diller scofidio + renfro win aberdeen city garden competition

‘granite web’ by diller scofidio + renfro, aberdeen, UK image © diller scofidio + renfro

new york-based firm diller scofidio + renfro in collaboration with scottish practice keppie design and philadelphia-based landscape architecture practice olin studio have produced the winning competition proposal ‘granite web’, a city garden for the heart of aberdeen, united kingdom. a fusion of nature and culture, the cultural center is integrated into a three dimensional network of connections evoking the form of an elastic web. extending into the encompassing urban context, the pathways are derived from relevant site lines to support park and cultural activities while merging the existing and contemporary layers of the city. placed upon a historic river site, the permeable parkland will reveal the multi-tiered archeology while connecting the city’s future as a technological hub for art, leisure and commerce.

view form rosemount district

arching tendons become pedestrian bridges, connecting union terrace across denburn road and belmont street while leaving space below for exhibitions, events and performance areas. to the sculpted green space creates microclimates for quiet contemplation to meadows for large gatherings. voids between plant groupings and paths bring unexpected swaths of natural daylight to the street and interior rooms below. three landscape elements include ‘the brae’ hillock with a planted overlook, ‘the butterfly’ public entrance and ‘the forum’ bandshell and lawn for performances.

learning garden

the diamond

the forum

the forum stage

aerial view

site plan

site section

site section

conceptual diagram