FutureArc Spring 2020

SPRING 2020

Winners Revealed Pro Landscaper Business Awards

Cover.indd 1

Interview Ian Lanchbury of Ramboll

Memorial Garden A place to honour Sir Nicholas Winton

Paving Hardscape's role at Centenary Square

10/03/2020 12:02

THE WILD FLOWER SPECIALIST ENDORSED BY ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW

Photo credit: Accredited Partner Oaks Landscaping Ltd / Andrew Spedding

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09/03/2020 15:41

WELCOME

CONTENTS NEWS 04

WELCOME

PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS

FEATURES

Welcome to the Spring FutureArc supplement. In this issue, we present a new community project in Kent that feels embedded in the surrounding rural environment thanks to the imaginative approach to landscaping adopted throughout its development. To continue with the theme of green spaces, this issue’s Property piece features a company which has won several awards for its retirement villages set in landscaped grounds in rural or semi-rural areas. Our regular columnists discuss topics including ood resilient architecture and climate change. In the Portfolio section, we highlight a striking garden designed and built to honour the humanitarian actions by Sir Nicholas Winton that led to the rescue of 669 children, who were rehomed in Britain from Nazi-occupied Prague. The spotlight is on Bronze in our regular Materials section and we round off with special features on wild ower, paving and soils.

At FutureArc, we always look forward to hearing your news, and if you have any interesting projects, please send details!

Hope you find this issue inspiring

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INTERVIEW Senior managing consultant Ian Lanchbury on his new role at Ramboll

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PROPERTY Andrew Mills, Retirement Villages Group Ltd

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OPINION Eva Woode, Studio Woode Ltd

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OPINION Romy Rawlings, Vestre

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A GRAND VISION An imaginative, sustainable community project in rural Kent

PORTFOLIO 22

The Winton Memorial Garden A humbling, beautiful space that memorialises the great actions of Sir Nicholas Winton

Gill Langham Features editor

MATERIALS

EDITORIAL Features editor – Gill Langham Head of content – Nina Mason nina.mason@eljays44.com PRODUCTION Subeditor – Katrina Roy katrina.roy@eljays44.com Subeditor – Sam Seaton sam.seaton@eljays44.com Design – Kara Thomas SALES Business development manager – Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com Head of sales – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com

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MANAGEMENT Managing director – Jim Wilkinson jim.wilkinson@eljays44.com Editorial director – Lisa Wilkinson lisa.wilkinson@eljays44.com Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA, UK. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.

Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

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3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 2DA Tel: 01903 777 570 Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd – Connecting Horticulture Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK Cover image: Ramboll / Tate Modern

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BRONZE

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BIODIVERSITY

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PAVING

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SOILS

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CPD

Analysis of one of the most important metals in human history, plus a spectacular case study

James Hewetson-Brown on the impact of Biodiversity Net Gain

Hardscape’s role in a major Birmingham redesign

Tim O’Hare on sustainable soil practices

The run-down on GreenBlue Urban’s SuDS-focused CPD event

FutureArc Spring 2020

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10/03/2020 11:36

NEWS EXTRA

PRO LANDSCAPER BUSINESS AWARDS T

WINNERS

he winners of the 2020 Pro Landscaper Business Awards have now been revealed. Every year, this event brings together the landscaping community for an afternoon of celebrating the excellent standards set within the industry. Eighteen awards were presented at the ceremony, which took place at East Wintergarden, Canary Wharf on Friday 7 February.

Of these, three landscape architecture practices were recognised – Davies White td, Studio andscape Architects and The terra firma onsultancy td. www.prolandscaperbusinessawards.com

Landscape Architect Studio <10 Staff Winner: Studio 31 Landscape Architects

Landscape Architect Studio >10 Staff Winner: The terra firma Consultancy Ltd

Landscape architects Adam White and Andrée Davies were invited to collaborate with the RHS and HRH the Duchess of Cambridge to create four nature inspired gardens – one at Chelsea, another at Hampton Court, and two permanent gardens. The RHS Back to Nature Garden has undoubtedly become one of the most prolific show gardens in RHS history. www.davieswhite.co.uk

After only three years since its inception, Studio 31 has already had a big impact on the industry, with big ambitions for the future.

It recruits from both within and outside the sector to encourage more people into the industry and focuses on creating a relaxed working environment. Sustainability is high up on its agenda too. www.designstudio31.co.uk

elebrating its year anniversary, terra firma has a lot to be proud of. The practice has become well-known and reputable, and – together with its overseas o ces in Dubai and Lithuania – has worked across six continents in more than 30 countries. It has resisted buyouts from larger firms and the temptation to expand in order to maintain its “nurturing atmosphere”. www.terrafirmaconsultancy.com

©Kensington Palace

Industry Collaboration Winner: Davies White Ltd

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FutureArc Spring 2020

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An Armistice of Tranquillity at Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich.

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09/03/2020 15:43

FEATURES P6 Interview Ian Lanchbury, Ramboll

P9 Property Retirement Villages Group Ltd

P14 Opinion Eva Woode

P16 Opinion Romy Rawlings

P17 A Grand Vision Sustainability thrives at a 1,100-home project in Kent

INTERVIEW

IAN LANCHBURY RAMBOLL

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an experienced specialist in green infrastructure, environmental design and landscape planning, Ian Lanchbury joined international design, engineering and consultancy company Ramboll in January as a Senior Managing Consultant, forming a new birmingham-based team Do you work closely with the other offices across the country?

We have a one o ce’ approach, with the ability to call upon local specialist and local knowledge where appropriate to provide the best service to our clients.

Being based in the Midlands provides a great opportunity to work effectively across the .

Does that include collaboration with other disciplines within the company?

Yes, our service is part of Ramboll’s environment and health business in the , which includes all environmental specialists.

We also work closely with our buildings, transport, development and energy colleagues.

Would you consider yourselves to be specialists in a particular field?

Yes. The team has a wellestablished track record of problem solving and

providing imaginative solutions to industry challenges.

We are specialists in green infrastructure, visions and strategies, masterplanning, landscape planning and design. We apply these capabilities to a wide range of sectors and project types, including residential, industrial and commercial developments, transport infrastructure, city regeneration and energy.

Ramboll has developed a cloudburst masterplan approach, initially for Copenhagen but also for other major cities. The cloudburst plans will protect Copenhagen from future severe storms, decoupling 30% to 40% of the stormwater from the sewer system in order to level out the effects of climate change, which has been repeatedly predicted to increase extreme rainfall events by 40% over the course of a century.

What makes the company stand out?

Ramboll’s founders believed in high ethical standards and behaving responsibly with each other and society at large. The main owner of Ramboll is the Ramboll Foundation, which controls approximately 97.5% of the business. We pride ourselves on being trusted advisors and developing close working relationships with our clients.

The foundation ownership re ects the ambition of the founders, Rambøll and Hannemann, to create a company where revenue is re-invested into the company’s continued development, which benefits

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FEATURES

clients through research, social value and digitisation initiatives, and where employees can feel a strong sense of ownership.

ce and various Environmental and Social Impact Assessments.

Could you highlight some examples of the projects that you’re currently working on?

We are currently working on the detailed design for an environmental masterplan associated with a development near rewe as part of the multi disciplinary amboll team. This re uires the translocation of existing trees and hedgerows, as well as brook realignment, a new habitat for water voles, woodland creation and species rich grassland.

