Urban Nature Project

Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London

Outstanding Achievement Special Award

Selected by National Judging Panel Members as the overall exemplary scheme from the year’s Award-winning projects. Sponsored by BlueLight Management

The Urban Nature Project is an exceptional and transformative scheme that redefines the relationship between culture, nature and the public realm in the heart of London. Located within the grounds of the Natural History Museum, the project reimagines a previously underused and predominantly hard-landscaped site as a richly diverse, accessible and educational environment. Through the clarity of its vision, the depth of its environmental ambition and the quality of its execution, the project represents a benchmark in contemporary civic landscape design.

At the heart of the scheme is a powerful commitment to reconnecting people with the natural world in an urban setting. The design replaces impermeable surfaces with a carefully structured sequence of natural habitats inspired by Britain’s landscapes. Woodland, meadow, wetland and garden environments are brought together in a coherent and legible composition that supports biodiversity while offering an engaging and immersive visitor experience. This approach transforms the museum grounds into a living landscape that actively supports the institution’s scientific, educational and public-facing mission.

Design decisions are rooted in ecological understanding and long-term sustainability. The planting strategy prioritises native and climate-resilient species, selected to provide year-round interest while supporting insects, birds and other wildlife. Biodiversity is not treated as an abstract aspiration but is embedded within the spatial structure of the site. Water management plays a central role, with natural drainage systems designed to slow, store and filter rainwater. These measures reduce surface water run-off, improve soil health and contribute to climate resilience in an increasingly challenging urban environment.

The project demonstrates exceptional sensitivity to its historic and cultural context. The Natural History Museum is a globally recognised landmark, yet the landscape design avoids subservience or pastiche. Contemporary interventions are confidently expressed, allowing the architecture and landscape to coexist in a clear and balanced dialogue. Routes are carefully choreographed to improve accessibility and wayfinding, ensuring the gardens are intuitive and inclusive while accommodating significant visitor numbers.

Material choices reinforce the project’s environmental credentials. Hard landscaping is significantly reduced, and where materials are required, they are selected for durability, low maintenance and environmental responsibility. The reuse of materials and the emphasis on natural finishes further reduce the scheme’s environmental impact, supporting a holistic approach to sustainability that considers long-term performance as well as immediate visual impact.

Social value is fundamental to the project’s success. The gardens are free and publicly accessible, providing a rare and valuable green space in a dense urban context. They support wellbeing, learning and reflection, encouraging visitors of all ages to engage directly with natural processes. By making ecology visible and experiential, the project fosters environmental awareness and inspires a deeper understanding of humanity’s relationship with nature.