B|D Landscape Architects | Landscape Architecture | Urban Design | Space-Making

Glassfields, Bristol

B|D Landscape Architects were appointed by RLAM in early 2020 to develop proposals for a new meanwhile park at the centre of their Glassfields development.

Located within walking distance of Bristol Temple Meads and adjacent to the historic land mark building of Gardiner Haskins. The aim was to design a central public space which would be in place for a minimum of 3 years and enjoyed by onlookers, visitors and hotel guests. Working closely with the client and through our own desire to bring nature back to the brownfield site we took this opportunity to reintroduce swathes of native wildlower meadows, undulating ornamental planting, tree planting and wildlife stations. B|D were involved in all areas of design, from material selection, wayfinding and hoarding design.

Bespoke Wayfinding elements and playful paths lead visitors into a central event space which has been inspired by the local connection with glass blowing and bottle making. Two large bespoke corten benches were designed in collaboration with a local artist and help to enclose the central space which is brough to life by up-lit bespoke channels and a Gobo projector.

Glassfields Meanwhile Park provides an urban wildlife sanctuary whilst helping to offset the carbon footprint of development and improve the well-being of visitors.

The scheme gained planning approval in March 2021 and was completed in the November.

Client: Royal London

Architects: AWW

Status: Completed in 2021