With our buildings team, we are working on assessing the townscape and visual impact of tall buildings, including their impact on sensitive skylines.

The assessment process is helping to inform the building massing, appearance and arrangement of roofscape elements.

We are also undertaking some innovative work in developing approaches to Wild and Areas, with a large scale mixed use development in Edinburgh, a regionally significant renewable energy development, and, for Sutherland Space Hub, we have worked with a consortium team to design a nationally important facility for commercial space activity.

2 Is much of the company’s work local?

Most of the team’s work is nationwide and includes local pro ects as well as nationally significant developments and infrastructure. Pro ects are led by local teams however, where specific expertise exists elsewhere within amboll, the local team will utilise that to best serve clients, stakeholders and the environment.

Internationally, amboll has a significant landscape architecture and architecture teams through amboll Studio Dreiseitl and Henning arsen. Here, in the , we also work on international pro ects for the ritish Antarctic Survey, Foreign and ommonwealth

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Does the company get a lot of repeat business? amboll has a high proportion of repeat commissions. uilding good relationships and trust with existing and new clients is crucial to its success. We are passionate about engagement with our clients and their business in order to anticipate their needs and priorities and assist in defining pro ect briefs resulting in better outcomes.

Which projects are you particularly proud of?

I am proud of my work in producing the reen Infrastructure Audit est Practice uide for Natural England and ictoria ID to improve the chance of support and delivery for retrofit green infrastructure. This was the outcome of a review of multiple reen Infrastructure Audits in ondon which included interviews with local businesses, usiness Improvement Districts, stakeholders and consultants.

The outcome was a guide that recommended a clear structure to ensure future reen Infrastructure Audits followed a consistent process, but also related to the wider vision and priorities of the local area.

The report has been widely referenced and encouraged a large number of reen Infrastructure Audits to be undertaken across the country.

What inspired you to become a landscape architect?

I became a landscape architect to have a career that involved design and creativity alongside a technical approach to work. It is inspiring to be involved in positively in uencing the design of large areas of the country that will be present for years to come. isiting places that you would never have reason and or permission to visit outside work is always interesting.

Whether it be a small rural village, open countryside, an urban suburb or active construction site, it is great to see more of the country within your time at work, beyond the commute between home and the o ce.

What are your design inspirations?

As a fellow graduate of Manchester Metropolitan niversity, the work undertaken by

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“IT IS INSPIRING TO BE INVOLVED IN POSITIVELY INFLUENCING THE DESIGN OF LARGE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY THAT WILL BE PRESENT FOR YEARS TO COME”

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FEATURES

James Corner and his practice Field Operations is particularly inspiring. They show the importance of having a strong design concept that is seen through to delivery, resulting in an in uence beyond professional ournals that inspires others to achieve similar outcomes.

What background did you have before joining the company?

I came from Atkins, where I was landscape and urban design team lead for the irmingham o ce and national technical authority for landscape planning.

The team worked on all areas of landscape practice: public realm and urban design; environmental design and implementation; and landscape planning.

During my time at Atkins, I was part of the advisory panel for the Building with Nature green infrastructure benchmark. Pro ects undertaken by the team included public realm within Birmingham city centre, new schools, design of multi-modal transport interchanges and impact assessment, environmental design and advanced habitat implementation for East West Rail.

How has the role of the landscape architect changed during your time in the industry?

I would say the potential role of a landscape architect has broadened rather than changed over the last 10 to 15 years. You are not necessarily doing the same work or working with the same disciplines or clients day after day. The amount of research into the benefits of landscape for economics, people and nature has helped with the ustification of landscape requirements, alongside the evergreen aspiration to create inspiring and beautiful places.

What are the key challenges facing the industry?

With bigger pro ects, different stages are often completed by different design teams. A significant challenge in this is the transfer of design development information and intention for design aspiration and function. The ongoing development of a BIM process should facilitate the transfer of this knowledge as a pro ect progresses to ensure the proposal effectively delivers what was originally considered in earlier stages.

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Is being brought into a project at a late stage is a common problem?

That is not something I have come across too often. Working within multidisciplinary and open plan o ces means that colleagues from other disciplines have a good idea of what a landscape architect can offer at each stage of a pro ect and advise clients and teams accordingly.

This environment also allows pro ects to be discussed between teams to identify opportunities, share ideas or provide advice, even if other disciplines do not have an agreed pro ect role at initial stages.

How important has sustainability become in landscape architecture?

It is inherent in all our work. We are often at the interface between engineers and other environmental disciplines in seeking to find a solution that delivers on its design requirements while avoiding impacts and being designed in the most sustainable way. This can be from the initial siting or alignment of a pro ect right through to development of design details and informing construction methodology. We have been involved with land re use and repair, as well as pro ects that deliver socio economic benefits to communities.

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“IT IS AN EXCITING TIME THAT COULD SHAPE OUR ENVIRONMENT FOR DECADES TO COME AND ENABLE PEOPLE AND NATURE TO FLOURISH”

What advice would you give to anyone looking to become a landscape architect?

Keep an open mind about what you want to get from your career in the early years – landscape architects are involved in many areas of work.

There are often preconceptions about certain types of pro ects that are not seen as design or public realm, but they can often be the most challenging and rewarding. Take time to understand what other design and environmental disciplines do as they are often the ones who can make big ideas a reality.

1 The Soul of Nørrebro climate adaptation ©SLA 2 Tate Modern – Section 278 works 3 Cloudburst Resiliency, New York (Existing, proposed dry and proposed cloudburst perspectives) 4 Liveable Cities compass infographic 5 Renewal of Remise Park 6 Cloudburst, Copenhagen – urban canal illustrations

Finally, what is the next step for the company?

We are looking to continue to grow the landscape architecture team and support our clients in the development of approaches to climate adaptation, cloudburst masterplanning, habitat recovery networks and achieving biodiversity net gain.

With climate emergency declarations, regulatory changes and the development of post-Brexit government policy, it is an exciting time that could shape our environment for decades to come and enable people and nature to ourish.

Leading design, engineering and consultancy company company Ramboll was founded in Denmark in 1945. It employs more than 15,500 experts globally, with 300 offices in 35 countries. It combines local experience with a global multidisciplinary knowledge base, constantly striving to achieve inspiring and exacting solutions that make a genuine difference.

W: www.ramboll.com

RAMBOLL

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09/03/2020 15:08

FEATURES

THE GREEN CURE Creating landscaped grounds where people can meet and socialise is key to their wellbeing, says Andrew Mills of Retirement Villages Group Ltd

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or Andrew Mills, development manager at ageexclusive company Retirement Villages Group Ltd, nothing beats “the sense of calm that a landscape gives to people”. Green space is increasingly key to people’s wellbeing and never more so than when they make the decision to downsize – or, as Andrew calls it, 'right-size' – in their later years.

“We want residents to get out and enjoy social activities and green spaces. Those little areas outside

give you the ability to do that,” he says. The company has 16 retirement villages across the south of England, for which it has won several awards, and “they are very much green communities,” Andrew notes.

Situated in rural or semi-rural areas, they are set in landscaped grounds, often against the backdrop of a period clubhouse.

