UR22 landscape architecture

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WITH SUMMER NOW, OSTENSIBLY, UPON US OUR LANDSCAPES ARE IN FULL BLOOM. WHAT BETTER TIME THEREFORE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE FIELD OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE BY DELVING INTO THE WORK OF LEADING PRACTITIONERS. HERE WE SEE HOW THE DISCIPLINE IS EVOLVING AND FIND MUCH TO DISCUSS, AS YOU WILL SEE.

Helensburgh town centre regeneration by Austin-Smith:Lord

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Q&A Siobhan Vernon, Associate and Head of Landscape, Austin-Smith:Lord LLP

How is the relationship between landscape and architecture evolving?

Within Austin-Smith:Lord we operate on a very collaborative basis in our studios as we are part of a multi-disciplinary practice. Our landscape architecture team runs as a dual identity. We lead our own projects and deliver purely landscape projects with external design teams. In parallel to this we collaborate closely on projects with our architects and more often with our urban design and conservation teams. The key to a successful project is good collaboration between each discipline involved, a healthy respect for each role and a clear idea of what you are trying to achieve.

I think there is an increasing appreciation of the value of good landscape design and the value of design quality in the built environment in general. New and emerging policy has helped and supported the importance of external spaces; Designing Streets Manual, Scottish Planning Policy and Scottish Government’s Town Centre Action Plan. This was backed up by research we contributed to for the Scottish Government into the “Value of Design in the Built Environment”. Publications by the Landscape Institute also reinforce this added value such as “Profitable Places”, “Why Invest in Landscape?” and “Public Health and Landscape”. This research documents what a positive influence well designed spaces have on health and wellbeing, productivity and value. The evidence stacks up. This is all positive stuff for landscape architects.

However all good architects and designers already understand this message. It needs to filter through to those with the project budgets.

What projects are you working on that are helping to advance the profession?

Any project that demonstrates the added value of good landscape design and how this investment pays for itself helps to advance the profession. We have recently delivered upgraded visitor facilities for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority , are working on a range of improvements at Irvine Harbourside; improvements to public space and small artwork interventions. We are finalising the proposals and outcomes from the Scottish Government funded design charrette in Whitburn (amongst others) with an emphasis

on health and wellbeing and open space. This together with our public realm, town regeneration project and landform projects demonstrates our flexibility and range of skills.

The publication of the Landscape Architect’s Pocket Book, first and second edition, (authors; Siobhan Vernon, Rachel Tennant, Nicola Garmory) also advances the profession, supplementing and aligning our knowledge with the other Pocket Book editions by other disciplines.

Does the universal appeal of landscape architecture make it easier to engage the public (as opposed to good architecture which can be divisive)?

I don’t think that this is necessarily the case. However it isn’t hard to get a reaction or an opinion from the public throughout any engagement process about landscape projects as they tend to involve public space. This is something that impacts on everyone. Everyone is a pedestrian, most people drive, everyone uses public space. The public may feel a bit more “ownership” in outside spaces. It maybe provokes more questions; What is it for? What do you do there? Where do I park? is a key theme. Most public space involves access issues and or recreational activities. Who doesn’t have an opinion on that? Public space can really impact on peoples day to day lives particularly where there are special needs and particular access requirements. The public are much more aware of these issues today and this is supported by policy and design guides. It can be a challenge to meet the needs of all users. Going forward this can only improve the quality of public space.

Rolf Roscher, Director, erz

What projects are you working on that are helping to advance the profession The Kilmahew / St Peter’s project demonstrates a landscape led strategy to rescue and regenerate a remarkable building.

The health and care projects that we are working on manifest the increasingly widely recognised link between getting well and getting outside.

The systems based strategy and master planning work we do responds to both social and environmental processes in an innovative way.

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Does the universal appeal of landscape architecture make it easier to engage the public (as opposed to good architecture which can be divisive)?

Buildings have universal appeal as they are easy to conceptualise. This can also be a barrier. The idealised archetype can get in the way.

Landscapes are essentially complex, diffuse and difficult to define. The abstract ideal of landscape may have universal appeal, this does not necessarily make it easier to discuss with people in a meaningful way.

Will climate change impact upon the profession?

