Exchange Square, designed by DSDHA, is a refurbishment of a major 1.5-acre public park above the tracks of Liverpool Street Station in London. Our terrazzo was supplied throughout, including water features, amphitheatre steps, paving and planter edges with complex 3D pieces. The challenge for In Opera was to provide over 3000 pieces, 90% of which were unique and many having to fit into each other perfectly. The 1.5-acre park will see a four-fold increase in the amount of planting and dramatically enhance biodiversity, with 25% of the area featuring green space that is accessible to all. Quadrupling the amount of green space at Broadgate, the aim is to boost the emotional and physical well-being of those that work at Broadgate and the local community while supporting British Land’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.

We are proud to have been involved in such a major development, which aims to draw people together and help the communities thrive in a better environment. What was once a dark uninviting space has been transformed into a light and welcoming place where people can truly live, where communities and businesses can thrive, and that helps the planet to flourish. It is a more attractive, less corporate environment for Broadgate, which creates places to dwell, not just pass through.

Awards

AIA UK Excellence in Design Awards 2024 - Shortlisted
Pro Landscaper Sustainability and Biodiversity Awards 2023 - Winner
New London Awards 2023 - Shortlisted
Dezeen Awards 2023 - Longlisted
WCCA City Building of the Year Award 2023 - Winner
[d]arc awards 2022 Spaces High Budget - Winner
RIBA London Award 2023 - Shortlisted
BALI National Landscape Awards 2022 - Grand Award Winner
Surface Design Awards 2023 - Finalist
The Pineapples 2022 - Shortlisted
Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2021

A major new public park for the City of London, Exchange Square is re-imagined as a bucolic landscape and generously planted green space, suspended above the tracks of Liverpool Street Station. Unfolding across several levels to create a more natural topography for the site, it will provide opportunities for rest and relaxation at the heart of Broadgate, and a unique place in the City where nature and culture are in balance.

Helping the city to breathe

Exchange Square is the culmination of DSDHA’s Broadgate Public Realm Framework plan for British Land, which has demonstrated the crucial role the public realm can play in establishing a new identity for a site – from an office-led campus to a truly mixed-use, creative environment with a broader mix of uses. Fundamental to its success will be breaking down perceived barriers to surrounding areas of the City, and to encourage a more diverse group of people to use the public spaces through new planting, seating, lighting, high-quality materials, and more opportunities for temporary uses and events.

Bringing nature and wellbeing to the fore, in balance with technology, we have designed an informal open-air space in which to, meet, celebrate, work and relax surrounded by greenery. It will foster creativity and conviviality and welcome new audiences.

A holistic approach to sustainability

The 1.5–acre park will see a four-fold increase in the amount of planting and dramatically enhance biodiversity, with 25% of the area featuring green space that is accessible to all. Wellbeing and inclusivity have been vital considerations throughout the design process, driven by the ambition to make a vibrant space that encourages engagement and interactivity. A comprehensive analysis of pedestrian movement helped to identify barriers to access – including steps, changes in level, lack of visual contrast and changes in tactility, and poor signage – in order to provide a space that is accessible to all. A strategy of ‘awesome’ planting is proposed that will offer seasonal variety and an ever-changing sensory experience that ensures the park will never be the same place twice.

Awards

AIA UK Excellence in Design Awards – Shortlisted, 2024

RIBA London Awards – Shortlisted, 2023

Dezeen Awards – Longlisted, 2023

Surface Design Awards – Finalist, 2023

New London Awards – Shortlisted, 2023

WCCA City Building of the Year, 2023

RIBA London Award – Shortlisted, 2023

Pro Landscaper Sustainability and Biodiversity Awards – Winner, 2023

The Pineapples – Shortlisted, 2022

[d]arc Awards – Winner, 2022

BALI National Landscape Awards – Grand Winner, 2022

Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, 2021