University of York, Greg’s Place
In 2015, TGP won a competition to create a piazza of elegant simplicity at the centre of York University that provides space for students and staff to populate and use as they see fit.
Our creation utilised open lawn areas to allow plenty of space for resting, relaxing, studying and socialising, while the wide paved areas provide space for people to circulate by foot or on bicycles, or stand and chat or perform.
One existing tree was retained to provide a strong vertical element and backdrop to the space, with further ornamental tree planting to the eastern edge and western corner of the lawn being incorporated to provide shade and seasonal colour.
The lawn area is bounded on its northern edge by 3m wide rain gardens which will collect stormwater runoff within their recessed edges and slowly release it into the drainage system. These recessed beds were planted with colourful shrubs and herbaceous plants providing year-round colour, scent and texture.
The existing sub-base was recycled, giving the paving a BREEAM rating of A under the BREEAM Green Guide.
