Not buildings but the space in between
GROSS. MAX. promotes a visionary design led approach, integrated with strong process orientated methodology. Our design emerges through an exploration of spatial qualities and potentials. Too often planning is the result of a two-dimensional diagrams instead of a three-dimensional exploration. The Interaction between strategy and detailed design is seen as of key importance. A clear set of design principles should operate on various scales; ranging from strategy down to selection of a coherent palette of materials. Each project needs to be greater than the sum of parts, defining a sense of place by marrying the physical to the intellectual and aspirational. We believe each project should not be the confined by their project boundary and contribute towards a wider area vision.
Ingenious Loci
For generations, the code of conduct of the landscape profession was the concept of Genius Loci originally popularized by Alexander Pope as to consult the Genius of the Place. But what about the landscape without qualities? What to consult when there is no ‘there’ there? How make the ordinary into the extraordinary? In this case, we need to consult our very own Ingenious Loci.
Drama, Beauty and Spontaneity
Innovative planting could evoke the beautiful wild landscapes. It should be exuberant and overwhelming in its beauty, provoking a deep, uplifting, joyful and sublime emotional response. It should be immersive, engaging all the senses, and drawing people in as actors and participants, rather than merely as observers. It should have the power to speak forcefully to people, reaching deep inside, and tugging at our innate connections to the natural world. As such it should be profoundly artful, going far beyond usual decorative or visual pleasure, but in addition will resonate intensely with basic, primeval instincts. It should be an enhanced natural experience, deploying design triggers to unlock and liberate feelings of elation and delight. It should be unique and unforgettable.
Stimulation, Inspiration and Delight
We believe that projects should provide multi- layered opportunities for everyone to discover, enjoy and deepen their engagement with nature. Projects should not just cater for the spectacle but also foster a place for engagement that is intimate and personal. Visitors seek places that work for them; places that are interactive, responsive and inspiring. This demands spaces that are interlinked and interwoven and offer flexibility to be programmed in diverse and innovative ways that contribute positively to visitors and resident’s experiences of stimulation, inspiration and delight.
To think is to speculate with images
The Scottish Enlightenment philosopher David Hume observed that: “the mind is a kind of theatre, where several perceptions successively make their appearances; pass, re-pass, glide away and mingle in an infinite variety of postures and situation”. Indeed, a myriad of images stir our imagination. Landscape is a visual discipline which originates from the world of painting. For us, it is the image first and foremost which generates the plan. Once we were interviewed to design the landscape for the new European Headquarters of Goldman Sachs in the City of London. A double-breasted stockbroker asked us to explain what we do in one sentence. Our answer was direct and simple: you speculate with money, we speculate with images.
Landscape as palimpsest
Landscapes can be read as a palimpsest of time. Each generation hand over the baton to the next. We reflect and connect; adding chapters in a book. The dialogue between the past and the new provides orientation in both space and time. Whilst respecting the historic framework we create a new landscape overlay of dynamic spatial quality and new programmatic possibility. Projects must deliver intellectually stimulating and emotional spaces; places where visitors found new attraction and the unique history and heritage of the site is acknowledged and understood. It requires a careful integration of a variety of existing structures and artefacts to deliver a clear spatial hierarchy throughout the site. At the same time, we must ensure that the plan is flexible and we believe most important may be to facilitate that the site can be curated for a range of temporary events and exhibits.
Working Together
We believe the complexity of the contemporary city requires us to synthesize the insights of many related disciplines such as architecture, urban design, ecology, infrastructure, lighting, art and engineering. In order to achieve the aspiration of our projects we work closely with our clients, stakeholders and statutory authorities in an open and creative dialogue.
