Burnt Oak
Project details
Overview
We led a multidisciplinary design team to create a place making strategy for Watling Avenue in Burnt Oak. In addition to new festive lighting designs designed by Light Follows Behaviour, the commission included the delivery of a series of banners and murals. The murals and banners were designed and delivered by Accent London and Shirley Hottier Illustrations, respectively, with the festive lighting design developed in response, creating a year-round, multicultural local identity for Burnt Oak, that evaded a culturally specific focus on ‘Christmas’.
Short film
Before & After
Design process
The project was deeply rooted in social research and community engagement, which sought to understand a number of topics ranging from after dark safety to encouraging higher footfall on the high street.
Over the course of various months in 2021, we visited Watling Avenue and surrounding areas by day and night and undertook a number of interviews with local business owners, workers and residents in the area and a number of engagement events with local community groups which included a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds. Throughout the project we established strong relationships with local community groups and organisations who we collaborated with, including UNITAS youth zone and Burnt Oak Women’s Group.
A number of key opportunities were identified, notably including a unanimous desire to enhance the visibility of the street in an inclusive manner, that celebrates community identity, aids wayfinding and celebrates its unique variety of independent retailers. Accordingly, light design centered around imagery that represents hope and unity in various religions, incorporating bright colours and celebrating local heritage .
Space Transformed
Click image to see the expanded view.