The largest village, Lime Tree, in Dunchurch, Warwickshire, is situated in approximately 26 acres

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"THE COMPANY’S OVERARCHING DESIGN PRINCIPLE IS TO REMAIN TRUE TO THE NATURE OF EACH OF ITS SITES"

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FEATURES

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“NOTHING BEATS THE SENSE OF CALM THAT LANDSCAPE GIVES TO PEOPLE”

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Lime Tree Village Charters Village Themed garden, Castle Village Lavender and towers, Charters Village Charters cottages in the summer Elmbridge Village Cawston House at Lime Tree Village Flowers on terrace – Avonpark

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of parkland. “Although we have 280 units there, it has extensive greenscape,” Andrew says. “People certainly move there to be part of that environment.”

“The Group,” he continues, “has a number of villages with that kind of feeling. For people who like outdoor space, it affords opportunities to have games lawns, go for walks, but also enjoy the mental wellbeing that comes from having greenery, goodquality plants and gardens around you.

“For this reason,” he explains, “when we think about [a new development’s] design and layout, we don’t think just about the buildings. We also make sure that we are creating green spaces, even between buildings. These could be lawns where people can go and play, sit, or simply enjoy from their windows.”

The company’s overarching design principle is to remain true to the nature of each of its sites. “There isn’t a one si e fits all approach, says Andrew.

“We try to be really open about the way we look at landscaping: what’s already around the area and what would residents for that area want? It’s driven by location.”

For example, the Group’s latest project: Gradwell Park – a village with 57 apartments and eight cottages built around a clubhouse – will open soon in South hailey, East Sussex, offering fantastic views

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over the South Downs. Andrew explains: “We have created a whole landscaped environment where people can go, sit out and look in that direction.

We will have lawns and pergolas that face that way – it will be a very green and pleasant area.

We try and fit our communities and our buildings within the context in which they are, and that naturally means thinking about the landscape.”

One of the Group’s most spectacular projects is Castle Village, which stands in 28 acres of landscaped gardens and mature woodland, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just outside Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire.

The grounds include a tranquil, award-winning Japan-themed garden, complete with carp pond and summer pavilion, alongside a croquet lawn and putting green, a wild ower meadow and allotments where residents can grow their own fruit and vegetables. Many residents also take part in a gardening group, looking after some of the village’s garden spaces alongside gardeners appointed by the Group.

However, Andrew’s favourite scheme is a different one – the multiple award-winning Charters Village,

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06/03/2020 12:17

FEATURES

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"ONCE A SCHEME IS IN PLACE, A MAINTENANCE AND GARDENING TEAM ENSURES THE LANDSCAPE ALWAYS REMAINS AT ITS BEST"

5 on the outskirts of East Grinstead in West Sussex.

He explains: “It has woodland, lovely lawned areas and, at the back, a walkway that leads down to a manmade pond. We have tried to introduce some really different elements there.

The company goes out of its way to create green areas even at its smallest sites. “At the village we are currently creating in Newport – Debden Grange, near Saffron Walden we are landscaping around the boundaries and adding lawned areas where people will be able to play boules and other games within a semi-courtyard setting. It’s all about having spaces where people can go out and mix.

To help them identify what sort of environment would be best for each site, Retirement Villages endeavour to bring landscape architects on board as soon as possible. “It’s important to get their views early on, says Andrew. We have generally kept this to a smaller number of practices because it lets us properly get to know the individual businesses, but, with our growth rate increasing, we are going to look at a wider range of consultants.

When it comes to choosing who to work with, he explains that: “It really depends on what people

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7 are bringing to the table. We don’t really have a set way of doing things.

Once a scheme is in place, a maintenance and gardening team ensures the landscape always remains at its best. “They are part of what residents expect, notes Andrew. The roup tends to build lasting relationships with contractors whose work has impressed them on previous sites. We have a contractor at Moat Park, near Great Dunmow in Essex, who has done some really good work – and he eventually ended up helping us do the landscaping itself.

Retirement Villages Group Ltd Retirement Villages Group Ltd has been developing and managing purpose built, retirement communities throughout the UK since 1981. The Group’s developments have earned recognition within its industry, receiving multiple national accolades at major property events for its landscaping and gardens.

W: www.retirementvillages.co.uk

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06/03/2020 12:18

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1. The use of this data by the recipient acts as an agreement of the following statements. Do this data if you do not agree with any of the following statements.

2. This drawing remains the copyright of Illman Young Landscape Design.

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4. Report any discrepancies or omissions to the Landscape Architects before proceeding.

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FEATURES

T

We are at a critical point in history as well as being the last generation that can stop climate change, we are also the first forced to live with its conse uences. A recent I A report shows that one in six homes are currently vulnerable to ooding, with that number expected to double by 0 0. Also, economic losses, physical in uries, health problems, anxiety and depression are all devastating conse uences of ooding globally. Around of the global population live in areas less than

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AP + Felixx in development

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oos Aldershoff

Ella Haller wier chowska

OPINION EVA WOODE

With the severity of extreme weather increasing, EVA WOODE emphasises the role architects can play in adapting our cities to a new climate reality and highlights a new exhibition that shows how we can live with water in our built environment

ceanix ity concept proposal by I

AP + Felixx East Dike, Shen hen, hina, by

“IT IS ALSO BECOMING EVIDENT THAT MAN-MADE INFRASTRUCTURE HAS BEEN BUILT AT THE EXPENSE OF NATURAL FLOOD DEFENCES”

arke Ingels roup

“AS WELL AS BEING THE LAST GENERATION THAT CAN STOP CLIMATE CHANGE, WE ARE ALSO THE FIRST FORCED TO LIVE WITH ITS CONSEQUENCES”

Floating Houses I burg, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,

by Marlies ohmer Architects and rbanists

arke Ingels roup

I

The Soul of N rrebro, openhagen, Denmark by S A in development

eauty and The it

hroughout history, oods have been depicted in literature, art and films as an ultimate challenge for humankind to overcome. Noah’s heroic effort in the face of the apocalyptic ood offers one of the first written accounts of a ma or architectural pro ect. The challenges set by climate change today are high stakes too. ver the past 0 years, records show that the occurrence and severity of extreme weather has increased. Sea levels continue to rise as global warming melts the fro en parts of the world’s oceans, putting communities and properties in coastal areas around the world at great risk.

00km from coast lines and less than 00m above sea level. These communities are at particularly high risk when it comes to rising sea levels including of the world’s ma or cities, each home to over five million people.

As ooding becomes the new normal’, continued large scale investments in ood defences may prove inade uate. It is also becoming evident that man made infrastructure has been built at the expense of natural ood defences absorbent earth has been replaced

with concrete and tarmac. New approaches to ood prevention lie in solutions that are looking beyond walls and barriers, often working with nature. Instead of preventing and controlling oods altogether, architecture has to start helping us live with water’, focusing on resilience, prevention of damage and uick recoveries.

As embracing the inevitability of a more water filled future offers the most realistic and progressive solution, Sea hange Flood esilient Architecture for the st entury explores the role architects can play in adapting our cities to a new climate reality.

From small scale adaptations of individual buildings, to city wide infrastructure, using a mixture of man made and natural solutions, this exhibition presents pro ects proposed and realised that show how we can live with water in our built environment.

Sea Change: Flood Resilient Architecture for the 21st Century is on show at the Roca London Gallery until 16 May. More info www.rocalondongallery.com The alue of Flood esilient Architecture and Design, May 0

ABOUT EVA WOODE Eva Woode is the founder and director of Studio Woode Ltd, a curating and communications studio, specialising in design, architecture and construction with a focus on sustainability and wellbeing.

