The project began with an interest in reshaping the underused underground spaces in Soho Square and adjacent streets. However, a parallel aim to promote a healthier eating lifestyle in central London compelled a change of site to Cavendish Square, north of Oxford Street. There, a 1970s subterranean car park is being closed down, most likely for the purpose of becoming a shopping mall.

This project envisages a different future for Cavendish Square. It emphasises a seamless integration between sustainability and architecture via an urban farm that creates a virtuous circular economy for foodstuffs. In emulation of a successful farm in a Parisian car park, it will grow mushrooms in the dark, endives in the semi-dark, and have sheep grazing in the square above. In this sense the scheme acts as a ‘digestive system’ for the local area with its high-density of top-end food retailers and restaurants. It becomes an essential component for the area in mitigating chronic daily food waste. Mushrooms also create mycelium which will be used as a low-cost temporary building material.

The architectural challenge of the project is in bringing natural light down into specific underground spaces, while leaving other spaces dark as needed.