St. Raphael’s Estate

LFB are working on a new social housing development in Brent which is also focused on improving the existing estate in the area. We’ve attended and organised events focused on the design of the public space and started the process of dveloping a positive relationship with residents.

Working with Making Space for Girls, LFB held a lighting workshop on the estate and temporarly lit an intimidating space to demonstrate how a new approach to lighting could improve the after dark experience. The girls and also residents raised concerns about safety and security at key points in the estate particularly at the periphery of the site which faces onto the River Brent and Brent River Park which is unlit and as a result is now a key focus of discussion with the council.

During the lighting workshop we showed many different lighting types to show the different effects that are possible and also observed as a group the existing lighting on the estate and the reasons it does not create a safe, secure or welcoming character currently.

In addition to the design and specification of the new development, LFB undertook and extensive study related to lighting of pedestrian pathways and perceived safety. This was in direct response to engagement and the overwhelming response from residents and visitors related to existing access to the estate via a pathway through the park which all associated feelings of unease and high risk.

This study was then presented to borough officers to discuss existing policy and lighting approach to pathways, largely within green areas adjacent to nearby buildings which also serve as main access roues for a number of estates.

The study explored a number of options related to visibility and perceived safety after dark related to lighting typology, distribution and mounting height to demonstrate the effect various factors have on the pedestrian experience of a typical pathway.

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