|
West 8 has been announced as the winning design team picked to turn Jubilee Gardens into a world-class park. The four-way contest saw West 8 selected ahead of EDAW, Gross Max and Thomas Heatherwick by both the Jubilee Gardens Steering Group and the local community.
West 8's design concept focuses heavily on developing an organic, lush and green park, with softly undulating hills. Trees and flowers will bloom throughout the year to provide a 'botanical ambience' for one of London's most important green spaces. The sophisticated surface of the concept creates paths which are fluid and inviting, prime lookout points which frame dramatic, panoramic views of the Thames, the London skyline and the South Bank, and intimate spaces where people can find their own space to relax and enjoy the micro-climate. At night, a theatrical spectacle of light will subtly animate and play with the new weaving landscape.
The decision to select West 8 is underpinned by support from the local community. An innovative consultation process ensured that the local community was given the opportunity to meet each of the shortlisted design teams face to face and to evaluate their concepts. Participants then scored each of the teams against a range of criteria, considering how well they had met the design brief and their skills at interacting with the community. In the opinion of local people, West 8 excelled across the board. It is anticipated that the final design will be submitted to planning at the end of the year, following further in-depth consultation with all stakeholders including local residents, employees and businesses. |