The impacts of climate change and strategies to respond to the changing situation have been informing landscape strategy and design for decades. Many others need to catch up.

Jon Simmons, Partner, Gillespies

How is the relationship between landscape and architecture evolving?

Gillespies has excellent working relationships with many architects. It’s impossible to generalise about this when effectively we are working for the same clients on similar projects. What works for architects works for landscape architects; there are good and bad of both. All we can do is keep demonstrating we have the technical skills and design flair, can add value and react quickly and at the end of the day produce outdoor spaces of quality that have meaning and purpose.

We can sometimes lose sight of the fact we are on the same team. This is a shame and too many landscape architects use poor relationships with other consultants as an excuse. If we push for design quality and back this up with high technical standards and an appreciation of what other consultants do; then working together and developing professional relationships is easy.

Does the universal appeal of landscape architecture make it easier to engage the public (as opposed to good architecture which can be divisive)?

Good architecture need not be divisive. In the context of public engagement what really puts people off is a failure to understand or a failure to listen. If anyone; architects or landscape architects do this then they are ultimately failing to produce good designs. As Frank Chimero once said ‘people URBAN REALM SUMMER 2015 URBANREALM.COM

ignore design that ignores people’.

Gillespies prides itself on the inclusive way it approaches engagement processes. We often start with a blank page so that the first marks on the paper and first thoughts come from the people who at the end of the day are the real clients. Weaving perceptions, passions, preconceptions and opinions into cogent, exciting, enduring and adoptable designs is perhaps one of the most gratifying processes landscape architects can be involved in. Realising that local people have taken the mantle of project champion from you is a great feeling.

Should we embrace wild or semi-tamed landscapes to enhance biodiversity?

There are great opportunities to recognise the value of wild and semi tamed landscapes in many areas we work in. This includes natural regeneration of forgotten sites where the first response may be to be to clear them and start again.

Emerging habitats can have great value and the best designs retain what has value without compromising the future design intent. This may be challenging but the push for the design excellence should always look to do what’s best; not what’s most expedient.

Kirstin Taylor, Director, LDA Design

How is the relationship between landscape and architecture evolving?

Investing in landscape and green infrastructure is gaining increasing importance in terms of bringing more ‘liveability’ to our cities and the creation of truly sustainable communities. This is calling for increasingly collaborative working between disciplines and as a result, we find we are working in more integrated ways with our architectural colleagues in the planning of our towns and cities.

What projects are you working on that are helping to advance the profession?

There is an increasing recognition that using our combined design and environmental skills, Landscape Architect’s bring exceptional value at the earliest stages of development planning and as a result, we are increasingly taking a lead role in masterplanning new developments. In addition to using landscape as the driver to enhance the development framework proposals for Glasgow’s Sighthill Regeneration masterplan we are currently leading some major

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development projects such as the master plan for a new 125,000 sq m campus for UCL (University College London).

Will climate change impact upon the profession?

There is a growing body of evidence that climate change is happening now and at a much faster rate than anticipated.

With the scale of climate change predicted, there is also no doubt that the landscape, and with it our profession, will be affected. As such, climate change can no longer be seen as a side issue. It could cause major social, economic and environmental upheaval and create demand for development, infrastructure and land. Responding to this challenge will be a major driver for our work in future, not just affecting how we do it but also why we do it.

Should we be doing more to push the potential of green roofs?

Whilst London may be ahead of the game with its Climate Change Adaptation Strategy setting requirements for green roofs, it would be hugely encouraging if green roof strategies were more widely embraced, directly or indirectly, at the municipal policy level in the UK and in Scotland particularly.

Singapore is a fantastic example we could learn from where the government has has agreed on a comprehensive programme to promote rooftop greening through the Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme (SGIS). A number of other global cities also offer attractive start-up grants for the implementation of green roofs, acting as an incentive for owners and developers to add green spaces to city roofs.

This is something that would be fantastic to see happening more widely in Scottish cities.

Duncan McLean, Associate Landscape Architect and Urban Designer, LUC

How is the relationship between landscape and architecture evolving?

