South Landscape

The existing lawn to the south of the Sainsbury Centre will be enriched with new planting, creating a richer dialogue between art, landscape and the wider campus. Inspired by Brenda Colvin’s original vision for the UEA campus — where woodland, marsh and open grassland formed a connected ecological mosaic — the proposal seeks to restore ecological character while enhancing the visitor experience. New pathways will improve connectivity and guide visitors through a series of distinct landscape settings, creating opportunities
for the organic discovery of artworks and encouraging greater engagement with the surroundings.

Groups of field trees will create natural sculpture pockets and places for rest and reflection. A diverse planting strategy, centred on native meadow and woodland species, will enhance biodiversity, provide year-round interest and establish a valuable pollinator corridor across the site.

The extension of the existing gallery café terrace will increase capacity, make better use of its prominent south-facing position, and transform an underused side of the building into an active amenity that enhances the visitor experience and strengthens the building’s connection to the surrounding landscape.