A reimagining and consideration for the maintenance and infrastructural improvement for Parliament Square, London– both keeping its lawn and allowing political demonstration.

Parliament Square, a site laden with political history and activism, has long grappled with the challenge of balancing public access with the need for maintenance. The meticulous care of its lawn has become a tool in managing and controlling political demonstrations, often fenced off or enclosed to prevent damage during protests.

At the heart of this initiative are two temporary raised floors meticulously constructed from easily reusable components. These floors serve a dual purpose: they automate the laborious task of lawn maintenance while providing a practical platform for gatherings and demonstrations. These platforms can be swiftly assembled and disassembled as needed, allowing Parliament Square to maintain its allure as a space for public occupation and utilisation.

Central to this system is an integrated irrigation setup that ensures the lawn receives the necessary watering precisely when maintenance is required. By synchronising this watering schedule with the maintenance process, the square can effectively manage upkeep without impeding public access. This harmonious coexistence between maintenance and occupation marks a significant shift, granting citizens continual access to this historically significant space while preserving its aesthetics and functionality.

In Common Parlance represents a harmonious fusion of practicality and inclusivity. By reimagining the very foundation of lawn maintenance and implementing a flexible infrastructure, it has transformed Parliament Square into a dynamic, inviting arena for expression and communal engagement while safeguarding its natural beauty.

This project's bleak but thoughtful design can reconcile the necessities of maintenance with the imperative of open public access.

Location: London, UK
Type: Infrastructure / Installation
Year: 2019
Lead: Karl Herdersch and Noriyuki Ishii