The Architecture Foundation in partnership with Brent Council, the Greater London Authority and High Street Works are excited to announce an open competition for emerging designers and practices to propose architectural interventions for Wembley Park Drive aimed at attracting visitors. The winner will work alongside High Street Work's design team to develop dynamic placemaking adjustments to improve connectivity between Wembley Park Drive and the surrounding area.
Context
Wembley Park Drive is a fascinating location which has historically provided food and beverages to visitors to Wembley for events at the stadium, arena and Foundation Studios. Since the London Designer Outlet opened in 2013, this trade has been directed straight down Olympic Way to a range of chain high street restaurants and bars drawing custom away from WPD's independent shops and restaurants.
The wider area is now undergoing a significant transformation with new residential developments. To strengthen the position of the parade as a local shopping destination, the retailers from WPD will need to welcome new as well as existing residents in the area while attracting the new student community.
Competition
This commission invites expressions of interest from practices, individual designers and artists who are excited by the opportunity to engage with this challenging context. Up to five shortlisted designers will then be invited to develop a design concept based on the brief to be presented on the equivalent of an A2 board explaining the proposal. The winning submission will receive a fee of £3000 and be taken forward to planning. The shortlisted runners up will receive and honorarium of £250.
This project would be well-suited for an emerging design firm no more than five years out of university or a team including students currently in education. Built experience is not necessary for entry as the winning design will be delivered by High Street Works in partnership with architecture firm, Jan Kattein Architects.
Update (28th January)
From a field of 58 entries, the following five practices have been shortlisted:
Amanda Rashid & Priscilla Fernandes
Mobile Studio
OHFStudio, Joe Zeal-Henry & Laura Gordon
Surman Weston
The Urban Darning Project
