Well done! Maltese design studio, Mizzi Studio, has unveiled the nature-inspired designs for a new eating, learning and leisure space within The Royal Botanic Gardens in London.

The Gardens

Founded in 1840, the Botanic Gardens is home to the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world. Considered a cultural icon, it offers a space for leisure defined by greenery, air, colour and joy.

Mizzi’s design

Mizzi Studio has been handpicked to design the new family kitchen for the gardens which will be located beside the Children’s Garden – a verdant, natural setting that allows children to explore and play surrounded by the presence of earth, air, sun, and water. The team received overwhelmingly positive scores and feedback following the tender process, which comprised entries from international architecture firms such as HOK. The tender panel was struck by Mizzi Studio’s holistic, nature-driven approach to the project brief.

The design offers food in a theatrical, nature-led, technology-driven setting. Comprising food preparation stations, dining areas and retail, the kitchen marries fantasy and nature with science, promoting education, wonder, organic dominance, food culture, and interactivity. Mizzi Studio has created a new space for families in London where natural oasis meets children’s laboratory.

“Where does food come from? How do plants help us grow? What do plants need to grow? Much like the educational element in the nearby Children’s Garden, which revolves around learning through play and authentic experiences, we wanted the new Family Kitchen at Kew to be able to teach children lessons about nature and food through activity,” Director Jonathan Mizzi explains.

“The kitchen is sectioned into distinct dining, serving, learning, and washing zones, but it reads as one continuous, vibrant and fantastical experience. We really wanted to make children excited about food, food hygiene and food preparation – we did this through colour, texture and wild, nature-inspired form.”

Designed to champion family friendliness, different spaces within the kitchen cater for children, adults, and the elderly collectively. Serveries, countertops, wash-hand basins and seating equally accommodate adults, children, prams, and wheelchairs with ease. Throughout the kitchen, accessibility has been designed as default not exception, becoming a feature of inclusion and an extension of the spirit of Kew Gardens: the ultimate family destination that transcends age.

“It’s not every day that you get to design for your dream client – an institution that has brought so much value to the entire world. We are honoured to be working with Kew. We’ve designed a space that celebrates nature and learning. It’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets nature-led laboratory. It’s a place for families, where children can learn about our ecosystem – how the sun works, how plants work, and how food is grown. We want children to meaningfully engage with our planet so that they can grow up to live environmentally and socially responsible lives. We hope this kitchen can play a part in achieving that.”