Jubilee Gardens

A contemporary London riverside pleasure garden.

Once the Southbank was a patchwork of river sediments, pleasure gardens and timber wharfs. The invited competition proposal reflects upon the rich cultural and ecological tapestry in a bold contemporary manner. The design is based on a strong contrast between a series of intimate stroll gardens and a large field for events. The gardens show a horticultural extravaganza which include mist gardens, trellises, heated garden walls for the growth of lush exotics, a nocturnal garden to seduce the idle visitor at night and even a series of floating gardens on the River Thames. The selected plants represent the diverse soil types as found on the original Lambeth Marsh and express all seasons not just spring and summer. A series of wooden boardwalks, reminiscent of the former timber wharfs, crosses the gardens between Belvedere Road and River Walk. The idea is that people will filter through the park. Throughout the gardens there are intimate areas for seating and relaxation. The centre stage of Jubilee Gardens is a large expanse of openness. Zen + XTC = Jubilee.

The design was part of the invited Jubilee Garden competition won by West 8 ahead of EDAW, Thomas Heatherwick and GROSS. MAX.