The Rising Path
"This innovative structure is a key part of an ongoing project to re-examine, re-interpret and re-display our Systematic Beds which will help visitors, students and scientists to understand more about plants, how they are related, and why this is so important for science"
"Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a Grade II* listed heritage garden in the centre of Cambridge. The Garden houses the University’s collection of living plants, which number 8,000 species, across 40 acres of beautifully designed and maintained landscape. It is the most visited university botanic garden in the UK, welcoming over 275,000 visitors annually.
The Systematic Beds occupy nearly three acres of CUBG and are of global heritage significance. They were designed in 1845 by CUBG’s first Curator, Andrew Murray, and their design uniquely translates the leading botanic text book of the time by Augustin de Candolle into a display on the ground to represent and teach plant taxonomy - the science of identifying and classifying plant species.
The Understanding Plant Diversity project, which includes the Rising Path, seeks to ensure the Systematic Beds remain a useful teaching tool in the modern world. When renovation is complete in 2019, the Systematic Beds will represent 1,600 plant species belonging to about 78 families dispersed across 119 beds." (Extract from CUBG website)


In the summer of 2016, CDC Studio were invited to participate in an limited design competition held by the Botanic Garden and University of Cambridge Estates. Our winning solution provides an accessible viewing platform overlooking the systematic beds, with an exhibition area below and informative pathways incorpororated into the fabric of the design.
Situated to the south of the Systematic Beds, the Rising Path has been devised as a gently sloping path that leads off from the established footpath network. The journey up and along the spiral leads you through the maturing conifer collection of the New Pinetum. Nodal landings along the route explain plant evolution and family development using graphic text on the decking and information panels.
Arriving at the three-metre high viewpoint, visitors discover a stunning view of the unique design of the Systematic Beds. An Interpretation Hub at ground level provides engaging displays drawn from the Garden’s archives to encourage visitors to explore the Systematic Beds, whilst green space enclosed by the structure provides a group briefing space and area for public events.
The shape is an irregular spiral developed from a circular plan. Its distortion and rotation are a result of the structure avoiding tree roots, trunks and the University data infrastructure. Using BIM 3d modelling from the outset, the sculptural shape developed considering both the visual form and structural requirements: a true collaboration between architect and structural engineer.
"It is a privilege to be asked to design a structure within the special and beautiful setting of the Botanic Garden. Mindful of the value of the collections around it, The Rising Path has an elegant curving form that provides a framework for furthering understanding of the Systematic Beds, as well as defining a stimulating new space in the Garden"
The aim of the Rising Path is to inspire curiosity about plants. Juliet Day, Project Manager of the Rising Path, says: “Observation is the cornerstone of all scientific enquiry and plants are full of shapes, patterns, numbers, colours, textures, symmetry, scents and tastes to discover. We have developed the Rising Path and created interpretation displays to encourage visitors of all ages to explore the Systematic Beds and enjoy looking more closely at plants.” The exhibition display was designed by Designmap
"Our challenge to the architects was to design an imaginative structure that played on the unique character of our historic landscape and outdoor, living collection of plants. With the Rising Path, they have succeeded in creating just the kind of intriguing, memorable and uplifting experience we were after"
The structural frame by Smith and Wallwork Engineers is formed from galvanized steel with principal members made from laser cut curved 10mm plates. The curved stringer has changing radii throughout the sweeping ellipse. The zig zag form provides a rigid structure, alleviating the necessity of cross bracing. The 90mm CHS columns are fixed to concrete free specialist hand driven steel pile footings. These enable the foundations to be positioned close to the trees and within the root protection zones without adversely affecting the valuable specimens of the garden.
The innovative and extensive use of galvanised steel won The Rising Path the GAGA Architecture Award 2019 .

The timber decking and balustrade on the Rising Path is in Accoya, a modified timber selected for its durability and stability. Accoya is modified Radiata Pine, a species which coincidentally grows adjacent to the new structure.
A collaboration between Gripsure, (the manufacturer of the timber decking), CDC Studio and Designmap have resulted in bespoke supergraphic text at the landings. This was the first time the decking had been used in this way with the text routed into the accoya and filled with antislip resin. Further information can be found on the accoya website and Gripsure website




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Client
Cambridge University -
User
CU Botanic Garden -
Location
Cambridge -
Budget
Private -
Design Team
Smith and Wallwork Engineers
Max Fordham
Henry Riley
Designmap
Lockhart Garrat -
Contractor
Millcam -
Team
Robin Dryer, Mark Clarke, Delphine Dryer, Sam Greaves, Alasdair Ferguson, Hannah Verner, Sixuan Li, Thomas Odorico -
Photographs
Richard Chivers
Simon Smith (Smith and Wallwork)
CDC Studio