For those that walk frequently around the Hyde Park of London, this project will turn out to be familiar. With a subtle even though forceful gesture, Gustafson Porter´s architects solved in 2004 this fountain in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales which, besides nice, eliminates the build up of algal bloom of the Serpentine.

Subtle and nice project of the study Gustafson Porter for this fountain in memory of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Located in an emblematic place for the city of London, Hyde Park, the architects designed this project based on the qualities of the Princess of Wales that were most loved.

Description of project by Gustafson Porter

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, opened by HM The Queen, has been visited by over two million people since 2004, making the memorial one of London’s most popular free tourist attractions.

The design expresses the concept of 'Reaching Out ‒ Letting In'. This is based on the qualities of the Princess of Wales that were most loved: Her inclusiveness and her accessibility. The fountain has been integrated into the natural slope of the land in Hyde Park using as a starting point the existing ground level around the canopies of the mature trees surrounding the site. The memorial stands out as a light-coloured ring in the landscape which contrasts with the surrounding meadow area and planting. Specific features create different water effects like 'Chadar Cascade', 'Swoosh', 'Stepped Cascade', 'Rock and Roll' and a still basin at the bottom to reflect the various qualities of the Princess' life.

In collaboration with hydraulic engineers a water system was designed, which is not only sustainable but also assists the ecology of the adjacent Serpentine lake. Fresh water is pumped out of a 100m deep bore hole and held in a tank below ground. The water circulating in the fountain is not treated and is monitored on a continuous basis to ensure water quality. Ten percent of the water flow is drained into the Serpentine helping to keep a constant flow of water within the lake and eliminating the build up of algal bloom near the bathing area. The tank is topped up with ground water on a regular basis.

Text.- Gustafson Porter.

CREDITS. TECHNICAL SHEET.-

Architects.- Gustafson Porter.
Project Team.- Lead Designer.- Gustafson Porter. Engineer.- ARUP. Main Contractor.- Geoffrey Osborne Ltd. Project Manager.- Bucknall Austin Project Management. Water Feature Specialist.- OCMIS. Landscape contractor.- Willerby Landscapes. Stone layers.- Cathedral Works Organisation. Stone masons.- S McConnell and Sons. Stone texturing specialists.- Texxus. Surface modelling.- Surface Development Engineering Ltd.
Completion date.- 2004.
Area.- 5 acres.
Location.- London, Hyde Park, United Kingdom.

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Gustafson Porter + Bowman is a London-based landscape architecture firm founded in 1997 by landscape architect Kathryn Gustafson (1951) and architect Neil Porter (1958). Mary Bowman (1958) joined the firm in 2002 and became a founding partner. Alongside them, Sibylla Hartel (born 1967), Donncha O’Shea (born 1978), and Eduardo Carranza (born 1976) form the current partnership.

The firm boasts an international team of landscape architects, architects, and urban designers. The breadth of its specializations allows it to undertake projects of diverse nature and scale, from urban master plans to bespoke landscape interventions.

Their design process is based on a deep understanding of the site: its geographical context, history, hydrology, soils, plant communities, local conditions, and the organizations and cultures that shape it. The team always visits the sites, studies their constraints, and engages in conversations with clients, stakeholders, and local communities to understand their needs and aspirations. Only after this process of research and listening is a solid conceptual framework developed, capable of bringing meaning and uniqueness to each landscape intervention.

Since its founding in 1997, Gustafson Porter + Bowman has continually sought to expand the boundaries of landscape architecture. Their work is characterized by a strong commitment to the quality of the outcome, the environment, and local communities. Collaboration with stakeholders, artists, scientists, and other agents adds layers of complexity and richness to their projects, reinforcing a practice focused on creating culturally significant public spaces and landscapes.

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Published on: June 24, 2015
Cite:
metalocus, DANIEL MADERA, BRANLY ERNESTO PÉREZ.
"Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain by Gustafson Porter" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/diana-princess-wales-memorial-fountain-gustafson-porter> ISSN 1139-6415
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