Landscape & Urban Design Issue 42 2020 | Page 65

GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE Tonkin Liu has been appointed following a six-month long formal competition incorporating some of the world’s leading design and landscape teams as well as selected entrants from Grosvenor’s 2018 international Call for Ideas. The emphasis of their design process on connecting people back to nature, collective storytelling and community involvement were key factors in their success. James Raynor, CEO of Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, said: “Grosvenor Square’s original purpose was to bring the countryside to the city, it was the first of its kind and caused a sensation. However, today it provides limited benefit to Londoners, their well-being or the environment. Now it can once again become the capital’s most outstanding green space. “Tonkin Liu has an impressive track record as a sustainable design studio, and as a champion of the garden square and public participation. We are excited to work with them on this project.” Anna Liu, Director, Tonkin and Liu added: “As Londoners and as architects, we are thrilled to be part of this important moment in time, for the transformation of Grosvenor Square through an ecological and community agenda. Having responded to the shared vision put together by Grosvenor, local residents and Londoners, we will use nature and collective storytelling to deliver a vision of local and universal resonance.” www.tonkinliu.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine www.landud.co.uk 65