The Hive by Grant Associates, in Worcester, UK. In the world of landscape architecture, sustainability has become a standard that most designers aspire to. It’s a practice that is even more important in today’s growing world than ever before and can be found in almost every press release for every major new project. And what better symbol to use for a sustainable project than that of a beehive, something that sustainable practices will hopefully help to preserve for future generations. Located in Worcester, UK, The Hive, a “BREEAM Outstanding” project, is home to the first joint university and public library – a venture between the City of Worcester and its University. The project was 10 years in the making and the result is a destination that invites learning both inside and out.
The Building and the Architects Involved At the centerpiece is the building itself, a sustainable masterpiece that’s name was chosen as a way to represent purposeful activity, and does just that by making use of renewable energy and recycling facilities throughout. Worcester City Council hired Bath based architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to design the building itself. They won the international Bentley Be Inspired Innovation in Generative Design and were shortlisted for Best Designed Project and for Local Government Team in the Public-Private Finance awards for their design.What was the mission for Grant Associates?
The Worcester City Council also hired Grant Associates, a British Landscape Architecture consultancy, to design the outside of the building, with instructions “to create a high quality landscape environment that would become a distinctive and exciting visitor attraction – a place which would capture a sense of history and place whilst reflecting on the contemporary themes of sustainability and technological innovation.”
What was the inspiration for the project? For inspiration, the team looked to the local ecosystems that can be found in and around Worcester, that of the River Severn, the Malvern Hills, and the Elgar Trail. These areas also inspired the storytelling for the project which is, “Nature uplifts the spirits,” “Healthy water for sustained life,” and “Knowledge and Heritage.” These design stories led to the actual design, which emerged to include a series of islands and belvederes, or vantage points designed to incorporate views, that overlook the Water Meadow and the Causeway. Related Articles:- Lotus Lake Park Sets Precedent for Sustainable Urban Design in China
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