University House Proposal
This proposal for a park outside University House (part of Birmingham City University) shows how an engaging space can be created in a challenging area with steep level changes. The concept for the proposal was based on the historic use of Brutalist architecture in Birmingham and this lead to a design that builds on this bold aesthetic. This was an academic project completed as part of an MA in Landscape Architecture at Birmingham City University.
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View of the park created using SketchUp
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Park location in Birmingham City Centre
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Perspective view of original site with 50cm contours added calculated GIS software
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Sketches investigating modular forms in Birmingham's former Brutalist architecture
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Further sketch showing Brutalist roadway architecture on the borders of Birmingham
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A montage image created in Photoshop to show the high contrast between natural areas and Brtualist buildings
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A second montage highlighting a delicate natural element in a Brtualist landscape
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Initial sketch plan for the park consisting of modular cubes inspired by Brutalism
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Initial park plan created in Photoshop
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Visualisation image giving a feel for what visitors may experience when using the proposed park
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Aerial plan view created in Sketchup showing final park design
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Perspective view created in Sketchup showing final park design
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General arrangement drawing showing concrete, grass and water areas
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Section view through the park
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Detail drawing showing how concrete cube forms could be constructed
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Construction details for concrete paths
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Construction detail for water rain garden areas
An investigation into Brutalist Architecture in Birmingham led to the development of a design based on modular block forms, hand sketches were used to explore the forms and develop the idea into a strategy for the site.
Both AutoCAD and SketchUp were used to model the current and proposed levels for the site and after this modelling had been completed the design was created on a level site that would be cut into the current soil levels.
In order to create detailed construction drawings concrete specialists were consulted but without a geophysical survey it is difficult to know what the exact requirements would be for successful use on concrete at the site. The detailed drawings therefore detail a suggested approach which would be subject to a full survey being completed.