The winning design proposes an organic scheme which activates four layers of meaning within the gardens: botanical, civic, commemorative, and cultural. Inspired by the geology and history of the gardens – from the volcanic forces which shaped Castle Rock, to the societal energy of the Victorian pleasure garden – the design positions the new visitor center and the butterfly pavilion within the folds of the landscape. The gardens are further activated by the introduction of a new undulating promenade, transformed access from Princes Street, sculptural seating, and dynamic open views. The "invisible architecture" of the pavilion allows the castle to preside as the main architectural event, subtly recalibrating the relationship between the natural world and the built environment.

West Princes Street Gardens is marked by deep seams and scars – the valley, the crags, the railway, and the divide between the old and the new towns. We wanted to celebrate the park’s placement and topography while also engaging in a process of urban healing. By pinpointing existing issues – the limited access from Princes Street, the difficulty of navigating the steep valley, the interrupted flow of the gardens, and the lack of experiential diversity – we were able to create a design which highlighted the most powerful aspects of the space, carefully reintegrating the parts into a healthy whole.