Surface Finishes

Many of the foregoing ideas relate to the improvement of the public realm by way of surface enhancements. The images and plans that relate to this are aspirational and the ultimate realisation of these areas and their surfaces will be subject to further detailed design, engagement and cost analysis.

The aspirations of the ideas depict a public realm landscape that is unified through a complimentary palette of materials. Where shared surfaces are depicted and there are no dropped kerbs. The intention is that carriageways and pedestrian footpaths would be delineated with changes in colour, surface texture and unit sizing of paving elements. Runnels for drainage and bollards can also be used to delineate one zone from the other.

Historic photographs of Sandymount illustrate clues as to how areas for surface enhancement might be realised in the future. It may be the case that these are extant under more contemporary surface finishes and could be revealed. These include smoother stone bands for wheeling and coarser cobbles and setts outside of the desirelines of crossing points.

Critical to the detailed design of these aspiration ideas is that they are designed to be a safe environment with adequate visual contrast and accessibility for all. Clarity of the separation between vehicular and pedestrian will need to be easily legible.

Small Moves, Big Impact