Wonderwood

Wonderwood at The Round Foundry: A Narrative-Led Landscape

Wonderwood was conceived not just as a new village green for Leeds, but as a living archive of the Holbeck community. Situated on a borrowed piece of land, the project transformed a transitory site into a deeply rooted shared space for local residents and workers alike.

Co-Design through Storytelling

The design development was anchored in an extensive collaborative engagement process. Rather than imposing a pre-determined aesthetic, we centered the site’s evolution on the voices of those who know it best. By working closely with local people, we gathered a rich tapestry of stories, anecdotes, and histories that directly informed the park’s character.

Layers of Meaning and Memory:
These gathered narratives were meticulously woven into the fabric of the space through a series of bespoke interventions:

Audio Integration: We shaped the community's stories into curated audio narratives, accessible via wind-up MP3 players embedded within the landscape. This allows visitors to physically "power" the memories of the site as they explore.

Sculptural Landmarks: The bespoke sculptures—including the central tree and the bell tower—serve as physical manifestations of the area's industrial and social heritage, acting as visual anchors for the audio history.

Social Connectivity: By prioritizing the "human data" of the Round Foundry, the design facilitates a deeper emotional connection to the land, ensuring the village green functions as a meaningful social vessel rather than just an aesthetic improvement.

The result is a space where the community doesn't just see a garden—they hear their own history reflected back at them, fostering a profound sense of ownership and place.