I have been fascinated by the rapid development and maturing of the Lovelace Courtyard, a slender space between the back of the Pennethorne building and the extra run of studios which were added – it is thought – by Norman Shaw to the north of the Royal Academy Schools. The space has been landscaped by Peter Wirtz who designed the courtyard to David Chipperfield’s offices in Berlin, a comparably urban space. He uses the most minimal means: no more than cobbles, a curving path and grass; but to great effect, bringing green into the heart of London:-
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 
It is a delightful space : Chipperfield is au fond a minimalist – less is more than enough. You see it in the Neues Museum, and in the River and Rowing in Henley, and here in the Lecture Theatre.
Are the bike racks meant to be used?
Of course ! I’m thinking of using them myself. Charles