Brixton’s primary schools teamed up with Brixton House and architects MATT+FIONA to reimagine, design, and build a performance space in their community. Let’s Build is an ambitious and imaginative architectural project that handed over the design process to young people who will use the new space.
The project aims to empower young people to reclaim spaces within their community. And, after a successful crowdfunding campaign and support from the Mayor of London, we commissioned architects MATT+FIONA to work with 20 pupils from four local schools to design and construct their imagined space.
We wanted to work with young people aged between 10 and 12 years, who are the cusp of transitioning to secondary school, during which they are at higher risk of experiencing loneliness. Over the last three years, we have explored the impact of childhood loneliness in collaboration with the Co-op Foundation. The Let’s Build project is a culmination of this work and offers a real opportunity for young people to connect and come together.
The young architects have led workshops considering design, structure, and materials, and worked incredibly hard to redesign an abandoned play area into a brilliant new performance space. Next door to the main theatre building, the pop-up space will be open for children to play, make friends, and feel at home within their community.
The construction week due to take place in spring 2020, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 lockdown. For updates on the Let’s Build project to get involved in the final stages, sign up to our mailing list and follow #LetsBuildOH.
Funded by Major of London, Spacehive Crowdfund, Co-op Foundation.
Supported and sponsored by Burrohappold Engineering; The Happold Foundation; Jestico + Whiles; PHD Access; HSS Hire Vauxhall.
About MATT+FIONA
MATT+FIONA is a collaborative venture between architect Matthew Springett and educator Fiona MacDonald, built on a long history of working together on architectural education initiatives. Through their collaboration, they offer unique, hands-on education programmes for children and young adults inspired by place – resulting in full-scale installations and buildings. www.mattandfiona.org