There is better integration between landscape and architecture due to the increased emphasis on delivering sustainable development. And also acknowledgment that landscape can help meet environmental, social and economic objectives. As such clients are increasingly responsive to a landscape led approach to design. In practice this can be far ranging e.g. increased house property values by integrating positive and useable greenspace; integrating sustainable water management as landscape features; improving health by designing attractive active travel routes; addressing traffic

dominance through pedestrian-focused public realm design; environmental conservation and enhancing biodiversity; providing inspiring and stimulating outdoor environments for children to be active.

What projects are you working on that are helping to advance the profession?

We were delighted to receive a Scottish Design Award for Shawfield, described as ‘bold and futuristic’ by the judges.

The site went from contaminated industrial wasteland to an attractive multi-functional landscape that will accommodate significant long-term development. We placed an emphasis on pedestrian and cycling connectivity, integrated with surface water drainage, and we applied this in a bold and striking design. We didn’t scrimp on attention to detail e.g we were quite meticulous about the layout of paving joints; minimising the amount of slab cutting to reduce wastage.

The use of black and white stripy paving, cor-ten steel and cockle shells was an unusual material palette which adds to the distinctiveness of the scheme.

Should we be doing more to push the potential of green roofs?

My favourite bar is on a green roof in Florida where you can watch the sunset surrounded by skyscrapers. I spent many evenings during my intern year on that roof although perhaps not thinking about sustainable drainage or urbanism principles! Green roofs will be part of the solution to tackle climate change adaption and population growth. They offer significant potential in: managing rainwater reducing pressure on our drainage systems; reducing air pollution; urban temperature control; and offering places for amenity and social activities. We are currently working on retrofitting a green roof on a leaking 1960s civic building in Greenock.

The focus will be more about rainwater management than creating a rooftop paradise, but we still aim to achieve a multi-functional and attractive piece of integrated green infrastructure.

Mike Hyatt, Director, Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects

Should we be doing more to push the potential of green roofs?

The profession has a key role to play, if it is given a chance, in the promotion and design of the green infrastructure for a project. When working in collaboration with the

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architects, ecologists and engineers to find an holistic approach to lessening the environmental impact of development on the land. Green roofs could be an important part of this. A lack of experience and knowledge of what a green roof involves, by architects, landscape architects and other building professionals is hampering their use. Dusty Gedge, green roof installer and green roof evangelist advised that approx 30% of Glasgow city centre buildings could be retro fitted with green roofs increasing biodiversity, reducing stress on the city’s drainage systems and reducing roof maintenance. To date there is much reliance on thin sedum roof systems on new build projects in Scotland, but these systems were developed in Germany for a much drier climate and tend to become weed infested due to our higher rainfall. Minimum 100mm thick green roofs are needed to work well in Scotland, now is the time for the flat roof to return, landscape architects should be at the forefront of their comeback!

Should we embrace wild or semi-tamed landscapes to enhance biodiversity?

Every landscape in Scotland is ‘tamed’ to varying degrees, what we are talking about is to what level of intensity we maintain the landscape. As yet the public in general do not accept untidy looking landscapes close to where they live and work. The skills and knowledge amongst the landscape profession exist to promote higher biodiversity landscapes such as meadows, but it is public opinion that is the main block to their wider use at the moment.

How is the relationship between landscape and architecture evolving?

The key area where the relationship has potential to develop, in terms of direct design input, is where the landscape architect can champion greater awareness of the impact from development on the landscape, contextually and ecologically. Ironically it is government legislation pushing developers to meet BREEAM and SuDS minimum requirements, that is driving the agenda.

Landscape Architects can help to maximise the role good developments have to enhance biodiversity and create better places for people. Landscape and buildings may well need to be more intelligently integrated in the future to meet these higher environmental standards.

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Chris Rankin, Partner rankinfraser

What projects are you working on that are helping to advance the profession?

Without being so bold as to claim we are advancing the profession we are certainly working on some significant projects which will hopefully demonstrate the value of a considered landscape design. In addition to our work in Princes Street Gardens we are working on a number of housing projects in which an understanding of the existing landscape context is fundamental in driving the overall layout and the creation of a distinct identity. When projects are conceived in this integrated way the architecture also becomes more distinctive and interesting. The sites for these project vary from a designed landscape in Aberdeenshire, a rural settlement on the west coast and a very urban context in Glasgow.

