SCALA Civic Building of the Year Competition, 2008

Highly Commended

Nottingham City Council
Nottingham Old Market Square

The Old Market Square, Nottingham is one of Britain’s oldest public squares, with an 800-year history as a market place and, at 11,500m2, is the second largest after Trafalgar Square. The formal 1929 design by TC Howitt did not serve the requirements of a progressive European city, and following an international design competition in 2004, the Jury unanimously selected the new contemporary design.

The brief was to provide unhindered access for all, use high-quality materials, provide new water features, introduce soft landscaping, integrate street furniture, create flexible performance space, allow people to linger, encourage 24-hour use, enable perimeter activity to spill out into the space, and attract pedestrians by virtue of its design. It also had to create a sense of place and reinforce the distinctive qualities and character of Nottingham.

Terraces of coloured granite blocks delineate level changes and hint at the geological strata below the Square’s surface. Their tapering forms accommodate rows of benches, planters and water features, set around a large flat and unobstructed surface used for markets and city events.

The terraced water feature comprises a reflecting pool, waterfall, rills, jets and a scrim that can be switched off and enables their use as an amphitheatre. All lighting is concealed, except for masts that create a range of lighting moods and support temporary trusses required for events.

New direct, diagonal routes between Chapel Bar and Smithy Row, Long Row and Friar Lane leading to Nottingham Castle enable access to the centre of the Square and, at the same time, ensure pedestrians have easy access to all parts of the city centre.

Architect:

Gustafson Porter

Quantity Surveyor:

Davis Langdon LLP

Structural Engineer:

ARUP

Mechanical and Electrical Engineer:

Ove Arup & Partners Ltd

Main Contractor:

Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd

Special Consultant:

Jules Renfrew Associates (Conservation)