City Blocks

In our entry, we reimagined a bench as not only a place to stop but a place to play, to reconnect with the imagination and the joy of childhood. We arrived at a series of simple geometric forms which articulated playfully, can form an intricate and beautiful composition: like play blocks. We interlocked that idea with the use of tiles, so frequent in our projects and part of the studio personality. The texture created by the tiles is reminiscent of the play blocks, whilst the dimensions of them help establish a human or domestic scale within their outdoor setting. Equipped with plants, they create an urban oasis at the heart of the city.

We believe that moments like this of escapism and joy improve the quality of life of Londoners and that they should be found more frequently around the city. The budget for the project was £800 and as the contruction cost added up to £5000. we bridged this cost difference thanks to our kind sponsors: Grestec Tiles, The Chairman's Network, Asesoria Group and Dulux. The benches were located at the sunken garden in the corner of Cheapside and One New Change between June and September 2019 and were later relocated to Centre Point's St Giles Square on loan to Almacantar.

The benches have been enjoyed by many Londoners who have frequently asked if they could be replicated in multiple locations! We believe this inspirational, practical and green scheme is a great example of how a Small architectural public intervention can improve city wellbeing.

Photography by Agnese Sanvito