- New alliances
The project takes an a-typical approach for emerging practices working in the UK. Whilst international competitions indicate free labour, we propose a methodology of working with local charities as an alternative architectural research that operates beyond existing frameworks and engages with communities.
A range of architect’s skills were used; design, writing, fundraising, construction, detailing and project management. We can therefore say that we developed the strategy and not only the design, which is an important diversion for young architects. Within the strategy we ran community workshops; in schools and in Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre (an important space for the Latin American community), developed a pop-up system and lastly a branding and re-use strategy. The final outcome represents Caranval del Pueblo and Latinos in London and could not come at a more poignant time; the hubs of Latin life in London are under threat from demolition as a result of redevelopment.
The project began with school workshops. We taught children how we might represent Latin American identities and environments by building immersive inflatable environments.
The Inflatable environments were recycled in weaving based workshops held in Elephant and Castle Shopping centre. A community tapestry was created and would become the skin of the carnaval float. These workshops gave the community a space to get together and to share their ideas about the carnaval and the project.
The float was inspired by mochila weaving, as a way to represent a myriad of identities, and designed to to be an easily dismountable system. The float will be recycled for the Carnaval del Pueblo in the summer.
Over several months, in our spare time, the timber frame was constructed in living rooms, kitchens and finally the banks of the Thames.
When the parade float (featuring Colombian band) was presented at London New Year’s Day Parade, dancers and the community from Latin London were brought together in a fiesta of cultural expression!
