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These are the initial design concepts proposed by the shortlisted design teams.
In December 2004 you told us what you wanted from the gardens and your opinions were incorporated into the draft design brief which was given to the teams. The teams then created their initial visions for the park.
These concepts were put out to public consultation in early May. The consultation was not a simple beauty contest between the designs displayed below but a process to select the best team to transform Jubilee Gardens.
On June 22, the Steering Group announced that West 8 had been selected to take the project forward. The rigorous judging process took into account the design qualities, as well as technical, financial and project management criteria. The public consultation demonstrated that this was the team that the local community considered the best for the job.
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EDAW
A new undulating landscape of hillocks and mounds creating a series of mini-territories where people can find their own space. Formed into a cell-structure, the largest of these opens up towards the Thames to create a cove-like place, inviting people to the river. The image of a ‘cove’ is used as a metaphor to further structure the space, a place where you can escape from the bustle of life, or explore and have fun at the shore. The Gardens extend out onto a new beach deck, giving access to the river foreshore, with a sandy beach potentially extending into the cove during summer months. South facing mounds half enclose a large event lawn, giving the perfect vantage point for performances whilst picnicking or for simply sunbathing surrounded by seasonal floral displays. Other features include a semi-sunken café emerging from under a hill and a colourful playground with a bubble fountain.
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Gross Max
Once the South Bank was a patchwork of river sediments,
pleasure gardens and timber wharfs. This design reflects
upon this rich cultural and ecological tapestry in a bold
and contemporary manner. The design is based on strong
contrast between a series of intimate stroll gardens and
a large field for events. The gardens are a horticultural
extravaganza featuring mist gardens, heated garden walls
for the growth of tropical plants, seductive nocturnal
gardens and even a series of floating gardens on the Thames.
Strips of different soil types reflect the original Lambeth
Marsh river sediment and allow the juxtaposition of different
types of vegetation. Wooden boardwalks are reminiscent
of the former riverside timber wharfs. Contemporary composers
will be invited to compose a series of ambient park soundtracks.
An intense experience of nature and outdoor recreation.
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Thomas Heatherwick,
with Land Use Consultants and Dan Pearson Studio
This design hinges on an interlinked system of large objects
arranged around a central lawn, Similar to enormous ’grow-bags’,
the objects are filled with soil to form richly planted
gardens. Others are topped with seating, performance space
and children’s play areas. Ramped pathways lead people
up through the new landscape towards elevated viewpoints
over the gardens. The design combines a traditional English
garden space filled with exuberant planting with a dynamically
sculpted architectural environment. The gardens form a
protective horseshoe around the central open space. Tilting
the landscape allows all of the gardens to be visible
from different aspects, creating a safe and welcoming
environment. A café is wedged between two of the
modules, taking advantage of the prominent location and
giving fine views over the gardens to the Thames and London
Eye beyond.
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West 8
West 8 conceives Jubilee Gardens as an holistically-designed,
organic, lush and green park. Trees and flowers, blooming
throughout the year, will provide a botanic ambience.
The metaphor of Green Trafalgar has been adopted, exploring
the park as the main green gathering space of the South
Bank – a central Green. This design seeks to achieve
the integration of function, feature and programme within
a sophisticated topography. Surfaces, trees, flowers,
benches, edges and activities work in unison. Paths become
fluid and inviting, capturing and intensifying desire
lines. The undulating plane of the topography provides
prime lookout points, capturing dramatic views of the
London skyline and the South Bank. Framed panoramic views
are opened by undulating hills. The topography also cultivates
intimate spaces, micro-climates and refuge within the
park. At night, a theatrical spectacle of light will subtly
animate and play with the new weaving landscape.
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