The following project is based in Somers Town, London. The transient pavilion is designed following on-site engagement with the local community (see Somers Town Parade - Live Project). Most community activity in Somers Town happens behind closed doors, the pavilion serves as a means for the community to manifest themselves in the public realm.
A neighbourhood amidst change and development.
Somers Town is going through a period of rapid change. The developments will cause changes in the neighbourhood's socio-economic demography. The locals feel they are not being represented amidst development decisions. The community lacks the tools to be heard and properly considered in developers visions for the neighbourhood's future.
A canvas for local expression.
The temporary pavilion was designed as a result of the knowledge gained through engagement with locals (see Art in the city - Somers Town). In the same way art was brought in the public realm during the 'Somers Town Parade', elements of the pavilion are constructed and painted in local schools, and later paraded and displayed in the pavilion.
Bringing community activity in the public realm.
The pavilion aims to bring community activity, which would usually happen behind close doors, out into the public realm. Apparent community integrity and identity act as a sensitising mechanism for guiding the future development of the neighbourhood. The activities undertaken in the pavilion are also made more accessible to the wider community.
A temporary town hall designed for transience.
The pavilion is strategically scheduled to stay on site for a period of 6 months over the summer, becoming part of local events such as the Somers Town Festival. It is implemented in a period where the local Town Hall will be made inaccessible due to the local developments. The dismountable pavilion is then relocated to a local school undergoing development.
