Old Street

Diamond Architects developed a strategy for the area around Old Street to superimpose ribbon of SLOW SPACE into the urban environment. Slow space is an urban design strategy which makes it easy to walk, to cross, and to linger. The aim is to characterise a region as a destination (not just a vehicle route or in-between space), widening the pedestrian’s domain, and to give time and space to visitors and local users both residents and workers.

Diamond Architects’ strategy was to overlay Slow Space along the length of Old Street like an undulating carpet, in a network of walk-able public space. Together, public spaces from west to east towards Hoxton and Shoreditch, form a chain across a remade square wherein wider, high-traffic areas alternately narrow into lanes which are easier for pedestrians to cross.

Transport in the area is facilitated through the development of an underground interchange in which buses connect directly to the underground station with a terminus and cycle parks at the east end. The road system splits into two lanes with separate bus/bike lanes, alongside Slow Space for pedestrians.