W: www.studiowoode.com

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09/03/2020 14:19

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FEATURES

o

ver the past year, it seems I’ve heard more about the climate crisis than ever before. From the andscape Institute’s declared climate and biological diversity emergency last une to the present, not a day goes by when I’m not thinking, writing or speaking about the grave situation we face, as both a human being and landscape practitioner. iven that the was the first ma or economy in the world to pass legislation requiring all greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced to net ero by 0 0 also last une , we should have no doubt that things will change. This means that we, as a country, need to reduce our emissions as far as possible like banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 0 and offset any remaining emissions through schemes that will balance an e uivalent amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, for example, planting trees or using technology to capture and store carbon. While this move is positive and should increase opportunities for so called green collar obs and low carbon economy exports, it is also hugely ambitious.

Where, then, does that leave us How do we reduce our impact There are so many aspects on which to focus that it can seem overwhelming, and it’s common to hear vastly differing views where some people have completely stopped ying, given up their car in favour of a bicycle or their legs , adopted a vegan diet, and vowed to buy no more clothes for a year, for example. thers simply can’t see the point as they recognise their own individual

“AS WE ENTER 2020, WE CAN EXPECT A RENEWED FOCUS ON POLICY AND PRACTICE RELATED TO THE ENVIRONMENT” impact is tiny and could be viewed as irrelevant.

I often hear comments about the real problem resting with the S or hina, both considered the worst contributors to the carbon crisis.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and elect to do nothing, but we must face up to the reality of the situation as my E says, We AN all change the world a little at a time . Evidence that this approach is both achievable and worthwhile is that our company’s production has been carbon neutral for 0 years now.

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OPINION ROMY RAWLINGS Vestre’s Romy Rawlings looks at how the industry can take action to help tackle the climate crisis For those of us working in this wonderful profession, we’re in a far better position than many since much of our work is already positive and can bring about real improvements to people, place and nature. We may sometimes battle with di cult clients, have to endure the inevitable value engineering, and see pro ects devastated by a lack of proper management. ut, our net impacts are, compared to many other industries, overwhelmingly encouraging. ne framework that can be adopted by any business as we have at estre is the nited Nation’s Sustainable Development oals.

Adopted in 0 by all member states, the goals set out a plan to achieve a better future by 0 0. They are wide ranging and aim to end extreme poverty, fight ine uality and in ustice, and protect our planet. The SD s and related indicators address the most important challenges, and businesses can contribute to meeting the targets through direct action and their corporate social responsibility activities.

SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 15: Life on Land is perhaps the most pertinent to our work and offers ways in which to support its ob ectives. The sustainable management of land is key protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Isn’t that exactly what many of us, employed in the landscape sector, aim to do in our work However, the 0 summary is somewhat gloomy, and so much more is needed Forest loss is slowing down, more key biodiversity areas are protected, and more financial assistance is owing towards biodiversity protection. et, the 0 0 targets of SD are unlikely to be met, land degradation continues, biodiversity loss is occurring at an alarming rate, and invasive species and the illicit poaching and tra cking of wildlife continue to thwart efforts to protect and restore vital ecosystems and species.

As we enter 0 0, we can expect a renewed focus on policy and practice related to the environment. As the hosts the next

UNITED NATION’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS round of the P limate Summit, there is opportunity for built and natural environment sectors to collaborate and show leadership.

As we seek to step up our efforts, it’s vital that everyone in our sector starts to explore the ways in which they can contribute to better outcomes through personal, business and professional efforts.

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06/03/2020 11:25

FEATURES

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A GRAND VISION A new community project in Kent feels embedded in the surrounding rural environment thanks to an imaginative approach to landscape design adopted throughout its development

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ustainability was central to the landscape masterplan for a new community at Cheeseman’s Green, now known as Finberry, just on the outskirts of Ashford in Kent.

Atkins’ landscape team worked closely with Crest Nicholson Strategic Projects and landscape architects Murdoch Wickham on the landscape masterplan for the development.

It comprises 1,100 homes, including an 80-bed extra care facility and nine live/work units, alongside a primary school, community centre, employment and commercial space.

Speaking about the development, Alex Vicary, associate director (technical) at Crest Nicholson Strategic Projects, elaborated: “Crest Nicholson prides itself on its investment

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in placemaking and high-quality landscaped spaces on our developments.

“Finberry is a prime example of how, with careful consideration, an existing landscape can be enhanced and integrated with a highquality new development to create a highly desirable place to live.

“THE PROJECT IS ESSENTIALLY A NEW SETTLEMENT, LOCATED IN A CHALLENGING LOCATION” “Both Atkins and Murdoch Wickham, alongside the rest of the design team, have been instrumental in the design and delivery of a development we can all be proud of.”

Project goals The vision for the new community has been delivered with reference to the original permission in 2006 and includes consideration of the landscape setting and approach to the new settlement. Other factors taken into consideration in the concept development included environmental concerns, sustainable transport and a commitment to the highest standards of public open space design and urban design, including the public realm.

Atkins’ remit included delivery of all strands of green infrastructure with design which includes native planting, sustainable drainage retention basins, ecological conservation and enhancement. The company also worked on the detailed design of a parkland, Stour

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FEATURES

Meadows, which forms a green frontage to the initial phase of occupied housing that looks out across the landscape. Walking and cycling routes are part of the landscape parks, play areas and the central spine throughout the development.

The green infrastructure of the site includes parkland edges to the development and a green spine connecting a managed ancient woodland, Captain’s Wood, and a series of play areas and open spaces. This vision required careful consideration of key nodal spaces, plant species and street tree species choices, as well as sustainable approaches to any land returned to agriculture and a cohesive approach to the choice of materials and the appearance throughout the development.

As the site developed and new designers became involved in the project, Atkins retained a crucial longstanding involvement, steering the design as it evolved over the course of the project. Crest Nicholson remained at the helm to deliver the vision and the development now has a well-established initial extensive landscape and the lakes and network of paths and parkland are now well established.

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“THIS VISION REQUIRED CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF KEY NODAL SPACES, PLANT SPECIES AND STREET TREE SPECIES CHOICES” 5

Challenges The project is essentially a new settlement located in a challenging location. Sitting on a raised plateau, the main body of the development is surrounded by ood plain, which is undevelopable. As a result the work re uired ood compensation for part of the development and an access road which cross elevated above the ood plain.

The role of Atkins Initially working for the landowners, The Church Commissioners, Atkins was then passed across to the developers to assist with post planning work relating to landscape IA , drainage, ood risk, air, noise and

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FEATURES

ecology issues. Atkins later became involved with delivery on site and assisted by developing the cut and fill re uired for the development.

The company led on the delivery of the landscape remediation to the oodplain landscape

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“SUSTAINABILITY WAS CENTRAL TO THE LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN”

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1 Stour Meadows, housing fronts onto the parkland 2 Geese sculpture at site entrance 3 The Lakes at Finberry looking towards the ousing 4 Focal landscape designed

by Murdoch Wickham 5 Waterside walking routes 6 Roundabout with raised tree planting, visible as part of the approach experience 7 View from the edges of the western lake 8 ‘Swan Moiré’ by artist Bruce Williams Photographs ©Atkins

Awards Winner of utstanding andscape for Housing’ Sunday Times ritish Homes Awards

and developed detailed landscape proposals for compensatory landscape works and collaborated with other designers, including Murdoch Wickham andscape Architects, to deliver a series of packages of landscape each designed by one of the consultants.

