Centenary Square
Client: Birmingham City Council
Typology: public space
year: 2014
Place: Birmingham (Regno Unito)
International urban design competition
A new layout for Centenary Square in Birmingham
The competition brief called for the redesign of Centenary Square, one of Birmingham’s largest and most popular public spaces, bordered by major civic buildings such as the new Library of Birmingham, the Repertory Theatre, the Symphony Hall, and Paradise Forum. The square is also widely used for public ceremonies, performances, and small seasonal markets. The brief required the proposal of flexible structures capable of enhancing the quality of the public realm, transforming it into an urban living room that is safe and accessible to all citizens every day.
The project is based on two key principles: (a) the creation of a recognizable sign capable of perceptually integrating the public space; and (b) the articulation of the square into equipped functional areas. The first objective was addressed through a sequence of interconnected flower‑shaped canopy elements running longitudinally across the entire square: the canopies, whose colors identify different functional zones, provide shelter and nighttime illumination, and are complemented at their base by seating. Within this sequence, planting beds, trees, and two enclosed volumes—a kiosk and a small exhibition pavilion—were also introduced.
The second key point was the articulation of the space into three functional areas. The Playground is an open, obstacle‑free zone dedicated to large events, children’s play, and temporary sports activities; the design incorporates a kiosk and much of the existing mosaic paving. The Living Room is an informal workspace adjacent to the Library, equipped with tables, benches, and domestic‑style lighting fixtures. The Garden, which surrounds the Hall of Memory, is dedicated to relaxation.
