Skip to content

CDC Studio

The Rising Path

Inspiring a curious eye with elevated botanical outlooks. A 96m structure spirals between the trees, sweeping out from the landscape of the Systematic Beds at Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
A winning scheme for Cambridge University Botanic Garden. A dynamic spiral, the 65-metre long. | architects CDC Studio
Two Cambridge University Botanic Gardens visitors enjoying the view of the Systematic Beds from The Rising Path. | architects CDC Studio
An elevated view over the Systematic beds

"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"

Professor Beverley Glover, Director of Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Old brown paper map of Cambridge University Botanic Garden by Andrew Murray | The Rising Path, by architects CDC Studio
Painting of Professor John Stevens Henslow in a black gown holding a painting in front of a red curtain. | The Rising Path, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens by architects CDC Studio
Watercolour artwork of plants by Cambridge botanist Professor Henslow. | The Rising Path, Cambridge University Botanic Garden by architects CDC Studio
Andrew Murray's original plan for Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Archive Photograph of the central roof of the Cambridge Botanic Gardens Plant House. | The Rising Path, by architects CDC Studio
The Plant House -archive photograph
Water fountain designed by David Mellor, with field and Plant House in the background. | The Rising Path, Cambridge University Botanic Garden by architects CDC Studio
Water fountain designed by David Mellor and completed in 1970.
Aerial view of The Rising Path, Cambridge University Botanic Garden by Cambridge architects CDC Studio
Aerial photo taken from north east of The Rising Path, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens by architects CDC Studio
Aerial view of The Rising Path by CDC studio while under construction
Aerial view
Two people coming off of the Rising Path by architects CDC studios, as viewed from the front. Two others observe the interpretation hub. |  Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Timber cladding used in the Rising Path Cambridge University by architects CDC studios in the Botanic Gardens
Under seat lighting used on a bench on the viewing platform of The Rising Path Cambridge University Botanic Garden by architects CDC Studio. Blurred shape of a Visitor in the background.
The interpretation hub below the raised viewing point of The rising Path Cambridge University Botanic Garden by architects CDC Studio
A close up of the steel handrail and accoya balustrade at the CDC Studio project Rising Path, cambridge University Botanic Garden
Child running along The Rising Path Cambridge University Botanic Garden by  architects CDC Studio
View of the ramp on the Rising Path cambridge University Botanic Garden by architects CDC studios. Shadows of timber cladding are thrown across the floor.

"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"

Robin Dryer , Director CDC Studio
The Rising Path cambridge University Botanic Garden by architects CDC studios in low lighting. Small lights housed underneath the Viewing Platform.
The interpretation hub below The cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
The interpretation hub below Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio at night
Elevation of Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio showing the interpretation hub below the raised viewing point
Side view of sloping ramp at Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Architects CDC studio's rising path project surrounded by trees  | Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Landscape architecture photo of the tree space at the centre of The Rising Path, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens by architects CDC Studio
Stairs to the top of The Rising Path by architects CDC Studio | Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Ramp of The Rising Path, Cambridge University Botanic Gardens by architects CDC Studio slopes down into the distance
The ramp sweeps up around the maturing conifer collection

"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"

Professor Beverley Glover, Director of Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Site plan of the Rising Path of many interlocking circles to represent plant beds in the  Cambridge University Botanic Garden by architects CDC Studio
Exploded diagram of the different materials used in the Rising Path by architects CDC studios, with tree at the center |  Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Plan drawing of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Specialist hand driven steel pile footings by Surefoot under construction |  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
6-pointed circular metal footing component used in the structural frame by Smith and Wallwork Engineers |  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Connection between frame and specialist hand driven steel pile footings by Surefoot |  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Low end of galvanised steel frame of  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Galvanised steel frame of Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Close up of the galvanised steel frame of Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Specialist hand driven steel pile footings by Surefoot
Aerial view showing text routed into the accoya and filled with antislip resin on the Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Text routed into the accoya timber and filled with antislip resin
Detailed cross-section of the platform of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Detail of Rising Path floor section with galvanised steelwork in Blue Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
3D diagrams of each type of Column connection for the Rising Path with metalwork in blue. | Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Accoya timber decking under construction on  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Galvanised steel connection node within the frame of  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
The frame under construction for Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Text routed into the accoya and filled with antislip resin at  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Accoya balustrade being attached to galvanised steel frame |  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Accoya timber decking under construction
North Elevation drawing of  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Long section drawing of  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
East elevation drawing of the  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
West elevation drawing of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio with trees in background
Cross section drawing of  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio with trees in foreground
North Elevation
Concept plan sketch of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
An aerial 3D visual of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
A concept sketch of  Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
Detailed drawings of connecting sections for Cambridge University Botanic Garden Rising Path by architects CDC Studio
  • 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