These works included parkland with features such as decking, sustainable drainage swales and permanently wet ponds along with woodland and ood plain areas designed by Atkins.

The company dealt with the larger-scale elements and Murdoch Wickham developed focal areas such as the entrance area and designs for the main lakes on the approach. An artist, Bruce Williams, was also commissioned to develop the designs for artwork.

Special features The large lakes which form part of the approach to the development needed detailed consideration to ensure consistent water levels all year by tapping into groundwater with pumps.

Atkins worked closely with the contractor Willerby Landscapes. The works have continued over a period of six years with extended maintenance and continuity in high uality delivery and ongoing management. The company also delivered ecology-led landscape projects, mitigation areas for newts and developed a management plan for access and care of the woodland, aptain’s Wood, which is a haven for dormice.

Almost all existing trees onsite have been retained, and Atkins maintains an ongoing advisory role to rest Nicholson and its consultants on aspects relating to the environment such as ecology and tree protection.

ATKINS Founded in the 1930s, Atkins is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies, employing more than 18,300 people across the UK, North America, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe. SNCLavalin acquired Atkins in 2017.

Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin is a global fully-integrated professional services and project management company and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure.

W: www.atkinsglobal.com W: www.snclavalin.com

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09/03/2020 14:40

AWARDS

Podium For the UK’s domestic and commercial rooftop projects

[ po.di.um ] noun

a podium landscape is a green space built on top of a structure

3 JULY 2020 OVAL SPACE, LONDON Visit www.prolandscapermagazine.com/podiumawards

CATEGORIES

• Commercial Build Under £500K • Commercial Build Over £500K • Commercial Design Under £500K • Commercial Design Over £500K • Domestic Build • Domestic Design • Planting Design • Outstanding Podium Product • Future Project •

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09/03/2020 15:58

PODIUM AWARDS And the judges are…

Chris Bridgman

Chris Churchman

Jacquelin Clay

Rosemary Coldstream

Nick Coslett

Dan Flynn

Patricia Fox

Alison Galbraith

Mark Gregory

Tim O’Hare

Adrian Judd

Peter Massini

Lewis Normand

Ludo Pittie

Mike Wells

Matthew Wilson

Bridgman & Bridgman

Horticultural consultant

Landform Consultants

Bernhards Nurseries

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Churchman Thornhill Finch

Gardenlink

Tim O’Hare Associates

WSP

JFA Environmental Planning

Aralia

PRP Architects

Biodiversity by Design

Rosemary Coldstream Garden Design

The terra firma Consultancy

The Greater London Authority

Matthew Wilson Gardens

04/03/2020 15:59 11:11 09/03/2020

PORTFOLIOS

1 Client Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Project team Jonathan Howe (overall garden design) and Project Centre (project director David Moores, planting design led by Sookyoung Im) Contractors Hickman Brothers Landscapes (hard landscape), ANB Groundcare (soft landscape) Completion date July 2017 Size 0.32ha Awards LI Awards 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Excellence through Planting and Horticulture ďŹ nalist

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P22 The Winton Memorial Garden Project Centre

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06/03/2020 12:53

PORTFOLIO

THE WINTON MEMORIAL GARDEN MAIDENHEAD Project Centre

©Barbara Winton

The brief The aim was to create an aspirational planting scheme that would narrate Sir Nicholas’ ourney and values.

It was essential that the landscape should create a range of emotions, evoking connection and hope.

5 1 View towards the pond 2 Kindertransport children arriving at Liverpool St Station ©Barbara Winton 3 The garden features stones inscribed with some of Sir Nicholas’ inspiring quotes 4-5 Views across the garden Photographs ©Sookyoung Im 6 Opening ceremony ©Lucy Brooker

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the collaborative effort between Pro ect entre and WM throughout the pro ect.

Speaking about the concept behind the pro ect, onathan Howe, now head of external spaces at oyal Holloway, the niversity of ondon, said The evolution of the pro ect was a gradual one there was no specific location or type of memorial specified, more ust an intention to remember this man that had done something incredible and inspired others in the process. The pro ect grew out of many conversations with people that remembered Sir Nicholas, and with stakeholders about how they would like to see him remembered and my role in the early stages was to pull that together into a meaningful concept.

The team worked closely with the family who were keen to promote the idea that the memorial should provide a form of usable space and real enhancement rather than be ust a static or formal memorial. ommenting on the pro ect, Sir Nicholas’ daughter arbara Winton said My father was an avid gardener for most of his life, so a garden as a memorial is very fitting. The layout in the form of a path with train tracks and a bridge across water is a beautiful rendering of

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Role of the landscape professional andscape architect onathan Howe, a former landscape o cer at the WM, developed the overall concept design and later commissioned Pro ect entre to develop the planting design.

Sookyoung Im, senior landscape architect at Pro ect entre, was responsible for the planting design, conveying Sir Nicholas’ special ourney, and David Moores was the director who oversaw the delivery. The uality of the garden is a testament to

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©Lucy Brooker

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he Winton Memorial arden in aken Park, Maidenhead, honours the humanitarian actions by Sir Nicholas Winton, which led to the rescue of children who were rehomed in ritain from Na i occupied Prague. Due to his humble character, the rescue mission in

by Sir Nicholas a former resident of Maidenhead was kept secret for more than 0 years. uilt by the oyal orough of Windsor Maidenhead WM , the garden is a lasting testament to Sir Nicholas’ sel ess and heroic actions.

WM appointed Pro ect entre as leading planting designer from concept through to completion.

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PORTFOLIO

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the Kindertransport journey those rescued children made from Czechoslovakia to Britain in 1939.”

Planting design brief Symbolism was used throughout the garden to represent the journey of Sir Nicholas Winton.

Speaking about the planting design, Sookyoung said: “Meaningful planting design can complement and play a key role in a memorial garden. We wanted to use plants that symbolise not only the journey Sir Nicholas took, but also his beliefs.”

As you enter the garden, the yellow and black bamboo represents ‘the protection of children from evil spirits’. This effectively screens the view while building anticipation for what lies ahead. Wild strawberries planted under the bamboo symbolise ‘peace’ and can also be enjoyed as an edible landscape element.

The winding path represents the challenges he faced, with railway sleepers laid in a track-like pattern. Part of the concept design by Jonathan Howe, this aspect of the garden symbolises the train that transported the children to safety.

Later the journey leads to open views featuring a mix of cool and warm coloured plants. Some are aromatic, including the white lilac which symbolises ‘innocence and tranquility’. This leads to the calm of the pond area featuring paths, seating and lawned areas. The garden also contains stones inscribed with some of Sir Nicholas’ inspiring quotations.

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Significance The garden is a beloved destination for locals and visitors

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10 and creates a sense of pride in the community whilst also celebrating the life and legacy of Sir Nicholas.

Symbolically aligned with Sir Nicholas’ challenges and values, the planting concept creates a re ective space with the narrative of his journey, and the design enhances biodiversity through its rich layers of planting using herbaceous perennials, shrubs, bamboo and trees. Planting was used to express the special journey through composition, structure, texture, colour and seasonality, encouraging interaction in the garden.

Sustainability was at the heart of the planting design. From the start, consideration was given to the creation of a robust planting palette. Plants have been selected to provide long seasonal interest and a low maintenance regime.

