BCA were appointed as lead designers for the re-development of an existing car park situated within the heart of the camps. The brief was to create ‘a high quality multi use events space’.

The paving layout has been designed to create a clutter free space with clear un-obstructed access routes connecting to the surrounding campus buildings. A palette of carefully selected hard landscape materials has been chosen to complement the architectural styling of the buildings utilising both natural stone and concrete aggregate paving. A warmer Sand stone has been selected to wrap around the Fielding Johnson Building forming a plinth around its base whilst the clean lines of granite have been used to continue the strong axis leading towards the library building. A combination of contemporary silver grey concrete aggregate paving has been selected for the main central square with dashes of more natural tones included to add warmth and depth whilst feature contrasting bands dissect the space.

A planting palette has been selected to provide spatial definition and attractive seasonal interest using a combination of ornamental and herbaceous species. Tree species have been chosen to best meet the needs of the site with formal upright species (Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata) selected along the central pedestrian access leading to the library, whilst larger stature trees (Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’) with incredible leaf shape and dazzling autumn colour (deep claret) have been used to frame the central square.