January 2024 Newsletter

We are excited to kick off the new year with our first newsletter. We're brimming with project updates, thought leadership articles, and, of course, MIPIM 2024.

We're excited to share that OOBE will be represented at?MIPIM?2024. Joining from our leadership team will be Emma McNicholas, Regional Director.

For those interested in connecting, discussing potential collaborations, or simply catching up, please feel free to reach out to Jenny Campbell at?[email protected]?to arrange a time.

If you're attending any events or gatherings during?MIPIM?that you believe would align with OOBE's interests, we'd welcome your recommendations. Consider this a nudge to keep us in the loop!

Looking forward to a productive?MIPIM?and the opportunity to engage with many of you.#MIPIM2024 #mipim #mipim2024 #MIPIM

We are happy to announce the latest additions to our growing team at OOBE.

?? Dominika Henzel, Associate - A chartered landscape architect with over 15 years of experience, Dominika has worked on a wide range of projects in both the public and private sectors across Europe and the Middle East. She has an extensive knowledge of plants which combined with her design skills results in creating diverse, community-focused spaces. Dominika has a wide experience from positions in several practices including Aedas, LDA Design and Kettle Collective. Engaged with every stage of the design process, she has gained experience across all fields including; commercial, hospitality, retail, residential, and educational developments.

??♂? Harri Minto - We are delighted to welcome Harri onboard as our new Revit Technician. Joining us a recent Architectural Technology graduate from Edinburgh Napier, Harri support will undoubtedly elevate our projects.

?? Richard Swallow - Joining us in a crucial role, Richard is our new Finance Controller. His extensive experience will play a pivotal role in our financial strategy.

Their passion, skills, and dedication align perfectly with our mission at OOBE, and we are excited to have them on board. We look forward to achieving great milestones together!

Stepping Up the City: How do Landscape Architects Champion Pedestrian Design for Everyone?

For landscape architects, designing for pedestrians isn't just about pavement and good lighting. It's about crafting public spaces that are inviting, accessible, and safe for everyone, especially women. At OOBE, we're passionate about prioritising people in our urban landscapes. We believe that well-designed pedestrian spaces have the power to:

Boost public health and wellbeing:?Encouraging walking and cycling improves physical fitness, reduces air pollution, and fosters social interaction.

Revitalise local economies:?Vibrant pedestrian areas attract businesses, shoppers, and tourists, injecting life and revenue into city centres.

Create a stronger sense of community:?Shared spaces where people can meet, linger, and interact build a sense of belonging and social cohesion.

Protecting Women in Public Spaces

One of designer’s core priorities is ensuring that everyone feels safe and secure navigating our cities. This means paying special attention to the needs of women, who often face disproportionate risks of harassment and assault in public spaces.

Here are some key considerations for creating safer spaces for women:

Well-lit pathways: Adequate lighting deters crime and makes people feel more at ease, especially after dark.

Clear sightlines: Avoiding obstructed views and overgrown vegetation creates a sense of openness.

Mixed-use development:?Encouraging a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational activities in an area increases foot traffic and natural surveillance.

Public art and installations:?Vibrant public spaces with engaging art and design elements can make people feel more welcome and comfortable.?

Weaving Heritage into the Urban Fabric

Cities like the ones our offices are in hold a rich tapestry of history and architectural heritage. As landscape architects, we have a responsibility to respect and integrate these elements into our designs. This can be done through:

Preserving historic landscapes:?Protecting parks, gardens, and squares that hold cultural significance.

Reimagining historic spaces:?Adapting old buildings and infrastructure for new uses while respecting their character.

Using materials and designs that echo the past:?Incorporating design elements or traditional planting schemes.

Telling the city's story:?Integrating interpretive signage, public art, or even interactive elements that bring the city's history to life.

At OOBE

Our passion for pedestrian design feeds into our philosophy pillars and design approach. An example of this is our transformational project for East Pilgrim Street Masterplan, which will breathe new life into a key part of Newcastle. By creating a series of dynamic, inclusive, and flexible public places, OOBE will produce a high-quality and welcoming destination. An easily accessible place, where people will wish to linger and socialise in and benefit from being in a green oasis.

Landscape Architects play a vital role in championing pedestrian design & at OOBE we understand the power of landscapes to shape our cities and the lives of those who live in them. By creating inviting and accessible pedestrian spaces, we can make our cities more liveable for all. Throughout 2024 we will continue to talk about how we advocate for the importance of pedestrian design and the work OOBE does to create places that are truly for everyone.

Urban Realm Top 100

Congratulations to all the collaborators and innovators who were featured in the 2024 Urban Realm Top 100, shaping the future of our cities!

Amazing to see One Cowcaddens with Keppie featured on page one.

Congratulations to the design team involved to date?Cortland Consult?Keppie Design?Gardiner & Theobald LLP?Woolgar Hunter Engineers?IN2 Engineering?LifeProven ESG Property Company?OOBE Ltd?Savills?

To the clients?Global Mutual?and?Davidson Kempner Capital Management