Sherwood Forest

The historical setting of the site includes a matrix of landscape spaces, from strip field patterns to closed forest. This tension between the cul­tivated agrarian strips melding into the more natural environment of the forest was developed as an organisational device to integrate the buildings into a dynamic and ever changing landscape.

We explored a series of landscape metaphors (forest, glade, field, heath, ridge, furrow, meadow, and coppice) to add layers of meaning, interest and texture. Each was a response to the history and cultural associations of the site and were organised to define the visitor experience, significantly increase site biodiversity and provide a dynamic learning tool for outdoor education. It ultimately seeks to provide Sherwood Forest with a world-class visitor experience explored through a Living Landscape.