For 17 days in September 2022, Victoria Square in the heart of Birmingham was transformed into a spectacular pop-up garden and urban oasis. Giant architectural trees rose from the square, forming a dramatic canopy that framed the city skyline. Within this vibrant space, thousands of plants and flowers were co-planted by local residents, creating a living mosaic of colour, texture, and life. PoliNations celebrated natural diversity, beauty, and the joy of shared community experiences, offering a welcoming space for everyone to explore, linger, and be inspired.

As the official photographer for PoliNations, I had the privilege of documenting the project from the ground up. I captured the intricate process of the Victoria Square site build—steel frameworks and planting structures gradually taking shape at the city’s centre. My lens focused on both the technical and human aspects: the careful construction of large-scale structures, the teamwork and collaboration on site, and the subtle transformation of the space from groundwork to a fully realised, immersive installation.

Photographing PoliNations allowed me to explore the interplay between the installation and its urban surroundings. From raw materials to finished oasis, I aimed to capture the story of the project: the meticulous planning, the creative energy of the build, and ultimately, the seamless integration of this temporary green sanctuary into Birmingham’s bustling cityscape.