Data is a powerful tool. With it, you can understand behaviour and complex systems, make informed decisions, solve problems, improve efficiency and impact. But it’s often ‘owned’ by others, and not accessible to those who need it most.
At AzuKo we believe that place-based data can unlock opportunities, and help communities have a real say in the development of their neighbourhoods. One incredible example of this is the community of South Woodford in northeast London, who we’ve been working with over the past four years. The local South Woodford Society are creating a Design Code – a vision for their area, and set of design requirements that will inform future development. Not an easy task, when representing over 19,000 residents!
South Woodford is in the Borough of Redbridge, in northeast London. The area is heavily dominated by cars – traffic congestion, residential streets used as ‘rat runs’, parked cars impacting pedestrian access and views, and significant air pollution.
Following in-depth community engagement (see reports 1 & 2), four priorities emerged. The area faces:
Lack of accessible greenspaces
Poor quality public spaces
Prioritisation of cars over people
Loss of key local amenities
But without data, it’s difficult to evidence just how challenging these issues are or set targets for change.
If the streets could talk, what would they tell us?
Well, this is where AppyWay comes in, giving a voice to the streets. The kerbside use data will enable the community to understand just how much of South Woodford’s streets are allocated to sustainable uses, and help them set specific targets for a more sustainable future. With this data the community will be able to pitch for funding to turn their vision for healthy streets and spaces into reality.
Stay tuned for more insights into AzuKo’s Neighbourhood Planning and Design Code work – ensuring communities are in the driving seat of their own development.
(Article originally published in AppyWay / Kerbside Digest)
