Wolverhampton Royal
Client: Morrow Partnerships
With BPN Architects
[2021-]
A vision /landscape concept ‘Sutures and Spectrums’ for a large residential development on the outskirts of Wolverhampton’s centre including a pocket park on the past grounds of Cleveland House.
“In particular, there is a move away from the idea of “heritage” and the designation of sites of special historic value, and towards a broad definition of the historic environment as all of the physical remains of the past, including the typical and the ordinary. There is also a growing recognition of the importance of the historic environment to sustainable development and the need to treat historic, social, economic and cultural issues as an integrated whole.” [Wolverhampton UDP 2006]
Aspirations from my supporting document:
1. Historic landscapes and Aspirational Ecology.
Of particular importance are the past landscaped grounds of Cleveland House which give a park-like precedent for future landscape and the potential for more planted areas to increase biodiversity. The tennis courts and amenity that once occupied the hospital suggest future provision should work to increasing activity and well-being.Pre industrial heaths and meadows that once occupied the area might help to find plant species that add to the existing wider scheme to add a particular sense of character.
2. Social Past and Present.
Landscape provison might recognise the forgotten achievements of past hospital nurses such as The Matron, Miss Hannath, who recieved the Red Cross Award 1st Class, in addition to several of the sisters receiving the 2nd Class award, whilst Sister Spence was awarded the Military Medal. Perhaps the discovery of cytochromes by Charles MacMunn at The Royal Hospital can also be revealed through landscape. Macmunn never received credit or a memorial as his work was initially discredited, but later proved to be correct. A true unsung hero of Wolverhampton.
MacMunn used a spectroscope (light) to discover respiratory pigments throughout plant and animal tissues. These cytochromes also contribute to the colour of flowers and plants. Spectroscopes and spectrums of light relates directly to the Wolverhampton motto “Out of Darkness Cometh Light” and might be reinterepreted with both attention to colour and lighting throughout the development.Whilst other stories could be revealed to new residents and the city through Wolverhampton’s percent for art scheme, Landscape design can also embrace current neighbourhood community activity.
3. Industrial History.
Iron and steel should have importance to the development as John Barker, founder of Chillington Iron works occupied Cleveland House. On the periphery of the site stood James Baker’s Boot Factory, which also had a significant impact on Wolverhampton. The idea of leather layers and stitching might become metaphors to connect the landscape to the surrounding streets and buildings, or create interesting features to reveal the past or improve activity and biodiversity. Stitching or sutures also poetically echo past Hospital practices.