Does the universal appeal of landscape architecture make it easier to engage the public (as opposed to good architecture which can be divisive)?

I must admit I don’t accept the premise of the question, either that landscape architecture has a universal appeal or that ‘good’ architecture can be divisive. It is easy to think of landscape projects in the recent past which have been controversial. The George Square competition in Glasgow and Union Terrace Gardens in Aberdeen both strongly divided opinion on their merits and worth. I think what these examples demonstrate is that people hold their public spaces dear and the process of changing and improving them must be handled intelligently and sensitively.

Will climate change impact upon the profession?

Climate change undoubtedly impacts the profession and Landscape Architects are perhaps uniquely placed to deal with the challenges it will place on our urban and rural landscapes. It is a problem with both immediate and very long term effects and one which does not recognise national borders. Climate change forces us to reconsider on a fundamental level both spatial and temporal aspects of how we design landscape. There is an interesting being theory developed by SNH on the concept of ‘native species’ and resilience. In order to deal with the unpredictability of long term climate change we must stop thinking about ‘native’ in terms of place and

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start thinking in terms of time. What is considered native to a place now may be unsuited to the climate in 100 – 200 years time. Thus if we take a long term view, which as landscape architects we should, the whole obsession with using a narrow range of what is currently considered ‘native’ is challenged. This means that the character of the landscape we currently recognise may change significantly over the coming decades.

Nicola Garmory, Director, TGP Landscape Architects Ltd

How is the relationship between landscape and architecture evolving?

We believe that the relationship between architecture and landscape architecture is constantly evolving. This has been demonstrated over the past 21 years where TGP have developed excellent working relationships with a number of architectural practices with whom we have a mutual regard and understanding about the abilities and qualities of each other’s skills.

The most important aspect of this relationship is to ensure that our clients and other construction professionals see how the landscape and architectural professions can work together to benefit them. At present various procurement arrangements do not necessarily allow landscape architects to be involved in projects from inception which is a grave concern to us and ultimately is not beneficial to our clients, the public or the wider environment.

The emergence of a more green architecture has also benefitted and strengthened the relationship between landscape and architecture. Projects such as the Maggie Centre at Gartnavel have demonstrated the integration of the built and the natural form. Architects are now more interested in the sustainable benefits of the landscape in relation to their buildings. In addition the governments NHS 2020 agenda also looks at the therapeutic benefits of landscape in relation to new buildings and their existing hospital estates which enables an integrated approach between external and internal spaces.

What projects are you working on that are helping to promote the profession?

Promoting the profession is high on TGP’s priority list.

Every project we are involved in we aim to show case our practice and help promote the profession. Currently we

are working on the review of the old Maryhill Barracks now known as the Wyndford Estate and preparing a masterplan that aims to improve legibility, connectivity and sustainability whilst celebrating the sites heritage.

This links into the Governments policy on place making and integrated blue green infrastructure.

We are also actively involved in promoting Landscape architecture as a profession in a number of other ways đƫ Rachel and Nicola are co-authors of 3 books on professional education, practice and award winning design. đƫ Both Directors have taught professional practice for Landscape Architects for 30 years in the UK and in Hong Kong đƫ We are active members of the Landscape Institute assisting in policy review that affects our profession, promoting CPD events and engaging with other professional institute’s đƫ Nicola has been a member of a number of design review panels most recently Architecture and Design Scotland. đƫ Our office is home to a number of interns from other countries, year out students from various design schools and school placements Does the universal appeal of landscape architecture make it easier to engage the public (as opposed to good architecture which can be divisive) ?

Unfortunately most members of the general public still struggle with what landscape architecture is and what landscape architects actually do. This is not a surprise as the role of a landscape architect covers such a variety of skills from policy making, landscape and visual impact assessment and mitigation, management plans, heritage park restoration, urban realm and landscape design horticulture. This is why we have a continuing job of advocacy for the profession.

Most people do see the benefits of changes in spaces that affect their everyday lives such as public parks and spaces Landscape Architects have been involved in. However engaging with the public on such things as Windfarms or projects where a landscape architect is involved in the visual impact of a development can also be very divisive.

