Festival Village: A Collaborative Arts Hub

Creating a Vibrant Community Space in London's South Bank

The Festival Village was conceived as the social hub of the Festival of the World, a summer arts festival organized by London's Southbank Centre in 2012. The design principles behind this project were regeneration, community participation, and inclusivity. The goal was to create a space that would not only serve as a gathering place for the 4000 artists performing at the festival but also engage the local community.

TILT and LYN Atelier employed a codesign and comaking approach to realize the Festival Village. They built a community of over 200 local people, including artists, young people, and staff, who actively participated in the design and construction process. This adaptable approach allowed for the incorporation of various functions within the space, including a cafe, cinema, meeting rooms, lounge, library, bar, outdoor area, and performance space.

The use of recycled materials was a key aspect of the design. Reclaimed site plywood, donated bricks, British Library exhibition shelving, recycled bottles, concrete, ratchet straps, felt, found table legs and chairs, build mesh, corrugated polycarbonate, and softwoods were all utilized to bring the Festival Village to life.

The impact of the Festival Village goes beyond its physical design. TILT and LYN Atelier view space design as a means to enable social interactions and empower communities. By involving people in the design process, the end result is a space that is unique, inclusive, and better suited to the needs of its users.

The project faced several challenges, including creating and curating a diverse community of participants and navigating building compliance issues. However, through workshops, social media engagement, and expert guidance, TILT and LYN Atelier successfully overcame these obstacles.

The Festival Village was officially launched in June 2012, following months of collaborative effort. It serves as a testament to the power of community-driven design and the potential for spaces to be created in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

The Festival Village received recognition for its outstanding design and social impact. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2013, highlighting its innovative approach, technical excellence, and ability to inspire positive emotions and wonder.