The London Festival of Architecture and the Royal Docks Team have launched the third edition of the Pews and Perches design competition, which invites architecture and design students, recent graduates, and emerging practitioners to deliver bespoke public benches to the Royal Docks
In its third year running, the Pews and Perches design competition highlights the transformative impact of small-scale interventions in the public realm and offers visitors and residents alike unique spaces to sit and make the most of their surrounding public space.
The Royal Docks, once London’s gateway to world trade, is one of the UK’s most important regeneration stories, as the London Borough of Newham is re-emerging as a commercial and cultural hub of global significance.
Entrants have been asked to design the benches with LFA’s theme of ‘act’ in mind, creating a bench that actively engages its users and visitors.
A variety of locations across the Royal Docks have been selected for the 2022 Pews and Perches, including:
- Royal Victoria Dock Floating Garden
- ExCeL Dock edge
- Thames Barrier Park
- Connaught Crossing (South Side)
- London Design & Engineering UTC College
Applicants have been asked to submit their proposals on Tuesday 5 April via the online form.
Winners of the Pews and Perches design competition will each be awarded £2,300, including a design fee of £500 to develop, build and install their bench in summer 2022. Each bench will stay in place until at least summer 2023.
‘Democratise architecture and discover new talent’
Rosa Rogina, director of the London Festival of Architecture, said: “We’re thrilled to be working once again with the Royal Docks on the Pews and Perches competition.
“The project will not only make a positive contribution to the public realm, but also celebrate the Royal Docks, which this year form part of the LFA Destinations. The LFA’s mission is to democratise architecture and discover new talent, and we’re very grateful to the Royal Docks for sharing that vision.”
