Earlier this year, RIBA London and London Pleasure Gardens invited architecture students, recent graduates and emerging practices to design benches for the Royal Docks site in east London.
Long before festivals as we know them today, Pleasure Gardens were summertime venues where people from all walks of life converged for entertainment – to listen to music, amble, drink, flirt, sit and immerse themselves in culture. Public seating is an important part of the Pleasure Gardens concept, allowing people to stop, take in the atmosphere, or just do a spot of people watching.
The designers of the benches for London Pleasure Gardens have now been selected, providing them with a unique opportunity to showcase their work at this exciting new development. Successful entrants have a grant of £150 to realise their creations and after attending site visits, are now sourcing materials ready for building their pews and perches. Benches will be installed at waterside locations to complement the other structures and activities at this new entertainment destination.
For further details please see www.architecture.com/ribalondon