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Left - The re-modelled Colquhoun Square Top - “Outdoor Museum” bollard displaying artifacts and original artwork

Helensburgh Town Centre Regeneration Austin-Smith:Lord were appointed in December 2009 to work with Argyll and Bute Council to deliver ambitious regeneration plans for Helensburgh Town Centre as part of their CHORD initiative (Campbeltown, Helensburgh, Oban, Rothesay, Dunoon) The regeneration plans for Helensburgh Town Centre support the aims and priorities of the Scottish Government for Town Centre Regeneration and sustainable economic regeneration through improvements to the quality of the environment.

Helensburgh is one of the best examples of a planned town and urban grid anywhere in the UK. The key project concerns included developing a progressive traffic management and sensitive public realm scheme in the town centre thus creating a more harmonious relationship between pedestrian movement, public space and the movement of traffic. This was applied to Helensburgh’s set piece Colquhoun Square, the surrounding principle streets and the West Bay Esplanade which has a wonderful southern aspect over the Firth of Clyde.

The re-modelling of Colquhoun Square is the most significant element of the project. We wanted to create a “civic heart” in the town which would include a plaza capable of

supporting significant community events. The space provides increased amenity space, seating and planting and supports a growing “café culture”.

The interaction and relationship between vehicles and pedestrians was extensively consulted on. The aim was to remodel the space within Colquhoun Square to “read” as a shared space environment however after listening to the real issues and concerns of the local community we have developed a hybrid space which is still based on the “Designing Streets” ethos. We have had to manage the conflicts between the varying needs of a range of user groups.

An issue of note throughout the delivery of this project was the significant level of engagement with the community and stakeholders. A range of consultation and engagement techniques were employed over a twenty month period which directly informed the preparation of design proposals.

One outcome from the community consultation was the creation of the “Outdoor Museum”. The local community was keen to have a new museum space in Helensburgh Town Centre.

As this was not something that was within our gift, our project brief or our budget we decided to try to provide this within the public open space. Something that was within our gift! Bollards required to control traffic movement became “museum plinths” to display artifacts and original artwork unique to Helensburgh and its history thus creating an “Outdoor Museum”.

Austin-Smith:Lord LLP, 296 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RU Tel: +44 (0)141 223 8500 Email: glasgow@austinsmithlord.com Web: www.austinsmithlord.com Twitter: @AustinSmithLord URBAN REALM SUMMER 2015 URBANREALM.COM

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Arcadia Nursery Gardens, University of Edinburgh Arcadia is an indoor/outdoor nursery. Free play means open doors, open plan spaces and fluid movement between classroom and garden. Inspired

by Scandinavian forest schools, our brief from Edinburgh University was to create an exemplary nursery playscape.

Children deserve beauty. We do not compromise on design. The architecture of the building is reflected in the crisp geometries of the formal gardens onto which it opens. Colours and materials are carefully selected to create a rich, sensory experience that complements the calm, timber rooms inside. The gardens have been built under mature trees and are full of wildlife. A huge timber tree house, handbuilt under the tree canopy, integrates play trees, dens and sandpits. This leads out to a meadow garden with wildflowers and a circular arbour.

The role of the landscape architect was to design in ‘safe danger’ – creating a risk assessed environment that allows children to be safe to do all kinds of wild, exploratory activities. The gardens create opportunities for children to discover and role play; to grow things; make mud pies; to paint things; move things; get inside spaces; to experience spatial extremes – for climbing, running, crouching, rolling, sliding, hiding...

Erz is passionate about natural and wild play. Our “Urban Jungle’ at Merrylee School was the first purpose built natural playground in a Scottish School and “The Works’ at the David Livingstone Centre combines wild play, forest school and sculpture.

