© Mickey Lee. Published on July 04, 2012.

The Gibbon’s Rent project converts a network of laneways in Central London into the city’s newest park. The proposal creates a framework for the community to engage with. A clear ‘harlequin’ geometry is established on the site, widening and narrowing to create shifts in perception of space and distance. Large pots are placed through the garden by Southwark councils, trees residing in concrete pipes. The local community will complete the scheme, bringing pots and plants to embellish the geometry.

© Mickey Lee. Published on July 04, 2012.

We see this strategy of ‘incompleteness’ as invaluable in community engaged and public domain projects. Cities take time to emerge and will take on their own life if the opportunity is created. So often in public domain projects each small detail is resolved, effectively excluding the community from developing the space over time. Gibbon’s Rent upturns this approach, creating an opportunity for the community to create the garden. The community has enthusiastically embraced the project. We consider that this approach has an international relevance, beyond London.

© Max Creasy. Published on July 04, 2012.

© Max Creasy. Published on July 04, 2012.

© Andrew Burns Architect . Published on July 04, 2012.

© Andrew Burns Architect . Published on July 04, 2012.

© Andrew Burns Architect . Published on July 04, 2012.