London, UK
The landscape vision for Chapter House seeks to create a stimulating and enriching environment that helps provide for the day-to-day needs of pupils and staff, alongside invaluable engagement with and enjoyment of the outdoors and the natural world.
A garden of opportunities.
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Chapter House is located east of Vincent Square, in Westminster, London.
There are strong views to the west, towards the mature tree line of Vincent Square, which gifts borrowed views and a visual connection to greenery and nature, as well as a symbolic connection to the school, which has a long-standing relationship with the square.
A former office, the existing building and the rooftop are being re-imagined and transformed into a modern, twenty-first-century school for Westminster Under School.
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Anticipated movement and spatial studies were coordinated with the architectural proposals to contribute to creating characterful garden spaces with unique purposes, all designed to help facilitate and promote positive physical, mental and emotional health and well-being.
A series of sun and shade studies were undertaken to help inform our understanding of the site and assist with developing the landscape scheme to help establish a comfortable year-round microclimate.
A series of sun and shade studies were undertaken to help inform our understanding of the site and assist with developing the landscape scheme to help establish a comfortable year-round microclimate.
We collaborated closely with the school to craft spaces that reflect its values and cater to the needs of its pupils and staff. Imagine outdoor reading spots, a flexible meditation area, chess tables, a productive garden, and an outdoor dining space. Each area is tailored to support the school's educational goals and activities.
The landscape proposals for the roof garden offer a rare and invaluable opportunity to provide meaningful and enriching outdoor garden space in an inner-city educational environment.
+ Enrich physical, mental and emotional health and well-being through Biophilic design principles, including planting, establishing seasonal interest, creating a stimulating sensory environment, beauty, and connections with nature
+ Provide a sequence of multi-functional garden rooms with unique characters and purposes, that contribute positively to the school's educational goals and activities
+ Create spaces with comfortable microclimates, providing areas of sun, shade, and shelter
+ Ensure the gardens are practical and manageable, considering day-to-day use and ongoing management and maintenance
The landscape proposals for the roof garden offer a rare and invaluable opportunity to provide meaningful and enriching outdoor garden space in an inner-city educational environment.
+ Enrich physical, mental and emotional health and well-being through Biophilic design principles, including planting, establishing seasonal interest, creating a stimulating sensory environment, beauty, and connections with nature
+ Provide a sequence of multi-functional garden rooms with unique characters and purposes, that contribute positively to the school's educational goals and activities
+ Create spaces with comfortable microclimates, providing areas of sun, shade, and shelter
+ Ensure the gardens are practical and manageable, considering day-to-day use and ongoing management and maintenance
Visual and physical connections to and engagement with green spaces, planting, and nature stimulate the mind and senses and provide various benefits for physical and mental health and well-being. These benefits are especially important for young minds.
Client: Westminster School
Year: 2023-2024
Location: Westminster, London, UK
Collaborators
Circle Development
Burrell Foley Fischer Architects
Price & Myers
Scotch Partners
Quod
OFR Consultants
Riskwise Consulting
