King Charles Street Quad

London, United Kingdom | 2021-2023

The FCDO had a unique opportunity to transform the quadrangle of their Grade I listed building from a space that was used by vehicles, into a space dedicated to people and plants. This communal courtyard now allows for the various departments within the FCDO, to have a common space for socialising and for welcoming visitors. The Covid pandemic has reinforced how important outdoor space is for mental and physical well-being.

The design of the courtyard creates a place where staff and visitors can relax in a non-stressful environment with spaces for people of all abilities to enjoy, including children. Priority is given to the pedestrian experience, but at the same time there remains parking for staff, visitors, postal vehicles and vans. The courtyard has also been designed with flexibility in mind for formal events such as state visits, and Remembrance Day services.

Referencing the buildings’ richly textured and patterned interiors, many of which are inspired by the traditions of the Commonwealth countries, our design adopts a new geometric organisation. This responds organically to the symmetry of the quadrangle, transforming the space into a new garden dedicated to the public with a sunny plaza for informal gatherings, formal events or potential art installations. The design of the garden is a composition of outdoor rooms linked together by meandering paths, offering an immersive experience to whoever crosses the Quad. Key views across the space are specially framed via the structure of the planting which provides enclosure around the garden rooms, but also easy access and a clear means of wayfinding for everyone. The selection of species used follows a narrative that intends to merge the complex garden history of the era in which the Foreign Office was built, with the 21st century and its environmental and cultural challenges.

Our narrative finds a common ground between the formality of the Victorian era and the richness of colour and texture, which in our view, are contrasting, but compatible aspects of the historic FCDO building. The garden celebrates biodiversity, British flora, horticultural heritage from the 19th century plant hunters, and acclimated plants from the Commonwealth