National Trust Blossoms

Installed in 2022, National Trust Blossoms transformed Smithfield into a vibrant and welcoming destination during the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Commissioned by the National Trust and designed by Tate + Co with Studio 8FOLD, the project created a flexible public space that encouraged gathering, play and relaxation.

A series of robust yet lightweight steel-framed planters formed the heart of the scheme, supporting trees and integrating seating and recreational elements to activate the plaza. The structures were carefully engineered to balance stability with visual lightness, ensuring durability without dominating the space.

Following the Games, the installation was dismantled and repurposed within National Trust sites, extending the life of the materials and embedding the project’s legacy beyond the event.