Macgregor Smith - Landscape Architects - Bath

Macgregor Smith - Landscape Architects - SouthGate, Bath 

After a recent trip to Bath and its extraordinarily pristine Georgian architecture, I visited  SouthGate designed by landscape architects Macgregor Smith in 2019. Its proximity to the train station means it forms part of the main thoroughfare through Bath, and by 7pm on a warm and dry Friday evening, the place was positively buzzing; it was clear to see how the design intervention has opened up the space to encourage socialising rather than just a route to get from A to B. It's these in between spaces within the urban fabric that I find the most exciting as they present the unique opportunity to explore transitionary spaces and celebrate movement and change, from time of day, seasonality, festivals and events, and different users of all ages.



BRIEF:

The central plaza within the SouthGate Centre, along with Brunel Square outside the main train station, were identified as places that could be more effectively utilised for both the everyday, and for the many events that take place in Bath throughout the year. With a variety of literature, music and art festivals, fetes, and community events aimed at bringing all ages and tastes together, the redevelopment had to be practical, flexible, and of course inspiring.





Screenshots taken from the Macgregor Smith website: https://www.macgregorsmith.co.uk/projects/southgate-bath/

 


PROJECT DETAILS: 

Lead Designers: Macgregor Smith Landscape Architects
Client: British Land / AVIVA
Street Furniture Suppliers: Woodscape & Inspired Metal
Project Managers: Enborne Projects

Structural Engineers: EVOLVE
Main Contractor: Havercroft Construction
Arboriculturalist: Aspect Trees
Plant suppliers: Katharina von Ehren, Robin Tacchi Plants


“The furniture designs were all bespoke and required specific tailoring to meet the demands of the brief. Working with the right fabricators was key to achieving a successful end product and the teams at Woodscape and Inspired Metal were integral to this process. Their wealth of experience and ability to explore innovative design solutions enabled the team to progress through from concept designs, technical details and mock ups to ensure the optimum quality of product was achieved, which met the high expectations set for this prestigious project.”
Tom Notley, Macgregor Smith




MY RESPONSE:


Overall, I think the bespoke metalwork is the highlight of the design because it gives that genius loci and locality to the square and celebrates Bath's rich history. Not dissimilar to the old Boot's corner in Cheltenham with the artificial grass, I think this example is more effective because it incorporates actual planting into the mix alongside the fake grass which is a practical solution to an urban picnic spot, so in a way Macgregor Smith understood more acutely the function of the space as well as the aesthetics. 

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