Engagement was critical to the success of the scheme. For example, students from Courthouse Junior School and Furze Platt Junior School were involved during the implementation, which gave them a sense of ownership.

The design addressed the client’s brief in full, creating a special garden that elevates the memory of Sir Nicholas and brings his extraordinary journey to life through a sensitive planting scheme.

7 Descendants of Sir Nicholas Winton at the opening ceremony 8 Landscape architects Jonathan Howe and Sookyoung Im 9 View towards the willow arch and bamboo groves ©Sookyoung Im 10 Symbolic planting detail of bamboos and wild strawberries ©Sookyoung Im 11 Memorial garden planting section sketch. Drawn by Sookyoung Im 12 Memorial garden planting layout sketch. Drawn by Sookyoung Im

Project Centre Project Centre is a design and engineering consultancy with offices throughout the UK. It provides services aimed at creating healthier neighbourhoods and encouraging sustainable modes of transportation with teams for landscape architecture, engineering, transport planning, engagement, parking, flood and water management, structures, lighting, and more. The DesignWorks team comprises landscape architects and urban designers with many of its projects in the public realm, including streetscape and landscape design.

W: www.projectcentre.co.uk

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10/03/2020 11:20

MATERIALS P26 Material Focus Bronze

P29 Revaluing Biodiversity Understanding BNG

P31 Paving Centenary Square, Birmingham

P33 Soil Tim O’Hare

P35 CPD

MATERIAL FOCUS

BRONZE

BRONZE is one of a number of copper-based alloys commonly known as ‘yellow metals’ and a perfect material for outside art for various reasons

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ifferent metals and trace elements are commonly alloyed with copper to bring out specific characteristics. With brass and gilding metal, which has a striking golden hue, copper is mixed with inc. With bron e, and especially phosphor bron e P 0 tin is added to the copper, in addition to other trace elements, including phosphorus. Although phosphor bron e

KEY FACTS • A copper-based alloy. Different alloys such as tin, nickel and silicon give the various types of bronze their key characteristics • Resistant to degradation and will produce an attractive natural patina on its surface as it oxidises • Used widely for casting artworks due to its relatively low melting point, attractive appearance and longevity • Malleable and easy to weld, making it ideal for fabrication • Treatments and patinas can be applied to change the surface appearance and colour. is still around copper, the addition of tin and other trace elements changes its characteristics.

The colour is still essentially copper, but the material becomes harder and easier to fabricate with. The weld merges with the parent material and can be dressed and polished out to an invisible oint. Although harder than copper, bron e is still essentially a relatively soft metal which is malleable and easy to manipulate. ike all copper based alloys, bron e is weather resistant, and, unlike ferrous metals like steel and iron, it doesn’t rust. ron e artefacts are still being discovered today due to this resilience to

degradation. The charm of bron e, and other yellow metals including copper, is that surface appearance improves with age. xidisation acts on the surface, creating beautiful patinas.

The location of the bron e structure will have a direct effect on its colour and surface appearance.

Statues in the middle of cities are often a dark grey due to pollutants in the air, while nitrates in rainwater can cause copper roofs to turn verdigris, and at other times it can take on the appearance of worn brown leather. The important thing to note is that this colour change isn’t a result of the material degrading, and the original colour can easily be brought back. ne of the main obs when working with yellow metals is the manipulation of the surface to utilise this ability to change colour. lients don’t have to wait 0 years for the patina to develop in the way they have visualised. hemicals and a variety of techni ues can give the bron e a variety of colours and finishes.

Whether you want a bron e armchair in magnesium blue or a front door that looks as though nebulas oat on its surface, any finish is possible. The beauty of the material itself people want to see. ron e has a timeless uality that will always remain a classic.

MAIN BENEFITS • Weather resistant and won’t degrade when used externally • Surface appearance improves with age • The process of oxidisation acts on the surface to create distinctive patinas • A relatively soft metal making it malleable and easy to manipulate • Used by artists due to its beautiful natural appearance, versatility and longevity • Different types of bronze have specific uses and benefits.

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FOCUS ON BRONZE

CASE STUDY SOUTHGATE, BATH Inspired Metal created all the bronze work for the Southgate project in Bath

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nitially contacted by Havercroft Construction about working on the project, the Somerset-based bespoke metalwork specialists, also worked with Macgregor Smith Landscape Architecture.

Speaking about the project, Simon Hebditch, founder of Inspired Metal, said: “The project encompassed about two years of our lives, innumerable sleepless nights, joy, excitement and probably a few grey hairs.

But the results are amazing and something we are all very proud of.

“The real pride comes when we visit the area and find people lounging around and en oying the area that was so painstakingly created. I imagine few give much of a thought to the efforts put in by so many in order to complete this project to such high standards, but it is a real testament to its success that it is used and enjoyed by so many.”

Simon explained that the most challenging aspect of the metalwork side of the project was the lantern. Standing at just over 3m tall and 2m in diameter with no internal structure, this illuminated

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MATERIALS

bronze megalith is designed to throw its shadow of words around the surrounding landscape.

Created from words and phrases that encompass the city of Bath, the artwork’s internal spotlights shine directly from above and below. The workmanship is highlighted from within and any mistakes would be instantly visible.

The lantern, created from a 5mm sheet bronze using a water jet cutter, had to appear as though rolled from a sheet of paper with minimal structural support.

To avoid casting a disruptive shadow, internal support ribs were kept to a minimal size.

Other elements include a feature sandstone wall adorned with 12mm thick bronze lettering. The subtle nature and simplicity of the design hides the laborious amount of work involved to make it appear as though the lettering simply appears on the stone surface with no visible fixing method.

Seven individually designed totem poles surround one edge of the landscaped area within the heart of the pro ect. Each specifies the individual hills that surround Bath. The names of each hill and the relative heights are marked out in chunky bronze lettering.

Other key features include the large segmented circular planters with offset benches and solid 0. in thick bronze espalier frames made in conjunction with Woodscape. Thick hardwood benches are overlooked by planters wrapped in chunky bronze lettering. Within these planters, which are almost 2m in diameter, apple trees cling to the thick bronze espalier frames which securely hold them in the circular formation.

With blossoms in spring and apples later in the season these planters change with the seasons and the surface of the bronze will change and adapt with them.

Inspired Metal Ltd A specialist in the design, fabrication and installation of bespoke metalwork for the private and commercial sectors.

The company specialises in a wide range of techniques and processes in a variety of non-ferrous metals with a focus on the manipulation and fabrication of metals including brass, bronze and copper.

W: www.inspiredmetal.co.uk

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06/03/2020 12:02

MATERIALS

James Hewetson-Brown, managing director of Wildflower Turf Ltd, examines the implications of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) scheme – currently in a two-year transition period – before it comes into force in 2022

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REVALUING BIODIVERSITY AND SPECIES RICH LANDSCAPES

iodiversity Net Gain (BNG) aims to ensure that, for any new development, onsite biodiversity is first assessed and recorded, and once work is complete the developer must prove that the recorded level of biodiversity has been enhanced by a minimum of 0 . This commitment will be mandatory as part of the planning system.

A section within the Environment ill 0 0 0, N concentrates on biodiversity within the built environment, specifically targeting new development.

The process of assessing and delivering this ob ective is not necessarily straightforward, however, according to managing director of Wild ower Turf ames Hewetson rown.

