UHI Inverness Campus
Project Description
The new Inverness Campus of the Highlands and Islands creates an infrastructure and framework of 35 Ha on the southern edge of Inverness for current and future academic and business development. The landscape was designed by Edinburgh landscape architects Harrisons Stevens (www.harrisonstevens.co.uk) with a contribution from Lisa Mackenzie, Senior Landscape Lecturer at Edinburgh University. The project was commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise in conjunction with UHI. The fully accessible site provides a gathering place for working and learning with a biodiverse landscape which utilise high quality robust materials appropriate to the local context. The design provides a framework for the integration of development and transport and represents a significant investment in the future of the city.
Supporting Statement
The Inverness Civic Trust members were unanimous in recommending this project for a Scottish Civic Trust award for the following reasons:- It provides an inspiring environment.
- It utilises high quality hard and soft landscaping.
- It is appropriate to context.
- It is robust yet sensitive.
- It integrates the functions of transport, business park and academic campus seamlessly.
- It provides a framework which unifies the site but enables individual expression within it. The new campus is immediately appealing and enjoyable. The choice of materials and plants is expertly made and whether experiencing it as a visitor or as someone who is studying or working there, it provokes a sense of calmness and inspiration. It has made a major contribution to improving the environment of this part of Inverness.