Initial principles

Initial Principles
Design brief
Developed proposals
Final proposal

We developed 11 principles that formed the heart of a brief for Tonkin Liu.

In March, we introduced the design team and further tested these principles to the public and gathered feedback on what they meant to people, find out more here.

A natural haven

Grosvenor Square should be a square for London. It should be a beautiful garden; a natural haven within the city, engaging all the senses and evolving through the seasons – ensuring it has something special to offer all year round.

A place for everyone

The design should include a place for everyone to enjoy the square: residents, visitors, tourists, workers and passers-by.

Responding to heritage

The design should recognise its heritage setting, celebrate the relationship between the garden and the architecture of the surrounding square and consider how best to present the heritage and memorial elements within it for a 21st Century audience.

Boundaries

We should consider if there is an opportunity for more inclusive welcoming boundaries, while preserving the sense of haven experienced within the garden.

A range of experiences

Visiting Grosvenor Square should be an ever-changing, rich experience that entices visitors to return time after time. Spaces that allow for a range of experiences should be provided, and we want these spaces to evolve at different paces.

Inviting and distinctive

The square should be recognisable to all Londoners. It should have a sense of arrival, particularly for those on foot, and should consider how it connects to other destinations in Mayfair.

A cultural space

The square should be able to accommodate a wide range of cultural and social activities as its identity evolves over time – but this must not dominate the experience or evolution of the garden.

Resilient

The design should be created from durable materials of the highest quality that can be sustainably sourced and maintained. We recognise that management of the horticulture will be necessary but should ensure this is sustainable and not overly intensive.

Maximising benefits to the environment

The design for the new square should seek to maximise the natural potential of the space, creating a biodiverse, natural landscape that supports wellbeing and plays its part in combatting the climate crisis.

New facilities

The design should bring new life to the square through the addition of beautiful facilities including café, toilets and a sheltered external public space. The café should double up as support for other activities in the square.

A playful place

The proposals provide a unique and fun experience for visitors; welcoming children and families, encouraging playful activity and engagement with the landscape.

Grosvenor.square@grosvenor.com

GrosvenorSq

GrosvenorSquare

Grosvenor Square is a public garden managed on a not-for-profit basis by Grosvenor Property UK – visit www.grosvenor.com to find out more.
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Grosvenor Property UK is part of Grosvenor © Grosvenor 2022. All rights reserved.