In recent years, more and more cutting-edge architectural projects have emphasised the inclusion of carefully planned and wonderfully executed green spaces. Capable of bringing otherwise cold designs to life, the popularity of green spaces reflects the ever-changing nature of contemporary architecture, evolving attitudes to the role the built environment plays in public life, and a recognition that, now more than ever, space is at a premium.
In this article, we examine the green space trend, discuss its origins and what it hopes to achieve, and look at two successful case studies that showcase how beautiful finishes and intelligent designs can help architects create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that provide real value to property owners and a feeling of safety and wellbeing to people who use them.
Understanding the green space design trend
As urban areas become increasingly dense and developable land scarcer, the nature of public spaces will continue to change. Large, space-inefficient developments will be reclaimed and converted to medium or high-density residential constructions that require carefully considered outdoor spaces. In part, the green space architectural trend is a response to the fact that we must think more carefully about how we incorporate public spaces into projects because the space available is much more limited.
However, the trend is also a recognition that public spaces fundamentally alter the way we engage with a building, how we move through it, and what we think and feel about it. We are increasingly aware of the impact space has on our health and well-being and green public spaces are a way to make projects more welcoming, engaging, and participatory.
As our understanding of natural ecosystems and material science improves, green spaces are also an opportunity to incorporate features that make a building more sustainable or allow for innovations. For instance, spaces can be designed to support native plant and animal species or help with rain and water management.
Exploring two fantastic examples of green space architecture
The Met Building
The Met Building is a 12-floor structure in London’s West End. Inspired by the remarkably influential NYC architectural icon, Lever House, the Met Building is designed to appeal to corporates and creatives alike with its striking exterior and flexible approach to interior design. But above all, the Met Building was designed to put people, wellness, and sustainability first.
This approach is most evident in the building’s green spaces. The terrace was built over the existing roof on an extensive network of steels and utilises the RYNO TerraSmart® Rail Paving System. The super-strong, 100% recyclable aluminium joists are in keeping with the building’s sustainable ethos and the entire structure is non-combustible (Class A1 fire-rated).
But arguably the most exciting aspect of the design is the pristine porcelain finish. Cool, contemporary, and inspired by nature, the porcelain pavers contribute to a sense of peace, calm and harmony with the surrounding environment. Porcelain’s excellent thermal performance and RYNO’s environmentally conscious manufacturing process also ensure it is the perfect material for this project.
The Old War Office
The Old War Office sits at the heart of London, the UK political establishment and much of the country’s modern history. Minutes from Downing Street, Westminster and the seat of elected power, it was Winston Churchill’s headquarters during World War II and is also associated with notable figures, including T.E Lawrence, Sir Ian Fleming and Lord Haldane.
Now home to the first Raffles Hotel in the UK, this historic landmark and strikingly beautiful building required a paving solution for the Centre Triangle Courtyard and Penthouse Roof Terraces. As with The Met Building, this was achieved using the RYNO TerraSmart® Rail System. The system’s double lattice structure offers superior support to the pavers and is perfectly suited to the complex curves that feature heavily in the finished design.
RYNO Quadro porcelain pavers provided the breath-taking finish evident in images of the Centre Triangle Courtyard. Selected for porcelain’s excellent material performance, the pavers also reflect the original character of the building and complement and enhance a space that is so central to the building’s iconic design.
RYNO paving solutions – tomorrow’s green spaces, today
At RYNO, we believe in the power of outdoor spaces to transform projects. For us, the green space trend is a fascinating development because it is a recognition that designers, specifiers, and architects need to consider every detail of their outdoor space and can use the opportunity to further express and refine their design vision.
To learn more about our paving finishes and our innovative paving solutions, head to the RYNO Paving Systems page.
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