The Clerkenwell and Holborn Destination is a chance to highlight the common spaces that anchor the area’s vibrant neighbourhoods. From Clerkenwell Green to Princes Circus, collaborative efforts by the public and private sectors have enabled these historic areas to evolve through a more open public realm and enlivened system of green pedestrian links. In these social centres, we meet and foster networks – both professional and personal.
Our design industry hosts the capital’s highest concentration of architectural practices; it is no surprise that the area was LFA’s birthplace. Throughout this year’s festival, a number of these will open up to the public: prompting reflection on shared spaces like the workplace, and allowing the mixing of students, industry champions and those who may have never engaged with the field before. Our hope is that this increases the profession’s accessibility.
Architecture and public realm design sit at the forefront of our common achievements as well as our common challenges. Climate resilience, collaboration and genuine community engagement are therefore built into the ethos of the projects highlighted this summer. We are excited to explore efforts to co-design a new pocket park with local residents and workers in Clerkenwell, and celebrate how the Central District Alliance has worked with Camden and Islington Councils to foster biodiversity improvements in public gardens.
Together, we aspire towards a greener commons, shaped by those living and working in it.
