Rottenrow Gardens

Strathclyde University acquired the site of the former Royal Maternity Hospital at the heart of their main campus in 1995. With a view to opening up the campus GROSS. MAX. was appointed to design a part-temporary, part-permanent garden. The design concept was based on a terraced garden which allows the best possibilities for a variety of usages and acts as belvedere overlooking the garden and beyond. The south facing aspect of the terrain is optimised for recreational use and growing of a variety of flowering climbing plants against the retaining walls. Architecturally important elements such as the old entrance portico and a former archway are retained in-situ and incorporated as “found objects” into the overall design. The project was so successful the garden remains as a permanent part of the campus to this day.