The Hive by Grant Associates, in Worcester, UK.
In the world of landscape architecture, sustainability has become a standard that most designers aspire to. It’s a practice that is even more important in today’s growing world than ever before and can be found in almost every press release for every major new project. And what better symbol to use for a sustainable project than that of a beehive, something that sustainable practices will hopefully help to preserve for future generations.
Located in Worcester, UK, The Hive, a “BREEAM Outstanding” project, is home to the first joint university and public library – a venture between the City of Worcester and its University. The project was 10 years in the making and the result is a destination that invites learning both inside and out.
Photo credit: The Hive Worcester Library
The Building and the Architects Involved
At the centerpiece is the building itself, a sustainable masterpiece that’s name was chosen as a way to represent purposeful activity, and does just that by making use of renewable energy and recycling facilities throughout. Worcester City Council hired Bath based architects, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to design the building itself. They won the international Bentley Be Inspired Innovation in Generative Design and were shortlisted for Best Designed Project and for Local Government Team in the Public-Private Finance awards for their design.
Photo credit: The Hive Worcester Library
What was the mission for Grant Associates?
The Worcester City Council also hired Grant Associates, a British Landscape Architecture consultancy, to design the outside of the building, with instructions “to create a high quality landscape environment that would become a distinctive and exciting visitor attraction – a place which would capture a sense of history and place whilst reflecting on the contemporary themes of sustainability and technological innovation.”
Photo credit: The Hive, Worcester – Grant Associates
What was the inspiration for the project?
For inspiration, the team looked to the local ecosystems that can be found in and around Worcester, that of the River Severn, the Malvern Hills, and the Elgar Trail. These areas also inspired the storytelling for the project which is, “Nature uplifts the spirits,” “Healthy water for sustained life,” and “Knowledge and Heritage.”
Photo credit: The Hive Worcester Library
These design stories led to the actual design, which emerged to include a series of islands and belvederes, or vantage points designed to incorporate views, that overlook the Water Meadow and the Causeway.
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Photo credit: The Hive Worcester Library
The Inclusion of the Water Meadow
The Water Meadow is the focal point of the landscape and is used for educational purposes to teach visitors about the importance of clean water. It is low maintenance but functional in that it is able to handle seasonal flooding from the river. Plantings here include cowslips, orchids, fritillary’s and flag irises, all of which were grown from locally harvested seeds.
How is The Hive benefiting from natural systems?
The water meadow also serves as a filtration system for rainwater and surface runoff, which demonstrates to visitors the capabilities of natural systems without the use of chemicals for cleaning water, one example of this is that the water has to flow through reed bed swales before infiltrating back into the ground, thus leaving it cleaner.
Photo credit: The Hive Worcester Library
In the middle of the water meadow, two habitat isles can be found. One can be accessed via bridge directly from the children’s library and serves as a retreat where children can read and experience nature at the same time. The second isle is a wildlife haven that includes the rare Black Poplar Trees to provide secluded nesting spots.
Photo credit: The Hive Worcester Library
Finally, The Causeway is simply the pedestrian route that circles in and around the Library and History Centre. They include terraces for sitting and outdoor rooms along with bridges that connect to adjoining sites and invite visitors to reflect on the therapeutic qualities of nature.
Photo credit: The Hive Worcester Library
Peter Chmiel, director, Grant Associates said, “The landscape of The Hive Worcester Library and History Centre aims to be a leading example of sustainable design, including SUDS drainage, water attenuation, productive urban gardens, locally sourced materials and plant species, and careful landscape management to enhance species diversity and ecological richness.”
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