The vision for the Hospitalfield Arts Garden is taking form at Chelsea - with an incredible team and rich collaboration lead by the recognised Nigel Dunnett, Professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture. Cannot wait to watch the public explore & interact with the space.
Conceptual render of sand dune
Nigel invited us to join the team to help realise their vision and and explore the possibilities of this sculptural garden design. Our first collaborative project being in 2016 with the Garden of Pooled Talents in Sheffield. Photos below by Nigel Dunnett.
ON SITE AT CHELSEA
The first of the dune frameworks have been installed in the Hospitalfield Arts Garden at #rhschelsea.
Our initial excitement about this project stemmed from the sculptural potential of the landform, the coastal-style planting, and as for a studio or workshop in this setting… well, it’s everyone’s dream, isn’t it. Working half inside, half outside, continually stimulated by water and shifting sands… the theme of the landscape and the theme of human creativity. At the heart of both we see a dialogue of opposites. The concept of this garden, with its artist’s studio nestling between dunes and rainwater pool really caught our imaginations.
ON SITE
After much testing, and conversations - the method was developed to create the shape of the dunes using a fixed framework of wooden fins or ribs - made from @meditesmartply - a very durable external material. These fins are perhaps reminiscent of the skeleton of an ancient sea creature being exposed amongst the sand, or the hull of a long-wrecked ship.
The retaining views out from the studio would seem to be a key consideration for the theme. A studio is a space in which to contemplate as well as a space in which to wrestle with ideas. It is also, of course, a space in which to create mess, a working space. The Bothy by Bothy stores @bothystores was crafted in Scotland and will return to the relocation site in Arbroath Scotland where the entire garden will be redesigned and re-sited.
The cutting drawings, and technical side to realising a natural form.
The garden structure has been constructed by @Landform, with our Peter Davidson assisting daily, before returning to the studio to work on the Waney Dune Seats. The planting team have started to work their magic….
Nigel Dunnett Lead designer @nigeldunnett
The garden is funded by @project.giving.back
Super-human construction by @landformuk
Sculptors: @broadbentstudio
Charity partner @hospitalfield
Design coordination and detailing: @thelandscapeagency
Plants @hortus_loci
Bothy @bothystores