Re-Green North Kensington © Luke O’Donovan
Revealing ‘Re-Green North Kensington’, a visionary design installation aimed at revitalising North Kensington through a unique garden that draws on the colours, patterns, and traditions of the local community – a design competition won by George King Architects in collaboration with Grow2Know, supported by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The project seeks to transform neglected urban spaces into vibrant green areas, enhancing the community’s environmental and aesthetic quality in response to the increasing need for sustainable urban solutions that not only beautify, but also provide ecological benefits to densely populated areas. Grow2Know and George King Architects, two local West London practices came together through their shared ethos and passion for using thoughtful design, horticulture, and place-making to create imaginative and inspiring works. Both organisations are deeply committed to bringing communities together, reconnecting them with nature, and fostering positive transformation within our city.
Originally starting out as a group of gardeners reclaiming space to heal in response to the Grenfell Tower fire, Grow2Know has positioned itself as one of the biggest advocates in driving wider access to nature through beautiful, healing and purpose-lead space. Their partnership with George King has led to this installation of small, lush green spaces, allowing residents and visitors to reconnect with nature, explore biodiversity and foster a sense of community amidst the urban hustle and bustle.
Danny Clarke, Grow2Know and George King © Luke O’Donovan
Re-Green North Kensington © Luke O’Donovan
The installation is thoughtfully designed to be sustainable and low-maintenance, with native and hardy plants requiring minimal care to ensure the gardens thrive in their new, urban environment, whilst placing a strong emphasis on community involvement, inviting local residents and businesses to participate in the creation and maintenance of the gardens, instilling a sense of ownership and pride in the community.
This initiative aims to increase urban biodiversity by providing habitats for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and further supports local wildlife, contributing to a healthier urban ecosystem. Beyond their ecological benefits, the installation has been carefully curated through thoughtful arrangements of plants, flowers, and shrubs to create a series of mini-oases – enhancing the overall streetscape.
George King, said: “The initial inspiration for the installation draws from the vibrant cultural heritage and community spirit of North Kensington. Specifically, the playful pastel palette of the famous Notting Hill houses and the rich tradition of the Notting Hill Carnival sparked our creative vision. The innovative use of upcycled oil drums as planters, inspired by the musical tradition of steel pans, underscores a commitment to sustainability and celebrates the area’s history of creativity and resilience. This installation seeks to transform a symbol of industrial waste into a source of beauty and community connection, embodying the transformative power of re-greening urban spaces.”
Re-Green North Kensington © Luke O’Donovan
Re-Green North Kensington © Luke O’Donovan
The installation was launched on June 28, featuring guided tours of the pocket gardens, giving attendees an opportunity to explore and appreciate the intricate designs and plant selections, followed by workshops and talks by landscape architects and environmentalists to provide insights into the importance of urban greening and sustainable design.
‘Re-Green North Kensington’ is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future. By transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green pockets, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance the quality of urban life and promote environmental sustainability.
We invite everyone to visit the installation on Bramley Road by Phoenix Brewery, in place until June 2025, and experience firsthand the transformative power of greenery in an urban setting with a mission to nurture healing and learning through nature.
