Client:
New West End Company
Architect:
Publica
Project details:
Bond Street (which actually comprises New Bond Street and Old Bond Street) is the only continuous thoroughfare between Oxford Street to the north and Piccadilly to the south, through London’s Mayfair area. The street has long been synonymous with luxury goods, art and high fashion, and also has many other major attractions nearby, including the Royal Academy. Relatively narrow for the most part, the street was primarily designed to accommodate vehicles and was not particularly pedestrian-friendly. Publica, a London-based urban design and public realm practice, was commissioned to carry out a detailed audit of the current public realm conditions to inform a redesign of the street. A series of major improvements is now underway - including extensive highway realignment and resurfacing - which seek to rebuild the identity of Bond Street as a destination in its own right, rather than simply as a route or thoroughfare. More generous footway dimensions now gives the opportunity to include seating on Bond Street for the first time, offering shoppers, visitors, workers and passers-by somewhere to relax and enjoy the new surroundings. It was felt that the seating should be custom-designed and use high quality materials in keeping with the setting. The design of the cast bronze posts and armrests, with their polished edges and embossed hallmark details, are inspired by materials and details used in the jewellery trade, which Bond Street is well known for. Seating surfaces are in cumaru hardwood, treated with an ebony colour UV protective finish which perfectly complements the bronze. Two benches have been installed - one at 3m and the other at 3.6m long - as a pilot scheme, with further seating provision to follow if they are well received by local stakeholders and the public.
Visit the Furnitubes International website for more information on Bond Street, Mayfair, London