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URBAN ECOLOGY / RESEARCH

Baltic Spaces for Nature

Urban nature on disturbed ground. A landscape designed to pioneer, root and adapt through ecological succession, research and collaboration.

Baltic Spaces for Nature landscape elevation.

01 / THE PROJECT

Spaces for Nature establishes urban nature on disturbed ground, creating the conditions for landscapes to pioneer, root and adapt over time. Working with succession, change and management, the project explores a resilient network of urban nature on the Tyne.

Pioneer

Within a dense, hard-edged urban setting, Baltic Square offers an opportunity to make space for nature and reasons to pause. Hyem’s work with Baltic, Newcastle University and North East Young Dads and Lads brings research and collaboration into the design process.

Pioneer

Within a dense, hard-edged urban setting, Baltic Square offers an opportunity to make space for nature and reasons to pause. Hyem’s work with Baltic, Newcastle University and North East Young Dads and Lads brings research and collaboration into the design process.

Root

Research into salt-marsh habitats along the Tyne, brownfield gardens and disturbed substrates informs the planting approach. Reclaimed materials and woven rebar connect the landscape to the river’s industrial history.

Root

Research into salt-marsh habitats along the Tyne, brownfield gardens and disturbed substrates informs the planting approach. Reclaimed materials and woven rebar connect the landscape to the river’s industrial history.

Adapt

Seed, herbaceous planting and robust shrubs are selected for exposed conditions. Plant communities are allowed to evolve through ecological succession, with management and care shaping the landscape over time.

Adapt

Seed, herbaceous planting and robust shrubs are selected for exposed conditions. Plant communities are allowed to evolve through ecological succession, with management and care shaping the landscape over time.

02 / DESIGN EXPLORATION

Visualisation of Baltic Square with planted habitat islands, seating and people.

A visual exploring the potential transformation of Baltic Square.

Annotated general arrangement showing habitat islands, planting and reclaimed materials at Baltic Square.
Project collaborators beside an upturned tree root on a research visit.
Landscape photomontage combining the Gateshead Millennium Bridge with planting and habitat studies.
Plants beside reclaimed reinforcing steel and a brick wall.
Planting, roots and reclaimed stone arranged within an exhibition space.
Annotated elevation of the Baltic modular landscape island, showing planting, reclaimed materials and rebar details.

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