Planning permission is being sort for the redevelopment of the former Chelsea Barracks at a turning point in our attitude to cities and the environment. The combination of climate change, financial upheaval and political transition has focused attention on how to make settlements succeed in the future. The relationship between open spaces and buildings will be a key to the way forward. The scale, location and level of investment and longterm management in this site makes it possible to create a way of living that can set an exemplary pattern. We have worked on the project with fellow masterplanners Dixon Jones and Michael Squire and Partners.

The landscape concept is to create a variety of gardens, squares and courts that are inspired by the stewardship of soil, water and air. In addition to offering play and recreation, they will harvest rainwater, filter air, compost waste, nourish wildlife and even grow food. The combination of deep, well watered soils on the leafy suburban edge of London made Chelsea a prime place for growing fruit and vegetables to feed the capital and has been a central inspiration for the project.