Allotment gardens as a challenge for an urban designer

Abstract

This chapter explores allotment gardens as a challenge for an urban designer through two main objectives. The first is to identify the specific urban design quality considerations related to these types of urban green space. The second objective is to try and identify the multifarious, and redefined, role of urban designers within both top-down and bottom-up processes for achieving suitable spatial quality. Allotment gardens may add diversity and robustness to the broader spatial context, having the potential to transform abandoned and derelict urban spaces. Urban allotments may therefore increase the quality and amenity of surrounding urban areas, even more so if they are within easy reach of residential developments. The chapter discusses Urban allotment and food-production gardens act as a challenge for urban designers from very diverse viewpoints. Urban allotments, and their individual components, should be designed to provide safe and secure places.