We’re thrilled to see that Union Terrace, led by the talented team at LDA Design and supported by Aberdeen City Council, has rightfully been recognized as the Placemaking Project of the Year at the British Construction Industry Awards. To have played a role in the award-winning transformation, where our bespoke timber benches are now part of a rejuvenated space, is very rewarding.
Union Terrace Gardens was once an inaccessible and underutilized part of the city, disconnected from the people it was meant to serve. However, the vision behind the project was bold: to reimagine the area as a fully accessible, inclusive, and vibrant public realm that would serve as a welcoming space for all.
A project of this scale required careful consideration of materials—those that would withstand the test of time while blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. For the seating throughout the gardens, timber was chosen for its natural warmth, beauty, and sustainability credentials. We were proud to supply these elements that have become an essential element of the vision.
The bench and seating areas not only provide a comfortable place for visitors to relax and connect with the surroundings but also align with the project’s ethos of environmental responsibility.
The success of Union Terrace Gardens is a true testament to the power of collaboration. As the judges noted, the transformation of this once ‘lost space’ was an “amazing collaborative effort.” By engaging the public and working closely with partners across multiple disciplines, the project teams have created a lasting legacy for the city.
This collaborative journey has allowed the project to exceed its long-term goals of accessibility, sustainability, and beauty. Our timber seating solutions were designed to complement the garden’s new life, contributing to a space that is both welcoming and enduring.
Union Terrace Gardens is not just a single project; it is a catalyst for further positive change within Aberdeen. By revitalizing a central piece of the city’s landscape, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design and genuine public engagement can breathe new life into urban spaces.
Congratulations to LDA Design and all the teams involved for this well-deserved recognition. Union Terrace Gardens is not only a triumph in placemaking but also an inspiration for future projects aiming to create sustainable and inclusive public spaces.
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