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Designs to Transform Aberdeen City Centre Unveiled

Short-listed design teams in the International Design Competition for the City Garden Project place models and visuals on show

The eagerly-awaited concept designs for the City Garden Project have been unveiled.

The six finalists have submitted entries which demonstrate how the central site of the Denburn valley could be transformed to provide a new green heart, better accessibility and an enriched urban experience for residents and visitors.

Each entry uses a 3D model, images, design drawings and a design rationale to illustrate their vision, concept and approach for the site.

Malcolm Reading of Malcolm Reading Consultants who are running the design competition said: “This is a special moment in the competition where for the first time we can see how these six remarkable teams envision the City Garden for Aberdeen. The designs are exceptional – all of them memorable in their own way and visually rich and inspired combinations of landscape, urban design and architecture.

“They are not finished designs but already one can see the insights each design team has taken from the site and the brief. They all demonstrate how level access, place-making and new green spaces could completely transform this area, making a new landmark for Aberdeen.

“The designs show how new facilities for cultural use could be incorporated into the spaces, making the most of safe pedestrian access, natural light and integration into the cultural quarter of the city, as well as spaces for public events all through the year.”

The designs are anonymous so that the ranking by the public is not prejudiced in any way.

Design 01 features a three dimensional web of pathways over green parkland with the warp and weft of urban lines supporting park and cultural activities.

Design 02 has doubled the size of the gardens, making them twice the size of Trafalgar Square with an extended glass winter garden  running along the middle to make an area for all seasons.

Design 03 envisages a new garden with an extensive water feature and contemporary cultural centre off a half buried street with clean angular lines.

Design 04 uses imaginative floral landscaping to tie together the crucial pieces of city centre fabric and create a sun-filled arena within a concentric space.

Design 05 draws on the historic character of streets and spaces over different levels and uses a mix of hard and soft landscaping to create a series of distinct but inter-connected spaces with footbridges connecting the project to Belmont Street.

Design 06 also doubles the size of the gardens with layered green areas set in the existing topography that offer differing views, a community boulevard, cultural promenade and terraced flower garden.

Mr Reading added: “The over-whelming quality of presentation and depth of thinking has fully equalled our expectations for the competition. It’s a justification of the effort and imagination of those involved in making this project happen and is proof that Aberdeen is a city on the world design agenda.

“I would encourage the people of Aberdeen to attend the exhibition to see all the elements – the models, the images and the design rationale to fully understand the merits and potential of each.”

The competition attracted world-wide interest from some of the most elite names in architecture, urban and landscape design in the world. The teams selected by the jury represent a mix of global and home-grown talent and were able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the project and the need to design a unique public space that will provide an attractive, accessible and contemporary addition that also embraces Aberdeen’s architectural and cultural heritage. Each of the collaborative teams is led by industry-acclaimed companies who have an impressive global track record, underpinned by a strong Scottish component from across Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Members of the public attending the exhibition will be invited to indicate their preferred design and this will be provided to the jury.

The finalists’ submissions which include the models and designs, written responses and costs will be reviewed by a technical panel who will advise the jury. Interviews with the design teams and the jury will be conducted prior to a winner being announced mid-November.

The winning design and the TIF business case will be presented to Aberdeen City Council In December. The council will then decide if it is to be taken to the planning stage.

Location:

The Academy, Unit 10, Belmont Street, AB10 1LB Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Times:

Monday - Thursday: 08:00 - 19:00

Friday - Saturday: 08:00 - 18:00

Sunday: 12:00 - 17:00