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University of East London
- Awards: Global Design Award for Placemaking Excellence (Winner, 2024)
- Client: University of East London
- Scope + Status: Landscape Strategy, Stratford, Docklands & USS campuses, completed.
- Consultants and collaborators: Endpoint, Altitude Architects, QS consultants, Artists
96 Proposed Trees
Our Principles
8,250 m² Social/Play Space
40,000 Students
Bridging three campuses to foster collaboration, innovation and community.
The University of East London asked us to help transform its fragmented campuses at Stratford, Docklands and USS into vibrant, connected places that students would stay, socialise and collaborate instead of just passing through. In short, our brief was to ‘connect the campuses’.
Each campus had isolated, underused spaces lacking identity or warmth. Our vision was to create ‘sticky campuses’: landscapes that spark conversation, invite rest and enrich the university experience across faculties and disciplines.
Design Response:
Connection, coherence and comfort.
We created a unified design language across the three campuses, with sculptural cues, consistent materials and thoughtful signage, all while honouring each site’s individual character.
We introduced:
- Large areas of ‘dockland’ style planting to soften and bring comfort
- ‘Bumping spaces’ to encourage interaction
- Tiered seating for outdoor classrooms and performance decks that extend opportunities for where learning could happen.
Sculptural word-art reflecting the university’s values doubles as landmarks, social magnets, selfie spots and symbols of campus identity and pride. Flexible seating and green edges welcome both quiet study and spontaneous gathering.
At the Docklands campus alone, we revitalised nine zones, from fitness trails to study decks, each with its own rhythm but all keyed to the same design theme.
Sustainable, scalable and student-first
- We wove sustainability into every layer:
- Pollinator-friendly planting reflecting the dockland’s floral vernacular boosts biodiversity
- Appraising materials across campus and relocating or repurposing to reduce waste and environmental impact
Solar-powered smart benches offer rest, connection – and the opportunity to charge mobiles!
“It would be great if every client wanted to invest so much into the external environment. Look at the impact of funding high quality wayfinding and landscape, the students seem to love the new campus”
Alex Lowenhoff
Outcome:
A living, breathing campus culture
Today, UEL campuses feel alive. Students linger, meet, laugh and learn outdoors. These landscapes are no longer backdrops but part of the university’s identity.
This is placemaking that radically changes university life, creating a nature-rich environment where every corner invites belonging and membership. Because when campuses flourish, their communities thrive.
Pride Points
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Built connection into every corner
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Intelligently softened and greened each campus
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Boosted dwell-time, wellbeing and campus atmosphere.