This project began by asking the question, How should an architect design a space for nature if we wish to have an interpersonal relationship with it in the way we do with humans?

Located in Victoria Tower Gardens, beside the Houses of Parliament, the design is inspired by the pioneer plant level – typically consisting of fungi – in a natural forest. Starting by colonising a piece of pre-disturbed land so that different plants can grow there in the future, the site eventually becomes a forest. This research led to the arrangement of the structures as a series of mushroom-shaped roofs that take over the well-kept grass of the existing park.

The proposal improves the site’s biodiversity and provides new public recreational spaces. The mushroom-shaped towers contain a café and brew house, an ecological archive, and seasonal reading rooms in which to hold debates and campaign for environmental issues.

The scheme acts as a juxtaposition to Parliament. The old way of thinking is replaced with a new approach that does not treat nature and the environment as property to own, conquer and modify; but instead, seeks to integrate ourselves within nature and become part of its system.