Tooley Street Triangle

The project was commissioned by Team London Bridge following an open competition organised by the London Festival of Architecture with funding from the mayor of London.

The design consists of two main elements: a beacon that offers directions and local information and a scale map of the area placed on the ground. The design works on a number of levels: as a piece of practical signage for a busy area opposite London Bridge Station, as a landmark that provides a sense of identity to an overlooked section of public realm and as a meeting point in the streetscape.

The beacon is a cross-between a traditional monument and a two-dimensional map symbol come to life. It is a three-sided pyramid in form with each side relating to one of the three roads that form the triangle of pavement on which the beacon sits. The beacon’s cladding panels - which are made of vitreous enamelled steel - also contain descriptive text about the local area. At the top of the beacon are three finger posts which point to important local landmarks. At the base, a bench offers a chance to sit down.

The beacon sits in the middle of a scale-map of the immediate area marked out on the pavement with road marking paint. This map has some of the qualities of the model village, a map that you can walk on that includes street names, landmarks and a north sign. At the top of the beacon is a mirror-polished sphere that reflects the map, the area around it and the viewer.

The Tooley Street Triangle is a playful and practical piece of signage that offers multiple ways to help visitors navigate, enjoy and orientate themselves in the city.