SHANGHAI ST.IGNATIUS CATHEDRAL SQUARE

The layout of the gardens are influenced by the plan of St. Ignatius Cathedral itself with the traditional NAVE and AISLE architectural components an inspiration for both horizontal and vertical landscape elements. Plantanus trees placed on the northern and southern edges of the plaza are columns within the landscape AISLE that support a series of intimate spaces encompassing fountains, benches and red brick paving; all positioned to encourage interaction. Grand open lawns, Boxwood and seasonal color become the central landscape NAVE and viewing corridor in the center of the plaza. Paving texture replicating patterns found in the interior floor tiles of St. Ignatius Cathedral are etched into granite slabs as an extension of the cathedrals NAVE interior. Benches are formally placed as central pews facing the cathedral’s facade signifying the prominence that St. Ignatius Cathedral holds as part Shanghai’s important architectural heritage.