The London Festival of Architecture and London Borough of Barnet have partnered to launch an open call for a design team to animate a two-storey sports pavilion located in Copthall Playing Fields.
Teams of architects, designers and artists, as well as local community groups and individuals, are being invited to propose interventions that could soften Copthall Pavilion’s harsh concrete exterior and create a welcoming environment for all of the parties that use it – including local sports teams, individuals, and young people for whom the pavilion acts as a social space.
The reimagined space will invite individuals to share memories and testimonials about their previous engagement with the site through a programme of events throughout the Festival in June. These engagements will provide an understanding of the needs and wants of the community regarding the space and how it can be reimagined in the long-term for a future generation.
The winning team will be awarded £35,000 to bring their proposal to life and to deliver community engagement with the redesigned space during the Festival in June. Applicants are encouraged to engage with the community organisations in the area surrounding Copthall Playing Fields and to embrace a collaborative approach with local organisations including schools, groups or residents.
The competition builds on Barnet’s involvement with the London Festival of Architecture as a key destination for the festival’s 20th anniversary year. Developed collaboratively with local stakeholders, June will see a programme of events across the borough that brings together creativity, community and city-making practices which reflect the unique identities of people and places. In collaboration with Barnet Council, the London Festival of Architecture will support and celebrate the borough’s existing and emerging creative talent, strengthen and connect communities and reimagine culture, the arts, and its role in shaping Barnet’s future to encourage a thriving cultural sector.
If you’re interested in entering the competition you can attend an online drop-in session on 26 February 12.30pm – 1.30pm. Register here if you would like to attend.
Applicants are invited to submit their applications by midday on 11 March 2024 on Zealous, using the button below.
