Wilder + King’s
In consultation with the sustainability and estates teams at King's College London, Wilder have created three distinct wildlife-friendly spaces at the Strand campus.
Wilder planted the terrace of the Macadam building which overlooks the Thames, commissioning artist Douglas White to create bespoke planters from reclaimed wood; Douglas used shou sugi ban, a decorative and strengthening charring technique that has been employed for centuries in Japan. We filled the planters with shade-loving plants from the local Spring Garden Nursery, including ferns, heucheras and ivy, with large-leafed fatsias complementing the bold lines of the Brutalist building. We then created a sea-themed landscape in a large planter that frames the river, using a striking combination of sea holly, white alliums and blue ornamental grass.
Another scheme entirely was needed to enliven two courtyards and the riverfront terrace; we planted a mini orchard here, using scrumptious, Bardsey and red devil apple trees and conference and onward pear trees. Each tree is surrounded by edible companion plants including wild garlic, marjoram, wild strawberry and wild carrot. The orchard softens the symmetry of the surrounding buildings, bringing nature into a very architectural space.
The final phase was to refresh and increase planting in the Coleman courtyard within the main building. We created a beautiful landscape for shady contemplation, reusing pots and planters and filling them with an abundance of ferns, salvias, agapanthus and more.
Dr Nicola Hogan
Sustainability Manager for Operations
King’s College London
“In the summer of 2023, Wilder were given free reign to enhance three neglected spaces at the Strand campus of King’s College London. The Macadam and Colman terraces were in need of a refresh of vegetation, and the river terrace needed a complete redesign.
After an initial assessment of the spaces and consultation with King’s campus managers, the Wilder team set to work. Sourcing planters made from repurposed timber created by a local artist, as well as plants and flowers that thrived in these environments, Wilder transformed the spaces into inviting urban oases that now offer respite and relaxation from busier parts of the campus. Their vision for the spaces was simple yet strategic: enhancing what already existed but also contrasting colours and textures to maximise visual impact.
Footfall in these areas has since increased, and King’s are now looking to enhance other spaces across the college estate with the same approach. Wilder have added value to the Strand Campus that is immeasurable yet distinctive.”
‘Now climate change is our global enemy. Never before in history have human beings been called on to act collectively in defence of the Earth.’
— Desmond Tutu, King’s alumnus