The design brief was to include a private terrace for occupants of Level 11 and a terrace for the whole building on Level 26. The terraces offer exceptional views of the London skyline, seating/events space and a rich mix of planting to provide external amenity for people within the building and to encourage bio-diversity.
The aim of the green terraces on 8 Bishopsgate is to provide a rich and diverse landscape at the heart of the City of London that benefits the building as well as the wider environment.
To encapsulate these aims the following design principles were set out for the terraces:
• visually and aesthetically connect with the site context as well as the interior spaces of the building;
• create distinctive open spaces that promote a vibrant working environment and improve the health and wellbeing of all staff;
• include planting that is drought tolerant, provides shelter and ecological value;
• integrate with the water resource management design to strengthen the resilience of the building.
Arup delivered the hard and soft landscape scheme design for the two roof terraces on this development. Working in close collaboration with the rest of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that the landscape design met all technical considerations, promoted a vibrant working environment and was visually connected with site context and views.
The design of the planting was selected to withstand the harsh conditions on the terraces and enabled the creation of sheltered ‘rooms’ and framed views to key landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral. The roof terrace design was also integrated into the water resource management design to strengthen the resilience of the building.
To create places that people feel comfortable and relaxed to rest within.
To create functional spaces that will positively impact those occupying the building.
To provide visually attractive outdoor spaces for use throughout the year.
To retain key views of surrounding city landmarks ensuring the design is site sensitive.
To ensure the successful establishment of the terraces through considered implementation.
To provide conditions that will ensure that plants survive and thrive.
To create and maintain an attractive, biodiverse environment for wildlife through the inclusion of long-season plants of value to local wildlife and native and non-native species.
To support the ambitious aims of BREEAM ‘Outstanding’.
These terraces provide a rich and diverse landscape in an elevated environment, benefiting both building occupants and local ecology.
Design Concept and Innovation
The design concept focuses on creating vibrant islands of planting that complement the building, establish wildlife habitats, and offer a tranquil escape for employees.
The terraces are designed to immerse users in a serene environment, connecting them to the unique site nestled among surrounding high-rise buildings and far-reaching views across London.
Collaboration and Technical Considerations
Working closely with architects and a multi-disciplinary team, the landscape design was meticulously crafted to meet all technical considerations and building regulations.
Hard and Soft Landscape Layout
The terraces, located on Levels 11 and 26, feature distinctive spaces shaped by large planters, flexible hard landscape areas, and accessible routes.
These spaces cater to various uses, from day-to-day lunch breaks to evening receptions and events, promoting the health and well-being of occupants and visitors. To maximise space and de-clutter the terrace, furniture such as seating, bins, and sockets were integrated into planter edges, creating flexible open spaces between.
To ensure a legacy, maintenance and management goals were set, along with ongoing relationship with the client to monitor planting development. Building occupants are encouraged to engage with the terraces, supported by talks from designers to maximise greening potential and ecological benefits.
This project exemplifies innovative landscape architecture, seamlessly integrating design, sustainability, and user experience in an elevated urban environment.
• Architecture offices involved in the design:
WilkinsonEyre
• Other credits:
Mitsubishi Estate Property
London and Stanhope PLC