(Arcadia Nursery Building by Malcolm Fraser Architects)

Landscape Urbanism Design Strategy

Top - bold kaleidoscope patterns inspired by Edinburgh physicist David Brewster and geometric landform in the enclosed garden Middle - the tree house snakes between the mature trees Bottom - view from the ‘bubble bridge’ back to the nursery through the babies’ garden

erz, 21 James Morrison Street, Glasgow, G1 5PE Tel: 0141 552 0888 Email: info@erzstudio.co.uk Web: www.erzstudio.co.uk Twitter: www.twitter.com/erzstudio

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Far Left - A £2.5m public square will form the heart of the development Above - The restored C-listed Canongate Venture building overlooks the new square Left - The scheme will connect Waverley Station to the Royal Mile

New Waverley, Edinburgh Gillespies have been working on the public realm design of the New Waverley site in Edinburgh for the last year. The project is a wonderful opportunity to bring life into a forgotten corner of Edinburgh’s east end. New Waverley is a vibrant mixed use development that combines city living with places to work and socialise. Sitting at the very heart of the masterplan is a new city square. This space will be surrounded by bars and restaurants and the design makes the most of the challenging levels to create activity spaces. These will be used during the Edinburgh Festival to put on performances and events.

Gillespies inspiration for introducing a layer of artistic interpretation of the area’s rich history is to incorporate cast iron surfaces in key areas. These reflect the patterning of the historic bridge supports from the adjacent Waverley Station. Working with Arup lighting we have devised a lighting strategy that will enliven the design without overpowering the architecture.

The Allan Murray Architects designed masterplan makes the most of the historic framework, understanding the place that the Edinburgh pends play in pedestrian movement. The project has a new arched opening onto Canongate and the granite surface flows through into the square drawing people

down into the site. Tall fastigiate trees provide a backdrop to an eponymous piece of sculpture that is the focal hinge to the square forming an end stop to East Market Street and visible from Canongate next to the retained Canongate Venture Building.

Artistic and contemporary, imaginative and inspiring, cutting edge and cool – a new creative, cultural and innovation quarter in the heart of Edinburgh. New Waverley will bring together offices, homes, shops, art and leisure in a buzzing district brimming with activity.

Project landscape architect Ceara Pimley has introduced the cast iron features at key points throughout the site including the spectacular roof gardens. This repeating theme draws the whole site together and helps to reinforce the identity of New Waverley.

By looking at why other spaces have worked, or not, Gillespies have created a series of spaces that will be active and dramatic. The materials are robust and appropriate but layered within the design are reflections of the past in a very modern setting.

The quality of design is maintained throughout the development making sure New Waverley will be an exciting place to work, live, shop, relax and get the most out of life – a place that people will love.

Gillespies, 21 Carlton Court, Glasgow, G5 9JP Tel: +44 (0)141 420 8200 Email: admin.glasgow@gillespies.co.uk Web: www.gillespies.co.uk

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Top - A view of the Bridge Terraces which iink Sighthill to the city Left - Wildlife corridors will be routed through the park Right - Community gardens and growing spaces are integrated into the scheme

Project: Sighthill Regeneration Masterplan, Glasgow LDA Design form part of the collaborative team working with Glasgow City Council to deliver the council’s masterplan for the Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area. The consultant design team is led by Gardiner and Theobald LLP and includes Grontmij Engineers together with Glasgow City Council’s in-house design team, who are working alongside LDA Design to undertake the infrastructure and landscape design services for the project which will see the Infrastructure Works programme completed in 2019.

Working in conjunction with the City Council masterplanning team, LDA Design is leading the design strategy and implementation of the new parkland, open spaces and public realm across the site. This includes the design of new pedestrian routes, streetscapes and pathway links within the site, which aim to link the Sighthill Regeneration Area back to the City Centre, Port Dundas and other new ‘gateway’ connections.

The masterplan therefore aims to restore connectivity, whilst creating a distinct new identity for the Sighthill area, its parkland and open spaces; defining Sighthill as a new “destination” within the wider Glasgow context. The overall vision for the landscape framework is the creation of a rich

new parkland which envelopes the site and its development parcels with a central ‘Civic Spine - a mainly pedestrianised boulevard and route that encompasses several dynamic and high quality public realm gateways and plaza spaces – crossing through the heart of the masterplan and reconnecting the site to the city centre.

The park itself encompasses a series of lochans, burns and wetlands that are part of the integrated Sustainable Urban Drainage water management strategy for the site. These offer ecological corridors through the park and areas for wildlife habitat, as well as play opportunities and amenity space.

