CAIRO PLACE
Year
2021-3
Service
Urban Design and Lighting Design
Client
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Hardworks Contractor
JB Riney
Softworks Contractor
Meristem Design
Cairo Place has been revitalised into a lively green amenity space in the heart of Walthamstow Central – a key site within the Walthamstow Cultural Quarter Lighting and Wayfinding Framework developed by Publica.
What was previously a hard-paved carriageway junction has been reimagined as a lush and playful neighbourhood space that invites an array of uses and particularly performance given its association with the recently refurbished Soho Theatre Walthamstow. The design uses high-quality, durable, and special materials: Publica collaborated with UK-based fabricator, Granby Workshop, to craft bespoke terrazzo elements formed of recycled aggregates that function as seating, playful features, sculptural forms, and a stage.
The planting palette is comprised of hardy, drought-tolerant grasses and pollinator-friendly herbaceous plants that boost local biodiversity, habitat and forage, and offer a changing seasonal display. The beds contribute to sustainable urban drainage (SuDS) by permitting storm water run-off that provides irrigation for the planting, relieves pressure of the public sewer, and increases natural infiltration and groundwater recharge.
A theatrical concept for the lighting design aims to support the cultural life of the space and encourages use after dark.
Upon nearing completion in autumn 2023, Publica and LB Waltham Forest celebrated the ‘topping out’ with a community day that included connecting with local residents’ groups, knowledge-sharing, and planting the SuDS beds. Cairo Place now offers a space to connect, rest, play, and perform.
CAIRO PLACE
Year
2021-3
Service
Urban Design and Lighting Design
Client
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Hardworks Contractor
JB Riney
Softworks Contractor
Meristem Design
Cairo Place has been revitalised into a lively green amenity space in the heart of Walthamstow Central – a key site within the Walthamstow Cultural Quarter Lighting and Wayfinding Framework developed by Publica.
What was previously a hard-paved carriageway junction has been reimagined as a lush and playful neighbourhood space that invites an array of uses and particularly performance given its association with the recently refurbished Soho Theatre Walthamstow. The design uses high-quality, durable, and special materials: Publica collaborated with UK-based fabricator, Granby Workshop, to craft bespoke terrazzo elements formed of recycled aggregates that function as seating, playful features, sculptural forms, and a stage.
The planting palette is comprised of hardy, drought-tolerant grasses and pollinator-friendly herbaceous plants that boost local biodiversity, habitat and forage, and offer a changing seasonal display. The beds contribute to sustainable urban drainage (SuDS) by permitting storm water run-off that provides irrigation for the planting, relieves pressure of the public sewer, and increases natural infiltration and groundwater recharge.
A theatrical concept for the lighting design aims to support the cultural life of the space and encourages use after dark.
Upon nearing completion in autumn 2023, Publica and LB Waltham Forest celebrated the ‘topping out’ with a community day that included connecting with local residents’ groups, knowledge-sharing, and planting the SuDS beds. Cairo Place now offers a space to connect, rest, play, and perform.