This open design competition what was once a derelict building site has been transformed into a showpiece which demonstrates the skill and craftsmanship of all involved. In the heart of a busy pedestrian thorough fair in the center of the Strathclyde University student campus.
Work on the garden was undertaken as a joint venture between the University and the Incorporation of gardeners of Glasgow. A novel and individual winning design, a simple concept which incorporates many distinctive elements and features which combine to form a calm oasis within the heart of the Campus.
A simple concept with a select palette of durable materials resulted in a winning design and ultimate commission by the University of Strathclyde.
Corten steel and colored concrete were used to reinforce a new route through the new garden space, winding up from the main street to the undercroft the existing student residence building. The existing site was careful regraded to create open welcoming spaces in which people can site and contemplate, read books at lunch time and enjoy the landscape in the south facing sun. Existing galvanized steel light fixtures were shortened in varying lengths and relocated along the winding ramp to emphasize the rise in the site.
Corten steel is used extensively throughout the garden to create stepped green terraces and to form a triangular tapering shield at the public corner of the site. A wind swept corner at the uppermost entrance to the garden is somewhat broken down by the use of a number of sculptural freestanding corten shards acting as wind brakes.
The garden is used by staff and students year round and is a popular backdrop for the annual graduation photo ceremonies.