Diverse types of woodland are featured around the site, strengthening the biodiversity of the area and creating different atmospheres and opportunities for residents such as; native woodland, wet woodlands, trim trails as well as more subtle woodland glades and gardens. The park also features a serpentine ‘play spine’ which nestles in next to the wetlands and a series of terraces, connecting the hard and softscapes, and featuring elements of formal, natural and incidental play.

We believe that these elements will contribute to the Sighthill TRA achieving its own distinct identity, as well as becoming a highly used and well loved destination within the wider Glasgow Context.

LDA Design Consulting Ltd Tel: +44 (0)141 222 9780 Email: kirstin.taylor@lda-design.co.uk Web: www.lda-design.co.uk

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Above - Main Walkway Top Right - SMART Bridge gateway space Bottom Right - Main Walkway looking towards SMART Bridge

Shawfield National Business District Phase 1 Public Realm and Landscape Framework Since 2011 LUC has worked as part of a large multi-disciplinary team led by URS to deliver a sustainable infrastructure and development masterplan to guide the long term transformation of Shawfield in Glasgow’s East End. LUC has also led the design and implementation of an advanced phase of public realm and landscape works that now forms a framework for new development to be realised over a 20-25 year horizon.

The site was completely cleared and underwent significant ground remediation in advance of the public realm works to ensure the site was ‘development ready’.

To inform the masterplan LUC developed a green infrastructure strategy with an emphasis on integrated surface water drainage and pedestrian connectivity to surrounding communities, transport nodes and the River Clyde corridor.

As part of the advanced phase of works the Clyde riverbanks have been manipulated to provide new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure as well as a diverse range of accessible nodal points which will allow recreation, social interaction and encourage vitality. The riverside design

provides an extension to the existing strategically important Clyde Walkway, and an ecologically diverse mosaic of riparian woodland, grassland and wetland habitats has been created to improve the biodiversity of the River Clyde corridor.

A new pedestrian and cycling link has been created linking the new South Dalmarnock Smart Bridge with the centre of the masterplan site. In contrast with the more naturalistic riverside treatment this link is more formal in character with tree avenue planting, lighting and paving.

The design of this link is deliberately bold as it will have to ‘stand alone’ until future development is realised. On this basis the design makes references to the site’s former use as bleachfields through the use of visually striking strips of white cockle shells and stripped paving. The use of cor-ten steel to form artwork gateways into the site is a metaphor for the site’s transitional change; weathering and changing in appearance over time.

The project is creating a new city district with improved connectivity to other strategic regeneration sites. The Shawfield National Business District offers significant potential to contribute to the growth in Scotland’s economy supporting up to 15,000 jobs in one of Scotland’s most deprived areas.

LUC, 37 Otago Street, Glasgow G12 8JJ Tel: 0141 334 9595 Email: duncan.mclean@landuse.co.uk Web: www.landuse.co.uk Twitter: @LUCtweeting

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Top - New terraced space at Regent Gardens looking to Kirkintilloch Town Hall Middle - Carved whin stone boat seat Barleybank Square Bottom - Decked space Barleybank Square All images © Urban Land Sky

Kirkintilloch Town Centre Regeneration Mike Hyatt Landscape Architects have been working with East Dunbartonshire Council since 2009 to upgrade urban spaces in Kirkintilloch town centre. The rich history of Kirkintilloch as Scotland’s most important inland port, home of the red telephone box and transected by the Antonine Wall has inspired much of the detail designed into the spaces.

With a pallet of Scottish sandstone, Scottish whin stone and Yorkshire sandstone the strong contrasts between the blond sandstones and deep black of the whin stone give crisp clean cut edges to paved spaces. These spaces provide complimentary modern settings for the town’s historic buildings. New lighting enhances the night time experience of the spaces and adds drama to building façades.

