride in Cambridge, stopping at 4 sites along the way. Adobe, Accordia, Aura and Eddington: the North West Cambridge student scheme developed by Cambridge University. The sites are hailed as having ‘an eye for details and the big picture in the landscape and the architecture’ RIBA (Accordia). The residents of Accordia praise the green spaces and the Stirling judging panel says it is ‘a new model for outside-inside life’.  Overall the sites were very impressive and clearly all have shown commitment to how the landscape looks, and connects with the area around it. Aside from gaining lots of inspiration, the following top 5 things were noted by the group:-

• Streetscapes that combined a balance of ‘simplicity with interest’ and ‘overall consistency with personalisation of dwellings’ worked best
• Planting palette should be limited to groundcovers, low shrubs (500-800m max) and trees. Taller shrubs tend to block visibility
• Opportunity to brand neighbourhoods through bespoke furniture such as grilles and screens (patterning etc)
• Large developments needs shops to bring people together and create a social focus. Community facilities were OK but more ‘corner shops’ would enhance the feel no end.
• The staggered street layouts and interrupted views made for a richer and engaging streetscape (picture show)