Smout Allen

Rescue Lines proposes a world in which the forests of the United Kingdom, both ancient and modern, can be expanded, restored, and connected once again. The project takes the form of a series of south-to-north ecological bridges—linear super-landscapes—along which displaced or endangered species can safely travel and threatened human economies can thrive. At the heart of Rescue Lines, elaborate forest proving grounds serve to host new, prototype landscapes. Inside these experimental facilities, species hardened against climate change are both cultivated and preserved, forming tactical landscape “starter packs” ready for planting elsewhere. Within these proving grounds, resident stewards also monitor speculative plant-measurement labs: wholetree temperature chambers, soil-acid gauges, canopy-enrichment nets, and deep-ground rhizotrons where members of the public can watch in real time as roots expand through designer soil.

The Bartlett School of Architecture
University College London
British Council