Drawing inspiration from Shakespear's Globe The BLOCK Brixton scheme proposes an event space at its heart. The intention is for this to be a flexible, adaptable space which can host a variety of events promoting local creative talent. The courtyard event space is surrounded by a raised 'street' over two levels which, like the Globe, overlook the stage area in the courtyard. The street is lined with different street food stalls and bars to the outer edge allowing people to circulate around and sample the variety of a street market. Due to the central focus on the courtyard, each space within the village is visually linked to the rest allowing good views of a performance as well as connecting you with others making for a vibrant social space.
Whilst capable of hosting theatre performances, gigs, art exhibitions, live graffiti, recitals etc... during day to day use the courtyard is filled with tables and seating for people to enjoy their meal.
Located in the iconic grade 2 listed Brixton Village market hall, the brief required the installation of a new Taiwanese Bao restaurant for Tiger and Pig. The unit was extremely limited in size and therefore required a design which made the most efficient use of space.
Despite its limited floor space the unit did have high ceilings, which enabled us to flood the top of the space with paper lanterns and trap them behind a plywood grid. This both gives light to the space and creates a rich point of interest above the diners also visible from outside through a new high-level window. After planning out the compact kitchen + servery at the rear of the space, we designed folding tables and benches as a flexible solution to the seating area. This ensures the space remains adaptable so it can be utilised as an events space (folded up) or totally reconfigurable seating area (folded down)
Photography Freddie Marriage