New Public Square at London Metropolitan University, Architecture Design, Building News

London Metropolitan University Public Square, UK

LMU Holloway Campus Renewal, England, UK landscape design by Gustafson Porter + Bowman

26 May 2017

Central Courtyard Space at London Metropolitan University

London Metropolitan University appoints acclaimed landscape architects to create landmark community campus

London Metropolitan University has appointed landscape architecture practice Gustafson Porter + Bowman to design a new public square within its Holloway campus.

The design will transform the site and become a notable addition to the local area, providing the campus with a heightened sense of place. The Camden-based practice will work with University students, staff and the local community to create an engaging community space which will become a landmark within Islington.

The development follows plans announced by London Metropolitan University in 2015 to invest £125m into its Holloway campus as part of the ‘One Campus, One Community project’. Due for completion in 2019, Gustafson Porter + Bowman’s design will enhance the visual and sensory experience across campus, improve orientation and wayfinding, and strengthen links with the wider community. Furthermore, it will act as a central amenity space, providing events and exhibitions space for the University’s 13,000 staff and students.

Gustafson Porter + Bowman are renowned for creating original and engaging spaces in urban areas. Their work includes Swiss Cottage Open Space in Camden, Woolwich Squares in Greenwich, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in London’s Hyde Park, and the redevelopment of Nottingham’s Old Market Square – winner of 13 awards including a Civic Trust Award and the Design Council’s CABE Award.

Their appointment follows a competitive tendering process which included a panel of staff and students. The University will now hold a series of consultation events with students, staff, and the public, to hear views on how the space can be best developed and features they wish to see included.

The design and development of the square is due for completion in 2019 and will be developed within the University’s own Five Year plan and an existing masterplan, conceived by Design Engine Architects.

“We are delighted to be working with London Metropolitan University and Design Engine on their masterplan to transform the Holloway campus. The intention is to unify the disparate collection of existing buildings by providing a new square that acts as the destination and heart of campus life.

The design will need to respond to the redevelopment of the surrounding building’s to ensure that the square forms part of a forward-looking and buzzing educational facility.

We look forward to working with the University and the local community to develop our design.” Neil Porter Founding Partner, Gustafson Porter + Bowman

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