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The Architecture Foundation is delighted to announce designer Lola Lely and architecture practice RCKa as the winners of The Ground Floor Project run in collaboration with The Crown Estate.
Over the last six months The Architecture Foundation has been working with The Crown Estate to competitively commission bespoke artworks for two landmark buildings, 12 Charles II Street and 11 Waterloo Place, in St James’s, where The Crown Estate is currently implementing a £500 million investment plan. The brief called for designers to celebrate the unique history and heritage of craft and making in this area while suggesting attractive and unique artworks for the reception areas of these two buildings.
Lola Lely’s winning proposal for 12 Charles II Street entitled The Cosmology of St James’s takes inspiration from Sir Isaac Newton who was a former resident of St James’s. Her proposal also involves collaborating with local bootmaker John Lobb who will be supplying historical tailoring templates and high quality materials for the kinetic installation.
Architecture practice RCKa’s proposal entitled Acoustitch transforms as the viewer moves through the reception area of 11 Waterloo Place, to reveal interwoven patterns that celebrate St James's rich craft-based tradition of bespoke tailoring.
The artworks will now be developed and put into production over the coming months, with a launch for both artworks scheduled for later this year.
Top image: Concept render of The Cosmology of St James’s. Courtesy Lola Lely.
Bottom image: Concept render of Acoustitch. Courtesy RCKa