Lancaster University
The Brief
The Business Suite at Lancaster University was undergoing a massive facelift by
Pinnington Construction. Part of this project involved changing an unpleasant
courtyard into a modern outdoor space. This was to dramatically improve the view from surrounding
buildings, and provide a pleasant place to sit outdoors.
The Solution
The courtyard is located in amongst a group of buildings, so planing was of great
importance due to the quantity of material
that needed to be moved through the buildings
to get to the site. The design itself consisted of a large paving area broken up by
large black lines, gravel areas and planting. This was
all run at 45 degrees to the surrounding buildings. Using these angles, timber posts were
put in, and red, orange and yellow perspex panels attached between, thus accentuating the
lines and angles of the design. The perspex panels really come to life in the daylight
giving of a warm vibrant glow, and at night with the help of the recessed steel paving lights, a
colourful shimmer. The planting was carefully selected, choosing plants that are shade
tolerant and hardy due to the location. They were also picked to create an exciting contrast
with the perspex. All these elements combine to give a garden that complements its location.
