Landscape architects appointed for Southampton’s Watermark WestQuay
Grant Associates to design public realm for £70 million scheme
30 JUNE 2014, BATH AND SOUTHAMPTON
Summary
Award winning landscape architecture firm Grant Associates has been appointed to design the public realm for Watermark WestQuay Southampton – a £70m leisure-led regeneration scheme masterplanned by architects ACME for developers Hammerson.Award winning landscape architecture firm Grant Associates has been appointed to design the public realm for Watermark WestQuay Southampton – a £70m leisure-led regeneration scheme masterplanned by ACME for developers Hammerson.
Inspired by tidal mudflats, the strata in which the city of Southampton was first built apon, Grant Associates’ landscape design will comprise four key components: the plaza bringing a new open space for Southampton; the ancient historic town walls that form a distinctive backdrop to the spaces; the promenade that runs the length of the walls; and the steps and ramps that negotiate the 7 metre level change between the Bargate and the lower levels of Western Esplanade.
Plaza Water Feature
A major element of the new plaza will be a destination water feature made up of approximately 33 fountains. To reinforce the concept of ‘mudflats’ the water feature will ebb and flow like a tide, rising and falling to capture pools integrated into the paving scheme. At certain times of the day, the water feature will flood to create a mirror pool reflecting the historical Town Walls and light before receding like the tide.
Promenade Mudflats
The promenade varies in width along its length to create a variety of spaces and niches and takes the forms and patterns of the original mudflats and tidal edges. The form and profile of the curving steps linking the lower promenade with the plaza also evoke images of lapping waves.
Ancient Town Walls
The development uses the new buildings and the historic Town Walls to create the setting for the new public space. It is a dialogue between the old and new. The Town Walls offer a powerful backdrop to the new spaces with their remnant towers and elevated walkways.
Planting and Swale System
Planting is designed to respond to issues of shelter and microclimate enhancement. In line with development policy at Southampton City Council a swale system will harnesses water runoff through the landscape as well as establish different habitat types and improve local biodiversity. The swale will be characterised by native species that thrive in wet/dry conditions.
Andrew Grant, Director, Grant Associates, said: “Watermark’s dramatic setting provides a wonderful framework and we are delighted to be given the opportunity to help shape a new phase of this historic piece of Southampton.”
James Clarke, Associate, Grant Associates is the project landscape architect managing the project. He said: "Using simple construction techniques through bold geometric language of patterns and forms and giving particular thought to the way materials are used and implemented, we hope to create an exciting public space that conceptually references Southampton’s rich nautical past."
Guy Wells, Hammerson Development Manager said: "We have created a scheme which is unique to Southampton and celebrates the city's historic walls and its maritime location. The public realm will be a fantastic addition for the city and the design has enduring appeal."
Quotes
"Watermark’s dramatic setting provides a wonderful framework and we are delighted to be given the opportunity to help shape a new phase of this historic piece of Southampton." Andrew Grant, Director, Grant Associates
"Using simple construction techniques through bold geometric language of patterns and forms and giving particular thought to the way materials are used and implemented, we hope to create an exciting public space that conceptually references Southampton’s rich nautical past." James Clarke, Associate, Grant Associates
"We have created a scheme which is unique to Southampton and celebrates the city's historic walls and its maritime location. The public realm will be a fantastic addition for the city and the design has enduring appeal." Guy Wells, Hammerson Development Manager
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Download PDFAbout Grant Associates
Grant Associates is a pioneering international landscape architecture practice. Our work reconnects people with nature in insightful, delightful and distinctive ways whilst addressing the global challenges of urbanisation, the climate crisis and biodiversity extinction.
Our design process is underpinned by a knowledge of human behaviour, nature and ecological science combined with innovative design technology. We bring original thinking, creative collaboration and are exploring what regenerative design and the circular economy means to landscape architecture.
Our varied portfolio includes ambitious large-scale, landmark projects through to small, local ventures.