Where changes in levels had limited access we have created terraced spaces to give informal seating and greatly improve the permeability for pedestrians through the town centre. At Barleybank Square we have removed the wall surrounding St Mary’s church to bring the space right up to the church steps and on the other side of the square extended the space over the canal through a platform structure, giving a space for the neighbouring cafes to set up outdoor tables.

mike hyatt landscape architects

mike hyatt landscape architects, 5 Stables Yard, 1103 Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8ND Tel: 0141 847 0062 Email: mike@mikehyatt.com Web: www.mikehyatt.com

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Top - A terrace embankment connects the galleries to the gardens Bottom - New footpaths will link Princes Street to the gardens entrance

Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh In 2014 rankinfraser were appointed as part of the design team selected through competition to develop proposals for the extension and reworking of the Scottish National Gallery’s Scottish Collection. Integral to the overall design concept is the improvement of the relationship between the Galleries and East Princes Street Gardens.

The landscape design approach seeks to address several problems with the current layout including; đƫ Poor access from Princes Street to the gardens level entrance to the Galleries and the Gardens more generally. đƫ Lack of visibility and a welcoming approach to the Weston Link entrance. đƫ Lack of an appropriate threshold between the Galleries and the Gardens.

rankinfraser

l a n d s c a p e a rc h i t e c t u re

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Our design approach was driven by a careful study of the historical evolution of the east gardens and the aims of the 2003 conservation plan. The landscape design consists of a series of new public spaces which connect the Galleries complex to the Gardens and an improved footpath network.

A new entrance to the gardens from the Mound will reinforce the axial arrangement of the 19thC statues and will enhance the visibility of the Galleries. This space is connected to a new terrace in front of the Weston Link by a simple sloping footway and a reconfigured flight of steps.

Stepped grass embankments connect the new terrace to the gardens below.

Other landscape moves include a redesign of the tree planting at the west end of the gardens to better frame and enhance the picturesque setting of the Galleries in the city context.

rankinfraser landscape architecture, 6 Darnaway Street, Edinburgh EH3 6BG Tel: + 44 (0)131 226 7071 Web: www.rankinfraser.com

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Left & Middle - On street parking is banned on surrounding streets Right - Courtyard space

Former Sheriff Court, Glasgow The Grade 2 listed former court building for Glasgow lay derelict for 15 years after a new Sheriff Court was constructed on the banks of the River Clyde. It lies in the heart of the Merchant City, a conservation area and former merchant trade area of Glasgow.

In 2001 Glasgow City Council opened the up the building for development through a design competition with a strict brief that called for restoration of the building; Creation of quality piazza and introduction of a cultural element. Persimmon City developments were successful in their design bid for the building which included new streetscape proposals, a central courtyard and new home for the Scottish Youth Theatre and dramatic roof gardens as part of the residential and retail development.

The streetscape works included a change to the Traffic Regulation Order to omit parking and improve pedestrian connectivity in response to Glasgow City Councils policy on reduced traffic in the Merchant City and the centre of Glasgow.

The use of a continuous and level granite floorscape has led to a pedestrian friendly environment encouraging a street cafe society. Elegant granite benches and bold groups of Mop Maple trees has allowed flexibility in the use of the pavement areas.

The former Sheriff Court is a pivotal building in the connection from George Square in the centre of Glasgow to the Merchant City. The refurbishment of the building included a diagonal punctuation of the faรงade to encourage pedestrian flow through the building to emphasise this connectivity. The pedestrian route bridges the courtyard space below. The courtyard has been designed to be used as arrival, promenade and performance space by the Scottish Youth Theatre. The cool muted tones of the building faรงade are reflected in the high quality materials, brown and buff granite cubes, yellow ochre granite slabs and a performance space of marbled green granite.

The promenade route from the Scottish Youth Theatre foyer and entrance is a sinuous curve leading to the performance space and set out using granite cubes and defined with stainless steel trims and dramatic uplighters. Polished stainless steel planters punctuate the curvilinear lines on a rhythmic grid.

The space has been designed to be viewed from above by the residential area and also the retail at ground floor level.

The roof gardens are designed to act as an antithesis of the formal streetscape proposals on the exterior of the building.

The spaces are accessible and can be used for relaxing and socialising. Materials again are high quality granite slabs and cubes with crisp white granite trims and edges to the planters.

TGP Landscape Architects Ltd, 7 The Square, 95 Morrison St, Glasgow G5 8BE Tel: 0141 429 2999 Email: nicola@tgp.uk.com Web: www.tgp.uk.com Twitter: @TGP_Landscape