Our landscape architects developed a landscape design for this high-profile public open space in the heart of Birmingham. The project formed part of an open competition hosted by RIBA and the Landscape Institute. As part of our submission, our landscape architect team produced a series of illustrations to communicate our vision for the space.
The square needed to accommodate a bus route and a tram stop/terminus along its southern edge. To the north, three notable buildings define the character of the space: Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Library of Birmingham and Baskerville House. Meanwhile, Broad Street connects directly to the southern side of the square and forms a popular destination within central Birmingham. Existing features also include the Hall of Memory at the eastern end and the Library of Birmingham’s lightwell atrium at the centre.
Our landscape architect proposal creates a single, coherent surface treatment across the entire public realm, extending from building frontage to building frontage. Consequently, the landscape design makes the space feel larger while creating a stronger relationship between the surrounding buildings. The design responds directly to the three buildings along the northern edge. From these buildings, a series of ripples extends across the square, creating a distinctive pattern within the ground plane.
These ripples establish the geometry for key landscape and structural elements throughout the public space. For example, the pattern informs the arrangement of terraces, raised planters and integrated seating. In this way, the landscape architect design creates a unified language that connects the different areas of the square.
The landscape design also creates a series of flexible spaces for different activities and users. Around the Hall of Memory, the landscape architect proposal provides a clear thoroughfare, places to pause and an appropriate setting for memorial events. In contrast, the zone in front of the library combines intimate and open spaces with an appropriate arrival setting for visitors.
In addition, the theatre frontage incorporates a dedicated theatre terrace, an urban forest and water jets. Together, these features create a distinctive setting for the theatre while introducing opportunities for informal recreation. The landscape design also allows the space to accommodate large public events, providing a flexible and adaptable public realm within the heart of Birmingham.
Landscape Institutes Work Stages: 1 to 2
Client: RIBA & Landscape Institute