How to reinterpret Arcadia in the 21st century?

The All-London Green Grid (ALGG) policy framework -originated in 2012 under the governance of the GLA- comprises the London Plan policies setting out a vision and spatial framework for London -wide blue / green infrastructure. Objectives include to increase connectivity and corridors between green spaces across the city, adapt the city to climate change, encourage healthy living and reinforce a sense of place and identity. In total

In line with the wider ALGG vision a long-term landscape strategy for the Arcadian Thames area -west London was prepared by GROSS. MAX. The Arcadian Thames provides a unique open space resource for London and is one the World’s most significant and inspirational metropolitan river landscapes.

The interplay between built form, designed landscape and nature, which signifies the cultural importance of the Arcadian Landscape, is only matched with some of the finest in Europe such as the River Seine in France, River Tiber in Rome and the Arno valley in and around Florence.

Whilst Arcadia refers to the classical pastoral ideal of man’s relation to nature - such as expressed in poems by Virgil and paintings by Poussin - it also could be inspiration to look forward and reinterpret Arcadia into a 21st century ideal of how cities could interact with nature.

The Arcadian Thames Green Grid proposes a landscape framework which integrates parkland, public access networks, habitats for nature conservation, areas for food production, management of floodwaters, key visitors’ destinations and a palimpsest of historic landscapes.

The transformation of the River Thames back to a more dynamic river floodplain landscape facilitating flood defense, nature development and optimizing the potential for recreation and tourism could become a key demonstration project of sustainable urban living in a challenging time of climate change. The Arcadian landscape is alive and kicking; it preserves its past and it creates its future.