HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM
White City in Hammersmith and Fulham was chosen for the AWAIR project due to the unique air quality challenges, diverse population, and high-traffic areas. Read below for more information on why this borough is an important start to tackling air pollution.
HOW TO TAKE ACTION ON AIR POLLUTION
Why White City?
White City was chosen in Hammersmith and Fulham for air quality monitoring displays because of its unique role as a dynamic and diverse urban hub. Here’s why:
High Traffic and Footfall:
As a major traffic corridor featuring Wood Lane, the A40, and the Westfield Shopping Centre, White City experiences significant vehicle emissions and pedestrian activity. This combination creates an ideal setting for monitoring and raising awareness about air quality issues.Diverse Community Spaces:
The area is a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and educational spaces, attracting a wide range of people, including commuters, residents, and visitors. This diversity ensures that the displays engage a broad and varied audience.Innovation and Public Health Focus:
Home to Imperial College London’s Invention Rooms, White City is a recognized hub for research, innovation, and public health initiatives. The displays align with the neighborhood’s forward-thinking ethos, bridging community engagement with cutting-edge science.
This strategic placement makes the air quality displays not just informative but also impactful, sparking meaningful conversations and actions around air quality in one of London’s most dynamic areas.
White City’s Community Led Location Themes
The community played an integral role in selecting display locations, with several themes emerging:
High Pedestrian Footfall
Residents pointed out that locations with heavy pedestrian traffic would maximise visibility. Areas like Wood Lane, especially near White City Tube Station, and Westfield Shopping Centre, were seen as key spots for drawing attention to air quality issues.Traffic and Congestion Hotspots
Locations with heavy vehicle traffic were highlighted for their ability to engage drivers and passengers who are often stationary. Suggestions included Wood Lane to Du Cane Road and Shepherd’s Bush Green, both of which experience significant congestion, providing opportunities for passersby to notice the displays.Community and Public Spaces
Public areas where residents gather, such as White City Estate, which has two parks, and the Phoenix Fitness Centre, were selected for their ability to engage diverse groups, including families and fitness enthusiasts.Educational and Institutional Areas
There was a strong preference for placing displays near educational institutions and health services. Locations like the Imperial College Invention Rooms and Parkview Practice near Sainsbury’s were identified for their potential to raise awareness about air quality in connection with public health.