Aiming to stimulate the sense of community within the new mixed-use development by igloo, the Bermondsey Square is linked with surrounding spaces, pedestrian and cycle routes, and day-to-day activities, and has flexible seating for outdoor cinema, informal play and markets.
Conceived as a carpet upon which an array of simple design elements like benches, bollards, cycle hoops are scattered, the Square has boules pitch like ‘trinkets’ laid out on the market stalls. The ‘trinkets’ have been placed against a ‘baize’ background to respond to the rough and glinting quality of the place and market.
‘Baize’ – the drag faced clay paving that runs beyond the development, engage with the streets and spaces around the site edges. Created by artist Jonathan Hares, the ‘trinkets’ are painted iron icosohedrons bollards that deter vehicles and provide seating.
The pavings on the Square have undulating ground levels with various gradients across the space to direct rain water toward a central gulley, and lend the ground surface a particular fluidity.
The furniture is placed parallel to the gradients of the ground surface to give an impression of pinning the surface down with their weights. The oak sleepers on stainless steel rotating legs also act as additional seats and vehicle barriers. The pitch of the boules adds to the relaxed, playful ambiance of the Square.
