This project was a response to an Architecture Foundation competition that called for ideas to improve a series of somewhat neglected spaces in and around the Pullens Estate near Elephant and Castle in South London.

Our proposal involved giving control of the wider street environment to the very active community groups representing both residents and users of the workshops in various semi-industrial yards nearby.

We used the analogy of the dressing up box, allowing residents to ‘dress’ the street. We wanted to provide an opportunity for locals to be able to actively engage with the streetscape, parks and local area, by providing both a physical (for the everyday) and organisational (for events) infrastructure.  One example was to create curtains that could be drawn across the street at school starting and leaving times to divert traffic around the block. It was envisaged that this every day, operational infrastructure would then be adapted both seasonally, and over the course of time for special events.

All the ideas for Amelia Street were showcased locally as part of a specially curated exhibition.

 

Client:
The Architecture Foundation

Completed:
2008

Images:
Turner.Works