The site of Fellows’ Garden is situated within the grounds of Durham Castle, Durham, In the North East of England. Durham is a UNESCO world heritage site, Sitting on the banks of the River Wear. The site also sits within the Durham Conservation area.
The Garden has been previously known as both Fellows’ Garden and Bishops’ Garden. University College began to occupy the Castle in 1837; since then the garden has been known as both the Don’s and more recently, as Fellows’ Garden. In the 19th and early 20th century, this was a private space for the Fellows’ and later the SCR. The Garden began to be opened and used more for special students events from the 1950s onwards. From the 2000s, the space started to be used for the wider student community and then for events, performances, concerts, and more recently for community days.
The Proposed Design has created a stepped landscape to a terrace, which will have multiple uses. The position of the terrace has been carefully considered with the backdrop of the Castle, positioned to the north of the site, ensuring the optimal lighting conditions for ceremonies, with the suns glare being behind the audience not interrupting the view of the terrace.
The design creates a multifunctional space, while maintaining the character of the Garden enhancing it with hard and soft landscaping, creating subtle memorials to its past throughout, as well as quotes from other minority groups, creating diversity and a space for all to enjoy.