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First Proposal - to strip the site of any previous associations and connotations, leaving us with a blank canvas - or to be more accurate an empty box - this will allow us to approach the site in a completely fresh way. Our box has five sides but is open to the sky, which fills it with light, and objects inside the box such as trees create patterns of shadow. The sides of the box are punctured by holes - windows - through which you can see into the space and through which light enters at night.
By introducing new elements into the space we can use these existing conditions to cast patterns of light and shade upon the inner surfaces of our box i.e. the floor and walls. As light conditions change throughout the day, and throughout the year, so will the appearance and character of the courtyard.
There are different effects which can be achieved and the idea can be adapted to suit the nature of each space, so the effects could be subtle and contemplative or vibrant and reassuring. Light can be filtered, tinted or reflected, and patterns repeated across the space.
Second Proposal - contemporary cloisters
After taking a look at the history of gardens in general, and courtyard gardens in particular, we decided to focus on the medieval cloister garden, and base a design on the principles behind it.
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