Phoenix Road Performing Gardens by NOOMA Studio Wins Archiboo Award
- Oct 1, 2022
- 2 min read
The Phoenix Road Performing Gardens by NOOMA Studio received the Alan Davidson Award for Storytelling at the 2022 Archiboo Awards, recognising the project’s ability to communicate the story of a place through design and community engagement.
The judges commented: “The winning project stood out for its authentic narration that takes the audience with it every step of the journey.”
The Phoenix Road Performing Gardens explored an alternative scenario for a London street in Somers Town, Kings Cross. Developed through the London Festival of Architecture’s Somers Town Acts competition, in collaboration with the London Borough of Camden, the project created a framework for community programming that combined a street garden, performance spaces and temporary public realm interventions celebrating local culture.
The installation consisted of three pavilions, each responding to the theme of Act:
· The Storyteller – celebrating oral tradition through storytelling and music workshops for families and children.
· The Performer – a central stage offering space for spontaneous performance and creative activity.
· The Speaker – positioned at a prominent corner of the street, creating a platform for residents and visitors to share ideas and stories.
Through the temporary pedestrianisation of Phoenix Road, the project transformed the street into a platform for performances, workshops and community events. Local organisations, schools and community groups contributed to a vibrant programme of activity, showcasing the creativity and diversity of Somers Town.
Temporary planting was sourced from local community gardeners and later gifted back to the neighbourhood to strengthen local ecological infrastructure. The pavilions were designed using reusable and demountable materials, allowing elements of the installation to continue serving the community beyond the festival.
The award recognises the project’s success in combining storytelling, community collaboration and environmental thinking, creating a memorable public space that brought people together and celebrated the spirit of Somers Town.
