Hawkins\ Brown website publication
“It’s no longer seen as a dangerous place. People stop here and have lunch; mothers and children come through on the way back from school; and we also have skateboarders, radio-controlled cars, mini-handball and dance rehearsals here. We can do all these events because the square has been designed to be flexible.”
Adam Hart, Development Director/ Executive Director, Hackney Co-Operative Developments
Collaboration
Crucial to the story of the making of Gillett Square is a unique collaboration between client and architect, which spans over 20 years, and is ongoing today. Our work with HCD has taken place within a set of public values in which the continuum of culture and community have remained the over-riding goals. The strong and inspiring vision for the Square has meant that the work we have carried out together goes beyond the normal money/ labour values.
Sustainability
The project was designed to contribute to the long-term economic, cultural and political sustainability of the local community by building on the area’s unique cultural capital. As well as physically redeveloping the site, to reduce crime and provide employment and housing, the scheme included building an innovative, devolved management organisation, the Gillett Square Partnership, to establish long term engagement with a wider economic and cultural market, and allow for longer-term economic development and neighbourhood renewal.
Lessons Learnt
For us, Gillett Square has been a master class in community architecture and the importance of collaborative working to create effective pubic realm spaces. Gillett Square has been cited in much research as a model for future social regeneration and has received much recognition for its creative and inclusive design. It was recently part of the New London Architecture exhibition on important public spaces, and winner of the World Architecture News Effectiveness Award.
Hawkins\ Brown