Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter
24/06/2015.
[LON] UK
metalocus, DANIEL MADERA, BRANLY ERNESTO PÉREZ.
metalocus, DANIEL MADERA, BRANLY ERNESTO PÉREZ.
For those that walk frequently around the Hyde Park of London, this project will turn out to be familiar. With a subtle even though forceful gesture, Gustafson Porter´s architects solved in 2004 this fountain in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales which, besides nice, eliminates the build up of algal bloom of the Serpentine.
Surrounding image. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Fotografía © Hélène Binet.
Aerial view. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Jason Hawkes.
Aerial view. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Gustafson Porter.
Bathers. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Peter Guenzel.
Detail. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Hélène Binet.
Detail. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Hélène Binet.
Detail. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Hélène Binet.
Detail. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Hélène Binet. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Detail. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Gustafson Porter.
Detail. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Hélène Binet.
Plan for the laying of stones. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Level curves. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Model. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Sections. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Model. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Model. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Model. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Detail. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Detail. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Model. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Model. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Model. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Diagram. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Image courtesy of Gustafson Porter.
Aerial view. Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter. Photograph © Jason Hawkes.
Subtle and nice project of the study Gustafson Porter for this fountain in memory of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Located in an emblematic place for the city of London, Hyde Park, the architects designed this project based on the qualities of the Princess of Wales that were most loved.
Description of project by Gustafson Porter
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, opened by HM The Queen, has been visited by over two million people since 2004, making the memorial one of London’s most popular free tourist attractions.
The design expresses the concept of 'Reaching Out ‒ Letting In'. This is based on the qualities of the Princess of Wales that were most loved: Her inclusiveness and her accessibility. The fountain has been integrated into the natural slope of the land in Hyde Park using as a starting point the existing ground level around the canopies of the mature trees surrounding the site. The memorial stands out as a light-coloured ring in the landscape which contrasts with the surrounding meadow area and planting. Specific features create different water effects like 'Chadar Cascade', 'Swoosh', 'Stepped Cascade', 'Rock and Roll' and a still basin at the bottom to reflect the various qualities of the Princess' life.
In collaboration with hydraulic engineers a water system was designed, which is not only sustainable but also assists the ecology of the adjacent Serpentine lake. Fresh water is pumped out of a 100m deep bore hole and held in a tank below ground. The water circulating in the fountain is not treated and is monitored on a continuous basis to ensure water quality. Ten percent of the water flow is drained into the Serpentine helping to keep a constant flow of water within the lake and eliminating the build up of algal bloom near the bathing area. The tank is topped up with ground water on a regular basis.
Text.- Gustafson Porter.
CREDITS. TECHNICAL SHEET.-
Architects.- Gustafson Porter.
Project Team.- Lead Designer.- Gustafson Porter. Engineer.- ARUP. Main Contractor.- Geoffrey Osborne Ltd. Project Manager.- Bucknall Austin Project Management. Water Feature Specialist.- OCMIS. Landscape contractor.- Willerby Landscapes. Stone layers.- Cathedral Works Organisation. Stone masons.- S McConnell and Sons. Stone texturing specialists.- Texxus. Surface modelling.- Surface Development Engineering Ltd.
Completion date.- 2004.
Area.- 5 acres.
Location.- London, Hyde Park, United Kingdom.
More information
GUSTAFSON PORTER + BOWMAN
Gustafson Porter + Bowman are an award-winning landscape architecture practice based in London. We have a talented team of landscape architects, architects and urban designers led by 5 partners. Our wide-ranging specialisations allow us to engage with a multitude of projects from the urban masterplan scale to bespoke designs. Our design process is always based on a deep understanding of a site; its geographical context and the organisations and cultures that shape them.
We always visit our sites, research their location, history, hydrology, soils, plant communities, local context and site constraints. We will talk to clients, stakeholders and local people about their needs and ambitions. Only once we feel that we have understood these will we start developing a strong conceptual framework that lends meaning and distinctiveness to our landscape work. Throughout our 23-year history, we have sought to continuously push the boundaries of what constitutes the field of landscape design. We care deeply about our work, with strong personal commitments to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients, the environment and the local community. Our strong engagement with local communities and stakeholders, including artists and scientists, adds layers of richness to our work.
