Aldgate Place Play Space
Public Play Space, 2 Stage Competition Win
London / United Kingdom

Client: Barratt London and British Land

Team: Karsten Huneck, Bernd Truempler, Alice D’Andrea

Contractor: Barratt London

Allies and Morrison who are the architect for the Aldgate Place Development, invited 12 renowned practices including Featherstone Young Architects and Bell Phillips Architects for a competition to design an urban multifunctional space. The space should provide appropriate play space focusing on children aged 11 to 16, but also creating a definition to the whole of Drum Street with a creative solution providing maximum visual impact and permeability.

The ambiguity to create an enclosed play area within an open public space led to the exploration of boundaries by creating a dynamic, semi-permeable fence-like structure. This ‘urban forest’ made from a large number of stainless steel poles becomes the identity of Drum Street, a public space that acts as a playground for kids and adults. Pockets of Play are set within a 5m wide and 80 meter long ‘urban forest’. Children can play; adults can exercise or just relax and have a coffee.The boundaries between are blurred, the areas are transitional. Some poles become structures for various play, sports and street furniture equipment, such as rings, swings, climbing frames, amphitheatre, benches and street lights.