Finsbury Circus Pavilion and Gardens

Finsbury Circus Gardens is the oldest and largest public open space within the City’s boundaries: an emerald gem carefully placed within the city fabric. Now, more than ever, reinvigorating this historic garden as an oasis of joy, beauty and health in the city, is fundamental to supporting the people of London.

URBAN collaborated with Alvisi Kirimoto Architects to develop proposals for this international competition attracting over 150 entries. Shortlisted to the last 5 teams, the scheme honours the form of the circus, integrates a new pavilion and elegantly enhances what’s already there. The outer promenade and benches have been retained, while a central oval introduces a new bench-lined path encircling the lawn, capturing an open area of sun, and providing direct access to the pavilion.

The shade gardens on the west side have been opened up to allow greater access and enjoyment of the planting, while to the east side, colourful and seasonal flower beds provide a delightful frame to the lawn. And at the heart, a grand flowering tree, such as a mature cherry or magnolia, acts as a focal point, drawing the eye from each of the four garden entries, towards the pavilion courtyard. The pavilion, designed to be quite transparent, maximises the garden experience, even from within.

This integrated and sustainable redesign of the pavilion and gardens will create a world-class public open space, befitting of this exceptional location. Moreover, it will bring great delight and joy to the people living and working in the area, those passing through, or for those lingering and enjoying this oasis of calm, in the midst of busy urban life.