Initial design ideas
Summer 2020
Initial design ideas
Summer 2020
We are rethinking the role of Grosvenor Square to transform it into a thriving place for both people and nature.
We want to do this with our neighbours of all ages, and with other London communities, bringing together the best knowledge to create a new type of urban square which encourages discovery and fosters well-being for both people and planet.
Here you will find the initial design ideas as shared in July and August.
Who we have spoken to
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their priorities for redesigning Grosvenor Square to date. Between May-June we:
We asked people to tell us what ingredients and features would make the square great for them. We collected all these answers to form 6 community priorities under each theme.
Green in our cities
We love the idea of a green oasis where you feel surrounded by nature, using the existing trees, alongside new planting, to create a feeling of being immersed in nature. Balancing this with framing a central open glade will retain the sense of space that people like – all whist reflecting the history of the square as a haven from the city around.
Green oasis not an event space
Keep trees for shelter & shade
Keep a central open space
Water to see, hear & touch
Variety of seating
Reflect the Square's heritage
Accessing the outdoors
Many people thought arriving should feel like ‘stepping into nature’, and so we want to embrace that feeling whilst highlighting and improving some of the entrances and keeping some views through, so people feel safe. We understand that arrival experience should focus on people not cars, whilst allowing local traffic to flow easily. Moving around should be just as easy for those who want to cut through as those wishing to meander.
Stepping into nature
Highlight & improve entrances
Cut throughs & winding routes
Focus on people not cars
Walkways enclosed by nature
Spectacular horticulture and biodiversity
So many of our conversations on this theme focused on exploring wilder planting, but we recognise it is important to do this within the heritage context of the square. We have been working hard with Nigel Dunnett about how we can create immersive planting that changes across the seasons, all whilst supporting and inviting wildlife by focusing on native species and natural planting.
More natural & wilder planting
Use variety & seasonal change
A garden to delight the senses
Planting to be immersed in
Invite and support wildlife
Healthy places
We have heard overwhelmingly that the primary experience of the square should be calm and peaceful, offering respite from the city surrounding it. The square needs to balance open space with smaller scale areas for privacy, space for small scale events and activities, alongside opportunities for non traditional play. There is more discussion to have around any small scale shelters and what they might be used for.
Create a calm & peaceful place
Provide playful experiences
Small scale programming
Shelter, seating & facilities
Embrace education opportunity
Urban ecology
The idea of collecting and reusing water was an initial inspiration on this project, so it has been great hearing so many people mention it as a priority. We see this as hugely connected to designing in rainwater management, as well as promoting wilding and biodiversity. There is the potential for planting to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, and huge scope for long-term community involvement through education and understanding of the square and its management.
Carefully utilise water
Improving air quality
Sustainable resources
Longterm community involvement
Reduce noise pollution
Pilot project ideas
In addition to the priorities gathered over the past months, we heard some inspiring ideas for how people want to use and experience Grosvenor Square. Over the coming months we will be looking at testing some of these projects with you in Grosvenor Square and gathering feedback on whether they work well.
Minor amendments
November 2023
Creating a shared vision
