In the heart of South London a community garden and orchard complete with 85 fruit trees and countless wayward plants sprung into bloom on what had previously been a disused site. Over 100 Volunteers came together over a five-week period to build what became known as The Union Street Urban Orchard. The orchard welcomed visitors during the 3 months it was open and played host to community BBQs, bicycle powered film screenings, live music and creative workshops.
There was a tire swing, a ping-pong skip, a fish-pond, a seed library, a LivingARK and a cider-making shed. This space brought people together acting as a place of exchange for members of the local community and visitors to the area.
All the trees and plants that made up the garden have been relocated to new homes on local estates and existing community gardens, adding greenery and increasing biodiversity in this area of London.
Now the Architecture Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a book documenting the process by which the project was conceived, constructed and used, and presenting it as a case study to inspire others to think creatively about how empty spaces in the city can be used.
BOOK LAUNCH Thursday 26th May, 6pm
Free, but RSVP essential by 24th May: events@architecturefoundation.org.uk
Video courtesy Openvizor
Image courtesy Mike Massaro
In partnership with
The Wayward Plant Registry
Bankside Open Spaces Trust
LivingARK
Sponsored by
Arts Council England
Bankside Urban Forest
Carillon
Lake Estates
Rummey Design
Openvizor