Projects

Exchange Square

Client
British Land

Architects
Architect, Urban Designer and Landscape Architect (DSDHA)

Installer
Maylim

Location
London

Materials used
3000+ unique custom designed terrazzo pieces, manufactured from quarry waste & with bespoke recoloration

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 wellbeing 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.

The aim was to break 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. 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 was undertaken by DSDHA to help 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.
It has been designed to 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.

As we start the New Year, Exchange Square aims to create an accessible, sustainable and better-quality place for workers and residents in the community in 2022 and beyond. Broadgate has undergone a significant transformation as a mixed-use destination that appeals to everyone. We hope that by creating a new outdoor area filled with green space, it allows visitors to find a tranquil space within a busy capital.

– David Lockyer
Head of Broadgate, British Land