Public realm

Reframing Retail as Cultural Infrastructure: Unity Mall is conceived as an architectural response to a national question:Can retail infrastructure become an instrument of cultural integration, ecological sensitivity, and economic empowerment? Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is the primary gateway to the state. The site, located within the emerging New Shillong Township, is part of a rapidly developing administrative and institutional zone. Transcending conventional definitions, Unity Mall is conceived not as a sealed container of commerce, but a civic landscape where craft, culture, tourism, training, and community converge. It is an infrastructural framework designed to strengthen the cultural and economic fabric of the Northeas... More

The Heart of the City is the centrepiece of Sheffield’s central redevelopment. Imagined by Sheffield City Council with strategic development partner Queensberry, it is where Sheffield’s heart truly beats. The masterplan, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, brings together three interwoven elements: Elshaw House – a flagship office building; The Cambridge Street Collective – a social destination for gathering; and Leah’s Yard – studios housed within historic metalworkers' workshops. Each has its own distinct style – and a unique story to tell. These sustainable new buildings respond thoughtfully to their historical context. Modern structures reference the city’s industrial past, while... More

The Evolution of Atal Sarovar - A Model for Water-Sensitive Urban Futures In the contemporary discourse on urban development, the integration of sustainable practices has emerged as a defining priority — especially in the revitalization of urban water bodies. Vinay Panjwani, India The principles of Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) encourage cities to embed natural hydrological systems within their fabric, fostering ecological resilience, enhancing public spaces, and restoring a community’s intrinsic relationship with water. Vinay Panjwani, India Atal Sarovar, set within the Smart City precinct of Rajkot, Gujarat, embodies this transformative ethos. By harmoniously blending ecological imperatives with urban vitali... More

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... More

This development has regenerated an under-utilised, contaminated brownfield site, and brings life to the city’s ‘inner ring’ of former employment land. Once the centre of the world’s gun manufacturing industry, Birmingham’s Gun Quarter was identified as an area of opportunity following its 20th Century decline, when a large part was demolished by post-war town planners. The key site issues were the detached location from the city centre, a lack of public spaces, poor quality walking routes, and industrial warehouses with no active frontages. The canal shortcomings included poor lighting, towpath access, and buildings which turn their backs on the watercourse.  The site is located opposite St Chads, the cit... More

Sable Drop Terrace is part of Monash University’s ambitious program of public realm improvement works at the Caulfield Campus. Thom McCarthy The terrace delivers new social spaces, and enhances visual and pedestrian connectivity between the redeveloped Sable Drop Cafe and the broader campus. Universal access has been seamlessly integrated across a challenging site to create an engaging, activated and inclusive outdoor space. Pockets of concrete and timber seating create opportunities for informal outdoor study, meeting and entertainment. Thom McCarthy Timber seating runs the length of the new facade openings, encouraging outdoor trade when the weather permits. Over time, native creepers will eventually cover the mesh, soft... More

OverviewThe recently completed expansion to the North Delta Recreation Centre creates a new civic address, one that rejuvenates a tired, but well used community facility. This new addition delivers a full size gymnasium, a municipal business centre, a fitness centre, and a spectrum of related arts and recreation spaces. After opening in early 2016, the North Delta Recreation Centre has firmly established itself as a new civic icon for the local community it serves. Theory and Design Principals:Though the existing facility was well used by the local community, despite its lack of windows and natural light, it was prone to vandalism and crime. In response, the client envisioned a new facility that would provide a welcoming and safe envir... More

This major project was funded by De Montfort University and managed by Leicester City Council.As part of DMU's ongoing programme of campus improvements, Mill Lane, which forms a central spine along their main campus, was transformed into a striking public pathway. It features rain gardens, which capture excess rainwater to feed trees and plants, seating areas, flower beds and the same stone which was used to give Cathedral Square a complete makeover before the burial of King Richard III.Danaher & Walsh was awarded the project via a competitive tender process. The works were carried out in phases in a live campus environment and with interfaces to other works.Collaborative... More

Despite the scale of UCL’s estate, the University lacked good quality collegiate external space. Through their masterplan, an opportunity was identified to create a new courtyard terrace above an existing service yard to the rear of the Wilkins Building, UCL’s original home, to provide a new high quality piece of public realm for both staff and students.We developed the idea of enclosing the services yard as an undercroft, allowing the external space above to become the new amenity for a variety of uses. This is conceived as a contemporary, high quality, stone landscaped terrace set within the historic courtyard. As well as being split level with a new lift and grand staircase, this also creates new routes across the campus, bringing activi... More