Whitfield Gardens, London, UK

Whitfield Gardens is the first public realm space to be completed as part of Camden Council’s hugely ambitious London West End Project, which is the biggest council led regeneration scheme the borough has ever seen.

Lighting was critical to the project as the space had become a hub for anti-social activity after dark. The new lighting scheme addresses this by using layers of light to create an inviting space. This was achieved by incorporating all soft and hard landscape features, from the large London Plane trees to the newly installed seating and the Fitzrovia Mural.

Warm white light (2700K) throughout creates a tranquil backdrop to the hustle and bustle of Tottenham Court Road, whilst complimenting the natural wood tones crafted within the landscape design.  Linear lighting , integrated within the benches,  provides visual impact and leads the eye around the space.  Spotlights on columns, are a flexible solution, lighting the soft planting around the edges, up-lighting the tree canopies, as well as wrapping the space in a warm, soft, ambience.

The West End Project is addressing traffic congestion, road safety, poor air quality, and the fact that this area has previously had less than the Camden average of public open space. Areas like Whitfield Gardens are vital in bringing people into close contact with nature even in the busiest parts of the city. The gardens now provide an open and well-lit space for people to come together to socialise, or even just sit and have a moment of quiet reflection in the daytime and evening.

The design aims to meet the needs of people living and working close by, as well as providing a quality space for visitors.

As well as the improved Whitfield Gardens, the West End Project will see new pocket parks along Tottenham Court Road, the transformation of Princes Circus in Holborn, and the creation of a totally new park at Alfred Place. Lighting design for all these new public realm projects is being provided by Michael Grubb Studio.