Corner to Corner

Four pavilions frame the corners of Grosvenor Square in London, transforming its character whilst preserving its essential qualities. Grosvenor Square occupies an iconic position at the heart of Mayfair, one of London’s most desirable places to live, work or visit. The four garden pavilions are constructed in the spaces of the former ring roads around the central gardens. They enliven the Square and provide clear and welcoming points of entry. Currently, the limited activation of the Square detracts from its character, creating a somewhat reserved and forbidding space. The four proposed pavilions balance the benefits of activation with preservation of the existing Square’s significant cultural, historical and heritage importance. The pavilions are conceived as integral to, and growing from, the landscaped perimeter boundary of the central gardens. At night they complete the enclosure of the space, controlling access out of hours. They are visible on the lines of approach to the Square, marking clear gateways to welcome visitors to the Square. The pavilions will provide a varied programme of events, activities and public facilities to nourish, educate, and entertain. Their ethos is inclusive and diverse, seeking to encourage locals and residents to come, to stay and to return. 1. The Café, North-East Pavilion, Coffee Corner The café provides a welcoming gateway to visitors offering a range of organic produce partially sourced from the glasshouse on the opposite side of the square. The café activates the eastern edge of the square balancing the new facilities that are proposed within 30 Grosvenor Square to the west. The cafe is articulated into two wings that frame an entrance to the Square. One, providing seating, looks into the Square, where visitors sit with south-facing aspect across the gardens. The other wing faces outwards and functions as a kiosk that can operate even when the Square itself is closed at night. 2. The Hub, South-East Pavilion, Research Corner The Hub provides a flexible space for events, exhibitions and seminars on the theme of urban ecology and sustainability. Its location on the south-east of the Square facing lines of approach from Berkeley Square links the programme to the wider cultural offer around the Royal Academy and the Mayfair galleries. The Hub’s flexibility and changing programme of events will provide an ongoing attractor drawing visitors of all ages and origins to the Square. 3. The Glasshouse, South-West Pavilion, Growing Corner The Glass House on the sunny south-west corner will provide a base for horticulture across the Square. The landscaping of the central gardens will preserve its generous lawns but look to enrich the perimeter planting to enhance biodiversity. Traditional orangeries are planned with heavy walls to the north, set behind glazed south-facing elevations. The re-radiation of light at lower frequencies from the backing wall is captured by the glazing, warming the interior to provide conditions to grow exotic plants such as pineapples and citrus fruit. The Glass House is planned on similar principles to create a lush verdant environment for planting. The Glass House will be an educational resource, hosting school visits with programmed activities extending out into the Square itself. Plants will be available for sale and seasonal produce grown within the Glass House will also supply the cafe on the opposite side of the Square. 4 The Auditorium, North-West Pavilion, Performance Corner An open-air amphitheatre canopied by a tensile fabric roof is set at the north-west corner of the Square facing towards the gardens. This venue will host a variety of events and performances offering a rich cultural programme to animate the Square.