London, United Kingdom
The project examines “Pavilion on the Green,” a meanwhile intervention in Edmonton Green, north London, commissioned by the local authority as a catalyst for reclaiming an overlooked public space.
Co-designed with local residents, the pavilion repositions an underused green space in the town center as a place for culture and gathering.
Pavilion on The Green by Richard Fisher, an “Europe 40 Under 40” Award from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design, and Urban Studies.
The project emerged from an open engagement process to bridge the gap between the site’s current lack of use and longer-term ambitions to de-culvert Salmon’s Brook and restore nearby railway arches.
Through fortnightly outdoor workshops and events across the summer, Fisher Cheng tested ways of inhabiting the green, co-creating a shared “Statement of Intent” with the community.
Activities ranged from Tai Chi and guided nature walks to den-building, music and theater, all designed to shift perceptions of safety and ownership while involving residents directly in shaping the design.
Local young people played a central role; a local youth group helped develop design ideas, emphasizing colour, openness and inclusivity.
Collaboration extended into construction, with Edmonton-based makers and contractors contributing to fabrication.
Sustainability was embedded through reuse: donated decking from a housing project became the pavilion floor, repurposed stage furniture formed seating, and the structure itself is designed to be demountable and relocated after its three-year tenure.
Formed of ten modular segments, the scalloped pavilion references Edmonton’s entertainment heritage through a gesture of ‘raising the curtain’ and retains open sight lines for safety.
Vibrant colors and shading fins, printed with rubbings made by local schoolchildren, create a playful and welcoming landmark.
Since opening in summer 2024, the pavilion has hosted over 80 events from live music, film, theater, workshops and more, becoming a joyful piece of social infrastructure.
The pavilion has since been adopted as one of 5 new ‘Culture Places’ in Enfield’s town center and is co-managed by a consortium of local community organizations.
Project: Pavilion on The Green
Architect: Richard Fisher, United Kingdom
Architecture Office:Fisher Cheng
Design Team: Richard Fisher And Yuting Cheng
Contractor:Sullivan Brothers Construction
Client: London Borough Of Enfield
Photographer: Lorenzo Zandri
