Community Competitions

Budget

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A recent competition entry for Portobello Promenade hosted by @community_competitions looking for a community led proposal to create a sustainable enterprise that can generate income to support the ongoing management of the essential public facilities.

Our design is inspired by the floral mosaic at the entrance to the existing toilet block. The mosaic shows how a grid - often seen as restrictive - can be used in imaginative and playful ways. We adopted this principle as the basis for our proposal, using the grid not as a constraint but as a framework for creativity, allowing the building's form to be pushed, pulled, and reshaped to suit its setting. Spaces can expand, contract, or adapt over time, ensuring the building remains responsive to the changing needs of the community. The grid is therefore both an architectural language and a practical tool for long-term resilience.

The proposal utilises a WikiHouse structure, embedding participation not only in the design process but also in the construction itself. This innovative system allows anyone, regardless of age or experience, to pick up a mallet and help build. We've seen volunteers ranging from school children to grandparents successfully take part.

The layouts we presented are indicative, shaped by initial assumptions of the site. They are not fixed solutions but starting points. The final design was to be explored through creative engagement with local residents, whose knowledge and aspirations would guide the project's evolution. Our team would bring direct experience delivering community WikiHouse projects, proving how robust, efficient, and empowering this method can be.

By combining the structured playfulness of the mosaic with a collaborative design process and community build, we aimed to create a building that reflects the spirit of Portobello Promenade and serves the community well into the future.