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What’s in the ‘new backyard’?
Published on 24 October 2024
Signal Yard’s landscaping plans connect people to nature
Ahead of works starting shortly on the transformation of Park Centre into Signal Yard, the Milton Park team spoke to Maria Lara Mijancos, Senior Landscape Architect at ASA Landscape Architects.
Maria shares her designs and thoughts on the planting, landscaping and outdoor event spaces that will be key to making Signal Yard the place to be.
Connecting the indoors with outdoors
Because the canopy from the Park Centre ‘tent’ blocked out a lot of natural light, soft landscaping opportunities for planting and greenery were tricky. The ‘tent’ also required bulky concrete posts to hold it in place and created a wind tunnel effect in inclement weather. The removal of the tent will allow for more soft landscaping and space for seating, making the new development more pedestrianised and giving plants the space and light to thrive.
As a result, the development will enhance the sense of community by providing places for people to gather in, with plenty of seating and a large outdoor event space for seasonal festivities and celebrations. Once complete, Signal Yard will transform the area into a welcoming, vibrant, multifunctional and biodiverse destination for occupiers to enjoy.
Maria explains: “Working closely with OSP Architects, we adopted a holistic approach, to ensure the building and landscaping works seamlessly together. This integration is achieved through the design of the spaces and its indoor-outdoor relationship, along with the colour and material palette, planting and lighting used throughout.”
Signalling change
ASA Landscape Architects’ interpretation of the concept of ‘signals’ is linked to the idea of connecting people, nature and buildings in a dynamic and inviting space. Drawing inspiration from Milton Park’s history as an RAF depot and its proximity to the Great Western Mainline, the design focuses on connectivity, layering and flow.
Maria continues: “We introduced a wavy layout for the paths, providing a sense of movement and playfulness to encourage exploration. For the seating areas and gathering spots, we have been strategic with where they are placed, allowing for varying levels of interaction: from quiet, reflective moments, to larger community engagement, creating a sense of belonging and connection.”
Image caption: Maria’s playful sketch shows how her interpretation of Signal Yard’s name has been reflected in the topography and landscape design.
“The planting complements this concept of ‘signalling’, by adding rhythm, depth and seasonal interest to the landscape.”
Landscaping features
Within Signal Yard, there will be a variety of landscaping features…
The ‘Boardwalk’
Walking along Park Drive from the direction of the Innovation Centre towards Signal Yard, a new ‘Boardwalk’ will be created at the eastern end of the lagoon. The Boardwalk will be made from carbon-neutral bamboo decking will provide a peaceful, reflective route along the existing lagoon, featuring seating areas for quiet moments by the water.
Large outdoor event space
By prioritising areas for pedestrians, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and lively space, ideal for hosting seasonal events and bringing fresh energy and vibrancy to the site.
Tree nursery
A collection of movable planters and benches will shape this new adaptable space, seamlessly connecting it to the new timber extension planned for Building 6.
Trees in these planters will grow until they’re ready to be relocated elsewhere at Milton Park, making room for new trees to be planted and creating Park’s first tree nursery.
Cascading gardens
The removal of Signal Yard’s ‘tent’ canopy will bring in light to the internal space, creating a unique and inviting space featuring an eye-catching hanging garden.
With the use of timber structures, raised planters, tensile wires and lighting, the designs will create a seating area surrounded by lush and vibrant planting. Planters will be attached to the façades and behind the parapet to create a ‘cascading’ effect, forming a destination with its own distinct character.
A restful place for pollinators and people
Wildflower meadows and pollinator-friendly trees will be interspersed across the development to support Milton Park’s native bee population.
Elsewhere, movable Corten Steel planters will be distributed throughout, featuring ornamental perennials, grasses and climbers. These will feature a wide range of armchairs, benches, tables and sun benches, creating a destination for people and pollinators alike to gather and enjoy.
Rain gardens
A new rain garden will help manage and purify rainwater from nearby surfaces, channelling it into the adjacent lagoon while boosting biodiversity.
Connected to a seating area and integrated with the main façade of Buildings 7-10, this feature also offers an educational insight into water management and biodiversity.
Wellbeing and spatial alchemy
For occupiers, Signal Yard offers an engaging environment, extending beyond the traditional workspace. Wellbeing is prioritised, with its enhanced green spaces and biodiversity-centred design creating a more welcoming, healthier environment all year round.
Once construction is complete, it will bolster Milton Park’s amenity offering, creating a lively hub for socialising and community-building, providing spaces for gathering, dining, relaxation and hosting seasonal activities and events.
What ASA Landscape Architects is most looking forward to…
All aspects of the project’s landscaping have been thoughtfully developed to consider both user experience and sustainability. ASA Landscape Architects wants the project to set a standard for responsible design that has sustainability at its core. A key part of this will be retaining as many mature trees as possible, enhancing biodiversity and integrating them into the new design.
Maria says: “We are truly excited about transforming Signal Yard into a vibrant destination that fosters social interaction and wellbeing. Our past research into the benefits of outdoor spaces on mental health makes it especially rewarding to focus on these aspects.
“The revitalisation of Signal Yard represents a long-term commitment to enhancing the amenities available at Milton Park. As we’re based on the Park, we are personally looking forward to using the space ourselves and seeing the positive impact the project will have and its potential to draw people together in a space that encourages engagement and interaction.”
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