Alongside architects Allies & Morrison, Asif Khan Studio and environmental engineers Buro Happold, land scape designers, Harris Bugg Studio will be revitalise the planting of the grade-II listed, Barbican Conservatory, one of London’s most iconic architectural and horticultural spaces. The project is a key part of a major programme of conservation and transformation, reimagining the Barbican Centre for a dynamic and sustainable future while honouring its rich heritage.
The Barbican Conservatory, with its dramatic Brutalist structure and abundant planting, exemplifies the powerful interplay between nature and architecture, and is a vital green space at the heart of the capital. The Barbican Centre is currently undergoing critical repairs and upgrades across its iconic site as part of its historic Renewal programme. The City of London Corporation, the Barbican’s founder and principal funder has approved a £191 million funding package towards the programme, which represents around 80% of the amount needed for the first five-year phase. A major fundraising campaign will be launched by the Barbican in 2025 to enable the complete restoration and refurbishment of key public spaces such as the Conservatory, Foyers and Lakeside Terrace. Funding raised will open up these spaces to all, deliver major new creative community and learning activities, and make major sustainability improvements to ensure net-zero commitments are met.
Central to Harris Bugg Studio’s approach is the collaboration with Marta Lowcewicz, the Barbican’s Head Gardener, and her team, whose dedication has made the Conservatory a much-loved sanctuary for visitors from London and beyond. Their expertise and intimate understanding of the space play a crucial role in reimagining its future
Harris Bugg Studio co-Founder Hugo Bugg said: “We cannot express how significant this project is. To be entrusted with the future of the Barbican Conservatory is both an honour and a responsibility. We are committed to taking thoughtful, considered steps with the expert team we have assembled to craft a deep understanding of place and a bold new future for it.”
The Harris Bugg project team, led by Director Charlotte Harris and Senior Landscape Architect Sybille de Cussy, also includes an exceptional team of experts, selected by Harris Bugg Studio specifically for this project:
- Matthew Pottage: Author and Broadcaster, and currently the Head of Horticulture & Landscape Strategy for The Royal Parks. Previously Curator at RHS Garden Wisley, Pottage brings expertise in terms of curatorial management strategy for major public gardens and tender plant curation.
- Karen Fitzsimon CMLI: Bringing academic and heritage rigour is Karen Fitzsimon, Doctoral Researcher at University of Westminster School of Architecture & Cities with a specialist focus on modernist landscapes. Fitzsimon is a chartered landscape architect, landscape historian, horticulturist and writer. She is a visiting tutor at The Bartlett School of Architecture.
- Christopher Young: Garden Manager at RHS Wisley, Young brings experience in managing glasshouses and their horticultural collections as well as day-to-day operations. He is leading on the full plant audit which has just been completed as part of the Harris Bugg Studio scope.
- Phil Griffiths: Kew’s Conservatories Manager for twelve years, and lead horticultural consultant on projects including: Sky Garden, Thomas Heatherwick Bombay Sapphire Glass Houses, restoration projects in the Middle East, Brazil, and Madagascar. Griffiths brings focus on the technical and operational requirements for the space.
Phillippa Simpson, the Barbican’s Director for Buildings and Renewal, commented: “We are thrilled to have Harris Bugg Studio involved in the revitalisation of the Barbican Conservatory. Their understanding of the space and its particular character as part of the Grade-II listed Barbican Centre, is invaluable. Working closely alongside colleagues at the Barbican, they have demonstrated an exceptional level of rigour, creativity and collaboration and a clear commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.”
Charlotte Harris, co-founder of Harris Bugg Studio added: “It is a privilege to work on such an important heritage asset and wonderful urban garden space. Opening it up to be fully accessible while incorporating cutting-edge sustainability credentials is at the heart of the project. Working closely with Marta and her team, as well as Allies & Morrison and Buro Happold we look forward to helping shape its exciting future.”
The Harris Bugg Studio has a team of landscape architects, garden designers and horticulturalists based between three studios in London, Devon and Scotland. Working in the UK and internationally, projects include rural and country estates in Dorset, Oxfordshire, Exmoor, the Highlands, the Isle of Skye and Kent as well as the Botanic Gardens of Gothenburg, the redesign of the walled kitchen garden at RHS Garden Bridgewater and the Best in Show award at RHS Chelsea Flower Show for their fully adaptive garden for spinal injuries charity Horatio’s Garden.