“In layman’s terms, the developer has to build in biodiversity in any way they see fit, and the results will be assessed by a series of metrics based on the extent of the habitat, the uality of the reinstatement work and the time it takes to achieve it. Significantly, the site will then be audited for 0 years after completion.

To their credit, a number of developers are already adopting the principles of the scheme.

However, I believe only a worryingly limited number of landscaping professionals are aware of N and its implications, explains ames. The Environment ill gives three options for achieving N onsite preferred , offsite at a registered site, such as a habitat bank , or through biodiversity credits purchased from the Secretary of State.

What will the impact be?

From a wildlife perspective, ames believes that N will be a significant and positive initiative. We will begin to see all new developments establishing species rich habitats that will provide food and homes for all manner of wildlife.

Previously, only committed individual pro ects have given genuine benefit to biodiversity for example the 0 lympic site , but landscape professionals have

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MATERIALS long desired such a force for change. With BNG coinciding with an increase in public opinion and pressure with respect to the environment, there is no doubt that the time for procrastination is over – BNG is a game-changer.”

Following meetings with both Defra and Natural England, James believes that this legislation will be delivered with a great deal of vigour. Both site assessment and follow-up auditing will be intensive, with planning departments also heavily involved in the process.

A British Standard is likely to be made available towards the end of this year with relation to BNG, he says, and BREEAM and CEEQUAL are both aiming to incorporate BNG as soon as is practicable.

“Although onsite BNG is preferred, the idea of (for example) councils getting paid for their verges or roundabouts as BNG donor sites is interesting. But, to get paid, they will need to prove a net gain on the donor site and ensure that it stays that way for 30 years,” he adds.

What are the challenges?

Despite the overwhelming benefits, ames believes that a barrier to real success in the past has been (and could still be) ‘value engineering’.

“Within any new development project, landscaping is the final cost hurdle, and the strict requirements of BNG suggest that landscaping budgets will need to be ring-fenced from the outset.

Anyone value engineering the landscaping (resulting in substandard work) will be taking a risk as evidence of improvement will be required.

“The likely cost of getting it wrong will be that developers will be re uired to pay a cash tariff. This will be a fixed charge of between k and k per biodiversity unit net gain shortfall, which will be used to fund compensatory habitats,” he explains. It is for this reason, he says, that there is an urgent need

for landscaping professionals to get to grips with BNG before the mandatory requirements come into play. As one of the UK’s leading biodiverse turf suppliers, Wild ower Turf delivers regular training and CPD events.

“With noise about BNG increasing, we have recently been examining how well the message of N has filtered through to the landscaping profession. We estimate that approximately 60% of the professionals we have interviewed have limited or no awareness of BNG. We are working to reverse this trend by spreading the word about BNG to all our relevant trade customers, but there is an urgent requirement for all landscaping professionals to ensure they are aware of the scheme,” he adds.

Although a complete framework to assist landscaping professionals in delivering the mandatory requirements would be ideal, says James, the complicated nature of the auditing process and the specific re uirements of each site make this di cult in practice.

According to James, there are three main areas of inclusion that landscape professionals can focus on that will help to deliver the necessary requirements: 1. Trees and hedges.

2. Water features such as ponds and waterways.

3. Species rich wildflower meadows and grasslands.

With a typical wild ower habitat offering anywhere from 0 to 0 species in a given area, wild owers are an excellent vehicle for delivering the requirements of BNG. Using modern techniques to establish a reliable, species-rich meadow will speed up the establishment process and provide longevity, thus meeting both short-term and long-term BNG auditing requirements.”

Natural England have produced the following introductory video to BNG: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVR9VZYkMLc

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Wildflower Turf ltd James Hewetson-Brown is managing director of Wildflower Turf Ltd, one of the leading suppliers of wildflower turf in the UK. He set up the award-winning company as a subsidiary enterprise of his family’s business Coronet Turf in 2003 to meet the demand for ready-made wildflower turf meadows.

W: www.wildflowerturf.co.uk

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06/03/2020 11:49

MATERIALS

Project Centenary Square, Birmingham Client Birmingham City Council Architect Graeme Massie Architects Contractor Bouygues UK

PAVING CENTENARY SQUARE, BIRMINGHAM

This redesign of one of Birmingham’s flagship squares included public realm improvements with hardscape-supplied granite and sandstone

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he new look Centenary Square in Birmingham now acts as a ‘gateway’ to many of the city’s major cultural venues. Centenary Square’s new look was unveiled almost five years after Birmingham City Council, with RIBA, launched an international design competition to redesign one of the city’s biggest public areas.

The winning entry, designed by Edinburghbased company Graeme Massie Architects (GMA), included a mix of trees, small plants alongside a new refection pool, striking paving from supplier Hardscape and integrated seating.

Speaking about the project, Cllr Brigid Jones of Birmingham City Council said: “This is the

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next important stage in the re-imagining of Centenary Square: it is no longer just a space to pass through – it is now a world-class public space.”

The plan The project set out to consolidate a cultural quarter and act as a new ‘gateway’ to many of Birmingham’s major cultural venues such as the Birmingham Symphony Hall and International Conference Centre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the new library.

It aimed to provide a new outdoor venue for the cultural programme of these institutions. The

project also had to respect and enhance the history of the square, improving the setting and accessibility of heritage assets such as the ‘Hall of Memory’ war memorial and Baskerville House.

Hardscape’s involvement The company worked with GMA to develop proposals for the paving design for Centenary Square. As a continuous, but articulated surface over the full extent of the square, the granite

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paving became a key element of the design.

Materials supplied included Woodkirk uff Sandstone and Caesar White, Shiraz Red, Crystal Black and Yellow Rock granites. Finishes included amed, honed, bush hammered and cropped. Granite was chosen as the main paving material due to its high durability. The variety of colours and finishes available allowed GMA to achieve the desired outcome.

Another consideration included the fact that the square is designed to accommodate HGV tra c, so it was important that the stone paving elements had enough compressive strength.

Attention also had to be made to ensure the rystal lack paving within the re ective water

feature maintained the minimum slip resistance even when ooded.

Bespoke elements Hardscape worked closely with GMA to develop an anti skateboarding strategy for the edges of the granite benches and platforms. Having tested and explored various textures and profiles, the final plan involved using a series of alternating grooves that were made into bespoke granite bench top pieces. entenary S uare’s defining feature is a Hall of olumns’, composed of a grid of m high, slender lighting columns, that give the space a strong presence within an eclectic urban setting.

At ground level, built over a reinforced concrete slab, the full extent of paving surface is designed to accommodate H tra c for events and the Big Wheel at Christmas. The aforementioned , 00m2 re ective water feature built in rystal lack granite can be turned off for larger events when necessary.

Result The delivery of the square falls into two distinct phases Phase delivers the main civic space,

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and Phase 2, to be delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance team, will deliver the works along Broad Street, including a new tram stop which will further integrate the square into the city.

Phase 2 of the development uses the same Hardscape materials to seamlessly integrate the two phases into one coherent public space.

Legacy As the agship pro ect in the 4, 00m2 redevelopment of the city’s west end, and a keystone of the Birmingham City Council’s ‘Big City Plan’, Centenary Square has been a catalyst for further urban regeneration, including ma or developments such as Paradise Plaza, Arena Central and HSBC’s new UK headquarters.

