Aralia Landscape Architects entered a national competition, run by Reed International, to recreate and redesign Birmingham Centenary Square. Aralia’s entry focused on the metaphor of ‘Forging’ as a process of transition, inspired by the evolving city of Birmingham and its transformation from its historical industrial roots into an emerging cultural centre. Aralia’s design focused on the square becoming a landscape core to the city; which pools resources, fuses heritage, emerging technologies and natural elements; to forge culture itself. Activity and interaction would be sparked, by the designs opportunities for entertainment, socialising, reflection and learning. The square would subsequently become a cultural Centre promoting connectivity – digitally, physically and aesthetically. Aralia aimed to convert the square into a dynamic public realm, using Cultural Pods that would combine interactive glass that would link to the library and other entertainment facilities. These pods would encourage interaction; providing temporary office spaces, lunch time cultural digests and relaxation hubs. Aralia’s entry design focused on forging innovation through Birmingham’s historic fabric, into an innovative and contemporary city space.
Covered Exhibition Space, Cultural pods with interactive glass, Green ‘Garden Corridor’, Dramatic Waterfall into the void, Metal Tributaries and Pop Up Retail outlets.
