UK objectives and EU limits stipulate a daily average PM10 concentration of 50 ug/m3 must not be exceeded for more than 35 days over a whole year. In 2020, Vauxhall passed this limit in February, the first location in London to do so.  After successful piloting of Thrive Zones in Copenhagen, Gehl was tasked with strategizing and testing urban interventions to counter Vauxhall’s air quality.

As Project & Urban Design Lead, Gehl facilitated the projects spatial research, data collection, concept design, piloting, and public engagement. Using layers of data including GIS mapping, online survey questionnaires, stakeholder workshops, focus groups and Gehl’s Public Space Public Life Survey app we identified the key areas where people are exposed to the worst air pollution in their daily lives. Using this information as the basis for core design principles we created a Thrive Zone strategy and conceptual designs of cleaner air streets – streets that enhance and promote behaviour with cleaner air results. These concepts were piloted in a measure, test, refine approach, with key learnings synthesized into a report for Vauxhall to use in future decision-making processes.

Vauxhall has the possibility of becoming one of London’s healthiest hubs. Residents and visitors alike could thrive on a seamless network of cleaner air routes and destinations. Less car traffic, electrification of the bus system and greater availability of electric charging points will be key modal shifts in the journey towards a pollution-free public life.