GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
HLM ARCHITECTS
THE CONCOURSE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
SHEFFIELD
Leading design and architecture
company, HLM Architects, recently
delivered the regeneration of a
1970’s public open spaced located
at the heart of the University of
Sheffield. the University and within budget.
The new project included over
3000m2 of new paving, a dynamic
lighting scheme, bespoke seating
and seasonal interest through the
planting scheme.
The space had been underused
and the team at HLM set out to
understand the needs of the
students, staff, lecturers and people
that could benefit from using the
area. The scheme was to bring it
back to life as a vibrant, social and
meaningful space, one that was
animated during the day and at
night. Alethea Ottewell, HLM Landscape
Architecture Lead, commented, “As
a place of education and socialising,
we wanted to develop a space that
would inspire and nurture, one
that would help improve people’s
lives. The design was uncluttered
and flexible, meeting the needs of
a variety of users and functions
that occur through the academic
year, from social, learning and quiet
activities.”
It functioned for many years as a
featureless thoroughfare, connecting
the University buildings with an
area for cycle parking. The brief
for the Concourse was to upgrade
and improve the public realm
of the area, complementing the
University’s Masterplan public realm
works, the first phase of which had
been completed.
HLM Landscape was appointed to
develop the initial Stage 2 concept
design, within the aspirations of
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The creative lighting scheme
promotes use of the space, through
the feeling of safety and security,
whilst providing a dynamic night-
time streetscape. HLM Landscape
worked with lighting designers
Arup to create the vibrant public
space, including lighting the
near-by bridge. In addition, the
innovative bespoke seating area
was manufactured off site by Evans
Conrete with integrated lighting.
The thoughtful design included
paving, a significant element of
the scheme, which was selected
from Charcon for its sustainability
credentials.
Corten was used for raised planters,
introducing a contrast of materials
in the urban environment. The
planting was designed to respond
to the site conditions and climate,
with seasonal impact which was
previously lacking in the space.
Focusing on sustainability, a new
external waste recycling strategy
was introduced, which has now
been implemented across the wider
campus.
HLM listens and responds to the
ambitions of its clients, with studios
across the UK and Ireland. HLM’s
services across its 180 strong team
cover Landscape Architecture,
Architecture, Interior Architecture,
Masterplanning and Environmental
Sustainability.
www.hlmarchitects.com
www.landud.co.uk
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