Design
The courtyard garden was central to the city hall's renovation, reconnecting it with Leiden and enhancing its identity by transforming the space into a vibrant, publicly accessible garden.
Within the multidisciplinary team we lead the design for the courtyard’s concept, layout, and planting plan which was presented to the municipality. Native and resilient non-native plants were combined to establish a sustainable woodland ecosystem, with layered planting providing texture and year-round interest. Sustainability was integral, with locally sourced permeable bluestone paths, rainwater harvesting, and habitats created for insects and birds through tree planting and deadwood features.
The feature tree is a Tulip tree, Liriodendron and references Leiden’s botanical heritage, connecting the courtyard to the city’s famous botanical gardens. This project exemplifies the integration of ecological resilience, cultural history, and community engagement, transforming the courtyard into a dynamic urban garden that re-establishes a meaningful connection between the city hall and its surroundings.
Garden build in 2023
Garden photographs from 2024
