Loading Bay Pocket Park

Client: BPN Architects

[2018 - ongoing]

In response to the notion of ‘biophilic’ cities, Birmingham’s Green Living Spaces Plan and to simply revitalise a space previously just used for car parking, I designed and built a project that played with the ideas of pocket parks; historic and present flora; woodland edges; and third landscapes* or the terrain vague. I supervised the cutting and removal of concrete; created the tree pits; sourced and planted trees; created concrete and timber seating; and installed lighting, water reservoirs, planting, grilles and other details.

The project is an ongoing experiment, but has reached a point at which planting is thriving. The shutter is perforated with an engine turned pattern to allow air flow and a reflective wall spills light back - both derived from engine-turned silver cigarette boxes once made at the site.

*http://www.gillesclement.com/art-454-tit-The-Third-Landscape