Transcendence, Chelsea 2023

This showgarden reflected our shared cultural experiences, emotions and understanding around end of life. A calm, inspiring and spiritual space creates a dramatic level change, inviting a physical movement downwards through a gently sloping garden, contrasting with tall planting which rises all around to create a sense of uplift.  Monumentally-scaled, constructed elements contribute to this sensation and also create a play between light and shadow. 

A water cascade drops further into the ground and creates a shallow surface of water which is constantly running away from the visitor in an ongoing movement. Twin walls lean back to catch the changing light and shadow patterns of the day, and frame an inner chamber of restless water, which churns and swells. A cantilevered canopy overhead creates a sense of shelter and houses a skylight which frames a view of the sky and cloudscape above. The space is animated throughout by light and movement, a counterbalance to its stillness and tranquillity.