Kings Square, Gloucester
Client: Gloucester City Council with Reef Group
Artist: George King Architects, Michael Grubb Studio and Kate Ive
Architect: Quattro Design Architects
Gloucester 2022
Ginkgo Projects has worked as Client Design Advisor for the redevelopment and artist-led design for Kings Square.
Kings Square is Gloucester’s largest public open space, originally built circa 1928, it has experienced shifting fortunes over the last eighty years as the city itself changed. It was in need of an ambitious remodelling in order to create a contemporary and memorable focal point for businesses, residents and visitors.
Kings Square is now a major new civic destination acting as a catalyst for surrounding regeneration. Key to the redevelopment process was the creation of an ambitious project brief that evolved through a series of interactive workshops with city groups and partners.
Inspired by the beauty of the Severn Bore and the excitement it creates, a series of sculptural stone wave forms, designed by George King Architects, flow around the four edges of the square. Weaving through the trees and soft landscaping, the waves create a range of spaces from small pocket gardens to larger amphitheatres. As they rise and fall, they create an interactive landscape for play, including spaces for exploring and performing. Michael Grubb Studio created an integrated, programmable lighting design that activates the square at night. Integral to the design is a SUDS scheme, fountains, contemporary planting and the marking of the line Roman City walls through bronze markers created by artist Kate Ive.
