AT HOME
BEECROFT QUAD
THE FULL LIST OF MEMBERS
OF THE DESIGN TEAM WAS
Client:
The University of Oxford
Programme Management:
University of Oxford Estates Services
Landscape Architect:
BD Landscape Architects
Architect:
Hawkins\Brown
Main Contractor:
Laing O’Rourke
M&E Engineer:
Hoare Lea
Structural Engineer:
Peter Brett Associates
How big was the team working on
the project?
Four landscape architects from BD
were involved with the project at various
stages, from concept and planning in 2010
through to when I was involved from 2011
through developed design, technical design
and construction from 2014. The project
had been on site since 2015 and we have
been involved throughout site operations
until completion earlier this year.
What is the most unique aspect of
the design?
We specified a high quality palette of
European granite paving that tied into the
public realm strategy for the wider science
area which reflected the quality of the
landscape that the University required.
Within the soft landscape area we used
corten edging, the layout for which sought
to reflect part of the illustration of the
Higgs boson model. We managed to retain
the design intent to a degree, rationalising
it without cost implications. We find that
most projects require some form of value
engineering at some stage but we managed
to retain the elements of high quality
which really adds to the finished project.
team. We had worked with them on a
number of high quality projects so were
keen to collaborate.
Was any planting used?
Yes there was planting to soften Beecroft
Quad that was set out in bands formed
with the corten edging. We worked with
University Parks who maintain the
landscape for the University to develop
the planting palette, albeit working with
the BREEAM requirement and planning
constraints.
As it a university quad it must have
quite a high traffic area, how did you
cater for this?
We located benches at strategic points
along desire lines and following
consultation with the University’s access
consultant. It was good to see that even
before it was fully open when it was
cordoned off and the soft landscape was
still to be planted, students were coming
out of lectures and filling the space as
far as they could access. It was great to
experience the students using the Quad
and stay in the area rather than going
elsewhere.
Tell me about your history in
landscape architecture
I undertook my Degree in Landscape
Architecture on a part time basis whilst
working full time in an architectural
practice, commencing in 2005 and
graduating in 2011. Since graduating I
November 2018 | Landscape Insight
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