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MATERIALS

THE ROLE OF SOILS IN COMBATTING

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CLIMATE CHANGE

n any news piece on the environment or climate change, terms such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity net gain, ood alleviation, sustainable drainage and ecosystem services will usually feature. The Environment Bill 2020 also refers to these terms in its proposals to protect and improve the natural environment in the UK. But what do they all have in common? They are completely reliant on the soil for their delivery.

Despite the importance of its role, the term ‘soil’ is not however mentioned in the new Environment Bill.

Some soil facts • Soil is the very outer ‘skin’ of the Earth, and without it there would be no life.

• A single teaspoonful of soil contains over four billion microorganisms and one hectare of topsoil can contain up to five tonnes of living organisms.

• The Earth’s soils contain about 2,500 gigatons of carbon – more than three times the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and four times the amount stored in all living plants and animals.

• 2.9 million tonnes of soil is lost by erosion annually in the UK. Soil functions and services One of the three major natural resources, alongside air and water, soil also fulfils essential services that are central to social, economic and environmental sustainability, and which can only be delivered if the soil can function properly: food, fibre and fuel production • support for the landscape (gardens, playing fields, open space

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after the Landscape Institute declared a climate and biological diversity emergency in June 2019, it formed a panel to provide advice on what the industry could do to make a positive contribution to climate change targets and obligations. Here, Tim O’Hare, principal consultant of Tim O’Hare Associates LLP, highlights the important and varied role that soils play • support of ecological habitats and biodiversity • carbon sequestration water attenuation and ood regulation environmental interaction and filtration with air and water • nutrient cycling • contaminated land remediation Apart from fibre and fuel production, all of these are associated with, and in uenced by, landscape projects.

Not a good track record The construction industry – including housing, infrastructure, public realm, commercial, retail and private developments – unfortunately does not have the best track record when it comes to protecting this precious natural resource and ensuring that soils are properly reinstated. In many instances, soils on development sites perform worse than they did before development.

So, if the landscape industry is going to make a difference, it needs to ensure that the design, construction and aftercare of landscape projects includes soil on the ‘agenda’.

Consideration of the soil should start as early as possible and be factored in throughout a project.

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MATERIALS

Using the RIBA Work Stages, the table (right) sets out the various measures that should be considered.

Baseline soil surveys A soil survey is fundamental to the design of any project and I am still amazed how many projects do little, if any, assessment of their site’s soil resources. The survey will help steer the landscape design as well as inform cost analysis and risk mitigation, cut and fill calculations, material management plans, drainage strategy and ecological considerations.

A survey should provide the answers to these types of questions: • What types of soil are on site? Clayey?

Sandy? Fertile? Infertile? Acid? Calcareous?

• Is the soil suitable for the intended landscape scheme – trees, ornamental shrubs, amenity grass, native woodland, species-rich grassland, wetlands?

• What plant species are suited to these soils? an the soils be improved or modified to make them suitable?

• Can the soils be relied upon for SuDS? • Will tree pits need positive drainage?

• How much topsoil is on site, and if there is a surplus, can it be sold to other projects or will its disposal be a commercial risk?

Soil management plans Having gathered the baseline information from a soil survey, a soil management plan is developed to set out the strategy for the safe and e cient recovery, storage and reinstatement of the soils. This will also include proposals for tree pit design and land drainage.

This information is useful in satisfying the requirements of planning authorities and other statuary consultees, like Natural England. It also provides cost consultants with high-level detail in the cost analysis, and information for the design team responsible for landscape, ecology, archaeology, arboriculture, drainage, earthworks and land remediation.

Soil specification At the technical design stage, all the technical and contractual elements of soil recovery, import, management and amelioration can be set out in a format that the contractor should be able to understand and work with. This usually includes a description of soil type(s) to be used (site-won and/or imported), imported soil specifications if re uired , soil sampling and testing criteria, methods of handling and preparing

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RIBA WORK STAGE

SOIL CONSIDERATIONS

1

Preparation and Brief

2

Concept Design

Baseline Soil Survey

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Developed Design

Soil Management Plan

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Technical Design

Soil Specification

5

Construction

Monitoring and Inspections

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Handover and Close Out

Final Soil Assessment and Sign-Off

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In Use

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6 soils, soil additive products (fertiliser, compost, lime, conditioner, etc), tree pit construction sequencing, and materials and drainage media.

Monitoring, inspections and sign-off Even the neatest drawings and most detailed specifications do not guarantee that all the design ‘intent’ is translated to reality at the construction stage. From experience, having an onsite presence during the works should help ensure the right soils are used, and the right soil conditions are achieved first time. This includes liaison with the site team throughout the build, and timely site inspections during the earthworks and landscape phases.

A final assessment of the soils confirms if they are fit for purpose’ or identifies any snags that need to be rectified. This enables the work to be signed off with the comfort that the soils will perform, the landscape will establish, and everyone will get paid.

7 1 Topsoil respreading over decompacted subsoil 2 Healthy soil, healthy grass 3 On-site soil inspections 4 Incorrect soils resulted in total SuDS failure 5 Completely destructured soils due to poor soil handling 6 Monitoring the installation of trees 7 Subsoil decompaction

Tim O’Hare Associates LLP Tim O’Hare, principal consultant of Tim O’Hare Associates LLP, has been advising on soils within the landscape industry for over 20 years.

He works with many landscape architects to ensure soils are correctly surveyed, specified, tested, sourced, manufactured and managed.

W: www.toha.co.uk

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MATERIALS

CPD

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Designing Trees into a Water Sensitive Urban Environment

Led by Howard Gray With 40+ years’ experience, including a number of SuDS schemes across Europe, alongside both local authorities and developers, he’s ideally positioned to present the vision of enabling sustainable cities through green and blue infrastructure.

Major topics covered 1. SuDS tree pit installation scenarios, including real world case studies.

2. Bioretention tree pits and swales, including the launch of the new HydroPlanter™ plug and play modular rain garden system.

3. Stormwater canopy interception and tackling increasing stormwater drainage demands.

4. Alternative methods for irrigating tree pits.

GreenBlue Urban mission statement To enable sustainable cities through green and blue infrastructure.

London showroom GreenBlue Urban, 117 St John Street, London, EC1V 4JA

COURSE DETAILS: Q&A • What is the length of the course? (full/half day) One hour.

• What does the presentation involve?

The presentation includes the principals of designing trees into water sensitive urban areas. It will offer alternative methods for bringing water into tree pits, alongside valuable demonstrations of real world case studies, design drawings and a question and answer session.

• What are the key benefits of attending the course?

From increasing awareness of materials available to cost benefits and connecting amenity and biodiversity elements. The four pillars of SuDS will be addressed too.

• Who is the course aimed at?

All sectors of the planning industry; landscape architects, local authority employees, engineers and contractors.

• What is the cost of the course? It’s free.

• Is pre-booking essential? Yes. • How many people can attend? No limit.

• Are sample packs distributed? Yes. • Is lunch included? Yes. • How often are the courses held?

Every day, Monday to Friday.

“Everyone loved the presentation and found it to be very valuable” Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects

GreenBlue Urban

HydroPlanter™ plug and play modular rain garden system

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GreenBlue Urban is a market leader in specialist tree pit products with more than 40 years’ experience in the industry. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evidenced by using recycled materials in tree planting schemes. Its team of technical specialists offers support from the initial feasibility studies through to planting.

T: 01580 830 800 W: www.greenblue.com

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