We have recently submitted a planning application for 53 assisted living dwellings and a 52 bed care home on this splendid, but very sensitive site on the edge of Winchcombe. Traditionally designed in Cotswold stone, the new buildings are informally grouped to create a series of village spaces relating to the town and the adjacent grounds of Sudely Castle. Near the site entrance is a group of listed but derelict farm buildings which are to be restored for community use, while to the east and north riverside gardens will be created along the site boundaries.

Dealing with 3 million visitors each year in a hugely important set of buildings which were designed to make entry and exit almost impossible is a monumental challenge. Add to this the fact that the Tower is also a place of education, a place of work for the many staff of Historic Royal Palaces, home for dozens of families and a place of protection for the world's most famous collection of jewels.

RM Architects have been appointed to carry out a series of logistical studies, identifying problems arising in the fulfillment of these widely varying functions and possible initiatives which will overcome those problems while preserving the historic fabric and enhancing the perception of this utterly unique place.

Rayan Azari currently has eight of his photographs included in a spectacular ‘pavilion’ display as part of an exhibition on Syria at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.